| Saber Wars |
[26 Feb 2009|03:59am] |
Jedi Workout: Get Fit You Must By VIDYA RAO Updated 2:00 AM EST, Thu, Feb 26, 2009 It turns out that the timeless battle of good vs. evil is actually not that different from the equally timeless battle of fat vs. fit. The common weapon of choice? Why, the Force, of course. No, it's not a new energy drink or diet supplement. Thanks to a "Star Wars" enthusiast who goes by the moniker "Master Flynn," the Jedi workout is the new way to fight the battle of the bulge. And now gym-shy geeks everywhere can finally fulfill their dreams of getting droid-like rock-hard abs. You can read the rest of the article here.
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| What a change from last year. |
[28 Jan 2009|06:40am] |
Wow, been a while. Kinda miss blogging.
Last year, I barely went out of town. Running total as far as I remember for 2008 = 3.
I'm not even counting the pre-New Year reunion with the Abaño clan. Nope, I'll count that as 2009. Why?
Well, as early as January 2009, I've already equaled last year's total, and surpassed it as well. Seriously, here's how it all adds up:
The last weekend of December (again, I'm counting this) - Subic Bay
First weekend of January - the beaches of Zambales
2nd weekend - Tagaytay for Jeremy and Kelly's wedding
3rd weekend - The mandatory trip to Tali Beach with the squad
and then this weekend I'm off to Baguio.
Wow, 5 already! At least I'm not peeling anymore (a predicament I had to go through due to the awesome sun burning through my sunblock). Hahaha!
So last year I was missing the vacation spots of this country. This year? I'm missing the Metro! It's like I work Monday to Friday, then I'm whisked away to another world, only to be mafia-kicked in the face by the return of the work week.
I'm not complaining, though. It gets rid of the daily routines.
Here's to hoping the next steps would be going out of the country for a change. :)
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I just realized that I'm in dire need of updating my music archives at home! As most of you all know, my taste in music is a mixture of mainstream and not-so-mainstream.
Here are some of the albums I'm planning to get soon:
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Kings of Leon - Only By Night (although I'll probably get the rest of their albums later on)
BBC Radio Live Lounge series (coz Rex playing it in Tali got me hooked)
So what are you guys listening to these days? Any suggestions?
Hopefully more blogging for me soon.
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| There's a Krauser in all of us. |
[06 Nov 2008|08:26pm] |
Okay, take a couple of seconds to breathe before you go on with this entry. I know the image of Johannes Krauser II can be intimidating. But there is more to this I assure you.
I've been reading Detroit Metal City (or DMC as it is affectionately called) since last weekend, and I've got to say that it is a very deep and meaningful piece of work, demonic and malicious content aside. Coz behind the makeup and mantle lies a sensitive soul that just wants to be heard.
Just to make it clear, though, there is nothing for me to spoil in this series, as the theme recurs constantly all throughout. You have this guy named Negishi, who comes from the provincial side of Japan and decides to make his music happen in Tokyo, only to find himself wearing and carrying the monstrosity that is the frontman of DMC, and how when push comes to shove, he turns to Krauser to get him out of any mess.
I think the most profound aspect of this theme is simple - we are all, in our own little ways, like Negishi. We just want to be heard. We just want people to love what we do coz we feel it's what makes us happy. But then comes the realization that something that we're good at makes people happier than what we think makes us happy.
Negishi's hopes of making it as a pop singer is constantly thwarted by other people, and not to blame them because of songs along the lines of being a baker of love. But as he goes on, he realizes that the music he does best is the music he can't entirely embrace: Death Metal. Yet people are drawn to his brank of Death Metal and his unorthodox methods, such as his ability to "mouth guitar" and say an expletive multiple times in 1 second (in this case, 10 rapes per second).
So then comes this question: What do you feel is more important to you? Something that you like doing coz it makes you happy but spurns everyone around you, or something you don't entirely like but are apparently good at and people adore you for. Shouldn't there be a sense of balance in both? Shouldn't we try to find a compromise that pleases both aspects? Is there a place in us for both worlds to really coexist?
I guess society often drives for one aspect to rule over the other. Take for instance, the infamous Chris Gaines, who was actually Garth Brooks in a wig trying to enter into the world of pop. Didn't work as well, didn't it?
Ideally, I guess we all yearn for the day that we have something we do and are good at, and that it makes people happy. But I guess until then, let's learn to embrace the loud, obnoxious, wigged "Emperor of Death Metal" inside us.
Just make sure not to overdo it.
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| Now Let's Recap, shall we? |
[03 Nov 2008|02:31am] |
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So as most may know, my wife was in the States during her mandatory leave. And this is what I've been up to, as best as I can remember.
