Disclaimer: I'm not a supporter of GMA but...

Oo nga naman, piliin niyo naman yung mga laban niyo. Sasabihin niyong "tanga" o "bobo" yung isang tao. Eh ano tawag niyo sa sinusuportahan niyo??? Eh di bumalik din sa inyo.

1) Ang tagal-tagal niyo nang pinapasali ng debate, ayaw niyo sumali. Alam niyo lang kasi na talo kayo. TALO. There's no way for your candidate to win a debate, especially if unaided.

2) Pwede niyo bang ipa-speech yang kandidato niyo na hindi puro "bayan muna" o tig-i-isang linya lang? Kahit isang buong paragraph lang, yung hindi memorized ha na parang script ng pelikula.

Grrr.

Weddings at Work 5th Anniversary Party



I just came from the Weddings at Work 5th Anniversary Party at Fernwood Gardens. I would like to congratulate Benz and John, the couple who started the site and the group, for a very successful party. A lot of the 'big' wedding suppliers attended, and I think almost everything was sponsored! Josiah's Catering and Juan Carlo took care of the food. Balay Kandila and Tropical Blooms took care of the set-up and event styling. Topmark took care of the trophies. Aircons were from Messe and Handel. The W@W Retrospect AVP was done by none other than Jason Magbanua (the man!). The cake was provided by Alex Franco.

Here's a picture of the W@W5 cake:

(For a larger picture, click on the photo.)

Jovan and I arrived at around 5PM. The fair was over at that time, but we still saw some brides having make-overs at the make-up stations, and photographers still taking pictures of couples. Our photographer, Dino Lara, saw us and took our pictures even if we didn't sign up. I guess it was a freebie from him. :) The party started past 7PM, and dinner was served past 8PM. The food was okay, except for the plates which I learned was provided by Juan Carlo. (For the full story, just email me.) The Retrospect AVP was awesome! And I'm not just saying that 'cause we were part of it (hehe). ANG GALING TALAGA MAG-EDIT NI JASON! The AVP featured W@Wies who explained how W@W helped them in the wedding preparations. There were two other AVP's done by other suppliers - one for the W@Wie Awards for the Top 10 suppliers. Then the top 5 suppliers were featured in another AVP.

Background on the W@Wie Awards: The W@Wies were asked to nominate, then vote for the suppliers. Last December 16 to 31, 2003, the W@Wies were asked to send in their top 3 suppliers based on the criteria (wedding supplier whom a W@Wie thinks is well loved by the W@Wies; who loves the W@Wies; and who has always been there for W@W and speaks well of W@W). W@W then released the top 10 nominees, and from January 1 to 20, 2004, the W@Wies were asked to vote for the top 5 suppliers. The supplier with the most number of votes will be the Top Supplier of the Year.

Here are the Top 10 Suppliers of W@W. I listed the Top 5 Suppliers first. (..in random order..)

jasonmagbanuaDigitalVideo
Josiah's Catering Inc.
Eddie Bruan Hair Designs
Balay Kandila
Cakes by Alex Franco

Chito Cleofas Photography
DecisiveMoments
DinoLara Photography
Fol Rana, Jr. Photography / The BIG Picture
Tropical Blooms

The Top Supplier of the Year is Alex Franco. And I'm not surprised. I don't think anyone was surprised. Put all of these together: great tasting cake, fabulous-looking, and very affordable, and a supplier who's very nice and easy to talk to - you'll get Alex Franco Cakes.

Before anything else I would like to apologize to Leah Labelle's fans.

I do not, DO NOT!!!, all caps with exclamation points, understand why Leah Labelle was picked for the finals. Her performance sucked during Wild Card night! Yes, I know she has a high voice, a bit powerful, but she's not a good singer. She's NOT. I even liked Katie Webber's performance more than hers! Well, the fans probably didn't understand Randy and Paula either because [SPOILER ALERT] she was the first one to be voted off in the finals.

I am rooting for Jasmine Trias and Fantasia Barrino.

And can I just say that I find Matt Metzger really cute. (Not in this pic, though.)

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, just ignore my entry.

