Got my book last weekend!!! (July 21)
It is with a heavy heart that I started reading it last Saturday night. I know it's the last one and I'm not sure there will be something similar in the future.
As soon as I turn to page 1, I am reminded immediately of JK Rowlings unique writing style. Words flow superfluously, inviting me to give up sleep and just read the damn thing through and through. But I can't, I still have responsibilities in my job, so reluctantly I put it down the side of my futon and turn off the light. This will have to wait til tomorrow. So I slept... like the other times, I wake up tired. I still can't drift off to deeper sleep...
I bring it today with me at work. I read the book at the train. I read it at lunchtime. I continue reading it on the train going back home. I will read it after this. I can finish it tomorrow, if not, the next day. But I so don't want it to end...
Ma-drama na ba? =D Just putting some spice to it. So there. A blog entry about HP7 with no spoilers at all.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
You have been warned.
First off, the gang and I had the most superb yakiniku last night. That was one and a half hours of eat-all-you-can beef, pork, chicken and veggies! I especially love the Karubi beef and short loin! Dip it all in their special tare sauce, and voila! Heaven on a grill. =)
Then we headed off to Lalaport Yokohama to watch the latest Harry Potter movie. I knew from reading the book 4 years ago and again a few weeks ago that the fifth book would be so hard to make into a movie. There weren't so much action sequences yet plenty of emotions from the subplots pulling Harry apart.
Purists would complain that the director took a lot of shortcuts and therefore made this movie the least faithful of all the movies so far. I'll be listing them down now and I have already warned you. So don't blame me if I ruin the movie for you.
You have been warned.
First off, the gang and I had the most superb yakiniku last night. That was one and a half hours of eat-all-you-can beef, pork, chicken and veggies! I especially love the Karubi beef and short loin! Dip it all in their special tare sauce, and voila! Heaven on a grill. =)
Then we headed off to Lalaport Yokohama to watch the latest Harry Potter movie. I knew from reading the book 4 years ago and again a few weeks ago that the fifth book would be so hard to make into a movie. There weren't so much action sequences yet plenty of emotions from the subplots pulling Harry apart.
Purists would complain that the director took a lot of shortcuts and therefore made this movie the least faithful of all the movies so far. I'll be listing them down now and I have already warned you. So don't blame me if I ruin the movie for you.
- Harry's time with the Dursleys was pretty much cut out. It didn't show Harry getting impatient waiting for news all summer long. It also didn't explain the need for Harry to stay with the Dursleys.
- Their flight on the broomsticks, although quite cool, was inconsistent. In the book, they tried not to be seen.
- Mundungus Fletcher, Rita Skeeter, Marietta Edgecombe, Firenze, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Lee Jordan, Katie Bell were removed from the movie.
- The entire Quidditch subplot wasn't included. It didn't show Ron trying hard to make the team and also Ginny as quite good to be the Seeker.
- Ron and Hermione were supposed to be Prefects this year.
- Tonks wasn't introduced properly.
- Cho Chang was the person who tattled in this movie instead of her friend Marietta. They also did not show Harry's and Cho's date at Hogsmeade.
- Sirius' brother Regulus was not mentioned.
- Luna's dad's magazine, the Quibbler, was mentioned but limited to just that, a conversation. They were supposed to print Harry's interview (c/o Rita Skeeter) in the Quibbler.
- After Ron's dad gets attacked, all the Weasley children plus Harry and Hermione were supposed to visit Mr. Weasley at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. They should have seen Neville and his grandmother visiting Neville's parents. Gilderoy Lockhart should have also been shown to be still suffering from memory loss.
- Hagrid was the one who taught them about thestrals. In the movie, they replaced it with Luna teaching this fact to Harry. It doesn't explain how the others could ride something they can't see nor barely understand.
- After Prof Trelawney was sacked, Prof Dumbledore hired Firenze the centaur.
- The Weasley twins made a swamp by the Great Hall entrance which Dolores Umbridge coulnd not remove.
- Only Harry made lines, and only in Umbridge's office. In the movie, after the DA were discovered in the Room of Requirement, they were punished by making lines using the special pen.
- Harry discovered the Levicorpus spell in Book 6. Harry's dad used it to hoist the younger Snape though.
More reviews here -> http://www.nbc10.com/entertainment/13655266/detail.html
Monday, July 16, 2007
DLSU Wins #2 in the same blow-out style
Maierhofer and La Salle Drive in High Gear
by JP Abcede
All of Adamson University’s bases belong to De La Salle University. The Green Archers pawned AdU, 99-75, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on July 14 for their second straight lopsided win in the 2007 UAAP men’s basketball season.
View Full Article at http://www.ubelt.com/uaap/mbb/story.aspx?id=1316
Rico Maierhofer scored all of his 17 points in the first half to put the game away as early as the second quarter. He already registered a double-double by the turn with 13 rebounds.
“Rico dominated the game,” said DLSU coach Franz Pumaren. “He asserted himself.”
Joseph Casio led the Archers in scoring with 19 points on 4/5 three-point shooting, while also feeding six assists and grabbing five steals. Maierhofer had two more rebounds to finish the game along with three assists, two thefts, and two blocks.
James Mangahas continued his strong play with 15 points, while Pocholo Villanueva had ten and four assists.
“We prepared for the two guys,” Pumaren was referring to Adamson’s main men, Patrick Jan Cabahug and Roel Hugnatan. “My team took its toll on them.”
Nevertheless, Cabahug had 31 points, was perfect on the freethrow line, and hauled 11 rebounds. Jerick Cañada and Leo Canuday were the other double digit scorers with 13 and ten, respectively.