Okay, so in the past 2 1/2 weeks:
- I bought myself a copy of Warhammer Online. - I hung out with the guys at Nacho Fast.. on a whim. Left at 11pm so that I could (see next one) - Power-level in WAR from ranks 1 to 11 in a span of 3 days. - I hit Rank 12 after 2 days. - While that was happening, I spent time fixing Gramps' apartment up. - Staying up late to level like crazy, - And hang out with the guys.. and napped at the Holy Cow office. - Unfortunately, I had a brush of gastro for 2 days and stayed home for 1. - Hit Rank 15 after about 2 days. - I took a breather to watch Pineapple Express one weekend, - Hung out at Handlebar to fix up the birthday plans, - Hung out with friends some more, - Hit Rank 16 and 3/4 as of yesterday, - Went to the cemetery, - Went on adventure to Dapitan, - And finally, I ended up with 3 new games that don't require internet access.. RED ALERT 3, Fallout 3, and Dead Space. Where to start, I have no idea.
Personally, I'd give half or maybe all that just to spend every waking moment with my wife again.
Which begins in a couple of hours.
Yay, Lorena's coming home! :D
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| Brwlyan the Swordie |
[20 Oct 2008|08:50pm] |
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"He stood there, ready and able. A young elf by their standards, yet he carries with him a proficiency that held proudly that of the Shining Guard that is dear to him. Even now as he has entered the current madness, he stares undaunted at the mob that approaches him.
Young in elf standards he may be, yet many years of study and training has prepared him for this. He stares at his future in front of him, knowing that he can never back down. No matter the thickness of the little armaments he has on, for he knew that his spirit would never back down from any one, any race, any mad pack of rabid evil, not in this battlefield, not in the next, not in a lifetime.
And on he goes at the moment, slowly building up to become the spiritual warrior that his elder folk deem him to be. And with each battle he partakes, he looks forward to the incoming mob of destruction. With sword in one hand and a shield in another, he says these words, taunting his foes to exchange thudding and amputating pleasantries:
"O eil ti, air'm kai sosti!"
Brwlyan, the young Swordmaster of the Shining Guard battles on."
Warhammer Online has been downright overwhelming. Can't really believe I power-leveled so much in a span of 3 days. I'm doing entries like this to release any contained thoughts of WAR while I'm in the office. Brwlyan's my character, by the way. If you happen to drop by the Ironclaw server, look me up. I'm either tanking away happily regardless of deaths, or looking to get better items.
Well, it's what gets me by while my sweetie's in the States. :)
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| FAHAAHAAAAAIIIIIINALLLLLY!!!! |
[15 Oct 2008|10:23pm] |
 After a week and a half of waiting.. well, because I was waiting for my salary to come in.. I finally bought my copy of Warhammer Online yesterday.. YAAAAAYYYY!!!! I've been so excited about getting it that I spent my spare office time reading up about it. And imagining how to play the first character that I'll make. And watching how the different careers are played. And imagining how I'd play each character. (Yes, that would be my reference to Kintaro Oe practicing how to do computer programming by using a candle and a keyboard drawn on crumpled paper.. the same reference I used when I was practicing Soul Calibur before). What can I say, I research everything that I can.
I guess it was the first time I played Warhammer Online was what got me hooked. I didn't feel the complications of a big MMO when I tried it out - it felt very intuitive, as if a beginner could learn how to play it immediately. And when I tried the career I was discerning.. man, I was like, I want to use this career type.
I can't wait. And it helps that it'll temporarily take away the loneliness of not seeing my wife for 2 1/2 weeks.
Now if you'll excuse me, gotta call some people to assist me with the account creation.
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| Wow, I get to ramble again. Part 1 |
[22 Sep 2008|07:37am] |
Unfortunately, I have changed shift again. Still unfortunately, I have found myself happily accomplished in terms of my tasks today. Whether it is due to lack of progression expected after a week-long layoff or just plain office efficiency, all the same, I am subjected to sitting and waiting out the next 24 minutes of my life.
I found myself reading the most immediate posting, that being Jen's most recent blog entry. Given and despite the deepness and mastery of our native language, it was quite easy to follow. But what I found myself compelled about was the theme (which will probably be basis of my ramble for now). Although I may not have an ample contribution to his listing, I will on the other hand list my thoughts on his initial premise.
Yes, I am a music fan, too. It runs in my blood. I have relatives on both sides of my family that have dabbled in music one way or another, be it holding an instrument, effortless movement to it, or just plain having an ear for multiple oscillations. And it's safe to say that music is part of everyone's life, no matter how hard to see as so. I will also admit that I am eclectic when it comes to music, though arguably not at par with some of my friends, but nevertheless carry the same interest in what is not mainstream. And this is probably the point I will try to make when it comes to music.
To better elaborate, I will derive a technique inspired from a scene from "Dead Poets Society" known as "Understanding Poetry (I forget the actual term used) by Dr. J. Evans Pritchard MDD (and I forget the doctorate initials used as well)".
Now as you can see, if there was some scientific method of measuring the quality or likability of a song, it would likely be as above. The vertical line is the melodic content of a song, meaning the musical arrangement, so this measures the musical quality. The horizontal represents the lyrical content, meaning the message or story that is in the song. Obviously the goal of a great song is to score high in both measurements. Thus the broken diagonal which is called "song is awesome" line. What this means is that there is an equal rating in music and lyrics that it is spot on the "song is awesome" line. And as an ideal, if the song has an amazing array of melodic gymnastics and profound penning, it rates higher along the said line.
