Everything Everywhere Everyone Whenever

It's August Again?! WTF.

2011-08-02T03:25:00.003-07:00

Whoa, how time flies.

Can't sleep. I had a big lunch yesterday after I went with friends who went shopping on the Danforth at a place called Body Blue. I knew the place wasn't for me when one of them showed me the men's jeans he was about to buy at $175/pair. I had another friend pick me up at the corner of Danforth and Broadview around noon intending to visit our fave Mexican restaurant: El Sol in East York, only to be disappointed that it's closed because of the civic holiday. We ended up going to Church and Wellesley and settled for Ginger, where we had salad rolls, chicken wings and short beef ribs. Baskin Robbins ice cream cake (pralines and cream) for dessert. I decided to take a quick nap in my friend's apartment which turned into an hours-long zzzzz festival, lol. Now I've been awake all night, tinkering with stats/numbers for work, catching up with e-mails I had not responded to, and realizing I had abandoned this web log all year. Wow, so much has happened since December... I had a seemingly promising job which kinda turned me off when I found out why I sometimes had two cheques for the same pay period. It turned out that they weren't formally recording cash transactions (to avoid paying sales tax). I've been used to companies with nothing to hide when it comes to accounting practices. I'm not willing to invest time in and grow with a company where I could possibly face criminal charges in the future. Just not my cup of tea. So I entertained other opportunities, one of which I took very seriously. After over a month of interviews, personality tests, criminal and work reference checks, I got the job offer. I'm loving my new job - I've been used to managing teams of 30-60 people but managing 20 has not necessarily been easier - there are many aspects that are as challenging, but that could be mostly because I had never sold clothes before this gig. Luckily, my new "engagement team" is comprised of awesome, vibrant people who have high product knowledge and lovable personalities. The company is Mark's and I'm currently the "Assistant Store Operator - Engagement" at our flagship store here in the GTA - it's the highest volume store in the region and I hope I get to learn fast enough to get my own high-volume store in six months or so. For now, I'm happy acclimating to a new corporate culture. I was invited to speak at the quarterly district meeting last week. With the help of talking points that I hand-wrote minutes before my anticipated 45-minute presentation, I was able to do it in less than 30 minutes with a sustained smile, lol. Now, I just have to see if the pilot project I designed and initiated will make a substantial difference. We'll see.

Well, I'm about to move into my new place. I have been homeless since July 15th when the person who traveled to Australia and India needed her room back. I can't move to my new place until this weekend. Luckily one of my best friends decided to adopt me for a couple of weeks, lol. Her husband is also an awesome friend of mine so it actually worked out 'cause I get to hang out with them and strengthen our relationship. They also have a very cute 2-year old boy who's very comfortable being around me so we always have a great time hanging out.

I didn't have home wifi access until a couple of days ago. My friend forgot the password. It's all good now.

Well, typing this much seems to have done the job. I feel sleepy now. Birthday's around the corner. I have a friend whom I went to elementary school with visiting Toronto with her husband around that time. There's a Journey concert at the Molson Amphitheater the night before my bday so if there are still tickets maybe it would be a good time to hear Arnel Pineda live, for the first time. Hope there are tickets left.

Small Decorations Make a Huge Difference

2010-12-04T15:56:00.007-08:00

The staff where I live put up some decorations yesterday reminding me that it's that time of the year. It also made me realize it's been at least 15 years since I had Christmas decor where I resided. Maybe I'm just a drama king but I had forgotten how good it felt, the difference it made - perhaps I pine for a time gone by when I would look under the tree to check if the brat got what he asked, ahem, forced his parents to get at whatever cost. I wish I could go back in time and tell my father it was okay if I didn't get what I wanted. 'Cause when my Ma would say no, I always went to my Pa and he always obliged. Always. I miss him so much.

Merry Christmas y'all!

Cool Painting

2010-12-04T15:41:00.003-08:00

I was snooping around and I found a painting of where I now live. The third floor is a chocolate factory. There's a creative arts studio and a big office space on the second floor and a community centre on the first. I can't believe my luck finding this place. Thanks Craigslist!

Thanks Auntie!

2010-12-01T00:27:00.004-08:00

Well, I'm trying but I can't sleep. I might as well blog. I reviewed my blog tonight and wow, there's some effed up schtuff on here, lol. I guess over the years, I mostly blogged in the wee hours of the night and the mind is in a different sphere at 3am as opposed to 4pm or 8pm.

I just want to take the time to thank a very special aunt of mine whom despite years of endless frustration from me, does not give up believing in me and is always there when I'm in need. Three weeks ago she took me shopping for a bed and took me to Scarberia's best dimsum place to boot. I just got my new place in Toronto but I didn't have anything to sleep on except the floor. My stuff is in storage in California and I came to Toronto only with two suitcases. To me, even when I had lots of money, the price of beds always confounded me - I don't know why they're so expensive. Actually, I have not owned a bed since I left Vancouver in 2006 and that bed was from a friend who moved to Manitoba - even when I had a luxury condo in Seattle, I always just bought a cheap futon set. Until now. Thanks to my Aunt Esther. She bought me a very nice bed (I was so amazed at the price, and she even gave me the option of getting the more expensive type but I didn't like the feel of that one as much) and had it delivered the very same day - she also gave me a bedding set and I totally dug the colours. Well, I've been sleeping very well these days. It's good to be cared for. It's good to be loved.

Before...

After!

A New Beginning

2010-10-05T23:12:00.003-07:00

I lost my job today for something I unknowingly did about a year ago. Boy, was it big and it was nobody else's fault but mine. I now fully understand and accept my fate. However, it's still as if I lost a substantial part of my identity - when you've dedicated your life to something for 8 years, you can't help that it becomes part of who you are. I feel like a huge chunk of my physical body is suddenly missing and surprised to see that I'm still a whole.

These last 8 years have been quite the thrilling ride - I saw and experienced so many places and most importantly, I developed friendships in three different countries - yes, acquaintances too but I'm talking about amazing relationships that will last a lifetime, and that if it weren't for the job, I would not have possibly fostered. Despite challenges I faced in my personal life, I truly feel that I have become better, more confident, and more compassionate as a human being and my life as it is now is richer because of what my job brought me.

I'm looking forward to what new adventures await me as I open up new doors - I talked to my loved ones today and they are there to morally support me until I'm back up on my feet. I even have an apartment in Canada I can crash in for as long as I need. To my friends, acquaintances, and mentors at Whole Foods - thank you for the awesome ride. I'm now a customer for life and wish the company continued success. You spoiled me rotten!

Please Learn

2010-08-23T00:20:00.004-07:00

If you have even the very least amount of consideration for me or anyone else you love and loves you, please learn from this video. I see too many people I care so much about doing this and it's just a matter of time when something will enthrall them enough to not pay attention for that mere half a second when it matters. Please click here.

Birthday Note

2010-08-10T02:56:00.005-07:00

Well, happy birthday to me. I haven't blogged in a while. It's a little past 330am on my birthday - and while I wait for my laundry to get done, I thought I'd spend some time writing down my thoughts as I turn 29 again for very many years now, lol. I'm currently homeless and have been crashing at a friend's place for quite some time, saving me a over a month's worth in rent money, helping pay down debts. Unfortunately, he's moving to Berkeley in a few days so I gotta find a new place around Palo Alto, and fast. Oh, the joys of being nomadic. All in all, living wherever the kickass company I work for finds me useful has been quite a beautiful adventure. There was no way I could have lived the life I have led, experienced places I've been to, and have lifelong friends from Vancouver, BC and both the U.S. and the U.K. as a direct result of my employment with Whole Foods, if they didn't place trust in me. For that, I am truly grateful and never tire of going to work each day. Sometimes I catch myself saying "What, they're issuing and re-issuing me a U.S. work visa, and paying me shitloads of money to have fun?" It's like I don't actually have a job but I get paid to do this thing I love doing anyway, and to be an extended-stay tourist in beautiful cities. I sometimes feel a little guilty but I simply do my best when I'm on the clock. So far, I have been happy with the results of my efforts and I truly adore my teams (former and current) - they always turn out to be a bunch of beautiful human beings who enhance my own existence just by being around them and as a result I learn about the deeper meanings of life through those experiences and relationships. The customers in different global neighborhoods are also a delight. I hope that I can continue to be useful because more than money, I value the feeling of being needed.

I just saw Step Up 3D a few hours ago - fun movie. I also discovered Cazwell this week and have been mesmerized by his video Watch My Mouth. I have faved it on YouTube, lol. I think Cazwell's new video Ice Cream Truck has deep relevance. I might sound shallow because the video is comprised of gogo dancers but I think I may have a point. This video shatters cultural expectations - if these dancers were female, no one would bat an eyelash. This video is relevant because it shows that gay people are as diverse as the heterosexuals. This Cazwell dude is my man - he's got it going on. He doesn't have to look like Boy George or Ru-Paul to make waves. Also, he reminds me of the things I liked about the guy I was dating/living with exactly this time last year - my ex moves like, is as tall as, and has the same eye color as Cazwell, but a tad thinner and much younger. Only problem is, my Ma did not like him at all, hahaha.... She was annoyed when I brought him to dinner when she was visiting Cali last year. I hope she likes my new bf. I have a feeling she will (crossing my fingers because she will meet him in October).

It's a little disappointing how normal I feel now that it's my birthday - I wanted to feel a special feeling but it's not there. I feel... good. Because normal is much better than what I went through over the last year and a half. It's crazy how one can make a series of very bad decisions without knowing how deep the hole they have dug themself into has become - and now, the road to recovery has not reached the destination but I continue to tread it. Lesson learned, and I must move forward.

I miss my father. I wish he were still here. But you... you are here and that's awesome. If you have read this far, it's more likely than not that you're a friend or we're linked by blood. Either way, on my special day, I thank you for your friendship.

I think my laundry is done. I will leave you two beautiful quotes about friendship that I also discovered a couple of days back. They truly resonated with me and I hope they also resonate with you when you think of me and you, even if we have not seen each other in a long while:

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." - Anais Nin

"Love is blind, but friendship closes its eyes."

"Time isn't what makes a friendship last...It's love and devotion that keeps the tie between souls."

"A true friend is the one who knows more about you than yourself and still loves you"

"You cannot say you've lost a friend. If a friendship is capable of ending, it is because it never existed."

"True friends are never apart, maybe in distance, but not in heart"

"There is an exquisite melody in every heart. If we listen closely, we can hear each other's song. A friend knows the song in your heart and responds with beautiful harmony."

