Oh-Seven

thank you for a wonderful year. it's been a great 2007. i wish you and your family all the best this coming new year!

Miracles Await in 2008

i was browsing thru the Toronto Star while enjoying my coffee and a stack of pancakes when i came across this news article entitled Miracles Await in 2008. it was an astrological summary of the coming new year and every zodiac sign was detailed accordingly. here's mine:

LEO

Experiences that seem almost too good to be true will be yours to enjoy. You deserve them, so don't doubt it. There's a delightful development in your life coming up. And there's also a chance to apply yourself to a task that fires your imagination, unleashes your creativity and makes your feel much more confident about what you have to offer the world.

there's no place like family

it's only been a little over 24 hours since i arrived in canada and i already feel very content and happy about the holidays. an unfamiliar feeling i have to admit, since i haven't had the opportunity to celebrate the season around family for quite some time. the past 6 years - christmas eve and christmas day for the most part, involves searching for a christmas dinner or party to crash or finding a friend without family to hang with (there's always somebody who stays in town) or going to the movies alone on christmas night.

the past 6 years i have tried hard to detach myself from the familial aspect of christmas but moving forward i will have to try harder and regain a better appreciation of the holidays. i have to re-understand that holidays is about family as i hoping to spend more christmases with them and the people that matter. after all - there's no place like family, there's no place like home.

merry christmas!

O Canada

woohoooo!!! i made it to Toronto in one piece (the flight was very rough due to an incoming storm). it is freezing here - feels like about 25 degrees right now. the sidewalk are lined with snow. my sister's house is very festive and finally i am feeling christmasy!

aiight ... more posts to come. it's time for some steamy rice, adobo and longganisa.

countdown to holiday break!

0 days!!! lolz. i'm off to Toronto! merry christmas everyone!

countdown to holiday break!

1 day to 11 days of freedom and 3 days to canada trip. weather is looking coooool but no sign on snow fall on christmas day. sadness but keeping my hopes up - fingers and toes crossed! i want a perfect white christmas!

holiday party #5

Holiday Cheers and Wine Party
Avi's office
December 18, 2007

whew... i believe this is the last holiday party of the year. i made it!

holiday party #4

2nd Annual Holiday Dinner
Buddha's Belly
December 16, 2007

awesome food and yummy drinks plus the company of beautiful people equals good times. happy holidays super friends!



more pics to come ....

countdown to holiday break!

6 days to canada trip ...


as of writing, it doesn't look like it's gonna be a white christmas. frown ...

holiday party #3

Marshall's holiday dinner
Marshall's house - Fairfax
December 15, 2007

LMAO - i got so busy with the yummy food and drinks that i didn't get the chance to take pics. here's 2 pics taken while we played Catch Phrase.

thank you marshall - such a gracious host, as always.

countdown to holiday break!

9 days to canada trip ...


weather is cold - as expected. and it looks like there's gonna be snow showers the day i fly. weee ... i'm still hoping for a white christmas!

holiday party #2

HiSpeedMedia holiday lunch
P6 Restaurant
December 13, 2007

I forgot to bring my camera so ended up using my phone cam which sucks as you can see. lol!

holiday party #1

Valueclick company party
The Four Seasons Hotel
December 8, 2007

Thanks Lesley, for coming as my date. heee...

10th year reunion

this was in the first email i read early this monday morning. it's a classic moment where you find yourself feeling both happy and sad. happy because you look back and smile at those glorious, almost care-free days of college. sad because one, 10 years pretty much translates to 'i'm old' and two, i'm missing out on another special life event.

it's just one of the many things you compromise when you live away from home. and all i can do is sigh =(

sniffs...

In my dream, I slept as my father does now; in my daily life, i do what he used to do - turn my body into a metaphor for my emotions, make it stronger, more capable. Along the way, i try to notice the small things - the bright green moss tucked into crevices of gray rock, the first buds about to open on the trees - the things I would miss if I were leaving this earth soon.

