Seeing Former Officemates Today...

Met Kiko, Jong, and Caloy today. Former officemates from my last job. Exchanged greetings and kept each other up to speed on what's been happening with each other's lives. My professional circle is a small one and its no surprise that old acquaintances bump into each other and how quickly situations change for each other. Its almost always the same people only working at a different position or for a different company or working on a different project, etc.

I'm glad to see them again so soon...

Thinking Of The Past Week Instead Of Today...

February 25, 2006...

Some things I would rather forget than reminisce today. Might as well think of the things I've done so far.

Good start with my work. Never felt more focused at the job at hand. Hope to make good and rebound from my slump.

Got some painting done. Quite ironic because it was only when I started working again did I get the inspiration to paint a little here and there. :D

Last weekend I was still able to play with the Warmachine boyz over at the UP-CFA. Pictures says it all:

The Boys Assemble While Paul "Measures Up"

Drinking From The Communal Cup Of Suffering. Note: Coke lang ang laman nyan...

Lito Joining In The Painting

Emp's Unforgettable Triple Ones

My Game Against Emp - Note The Triple Ones In The Background...

Kim and Lester Looking On...

Paul Trying To Psyche Me Out With His Avatar Before Our Game

Garr Tze Tung :P

Obi's Pre-Painting Ritual - "Wag Po Sana Ako Lumagpas..."

Jun Caught In The Act Of Picking His Nose...

Jun's Michael Jackson Socks...

Da State Of Emergency: Pweh!...

February 24, 2006...

This must be a very common rant.

Here we go again. My knowledge of this event is sketchy at best since I've only learned of this while at work. So let me keep it in generalities. I dont know why some people really have to go out of their way to make things difficult for others. Why cant everybody just make this choice as the most humane thing to do?

People here at where I work seems to be going about its business and have other deadlines/targets/problems/worries to think about. Everybody quietly tries to not be affected too much by it all.

Although some friends were affected considering they work close to some hotspots like Ortigas cor. EDSA and Ayala Ave. Hope you guys get home safe.

First Day Of Work. Sort Of...

February 20, 2006...

Today was my first day of work, after close to two months of rest.

Last minute, my assignment involves facing the same people whom I used to work for. Picture over there's the project I'm working on, which is two out of the three towers being constructed. A lot of things went full circle this day. And Im sure, a few more things will come full circle in the following days to come.

The irony of it all...

Met a lot of familiar faces, both from my first work and my previous one. A mix of pleasant surprise and fond memories were shared between people who haven't seen each other in two months, let alone those whom I haven't seen in more than three years. Makes me wonder sometimes why I had to leave. Met a lot of new faces as well, I've been away from this company for more than three years and it has grown to what we first dreamed of it to be, slow but steady.

In hindsight, some things worth mentioning to others who I think will agree:

1. The industry is small. You'll be seeing the same people one way or another.
2. Keep tabs with people you don't usually see anymore. It pays to keep to touch and maintain a good working relationship even if you're not in one at the moment.
3. Some things go bad for a reason, and in the end some go bad for the good...

In the end I guess I didn't really leave. Just went a different way to make a fresh start.

The Way It Is...

Never got to mention to you guys that I used to be a Tesla fan huh? Had an opportunity to dig it up during one of those any-music-under-the-sun discussions with a friend. Isn't it ironic sometimes on how you can relate some song or another to some true-to-life experience? Here's dedicating one of those songs to those who can possibly relate to this. ;)

The Way It Is
by Tesla

Doesn't matter who gets the best of who
Or who can hurt who the most, no.
It never was meant for it to be that way,
Never should be that way at all.

Chorus:
The way it is, the way that it goes
Happenin' day after day, yeah.
That's the way it is, the way that it goes,
Workin' in the strangest ways.

Even though we could never seem to work things out,
I still love you just the same.
I miss your smile and that sparkle in your eye.
You're so beautiful, never change.

Chorus:
The way it is, the way that it goes
Happenin' day after day, yeah.
That's the way it is, the way that it goes,
Workin' in the strangest ways.

Bridge:
What it is, and what it was,
What shall be shall be, yeah.
Sometimes it happens in the strangest ways,
Sometimes it's hard to believe, yeah. (Do you believe?)
Do you believe, can you believe?