"True friendship is sitting together in silence and feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had."

"We laughed
until we had to cry.
We gave love,
right down to our last goodbye.
We were the best
we thought we'd ever be
Just you and me,
for just a moment..."

Little Marky No More

2010-03-08T22:11:00.010-08:00

I just finished kindergarten but I vividly remember when my mother and father came back from the doctor's office and announced to everyone the amazing news. She was pregnant.

Six months later, the best gift (then, now, and always will be) that our family ever received came into our lives. So precious, so amazing, so loved. I have resplendent memories, moments when my father tearfully held this wonderful baby in his arms. And now, if I were to describe how he is: Mark Anthony Cruz is so precious, so amazing, and so loved.

My little brother is getting married next month and I'm his best man. I left him when he was in first grade but perhaps the first several years that we spent together was strong enough to keep us connected the way brothers should be. I am very proud of him and I can't wait to be a part of this special day for him and Lei, on April 17th.

Missing You So Much

2009-09-14T03:24:00.004-07:00

Pa,

I can't sleep. It's your birthday today. The past year has been quite a challenge and I wish so much that you were around. It still tears me apart that you're gone no matter how much time passes. Had I known I would see you for the last time that morning I left for Vancouver, I would have wanted to hug you for even just a few more minutes. I miss you. I love you. Happy birthday wherever you are...

Your son,
Joey Cruz

impaling dick

2009-08-31T02:26:00.006-07:00

whenever i see dick cheney on tv i change the channel. there's something about that man that is just not right. however, i decided to watch his most recent interview while channel surfing. i do not like commenting on political matters but in this case, the views of someone in politics who was once practically the ruler of the world's most influential nation actually crossed a boundary that is so important not to overlook.

there are two things at hand here. one is a report recommending that lawyers who approved the barbaric interrogation techniques be disbarred. he condemned that report. furthermore, cheney vehemently opposed the current justice department's inquiry on and review into the actions of cia interrogators who might have exceeded the already inhumane but "approved" techniques when dealing with terrorists. he even made it clear that even those interrogators who specifically went beyond what was legally authorized by the bush administration should be free from repercussions.

there is no question that these terrorists deserved to go to hell. i would definitely be even more passionate about it if i were a relative/friend of victims who perished - arguably, we are all victims - our collective lives and destinies as humans changed after 9/11. what gets me is cheney himself and what is coming out of this man's mouth that exposes the mechanics of his mind - they are indicators of the scary things we do not even know about that took place during the bush administration. he argues that his decisions saved lives. that is a theory - no one can prove or disprove what didn't happen. through this interview, what i saw as off about this man came into full view.

laws are based on precedence, and the sad fact that we were once a barbaric species. we are now somewhat proud human beings in huge part because of the establishment of laws that almost always prevent people like cheney who think they are above it from taking us back to being animals. and those who approved horrific tactics, especially those who approved going beyond them, should be reprimanded to the fullest extent of the law. this is not a political matter - it's a legal matter and more importantly, a moral matter.

this former vice-president is astounding in his reasoning. his moral compass is off. he more than likely played a bigger part in the abandonment of codes of conduct and the approval of these excessive techniques, more than that of the lawyers about to be disbarred. he went on to say that this inquiry was going to inflict great damage to the american people's capacity to be able to recruit/attract people to do difficult jobs, make difficult decisions if they had to worry about what a different administration was going to say in the future.

yes, mr. cheney, people are responsible for their actions - they should question what people in power are okaying them to do if it defies their conscience. that you do not understand why we must stick to what is lawful in any circumstance only reaffirms your unsuitability for high office that you were trusted to protect the moral code of. as a vice-president, people relied on your leadership to execute goals within the parameters of those laws. if you could not do that effectively, you should have resigned and made way for someone who could. your actions arguably have made matters worse in your arrogance. you are very dangerous, sir. you have complete disregard for the human struggle for true peace and unity. your lack of comprehension of this, as someone who affected/shaped our world in a substantial way, confounds me and honestly scares me of what the future unknowingly holds for people now that you made decisions while in office, unchained a series of events, of which the visible and perhaps even fatal consequences might outlive you.

as for the personal memoir you were publicizing during the interview that you claim will be a great book, eff you sir. eff you.

much ado about something

2009-08-17T01:51:00.003-07:00

i really like obama, and i know that he's only looking out for the well-being of his people and their current needs. but i'm going to paste this article i just read because it talks about another person i really like and his visionary ideas that actually affect me because i happened to be employed by this company. though he referenced my health care plan, he spoke on his own behalf and not on behalf of whole foods so i gotta also paste a part of another article before i paste the main one....

part of another posting:
=====================================================
(http://themoderatevoice.com/43214/what-john-mackey-of-whole-foods-actually-wrote-vs-what-the-wsj-ran-see-for-yourself/):

...Mackey had submitted the piece entitled Health Care Reform, and that whichsoever editor at WSJ had apparently changed the title, retitling it: The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare.

One title exact in terms of Mr. Mackey taking to heart what we have all been told, that President Obama wants our ideas about health care reform et al… and the latter title seeming not bad, but changing the meaning from ‘here are my ideas,’ to being open to interpretation as being ‘against.’
=====================================================

here's the main article...
============================================
(http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=33161)

Boycott Obamacare, Not Whole Foods
by Jo Ann Skousen
08/17/2009

Fueled by a typically deliberate misrepresentation of the facts by the Huffington Post, "illiberals" in the blogosphere are trying to launch a boycott against Whole Foods because of an op-ed piece CEO John Mackey wrote in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

Proponents of the boycott point to Mackey's supposed insensitivity for suggesting that people should take responsibility for their own health by eating healthful foods, exercising, and avoiding things like alcohol and tobacco. To whom is the suggestion of personal responsibility offensive? Only to liberals who believe -- uniformly -- that the government is wiser than its citizens and should thus direct their every act.

Let's look at the rest of Mackey's article (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204251404574342170072865070.html)-- the real plan that the people who write the Huffington Post and other liberal blogs would like to keep you from taking seriously. It’s based on the benefits package that his company provides for its team members and it is, in every particular, better than what we’ve been told about Obamacare.

First, Whole Foods provides health insurance and pays 100 % of the premiums for any employee working 30 hours a week -- a whopping 89 % of its work force. Hardly a reason to boycott a company and put many of those people out of work.

Mackey's plan relies on a combination of high-deductible insurance for major medical needs--injuries, diseases, and chronic conditions -- and personal savings accounts to cover average health needs -- check-ups, flu, ear infections, etc. Insensitive? Too expensive for the worker? But wait -- Whole Foods funds the employees' savings accounts to pay their deductibles! According to the article, Whole Foods "provide up to $1,800 per year in additional health-care dollars through deposits into employees' Personal Wellness Accounts to spend as they choose on their own health and wellness." And this deserves a boycott?

Here's how it works, and how it could work for any American:

It begins with a high-deductible insurance policy. Under this plan, insurance premiums are much lower -- as much as half the cost of so-called "full-coverage" or low-deductible plans--because most people don't have catastrophic illnesses and injuries each year and thus don't "use" their insurance. Insurance companies can then do what insurance companies are supposed to do -- amass funds during good years to cover losses during bad years.

Meanwhile, people literally "save the difference" in their premiums by setting aside money in a government-authorized "Health Savings Account" and drawing on those savings whenever health needs occur. In good years, the funds roll over to the next year. In bad years, the funds in the HSA are available to cover deductibles until the insurance coverage kicks in. The money belongs to the individual, not to the insurance company.

Under this system, users have an incentive to look for the most appropriate care for each specific problem, and at the best cost. Health care providers have an incentive to offer the best quality care at a lower cost. Best of all, the insurance company can stand aside on day-to-day issues. No longer do you have to ask your insurance company whether your dentist or acupuncturist or ob/gyn is covered. It's your HSA, and it's up to you to decide how to spend it.

If you get sick, you're covered. And if you don't get sick, you get to keep the money in your HSA until you do get sick. Either way, it's a great program for the user, and a cheaper program for the company. It works for large companies, small companies, and the self-employed. Everyone wins. Except those who want the government to control the health care system.

Boycott Whole Foods? Ridiculous! That will only hurt the employees who will be let go when sales drop. I suggest an anti-boycott. Let's call it "An Apple for your Health." Go to your local Whole Foods today and buy an apple. Tell the clerk you're buying the apple for their health -- to keep their jobs and their health care in place. And enjoy the apple--it will be good for your health, too.
============================================

crux redux

2009-07-24T02:12:00.024-07:00

in the ordinary mist of a picturesque village
amid faceless bodies of burlesque villains
the silhouette of breathtaking mountains
became the vanishing backdrop for my fate
so i beg you summon your moral compass
for i have become powerless over you
that whenever i hear your voice
i can not help getting entranced
enthralled, enchanted, and electrified
and i succumb to your dizzying essence

into a mad spell i am free falling
with your substratal savoir faire
your soft lips now touch my ear
as you utter words of gratitude
sweet scent of self-assured sweat
penetrating all six of my senses
infusing my lungs like a lethal dose
of some ancient mystifying potion
incapacitating my will to reason
for what will be two scores of a moon

that same moment
for a millisecond of every day
until i breathe my last breath
until i fail defying my last blink
will flash before my very eyes
as a reminder of whom i have become
the tangled web of an ambitious premise
my misguided acquiescence to your promise
to care for, hold with predilection, and fortify
my now completely debilitated heart

crux

2009-07-23T02:09:00.012-07:00

in the desert of my dreams
i saw you there
walking towards the water steaming
body cold and bare

but your words cut loose the fire
and you left my soul to bleed
the pain that's in your truth
is deceiving me and has got me scared

through your eyes the strains of battle
are like a brooding storm
you're up and down these pristine velvet walls
that focus never forms
my walls are getting wider
and my eyes are drawn astray
i see you now as a vague deception
of a dying day

i fall into the water
and once more i turn to you
and the crowds were standing staring faceless
cutting off my view to you
they start to limply flail their bodies
in a twisted mime
and i'm lost inside this tangled web
in which i'm lain entwined

you're gone and i'm lost inside
this tangled web
in which i'm lain
entwined

My Mother and Two Beautiful Men

2009-05-29T12:04:00.001-07:00

4am at SFO on our way to Canada. Eugenio and Tim dropped me off at the airport so early in the morning to meet up with my Ma.

