One Night Down

One hour and fifteen minutes to go before I can finally go home. I've been keeping myself busy with ALL the lights in the office turned on. I brought pizza and 1.5 liters of Iced Tea, and since no one came to keep me company, I ate the whole pizza all by myself.

The experience was kinda scary, that's why I'm so glad to have survived the whole night alone. I just hope that for my last graveyard shift of the year on Friday, people will be generous enough to accompany me this time.

Shifts

Starting January 4, 2010, I will be working in the swing shift which means I get in at 1:30 PM and I go out at 10:30 PM. I have mixed feelings about that but since our team is in a rotating shifting schedule, I have no choice. Last month, I was in the morning shift (5:30 AM to 2:30 PM), and this month, I am in the graveyard shift (9:30 PM to 6:30 PM). I can't say which schedule I like most because each has its own positive and negative points. One negative thing about the swing shift is that for sure, for the whole month of January, I will not be able to attend any dinner invitations, including wedding gigs and rehearsals. It sucks but that's life. I'm thankful to have this not-that-stressful job so I have to accept the not-so-good things that come with it.

Speaking of not-so-good things, I still have four more days left in the graveyard shift and the last two of those days, I will be ALL ALONE in our eerie office. That sucks, big time! We've heard and experienced a lot of unexplained things in the office, and spending 2 nights all by myself in the office is unthinkable.

Again, I have no choice.

Only a Cameo After All

And I just learned that Charice's part in the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel was cut that you can only see her singing a few lines of the song, and if my sources are correct, she's on-screen for less than 15 seconds.

Disappointing.

If that's the case, the video I posted in my previous post is better because it shows Charice for almost 3 minutes.

Looking on the brighter side, it's still good since it's a start for Charice. Her first cameo role in a film is in Hollywood. Woohoo!

Congratulations still, Cha!

Chipmunks, Chipettes and Charice

I can't wait for the Squeakquel of Alvin and the Chipmunks to be shown here (January 2010). It's already showing in the States and getting quite positive reviews. I've always loved the Alvin, Simon and Theodore ever since I was a kid, and I loved their first movie when it came out a couple of years ago.

For the squeakquel, the Chipettes are around to challenge the Chipmunks, and of course, one of our country's pride is also performing in the movie: Charice.

Here is a short behind-the-scenes clip of the movie.

Happy Birthday Papa Jesus!

I haven't received a single gift for Christmas,
but then again, it's not my birthday but HIS...


Happy Birthday,
Papa Jesus! ♥

Ako Mismo

Although a bit late, I finally signed up for this. I've always wanted to make a difference and though I was shy and always invisible when I was younger, I've slowly developed my confidence through different means, and now that I'm 29 years old, though still shy, I know when to become confident and aggressive without becoming arrogant.

Vote for My Cousin

Please register and cast your votes for my cousin, Jivah Therese,
once a day @ www.eskinol.com.ph

Thank you very much! ♥

Happy Anniversary, My Soulmate

We began as strangers.
We became friends.
We became one with each other...
We remain as one forever.

Our love is like a tree that grows
Still stronger through the years
Nourished by our laughter
And sometimes by our tears.

It shelters and protects us
From a dark or sunny sky
And like a tree - it's beauty grows
As each day passes... by.


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
My Wife, My Soulmate, My Life ♥

Wedding and Impromptu Reunion

We just attended the garden wedding of Ingrid and Jessie Mar tonight. Ingrid was my wife's dorm mate in college, and my co-performer in the 2000-2001 production of Les Miserables here. She was Fantine while I was Thenardier. Since then, we've performed together a lot of times in different events, and I was also fortunate enough to be a guest in her self-titled CD a few years ago. Even though I haven't really performed for a very long time, it was an honor to be able to sing a couple of songs for her and her husband during perhaps the best day of their lives.