To the others, American Idol rules!

Divisoria

Had a blast in Divisoria today with my mom! I was able to get swatches of potential 'telas' for the entourage gowns. And I think I'm gonna go for Periwinkle blue and Power blue (if I'll have a 2-tone motif). I found potential wedding paraphernalia too - fans for the guests in the Church, centerpieces, and potential give-aways. Then, shopping galore! I was so tried by the time we left.

Weddings at Lakbay

I was able to attend the launch of Weddings at Lakbay yesterday, at Gazebo Royale. What a lovely place. Too bad their rates are unreasonably high. They should have lowered their prices since they're just new. That way, they can get a lot of customers and these customers can spread the word. Anyway, I quickly learned that it was a press launch (I thought it was THE launch) since there weren't a lot of people. It's an interesting concept, but I'm not sure if it will fly right away. I think the primary target market should be the couple-to-be's who are abroad. Well, we'll see.

Alex Franco Cakes

I was finally able to taste an Alex Franco cake yesterday and IT'S SO DAMN GOOD! The bottom layer is prune cake, then there's a frozen mango layer, then chocolate mousse, then caramel (?) cake, then icing. IT'S SO DAMN GOOD! The good news is that you can order cakes from him anytime (preferably weekdays). Good for gifts, and family lunches. YUMMYYYYYY!

Pick up of cakes is at Caltex Boni, the one hear 7-Eleven and other fastfood restos. He needs a 4-day lead time. His contact numbers are (tel) 5331450 and (cel) 0917-2769003.

Definitely a must-try for cake-lovers!

Haven't done this for the longest time!

Friday Five:

If you...

1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve?
Mongolian!!! With lots of yummy sauces to choose from. Second choice would be Chinese food. I can never have enough of Chicken Inasal's mongolian food and North Park!

2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell?
BAGS BAGS BAGS!!! Or magazines.

3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be?
A romantic comedy.

4. ...ran a school, what would you teach?
Math for pre-schoolers and grade school students.

5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it?
World music ala Cynthia Alexander. Or music similar to the music of Indigo Girls, Julia Fordham, and Joss Stone.

The best thing about Friday Five is... THE COMING WEEKEND! Happy weekend everyone!

Survivor All-Stars

[SPOILER ALERT!]


I reall feel bad for Ethan. He was so helpless. But honestly, I can't blame the others for voting him off. I don't agree with him when he says that they have loose screws for thinking that Jerry deserves to stay more than him. I don't think that's the reason why they're keeping Jerry. They know that since Jerry is not likeable, it's so easy for her to be voted off even after the merge. She's not a threat at all.

I admire Lex for talking to Ethan. It showed that he valued their friendship. He didn't have to talk to him. But he did. Unfortunately for Lex I think he's too strong so he'll probably be voted off too.

Looks like next week's episode will be an interesting one.

Got this from Ganns' blog, with permission of course.

An Open Letter to Fernando Poe, Jr.

Dear FPJ:

You don't know me, and you probably never will. I am just one of 85 million after all, and you've far too many people admiring and encouraging you to notice one of few cynics such as I. As I write this, you're probably off at some campaign sortie, smiling through your suddenly clear eyeglasses, ending decades of hiding behind your sunglasses, and shaking the hands of thousands, if not millions, of adoring Filipinos until your own hands start to swell and bruise.

We are burdened, still reeling from the effects of two successive governments that have sucked us dry, and it is at this point in our country's history, when everything hangs in the balance, when we need a leader to whip us into shape, to strike the healthy balance of confidence and fear in our hearts, to inspire us to be a better people, is when you, you of no experience, you of little education, you of "sincere heart," decide to seek the presidency.

I would be lying if I said I weren't bitter with your decision, Mr. Poe. Contrary to what you say, you are no more different than all the other politicians who seek only survival in this constantly shifting wasteland of Philippine politics. You, too, will be beholden to others. You, too, will be belittled by the Philippine literati. You, too, in time, will be overthrown by yet another People's Power revolution, and mark my words, you, too, will go down in flames.