I Heart My Ma

2009-05-29T10:06:00.007-07:00

My Ma with the Chius on Mother's Day in Long Beach, CA

Financially for me, the timing was wrong but my mother's visit is so special because it's her first visit to North America. I can only wish my Pa was still around to be with her. My relatives in L.A. had been taking care of her and she has been everywhere - Disneyland, Universal Studios, on a cruise with my uncle's family, Vegas, Grand Canyon, San Francisco, and now Canada.

Luckily, about a month ago there was a super silly special on airfares from SFO to Buffalo. And I mean just ridiculously low return fare. My Ma bought tickets for us two and I'm glad to be accompanying her - I couldn't imagine her being alone especially at the airport in Boston for our connecting flight. Two of my aunts and an uncle picked us up in Buffalo and we went straight to Niagara Falls. The border was not a problem at all and we zipped right through. The plan was for the "senior citizens" to tour Niagara Falls then head to Ottawa. I had dinner with my family in Niagara Falls and came straight to Toronto where I've been hanging out with my best friend at his place in The Beaches here in the T dot O dot. I will see Ma again this Saturday when a family get-together takes place somewhere.

I'm using this time to take care of my expired Canadian passport as well. Apparently, I can pick it up this coming Monday, June 1st. It better not be delayed or I'm effed - last day for land crossing at the border without a passport is this Sunday. Well, let's hope for the best.

Thankful

2009-03-25T10:55:00.003-07:00

Unbeknownst to many, despite the short moments of happiness here and there, I had been grappling with an enormous challenge for the past several months. In the end it felt so insurmountable that I decided to quit life in California. In the end, the moral damage, the intellectual self-assault, and the quantifiable financial ramifications simply became too overwhelming to even try.

In the process of facing the consequences of my foolishness, I decided to tell those who helped me financially, under false pretenses, the truth of my predicament - to mixed reactions. One segment of my family - the perfect ones I guess - continues to be unforgiving but my close friends and other family have been supportive.

Somehow in the last several days, help came from an unexpected place - enough to start fresh. Enough to re-establish my lost dignity and self-respect. I told the same people the amazing news just so they know that I'll be okay after all.

I couldn't sleep before because I was wondering where I would find money for my train ride the next day, or my next meal... Nowadays, I can't sleep because I am trying to figure out what in the world just happened - how can I be so lucky?

This morning I woke up to an e-mail from one of the people I confided in within my circle of close friends and family. It deeply affected me and made my day. I'm pasting it here...

My dear Joey

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
xxxxxxxxxxx....

Anyway, indeed I felt very happy and relieved when I got your news. You know what? I think you somehow were blessed because of all the good deeds you have done in the past. Yes, in spite of having gone astray, you have done many good things that's why you were given another chance. Please exercise good judgment and plan for a brighter future.

Take care always.

Love
xxxx

The Audacity of Hope

2009-01-22T01:55:00.003-08:00

As Americans exhibit their jubilation here in California and the rest of the country as it seems, I find myself beginning to get out of a rough financial patch. It has been a tough time for me these last few months as I made mistake after mistake in making personal decisions. In the process, I got to know which of my relatives were with me not only in happy times but in debilitating times. And not surprisingly again, I was re-affirmed of the power of friendship. The father of one of my close friends sent me a substantial amount of money to bail me out of my very own wall street drama. Unfortunately, the worst affected by my bad decisions was my mother - she had to send me a big chunk of change. Why I'm blogging about this I have no idea but it's true to my initial intentions of why I started blogging in the first place - to truly remember who I was at any given time when I'm much older.

According to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, each human being, in order to even begin to think about self-actualization, must have the basic essentials: air, water, food, sleep, and sex. I'm finding that whenever I'm in a crisis, I seem to need these basic essentials even more to barely survive!

In the middle of my financial mishap, I explored many things that were free - going to Golden Gate Park is a good example, so is sleeping as much as possible between the times you have to earn a living. But the most glaring discovery that does not cost a penny has got to be finding a whole underground world of people on craigslist, hahaha.... Getting to know Americans just got more intimate.

What I re-found (I actually started exploring craigslist-sf when I first got to California a year ago but I stopped when I moved to Mountain View)... what I re-discovered were human beings longing to be free. It's very hard to find "normal" people with alternative needs. They do not go to gay pubs/clubs - they talk about their "lady" when at work, in social gatherings, or when they're actually with their girlfriend; they are passionate about football and baseball, and the huge importance of being seen as a true man. When really, they all fall into Kinsey's convincing theory on human sexuality.

I'm sad to say that this feeling of shame is more true of Americans than Canadians - I miss Canadian guys - we are not so worried about perceptions of manhood. This is probably partly why Proposition 8 passed in California while you are free to marry whomever you like in Canada. I don't know but it's merely my own observation. Are there Canadian men/women who do not announce to the whole world that they have sexual relations with those of the same gender? Well, of course. Plenty. But the mindsets are distinctively different. Canadians keep it a secret not because of shame but rather their private nature - it's none of anyone else's business, rather than "I'm afraid of what people will think".

I had no idea until lately that I would find my target group outside of San Francisco. They do exist here in Silicon Valley! Elation is always the main feeling when I'm in touch online before a hookup or in person when the time to meet comes. However, there is this sense of sadness for these scared individuals as if their world would crumble if anyone they knew found out that they've been with another guy. And perhaps it's true for them. This is quite unfortunate. What happened in humanity's relatively short history to have people feel this way? I got into a discussion with a guy from Europe who happens to live in California too. He says he is comfortable with who he is but hates being referred to as gay or bi. We explored this mini conundrum a little bit and I have also decided that I do not like this reference either.

I, therefore, would like to mark this moment in my life as when I began loathing these labels: gay, straight, bi. We are human beings and I truly think throughout history our true natural human inclinations were suppressed by societal dictates that were imposed by religion and a social hierarchy gone bad. Why can't we all just.... love? In any case, we are where we are at this point in humanity's existence - I think it's up to individuals to resist the comfort of such labels and simply be the awesome individuals that we all are.

Human beings embracing individuality as the true key to world peace is my hope and depending on your own perspective, you just might not find it that audacious.

SF Pride Day 2008

2008-12-16T03:04:00.011-08:00

Saturday, June 28, 2008 - San Francisco

What Cyndi Lauper looks like nowadays - sure she still wants to have fun...

Chick With A Strong Message

Well, one out of two ain't too bad...

Very cool choice of colors.

Find what's wrong with this picture that I just had to POST.

A Friday To Remember

2008-12-16T01:43:00.011-08:00

Haven't blogged in a while. October and November 2008 were the very first months I missed having at least one entry a month. Well, it's time to kinda catch up. I have literally thousands of photos of random events and places it would be impossible for someone who has a full-time job to actually sift through it all.

This particular night, which happened to be a Friday, was one for the books. Eugenio and I met up with Lonni who flew in from Canada with a friend. We didn't actually see them until after the kickass show - we had a nice time over late dinner at Osha in downtown San Francisco.

I never thought I would see Nine Inch Nails live but there I was that one night in September of 2008, totally mesmerized by the music, the lyrics, and the eye-popping actual show/production. Photographs do not do justice and words fail to describe the genius of Trent Reznor.

Friday, September 5, 2008 - The Oracle Arena, Oakland

American Politics

2008-09-28T17:55:00.003-07:00

No, I am not able to have a say who gets to be the next leaders of this country even though I currently live in unbelievably-always-sunny California, but I am utterly fascinated by the upcoming presidential elections, or should I say... farcical spectacle and drama? Here's a country so powerful and the envy of the world while I was growing up, I can't help but hope that its people transcend the current economic and moral challenges beholding them. The key has got to be the choice of its leadership -when nothing else is constant, the one universal unchanging societal truth everyone can hold onto is that every group, corporation, or country is reliant upon the vision of its leader.

One thing I seek to understand is the undeniable support of Sarah Palin among the "regular" folks despite her inability to show that she is qualified to be second-in-command to a not-so-healthy septuagenarian would-be commander-in-chief. But then "qualification" is relative, I guess?

Right way or wrong way, Americans will choose their own destiny this November. It's interesting to see if the whole country can collectively look at itself in the mirror and reflect on what's truly important to them. I am hopeful that sensibility will prevail - this year or 4, 8 years from now.

Glorious Day At The Park

2008-08-04T01:31:00.008-07:00

I had a great time with my team a few days ago when we all walked to the park, complete with shopping carts filled with drinks and awesome giveaway prizes like Swiss Army Luggage, a nice toaster oven, and an iPod nano. We had tons and tons of Round Table Pizzas delivered to the park and by the end of four hours under the sun, everybody got a prize. What fun. I'm so proud of my team - they are the reason I look forward to going to work everyday.

(l-r) Gabriel, Alex, Yanti, Marlin, Joey, Enrique, and Jessica

July 31, 2008
A Park in Palo Alto
A photo of two-thirds of my team was taken when we first got to the park. I said, "Let's get a picture of us before the pizza arrives, while we're still a little thinner!"

Amusement Park

2008-08-04T01:21:00.003-07:00

July 31, 2008
Great America
Santa Clara, California

I saw this amusement park from the highway the very first day I got to North America when I was a kid back in the 80's. I went there for the first time last Thursday and it was a fun day of roller coasters and other rides like "Psycho Mouse", Delirium and the always-terrifying ride of all, Drop Zone. Most importantly, I had a lot of fun with my team, playing dance revolution and eating funnel cakes topped with sugar powder, chocolate syrup, and vanilla soft-serve ice cream. We stayed until almost closing time.

Extreme Boredom

2008-07-28T00:53:00.002-07:00

Joe and Mark
Assisi, Italy

I'm looking at old photos and this is how I feel right now - no I'm not in a prayer mode but rather I'm so bored out of my mind I wanna slit my wrists. I'm looking at my life and my love for fun has reached a plateau - the constant search for stimulus, the desire to have a higher experience than the last whenever I move to a new city, the spontaneous drastic decisions, the impromptu trips... I have come to a point where I create shit just to be entertained, to feel alive.

According to facebook, hahaha.... I have been to 200 cities in 14 countries. That may not even be good enough to qualify me as an expert nor the authority in urban studies, but I have concluded that every city, regardless of cultural differences, is the same as the other.

I was talking to one of my best friends today and what an awesome feeling it is to be in touch - I miss Mark, I miss Craig, I miss Nadine, I miss Chris A., and a handful of other close friends, but Mark and I go way back - I was talking to him today and it was as if we never didn't talk for ages. I think being with your closest friend(s) is the best feeling in the world - even better than being awestruck by seeing something so majestic like Piazza Venezia right after a deep sleep in a car and being awaken to "Joe, wake up we're in Rome..." - the moments you do not forget no matter how much time has passed.

