My Love of Siam

I just finished watching this movie…

It’s English translated title is Love of Siam. It’s a Thai movie. I learned it from Gian, my friend who’s assigned to work in Bangkok, Thailand.

I have been watching this movie since last week… watching it almost every night… over and over again…

And still cry again and again…

There’s some urge in me to hear it’s songs too. I searched over youtube.com and was luck enough to find some and marked it as one of my favorites.

You might see that it looked like an ordinary teen romance movie but wait till you see one fan tribute to the movie. Check out the link by clicking here. It tackles more than what close-minded critics just see it.

Personally, I guess Thailand has some special place in my heart. And seeing this Thai movie, plus another form of unrequited love did the “magic” of pressing my fragile spot.

At least there’s one thing I can relate to all these that’s happening to me these past few days. 

The only definite thing.

I’m a Good-natured Realist! What about you?

I got this “test” from Apple’s blog. Took it and it’s true! Described me well Ü Read on and hopefully you’d take the test yourself …

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Good-natured Realists are warm-hearted, helpful personalities. They do their work conscientiously and have a pronounced organising talent. They often feel they are committed to traditional values. The family in particular is extremely important to Good-natured Realists. Their greatest pleasure is making themselves useful and taking care of other people. But they do not like pushing themselves to the fore; they prefer to fulfill their tasks out of the limelight. Good-natured Realists are real workaholics; they are very reliable and nothing is too much for them when it is a question of completing a project. Thoroughness, conscientiousness and sense of duty are their strongest points. They prefer established and familiar situations to new and unknown situations.

In dealing with others, Good-natured Realists are considerate and obliging; they are always happy to put aside their own requirements in the interest of their family and friends. Their home is mostly very well cared-for, cosy and tidy. Their perfectionism on the one hand and their aversion to delegating tasks on the other hand often lead to them taking on too much both professionally and privately. They cannot stand discord; conflicts make them very unhappy. One could almost describe them as being harmony-addicted - and this sometimes leads them to strongly neglecting themselves and their own wishes because they are unable to bring themselves to put up a fight.

Good-natured Realists dream of a stable and trusting relationship for life. Marriage and family are very important to them. They take care of their partner attentively and lovingly and put up with a lot for a harmonious relationship. They are also loyal and reliable friends. However, they can be very hurt if their interpersonal commitment is taken for granted for too long.

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Adjectives which describe your type

introverted, practical, emotional, planning, tradition-conscious, good-natured, self-sacrificing, caring, devoted, friendly, loyal, considerate, reliable, conscientious, loving, quiet, reserved, modest, helpful, objective, hard-working, warm-hearted, communicative, painstaking, altruistic

These subjects could interest you

cooking, animals, family, music, trekking, camping, hiking, craftwork, nature, drawing/painting, astrology, spiritual matters, meditation

The Land of Smiles and the Land Across It

This entry has long been waiting in the drafts. Sorry it took quite long for me to post it. but anyway, here it is.

I am back. Yes. From the one week break/vacation from Cebu, the land of smiles. It’s my first time too to set foot on Visayas area. Thank God for low-cost air fare rates nowadays. So all hail to Cebu Pacific! Hope you can lower it further, specially trips to other Asian countries Ü

Anyhow, I am lucky too that I have friends from Cebu! Special mention are Jose and Addie. If not for these sweet friend of mine I won’t be able to see the beauty of Cebu (and Bohol). These guys are the best tourist guides and best vacation buddies ever! Why wouldn’t they? Who would pass up singing like in a karaoke for more than 2 hours while driving and heading towards the farthest part of Cebu? Or who would known best what and where you are going if you are not a local of the area? And how would you know if the food is good if you haven’t eaten there? I went to Cebu with a friend and as a bonus got to meet new ones too… Again, thanks guys!

