| Of valves and jellyfish... |
[20 Apr 2006|03:16am] |
A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to spend the weekend with Odie and her "demented" friends. The target destination was Punta Fuego. Now I really don't go out much so I had no idea what to expect from the place other than the fact that it's nice and that one of Odie's buds has a house there where we can stay for the night. So bundled with our overnight bags, Odie and I met the gang at Shang around 0645. I thought that the ride they rented out was nice (a fairly new Starex van). Unfortunately, my initially high opinion of our vehicle would diminish the closer we got to our destination.
So off we went. Lots of laughs and talking inside the van (well what can one expect from a group comprised of 60% girls). There were the catching up conversations, jokes and the occasional weird statement ("I have big boobs!" or "Bunghole!"). Seriously, girls can say the weirdest things.
We had a couple of stopovers, buying food and stuff. I must say women can budget on instinct! What might appear to be chaotic shopping to the normal observer is actually an intricately planned purchasing methodology. I don't get it. While us guys were just milling around carrying the stuff they bought if we happen to be within arm's length of them.
Armed with food and supplies, we ventured forth. Now apparently the roads became steeper the closer we got to the place and the first of many telltale signs that our rented vehicle may not be up to the trip came up. A few klicks away from our objective, JJ (our designated driver, dad, person-in-charge, babysitter, etc.), noticed the engine temp climbing to critical levels. We had to stop and check the engine where we found it was nearing overheat status. We had to like sacrifice half our drinking water supply to try and cool down the engine. Needless to say, we did reach the house although sitting at the back of the van gave me the feeling that the engine was not really up to climbing any more steep inclines.
Had fun at the beach. Amid the sun, surf and frisbee throwing JJ managed to find a jellyfish and put it on his frisbee. He let it go much to the consternation of everyone although none got stung. Wish I could've pee'd on it.
We went back to the house later that evening where one of Odie's friends caught up with us. It was such a nice evening that everyone decided to sleep at the balcony. Bonding time, lots of chatting. Us guys talked about wrestling and played card games. Vodka came out and that things got a little "emotional" is what all I'm gonna say (what we say and what we hear, when we leave we leave it at Fuego heheh).
Went back to the beach the next day and we got to stay in an awesome crib overlooking the beach (courtesy of P). Really cool. One could almost imagine seeing Snoop hanging back on the couch with a bunch of half naked chicks around him. Okay, maybe just the girls. Heheh. Nice. Anyway we went to a different beach this time where we saw another jellyfish (dead) and some weird thing we labeled as "sand worms."
Now throughout this whole trip I kept hearing that "bad things" happen whenever they go out like engine trouble or whatever. I kept quiet to myself thinking that it's all just coincidence and that they're probably just looking too much into it. Or so I thought. On the way back to Manila, we were forced to pull over a few minutes after departure because JJ thought he head a thump inside the engine (not good). We opened up the hood and got the shock of shocks. The water reservoir exploded (really bad). How the hell could this happen? (Insert CSI-like CG movie here...) Apparently, the release valve of the cap which seals the water in the container failed. As the van made it's arduous attempt to climb the 30 degree inclines, the engine started to overheat increasing the temperature of the water circulating inside the engine causing pressure to build up. Normally the release valve should open to relieve excess pressure build-up but in this case it didn't. Pressure built up to the point where the container actually exploded.
At this point we were really in a bind. Hungry and tired, stuck in the middle of nowhere on a Sunday, we have no way to go home. I was starting to believe this whole "bad luck" thing with them. Out of desperation, JJ went to town to look for a mechanic while we stayed in the van by the side of the road playing cards. Luckily, he managed to find a mechanic who came over to check on the engine. With only a few scant tools, an old plastic oil jug, superglue and a balisong, he managed to build a temporary water reserve for the van. It was one of the most amazing feats of ingenuity I have ever seen. And he did it like it was nothing. Like he was doing that all the time. He made it so well we managed to get back to Manila with absolutely no problems.
Looking back, I thought it was really cool the way everybody kept it together and stayed positive throughout. There was no whining, complaining, rending of garments or gnashing of teeth. Instead, they saw it as an opportunity to relax and chat knowing that there really isn't anything that can be done so they might as well make the most of it. This really is the kind of attitude I would appreciate especially since I'm kinda like the new guy in the group. All in all, this was one hell of a vacation. The only thing that prevented me from giving this trip a perfect score was that I had to go straight to work afterwards. Bummer!
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| Tagged! |
[29 Mar 2006|12:17am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 lazy |
] |
4 jobs I've had in my life:
a. Computer repair guy at Greenhills
b. MIS Supervisor (Ortigas)
c. Helpdesk Analyst (Peoplesupport)
d. Guy who downloads games and stuff (Peoplesupport)
4 Films I can watch over and over:
a. BraveHeart
b. The Rock
c. SAW and SAW II
d. A Knight's Tale
4 Places I have lived:
a. Malabon
b. Sampaloc, Manila
c. Quezon City (near Welcome)
d. Fairview
4 TV programs I love to watch:
a. House
b. American Idol
c. Discovery Channel
d. Jack TV
4 places I would have visited had I had the money:
a. Japan
b. Siberia (just want to see if it's true that it's so cold there that your pee will freeze before it hits the ground)
c. Alaska (wanna say hi to the penguins and polar bears there)
d. New Zealand (Middle Earth!!!)