Hugnatan felt the brunt of the De La Salle defense, getting only limited touches, ending the match with eight points, two rebounds, and four assists on 34 minutes of action.
Other key stats were DLSU’s hustle points where they had 12 second chance, 27 turnover points, and 34 fastbreak points. They also had 27 assists, compared to Adamson’s 18, and 13 steals. The green and white’s waterloo remain to be their freethrow shooting at 53%.
In the first half, the Falcons committed 14 errors.
“We played well, they played bad,” reasoned Pumaren on the onslaught of the Soaring Falcons. “It is a very young team.”
Adamson was the one first off the starting block with Paul Gonzalgo swishing a teardrop from the lane, 12-9, 4:44. Then the Falcon engine sputtered as DLSU revved up theirs with their running game.
Villanueva pump faked for a quick basket inside, which was followed by a Maierhofer fastbreak slam to produce the contest’s final lead change, 13-12, 3:05 in the first. After the AdU bench sued for time, Maierhofer intercepted a pass from the backcourt and went for another two-headed jam to commence the Muralla-based squad’s downfall.
The Falcons’ field goals came sporadically in the second period while the Archers scored in bunches. Maierhofer’s three from a Tyrone Tang kickout 4:13 in the clock made it 38-20 as Casio whooshed two three-pointers of his own in the final minute.
“We are at our best when we push the ball,” Pumaren remaked regarding their endless pressure despite enjoying a comfortable deficit.
Tang’s freethrows 7:27 in the third made it an unreachable 30-point ballgame, 59-29. Brian Ilad’s one of two at the line was the Archers’ largest distance, 92-57, 4:39 of the fourth.
Pumaren described their next opponent, Far Eastern University, as “Rookies in classification. Their rookies have college experience already.”
Adamson, on the other hand, would have University of Santo Tomas next on their to-do list on July 19.
“The real test will be the coming games,” Pumaren foresaw. “We have a tough schedule the next two weeks. Hopefully, we can sustain the run.”
by JP Abcede
All of Adamson University’s bases belong to De La Salle University. The Green Archers pawned AdU, 99-75, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on July 14 for their second straight lopsided win in the 2007 UAAP men’s basketball season.
View Full Article at http://www.ubelt.com/uaap/mbb/story.aspx?id=1316
Rico Maierhofer scored all of his 17 points in the first half to put the game away as early as the second quarter. He already registered a double-double by the turn with 13 rebounds.
“Rico dominated the game,” said DLSU coach Franz Pumaren. “He asserted himself.”
Joseph Casio led the Archers in scoring with 19 points on 4/5 three-point shooting, while also feeding six assists and grabbing five steals. Maierhofer had two more rebounds to finish the game along with three assists, two thefts, and two blocks.
James Mangahas continued his strong play with 15 points, while Pocholo Villanueva had ten and four assists.
“We prepared for the two guys,” Pumaren was referring to Adamson’s main men, Patrick Jan Cabahug and Roel Hugnatan. “My team took its toll on them.”
Nevertheless, Cabahug had 31 points, was perfect on the freethrow line, and hauled 11 rebounds. Jerick Cañada and Leo Canuday were the other double digit scorers with 13 and ten, respectively.
Hugnatan felt the brunt of the De La Salle defense, getting only limited touches, ending the match with eight points, two rebounds, and four assists on 34 minutes of action.
Other key stats were DLSU’s hustle points where they had 12 second chance, 27 turnover points, and 34 fastbreak points. They also had 27 assists, compared to Adamson’s 18, and 13 steals. The green and white’s waterloo remain to be their freethrow shooting at 53%.
In the first half, the Falcons committed 14 errors.
“We played well, they played bad,” reasoned Pumaren on the onslaught of the Soaring Falcons. “It is a very young team.”
Adamson was the one first off the starting block with Paul Gonzalgo swishing a teardrop from the lane, 12-9, 4:44. Then the Falcon engine sputtered as DLSU revved up theirs with their running game.
Villanueva pump faked for a quick basket inside, which was followed by a Maierhofer fastbreak slam to produce the contest’s final lead change, 13-12, 3:05 in the first. After the AdU bench sued for time, Maierhofer intercepted a pass from the backcourt and went for another two-headed jam to commence the Muralla-based squad’s downfall.
The Falcons’ field goals came sporadically in the second period while the Archers scored in bunches. Maierhofer’s three from a Tyrone Tang kickout 4:13 in the clock made it 38-20 as Casio whooshed two three-pointers of his own in the final minute.
“We are at our best when we push the ball,” Pumaren remaked regarding their endless pressure despite enjoying a comfortable deficit.
Tang’s freethrows 7:27 in the third made it an unreachable 30-point ballgame, 59-29. Brian Ilad’s one of two at the line was the Archers’ largest distance, 92-57, 4:39 of the fourth.
Pumaren described their next opponent, Far Eastern University, as “Rookies in classification. Their rookies have college experience already.”
Adamson, on the other hand, would have University of Santo Tomas next on their to-do list on July 19.
“The real test will be the coming games,” Pumaren foresaw. “We have a tough schedule the next two weeks. Hopefully, we can sustain the run.”
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Frat Pack
Filipinos have a term "barkada", which just means a group of close friends. It can be a gang or a group. You do know the delineation of those words, right?
In the '50s-'60s, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop and Sammy Davis, Jr. were collectively known as the Rat Pack. They appeared together in numerous films and all had influences not just in the entertainment industry but politically as well (Lawford was a brother-in-law of John F. Kennedy, Sinatra had connections with the Mafia). Their group certainly had an upbeat entertainment style and their musical and comedic routines did not lack in smoothness. In fact, because of their performances in Las Vegas, they were instrumental in the making it a popular entertainment destination.