Disclaimer: If I could remember it right, Jose commented a few days before my departure, the next time I come back in Cebu, I SHOULD meet straight men for a change! Hahaha! Well, consider that perhaps one of the reasons to go back indeed Ü

Details… details… details… o-oh! I am not as good as remembering names, locations moreover dates. But I do love to take pictures! Ü Let me just share to you guys “some” of the photos close to me heart…

It was really hard for me to post everything here. Perhaps if you’d liked to see more visit my multiply site → http://nemcy.multiply.com or simply clicking these links:

Conquering Cebu
Me and Some/one/thing Else <–– Thank God for Jose, for the first time I had decent solo pictures (last part of the album) Love you, Jose my VBF! Mwuah!

For a much detailed narration and more photos of our trip, visit Addie’s blog and Jose’s blog as well.

Love me?

What I Learn in Traveling I Learn It in Thailand

This entry has been long overdue. But needless to say, I was still able to finish and post it, finally… hope it will help you or at least give some entertainment

1.) Luck does come in at a perfect timing.
It was fate that put me in the position to be sent there in Thailand. My so-called expertise was needed there. To work, was my priority but God’s so nice to me lately (and my boss-friend who gave me extended 2 days company paid) than I was given time to explore the city. Plus, I call myself additionally lucky to have such 2 nice Thai gentlemen with me when I was alone in a country I am not familiar with. They showed me around Bangkok at the shortest given time. Who would be the best tour guides but the local Thais themselves! Blessings do come… perhaps in bundles as well

2.) First-hand experience.
Nothing beats seeing, hearing and perhaps stepping on the actual path of the palaces that you once saw in the geography or history books. I was there primarily for work and yet, I was really fortunate to see and experience their culture, their past, and their current lifestyle. One get to understand, believe and learn from it. Being there, seeing what some are just telling me before, I finally understood how they feel about it and why they are feeling that way. “They” pertains to both Thai people and my colleagues who’ve been there in Thailand.

3.) Acceptance of Western Influence is not bad after all.
Thailand was not really conquered by Europeans but their King and his successors never resisted them. It’s obvious at the palaces architectures and during my museum tours. The museum guide would say, “…these are gifts from other European countries to the royal family…” more than what your fingers can count! Also, they sent their sons and daughters to Europe to study and comes back to Thailand bringing back what they learned and applying perhaps. Adaptation of foreign influence is not bad as long as you don’t forget who you are and where you came from.

4.) Expressing anger will do you no good.
I am emotional. Specially now when in terms of my work, I don’t like “surprises”. Yet, even though I was miles away it never missed me. But because I have no other choice and I’m the only one there, performance and delivery is a must. Me, being a drama queen as called by my close friends was all calm and peaceful there in Bangkok. Surprisingly, I am. I have to control my temper and anger. I can’t complain. I can’t exclaimed. No one will understand. In other words, I don’t have an audience.

5.) Music links everyone.
Foreign as I am in Thailand, Put, one of the kind, nice looking Thai gents shared his music preferences. Thanks to the bluetooth technology, we were able to exchange songs with our phones And that was the start of the wall of ice being melted Ü

6.) Annoyance, fury, flirtation and curses all have the same tone whatever language they are in.
Yep. I am a witness of this myself. I have heard this from someone before when she was somewhere across the country. I didn’t believe it at first but hearing it myself, I just smiled. And you’ll know, believe me you’ll know.

7.) Beware of judging people by the way they look.
Well, unless you are indeed a Caucasian it’s definitely obvious you are one. But if you’re Filipino, Malaysian, Korean, Japanese or Chinese… there’s a big chance that you can be mistaken as Thai. I’m a Filipino and is always spoken with Pasa Thai. So I guess I sort of blend in. But I did have to learn some basic Thai phrases to explain than I don’t understand Thai (mai kao chai pasa thai), and that I’m from Philippines and speak English (khun Pilipin, pasa anglit).

I guess because Philippines is Thailand’s neighboring country that’s why there are some resemblances on the citizens physical feature and also some on food and culture.

8.) Pack light.
Well, what I mean more is bring a bigger luggage or make sure you have lots of room for souvenirs. Shopping here is haven! There’s always a night bazaar and if you know where to look for bargains, you’ll definitely have bargains! So be sure if you go visit Thailand, allot a budget not just for tours but also for shopping!