Uhmm.. at this moment I am 2 minutes away from signing off from my desk, so I will likely continue my point in the next installment. But before I do leave, I will stress samples of songs and where they'd likely rank.
1) "Popular" by Nada Surf - Very deep lyrics, and a simple melody that compliements. So this would likely be marked right of the SOA (song is awesome line) but below it as well.
2) "The Vengaboys Song" by Vengaboys - Ok, admittedly, it gives LSS. You can't help but hear the synthesizer in your head when you hear it. But wow, the lyrics are absolutely nonsensical. So this rates a little above the SOA but towards the left.
I could go on, but I have to take my leave for now. But til then, a challenge for the readers: what is your song of the moment? How do you think it'll plot out on the graph? Scale of 1 to 10 tayo, my friends.
In Part 2, I will get to my point.
Later...
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| I'm gonna be on air! |
[06 Aug 2008|04:50am] |
Unless my officemate is joking with me, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow on Jam 88.3 at around 9am as part of their Breakfast Break.
Hope you can all listen in! :D
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| Change of Plans.. |
[17 Jul 2008|08:17pm] |
Okay, since I want to make sulit my cash, I've decided that I'll find another way to get them Lifehouse tickets.
If it happens, then great. If it doesn't, it's all good.
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| Name that (OK) Team! |
[17 Jul 2008|04:01am] |
 I'm bored, hence I'm writing about this. Hahaha! :P
It's been official for quite a while now that the Seattle SuperSonics are moving to Oklahoma. It's just the team and the franchise itself, but not the name, as the settlement with the city dictates that Seattle keeps the rights to the name SuperSonics should a franchise come there again. Hence, the franchise will carry the name "Oklahoma City Basketball" on their jerseys and the colors black and white for the duration of the Summer League.
Until they come up with their official name, let's go crazy on this one and come up with possible team names (and colors, if you feel like it). If you wanna read up more about the city to help you with your name ideas, check out this link.
Here are the names I came up with:
Redmen - In reference to the name, as Oklahoma means "red people". (red-brown-white colors)
Red-tails - In reference to the red-tailed hawk, the breed of birds existent in OKC. (red-black-white)
Tornadoes - In reference to the Tornado Alley there (hmm.. teal-brown-white maybe?)
Drillers - In reference to Oklahoma being an oil-producing state (Black-silver-white.. at least they can recycle the uniforms)
Drummers - In reference to the Native Americans in OKC (red-green-white)
Wranglers - In reference to the cowboys (blue-brown-white)
Rockers - In reference to American Idol's David Cook, who has been based in Tulsa, OK for the past couple of years, hahaha! (green-grey-white)
Any other ideas? Post them, no matter how weird they sound! Just for fun!
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| We Discover Who We Are.. |
[08 Jul 2008|03:57am] |
In about 2 weeks, Lifehouse will be coming to Manila (yes, Kiara just had to remind me). The thought that I'm a couple of clicks away from purchasing tickets (even if it's general admission, I don't care!).
It's funny, I remember when I found out that Lifehouse was coming over, Lorena initially asked me, "Wow, they are? Cool. Wait, Araneta Coliseum? They're that big?" (For those who might not know, I sang a lot of Lifehouse songs for Lorena back when we weren't married yet) then last night, when we were driving on EDSA-Northbound, we saw the billboard promoting them. She said, "Wow, they're platinum na pala!" (My lovely wife has admitted to me time and over that she never knew they were that popular, so I'd always tell her how much of a hit these guys turned out to be) But that's another story.
For me, I've been waiting a looong time to watch a Lifehouse concert. This happens to be one of my favorite bands in the whole world. Why, you might ask? Well, Lifehouse' music was a great influence in my life. Well, ever since 3rd year college (when Hanging By A Moment came out), which was the first time I got introduced to their brand of music. The entire No Name Face album was what helped me through those long hours punching in my Business Plan in MULBIS class. In fact, I could relate to majority of their songs. Which is one of the things that the band itself is moved to hear whenever fans tell them that.
It also helps that their songs came out in Smallville.
Credit goes to Jason Wade's songwriting prowess, and how each song draws you into the emotion Wade carries, and in the process, brings out the same emotion, the same event that you experienced in life. For instance, Whatever It Takes took me back to the day before the Despedida de Soltera, when Lorena and I had an argument. It was a song that made me want to fix the argument. First Time reminds me of the time when the thought of marriage was kicking in, and that the thought of married life was like being in love for the first time: so happily new. Somewhere In Between was when my brain was in knots on how I felt towards a certain friend who I felt I had a close bond with. Simon helped me cope with my feelings of incompetence. Easier To Be was for the times I felt blessed to just be who I was as a person. The list goes on.