Geographical pleasures have now begun to flatline for me though. I think I have to see the giant icebergs of the north pole to be excited again. For example, I wish I never went to see Stonehenge. The place was always the ultimate dream to get to. However, when I got there it was an extreme disappointment - to have wished seeing it and imagining it would have been such a better feeling than actually being there.

In terms of people - acquaintances and coworkers, it's always a great pleasure to meet new people - the astonishing part is that anyone new is exactly the same person from another city. I could meet anyone and they would remind me of someone else from another city in three continents. We are all interconnected as human beings - and this is what I'm learning as I go along.

Spending time with people you love (friends and family) is still a better experience than anything one could feel gallivanting. The one-on-one moments with whom you are close is the only thing that consistently gets better and better each time. I consider myself fortunate to have such people in my life wherever the wind takes me.

But the dilemma remains - no matter how generally awesome life is, the boredom between those amazing high moments are beginning to be unbearable.

Life must offer way more than what anyone already has, in relative terms? Everything that's fun can't possibly be the same as something else you've already experienced.

I believe I can see the future
Cause I repeat the same routine
I think I used to have a purpose
But then again
That might have been a dream
I think I used to have a voice
Now I never make a sound

Every day is exactly the same
Every day is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Every day is exactly the same

Accidental Pic

2008-07-06T01:59:00.002-07:00

Well, I left my camera again, the battery of which was dying anyway because of all the shots of the very long parade earlier in the day. Good thing a friend's friend brought their camera with them that night. I'm very intrigued by how I look when I've had a lot to drink. It's almost jarring.

Sunday, June 29th
SF Pride Weekend
Inside "Jet"

Broccoli-Shaped Birthday Cake

2008-06-08T03:58:00.002-07:00

I've been forgetting to take my camera along with me lately so I'm glad I didn't forget it last night. Pretty cool seeing a birthday cake that looks like a giant broccoli. Adam had his 26th birthday celebration and here's a photo of the cake...

Saturday, June 7, 2008
Mountain View, California

the embarcadero

2008-05-25T09:12:00.015-07:00

you were already on the other side of the door
before my senses could gather enough strength
a stream of light unsuccessfully persisted through
along with the tiniest whimpering of a breeze

the lamp was in the way
i couldn't quite catch a last full glimpse
of the right side of your visage
the tuft of auburn on your chin had to suffice

i imagine you have barely reached the elevators
yet i already miss the scent of your nape
and the feel of the rough patch on your left forearm
burnt by the deep fryers of where you work

last night you asked me for a cigarette
by the majestic sight of the bridge to oakland
we described the entire past year of our lives
all within the lifetime of a camel

today when i re-awaken from this ferocious fatigue
from another series of fleeting infinities
from the random destiny of another saturday night
i will walk down steuart street

i will cross market and reach drumm
sip coffee and hope to hear a ship's mighty horn
contemplate having fish and chips for lunch
for i now have a slight need to know your name

Gays Are An Abomination

2008-05-19T00:42:00.009-07:00

Growing up Catholic, from the exact moment I developed self-awareness praying in front of a giant altar in our living room, to my Roman Catholic schooling from kindergarten in Manila to the time I dropped out of high school in Ottawa, I've pretty much heard about the contents of the entire Holy Bible. I distinctly remember being in Grade 5 or 6, a time when my private school in Manila was seeking higher accreditation so we could gain more prominence and they could justify charging higher tuition fees, when part of getting this accreditation entailed getting audited by members of whichever governing body decided who got the honor. They were comprised of priests, nuns, and other religious administrative figures. They did visit and because I was part of the 'star section', my classmates and I were whom the nuns of St. Mary's Academy wanted to show off. We were herded into the small audiovisual room where we greeted our guests. The discussion turned into the sanctity of the church and the focus was the Bible. It was then I raised my hand and asked the panelists "Who physically wrote the Bible and how do we know they were truly the exact words and thoughts of God?" I don't remember much except for the collective intake of breath of those who were faced with this question and the remarkable way all their chests expanded in unison. I do remember the session ending with my own immature mind unconvinced by whatever came out of their mouths.

You see, in the Book of Leviticus, "God" described homosexuality as an abomination. It is something to be condemned and fought against, and righteously so. It is therefore understandable, whether or not the fundamental structure of the Roman Catholic Church is flawed because no one can really convince even an 11-year old that the Bible came from God him/herself, that the religious fundamentalists are so passionate about homosexuality - many of whom even partake in it and simply repent to be able to enter God's kingdom. How interesting it is that a substantial number of men marries women without telling them they are homosexuals - depriving those women of time (and in many unfortunate instances a lifetime) they can never get back - depriving them of the opportunity to find totally reciprocal notions of love, trust, and honesty. Are these men evil or are they victims of societal dictates, the power of conformity, and an environment wherein it's everybody's business what you do with your own life?

Canada granted all Canadian homosexuals the right to marry. It was a jubilant time for the majority of taxpaying Canadian Citizens like me. Now that I'm temporarily living in the U.S., the issue of gay marriage is in the forefront once again here in California, where the government takes an average of $2,000 a month from my pay. The state, through its court system, recently allowed homosexual couples to marry to the dismay of the putatively moral groups comprised mainly of devout, religious members of a plethora of churches. They are determined to fight it and have even gathered enough signatures to try and change the constitution.

Here comes my series of ignorant questions: Why are these people doing this? Why can't they live their own lives and be happy for other human beings? Why can't they live their own lives and be happy they've chosen what they know or think is the right path? How does it negatively affect their lives when two gay people they most probably don't even know choose to marry and have the legal right to the financial and social benefits of all married couples? Why do these morally righteous religious groups of people not condemn establishments like Red Lobster and all restaurants, all grocery stores that serve shrimps?

The Book of Leviticus also righteously proclaims that eating shellfish is an abomination. I would have so much more respect for these people if they were also making an active effort to enact laws banning clams, prawns, mussels and scallops. Why pick and choose what "God" describes as horrible? Where is their integrity?

By the way, marriage is a legal issue. In its generally regarded form, it's simply a document, a contract between two people who choose to spend the rest of their lives together (hopefully). If a religious institution chooses to not perform marriage ceremonies for a certain sector of the population, that is also their right. Then don't! But do not extend your own definition of marriage beyond the institution. I am homosexual. Actually, I'm confused right now. I don't know if I want to limit my sexuality. I've come to a point in my life where such a big declaration actually irritates me and limits my own capacity to enjoy the one life I get to live. I want to enjoy another human quality - the capacity to change and adapt to a constantly changing world. In any case, I do not want to marry. No thanks. But you better give me the right to do so if I choose to someday. I expect it because I pay the same taxes as everyone else does. If you choose to not give me the same right to financial benefits that everyone else enjoys being married, then I better have a tax cut for being an abomination so I'm not paying as much taxes as you do.

In conclusion, the true abomination is the senseless rise and power of conformity and how it has proliferated our current culture - it has become a human inclination to proudly grab their own dogma and expect everyone else to believe what they believe - throughout history, conformity became the only option and if you did not conform to what everyone else was doing, you were shut out of your own world. You're a homosexual? That is disgusting, dude! How was anyone supposed to feel? It's also a human inkling to be accepted, not rejected. Diversity was historically not considered a positive facet of life. This was understandable because of how we were all geographically disjointed so we needed to have a communal identity, to counterbalance out the paranoia, not knowing what was happening beyond our own individual regions (the cold war being an example). With time, television, automobiles, trains, planes, computers, and technology in general, people got to know faraway places and how their 'enemies' in Russia were actually as lovely, as needy, as greedy, and as human as they were, for example. Geography in some sense became a minuscule hindrance to saying "fuck you" to conformity. Human beings became extremely mobile and people of whatever interest found each other somehow. They formed neighborhoods, clubs, communities - and essentially their own worlds. Nevertheless, only in very recent history has diversity been embraced. Diversity has proven once and for all that social order can be sustained and even reach a higher degree in its inclusion to everything a society does. Even the most successful businesses came to the stark realization that diversity was a necessary ingredient to sustaining profit - stark because of the lost time (and profit) of not realizing this earlier. Homogeneity, a main ingredient of communism along with conformity, is slowly but surely making its way out and thankfully so. Conformity diminishes the personality, the individuality of each human being, the right to live freely. People are not able to reach their potential to positively contribute to society when they are ridiculed and told they can not exercise their very own nature even when they are not harming others. We all did not choose to be born and for that very reason, we all deserve the right to live how we choose to live as individuals. People who choose to spend their time belittling others deprive themselves of the tremendous opportunity to heighten their own knowledge of the world we live in. Instead of enriching their own experiences, they choose to persecute those who just want to be accorded the same privacy and rights most cherish. I say leave the gays and repent for eating Aunt Mary's oyster and Uncle Bob's crabs.

The Tempestuous Magnificence of the Pacific Ocean

2008-05-06T01:12:00.003-07:00

Sunday, May 4, 2008
Half Moon Bay, California

New Month, New Apartment, New Roommate

2008-05-06T00:31:00.004-07:00

Moving is not my favorite thing in the world but I seem to do it a lot. The worst is not the moving itself but the preparation for it, and even worse - the unpacking.

Well, luckily I really really like my new place and my new city/town: Mountain View, California - home of Google. The apartment is a 2-bedroom unit, almost 1,000 sq feet with a private patio. It's blocks away from downtown Mountain View and has three swimming pools - one heated all year round, a decent fitness center, a tennis court, a volleyball court, and a basketball court, in addition to picnic grounds. A great thing is the 24-hour ability to do laundry - that was what I missed about my former pad in Seattle.

Here's a photo of the outside of the new apartment on the day we moved in. That's my friend/roommate Eugenio inside the truck.

Goodness Gracious, WTF - Hahaha...

2008-04-21T00:10:00.004-07:00

Downtown Vancouver @ 4:20pm on 4/20

A friend sent me this photo taken only several hours ago in Vancouver, B.C. Amazing tradition every year. I bet there were so many more people there being Sunday instead of the usual weekday. I miss this town - the people, the scenery, the nightlife, and definitely the very open "traditions".

An Open Letter To You Dude

2008-04-14T21:05:00.006-07:00

Dear Dude,

In my moments of great despair and sorrow such as the passing of my father, and since my decision to traverse westward, you have always been there for me. And now, despite our immense geographical distance, you're still there - looking out for my well-being, asking for absolutely nothing in return.

I must have done something so right in this world to deserve your fantastic friendship. I don't know how to thank you but I want you to know that I am so grateful and feel fortunate to have you in my life.