4 websites I visit daily:
a. My xbox torrent site
b. CtrlAltDel-online
c. Gamespot
d. Gamefaqs
4 of my favorite foods:
a. Pizza
b. Pasta
c. Cola
d. Chinese take-out
4 places where I should want to die:
a. in front of my TV holding my Xbox controller (hopefully playing HALO2 online)
b. E3
c. at a lightsaber duel with a Jedi
d. shot while breaking inside Area 51
4 people (living/dead) who you want to meet:
a. Boba Fett
b. Michael Crichton
c. Dream from Neil Gaiman's books
d. Hatake Kakashi
4 Places Ive been on Vacation (the last four)
a. my couch
b. Bamboo Cove
c. White Beach, Puerto Galera
d. Tagaytay Royale
4 Places I would Rather Be Right Now
a. Home (in front of my TV playing The Godfather)
b. Lucas Arts Studios
c. Hidden Village of Konoha
d. now that I think about it, anywhere but here (am at work right now)
People I want to tag:
ShinKim
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| Pride and Prejudice on Brokeback Mountain |
[15 Mar 2006|10:16am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 annoyed |
] |
I just recently watched two movies that I never would have thought I would. Namely Pride and Prejudice and the controversial Brokeback Mountain.
With the former, I had no choice since Odie practically wrenched my arm to watch this chick flick. I mean, what can I do? I'm at her house and it's her TV. Homecourt advantage. So unfair. To the movie's credit, it wasn't as bad as I expected. The movie plays around a lot with scenes that put the two protagonists in awkward situations where you can feel the tension of their un-professed feelings for each other. Understandably "kilig" as those scenes go. I like it because it's well written (adapted from a literary classic so no surprise there). It has some nice lines by Darcy ("I do not have the talent for conversing easily with people whom I've never met" and "I'm afraid that my good opinion once gone is gone forever"). Makes me think of him as a medieval version of House ^-^.
The latter i watched myself. I keep getting crap from people that the reason why I don't want to watch this movie is because it has heavy homosexual content. This is not entirely true. Though I don't actively look for movies where men kiss other men, I just didn't think the story would be interesting enough. But then almost everybody I know agrees that this movie is really good so I decided to watch it for myself. I burned a DVD rip copy from Gelo (amongst other things =P) and proceeded to watch it at home. I remember going "oh my God!" when I saw the initial kissing scene followed by a bigger "OH MY GOD!" with the following humping scene. At this point I kinda knew what to expect but still it's not something you see (or wish to see) everyday. Overall, I think the story was nice. Tragic actually. But the cool thing about this is that the film makers focused more on the story, with the violent end of one of the protagonists kept to a minimum. I was kinda expecting a long torture scene overplayed to make it more tragic, but in this case less is really more.
So there. Two movies I never thought I'd watch but I did. And I'm happy I did.
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| S Type and AI |
[02 Mar 2006|12:01am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 discontent |
] |
Recently got a new Xbox controller (S-Type). After about three years of abuse, the one that I got from my box is starting to call it quits. I believe it got exacerbated by playing Ninja Gaiden Black, but who knows? Anyway, I'm just happy to have a brand new controller again. That would mean I would have to finish all my games on the new controller to get a different user experience. At the very least, the multiplayer option would be open for the games that have one. Now if I can only find someone to play with...
Been playing Fight Night Round 3 lately and whoever said that "it's better to give than to receive" when it comes to boxing is absolutely right. Hell if on some alternate reality I become a professional boxer, I'll be like Santa Claus! Nice game.
Kinda pissed off since nobody has uploaded the second AI performance for this season as of yet (and it goes the same for the current episode of House). Don't they know that people like me who don't have cable depend on them? Oh well, nothing to do but wait...
With regards to the last results show for American Idol, I still can't believe they voted off Patrick Hall. Regardless of what the judges said, I think his performance of Come to My Window was great. Too bad because I think he's one of the major contenders for the finals. Unlike the other contestants voted off, this really came as a surprise. My top AI contenders would be the rocker Chris Daughtry and the giddy Katharine McPhee. What do you guys think?
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| Entry 1.0 |
[23 Feb 2006|07:30pm] |
Ok after the longest time I finally decided to make use of my LiveJournal account and actually blog something. I've been procrastinating for years now about doing this and finally succumbed to insistent public demand. This is not to say that what I shall be writing would be interesting or have merit. Hey, this is my blog and if you find the topics I'll be posting here boring, irrelevant or just plain uninteresting, then by all means stop reading. This is my blog. Mine. Read at your own peril. Live with it.