- from The Long Goodbye by Patti Davis

oye ...

i walked into work this morning and found this on my desk.
another proof that the holidays is just around the corner.

holiDAZE

do you ever get those moments when you fell like time is going by too fast? tonight is definitely one of those moments. after the crazy halloween festivities at work (our department theme is football and i dressed up as a crazed 49ers fan), i come home excited for some quiet time by myself. i changed into my favorite over-sized shirt and a pair of comfy shorts. i sat on the couch with my glass of soy milk feeling stoked over a new episode of Pushies Daisies. I switched on the TV and the first freakin' thing i see is a holiday commercial for Ross. a HOLIDAY commercial - do you read me? i'm barely recovering from my Halloween candies and here i am comfronted with another holiday.

the days spiral from here on - THANKSGIVING - CHRISTMAS DAY - NEW YEAR'S. just watch and i can almost guarantee you that after you read this entry, it will time to stuff that turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. right after a tryptophan induced yawn and a quick burp, it'll be Christmas Day. and even before you finish sipping your apple cider, it'll New Year's.

sometimes i wish life comes with a 'pause' button or that a 1-800-SLO-DOWN hotline exist.

eva and virg in LA...

needless to say, it was great to see you both.

The most beautiful rainbow

I was in the process of deleting old emails and came across this one.


As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that
wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You
will have your heart broken probably more than once and
it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so
remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight
with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things
an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast,
and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too
many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never
been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset
is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be
afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never
begin.

why the hell not?

this company slogan gave me a good early friday morning chuckle.

independence day

cartwheels, backflips, pirouettes - just few of the things i wanted to do after seeing my permanent resident card (green card) in the mail today. honestly there are no words to describe how it felt. but one thing is for sure - it felt so damn good!

hope floats eternal.

it's a happy day.

drop by for some tea ...

IT'S OFFICIAL!

i am now a resident of Sweet Jasmine Lane in Woodland Hills.

big shout out to Nick, Cliburn, Tom and Joel for helping me move. thanks for not hating me. i know it was a tough day considering it was 115 degree right when we were unloading the truck. we survived it though, right? hope you enjoyed the greasy pizza as much as i did.

and after all the boxes has been unpacked and all my stuff organized, please feel free to come by for some tea. i don't live on Sweet Jasmine Lane for nothing.

some things i just don't understand....

Helmsley's Dog Gets $12 Million in Will
Wednesday August 29, 6:12 am ET
Helmsley Dog Gets $12 Million, but Real Estate Billionaire Leaves Nothing to 2 Grandchildren

NEW YORK (AP) -- Leona Helmsley's dog will continue to live an opulent life, and then be buried alongside her in a mausoleum. But two of Helmsley's grandchildren got nothing from the late luxury hotelier and real estate billionaire's estate.

Helmsley left her beloved white Maltese, named Trouble, a $12 million trust fund, according to her will, which was made public Tuesday in surrogate court.

She also left millions for her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, who was named to care for Trouble in her absence, as well as two of four grandchildren from her late son Jay Panzirer -- so long as they visit their father's grave site once each calendar year.

Otherwise, she wrote, neither will get a penny of the $5 million she left for each.

Helmsley left nothing to two of Jay Panzirer's other children -- Craig and Meegan Panzirer -- for "reasons that are known to them," she wrote.

But no one made out better than Trouble, who once appeared in ads for the Helmsley Hotels, and lived up to her name by biting a housekeeper.

"I direct that when my dog, Trouble, dies, her remains shall be buried next to my remains in the Helmsley mausoleum," Helmsley wrote in her will.

The mausoleum, she ordered, must be "washed or steam-cleaned at least once a year." She left behind $3 million for the upkeep of her final resting place in Westchester County, where she is buried with her husband, Harry Helmsley.

She also left her chauffeur, Nicholas Celea, $100,000.

She ordered that cash from sales of the Helmsley's residences and belongings, reported to be worth billions, be sold and that the money be given to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Her longtime spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, had no comment.

Helmsley died earlier this month at her Connecticut home. She became known as a symbol of 1980s greed and earned the nickname "the Queen of Mean" after her 1988 indictment and subsequent conviction for tax evasion. One employee had quoted her as snarling, "Only the little people pay taxes."

Source: Yahoo Finance
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070829/helmsley_s_pooch.html?.v=1


*****
$12 million is a lot of dog food is all i can say.
*****

hello telephone ....