Chorus:
The way it is, the way that it goes,
Workin' in the strangest ways, yeah.

Now it really don't matter who gets the best of who.
It never did and never will.
It was never meant for it to be that way.
Why must it be that way at all?

Chorus:
The way it is, the way that it goes
Happenin' day after day, yeah.
That's the way it is, the way that it goes,
Workin' in the, workin' in the strangest ways.
That's the way it is, that's the way it is,
That's the way it is, that's the way that it goes, yeah.
Yeah. That's the way it is, that's the way that it goes.
That's the way it is, that's the way that it goes.
See it happen day after day, yeah, yeah,
Workin' in the strangest ways.

Can you believe, do you believe?
Can you believe, do you believe?
That's the way it is, that's the way it goes.
Yes it does.

Happy Valentines Day...

Happy Valentines Day People! Yeebah!!!

So how did you guys celebrate Valentines Day?

Me, I decided to go out and play badminton with friends who organized a "Love Smash" event. It's been over two months since I last played. It was great to see some familiar faces again and it made me realize how much I missed them. This year, I'm playing as a guest in my former badminton club since Im no longer affiliated with my previous employ. No prizes were involved although the level of competition is still high, which is to my liking. Based on the pointing system, our group won out over the other side by one game and got chocolates as "prizes". I had fun nonetheless and got the much needed exercise.

Some pics of the guys:

Love Smash 2006 Class Picture

Kat, Stephen, and Racquel

O di ba, serious?

Me and Mabi waiting for our turn

Nakakain na yata kami nito

Mabi and Kat (Sorry guys, taken na si... Mabi :P)

May kanya-kanyang date pa tong mga 'to pagkatapos...

Candid Shot

Dito sila nag-date :D

Anong oras last full show?

Ako, si Mikay, si Pam, at si Chary

Salamat Guys! It was fun!

Tita Baby, Tito Dodoy and Auntie Boots...

February 12, 2006...

Devoted the day to accompany my Tita Baby and Tito Dodoy, both balikbayans from Canada. Brief itenerary of the day went as follows:

- Went to the old neighborhood in Zapote Las Pinas to visit Tita Marlona et al. Never recognized the neighborhood. Used to be a lot of tall grass and a lot quieter then.

- Went to Loyola to visit and remember relatives.

- Had Icebergs in Glorietta 4. Sounds corny to some, but we had a great time! After much ice cream and halo-halo, we thought that the night was still young and we need to go somewhere. Anywhere! :lol:

- While Dad and Tito Dodoy stayed to rest their old backs, the rest of da gang went to re-discover Greenhills.

- While the girls went to battle the War of Tangiers (aka Ang Matinding Labanan sa Tiangge) me and Barry checked out the newly re-opened V-mall and Annapolis Carpark stuff. Went to Fully Booked as well to check out some books, old and new. Mental note to re-establish my book library. Been an avid collector or Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms books and since some were either lost or fell into disprepair, I think it's time I start catching up on my reading.

- We then bought dinner at Won Ton before going back to Tito Dodoy's condo. They're still here for another week. We'll miss them till they get back. I was stuffed to capacity! Dad had to drive home.

- Tito Dodoy and Tita Baby live in Toronto and happily retired. Wish that I could find somebody, settle down to a simple life and grow old like them.


February 13, 2006...

Today is for my Auntie Boots from the States. Our itenerary went as follows:

- Went to grocery to buy Auntie Boots' midnight snacks.

- Went to look for seat covers in Cubao.

- Checked out Gateway Mall and had mirienda, again. Gateway Mall is huge! The place has lots of potential methinks.

- Saw Auntie Avis et al at the mall as well! Saved us a bit on the trip to see them too. :D

- Saw Auntie Norma and Uncle Bon when we dropped off Auntie Boots to where she's staying.

An Afternoon At The Pitshop...

February 11, 2006...

Attendees: Jeff, Mark, Jake, Paul, Emp, Fred, Obi, Garrick, Arvin, Ian, Joel, Mang and myself.

Paul, Emp, Joel, Jake, Mark, Fred played some Warmachine games. Notable for Fred to win twice with his Cryx. Way to go dude.