Now that we have that out of the way, I guess it would be best if I tell you something about myself. Well on the other hand, I'd rather not. This is a public blog and I can make myself up whatever I want (unless you personally know me) which would take the edge off my flow. I'd rather let you decide for yourself based on the stuff I'll post here. Besides, as Dr. House puts it, "everybody lies."
In case you're wondering who in the nine hells Dr. House is, he is the main character of my current favorite TV series: House. This series is a medical drama which revolves around his and his three assistants who make up the Department of Diagnostics at the Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital where they try to diagnose conditions that baffle doctors. Kinda like a medical CSI series. The reason I like this show is because of Dr. House: an egomaniacal, misanthropic SoB. I kinda relate to his character in some ways and I guess most people do. Watch it. I bet you'll like it. Check out tv.com for more info. I think it also airs at AXN (sorry I don't have cable).
Ok my soup's done. I'll try to post some more later if I'm still in the mood.
-end of entry
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| Meow |
[19 Dec 2005|10:08pm] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 blah |
] |
| You Were A Lion | 
You have a lethal combination of strength and energy.
You have strong family ties, and close friends are like family to you. |
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| Bad Reindeer |
[15 Dec 2005|02:41am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
bored |
] |
| You Are Dasher | 
You're an independent minded reindeer who never plays by the rules.
Why You're Naughty: That little coup you tried to stage against Santa last year
Why You're Nice: You secretly give naughty children presents. |
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| More Quizzes... keep 'em coming |
[21 Sep 2005|09:46am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 contemplative |
] |
| The Keys to Your Heart | 
You are attracted to those who have a split personality - cold as ice on the outside but hot as fire in the heart.
In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved.
You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring.
You would be forced to break up with someone who was insecure and in constant need of reassurance.
Your ideal relationship is traditional. Without saying anything, both of you communicate with your hearts.
Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.
You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage.
In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted. |
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| Sleepy |
[21 Sep 2005|09:43am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 sleepy |
] |
| What Your Sleeping Position Says |
You are calm and rational.
You are also giving and kind - a great friend.
You are easy going and trusting.
However, you are too sensible to fall for mind games. |
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| Patootsie Quiz =P |
[21 Sep 2005|09:39am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 crazy |
] |
| How You Are In Love | 
You take a while to fall in love with someone. Trust takes time.
You give completely and unconditionally in relationships.
You tend to get very attached when you're with someone. You want to see your love all the time.
You love your partner unconditionally and don't try to make them change.
You stay in love for a long time, even if you aren't loved back. When you fall, you fall hard. |
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| DUDE |
[21 Sep 2005|09:36am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 geeky |
] |
| You Are 70% Boyish and 30% Girlish |
You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch.
Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes.
You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them.
You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be. |
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| And the Geek shall inherit the Earth... |
[13 Sep 2005|09:19am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 calm |
] |
| Your Brain's Pattern | 
Structured and organized, you have a knack for thinking clearly.
You are very logical - and you don't let your thoughts get polluted with emotions.
And while your thoughts are pretty serious, they're anything from boring.
It's minds like yours that have built the great cities of the world! |
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| Nyahahahaha |
[13 Sep 2005|09:17am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
bored |
] |
| What Your Underwear Says About You | 
You tend to buy new underwear instead of doing laundry.
You are childlike (or childish), and prone to run around in your underwear. |
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| Just as I thought... |
[26 Jul 2005|08:28am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
calm |
] |
| You Are an Emo Rocker! | 
Expressive and deep, lyrics are really your thing.
That doesn't mean you don't rock out...
You just rock out with meaning.
For you, rock is more about connecting than grandstanding. |
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| Hidden Talent |
[26 Jul 2005|08:23am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
groggy |
] |
| Your Hidden Talent |  You have the natural talent of rocking the boat, thwarting the system.
And while this may not seem big, it can be.
It's people like you who serve as the catalysts to major cultural changes.
You're just a bit behind the scenes, so no one really notices. |
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| mixing it up |
[25 Jun 2005|11:41am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
aaah |
] |
| How to make a Kei |
Ingredients:
3 parts intelligence
1 part self-sufficiency
1 part ego |
Method:
Combine in a tall glass half filled with crushed ice. Add a little cocktail umbrella and a dash of curiosity |
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| so true... |
[25 Jun 2005|11:37am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
sleepy |
] |
You are elegant, withdrawn, and brilliant.
Your mind is a weapon, able to solve any puzzle.
You are also great at poking holes in arguments and common beliefs.
For you, comfort and calm are very important.
You tend to thrive on your own and shrug off most affection.
You prefer to protect your emotions and stay strong. |
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| we're not worthy... we're not worthy! |
[21 Jun 2005|11:58am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
happy |
] |
| Your Daddy Is Ozzy Osbourne |
What You Call Him: Dada
Why You Love Him: You don't love him, you just love calling him "daddy" |
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