That's probably what I am looking forward 2 weeks from now. Being able to experience those different emotions again, all in one night. I'm sure they'll play the hit songs, but I'm looking forward to the other songs in their set list that will surely touch those million emotions. Yeaaah, can't wait for the hair at the back of my neck to be standing all night long. :D
Did you know: I once told myself that if Lifehouse came to Manila for a concert, I'd pull a billion strings just so that I could appear onstage when they're about to perform the song "Everything", then pop the question to my then ex-girlfriend (by ex-girlfriend, I mean my wife). So much for that, I know. Oh well, it's all good. :)
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| Just a quick one before this season of American Idol ends. |
[21 May 2008|09:21pm] |
Don't worry, I assure that this will be spoiler-free at the time that I'm posting this.
I am currently waiting for the liveblogs to update because I know the season will end soon. Again, I will not spoil anything for everyone.
Given the boxing analogies last night, I will say this:
Both Davids can be compared to boxing techniques.
Cook is what they call a "flurry". Not entirely effective per individual punch, but because of the varieties of punches, it's definitely a very powerful technique. Cook, like the flurry, is effective because of his versatility, which is a strong factor that can mean longevity.
Archuleta is what they call a "haymaker". The very epitome of "reward or punishment", it may be setup slowly, but when it hits, it may very well be all over. Archuleta, like the haymaker, is effective because his one punch, ballads, is his practically his meal ticket to superstardom.
Both flurry and haymaker are effective in a fight. Both can yield a knockout, both can yield stoppage for TKO. Both may not get someone far enough in a fight without the other technique. So now, let's see which technique prevails.
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| 100 Questions (Got this from Jamie) |
[13 May 2008|08:28pm] |
1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT
Left index finger got sliced by a very sharp glass ledge in some stuffed toy store.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
Photos of Lorena and I, a Crucifix, and Eric Cartman.
3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
I snore, especially when I'm exhausted.
4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
All kinds of music. Practically everything but the kitchen sink.
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
11:58 PM. I am the human buzzer-beater.
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
Oh God, there are a lot: A better paying job in (hopefully) a multinational company so that my wife won't have to work anymore, my own house, to have kids someday (in God's time), and fulfillment in all my artistic talents (dunno how I'm gonna go about the latter, but we'll see).
7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
At this point in time? San Juan.
8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
My wife. She means the world to me. :)
9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
About 6feet tall.
10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Nope.
11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
No, not really.
12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
More like teary-eyed. Goofy and Max Goof, lol.
13. WHATS YOUR WORST FEAR?
Losing all my loved ones. I'd rather I'd go first before them.
14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Black hair and dark eyes. See: Lorena. :D
15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING / BEING PROPOSED TO AT?
At the arrival area of an airport, with flowers and signages.. Wait, I did that already. :P
16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
Neither. It's soda or Tea for me.
17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Anchovies. It's that hidden kapow that I like.
18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Pizza.
19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
Red.
20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
I wouldn't dare.
21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
My marriage.
22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?
I crush my wife everyday.. Hey, I'm married, I'm allowed these liberties.
23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
Not that I recall.
24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
None really, though I happen to have a lot of Addidas.
25. WHO IS THE HOTTEST FEMALE/MALE CELEBRITY?
Ms. Bush, as always. Ms. Digby, too.
26. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?
Nope.
27. WHAT KIND IS IT?
Wala nga eh.
28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
This actually happened, and I came up empty handed. So nopes.
30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
19
31. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?
Brunettes
34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
I've always been out of the USA.
35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Video games, and.. well.. my husbandly "duties", lol.
36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
Aubrey Miles (while waiting for a friend to exit the CR), Mike De Mesa, Ricky Davao, Jay-Lal (Turkish RNB Superstar).. I've lost count.
37. FIRST JOB?
Artist/Corporate Image for Land Transportation Marketing.
38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
About a couple of times in high school.
39. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOULMATE?
I found mine. :D
40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
Walking to the office.
41. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
I had one to fix my fractured wrist.
42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
This is by far my favorite: "Parang hindi ka tumatanda!" ("It's like you don't get older")
43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
Yup!
44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
A house.
45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
4 would be nice, but at this point in time, twins would be great.
46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Raphael, after the archangel. Victor, after Victoria, my great grandmother.
47. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE OPPOSITE SEX?
A ditz. Second place goes to the "unforgiving mean girl"
48. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Exemption from P.E. and C.A.T. coz of varsity.
49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
Clear for Men.
50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I do very much.
51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Chicken.
52. ANY BAD HABITS?
I find discreet ways of cleaning my nose.. I should stop doing this soon.
53. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?
In terms of love, no. In other aspects that I'd be passionate about, yes.
54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I would. I think I'd enjoy the wide scope that I'd have.
55. DO YOU AGREE WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS?
No.
56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Second to personality for me.
57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
I write. Play video games. Play guitar. Play really angry music.
59. WHATS YOUR MAIN GOAL IN LIFE?
Be the best husband, breadwinner, provider, and future father I can ever be.
60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
Voltron.
61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?
Probably around 200.
62.WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID?
I will stab Barney.
63. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
More like I could ride sarcasm if I felt like it. Then again, that's my humor I guess.
64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
Pwede bang Mac and then Mash as well? :P
65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
"A good sense of humor. Someone who can hang with my friends." - I agree with you on this, James. Oh, and she must be a cowgirl, too.