Ingrid's wedding became more memorable when I saw a long-lost friend, Janett. We were batch mates in the first local production of Les Mis here sometime in 1995-1996 (she played Cosette), and we were supposed to be batch mates also for Ang TV Cebu had I pushed through with it a long time ago. I didn't know that Ingrid and Janett knew each other that's why I was surprised and elated to see both of them, especially Janett whom I haven't seen for a very long time.

Another person I didn't expect to see but I did see during the wedding was Kristian, one of my members in CTC, and was my understudy in Anastasia. He was there as part of the choir who sang for the wedding. Kristian is also a part of our planned Les Mis production hopefully next year.

If I had just known that some people from Les Mis, past and future, would be there, I would have brought my minus-ones and the people attending would have been treated to a glimpse of Broadway. Oh well, lesson learned: I will always bring my minus-ones whatever party I'll be going to. You never know when it will be needed.

Congratulations and Best Wishes, Jessie Mar and Ingrid! ♥

McCoy

Finally, I decided to attend the company's Christmas party yesterday because I realized that I was not the only newbie and I wanted to give the wolves a second chance, after all, it is Christmas.

For our Kris Kringle (Manito-Manita), we were made to submit our wish lists and since I recently started my action figure collection, I wrote that on my list. What I didn't know was that the department store where I bought my smaller Star Trek collection just included the big action figures in their sale, and my office mate bought me the Dr. Bones McCoy figure. My first Star Trek collection were around 5 to 6 inches tall, while the one my office mate gave was at least 12 inches.

Thank's to Agnes, I have the first of hopefully another set of my Star Trek collection. I've only had 2 older figures as big as this McCoy toy, a figure of Wolverine (in the likeness of Hugh Jackman in X2) and Superman (in the likeness of the Superman in Just League).

Start of Something New

It all started when my wife saw a Mr. Spock action figure on sale at a local department store. It was sold almost half price from its original tag. Now we're not Trekkies (others call them Trekkers), but we immensely enjoyed the latest Star Trek movie, as well as other older Star Trek movies, and seeing an action figure who looks a lot like Zachary Quinto excited my wife so much that she bought the figure.

After seeing the toy, I remembered something I was planning (more of hoping) when I was younger, to be able to have a collection of different action figures. Now we're not rich, my wife and I, in fact this blog is witness to the struggles we've gone through, but we decided that whenever there is extra in our budget AND an action figure of good quality is on sale, then we'll add it to our collection.

Heaven heard us because the following week, the price of the Star Trek action figures slid further that enabled us to get a few more.
Hoping this would be the start of something new, something that my daughter can hopefully continue in the future.

Avatar

I didn't expect the movie to be good, and I was right. It was Great. It was Amazing.

One of the rare times that the people in Rotten Tomatoes agree with me (83%). Aside from the amazing visuals that Writer-Director James Cameron is known for, the story was just beyond outstanding. I slept through the first 30 minutes or so of the movie only because I just came from working 13 straight hours (yes, another no-choice OT), but I was totally blown away with the rest of the movie. It's kinda long at 161 minutes but it was wonderfully crafted by Mr. Cameron. What an awesome comeback film it is for the man who made history when he made Titanic 12 years ago.

This is another movie that will be added to the DVD collection as soon as the DVD comes out in a month or two.

Wedding Songs

On December 21, one of my singing partners will be getting married, and she's asking me to sing for her and her groom as my gift for them. Not a problem except that for the past month, my voice is not 100%. Actually, it's been years since my voice hasn't been in condition so to speak. Working (talking a lot) in the graveyard shift has affected my voice terribly. Worst, she requested 2 particular songs that I haven't done before. Ever. Edwin McCain's I Could Not Ask for More and Bad English's When I See You Smile. Very beautiful songs, but just not within my style.

Since it has been a very long time since we last sang together, I thought that she might have forgotten my vocal quality, style and range, so I gently reminder her about that, and that the songs she requested, even if my voice will be back in condition, are songs not within my repertoire so to speak. She understood and told me to instead prepare around 3 songs of my choice.