Obi and I were there to finish his Cygnar and my Menoth respectively. Obi did some extreme conversions in the posing of his Cygnar warjacks and I think he's ready to get started in painting them any time this week. I resumed the painting of my knights, devout and high reclaimer so that they may look presentable in my next game and for my workshop post. I've already started details which is taking longer and more tedious than anticipated.

Had mirienda at Pizza Hut with some of the boyz while the others (Fred and Jake) were still busy at the shop trashtalking... este... playing Warmachine. 2 Super Supremes and 1 Hawaiian with the other Hawaiian for those still playing at the shop. Got back to the shop and Fred and Jake were still at it. Well, at least they looked like they were having fun. :D

The fun continued with a few more games from the guys while I happily snapped pictures of the boys at play and their toys during my paint breaks.

Here's some of my favorite figs from the boys...

Paul's Mercs

Emp's Cryx

Here's some pics of the boys at play...

The Boyz at the Shop...

The Devastator Peakaboo Fiasco

For more pics, check out my pics and miniatures article in Warmachine Philippines blog.

Passed by da Shak on the way home. The boyz were talking about plans in going to Candelaria. Have plans of my own tomorrow so I had to leave earlier and call it a night.

Making An Important Decision...

Just made an important decision today. Just finalized over the phone that I will be back in the working scene on the 20th. That would make a running total of my hiatus to 53 days... I'd say that's just right. More on my new job come first day.

So, here's looking forward to the next couple of days of a little quiet time and relaxation. :D

Pictures From The Summoning...

Long overdue pics from the summoning:

Kain Muna!

Da Tank Is Full!!! Yebah!!!

Ayos!!! Happy na ako!!!

Awww... Isn't he cute? :D

Some Got Plastered Early...

Order In The Court...

Somebody Got Caught W/ His Pants Down...

Outgoing Chairman Ricky

Incoming Chairman Freddie

Clemence Winning the Nid Army Deal

Bull Ogres In Training (with Gnoblar Extra)

Bored Outta My Wits...

10:45 PM...

A couple of hours to kill before turning in and calling it a night. Promised to wait it out until midnight to wake up my sister to resume her review for midterms. The small things Kuyas would do to help a sister out.

Got to chat with Kim who's come prepared with milk and popcorn to pass away the time. Suddenly realized the state of my personal larder when such occassions demand it. A lot of painting and gaming tips mostly but we did just fine in passing the time.

Got to wake up siter to resume review. Just a few minutes more to make sure she gets on track... Good luck Gorgeous! :D

Oops, 2 o'clock in the morning already! How time flies! :D

Good night people, wherever you are...

Thorn On The Sides Of Others...

Some Thoughts-In-Progress...(?)

Why is it that I get myself in the middle of other people's arguments? More than twice now have I been told that my greatest strength is my greatest weakness - I know how to get along with almost everybody, but I have to realize that some people really don't get along. I always thought that some people just chose not to.

It's true that I never give up on friends. It's just sad that some give up more easily on others.

Some people don't really need to be helped. I guess that's what other people would like to hear. So there.

Glad To Know Fongi's OK...

February 8, 2006...

Glad to know that Fongi's fine and currently wreaking havoc in her flat's kitchen baking apple pie for her flatmates... Not that I envy her flatmates mind you. ;)

Glad to know you're ok Girl! Be careful out there. >:D<

Because You Chose Not To...

February 6, 2006...

Because you chose not to talk but chose to do something else instead. Just a simple hello, how are things with you, or missed you? You prefer to be total strangers instead of being good friends?

Because you chose not to look out the window. Just one look out the window wouldn't hurt now would it? A waste of what could've been a priceless moment. Something that doesn't normally happen everyday.

All that is ruined. Gone. Most likely never to happen again...Just because you chose not to let it happen at all.

Who knows what could have been? Guess we'll never know now would we? Just because you chose not to find out.

Starbucks Chronicles Vol. 3...

February 4, 2006...

Just dropped off my sister to her language class and I’m supposed to pick her up in another three hours. Time to try a different Starbucks to pass the time I guess…

Venue: Starbucks in Greenbelt 3…

Wow, totally different atmosphere here! Lots of one-seater sofas compared to the other two Starbucks that I last visited. I decided to get seated on one of these and with a quick grab of a pamphlet and a tall caramel macchiato within easy reach, started writing things down right away! :D

The Girl By The Door. She was the very first person I noticed after I got my coffee and took in my surroundings. Yep, my theory’s been consistent for the past 3 visits! This time, She’s wearing a brown short jacket with hood, aqua blue paisley skirt and designer high heels, her cute face nicely framed by crystal dangling earrings. She reads a pocketbook seemingly oblivious to my observations while taking down my “notes”.