It has been æons since I stopped believing in angels, so it is a beautiful, powerful feeling to be reaffirmed that angels do walk the earth with the rest of us ordinary people, because whether or not you are consciously aware of your own capacity for deep compassion and even deeper beneficence, you my friend, are definitely an angel.

Thank you! I would be lost without you.

Always,
Joe

Alcatraz From The Bridge

2008-04-09T07:21:00.004-07:00

The Alcatraz shot from The Golden Gate Bridge - Monday afternoon, April 7th.

Eugenio took this photo, while we were driving from The Fisherman's Wharf on our way (spontaneously) to Stinson Beach, and I really liked how the shot turned out. Earlier in the day, there were protesters on the bridge hanging "Free Tibet" banners.

SF "nightlife"

2008-04-02T14:10:00.011-07:00

Sensory Overload

2008-03-14T11:20:00.009-07:00

The past two months have been such a whirlwind. Everyday is a discovery of something new - whether geographical, cultural or that of cuisine, and definitely those of insight. A whole universe of possibilities opened up to me when I moved here. I love my job, adore the new people I have met and so fortunate to have some family and a handful of old friends I met from other places be living here in the Bay Area.

I could blog everyday about what fantastic time or moment I had but there isn't enough time to do so. The other night was definitely one for the electronic books though. I got to see two people in the world I've wanted to see do their thing live all these years - Rob Thomas and Alanis Morissette, hahaha....

Well, two items on my list of things to do got ticked off by going to the HP Pavilion in San Jose with one of my closest friends. As Borat would say it: Na-ice!

Alanis Morissette

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - HP Pavilion, San Jose, CA

Rob Thomas with his band, Matchbox Twenty

Ladies and Gents, Christopher and Catherine

2008-02-19T23:23:00.009-08:00

"Hey, what are your plans today?" uttering into my cell phone as I made my way to SJC early Sunday morning. Helen told me to wait and suddenly, Emily was now on the phone letting me know that they were on their way to church for Carolyn's son's christening. I screamed, "Nice!".

A couple of hours later I got off my Delta flight, shuttled out of LAX and into an Avis rental car. By that time, Helen said Christopher's baptism was over and they were already on their way to Claim Jumper Restaurant on PCH in Long Beach. I arrived last and found a very long table surrounded by people, most of whom I knew. I was wondering if I would be lucky enough to see one or two of them during this very spontaneous trip to L.A. and yet here was everybody right under my nose. We had a great lunch. Carol's mother-in-law, visiting from Oklahoma, paid for the surely heavy lunch bill. I spent the entire afternoon with JonJon, Helen, Emily and son Nick (both visiting from San Diego), and my uncle, just walking around enjoying the sun and the new entertainment complex in Long Beach. We then headed to Christy's and Ty's house for a big dinner. I ended up sleeping at my uncle's place that Sunday night, awaken by Helen at 6am to get ready for my flight back to San Jose. What a great small adventure on my day off!

It was a wonderful feeling seeing Christy's daughter and Carol's son for the very first time. They are adorable little creatures.
Christopher

Catherine

My massive calf accidentally taken while I was fiddling with my camera inside the shuttle to Avis at LAX

Kyle vs Jollibee

2008-01-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

SOMA District in San Francisco

I just want to thank Kyle for hauling my stuff with me from Seattle to San Francisco - for the crazy last-minute loading in Seattle, for keeping me company in the U-Haul truck through an intense blizzard in Oregon, and for helping me get everything into a storage space in San Francisco - it was a fun-filled road trip - he made me laugh so hard all the time, and we took advantage of his Garmin GPS navigation gadget which had a female voice that wouldn't shut up. I honestly think the whole experience would have been nightmarish if it weren't for this guy. Well, I would've moved a different way actually - get movers to do it, but still... thanks Kyle! Glad I was able to get him a first class ticket back to Seattle (thanks to Alaska Airlines for the free upgrade). And thanks to Chris C. for battling his sleeplessness and getting me packed up even though it was my fault not packing shit until he got there.

A Better-Late-Than-Never Greeting

2008-01-25T08:17:00.001-08:00

My Favorite Dessert - Brazo de Mercedes

Well, it's the new year and it's been crazy hectic for me as I moved from Seattle to the San Francisco Bay Area first thing this year. Just wanted to wish everyone a very happy 2008! Hope this year brings all of us whatever it is we strive for.

Holiday Slivers of Heaven

2007-12-21T03:10:00.000-08:00

Perfect for the holidays. You gotta give this easily prepared appetizer a try!My friend Kevin taught me how to make this simple recipe. It is utterly fantastic.

Buy a good chunk of Asiago Cheese.
Find a gourmet shop such as Whole Foods Market and get yourself a bottle of White Chocolate Truffle Oil.
Go ahead and chop up some parsley.

Slice up the cheese into thin pieces and place them on a plate, one by one, in a circular fashion. Once you've got one layer, pour a good amount of the truffle oil (not too much), also circularly. Pinch some of the chopped parsley and distribute evenly onto the truffle oiled layer of cheese.

Add as many layers as you want and do the exact same thing for each layer.

Show the plate to your guests (it should look similar to the one I made, see photo) and have them grab a piece.

Watch their reaction as their mouths absorb the awesome sensation.

Place a piece in your own mouth and close your eyes. See where it takes ya.

Oh, yum.

Movin' To Cali

2007-12-13T04:05:00.000-08:00

I've had a busy schedule. I haven't blogged in a while and every time I make an attempt it's very late at night, usually coming home from somewhere, and I say something so stupid, hahaha....

Just wanted to log my difficulty in finding a place in Northern California. This is the exact same anxiety I had when I moved to Seattle.

But I'm excited to be living and experiencing a new city again. We'll see what happens...

America's Monday Night Football

2007-11-15T20:26:00.001-08:00

For the first time ever, I saw professional football live. Thanks to two of my Canadian friends who had a friend in Seattle who treated us to his Club Wells Fargo seats at Qwest Field. It was an overwhelming night for the senses. I had no idea that this whole world of passionate football fans existed until I saw them in action last Monday. We had great seats and it was so LOUD! It was also a chilly night so every time we got cold, we simply went up to the club area - what a way to watch live football for the very first time. To tell you the truth, I had no idea what was happening out on the field. I played rugby in high school and I didn't understand that one either. I just knew how to say "hut" and grab the ball from a friend who was bent down while I had my palms down his... well, you know where... then throwing the ball in a confused state, hahaha....

Back to American football... Well, the Seahawks won by a huge margin. The 49ers didn't score at all. I cheered when the fans were cheering, booed when they booed. I had no idea what was happening and I was very happy to be there. I don't even want to know how much my ticket cost. We had a very generous, beautiful gentleman as host.

Our host Joe and my friends Tracy and Sara

October In Pictures

2007-11-01T15:44:00.001-07:00

Random photos from October 2007 in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle.

Halloween 2007

2007-11-01T15:12:00.001-07:00

October 31, 2007
Seattle

Rapid Eye Movement

2007-10-02T03:52:00.001-07:00

Insane Summer

2007-09-19T03:22:00.000-07:00

Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon
Sunday, September 16, 2007

Whoa, so much has happened since I last blogged at that airport in Taiwan waiting for my next flight to Manila - back in the first week of August. Well, I've been to Manila and back. Got deathly ill when I got back because of a major jetlag. I had time when I got back to Seattle so I went to Las Vegas but didn't work on my jetlag - slept when I usually would sleep in Manila which is 15 hours ahead of Seattle. Well, I got back from Vegas and went straight to work. I couldn't miss a single day having a major project under way which got me more ill. My immune system was down and I became allergic to every single thing. It's all good now.

I had a couple of days off in a row recently so I made my first home-made movie comprising of pictures from the summer. Here it is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEJlOkQJfQI

Waiting For Plane To Manila

2007-08-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Well, my plane landed at the airport in Taipei (Taiwan) around 5:20am. It's so early here and this blogger framework is in the local language, haha... I'm clicking on buttons by memory.

Anyway, the flight was relatively smooth - very little turbulence and I think I slept for about 5 hours according to my watch. I wanted to smoke when I awoke but had to wait a few more hours. Well, I just got back from the smoking room. I hate the feeling of needing to smoke. I mean, I got by just fine before I started. Now, my lungs are blackening and I'm paying money to do it.

Haha... just thoughts while waiting for my next flight. Wifi is free here inside the airport so at least I can use my laptop however much I want. However, when I go back to Seattle from Manila I'm scheduled to be here for 8 full hours so I think I will visit the city while I'm here and do some touristy stuff.

2210 Westlake Avenue

2007-07-22T23:30:00.001-07:00

Taken from the top of The Space Needle, this is a photograph of my workplace (center of photo, beige-ish set of buildings): 2210 Westlake at the corner of Westlake Avenue and Denny Way, home of Pan Pacific Hotel, Bank of America, luxury condos, upscale retailers and restaurants, Starbucks, and yes... Whole Foods Market.

One Of Many

2007-07-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

One recent sunny afternoon in Seattle, before the rain started pouring this week.

This is one of the many interesting buildings here in this cooltown. Shot taken from Pioneer Square. I still feel like a tourist after almost a year of living here. This city has got so many small communities with pronounced differences - I really like it.

Mea Culpa

2007-07-04T18:42:00.001-07:00

At school they taught me how to be
So pure in thought and word and deed
They didn't quite succeed.

For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too.

Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Every place I've ever been
Everywhere I'm going to
It's a sin.

Happy Canada Day!

2007-07-02T22:33:00.001-07:00

Sunday, July 1, 2007
Vancouver, B.C.
Fun-filled day (and night).

Pride Day Seattle

2007-06-25T02:25:00.001-07:00

Sunday, June 24, 2007 - It's Pride Day in Seattle

Urban Bonfire

2007-06-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 22, 2007

After work, I was exhausted but I thought I'd stop by Mike's place for some brewski. It was cold and I was looking forward to getting inside somewhere warm. I got to his place and was floored to find chairs, fire, and a television right on his front lawn. It was a good night.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Chris is the one-man dance party.