9.) Have an open and adventurous palette.
I’m not even sure if my term was right. But keep in mind, just be open and adventurous! It’s a once in a lifetime experience! I’m not a loco for spicy food and really is very selective in what to eat but in Thailand, you have to forget your diet and try everything! I have eaten food that I also said no to. It’s all worth the try. Really. Because you’ll be sorry if you missed out the chance.

10.) Bring your camera, have spare battery and memory/compact flash cards (or film if you’re still using an SLR).
Oh yes! I never, ever go out without spares. We just went around Bangkok and there’s a LOT to see. What more if we went to the outskirts of the city like Ayunthaya.

These are just want I learned for now. Hopefully I will have more when I go back there.

And this is really undeniable, can’t wait to go back to Thailand

Laugh in the Line

Nope. I am not in war. Well, perhaps mostly people here in our place are battling with the weather disturbance nowadays. It’s raining like it’s the end of the world! Of course, I am overreacting. But it is dark and pouring hard there in the open.

Despite the early cancellation of work for the day plus the rains, parking lots are still jam-packed on restaurants and gimik places. It’s even hard to get a cab with the rain. But luckily, I managed to call a cab for a little extra charge. Met up with Ate Neth, Ate Arma and the rest of the group for dinner and decided to experience something we’ve never done before…

… to go to a stand-up comedy bar!

My place can be considered to be in the heart of gimik places. Along Timig is lined up with establishments such as restaurants, coffee shops, banks, videoke/karaoke bars and of course, comedy bars. Yes, not just one nor just 2. I don’t know how many they are exactly but definitely it isn’t limited to just 2 in the area.

It was around a little pass 9PM. We reached this known comedy bar called LAFFLINE. Entrance fee was P300.00 and it’s non-consumable. Well, a P100.00 less is better compared to the previous comedy bar we attempted to check out.

It was a blasting experience. At first I am quite scared that these gay stand up comedian might had an eye on me or our group and use us for their piece. I have been warned for such but it was just for laughs of course. One has to be game in all the teasing and “pang-aasar” these gay comedians do. But it was really fun.

I think the primetime started a little past 10PM. Good thing we came in a little late. I noticed that early before the primetime or their main event/show, they do call in or even dragged an audience or costumer in front of the stage and let this person sing. But of course, it won’t be complete if they won’t tease you.

The comedians were all gay. Some just those fashionista type that cross-dress when it’s their turn for a skit or a performance. There was one who called himself Kinya (or something like that) dressed-up and imitated Whitney Houston and did some lipsynching. But aside from that he did some funny moves like attempting to lick this Japanese audience and he showed the top part of his butt. Another were two… um… I’m not really sure how to call them but definitely they are not just cross-dressers. Transexual or transvestite? I don’t really know but all I know is that they really look gorgeous and pretty. Slender toned body, long luscious hair and in long sexy night gowns! Plus they are so game and talented. They did some skit like a showdown of 2 divas and they started to fight pulling one’s hair and dragging her across the stage for real!!!

I won’t forget Donita when she did a solo number. She sang one of Aegis famous songs… sorry, I’m not a fan and not really good in remembering titles or names. But she did sang if as if she had a male duet. I wish I was able to record it but I was so astound with how she did it. Every time she changed voice from a male to female she turns from one side to another to indicate she’s changing personality. I’ve seen some performers of such in TV where they did have this silly costume of half-man, half-woman get up. But for Donita, her voice is just enough. She’s really good. No! She’s GREAT! She never missed a note! Just for her performance, the P300.00 entrance fee is worth it!

One of their main performers is Diva Ganda. He is a cross-dresser and is teased by his fellow performers as a horse. He sing well but what I like with him is that his wittiness in relaying jokes. His jokes are intelligent and really up to date. I mean from personal to the political issues of today. He used politicians in his topic plus of course sex won’t be missed out in any gay performance. Sex issues or topic will always be sensitive but it depends on who and how it is relayed. But Diva Ganda’s way is so funny. I was really laughing hard. He really hit GMA hard. He epitomized her really well. He’s hilarious.