From the mid-'90s, USA Today has christened the group of Jack Black, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Luke and Owen Wilson as The Frat Pack. The name is also a reference to the group's popular film, Old School.
I love Frat Pack movies. For barkada nights at my pad, just put in a Frat Pack movie and you'll end up laughing your heart out. It doesn't require a perverted sense of reality, nor a pyschological degree to appreciate the movie. I love their comedic stylings, their outrageous dance or skits, the ability of any one member to potray anybody and banter off each other.
If you ever wondered why Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson have lots of movies together, you should just accept that the movie you just watched was a Frat Pack project. There are lots, and for a movie to be considered a Frat Pack movie, at least two members should be involved. Here is the list, if you're interested:
Bottle Rocket (1996)
The Cable Guy (1996)
Bongwater (1997)
Permanent Midnight (1998)
Heat Vision and Jack (Unaired pilot) (1999)
The Suburbans (1999)
Meet the Parents (2000)
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Zoolander (2001)
Orange County (2002)
Old School (2003)
Starsky & Hutch (2004)
Envy (2004)
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie (2004)
Meet the Fockers (2004)
Melinda and Melinda (2004)
Bewitched (2005)
Wedding Crashers (2005)
The Wendell Baker Story (2005)
Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny (2006)
Night at the Museum (2006)
Blades of Glory (2007)
Knocked Up (2007)
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Year One (2009)
Secondary Films (just one Frat Pack member involved)
The Third Wheel (2002)
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
The Break-Up (2006)
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
You, Me and Dupree (2006)
Idiocracy (2006)
Walk Hard (2007)
Drillbit Taylor (2008)
Semi-Pro (2008)
Get Smart (2008)
Step Brothers (2008)
Ye Olde Times (2008)
What are you waiting for? Watch one now!
In the '50s-'60s, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop and Sammy Davis, Jr. were collectively known as the Rat Pack. They appeared together in numerous films and all had influences not just in the entertainment industry but politically as well (Lawford was a brother-in-law of John F. Kennedy, Sinatra had connections with the Mafia). Their group certainly had an upbeat entertainment style and their musical and comedic routines did not lack in smoothness. In fact, because of their performances in Las Vegas, they were instrumental in the making it a popular entertainment destination.
From the mid-'90s, USA Today has christened the group of Jack Black, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Luke and Owen Wilson as The Frat Pack. The name is also a reference to the group's popular film, Old School.
I love Frat Pack movies. For barkada nights at my pad, just put in a Frat Pack movie and you'll end up laughing your heart out. It doesn't require a perverted sense of reality, nor a pyschological degree to appreciate the movie. I love their comedic stylings, their outrageous dance or skits, the ability of any one member to potray anybody and banter off each other.
If you ever wondered why Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson have lots of movies together, you should just accept that the movie you just watched was a Frat Pack project. There are lots, and for a movie to be considered a Frat Pack movie, at least two members should be involved. Here is the list, if you're interested:
Bottle Rocket (1996)
The Cable Guy (1996)
Bongwater (1997)
Permanent Midnight (1998)
Heat Vision and Jack (Unaired pilot) (1999)
The Suburbans (1999)
Meet the Parents (2000)
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Zoolander (2001)
Orange County (2002)
Old School (2003)
Starsky & Hutch (2004)
Envy (2004)
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie (2004)
Meet the Fockers (2004)
Melinda and Melinda (2004)
Bewitched (2005)
Wedding Crashers (2005)
The Wendell Baker Story (2005)
Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny (2006)
Night at the Museum (2006)
Blades of Glory (2007)
Knocked Up (2007)
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Year One (2009)
Secondary Films (just one Frat Pack member involved)
The Third Wheel (2002)
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
The Break-Up (2006)
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
You, Me and Dupree (2006)
Idiocracy (2006)
Walk Hard (2007)
Drillbit Taylor (2008)
Semi-Pro (2008)
Get Smart (2008)
Step Brothers (2008)
Ye Olde Times (2008)
What are you waiting for? Watch one now!
DLSU wins 1st game!
Eager Archers Start Right A-Way
by JP Abcede
Original article here
Did anyone miss De La Salle University? Not when they go 14-0 in the first four minutes of their first game back from oblivion. The Green Archers started the 70th UAAP men’s basketball season with a bang, manhandling the young University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 82-61, on July 7 at the Araneta Coliseum for their first UAAP victory in almost two years, not counting the ones they forfeited prior to that.
“We were just so excited to be back in the UAAP,” said a giddy Franz Pumaren. “We feel like playing for the first time.”
Cholo Villanueva, PJ Walsham, and James Mangahas were just as happy to be there, making the first 14 points of DLSU. Jvee Casio gave the Archers their highest lead, scoring five points late in the game, 82-57.
“I am really expecting him to be there,” Pumaren referred to topscorer Villanueva, who finished with 19 points on 7/13 shooting, while also notching six rebounds and four assists.
Mangahas garnered 14 markers, shooting 70% at the two-point field, and grabbed seven boards before coming out with a sprain. Both TY Tang and Casio finished with 12 points.
Martin Reyes topped the Maroons with 14 points. Woodward Co was good 3/5 at the three-point area, concluding the game with 12.
The green and white gallery thought that the first quarter would never end, euphoric after the scoreboard read 14-0. Magi Sison beat the shot clock buzzer for UP’s first points with a three-pointer, 6:01.
For the rest of the quarter, the Maroons’ only field goals came from beyond the arc until Mark Lopez scored on an undergoal shot, 9:19 of the second period to trail, 16-25. The nearest the Diliman-based squad could get was eight when Migs de Asis netted a three, 5:53 of the third, 37-49.