Ever since I started singing for weddings, choosing the songs has always been my primary problem. Always. There are times though where the couple submit their requested songs which makes life a lot easier for me and whoever I'm singing with.

The garden wedding will be this Monday already, and I only have one song so far, my own arrangement of Dennis Lambert's Of All the Things.

OT Again

For the nth time this month alone, my shift got extended way beyond my normal working hours because my colleague was absent again. Instead of going out at 6:30 AM, I was able to leave the office at almost 11 AM, and that's because I kept on telling our Operations Coordinator that I had a lot of prior commitments and obligations with my family that I can't just cancel. I think that if I didn't insist, he wouldn't mind having me cover two straight shifts. That's the problem with having a 24-hour support with only 3 people. If one is absent, the 2 have to cover up. We're supposed to have back-ups but since our CEO is very thrifty, we have back-ups who are either untrained or are working full time with different clients, so basically in the end, it's just the three of us.

I don't mind doing overtime work from time to time, but lately, being absent has become like a sort of hobby for my colleagues. I've been sick for the past weeks, but I have to will myself to work every single day because I know that my absence will make things complicated and inconvenient for a lot of people. Turns out, I'm the only one with that mindset. *sigh*

Yes, I am now planning to be absent soon. I don't think what they're doing is fair. I've long wanted to rest and recharge, but I've been putting it off for the longest time for everyone at the office. Even my wife who hates being absent to work told me to go absent and let the other guys cover up for me for a change.

Maybe soon. Maybe.

Law Abiding Citizen

At last, I was finally able to watch Paranormal Activity and I was disappointed to say the least. Very. Though I was never a fan of horror movies, it was one movie I was really curious and somewhat excited to watch. Good thing I just viewed it online or else, I would have wasted at least 150 pesos if I watched it at the movie theaters.

Since it was my day off the past 2 days, I bought DVD's for us to watch at home. I bought a Ben 10 movie for my daughter (and my wife), and since I had a difficult time choosing just one DVD to buy for me, I randomly picked Law Abiding Citizen starring Gerard Butler and Jaime Foxx. I loved it. It's kinda violent but the story was fast-paced and the twists were superb. It's got a very low rating at Rottentomatoes.com but for me, it was a good movie. Really worth watching.

Don't Stop Believin'

Even when he was not 100% (and you can hear it in his voice), one of the many prides of the Philippines, Arnel Pineda, still rocked during this performance when they guested in Oprah a few months back.

Today

Raki Vega's inspiring and award-winning song composed by the great Trina Belamide.

Today I will be brave
I've done my crying now it's time
To face tomorrow and I know I'll be fine
Time to own up to all my mistakes
And every decision that I've ever made
Time to pick up
all the pieces
My future is in my own hands

Chorus:
Today is another chance I'm given
Today I kiss the past goodbye
No more excuses no more lies
I've learned my lessons now
it's time to make a stand
And choose my fate
Yes I know I can and I begin again
Today

Today I will stand tall
Think of tomorrow and smile
And know there is a reason
For all that's happened in my life
I am no victim all the choices were mine
I have the power to do what is right
I am thankful for the strength
To start all over again

(Chorus)

Bridge:
From now on things are gonna go my way
Today is another chance I'm given
Today I kiss the past goodbye
No more excuses no more lies
I've learned my lessons now
it's time to make a stand
And choose my fate
Yes I know I can, yes i know i
can and I begin again
Today

Congrats, Raki

Congratulations to Rochelle "Raki" Vega-Siu for winning Best Performance by a New Female Recording Artist for her rendition of the Michael Jackson classic, Childhood. I'm so proud of Rochelle, one of my closest friends since high school. She's a year younger than me and we met during the auditions of the local production of Les Miserables. Since then, we have performed together a lot of times, and I have seen her grow both as a person and as a performer. It was also during the rehearsals that she met her now-husband, Jon.