66. WHAT ARE YOUR NAMES?
Raphy, Raph, Raphmeister, and V----cuy. :P
67. (Where the hell is question #67?!)
If I'm staring at this question then I'd say.. Sa FACE!
68. WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
I have too many to mention. In the span of 4 years? OTH. Lately? Heroes, Pushing Daisies. Need to watch Dexter soon, though.
69.WHATS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH YOUR ENEMIES?
Quietly show that I'm better than them. Or isang malaking "EVS".
70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
It's a tie between Chocolate Mint and Bubblegum
71. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES?
Compete here.
72. DO YOU HAVE A COMPUTER IN YOUR ROOM?
No. It's in the living room.
73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?
Idol's Top 3, probably play computer for a while. And husbandly duties. :P
74. WHAT'S THE FASTEST YOU'VE EVER GONE IN A CAR?
120km/h
75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
If they're free, I don't see why not.
76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
I wish I could say music, but right now it's Brian Gorell on the radio.
77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
Hot chocolate.
78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Lorena.
79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Eyes.
80. WHAT DO U LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Too many things. To the point that I end up not doing anything because I get conflicted. :P
81. FAVORITE THING TO HATE?
People who absolutely lack common sense (Swee, you know who this is. Rio, it's your batchmate here, dude).
82. FAVORITE MONTH OF THE YEAR?
November
83. WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF CANDY?
Jellybeans! Coz dragon's tears turn into jellybeans!
84. HAVE YOU EVER REALLY AND TRULY HAD A BEST FRIEND?
I have one.. I have many.
85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
Black
86. EYE COLOR?
Dark Brown
88. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
Macdoggers. Uncle John's coz of the discount, Lol.
89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Doesn't really matter actually.
90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
Yup!
91. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?
Music in High Places: Boyz 2 Men's "Water Runs Dry" in Korea.
92. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
Days na lang.. Birthday, Wedding, Christmas.
93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?
Guitar, a bit of piano.
94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?
A bit of both.
95. KISSES OR HUGS?
"Both is better though." - I have to agree with Jamie on this one.
96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
Relationships. :)
97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?
Chocolate Pretzels.
98. DO YOU HAVE A LOW SELF ESTEEM OR A HIGH SELF ESTEEM?
My self esteem fluctuates.
99. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
You know what.. I need a book.
100. DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE:
The one true thing that keeps me happy each day. :D
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| CSB Survey |
[28 Apr 2008|02:22am] |
Part One
1. ID number
- 9964762
2. 1st / 2nd / 3rd choice
MMA or bust!
3. Course
- Multimedia arts
4. Did you attend the Frosh Orientation Program?
- Yes, I did. And we were all griping about the physician asking us to spread our pwets. Waaah.
5. Did you attend the Frosh Night?
- We didn't have one. Di natuloy.
6. Have you ever been caught by the D.O.?
- Nope!
7. Who's your academic adviser?
- Chose Manolet and it was last minute. Wala si Hep, Hep Joray eh.
8. Favorite classroom?
- ML1 for the win. Especially the green screen area. We'd take naps there, even at the end of ROTC. Man, 7 huge guys sharing one bean bag. LOL.
9. Do you know your GPA?
- A shade under 3, I think.
10. Is CSB your first choice?
- I wanted DLSU.. but then it was a toss-up between CSB and UST, so I chose CSB. Green forever.
Part Two
[x] You know that HRM and HRIM are two different courses.
- Yup, Human Resource Management and Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management.
[ ] Brought / wore a jacket on a daily basis.
- Naaah. My LSGH Varsity jacket got dirty after a while.
[x] Had a Korean classmate.
- In one elective lang.
[] Signed up for many orgs during the Star Week.
- Signed up with FU
[x] Actually became part of an org.
- M20.. I was an officer. CSB-YFC later on.
[x] You have met 'Jenny'.
- The reason I always have 5 bucks in my pocket.
[x] You hang out at the cubes.
- Sarap kaya when you're early for the morning classes. Walang istorbo eh. :P
[x] You hang out at Plaza V.
- Parang lagi nga ako andon eh.
[x] You have had Shark's Fin with rice more than once a week.
- 3 times a week was more like it.
[x] You have been to SDA and AKIC. - I had 2 classes in AKIC. Pila-pila dati sa elevator. Ahh the days of climbing up to the 17th (or was it 7th?) floor. :P
- I was in SDA when the White Bananas performed. Vote them ha!!
[ ] Went on LOA/AWOL. - I finished on time. :)
[ ] Dropped / failed a subject.
- Passed everything. Raphy is a geek eh.
[ ] Skipped BIBSTUD at least once.
- I aced this one. [ ] The turnstile is the place to 'know people'.
- I really wouldn't care what this one's about.
[x] Waited for someone / something at the 'airport'.
- The loneliest place evarrr.
[x] You've met your academic adviser.
- once i think
[x] Watched movies at the LRC.
- Nopes.
[x] Ate Yakisoba inside the classroom.
- I ate so much in school that I don't even remember what I ate in class. :P
[ ] Used the WiFi on campus.