The War Room

2007-06-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 11th

Breakdancing did not die in the 80's - not in Seattle. Not knowing where to go next on a Monday night, five of us visited The War Room only to find this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1sxoMtptNo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I9MSwYqQjA

Monday Night in Seattle

2007-06-14T13:38:00.001-07:00

Who knew Monday night could be a lot of fun exploring Seattle? My friend Lonni gave me a very short notice saying she was bringing two blokes visiting Vancouver from the UK. I had to work all day but as the sun was going down, Eugenio and I met up with them at East John and Broadway. We took them to Bleu Bistro, then to The War Room, then to The Cuff, and we successfully made last call at The Madison Pub before heading to my place where we checked out my building's party room, the theatre, the gym, and the rooftop before calling it a night. What a wicked night it was. We crashed at my place, I got up the next morning before the alarm went off. They also didn't wait for the alarm to go off since I was making too much noise getting ready for work. I took them to my favourite breakfast place, they took me to work, then they headed back to Vancouver. Lonni's always been awesome. Meeting Ric and Tim was pretty cool - they're two fantastic individuals - though short, we had great quality time. We were discussing over breakfast how the whole thing was so spontaneous and I totally agreed, but hey - that's the beauty of life. Human beings beautifully connecting randomly...

Ric
Lonni
Eugenio
Tim
Hendrix Statue at Broadway and Pine
Connecting the Bar Dots on Capitol Hill
The Madison Pub
View of downtown Seattle from my building's rooftop.
Monday Night, June 11th-2:30ish am (technically June 12th)

360

2007-05-30T22:56:00.001-07:00

Sunday, May 27, 2007 - right before it got really cold and windy. Start from any photo and go clockwise... this was my 360 degree p.o.v. while waiting for Spoon to play at Sasquatch.

The Sasquatch Experience

2007-05-28T23:51:00.001-07:00

Sunday, May 27, 2007
Second Day of the Weekend-Long Sasquatch Music Festival
Campsite near The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington.
Back Row: Sophie, Marcelo, Teresa, Peter, Patrick, and Bryce.
Front Row: Me, Lonni, and Kristina.

Just got up from a deep sleep. This afternoon, I got dropped off in Seattle by the Canucks (minus Sophie and Marcelo who left the campsite before I woke up) on their way back to Vancouver. Still feeling a bit tired. The nine of us were there from Friday evening to Monday morning - went to sleep very late in our own tents but had to get up very early as well because of the scorching sun and the way it made the inside of a tent feel like you're in an oven. Super cold nights and super hot mornings - something I forgot about camping.

But the weekend effin' rocked! Too tired to blog too much right now but I've got tons of pics from the entire time and will post some later. That was my first music festival in the middle of nowhere and where you stayed near the venue with thousands of other campers. I didn't know what to expect when Peter and Co. picked me up in Seattle Friday afternoon. It was quite the experience and something I'll never forget. Got to see so many artists live doing their awesome thing onstage including Bjork, The Beastie Boys, Manu Chao, Electrelane, Ghostland Observatory, Spoon, Interpol, Tokyo Police Club, etc.. But the best performance in my mind was that of The Arcade Fire - they just blew everyone's mind with their wicked show.

The weather cooperated with all concerts except for Sunday evening when cold winds were almost unbearable since I didn't bring an extra jacket. The campsite was indescribably overwhelming and the atmosphere was super friendly. I can't wait for next year's Sasquatch - now that I know what it's all about, I'm gonna drag new people to it.

The trip back to Seattle ended perfectly when they dropped me off. Most of them hadn't been to this city before so it was good to show them my place and my neighborhood. We had lunch at Pho Cyclo on Broadway before they took off for good ol' B.C. I got back to my place and my body just shut down. It was awesome to re-energize after a weekend of non-stop action (plus the intoxication and hallucination, hahaha...).

Life rocks.

Bowling + Karaoke = Hilarity

2007-05-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

May 9, 2007 - Seattle

Our store had a bowling night last night which also turned into a karaoke night. We had all the bowling lanes to ourselves plus a karaoke bar. It really is fantastic to work with hilarious people.

Check out some of the video clips from last night...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMpN5LQpVDM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3puHeYF33I

To johnny206

2007-04-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Like any uncharted territory
I must seem greatly intriguing
You speak of my love like
You have experienced like mine before
But this is not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

I don't think you unworthy
I need a moment to deliberate

Happy Birthday Casey

2007-04-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

Had a good time at Little Red Hen last night where Casey decided to celebrate his birthday. This pub was intense and it happened to be karaoke night. Seattleites know how to get down.

Check out the video clips too! Dan totally rocked it out (first clip). I also captured the birthday song (second video clip). Three dudes had the same birthday - Casey's the one in the middle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eYpswITFaE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYPx9cj83W8

The Competitive World of Nanopublishing

2007-04-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

Another useless way to take advantage of high technology.

Canadian researchers announced this week that they've created the world's smallest book. Titled Teeny Ted from Turnip Town, the tiny tome measures just 0.07 millimeters by 0.1 millimeters--a fraction of the size of a pinhead. It was made using a focused gallium-ion beam to carve out spaces around each letter on pieces of crystalline silicon, according to Simon Fraser University. To read its silicon "pages," you need an electron microscope. Teeny Ted from Turnip Town is a "fable about Teeny Ted's victory in a turnip contest at the annual country fair".

The book is tinier than two cited in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's smallest, a copy of the New Testament of the King James Bible, made in 2001, and a 2002 production of Anton Chekhov's Chameleon, the researchers said.

Let's detect cancer even earlier by attaching nanoparticles to molecules of interest! Heck, no! What about using nanotechnology in miniaturizing precision instruments to speed up the analytical process, to eventually catch up with and defeat AIDS, or the HIV virus? Well, no it's a saturated market. How about making smaller versions, as in nanotiny, of books that people they are meant to be read by can't read? Now, that's an idea worthy of pursuit!

Handle With Care

2007-04-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

The Parkway in Ottawa, Canada - plenty of memories by the water.

I don't know why I'm feeling so melancholic right now. Okay, I actually know why. Do you ever hear a song that is so attached to a crucial point in your life that you simply feel numb all over and long for those moments in time to come back? Well, of all songs in the world, it's a song by The Traveling Wilburys that knocks me out every time I hear it. It was the late 80's and that was when I first truly experienced love. It was the summit of my adolescence and the birth of what I was about to become. My best friend at the time was the best looking, most popular guy at his school and was two years younger than me - I only had a few courses left to finish high school so I went to nearby Woodroffe and he went to Nepean. I never understood why since he lived so close to Woodroffe. Outside of school, we became inseparable and I knew it annoyed many of his old friends.

He was a guy's guy and girls loved him. Everyone, except me, referred to him by the first syllable of his French surname. We went to all the house parties in the West End, and had fake id to drink across the river in Hull. I ended up getting kicked out of my aunt's house and before I knew it, I was living with his family in a three bedroom apartment. His gorgeous lifeguard sister occupied one room, his mom and dad had the master's bedroom, and we slept in his room. They treated me like family and I really tried to get my friend to stick around there more but we were always out even on weeknights. We had another friend who had this huge house with his grandma, just across from Woodroffe High. The house was so big it had two of everything, and one part of it became our living space. When we weren't there, we would be hanging out elsewhere or just chilling inside his dad's yacht "parked" in a marina. The two of us spent a lot of nights by the water along the Ottawa River Parkway, trying to sober up on a bench or just talking. The neverending talks about life, about all kinds of things, and belting out the lyrics to AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long. After a while, we became too close. I actually remember the exact point in time when this intangible thing came at us without a warning. We just weren't capable of dealing with those emotions, not at that age, and not in that social climate. I ended up leaving Ottawa for a couple of years.

Anyway, in the later part of our friendship, Handle With Care by The Traveling Wilburys was in heavy rotation on the airwaves and every time it came on we would go nuts. We both really got into the song. The most bizarre time it came on was in a motel room where we were partying with some girls. It was really dark and in the middle of making out with a babe, he stopped to just take in the entire song. I couldn't believe it, hahaha... Now every time I hear it (and I just did), it reminds me of that era in my life. Something I know I'll never get back.

About a decade later, I was managing Radio Shack stores in Ottawa. I was given the Lincoln Heights Galleria store to handle. Before I was transferred to Barrhaven, he came into the store looking around, and had apparently just gotten a haircut. It was a very awkward moment but we managed to smile and exchange pleasantries. I also learned then that his dad had passed away. He loved his dad and I remember feeling pain for him. After all was said and done however, it was obvious that we weren't the same people anymore. It was time to say goodbye.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNVPMOY-w1Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzezIg2Ei0A

Pink Volvo

2007-03-23T02:10:00.000-07:00

I was in Oregon (for the first time ever!) earlier this week on a business trip with my colleagues. Portland is a quaint city - I liked it. Anyways, I took lots of pictures but the one I want to share is that of a pink Volvo we found in an underground parking garage. Yup, only in Oregon I guess...

The Cycle of Life

2007-03-05T03:44:00.000-08:00

It's the first time I'm blogging in a long while. I haven't taken pictures for quite a bit of time either. Well, it was my day off yesterday. I decided to take a walk. I brought my camera and took a bunch of pictures along the way. This photo is the view from an overpass on Pine Street, taken around 4pm, Sunday, the 4th of March. This is a northward view of the I-5 highway, separating Capitol Hill (rightside) from downtown Seattle (leftside).

I don't know why I didn't take photos for a long time even when people I'm very fond of came to Seattle from Vancouver. I love taking pictures. Maybe because I had this feeling I was going to ruin my camera like I crunched my last camera as I got into a cab one night not realizing the right pocket of my jacket where I placed my Olympus was going to prevent the car door from closing. I'm usually not as paranoid except when I'm experiencing a bout of depression. It's not obvious when I have to work and put on a smiling face or even in my private moments - I do not physically lament and cry that I'm having a hard time. My depression is expressed by how messy my apartment is - wow, did it ever get really bad but that's all water under the bridge now, and by my sudden feelings of panic attacks - there were times when I would wake up in the middle of the night and think I was about to suddenly die, having a hard time breathing and having a pulse rate going berserk. I hadn't had a panic attack in over a decade so I forgot what to do - luckily, the receiving nurse at The Swedish Hospital on Broadway here in Seattle was very helpful.

The first two months of my 2007 were not so good. In fact, they were hellish for reasons simply beyond my comprehension. I was accused of something I had nothing to do with. I couldn't talk about it (I still can't) and I had no means to investigate what actually happened. That was the most difficult part - not knowing what the fuck happened and why I was being affected when I was just going about my everyday business. In any case, everything's fine now - although the investigation is still happening, the likelihood of me causing the mess, from the perspective of the people doing the investigating, has become so tiny that I've been handed back my normal life. By chance, I also found out what happened which made me even more sure that I had nothing to do with this craziness.