The Taft-based squad eventually breached the 20-point ledger when Villanueva recovered the ball from a broken play and scored, 65-45, 5:50 of the fourth.
For the Archers’ next opponent, they have Adamson Falcons on July 14. UP, on the other hand, will have an early Battle of Intramuros with Ateneo de Manila University on July 12.
by JP Abcede
Original article here
Did anyone miss De La Salle University? Not when they go 14-0 in the first four minutes of their first game back from oblivion. The Green Archers started the 70th UAAP men’s basketball season with a bang, manhandling the young University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 82-61, on July 7 at the Araneta Coliseum for their first UAAP victory in almost two years, not counting the ones they forfeited prior to that.
“We were just so excited to be back in the UAAP,” said a giddy Franz Pumaren. “We feel like playing for the first time.”
Cholo Villanueva, PJ Walsham, and James Mangahas were just as happy to be there, making the first 14 points of DLSU. Jvee Casio gave the Archers their highest lead, scoring five points late in the game, 82-57.
“I am really expecting him to be there,” Pumaren referred to topscorer Villanueva, who finished with 19 points on 7/13 shooting, while also notching six rebounds and four assists.
Mangahas garnered 14 markers, shooting 70% at the two-point field, and grabbed seven boards before coming out with a sprain. Both TY Tang and Casio finished with 12 points.
Martin Reyes topped the Maroons with 14 points. Woodward Co was good 3/5 at the three-point area, concluding the game with 12.
The green and white gallery thought that the first quarter would never end, euphoric after the scoreboard read 14-0. Magi Sison beat the shot clock buzzer for UP’s first points with a three-pointer, 6:01.
For the rest of the quarter, the Maroons’ only field goals came from beyond the arc until Mark Lopez scored on an undergoal shot, 9:19 of the second period to trail, 16-25. The nearest the Diliman-based squad could get was eight when Migs de Asis netted a three, 5:53 of the third, 37-49.
The Taft-based squad eventually breached the 20-point ledger when Villanueva recovered the ball from a broken play and scored, 65-45, 5:50 of the fourth.
For the Archers’ next opponent, they have Adamson Falcons on July 14. UP, on the other hand, will have an early Battle of Intramuros with Ateneo de Manila University on July 12.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Upside Down
Intro: E-G#m-A-B [2x]
E G#m
I’ve been spending some time, thinking i’d be alright
A B
Don’t know if I could really make it tonight
E G#m
Lie awake in the dark, come down then I start
A B
Thinking about you is almost breaking my heart
I don’t know where I went wrong, or what’s going on
Baby, I feel like our love’s lost tonight
Should I stay, should I go? Well, I really don’t know
Lately I’ve been missing you so
[Refrain]
C#m7 G#m7 A
Baby, you don’t understand our love lies lost
B
But you’re still holding my hand
C#m7 G#m7
Oh and then you walk away
A B
Just tonight, I want you to stay
[Chorus]
E G#m A
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
B
You turn my whole world upside down
E G#m A
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
B
You turn my whole world upside down
E - G#m - A - B
Everytime I hurt you, well it’s hurting me too
Don’t know if I could really stay here tonight
Tired of thinking of you, I never think that you do
Tell me what am I supposed to do
Well, I just wanted to say that I need you today
Tell me it’s all gonna work out alright
I don’t know where I should I start
But with all of my heart
Baby let me be your lover tonight
[repeat Refrain and Chorus]
[bridge]
C#m- A
Oh you know, you turn me upside down
C#m- A B(break) E pause
You know, you turn me upside down
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
You turn my whole world upside down
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
You turn my whole world upside down
[Chorus]
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
You turn my whole world upside down
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
You turn my whole world upside down
E G#m
I’ve been spending some time, thinking i’d be alright
A B
Don’t know if I could really make it tonight
E G#m
Lie awake in the dark, come down then I start
A B
Thinking about you is almost breaking my heart
I don’t know where I went wrong, or what’s going on
Baby, I feel like our love’s lost tonight
Should I stay, should I go? Well, I really don’t know
Lately I’ve been missing you so
[Refrain]
C#m7 G#m7 A
Baby, you don’t understand our love lies lost
B
But you’re still holding my hand
C#m7 G#m7
Oh and then you walk away
A B
Just tonight, I want you to stay
[Chorus]
E G#m A
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
B
You turn my whole world upside down
E G#m A
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
B
You turn my whole world upside down
E - G#m - A - B
Everytime I hurt you, well it’s hurting me too
Don’t know if I could really stay here tonight
Tired of thinking of you, I never think that you do
Tell me what am I supposed to do
Well, I just wanted to say that I need you today
Tell me it’s all gonna work out alright
I don’t know where I should I start
But with all of my heart
Baby let me be your lover tonight
[repeat Refrain and Chorus]
[bridge]
C#m- A
Oh you know, you turn me upside down
C#m- A B(break) E pause
You know, you turn me upside down
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
You turn my whole world upside down
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
You turn my whole world upside down
[Chorus]
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
You turn my whole world upside down
You’re turning me on, you turn me around
You turn my whole world upside down
Thursday, June 21, 2007
out of my head
Sometimes I feel
Like I am drunk behind the wheel
The wheel of possibility
However it may roll
Give it a spin
See if you can somehow factor in
You know there's always more than one way
To say exactly what you mean to say
Was I out of my head? Was I out of my mind?
How could I have ever been so blind?
I was waiting for an indication
It was hard to find
Don't matter what I say, only what I do
I never mean to do bad things to you
So quiet but I finally woke up
If you're sad then it's time you spoke up too
Like I am drunk behind the wheel
The wheel of possibility
However it may roll
Give it a spin
See if you can somehow factor in
You know there's always more than one way
To say exactly what you mean to say
Was I out of my head? Was I out of my mind?