- We didn't have WiFi at the time.
[x] Went to the CL / i-Nook to cram assignments.
- i-Nook was a loyal friend I had back then.. until Netopia popped into the picture. :P
[x] Attended / watched an event in the theater for ORDEV.
- I don't remember actually taking ORDEV, but for SEPERDE we watched Nyoy Volante as St. Benilde. Do you want to be a brother?
[ ] Secured a Blue Form.
- ????
[ ] Missed a course card distribution day.
- Please see below. :P
[x] Missed a course card distribution day because you were on vacation already.
- Yeah, I missed 3rd term of frosh year. :)
[x] Went through piles and piles of course card in the SIU.
- Not SIU.. in SDA. [ ] Participated in the speech choir for ORALCOM.
- I recited something in that subject.. or that equivalent.. damn most of these questions make me feel so darn old. :P
[ ] Went to MoA in between classes.
- It wasn't developed at the time. Rob Manila was the closest. Then we got bored. So we'd go to G4. Then there was that time that we toured Manila - Rob Manila, Manila Bay, Manila Zoo. Don't you love 6 hour breaks? :P
[ ] Tried to get out of the building before the clock hit 6 PM and failed.
- I always seemed to know the timing of the Angelus. I always made it a habit to sync my watch or phone to that of the school. :)
[x] Tried to get out of the building before the clock hit 6 PM and succeeded.
- See above.
[x] Landed on the dean's list.
- Three times, then I had 5 close ones. X__________x
[ ] Landed on the dean's list for three consecutive terms.
- Dyahe yang PUBLISH. Hindi kami siniputan. :(
[ ] Parked at the 'beach'. - Who made this survey? :P
[x] Used the EAF to get in because you forgot your ID.
- Oo naman!
[x] Had a freaky prof.
- I don't think life in college would've been interesting if there wasn't any interesting profs.
[x] Became friends with a prof.
- And I have a blockmate who became a prof. Does that count? :P
[ ] Became friends with a guard / D.O. / ACTC person / LRC person.
[x] Had a 6-9 class.
- That for me truly defines my course. Aaaah, the fun in 6-9 classes. The thrill of netgaming before, during and after? priceless. :P
[x] Went to the ACTC to renew your account / password.
- I don't even remember why I had to change passwords.. I think it had something to do with those log-on password notifs every year. :P
[ ] Tried to access Friendster in the CL / i-Nook and got blocked by Websense.
- Friendster came out when I started working. :P
[x] Secured handouts at the 2nd / 3rd floor Duerr Hall.
- Those photocopiers must be geniuses after having all those. :P
[ ] Arrived late for a 7 AM class.
- I didn't have, my earliest where 9am classes. :)
[] Had an online exam through the Moodle. - WTF's Moodle? :P
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| Lern2Read |
[18 Feb 2008|09:30pm] |
Either he's referring to someone named Morans (which makes this entry sad) or it's really what it is.
Good morning to all!
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| Remembering my Ninong Jun |
[12 Feb 2008|10:43pm] |
 Vicente De Ocampo Jr, known as Tito Jun to us, passed away yesterday afternoon, after battling the pain in his internal organs. Things happened pretty fast. A couple of weeks ago, he was diagnosed with this problem. Days later, he was progressing better because of medications to make the mass covering his liver and pancreas subside a bit.
Fast-forward to last Sunday, when my relatives visited him at home. It turns out things weren't getting any better. Then he got rushed to the hospital in the evening. The day after, we found out that his organs were starting to fail. He went into comatose yesterday morning, and then passed.
Though I may not know much about him, here are a couple of things I'd like to share about him. Tito Jun is actually my birth Ninong. My parents figured since I was born the day before his bday, that they'd get him as my godfather.
I remember one time when my folks and I were helping him and Tita Aila as they moved into their home in Cainta. That was the time my folks and I gave them "quick-build" drawers and cupboards, which I had a knack for being able to assemble with little effort (it was the LEGO of storage furnishing). When I started work on the cupboard, he was on his way out and saw me getting a start on it and shook is head sensing that I'd have a hard time. Needless to say, he was surprised when he got back from his lakad to see that there was a completely built cupboard with things already stored inside. With this, he told my parents that he was very proud of me.
Looking back on that day, I guess that's the one thing that I've come to know about him. He didn't like seeing people having a hard time. But when he saw the person achieving, he was very proud and happy about it. He may not have shown it (as my sister has mentioned), though, but I know that he was a very proud man, and very honorable person. I even remembered two Christmases ago when I asked him if he didn't mind that I got married on the day of his birthday. I remember as if it were moments ago lang: "Don't mind at all, hijo! You decided on that day and it is a good day, and I'll be happy to be there!"
Sadly the last time I saw him again was during the holidays. :(
Ninong Jun, wherever you are, I hope you are well. Thank you for being a good ninong to me by virtue of example alone. For showing me pride, honor and respect. I know you are gone in the physical aspect, but in spirit, you are always here. We miss you very much. Sleep well. Please tell Lolo we said hi. :)
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| Looking For Artists and Copywriters |
[20 Jan 2008|09:49pm] |
Hey everyone!