She's always been very religious and a devotee to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before singing professionally, she's been singing for the Lord and for Mama Mary. Rochelle took up Mass Communications in college while still singing and performing on the side. She eventually became Cebu's Jingle Queen with a LOT of commercials and jingles under her belt. After college, she became a Music Teacher and still continued her singing career. She won a lot of local prestigious awards, and was chosen as one of the finalists for Born Diva, a reality singing show where the contestants all underwent makeovers to really make them a Diva. Rochelle was given the name Raki because the studio said it sounded more "Diva-like."

She actually wanted to back out because she didn't want any part of her body changed, but after a lot of consultations with her family, loved ones and spiritual advisers, she agreed to have only her nose and eyelids enhanced, nothing else.

It's actually a very long story, and a long struggle, but Raki came out on top. Her winning piece was composed by the great Trina Belamide, the song composer who wrote Tell the World of His Love, the theme song for the World Youth Day '95 to celebrate the visit of Pope John Paul II to the Philippines. Trina made the song Today, and Raki more than gave justice to it, she owned the song.

It was still a struggle after she won Born Diva because of a lot of reasons, reasons that made me dislike ABS-CBN even more. But Raki never lost faith, and never gave up. She went back to theatre and honed her craft even more, this time under the guidance of theatre greats including the greatest Lea Salonga.

She continued performing both in theatre and in different shows, and received more awards and recognitions, and even made it to the short list for the Australian production of Disney's Lion King the Musical.

In 2007, she represented the Philippines in the 11th World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, California. The WCOPA is like the "singing olympics" with more than 50 countries participating, and Raki bagged 2 Gold Plaques, as well as 2007 Senior Vocal Champ in the Broadway and contemporary categories; as well as 3 Gold Medals, 2 Silver Medals and 1 Industry Medal in the process.

After her success in the WCOPA, her success in our shores continued to pile up, and just recently, she was nominated and won Best Performance by a New Female Recording Artist in the longest and most prestigious music award giving body in the country, The 22nd Philippine Awit Awards.

Congratulations and More Power, Raki. You will always be the Rochelle that I know, and come what may, I will always and forever here for you.

Last Airbender Teaser Poster

The first teaser poster for The Last Airbender movie was recently released, and like the teaser trailer released a few months back, it's building up the excitement of Avatar fans all over the globe.

Too bad though that Director James Cameron's using the Avatar as the title for his latest movie, that Aang would have to do with The Last Airbender.

Bravo, Glee!

After 13 superb episodes, Glee is taking a break to give way to American Idol, and will be back on the air in April 2010. And what a way to end the year than an awesome winter finale. It has been an amazing journey with the New Directions, William McKinley High School's Glee club, and I am so looking forward to more beautiful music and a roller coaster of emotions when it returns in 4 months.

It's Glee that actually rekindled the fire in me to perform again when it premiered a few months back, and now after 13 episodes, I am again very much excited to continue the preparations for our planned production. I hope the people involved share my passion and excitement.

Music is in me, is in my sister, is in us. Through the tough times that we've gone through the past weeks, music has been our one and only therapy and it's working wonders so far.

Enough is Enough

Yesterday, an old company where I used to work part-time as a trainer called me up and asked me if I am interested to handle a class again. It was quite a surprise for me because it has been 2 years since they asked me to handle a class there. The pay sucked big time but I love training so I stuck with them for almost half a year, before they realized that they just wanted part-timers and working for at least 6 months would require them to make me a regular employee, which they didn't want just so they can save money. Although I was not that excited, I was also looking forward to handle a class again. I would be handling the afternoon class (1pm to 5pm) starting today so I still have time to rest for my full-time job which starts at 9:30pm.

And then a few minutes ago, while I was preparing, I received a call from the company. They said that since there are only few who signed up, they have to postpone the training until next year. That's weird. Yesterday, they offered me the job (still part-time) and told me how many students I will have. Now they're telling me they don't need me just yet. Well I don't need them either. Sure, it will be a little help to have extra income to augment my salary, but I don't want to be involved in something that is so unprofessional.