How could I have ever been so blind?
I was waiting for an indication
It was hard to find
Don't matter what I say, only what I do
I never mean to do bad things to you
So quiet but I finally woke up
If you're sad then it's time you spoke up too
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Flea Market Haul
There was a flea market again in the Nissan Stadium (location of the 2002 World Cup) last Sunday.
We went there after church and lunch, just to browse and see if we could get some bargains. After finishing a moderate plate of pepperonchino at ShinYokohama, we set off for the stadium, which was still a little over a kilometer away. Mind you, last Sunday was a hot day. In the meager shadows of the structure, we hunted and scavenged.
I saw a few electric guitars, bass guitars on display a few steps from the North gate of the stadium. The price for a bass guitar (secondhand, of course) I fancied was 4,500yen (around $40) . I inspected it and made sure there were no scratches on its molave and black body. I checked the fretboard and strings, too, and there were none amiss. Choices, choices. The price didn't include an amp, nor is the man selling one. I passed it off and thought that it wasn't for me.
About a quarter of the stadium away, in another stall, I was able to find a Roland amp for 1,500 yen!!! Surely, this must be a sign! - I thought. Throwing caution to the wind, and not thinking anymore of how I'm gonna bring that home to Manila, I decided to buy both amp and bass. Together with E, I ran back to the first vendor, paid the cash and got myself my very own BASS GUITAR! On our way back to the amp, we met our other companions, then proceeded to the amp. Just my luck (sic), the woman told me that somebody just bought it not 2 minutes before!! Aaargggh!!! What was I to do with just an electric bass?! I decided to search all the stalls and try to find an amp. K was able to buy an acoustic guitar at another location and somehow, E noticed a rather old Fernandes amp there. Although he could not remember where he saw it, E mentioned the other amp to me. As soon as K and T were able to go back there, T guarded the amp and K set off to look for us. Finally I was able to have an amp! And for just 800 yen ($7) at that!
We immediately hurried off to Kamoi and I went to J's place to jam with him. We tested the amp first to see if it was still in prime condition. Both amp and bass turned out more than ok, thank God! A few minutes after that, we were already jamming. With or without you, Biglaan, Under the Bridge - yatta!!!
That was a nice Sunday.
It would have been nicer if J was able to buy his electric guitar (with amp!)
Everything would have fallen into place if E bought the electric drum kit he was always practicing with at Lalaport.
;)
Now, help me put a little ointment on my sunburnt nose.
-o-
We went there after church and lunch, just to browse and see if we could get some bargains. After finishing a moderate plate of pepperonchino at ShinYokohama, we set off for the stadium, which was still a little over a kilometer away. Mind you, last Sunday was a hot day. In the meager shadows of the structure, we hunted and scavenged.
I saw a few electric guitars, bass guitars on display a few steps from the North gate of the stadium. The price for a bass guitar (secondhand, of course) I fancied was 4,500yen (around $40) . I inspected it and made sure there were no scratches on its molave and black body. I checked the fretboard and strings, too, and there were none amiss. Choices, choices. The price didn't include an amp, nor is the man selling one. I passed it off and thought that it wasn't for me.
About a quarter of the stadium away, in another stall, I was able to find a Roland amp for 1,500 yen!!! Surely, this must be a sign! - I thought. Throwing caution to the wind, and not thinking anymore of how I'm gonna bring that home to Manila, I decided to buy both amp and bass. Together with E, I ran back to the first vendor, paid the cash and got myself my very own BASS GUITAR! On our way back to the amp, we met our other companions, then proceeded to the amp. Just my luck (sic), the woman told me that somebody just bought it not 2 minutes before!! Aaargggh!!! What was I to do with just an electric bass?! I decided to search all the stalls and try to find an amp. K was able to buy an acoustic guitar at another location and somehow, E noticed a rather old Fernandes amp there. Although he could not remember where he saw it, E mentioned the other amp to me. As soon as K and T were able to go back there, T guarded the amp and K set off to look for us. Finally I was able to have an amp! And for just 800 yen ($7) at that!
We immediately hurried off to Kamoi and I went to J's place to jam with him. We tested the amp first to see if it was still in prime condition. Both amp and bass turned out more than ok, thank God! A few minutes after that, we were already jamming. With or without you, Biglaan, Under the Bridge - yatta!!!
That was a nice Sunday.
It would have been nicer if J was able to buy his electric guitar (with amp!)
Everything would have fallen into place if E bought the electric drum kit he was always practicing with at Lalaport.
;)
Now, help me put a little ointment on my sunburnt nose.
-o-
Bowling again!
After like 2 months of inactivity, I went bowling again today.
The other JPIans and I were invited by CSDept's Bowling tourney. We gladly accepted, coz it's another chance for fun! :D
There were a few new faces in their Dept, hence the need for 'teambuilding'.
I bowled a lousy 100 on the first game, but was able to exact revenge on my 2nd, garnering 147. Not bad... A little below my measly average of 125. Hehe... I can't really seem to master it.
But oh well, the laughs tonight were worth more than the score!
Till next time!!!
The other JPIans and I were invited by CSDept's Bowling tourney. We gladly accepted, coz it's another chance for fun! :D
There were a few new faces in their Dept, hence the need for 'teambuilding'.
I bowled a lousy 100 on the first game, but was able to exact revenge on my 2nd, garnering 147. Not bad... A little below my measly average of 125. Hehe... I can't really seem to master it.
But oh well, the laughs tonight were worth more than the score!
Till next time!!!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
UAAP na!!!
Yes!!!
After a year of inactivity, the De la Salle Green Archers are back in the UAAP!