Life is funny that way. You design your life to not have to go through stupidity but it's handed to you on a big platter anyway when you're least expecting it. Well, I did have fantastic, too-perfect years before this so a couple of months of hell is, I guess, relatively acceptable. I was about to go back to Canada. The one good thing that came out of this whole thing was that I was re-assured of my employability when I sent out my resume en masse. My biggest worry was that I was going to lose my normal income that I've grown accustomed to. Well, thanks to the skills I've acquired with my current employer, I need not worry about making at least the same amount of money elsewhere. I was actually beginning to look forward to being geographically close to Craig and Nadine again in Toronto. Now that the crisis is almost over, I am quite happy to be staying here in Seattle, at least for now.

Unequivocal

2007-02-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

It sucks to find out that the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reports climate scientists are now 90% sure humans are responsible for the Earth's heat increase.

This is different from another school of thought held by conservative groups that include environmentalists who claim that what we refer to as global warming is merely part of a big cycle encompassing centuries. One of those people was my Environmental Studies professor in university.

The sustainability of our environment depends on proper education of all human beings, and governments and corporations must do their best to make this concern a top priority if we care about the future of the next generations. I do have a lot of time in my hands and I'm sad for Earth today.

I Am Stunned

2007-02-05T01:16:00.000-08:00

I currently have a lot of time in my hands right now and I am stunned. From time to time, life hands you a puzzle you can not solve, except by waiting for the crazy mystery to be solved through forces outside of your own.

One moment you're so busy you don't even have time to sleep then ka-boom, a ridiculous thing presents itself that came out of nowhere and you've got no choice but to stop and re-evaluate. Why are the most important things in my life right now actually important to me? What series of events took place for me to care about what I care about? These are the questions that I'm currently attempting to answer.

2005 was a fantastic year for me. 2006 was even better. 2007, however, is not off to a good start. I kinda knew it when I read my horoscope earlier in the month of January, hahaha... I refused to believe what it said that I would face challenges soon. Well, I'm strong. I told my family recently that I got my strength very early on as a child from my Pa and Ma. Now that my father's gone, I feel his beliefs and core values alive and kicking in my veins, in my soul. He took the time to mentor me and his efforts were not in vain. And no matter what happens, I know I'll be okay.

Mariella's Quinceanera

2007-01-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 30, 2006
The Hyatt Embarcadero
My Cousin Mariella's 15th Birthday

It was a beautiful celebration for my cousin Mariella. Until I was told of the occasion, I had never heard of a "Quinceanera" - apparently, it's a tradition in the Mexican culture to celebrate "sweet sixteen" a year earlier. Mariella's dad, Gustavo, is Mexican.

It was quiet touching when my aunt, Ruth Belen, introduced her daughter who came into the dining hall escorted by her dad. During a ceremony, Gustavo changed Mariella's "child shoes" to "lady's shoes". Food and dancing naturally followed and everyone had a good time.

It was also awesome to see two of my other cousins I grew up with, Emily and Christy, who flew in from L.A. with their dad - my Uncle Caloy. We had a great time catching up on our lives.

Last Days Of 2006

2007-01-14T09:57:00.000-08:00

I spent my last days of 2006 in San Francisco. The extremely long shots above were taken from the Alaska Air flight I was on and from the 17th floor of the Hyatt Embarcadero in downtown SF. It was a last-minute thing and I had a blast welcoming in the new year. San Francisco is a beautiful city, I keep getting reminded of that every time I go.

Extending from I believe the Embarcadero Center along Market Street up to the Castro District, they have a "historical route" as part of their public transportation system and they use very old streetcars for it for that true feel of being back in time. I was tempted to go on it but I think I have to do that when I'm walking alone or with someone who's also excited about the stupid things I value.

Happy 2007!

2007-01-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

*Quiet Christmas - Vancouver *Less Quiet New Year Celebration - San Francisco

Currently don't have too much time to blog but I wanted to post something for the New Year. 2006 kicked butt and here's to an even better year....

The Thinker

2006-12-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

I kept missing the UPS delivery person over the past week. The messages on my door indicated the number of attempts they had made and the second last message said the next attempt would be the last. Tonight, as I was getting home and turning the corner, the "final attempt" had been made and I saw the UPS guy walking away from my door to his truck. I was like, "hey UPS man!" It was awesome timing. The guy have me a high five and made me sign for my parcel.

My friend in California, Trish, had sent me an e-mail saying that she was gonna send me something for my apartment; that it reminded her of me. Naturally, I was curious to find out what it was that somehow resembled me. I opened the box and inside were pink pieces of styrofoam and this beautiful ebony made in Ghana. The figure had a sticker/label saying this was an African symbol for "The Thinker".

Awesome Christmas gift. I placed it beside my bed. Thanks Trish!

Pixels of B

2006-12-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

Meet me in the trap
It's going down
Meet me in the mall
It's going down
Meet me in the club
It's going down

Hahaha... I love the beat of that song. Brandon had it on a cd way before I heard it playing on the radio.

This photograph I'm very proud of. It's the kind of pic I like taking of people. In a parallel universe, I'm a professional photographer.

Cool Shower Cool Bed

2006-12-15T19:53:00.000-08:00

I really liked the Hyatt in Vancouver. The bathroom had hidden plumbing and the water from the shower head came from the ceiling. The so comfy bed had a big headboard from behind which the main light was emitting. Awesome place to crash, awesome service, awesome views of Burrard Street. I highly recommend it.

Edible Art

2006-12-13T00:58:00.000-08:00

I felt like a kid while viewing this collection of gingerbread houses in Vancouver this past weekend. The hotel I was staying at happened to be sponsoring "Gingerbread Lane".

I Like Seattle

2006-12-06T22:40:00.000-08:00

View from where I work.

The Ninja DJ

2006-12-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

Just found these photos from a couple of months ago. Vancouver, Sunday night/early Monday morn, October 8th. A hanging projection screen inside Lick, a dj in Lush I didn't care to ask the name of, and of our walk home from Lush, Honey, and Lick clubs.

This mesmerizing DJ was playing some funky stuff and the people were going wild on the tiny dance floor.

Brrr... It's Cold Out There

2006-11-29T03:10:00.000-08:00

It's mighty cold in Seattle tonight. All day actually. It was quite nippy. These photos were taken a few hours ago at 6th Avenue and Pike Street in the heart of downtown's shopping district, while I was waiting for my bus to get home. It's quite nice downtown with all the Christmas decorations and lights already up.

From what I hear, it hardly gets this cold in Seattle. For the first time since I moved to the West Coast, it feels like I'm back in Ottawa, needing gloves and a scarf, both of which I chose to leave in my closet this morning before heading to work.

For the first time as well, I actually have time to blog as I wait to feel sleepy. I've set the thermostat at 78 degrees and my heater is cooperating.

I'm so happy to have cooked myself a meal tonight. At one point, the boiling water on my stove, my microwave oven, the washer and dryer, the dishwasher, the running tap water, and the vents above my stove and in the bathroom, were all going at the same time. All these combined with the Kaiser Chiefs blaring from my speakers, I thought the best thing to do in the midst of it all was to turn on my sink incinerator just for fun with noise. I felt quite entertained by my own insanity.

I don't even know what I made but it sure was superb - tofu, shiitake mushrooms and broccoli stir-fried in szechuan and habenero sauces... I added some crushed garlic, sea salt, and a bit of ponzu. I also thought I'd quickly boil some yakisoba noodles and added them to the mix. Yum. I also had some jasmine rice in the rice cooker. Wow... I must say it was really good, haha... For dessert, I had some Stonyfield vanilla ice cream and some torta de acete from Spain - they're basically sugared olive oil crisp bread I wish I didn't notice while grocery shopping since they are very addictive, and pricey.

I really like my apartment, especially after Chris visited. He set up my computer station and hid all the wires. We also went shopping and he helped me buy some essentials - wireless mouse, wireless keyboard, and a wireless router. Yes, a wireless router for those times I don't want to get out of bed. I would simply turn on my laptop and have internet access there instead of getting up and taking five steps to where I am now.

I was quite thrilled when I picked up Chris at the bus station and he said we'd be shopping all day. "So, you know there's a massive sale at Nordstrom?" said I. However, I should have known that we ain't going anywhere Nordstrom-ish. We instead jumped from one place to another looking at electronics and cell phones. It was still fun though. I really missed him and we had an awesome time. He also put my dining table set together for me. For about a month, I had this huge box in my closet - in the box were a dining table and four chairs all needing assembly. I opened it up one day, looked at the parts, screws, and the instructions and said "fuck that" and shoved everything back to where it was. I was annoyed when Chris suggested putting them together when he was here. I was like "but dude, you're only here for one night, I don't want to spend a huge chunk of time putting this stupid thing together. C'mon man, this will take at least three hours to do." He laughed and insisted. I couldn't find the instruction sheet so I got even more irritated. And before I even had a chance to calm down, I had a dining table and four chairs - within 20 minutes. What?!?!

Last night, I got to see the new Denzel Washington flick at The Pacific Place downtown. We were going to see the Brad Pitt movie, Babel, but they couldn't show it - not enough theater employees showed up to run all the venues because of the road conditions. It snowed for the first time yesterday and the whole city came to a halt. Joelle and I, being from the eastern part of the continent, were laughing since snowstorms and blizzards were a regular part of our lives. Over here, when it snows, people don't know what to do. Oh well. The movie, titled Deja Vu, was surprisingly good and thought provoking. I had no idea what it was about going into it. I didn't even know Denzel Washington had a new movie out. I didn't like the ending but I still had a good time. The movie actually messed me up for hours.

What else happened this month and last month. Oh, I fell in love. Deep love for the first time in ages. No matter what seemingly insurmountable challenges one faces when going through it, I think the actual feeling of love outweighs anything else. To actually care for someone is life's greatest gift I believe. I don't know if that's universal. I only know this for me.

Everything else that was hectic and time consuming was work-related. I don't really want to talk about that except say that I am very pleased with my team. They are fantastic people. Because of them, I know I made a great career decision to move here.

The unfortunate part of being busy in a new town is the lack of time for people in my life who are not in town. Still, e-mail is quite a good way to stay in touch. I always get ecstatic hearing from family and friends. Nadine still makes me laugh because she gets me even when I get weird. I love her so much. I didn't have a good parting with Mark when I was in Toronto two months ago so we're not in touch right now and I wish we were. It was good to hear from Sabrina recently. I don't know why I feel such a deep connection with her and Simon. We only got together twice but I feel like a lifelong friendship's in the crystal ball. Craig pisses me off but he's still my best friend in the world so I'm glad to still be in touch somehow. We just pick up from where we leave off anyway and have a great time when our paths cross. I actually miss his dad a lot. Another person I miss deeply is Nachi. We had a misunderstanding while I was in London. It's hard when egos get in the way I guess. I said very hurtful things in anger. I guess I'm still not mature enough to give in and apologize when he really means a lot to me and I can't imagine living my life without him. Nicole, ma soeur in a parallel universe, now is the sole proprietor of a thriving business based in Montreal. I wish her the best.