Any artists and copywriters out there looking for a job?
We need artists with the following requirements:
- at least 23 years old
- Graduate of Fine Arts, Multimedia Arts, Design or any related course
- proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Flash, CorelDRAW, MS Office
- experience in advertising is a plus
- highly creative, likes to think out of the box. Maybe even eat and drink out of the box as well.
For the copywriters:
- at least 23 years old
- Graduate of Mass Communication or any related course
- proficiency in MS Office programs
- experience in advertising and/or PR is a plus
- reeeeaaaaaally good with words
Please send your resumes with picture to ferdinand.adriano@robinsonsland.com, copy-furnish (that means cc) to raphael.abano@robinsonsland.com. Please write a very convincing cover letter to go with your resume (that's always a plus). If you have sample works, send it over in a .pdf file or attach it to photocucket.com, deviantart.com, or any storage site (given of course you allow us access to them).
Thanks! :)
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| About the latest, happiest moment of my life. |
[09 Dec 2007|11:04pm] |
This year has already had the craziest moments. And you'd think that as the year ends that things would be peaceful and quiet for a change. Well, at least a sense of it.
But now, I will tell you about the events that led to the happiest moment of my life.
The month of October went so fast that each day of November that passed was quite surreal. The sensations are indescribable. It's like downing several shots of your favorite poison before you can even breathe. Or even going up an escalator and leaning towards the side to look all the way down (guys will relate coz you'd definitely feel the rush between your legs.. unless of course you're a eunuch or took part in the BME Olympics or something like that). Every weekend I was out. Whether it was wedding stuff, or a party, we were there. I look back at the first week and all I remember was bringing Rio out for his birthday. The week after was the misalette's and the triple-birthday of Rio, Jamie and Enzo (pictures to come soon). The week after was the briefing. The fourth week was the Ad Congress and the Despedida.
I stop myself before I go on, let's get to the action that was the week of the wedding.. or at least 2 days before.
28th, Wednesday - Things were still pretty calm. I took a leave from work and just hung around the house, answering the many questions my parents had about the wedding. Questions and suggestions which Lorena and I had pretty much addressed already. I don't even remember what I had for lunch that day. At around 5pm (which felt like 6pm lately coz it was damn dark already), I headed over to get my essentials: my custom-made barong, slacks, my undershirt and shoes. By far, the most fun I had shopping for clothes coz I had a fairly huge amount of cash to spend. My tailor was so happy with the barong came out(I think they were even happier than I was! And I say that coz I was absolutely delighted) coz they must've gotten a dozen questions each day along the lines of "How much for that barong design?" or "How much for that embroidery?". The day ended with me passing by Lorena's house to grab all the bottles of wine and my birthday gift - the most awesome acoustic guitar EVARRRR! Thanks, sweetie. Even my dad and bros enjoyed it. :)
29th, Thursday - For the past couple of years my birthday was often comprised of minimal text greets, simple gifts from my folks, time with Lorena, and a very relaxed day. So when my birthday came around, things started of pretty well. Got the minimal text greets, got a simple yet useful gifts from my folks. Alas, I didn't see Lorena because of the general rule of the bride and groom not being allowed to see each other the day before the wedding. Sad birthday already if you ask me. :( Then at around lunchtime..
Dad: Raph come quickly (He was at the TV).
Me: What's up?
Dad: Look. Trillanes walked out of the hearing. He walked to Manila Penn. He's doing the Oakwood again.
Me: Wow.
Tita Brenda dropped by to give their wedding gift. Called Lorena's mom to know if she heard the news. Practically the rest of the afternoon was about my family (or at least whoever was home) watching the news to see what was happening in Makati. Lorena and I would talk on the phone once in a while on updates, at their house they were trying to move hotels.
I think at one point I laid down in my parents' room and just said a prayer before napping. I remember Dad being so upset at Trillanes, looking at the TV occasionally to say "Tarantado ka! MY SON IS GETTING MARRIED TOMORROW AND YOU PULL OFF THIS CHEAP STUNT! YOU'RE THREATENING HIS SPECIAL DAY!" <-- this alone shows how my Dad is just too cool for his own good, and probably doesn't even know the gravity of coolness he carries. Anyways, in the midst of my nap, I woke up to say "Dad, I don't care if Trillanes pulls this stunt, or if there's a shootout in the middle of Makati. I'd rather every single crappy thing that can happen to happen today that tomorrow."
Looking back, Dad and I could only laugh. Most interesting birthday gift I've ever received: A shootout. Who can say had that on their birthday? (Well, obviously the people I share birthdays with, but you get the idea).
Interesting to note that it was raining all week, by the way. All the way through the evening.
30th, Friday.. THE DAY - I woke up.. and the sun was out. Shining. The storm and everything else that came with it was done. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Definitely a good idea to have offered brownies at Sta. Clara. Had a good breakfast, then headed to confession with Roel. Got scolded a bit by the priest, yet he congratulated me for what I will be taking part in for the rest of my life.