Yet another disappointment in my life. And yes, I have decided that if ever, just if ever they would offer me a class again, I will most definitely decline without any second thoughts or regrets. Enough is enough.

Training Allowance

The company that I stayed with for 17 days owe me the promised training allowance of Php 5,500 since I completed the number of training days, and after I returned all company-owned items (ID, manuals, etc.), I was promised that I will receive my check one month after my batch mates receive their first pay. I don't know why it would take that long considering that I have been cleared and all, but I had no choice. And since they received their first pay on November 10, I called up the company earlier today to inquire about my check. I was furious to say the least. They just casually told me, "It's not here, just try to call back around the second week of January (2010)."

Hello?! Are you serious?!

Since my wife is a QA at that company, I already asked her assistance regarding this. I know that life is not fair, but this is ridiculous!

Paranormal Activity

I want to watch the movie Paranormal Activity but I can't yet. The only reason is that whenever we watch horror or paranormal movies at home, the real paranormal entities living with us become so restless. I have always been interested and fascinated with the supernatural ever since I was young, but having these entities in our own house is more than interesting, it is downright scary. A lot has happened but thank God, nothing like those in the movies.

No, I am not at all fond of horror movies, and I can even count the horror movies I've seen in my lifetime. I'm just really curious with this movie since they shot it Blairwitch Project-style.

I will watch the movie sometime soon, somewhere, as long as it's not at home if I have a choice. I'd rather watch it with friends in theaters than watching it on DVD.

So Far, So Good

They're far from being perfect, in fact they even started the season better last season than this season, but I like what I'm seeing so far this season. Aside from the Big Diesel, they also have a lot of new additions to the team like Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon, and a few rookies, so even if the core is there, there are a lot of guys who are still trying to fit in. So far, so good though. As I'm writing this, my Cavs have a record of 15-5 after they started the season with 3-3.

A lot of teams have also improved this year, so it's going to be an exciting season. Will this be King James final season wearing the red and wine? I personally don't think so, but then again, no one knows until the end of the season, so let's enjoy the present and think (worry?) about the future in the future.

Thank you, Cleveland Cavaliers, for giving me something to cheer about and distracting me from other not-so-pleasant things in life.

My Grown-Up Christmas List

I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it years ago. With all that has happened in our country this year, this song becomes more meaningful to me than ever. I am moved to tears every time I hear this beautiful masterpiece by the great David Foster and his ex-wife, the equally talented Linda Thompson.

My Grown-Up Christmas List

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I’m all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I’m not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here’s my lifelong wish
My grown up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal the heart
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end oh,
This is my grown up Christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something shiny
Wrapped beneath the tree

But heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
Oh, This is my grown up Christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up Christmas list
This is my only life long wish
This is my grown up Christmas list

What Party?

Because of what happened at the office, I don't want to go to the Christmas Party anymore. I want to so I would be able to meet and get to know my new office mates more, but now no more. I've been hurt by what has happened, and I don't care if I already contributed for the food and all, I'd rather spend that day, 6 days before Christmas day, with people who are real. Life is too short to spend it with plastic people.

Right now, I'm sick and I have a throbbing headache, but I am at work because there's no one who can cover up if I'm not here. I just keep telling myself that this is my last shift before the weekend, and then I can rest and just enjoy being with my family.

Meddlesome People

One month old in the company and I have a Notice to Explain by our newly-appointed Operations Coordinator. The reason? Somebody reported to him that I used a flash drive in my computer which "would eventually bring risk and possibly damage the security of our network and machines."

There are actually two reasons why I used a flash drive: to keep myself preoccupied in the most boring shift of all and not succumb to the temptation of sleeping, a temptation most of the people around me are doing everyday, or should I say every night. The second reason is because a lot of so-called office mates connect their flash drives, iPods & PSPs to their computers, that I thought it was okay to do so.