Why? Oh, why, Mr. Poe, do you wish to inflict this punishment upon yourself? Might it be because you, too, are selfish beyond belief? It does not take a high school graduate to see that while the popularist masses support you, the very people you need to assist you in the pursuance of your duties have no faith in you. The middle class does not support you. The business class does not support you. The Chinese do not support you. The OFW's do not support you. The youth, believe it or not, do not support you. The military do not support you. All who do support you are those over whose eyes you have managed to pull cheap wool, those who are willing to overlook their basic needs of food, shelter, and a secure future, to get a chance to watch your movies and, for a moment, look up at their Panday and sigh, hoping their memories of seeing your face will be enough to quell the biting pangs of emptiness within their emaciated gullets.

What do you know of governance, Mr. Poe? Running a film company and starring in your own movies is not like running a nation, Sir. There are no cuts, there are no second takes, and there is the uncomfortable, unforgiving reality of celluloid, print, and web media that freezes everything you do, say, and feel. Are you ready to be dragged through the mud, Mr. Poe? Will you be able to turn your other cheek to the calls of tuta! (puppet!)? Already, you are showing flashes of your irrepressible temper and sarcasm. What statesman replies, to the question "What can be done about the destabilizing peso?", "I don't know. Do you?" You have children out of wedlock, Mr. Poe. We are sinners, all, but you are called to be a stellar example of forthrightness and virtue, a notch above the rest. You wish to run for President, Mr. Poe, you must prove deserving of the lofty position.

Are you ready to face the chameleons, crabs, and crocodiles of Congress, Mr. Poe? Can you make a decision without Tito Guingona, Edong Angara, Ernie Maceda, and chief Senate clown Tito Sotto? Elaborate on why you do not support globalization, when all other Asian nations are headed in that direction. Tell me of your stand on the GATT, literacy campaigns, and the pork barrel. Explain to me why you think a debate is divisive, when all presidential candidates of all democratic nations have debate-type exercises, including the United States. As a matter of fact, please tell me your stand on anything at all, because the Filipino people deserve a leader, not Pinocchio!

If you are to be my president, I expect you to be the leader who will make me feel confident as he meets with Prime Ministers Blair and Koizumi, President Putin and future US President Kerry! I expect you to hold your own in a debate, and I expect you to bring foreign investors in, not scare them away! I expect you to be the godly man to lead this nation to greatness, not be remembered in infamy as the 15th president who dragged the Philippines to its destruction!

I have never seen any of your movies, Mr. Poe; I have selected to watch people like Raymart Santiago and Geneva Cruz over you, and Anak ng Pasig was, without a doubt, one of the worst films I've ever seen. But since I have not fallen under your spell, and neither have millions across this nation, you owe it to us, the ones not hypnotized by your inane action yarns, the ones whose minds were not hammered by your panday hammer, to deliver the goods. This is no film, yet it feels like one, and I am but one of your 85 million co-stars.

Nevertheless, I will relent and give in. I am called to apologize to you, Sir, for my vitriol, and support you, should you win, as God would have allowed you to take your presidency. I shall continue to pay my taxes, I will not leave my country. Finally, you can expect constant prayer from me, and I do pray that you take this job seriously, because being the president of a nation is not a position to be claimed on a whim.

Please, Mr. Poe, if this letter does anything for you, I hope it angers you enough to prove me wrong. I hope it boils your blood enough to make decisions that will be to the benefit of the country. If support is what you need, I will grudgingly give it after your election to the presidency. For the meantime, however, while it is still anyone's game, I will speak my mind and be one of a few thousand, if not million, thorns in your side, because you, Sir, stand to be, not simply a thorn, but a dagger through the heart of the Philippines, and I'll be damned if I am to stand by and watch my country bleed to death.

Bayani?

I used to like Bayani Fernando. I've seen what he has done for Marikina. There's order. You'll see that your money is being used for important things - firetrucks, bike lanes, etc. I like his conviction, I like it that he's always on his toes. I especially like that fact that he doesn't seem to be scared of anyone.

I'm having second thoughts now, because of the Katipunan brouhaha.