I miss my bros. I miss my Ma. I can't wait to see her on her birthday in March.

Ubi, I miss you ;-)

Okay, I'm getting sleepy finally and there's still dishes to be washed and put away. Now I remember why I used to blog so much. It helps clear my thoughts and refresh my brain cells.

Brrr... it's cold out there.

My Warm Digs

2006-11-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

It's officially winter in Seattle. It's been a busy month and a half and I really like coming home to my new apartment. I'll post more pics of it after I clean up and make my bed. I don't know if in the future I'll be able to live in an apartment unit without its own washer and dryer. I can now do laundry anytime I like - even at 2:30am.

So much has happened since I last blogged. This whole month is now a big blur and it's probably for the best. I just wanted to have a couple of entries for November.

Adorable Doll

2006-11-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

My uncle sent me some photos of Catherine, Christy and Ty's first child. I can't wait to actually hold her whenever I get myself down to Southern California. Too cute...

Anybody Got A Quarter?

2006-10-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

Granville St., Vancouver, B.C. Thursday, October 5, 2006

Just got back to Seattle from a business trip in Vancouver. These are some of my new Seattle workmates who were in Vancouver for almost a week with me (l-r: Joelle, Brad, Mario and me). Showed them around town and to some of the places I used to hang out at.

It was great to see everybody again. As I told those who expressed deep sadness that I'm no longer in Vancouver, it's never really goodbye. I developed so many awesome friendships and I'm not going to just let go and forget them.

This pic was taken by Chris who thought it would be funny to have our photograph taken infront of this signage on Granville St. near his apartment. We walked around that night and ended up going to The Yale for some live blues.

New Door New Life

2006-09-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

No this isn't my door, not my key, and not my hand. I just got this pic off a website.

I just feel really good about officially having a new place to live and I thought I'd blog about it while the feeling is still fresh, and while I'm having a light dinner at a wi-fi cafe in the same building as my new digs.

My new apartment unit is smallish but it's the nicest one I've had so far. I can't wait until my things are here. I will finally have room for all my clothes.

Well, I'm heading back to Canada in a few minutes. Gotta pack and arrange for movers.

Cute Picard Pics

2006-09-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Heya Nicole!

Buenas Noches Seattle

2006-09-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hello From My Hotel Room

I never thought I'd find myself actually Sleepless in Seattle while I was watching the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movie years ago. I had been sleepless this past week worrying whether or not I would find a place to live soon enough.

Well, today I found an apartment and it's available tomorrow! What a relief! I like my new digs (even though it was a couple of hundred dollars more a month than what I wanted to spend). I think I just fell in love with the kitchen and the huge walk-in closet connected to the spacious bathroom. That it's a new unit so I'm actually the first tenant. Also, it's on the ground floor of a totally brand new apartment building - my entrance is a street entrance. It's everything I hoped for in my mind while searching for a place.

Well, it's my last night in a hotel room for a little while. I actually like where I am right now. And I like this picture 'cause it's a bit freaky - taken moments ago and it's actually what you would see if you were to walk into my room right now while I'm blogging, hehe... I'm at the Crowne Plaza on 6th Avenue in downtown Seattle - 25th floor, corner unit with fantastic views of the city. The bathroom's also pretty nice.

I'm glad I'll be able to sleep comfortably tonight knowing I don't have to search for a place to live for the next couple of years. Now, the most fun part... arranging for movers to move my stuff from Vancouver to Seattle. Aaaarrrggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh! It never stops...

Saturday Night In The T Dot O Dot

2006-09-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

Night Out In Little Italy

After having dinner with Nadine and George, I went over to Michelle's place in the Annex and hooked up with peepz. Everyone decided to go to Little Italy. We went to two clubs. There were massive line-ups to get in but thanks to Michelle's man, Laine, we got in to both places without waiting in line.

It was awesome to see Nicole again. We had a great time at the wedding catching up on each other's hectic lives. I'm so grateful to share my journey from time to time with adorable friends. Even though we take different routes, paths do cross and it's like we never really parted.

Fantabulous Celebration

2006-09-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

The Reception/Dinner/Party

I had a great time seeing old friends and dancing the night away but my most favourite part of the evening were the speeches. I know Nadine and George quite well and the speeches affirmed and also revealed more of why they have strong relationships with family and close friends.

I had dinner with them before they took off for Aruba and I hope they're having a great time there.

I Thee Wed

2006-09-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful Wedding
September 15, 2006

Never had I seen Nadine and George more beautiful than on their wedding day. Their vows were touching and the entire ceremony was unforgettable.

A Wonderful Occasion

2006-09-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

It's A Wedding!

I went to Toronto this past weekend to attend my friends' wedding. I loved every moment of it. It was very well planned and very intimate, accentuated by small things that made the whole day/night quite special.

Spectacular Show

2006-09-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

August 22, 2006
General Motors Place, Vancouver B.C.

Went to the Tool concert in August with Chris and Peter and had a great time.

Another Chapter

2006-09-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Seattle's Space Needle

What a hectic month it has been. Didn't get a chance to blog for quite a long time. So much has happened since then. I don't even know where to begin.

Well, I just got transferred to Seattle. I feel that this is yet another chapter in my neverending sometimes exhilarating at times frustrating adventure.

I'm in the process of moving. I have not found an apartment and it's stressing me out. It's become too late in the evening to make calls and view available units so here I am sitting in a downtown Starbucks just trying to breathe and to find it in me to know that everything will be okay just like it has always worked out in the past.

Last week, I was granted a renewable 3-year U.S. work visa, thanks to my employer. I am now able to work in the States. It feels like a whole new world suddenly opened up now that I'm able to work anywhere in Canada and the US. Just over a month ago, I was not even thinking of leaving Vancouver. Now, I'm sitting at a Starbucks in Seattle wondering what lies ahead.

Dude Looks Like A Lady

2006-08-08T03:04:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Gay Pride Parade '06
[click on collage to enlarge]

It was smaller in scale than Toronto's annual pride parade but Vancouver's was spectacular nevertheless, and had a community feel instead of the corporate gong show Toronto's has become. We watched the floats pass by from Shawn's 2nd floor apartment on Denman St.

Canadian Angels

2006-08-08T02:33:00.000-07:00

Lucy, Cameron, and Drew

A (Long) Day In Vancouver

2006-08-08T02:20:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 6, 2006

Vancouver Pride Parade in the morning, English Bay beach in the afternoon, Japanese Tanpopo on Denman in the evening, then danced at Lush, Honey, and Milk Clubs all night until the wee hours. Had to work at 7:30am the next day.

Czech It Out

2006-08-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

August 2, 2006
HSBC Celebration of Light
English Bay, Vancouver
Fireworks Presentation by The Czech Republic

The annual fireworks have been underway with four countries participating - Italy, China, Czech Republic, and Mexico. Tonight, it was fantastic and we managed to get up close. There were so many people who got there hours before 10PM when it started. It lasted for about 25 minutes and it was a nightmare to walk the streets afterwards.

The inconveniences were all worth it. I had a wicked time watching the show.

Where Did July Go?

2006-08-02T23:51:00.000-07:00

July 2006 Random Pixels

It's messed up how fast the month of July zipped through. What a hectic month. Just when you think time couldn't possibly go by any faster...

Hmmm... in July, Canada Day was fun. I forgot to bring my camera the night we celebrated Sara's birthday on the 10th. What else... I can't even remember. Well, there were the concerts: The Raconteurs at Malkin Bowl and The Subways at The Commodore. Those were wicked shows.

Why has time been this fast for me... Well, a big part of it is how insane it is how much I love my job. Everyone else I know everywhere I go dislike what they do for a living and then there's me, all smiles when I talk about my work. That's why time is so fast I think. I go in, do my thing, and next thing I know 8 hours went by and it's time to head out.

July... lots of visits to The Odyssey and Numbers. I experienced what Shower Power was like for the first time, Thursdays at The Odyssey - it was somewhat of a disappointment really, perhaps because people hyped it up so much to me for the last two years.

It's August. Let's see what happens this month.

Marky's Christening Day

2006-08-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

Marky's Christening Day - circa 1977/78

Looking for something else, I found this photo somewhere around my computer desk tonight when I got home from watching the fireworks and I decided to scan it. It was taken on the day my younger bro was baptized.

Party Time

2006-07-02T00:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day!

It's about a quarter of an hour past Canada Day but here's a toast anyway to a fuckin' great country.

It's time to head out of the apartment and join the party. I work at 6AM but I'll deal with that when I wake up.....

The Peanut Gallery Is Closed

2006-06-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

Insane In The Membrane

2006-06-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

When Brandon and I get together, it's mayhem.

Been clubbing every night since I got back. It's a good thing it's my day off tomorrow.

Transitions Tour

2006-06-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Plush Nightclub, Vancouver
Thursday, June 15th

Came back to Vancouver on Wednesday, the 14th. Decided to see John Digweed, arguably the best DJ on the planet, live at Plush the next night. The huge place was packed but it wasn't hard to get to the front. Had a great time with Brandon.

Makati

2006-06-14T01:36:00.000-07:00

More Pixels

Went to the Canadian Embassy in Makati earlier today and decided to take photos inside the building and its vicinity.

Well, I better get packing....

Canada On The Sixth

2006-06-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

RCBC Building

This is the RCBC Building, a beautiful structure in the financial district. The Canadian Embassy is on its 6th floor.

Another Manila Pic

2006-06-14T01:15:00.000-07:00

View From The Mall of Asia

I'm leaving for the airport in a few hours and I haven't packed. My Ma is stressing more than I am.

In spirit of procrastination, I'm blogging. Hahaha.....

Here's another picture I'm glad I took before shopping for more stuff at this giant shopping mall. Manila is comprised of about 13 districts. In this pic, you can see parts of two - Pasay and Makati.

It's Been Too Long

2006-06-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

My cousin Sheila and me

I treated some of my relatives (cousins and their kids) to dinner last night. I like this pic because I hadn't seen this lovely cousin of mine for about 10 years and I was delighted to.

Okay, really gotta get to bed....