I already submitted my explanation, and I am ready to face whatever consequence will be given to me. My conscience is clear. A lot of people are sleeping and watching streaming movies within the shift, while I'm doing my darnest best to be wide awake, and because of that, I get reported. I didn't even report the sleeping people because I just want to do my work and not get involved with other people's businesses. Now that they've made the first move, I will defend myself, and if I have to go down, I will bring these people down. Some people are just so insecure.

Right now in our shift, there only 11 of us and since the O.C. didn't say who made the report, I consider everyone here as wolves in sheep's clothing.

Trust no one. I'm learning that the hard way.

No more Mr. Nice Guy.

Gestalt Prayer

I do my thing
and you do your thing.
I am not in this world
to live up to your expectations,

And you are not in this world
to live up to mine.

You are you,
and I am I,
and if by chance
we find each other,
it's beautiful.
If not,
it can't be helped.


-Fritz Perls (1969)

My Sassy Girl

One of my most fave movies of all-time is My Sassy Girl, the original Korean version. For those of you who love the movie and has seen it a lot of times (like me), have you noticed the hidden details in the movie? If not, then read on, and then watch the movie again. ;)

1. The runaway soldier at the Girl's birthday was mentioned earlier in the film. When Gyeon-woo chased the Girl and called her baby, he ran back to the restaurant, right before he said "You called a wrong number or the number you dialed is not in service, please call again", the TV announced a news about the runaway soldier.

2. The Girl's ex-boyfriend drowned. Why? Because the Girl and Gyeon-woo's aunt (who is also the ex-bf's mother) always cry near the lake. And the Girl asked Gyeon-woo to jump into the water to show how deep it is. When she pushed Gyeon-woo into the water and saved him, she was pretending to save her ex-bf. The Girl also threw her necklace into the lake.

3. The 2 men at the bar (where Gyeon-woo and the Girl ordered Golbangee and soju) who were picked on by the Girl, are the deputy director of the movie and movie reporter.

4. Gyeon-woo's handkerchief is the same as the Girl's ex-bf's, the only difference is Gyeon-woo's has a circular pattern and ex-bf's has a square pattern.

5. After Gyeon-woo said his "10 rules to follow", the Girl chased him and passed him at a food stand. The man at the left of Gyeon-woo, who was drinking, is the director of the movie.

6. When Gyeon-woo was hit by the tennis ball on the face several times, he fell, saw the Girl's panties and smiled.

7. The runaway soldier first used K1A1(Korea manufactured). But in front of the merrygoround the gun changed to M4A1 (USA manufactured)

8. When Gyeon-woo first carried the Girl to the hotel, there was a piece of newspaper of the 5 quins. The 4 of the 5 brothers showed up in the movie. 1st one is the Hotel owner. 2nd one is the Hotel check-in guy. 3rd one is the gangster in Jail. 4th one is the guy next to the subway announcer. The 4 people are all played by one actor.

9. The birthday Email that Gyeon-woo got from the Girl was a flash animation not lycos Email,the address is "Disk C/ My Documents". (you can see this on DVD).

10. On the Girl's second synopsis (the martial art one), the line after the Title says: "whoever dislike this story will get bothered by a ghost" (in Korean)

11. The girl's ex-boyfriend also liked to drink coke. Watch carefully when they showed the photo in the restaurant - she was touching his hand, next to him there's a glass of coke.

Finally!
At the end, the Girl said: "I think I met a man from the future, from your future." That man from the future is the old guy under the tree. He is also the old Gyeon-woo from the future. Why? Remember the Girl said: "I think UFOs as time machines." at the cafe? Watch carefully when the Girl reads Gyeon-woo's letter under the tree, a thing flew from right to left and disappeared in the sky. It was not just a bird, it was a UFO. The old Gyeon-woo traveled back to the past. The old man said "fate is building a bridge of chance for someone you love". Gyeon-woo also said that line at the end of the movie.