First, the trees. I don't believe that 'less traffic' is a reason to cut the trees, especially the old ones, along Katipunan. I believe that the main problem of the Philippines is infrastructure and the planning of the roads in general, not the lack of lanes. One morning I watched Bayani Fernando in Magandang Umaga Bayan and he explained that they didn't cut the trees. They got the trees, from the roots, and transferred them to Marikina. I felt better after hearing him explain. But one day I saw two trees cut at the middle of their trunks - RIGHT SMACK IN THE MIDDLE! I was so mad! Either he was lying on TV or he doesn't have control over what happens, which I doubt. He seems to be a 'hands-on' manager. From that time until now, I think I've seen a total of 4 or 5 cut trees. Big, old, trees.

They also took out the island in front of Miriam,which had some plants. Now they're taking out the island opposite Ateneo, leaving the trees (perhaps because of the restraining order). The island also has plants. Aside from the Ateneo fields, you won't see any trees or plants anymore. I'm dreading the effects because they sure will surface years from now. Their reason is progress. They have to do something about the traffic. I think that this is a very-short term solution because the number of vehicles will catch up with the width of the road in the near future. How about the long-term effects? The environment will be screwed up. Heck, we're feeling it now. Hot days in December, no more schedules for the typhoons... What are they doing about THAT?

Second, the U-turn. Chaos in the streets, believe me. I don't believe the U-turn helped with the traffic in general, because of all the accidents. The stoplights still work so people don't know if they should follow it or not. I think that they should accept that the U-turn scheme is not for everyone.

Mr. Bayani Fernando, I urge you to study Katipunan for a week and you'll see what we're talking about.



See? Traffic pa rin.

Related articles:
The Katipunan Road Controversy at Loyola Heights by Newsflash.org
No Turning Back? by The Guidon

Love Actually



I absolutely love this movie. It's so nice to watch a movie about LOVE nowadays, with all that's happening to the world and to our country. I'm not talking about the love that you see in romantic comedies and love stories. No, Love Actually isn't about that. It's really just about LOVE in general.

I love the start and end of the movie, which show arrivals in the airport. Passengers are greeted by their loved ones. You'll really feel that love is in the air, with all the hugs, kisses, and tears of joy. The movie had an effect on me - it told me that although there's war, poverty, terrorism - there will always be love around me. Love from friends and family, which is more than enough to help me through this crazy world.

The movie tells us many things. That love goes beyond words. That love is both for the young and the old. That it's possible to find true love in the midst of the crazy world of politics. That there are no VIP's and that everyone is equal with love. That love sometimes makes you choose, and the choice you make doesn't always assure you of a happy ending. That sometimes you can really only love from afar. That understanding each other is what really matters. And that a friend can actually be the greatest love of your life.

Just want to share a picture of Tizers' Moo Fries (see March 2 blog entry). :)



Try it. Promise, it's YUMMY!!!

Finally!!! My computer is back and my modem is working! Yipee!!! Lots of stuff to blog about. I don't know where to start!

Angels and Demons

[SPOILER ALERT]

I was so disappointed with Dan Brown after reading this book. It’s EXACTLY like Da Vinci Code! Same characters, just different names. Same plot. Heck, the lead character even wears the same watch (Mickey Mouse watch). It was amusing at first, but it lost its charm because of the repeat. A symbologist is asked to help solve a murder of an important man. He teams up with the victim’s relative (grandchild in Da Vinci Code, adopted daughter in Angels in Demons). It’s really pitiful. Very disappointing. I am so glad that I read Da Vinci Code first, at least I was able to appreciate it.

American Idol

I felt sad for the six people who didn’t make it from the first group. They all sang well. Tough luck that they were part of a very good group. They were all better than everyone in the second group. I’m glad that Camille Velasco was voted in, but objectively, she wouldn’t have made it if she was part of the first group.

I just watched the third group and they were pretty good! Honestly, I didn't think Latoya was really good. She has a high voice but for me, high voice isn't synonymous to beautiful voice. But there's not doubt about it, she was the best in the third group.