I was cleaning out my storage cabinet and i came across my first cell phone in the US. A Nokia 5165.

This cellphone doubles as a paper weight, an ironing device for minor creases, and a protective weapon in case of assault.

*wink*

disarray ...

i woke up this morning and was shocked to find out my fridge is gone. my heart skipped. i blinked, rubbed my eyes, looked around my apartment and then realized WHY there's an empty spot in my kitchen and WHY my apartment is in total disarray. i'm moving.

i grunted as i made myself a cup of coffee and secretly wished for a magic spell that will move my shtuff with a wink of an eye or a swish of a hand or a snap of a finger. i scan the chaos. the caffeine slowly sank in and of course, there is NO spell - magical or not - that will make the move easier. plain and simple, i just have to deal with it.

now don't get me wrong - i'm actually looking forward to moving in to the new apartment. i love it - private garage, big living room, guest bathroom, washer dryer in unit, the works. what i'm not too crazy about is the process in between. the packing, the physical move and unpacking is an idea i vehemently loathe.

if you haven't used it in the last 2 years then you probably never will ... ever! that's the general rule i set for myself as i started sorting through one of the cabinets yesterday. i found my portable cd player(gawd i can't believe i used to carry this around the gym), a teddy bear from an ex, notes/letters/pictures from another ex, three different chargers for cellphones i no longer have, an adapter for i don't know what exactly, a christmas tin box with candies (eek), a burned copy of Diary of Alicia Keys ... the list of crap goes on and on an on. with a little pang of guilt and pain in my heart, i tossed everything in a trash bag. and i repeated to myself - if you haven't used it in the last 2 years then you probably never will ... ever!

the insanity doesn't end there. there's a couple more cabinets to go through, some drawers and not to mention the closet. the next 2 weeks will be stressful and exhausting but i'm pretty sure it will be all worth it.

Mattel Voluntary Recall

Please read and forward info to all concerned.

http://www.mattel.com/safety/us/

sorry nick ... but you might have to return your Polly Pocket Playset.

more happy birthdays ...

i guess one of the consequences of having a ton of friends is that there is always someone celebrating a birthday. the past 3 weekends saw the birthday celebrations for me, then joel, then just yesterday - phillip. next up is eric and then marky.

no complaints though. it's always a joy to have yummy food and drinks with a bunch of crazy people.

happy birthday philip!

Umbrella

damn all these acoustic versions of rhianna's umbrella, this song is starting to grow on me! hearing the toned down version i was able to pay attention to the words. and i have to admit - the lyrics isn't so bad.

thanks to tommyknox100 from youtube for this impressive performance. rock on!

check it out..

ang bulaklak ...

well i guess turning 30 isn't so bad when you got someone sending you a dozen red roses at work ....

California Adventure

California Adventure

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video montage

Califonia

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good for the soul...

i was putting away the "tabo" and it dawned on - mom has gone back home and i am alone again. i started sobbing.

it's been a week since my mom and sisters left and as i slowly get back into the swing of things, i look back at the past 3 weeks and feel a sense of fulfillment. there are a thousand adjectives to describe mom's trip to LA, but if i had to choose one word, it would be LIBERATING. i was able to open up to her and express myself in ways i've never done before. it was good to finally tell her. we both cried. when she said she understands and she is accepting and that she still loves me - i cried even more.

needless to say, the opportunity to spend time with my family after 6 longs years is exactly what i needed. it's been a tough journey, not just for me but for everyone, most specially after we lost papa. it's a pretty hard reality but we have to accept that there will never be another trip with him. life will never be the same.

as i struggle to find normalcy, i continuously remind myself that i am never alone. i am blessed with a loving family who i know, despite our distance, will always be there for me. i have a solid circle of friends. the kind who will stick with you through both the good times and the bad. i am very lucky and i am forever thankful.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Your Birthdate: July 27

You are a spiritual soul - a person who tries to find meaning in everything. You spend a good amount of time meditating, trying to figure out life. Helping others is also important to you. You enjoy social activities with that goal. You are very generous and giving. Yet you expect very little in return. Your strength: Getting along with anyone and everyone Your weakness: Needing a good amount of downtime to recharge Your power color: Cobalt blue Your power symbol: Dove Your power month: September

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

on the 7th day ....