Rex arrived at the house at around 11am so that he and Rocky could bring the liquor to Forbes.. and he was already dressed. Prepared! Had to give him a shirt to use for the trip to the venue. Arnie the assistant photographer arrived moments later. I barely even remember eating much for lunch (paid dearly later on). So Arnie took my pictures as I got ready, jammed on my guitar, posing with Rex before he left, not to mention the usual family shots and putting on the barong and stuff (which got wrinkled then the best man hugged me, lol).
We were all ready to leave for the church when three things went awry - my pants, the van, and Kiara's hair. As we walked to the van I noticed that my pants still had weird creases, so Dad jumped up and ran with me to the room to iron them out. We got to the van after fixing that dilemma and found that the van's tail-lights weren't working, so Rocky and I took a separate car. Furthermore, Kiara's curls were straightening out, so she rode with us to the parlor to have it hair-sprayed. Action-packed stuff within a 10-minute timeframe.
Driving to the chruch was just as exciting. A fire broke out somewhere in the Makati-Mandaluyong area, and I was witness to Rocky's best evasive, action-scene worthy driving by far. All he needed were a couple of tire skids and drifts and we'd either be part of the WRX or a submission to a Fast and the Furious sequel that will never see the light of day. EDSA was the best, though, as the action picked up further.. not in the car, nor the street.. in my heart. I swear, my heart pounded like Undertaker and Kane throwing sledgehammer-like punches at the Great Khali. It was all coming together. I was gonna be married to the most wonderful girl in the world, and I couldn't even explain the excitement and nervousness and everything else in between.
3:15 - I was at the church and was not surprised to see the Abaño clan early as usual. Greeted each person and chatted as long as I could with each. My hands were cold like anything because of the car's air conditioning and my feelings of excitement.
3:45 - We all lined up and prepared for the ceremony to begin. Notably absent was Tito Ed, who was replaced by my cousin Vince.
4:00 - The ceremony begins. I walk solemnly but with very minor mobility since my folks held my hands throughout. Enter the rest of the entourage. Lorena's parents enter and stop halfway down the aisle. Main doors closed. My ninangs look at me in panic, to which I worded out that all will be fine. Lorena enters and everyone is in awe. I smiled so big that my cheeks hurt.
The ceremony went well, Lorena said her vows from the heart and made me smile and melt. I wrote mine down and put theatrics into a long piece of paper with only 2 small paragraphs. :P
Moments later, we were pronounced husband and wife. The kiss sealed the deal. :D
I couldn't be any happier. :)
Walking out of the church was extra nice coz I got to see my officemates and my college friends. The celebratory and mandatory petal toss followed, with a huge chunk being thrown into my face. I think it was Roel.
After a quick shoot with the photographer, Lorena had her touch-ups while I chatted with the Benz driver. Scooted over to the reception right after.
6:30 - Ladies and Gentlemen, we present to you Mr. and Mrs. Raphy Abaño!
Partiful dinner ensues. Casualty is the dessert bar which was wiped out completely. Lengua survives. Good food. Good drinks. Good beer.
AVP was a surprise. I had put up something I was working on, then shifted to a video that a ninong and Dad collaborated with. Best picture was of course, the Spidey-kiss. :P
Then came the usual cake-cutting, and toast.
Since one of my singer friends was sick, the song number 1 was changed to me singing the song I wrote for Lorena. 3 years old and it was still pretty good. :D Jamie surprised us with a song he and Enzo wrote, which was awesome. I hope people swooned, coz it was awesome.
Dad's speech was short and sweet, and so was Rocky's. And alas, neither cried, hahaha.
The bouquet toss and garter toss was interesting, coz we ended up throwing it to 2 people who had pretty much the same personalities: Tak and Melissa. Nice moment when Mel just picked it up, and when all the guys grabbed Tak. :P
A quick speech thanking everyone and a dance later, and I found myself staring into forever. :D
The rest of course, is history. Which might not be entirely remembered coz of all the liquor around. :P
And so it was, the happiest moment of my life. If I had to relive those days all over again, I gladly would, coz those days were the prelude to the awesome. Imagine, 2 typhoons, 1 earthquake, and one hotel takeover/coup attempt/shootout, yet it was the most beautiful wedding. And wow, it was ours. :)
So I sit here at my office desk, with nothing much significantly different.. except for the ring on my finger. The ring that says, "Raph, you got forever with you. And you know what? It's only just begun. IT's gonna be awesome." :D
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| Have we no shame?!? |
[29 Aug 2007|12:40pm] |
Uhmm, actually it's just me. :P
I have a new video up on YouTube (and maybe if you're someone who looks at it often, Multiply), and I'm just really happy to be sharing it to people, especially family and friends. Ever since I found interest in music again, I've found that in this outlet, I'm gaining more confidence as a person. With every video that I've uploaded, I feel that I'm starting to boost my morale when it comes to this aspect of me.
Again, the website is http://www.youtube.com/raifzanouff., please come and check it out. Comments and stuff are awesome, regardless if they are connected to the video or not. :P
Thanks guys, for letting me do this for you all. I hope you guys like the songs I've done so far. :)
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