Preps Update

I talked to Melissa Lim of Cakeworld last Monday. Cakeworld was the supplier who made this cake:

Her album was very impressive – not a lot of repeats there. And all the cakes were lovely! She said that they always try to make each cake as unique as possible, except when the couple specifically tells them to copy a certain cake. I’m very excited with the cake design that we came up with. I’m just waiting for her quotation and proposal for actual cake design. My only worry during the meeting was the taste. What if the cakes were pretty but they didn’t taste good? My worries disappeared after tasting the carrot cupcake she brought for tasting. I really don’t eat carrot cakes, but I tasted the one she brought and I LOVED IT! The texture was just right, and the touch of chocolate did wonders.

It’s unfortunate that Alex Franco discouraged me from having a cupcake tree for the wedding. He said that by the time the cupcakes are distributed to the guests, they would be dry. I asked the members of W@W if this was true and they said that all the cupcakes they tasted in the weddings they attended were not dry at all. Also, I have already set my mind of having a cupcake tree – it was our first decision for the preps, way before getting the Church. But since Alex Franco is highly recommended, I will still get him for the sponsors’ gifts.

Wedding Expo

I loved this wedding expo! We were able to book suppliers and meet a couple of W@Wies.
It’s official: our photographer will be Dino Lara, our videographer will be Jason Magbanua, our caterer will be Josiah’s Catering, and our florist will be Petal Patch. We were there both days. My mom joined us last Saturday, and we devoted our time to checking each and every stall. Sunday was booking day – the day for downpayments.

I spent some time at the W@W booth. We even took some pictures. I'll post them soon - I just have to reinstall Photoshop. We got the latest W@W Wedding Primer, which is really very helpful! Lotsa tips, checklists, and information.

Next steps for the preps: give downpayment for the venue, decide on the wedding coordinator (we are still torn between getting Connie or Weng), and decide on an event stylist (either Dorothy Cuna or Balay Kandila).

Bummer. No computer.

I just realized how dependent I am on my computer. I had my computer reformatted last wednesday because it kept going bonkers. I'm gonna get it back on monday. It's so hard not to have a computer, mainly because I can't go online. I'm so dependent on my email - for work, preps, keeping in touch with friends...

Preps Update

I am so happy because we now have a reception venue! Jovan, my mom and I checked out The Loft at Rockwell after lunch, and we absolutely loved it! All our requirements were met! It's covered (I'm scared that it might rain), we can bring any caterer (we really want to get Josiah's), and it looked really nice! We were so relieved after our ocular, because we can now move on with the preps. Happy!

Here's a picture of The Loft:



Note to self: blog about Angels and Demons, Survivor All-Stars, American Idol, and 'Tizers next time.

'Tizers

Before you reach the doors of the Eastwood theaters you'll pass a stall called 'Tizers. They serve finger foods, such as fries, calamares, chicken fingers, and potato skins. I ordered the "Moo! Fries" and it was absolutely YUMMY! Moo Fries has garlic dip, cheese, and beef sauce. You gotta try it!

I hope that they'll have the potato skins next time.

Something's Gotta Give

[SPOILER ALERT]

The movie was hilarious! I remember frowning the first time I saw the trailer. I thought - "who would want to watch a movie about an old guy and an old woman falling in love?" It was just too weird. But after a while I thought that it could be interesting. I also heard from friends that it's a good movie so Jovan and I watched it a while ago at Eastwood. IT WAS FUNNY! Jack Nicholson was great as ever. And Diane Keaton was a doll! It's refreshing to watch a feel-good-lovey-dovey-romantic-comedy with really good actors. Yes it's a feel good movie, and yes it combines different love-story-elements from past movies (You've Got Mail, movies that featured couples meeting at the Empire State Building...) but these didn't make the movie less interesting. It felt so real, seeing two old people going through life without someone to love then finally finding someone. (But can I just say that Keanu Reeves is just TOO PERFECT in the movie? A good-looking doctor's who's so sweet and totally understanding? Uhhh...)

If you haven't watched the movie, please try to watch it. It's a very entertaining film that will surely take your mind off work or school requirements. Oh yeah, it would be nice to see it with the person you wanna grow old with. :)