A Reason, A Season, A Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.


When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong -doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life.

- DREW CHALKER

alberto l. macayan 1938-2006

Love 07

Love is patient; love is kind.
Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way: it is not irritable or resentful;
It does not rejoice in wrong doing, but rejoices in truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13

letter for papa.... (REPOST)

in observance of my father's first year death anniversary - i am reposting the last letter i wrote for him. this was the same letter that was read at his funeral and a copy of which was placed inside his coffin before he was put in his final resting place.

I miss you, PAPA!

* * * * *

february 2006

dear papa,

i don't know how or where to begin. this is probably the most painful letter i ever have to write.

i guess i should start by saying - i am sorry. for not being there in your most difficult and trying time and also for not being there today. i know that in your heart and in your mind, you know how much i wanted to be there. i've always longed to hold you and console you and be the good son i wanted to be. unfortunately, certain situations wouldn't let me. i hope you understand. a part of me believes that where i am right now is exactly where you want me to be. this was your grand plan all along. you've worked very hard to provide me with a comfortable life and good education among other things. it was your goal to secure a good future for mama, for my brother and sisters, and for myself. papa, i know you can hear me, and i want you to know that you have succeeded in more ways than one.

although another part of me is lost, i am faithful that in time, i will fully understand our fate.

also, i want to say thank you for a million reasons. you have been a loving husband, a devoted father, a supportive father in law, an adoring grandfather, a valuable friend to peers, coworkers and even acquaintances. you will always be the strong, invulnerable gentleman both kids and adults look up to.
most importantly, thank you for showing us the real meaning of courage and strength. you have redefined bravery and for that, i know i have no reason to feel weak. you are a true gentleman and always will be.

in my heart i will hold a promise - to always remember august 29, 2001. four years, five months, and twenty days ago. as i watched you and mama walk through that gate at the san francisco airport, never did i imagine that it was gonna be the last time i will see you. that particular date shall mark the turning point of our journey.

this is not the end. it will never be. for i am certain that you will be with me as i go through my own personal journey. i know that you will be watching over me and guiding me through the right path.

i am in great pain that i can not be there to read you this letter. my heart bears so much heaviness with the fact that i won't have the chance to say my final goodbye. but i believe that you are always with me and that our love will transgress through the distance.

papa ... the strength you have exemplified will be my inspiration. the knowledge you imparted will be my guiding light. your courage shall make me stronger and in your peace i shall find mine.

i love you and til we meet again...

much love,
your bunso - alex

* * * * *

welcome akia

today i learned that my good friend, virgie, gave the world a beautiful gift named Dion Akia Tumulak.




congratulations to virgie and diony. i look forward to meeting your precious little girl.

and i begin to wonder

my tarot reading for today - february 1, 2007 ...

"Today is a day where things become official, or legal. And that's not surprising: Justice and the Sun are intent on legalizing an aspect of your private life. Could it be that your significant other is asking you for your hand? Or, if marriage is not on the cards, dear APM, maybe you'll move in together, or you'll finally meet the parents-in-law? Could this be a promise of a sincere and long-lasting relationship?"

hmmmm??? reeeally??

The Power of 07

Great times with great friends. It's gonna be a great year!

HAPPY 07!!!

Kudos to Marvin for hosting an awesome NYE party!

My quit anniversary ...

Today marks the 2nd year of my quitting from smoking. I'm very happy that i'm able to pull this off. Surprisingly, quitting was difficult only the first two to three weeks. After a while it was just smooth sailing. I know easier said than done specially for long time smokers. Sheer determination and setting goals helped me a lot. Hopefully with this quick word i am able to reach out and help someone.

Below is my quit info courtesy of quitnet.com
Your Quit Date is: Monday, January 03, 2005 at 9:00:00 AM
Time Smoke-Free:729 days, 17 hours, 53 minutes and 33 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked:7297
Lifetime Saved:1 month, 25 days, 17 hours
Money Saved:$1,277.50

It feels good to be alive!