Can't wait for July 7(?)!!!
So far, the Archers are slowly going back to their deadly form, winning the Nike Summer League 3 days ago and they are now in the championship game of the Fil-Oil Flying V Preseason Invitational Cup against NCAA champion San Beda College. I don't know if the proud Red Lions can stop a title hungry team such as La Salle. Too bad I can't watch this over the Internet.
I think I'll renew my subscription to ABS-CBN Now! a few days before the UAAP opening.
Update:
The proud Archers just won the Fil-Oil Flying V Invitational Cup!!!
http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT2007061495879.html
After a year of inactivity, the De la Salle Green Archers are back in the UAAP!
Can't wait for July 7(?)!!!
So far, the Archers are slowly going back to their deadly form, winning the Nike Summer League 3 days ago and they are now in the championship game of the Fil-Oil Flying V Preseason Invitational Cup against NCAA champion San Beda College. I don't know if the proud Red Lions can stop a title hungry team such as La Salle. Too bad I can't watch this over the Internet.
I think I'll renew my subscription to ABS-CBN Now! a few days before the UAAP opening.
Update:
The proud Archers just won the Fil-Oil Flying V Invitational Cup!!!
http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT2007061495879.html
Monday, June 11, 2007
Birthday and Anniversary
It's our 7th wedding anniversary today. Wish us luck!
It's also our younger son Ethan's 4th bday tomorrow, June 12. Happy Birthday, Anak!
I love June...
It's also our younger son Ethan's 4th bday tomorrow, June 12. Happy Birthday, Anak!
I love June...
Saturday, June 09, 2007
...
Holy awkward, Batman!
Today was really uncomfortable.
I met the person I was referring to in my previous post today at the gym. As much as I tried to be civil, it still made me feel uncomfortable being around M. I just stayed at the other side of the pool, so to speak. To make things more uncomfortable, we had lunch together, with some other friends, of course.
I am not used to being like this. To me, if ever I get angry, pissed or irritated with something, it doesn't usually last long. I'll have an outburst (non-violent variety), a moment away or just time to think & recollect and it's over. I'm over it na.
As much as I want to start conversing with M immediately, I think M needs to be ready to open up first. When that'll be, I don't know. Only M can tell.
I sure hope it'll be sooner than later.
Today was really uncomfortable.
I met the person I was referring to in my previous post today at the gym. As much as I tried to be civil, it still made me feel uncomfortable being around M. I just stayed at the other side of the pool, so to speak. To make things more uncomfortable, we had lunch together, with some other friends, of course.
I am not used to being like this. To me, if ever I get angry, pissed or irritated with something, it doesn't usually last long. I'll have an outburst (non-violent variety), a moment away or just time to think & recollect and it's over. I'm over it na.
As much as I want to start conversing with M immediately, I think M needs to be ready to open up first. When that'll be, I don't know. Only M can tell.
I sure hope it'll be sooner than later.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Cutting people out
I have a question. Well, more of a pondering, really.
Is it really hard to separate the personal from the professional?
I had an unfortunate encounter at work - I had to tell somebody off. It wasn't really supposed to be a big deal. I mean, for me, this person is really ok, and I thought we had a close enough relationship even outside of work. I don't remember shouting. I do remember telling this person again and again what the right thing to do was. I may have overreacted. I think I overreacted. But I said I was sorry. And I really meant my apology.
I know I don't have a say when people decide to cut me out their life...
I truly hope I don't get the boot.
Argh! Ayaw ko na dito! (I don't like it here anymore!)
Sana this person will take back what he/she said. It really really hurt.
=(
Is it really hard to separate the personal from the professional?
I had an unfortunate encounter at work - I had to tell somebody off. It wasn't really supposed to be a big deal. I mean, for me, this person is really ok, and I thought we had a close enough relationship even outside of work. I don't remember shouting. I do remember telling this person again and again what the right thing to do was. I may have overreacted. I think I overreacted. But I said I was sorry. And I really meant my apology.
I know I don't have a say when people decide to cut me out their life...
I truly hope I don't get the boot.
Argh! Ayaw ko na dito! (I don't like it here anymore!)
Sana this person will take back what he/she said. It really really hurt.
=(
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
my next book
I just finished re-reading The Half-Blood Prince. Just reviewing before the seventh and last book comes out next month.
This is the next book I'll read:
I love my new watch!
I love my new watch!
'Bought a Fossil watch over the weekend. They have these really cool models that I so wanted to buy. But I only have the money for 1. I really liked the scrolling watch, too, with chinese characters indicating the seconds. Alas... maybe next time.
Anyways, this is my first choice, the Bigtic Kaleido AM3741. It's set on a leather bracelet, thicker than normal. For a change, I'm veering away from the steel bracelets. They had black, brown and another somewhere in between. I chose the last one. It's backlight changes from green to blue with a flick of the upper button, which matches most of my clothes anyway. It doesn't really have many bells and whistles aside from that. But it looks cool as hell!
I'm slowly turning into a Fossil fan. Their watches are trendy but aren't that expensive. Thumbs up! Gladly talk about it to those who care to listen. ;)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
J.TEST B1
Whew!
Our company is Japanese-owned. So you guessed it, we need to study the language.
There are certain merits in having a high proficiency in it.
You get to speak your mind in their tongue.
The responsibilities are greater.
The 'respect' is higher. (Meron ba?!)
And the allowance is bigger. Yup, we have an allowance. Our company has these tiers or rather levels in determining our proficiency. Before, it was pass or fail 4 certain levels of examinations as administered by the Japan Foundation (The Japanese Language Proficiency Test or JLPT). Now, we have sublevels. You may not have passed the exam, but if you attain this certain score, you have reached so and so level. Yup, it was like that.