Too bad because of the rain the comedy bar experienced a blackout. We waited for more than 30 minuted before the power came back. Of course, the show went on. They did a group performance. They sing really well. These gay performers looked really good. Either they look handsome as a man, or really gorgeous as a woman, or just funny looking. But as a whole they have substance. They have talent!

Given a chance I will definitely come back and have my photo op with these guys. I mean, I wished I brought my camera with me. May be I’ll celebrate my birthday watching them again. I don’t know. But all I know one should be brave enough to watch these performers. You should be game and never ever be judgmental. All are just for laughs, for fun! Those who judges and despises gay people… you’re missing a lot!

Come to think of it, an idea sparked when I was watching them. There’s this guy my team knows that I really despise because of his arrogance and his disrespectful to other people specially to homosexuals. May be I should plot a plan to trap him and bring him there. It will be a torture for him when these gay approach him… ngarharhar!

Evilness lurks.

Just call me, Wondergirl.

A Concept on Coffee Houses

I was never comfortable going to farther places like Makati or Manila. My friends knew that I am a Quezon City or Ortigas person. But last Saturday, I agreed that we all met up in Robinson’s, not in Galeria as in Ortigas, but Place in Manila.

Yup. I rode the LRT Line 1 again. But let’s reserve that to another blog entry.

Going back, the my Robinson’s Place adventure, since I only went there once in a blue moon and usually with someone who really knows the mall like the back of his hand (hi, Jose!) I am confused to with street it is located: Is it Padre Faura or Pedro Gil? I found out, either way, it has entraces on both streets! Oh well…

We reached it and eat an early dinner in this kapampangan restaurant. But that is not what I am to blog. It’s this extraordinary coffee shop that we accidentally discovered!

Yes. That’s a coffee shop that you see. I was amazed to see such “fancy” coffee shop. The group decided to try it out. The store is about to close in an hour and a half but we manage to get a really comfy area. Comfy enough that we took opportunity for a photo op:

A corner of the area we got. With Atty. Ping and Ate Arma posing. The guy by the window, that’s on the other side, a booth type seat.

What we got was an area with cushioned seats/sofa with throw pillows! Really comfy.

Now joined by Ate Neth.

What attracted me is the lighted mural in our area.

I can’t resist not to have a picture taken with it.

And my “Ate’s” joined in!

Details of the mural:

The woman with battered wing in a coffee cup? Playing a sort of violin? Is she a devil or battered mother nature 9because of the leaves and twigs on her head that looks like a horn at first glance)? Conceptual I may say because each one who can see will have an explanation of their own!

I always considered the moon as a masculine entity. Now seeing this would change that idea. Now I see myself as the winged-woman and the moon, my VBF, Jose! The art is really different. And I remember Jose drawing something similar to this… I think.

Now to what we had…

I didn’t have all of this. (L-R) Lasagna by Ping, hot choco by Ate Neth and Triple Decker by well, it was shared to all. I wasn;t able to taste it because I am forbidding myself to take much of “sinful desserts”. It’s my cheat day though but I’m actually saving it for…

Tadaaaaahhh!

It’s called Son of Dutch. It’s one of the Zonteas(?) they offer. It’s made with Milk Tea, Dutch chocolate syrup and Vanilla Ice Cream. It was good. Really good. Not to sweet and it isn’t bland.

Exploring further on the area, I found this:

They have a website and a membership card? Hmmm…

Their mascot: Captain Pot. This is like a statuette I saw in one of the side tables beside the comfy sofa we sat on. And further exploration…

Comics? Wow! Here it was explained who’s Capt. Pot and gave us an idea who owns the place. My friends were impressed and me too. They created a story as a marketing campaign! Wise enough, I say.

Close up of the comic headline.

The group asked I think she’s the head or manager. Indeed one of the owners is a Dutch man and is planning to bring it to Netherlands. They still have satellite stores in Robinson’s Galeria, Mall of Asia and SM North Edsa, I think.

If I’ll be in the area, definitely I’ll get back here at Chaikofi and try their other dishes!

Try checking out their website, www.chaikofi.com. The store/coffee house is located at the far end of Robinson’s Place, Manila near the Padre Fauna entrance/exit.