I started getting comfortable on the sofa and decide to lounge a bit while classical music played in the background. There’s something about classical violin that’s very difficult to describe. Can’t really figure out what was playing but it was cool to listen to nonetheless.

Anyways, my attention was then centered on the guard of the establishment. Asuncion the Guard is all smiles, smart and straight as an arrow. He seems good-mannered, polite, and carries himself well. He seems a decent guy compared to some that we encounter in our day to day lives. Society needs more guys like him. I salute you sir!

Hang on, Girl By The Door’s now accompanied by an elderly expat! Now where did he come from? Could he be a friend of hers? Come to think of it, he even seems to be hitting on her! Whether the girl knows this guy or not I could not tell, but the girl across me listening to her i-Pod seems to share my initial observation, judging by her wry smile. Guess moral of the lesson here is not all the time will lone Girls By The Door will get the privacy they’re hoping for.

I can’t believe it! Girl By the Door and Old Expat have stepped out obviously in the same direction! They must know each other! Or don’t they? On a humorous note, maybe I should’ve eavesdropped on the old man for some pointers! :P

Guess that’s enough observations for me and time to go around Greenbelt and Glorietta now that they’ve opened. Just before I was leaving, I came across Beng, one of the baristas who’s also an old acquaintance of mine while I worked in Makati. Fancy meeting her here! Missed ya, Girl! Nice to see you again! Promise to pass by again some time. :D

200 Visitors As Of This Writing...

February 4, 2006...

I'm here at the Creativity Lounge and just learned that my counter just reached 200 visitors! Maybe my next milestone will be at 500 and then every 1000 like how one does regular car maintenance by mileage. ;)

Thanks for viewing.

The Summoning...

February 3, 2006...

Arrived at Lito's place at the appointed time. Apparently Lito moved a few furniture, most notable of which was the billiard table pushed outside the aircon room for a chance to play more. Tried my hand in playing billiards against Ronald. Ronald won 2-1. No excuses there, since both of us suffered the same problem playing one side of the table where the walls are too close to make a decent shot. Will get to play against him one of these days again. Hope he doesn't get cocky the next time around.

Took some pictures of the proceedings. 69 to be exact... Will edit first and post them on a later date.

Some observations during the proceedings:

- Garrick was subdued. Seems to have a lot on his mind. Unusually quiet. Even left early too.

- There's a surge of Warmachine players wanting to play. That got some of the Warhammer players looking and show some interest.

- Congrats to Freddie as the incoming chairman! Congrats to Ricky, Kim, Garrick, and the other Klassmeyts for a job well done! More power to the gaming community!

- Got "volunteered" as Chaplain of the Galleria Chapter. Ian acting as Galleria Chapter Librarian.

- Also noteable are some new faces joining the scene. A good sign that the community is growing...

Left a little earlier than the rest since it was getting a little late for me and I wasn't really in the mood to get into the social drinking part of the gathering.

A Song For The Road...

Was trying to get out of traffic on my way home from the airport when this song started playing. Although the song's message was a sad reminder of something that I felt a few days back, it made my trip a bit more bearable... and forget my troubles.

I Can't Make You Love Me
by Bonnie Raitt

Turn down the lights, turn down the bed
Turn down these voices inside my head
Lay down with me, tell me no lies
Just hold me close, don't patronize - don't patronize me

Cause I can't make you love me if you don't
You can't make your heart feel something it won't
Here in the dark, in these final hours
I will lay down my heart and I'll feel the power
But you won't, no you won't
'Cause I can't make you love me, if you don't

I'll close my eyes, then I won't see
The love you don't feel when you're holding me
Morning will come and I'll do what's right
Just give me till then to give up this fight
And I will give up this fight

Cause I can't make you love me if you don't
You can't make your heart feel something it won't
Here in the dark, in these lonely hours
I will lay down my heart and I'll feel the power
But you won't, no you won't
'Cause I can't make you love me, if you don't