Then we had another proficiency-administering body, coz the freakin' JLPT just comes out once a year! Which is ok, come to think of it.
Now, I reached this certain level which I have to redo, coz my friggin' allowance period's almost up! Help me! I don't want to get the lower level's allowance! I'm quite happy with my allowance now, thank you very much!
So study study study for little ol' me.
No more blog blog blog for the meantime...
Dekiru ka naa?!
Our company is Japanese-owned. So you guessed it, we need to study the language.
There are certain merits in having a high proficiency in it.
You get to speak your mind in their tongue.
The responsibilities are greater.
The 'respect' is higher. (Meron ba?!)
And the allowance is bigger. Yup, we have an allowance. Our company has these tiers or rather levels in determining our proficiency. Before, it was pass or fail 4 certain levels of examinations as administered by the Japan Foundation (The Japanese Language Proficiency Test or JLPT). Now, we have sublevels. You may not have passed the exam, but if you attain this certain score, you have reached so and so level. Yup, it was like that.
Then we had another proficiency-administering body, coz the freakin' JLPT just comes out once a year! Which is ok, come to think of it.
Now, I reached this certain level which I have to redo, coz my friggin' allowance period's almost up! Help me! I don't want to get the lower level's allowance! I'm quite happy with my allowance now, thank you very much!
So study study study for little ol' me.
No more blog blog blog for the meantime...
Dekiru ka naa?!
Bye bye Veronica!
Frak! Can't seem to get over Veronica Mars. It's been a week since the last episode aired. I kinda miss it. Today, being a Wednesday, should have been a Veronica Mars night. I thought another channel will pick it up, but so far, no news... Arrgh!
For a while, it has been one of the more intelligent shows on the boob tube. I think the writing is so smart that the average joe didn't seem to understand it, therefore, would not be able to appreciate it.
The show stars Kristen Bell as the title character: a student, progressing from high school to college during the series, who moonlights as a private investigator under the wing of her detective father. Said to be "a little bit Buffy (Joss Whedon said so!) and a little bit Bogart", the show balances murder mystery, high school and college drama, and social commentary with sarcasm and off-beat humor.
I especially like the writing of the show, the witty banter between characters is like a doubles tennis game - you really have to focus to be able to see the ball. The story arcs are also quite good wherein each one is long enough to keep you wanting for more but short enough that you won't lose interest (Lost, anyone?). You want to be there when Veronica finally solves the case.
The theme song doesn't hurt the show either. The Dandy Warhols' "We Used To Be Friends" is another song that's been in my iPod forever! Whenever I want to lash out at somebody, or ponder the current state of friendships, I just listen to this. It has been right on in this one particular friend of mine. "A long time ago, We used to be friends, and I haven't thought of you lately at all, If ever again, A greeting is sent to you, Short and sweet to the soul I intend"
Folks, give Veronica Mars a try. Help bring her back to the small screen. Sign all online petitions! C'mon!
For a while, it has been one of the more intelligent shows on the boob tube. I think the writing is so smart that the average joe didn't seem to understand it, therefore, would not be able to appreciate it.
The show stars Kristen Bell as the title character: a student, progressing from high school to college during the series, who moonlights as a private investigator under the wing of her detective father. Said to be "a little bit Buffy (Joss Whedon said so!) and a little bit Bogart", the show balances murder mystery, high school and college drama, and social commentary with sarcasm and off-beat humor.
I especially like the writing of the show, the witty banter between characters is like a doubles tennis game - you really have to focus to be able to see the ball. The story arcs are also quite good wherein each one is long enough to keep you wanting for more but short enough that you won't lose interest (Lost, anyone?). You want to be there when Veronica finally solves the case.
The theme song doesn't hurt the show either. The Dandy Warhols' "We Used To Be Friends" is another song that's been in my iPod forever! Whenever I want to lash out at somebody, or ponder the current state of friendships, I just listen to this. It has been right on in this one particular friend of mine. "A long time ago, We used to be friends, and I haven't thought of you lately at all, If ever again, A greeting is sent to you, Short and sweet to the soul I intend"
Folks, give Veronica Mars a try. Help bring her back to the small screen. Sign all online petitions! C'mon!
New song I like - Maroon 5's Makes Me Wonder
I like Maroon 5's new song. It's so funky and fresh... When they performed it live in American Idol, I didn't mind it but after a few playbacks, it started to grow on me. It's on my iPod now.
I'd like to imagine I'm saying this to a certain someone.
Anyway, check it out!
Here's the video or (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrF8vxLRDNE)
and the lyrics:
[Verse]
I wake up with blood-shot eyes
Struggled to memorize
The way it felt between your thighs
Pleasure that made you cry
Feels so good to be bad
Not worth the aftermath, after that
After that
Try to get you back
[Bridge]
I still don't have the reason
And you don't have the time
And it really makes me wonder
If I ever gave a f**k about you
[Chorus]
Give me something to believe in
Cause I don't believe in you
Anymore, Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference to try
(Yeah)So this is goodbye
[Verse]
God damn, my spinning head
Decisions that made my bed
Now I must lay in it
And deal with things I left unsaid
I want to dive into you
Forget what you're going through
I get behind, make your move
Forget about the truth
[Bridge]
I still don't have the reason
And you don't have the time
And it really makes me wonder
If I ever gave a f**k about you
[Chorus 1 + 2]
Give me something to believe in
Cause I don't believe in you
Anymore, Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference,
It even makes a difference to try (yeah)
And you told me how you're feeling
But I don't believe it's true
Anymore, Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference to cry
(Oh no)
So this is goodbye
[Breakdown]
I've been here before
One day a week
And it won't hurt anymore
You caught me in a lie
I have no alibi
The words you say don't have a meaning
Cause..
[Bridge]
I still don't have the reason
And you don't have the time
And it really makes me wonder
If I ever gave a f**k about you and I...
and so this is goodbye
[Chorus 1 + 2]
Give me something to believe in
Cause I don't believe in you,
Anymore, Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference,
It even makes a difference to try
And you told me how you're feeling
But I don't believe it's true
Anymore Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference to cry
(Oh no)
So this is goodbye
So this is goodbye, yeah (x 3)
(Oh no)
I'd like to imagine I'm saying this to a certain someone.
Anyway, check it out!
Here's the video or (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrF8vxLRDNE)
and the lyrics:
[Verse]
I wake up with blood-shot eyes
Struggled to memorize
The way it felt between your thighs
Pleasure that made you cry
Feels so good to be bad
Not worth the aftermath, after that
After that
Try to get you back
[Bridge]
I still don't have the reason
And you don't have the time
And it really makes me wonder
If I ever gave a f**k about you
[Chorus]
Give me something to believe in
Cause I don't believe in you
Anymore, Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference to try
(Yeah)So this is goodbye
[Verse]
God damn, my spinning head
Decisions that made my bed
Now I must lay in it
And deal with things I left unsaid
I want to dive into you
Forget what you're going through
I get behind, make your move
Forget about the truth
[Bridge]
I still don't have the reason
And you don't have the time
And it really makes me wonder
If I ever gave a f**k about you
[Chorus 1 + 2]
Give me something to believe in
Cause I don't believe in you
Anymore, Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference,
It even makes a difference to try (yeah)
And you told me how you're feeling
But I don't believe it's true
Anymore, Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference to cry
(Oh no)
So this is goodbye
[Breakdown]
I've been here before
One day a week
And it won't hurt anymore
You caught me in a lie
I have no alibi
The words you say don't have a meaning
Cause..
[Bridge]
I still don't have the reason
And you don't have the time
And it really makes me wonder
If I ever gave a f**k about you and I...
and so this is goodbye
[Chorus 1 + 2]
Give me something to believe in
Cause I don't believe in you,
Anymore, Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference,
It even makes a difference to try
And you told me how you're feeling
But I don't believe it's true
Anymore Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference to cry
(Oh no)
So this is goodbye
So this is goodbye, yeah (x 3)
(Oh no)
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wii!
I bought a Wii last April.
Sadly, only the Japanese version is readily available here. I wanted to buy one before my family went home last Feb, but every time I'd visit a store, it was always sold out.
Then in the first week of April, I accompanied W to Ito Yokado store coz he'll buy another Wii remote. Lo and behold, stacks and stacks of Wiis!!!
I knew I didnt have enough yen with me (it costs 25,000yen) so I thought of charging it to my credit card. Thoughts of my wife killing me were playing in my head, hehehe. But I finally gave in! Sige, bili pa!
I, for one, am not really a game purist. I dont mind that the game doesnt have the end of the line graphics technology. I like the fun aspect of it, and I'm sure my family will enjoy it. I could already imagine my kids swatting away while playing baseball/tennis or punching each other in Boxing (I bought Wii Sports)
I thought that the games are just for fun. But if you really put your body into it, you can have a workout as well. Most of the time, I dont stretch before playing, and I end up with sore muscles after.
Tip to those who want to buy:
Have lots of space
Buy only 1 extra nunchuks. You only need 2 at a time
You can have up to 4 remotes. It's fun when playing tennis.
A bigger TV helps
Stretch before every game
I'm waiting for the Spider-man game to come out here. It looks like a lot of fun in the trailer, dangling through NYC. Dragonball also seems cool, especially when you're doing the power moves (can anyone say "ka-me-ha-me-HA"?)
My Macbook
I was supposed to buy a Macbook right about now. I have been saving for it, and I sold my old Sony Vaio to add to my funds. The initial press release for Mac OS X Leopard hinted of a Spring 2007 availability, so I thought I could buy one by salary day May.
More than a month ago, I found out that Apple got a part of the Mac OS X Leopard team to work on the iPhone, so that it can be released by June 2007. This move pushed back Leopard a few months to Oct. Since I did not have another PC (once I sold my laptop), I felt I had no choice but to buy one even with the current Mac OS X Tiger. Good thing J "won" the right to purchase 1 of the Dell desktop PCs used by our clients and he lent me this instead. So I figured, I could buy my Mac in the fall.
My other friend J was assigned here in Japan about a month ago, and he was also planning to buy a MacBook. Since he did not have a computer yet, he had to buy already - a white MacBook with Core Duo 2.0, 1GB memory, 80GB hard disk one. (I personally would have preferred the 120GB model since I also plan to run XP on it). It was sweet! I was with him when he bought it and I also helped him in getting an Internet plan. This plan further slashed 30,000 yen off his purchase price - not bad!
A few days ago, Apple released a faster variety of the MacBook, increasing the processor and storage a bit. The processor is now 2.16, while the HD is 120GB. I was tempted to buy one then and there! Good thing I didn't have the money yet, I would've circled it until I finally bought it.
But is Leopard really worth the wait? There are a number of specific changes and enhancements announced. Some notable features include support for writing 64-bit graphical user interface applications, an automated backup utility called Time Machine, support for Spotlight searches across multiple machines, and large revisions to most core operating system components. Leopard is also expected to include a software assistant known as Boot Camp, which assists the installation of Windows XP or Windows Vista to a separate partition (or separate internal drive) on Intel-based Macs. Hmmm...
After going home and stewing about it for a while, I think I'm gonna hold out for the newer OS. I still have J's desktop anyway!
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