Movie Weekend

It's not one of those long weekends with which PGMA reschedules holidays and squeezes extra non-Mondays to call the work off, but the week past was like one. It's not even a movie marathon but sure was closely like it.

Last Friday, after my mid-afternoon meeting in Ortigas, and while I couldn't go back to our office in Makati because of that Lozada-famous interfaith meeting, I decided to hit home and fetch my wife, then floor the gas to TriNoma to watch the last full show of The Kite Runner. Unfortunately, the movie runs until late afternoon only, replaced by Spiderwick, and because we didn't want to waste the quickie-date-op we saw Vantage Point instead, which was not a total disappointment. At first, I was getting bored of the repeated scenes, until I realized there's no other way to tell the story, and that you'll have to look at every angle as they are revealed, as the film title implies. Watch it, that's all I can say.

Frustrated but not disappointed, my wife and I went to the packed SM City Fairview early Saturday evening, which was on 3-day mallwide sale, only to find out The Kite Runner is not being screened. We ended up buying 4 VCD titles. Pop the popcorn later I said, but we're snoring an hour later, too bad.

Sunday morning, we were laughing out loud at Evan Almighty. Feeling adventurous later with Eragon. A little serious with Munich. And a nice late-night cup of tea for Casino Royale. Movies we missed, movies worth my energy. We slept with the clocking coo-coing at 2am.

It's not a movie marathon, no.

Me a wedding host?

Doing a friend a favor, I was a wedding host!

Of Makati's appeal and Pinoys' headbreak

It had to come from my mother.

Paying us a surprise visit, she said she missed my kids (and of course me) dearly she had to sneak out of my older brother Dante's guardianship that she can't wait until weekend next. Minus the busy weeks previously, I could've paid her a visit--but didn't. My mom, whom we so lovingly call Mama Sexy (thanks to our eldest brother Benjamin), is my source of anything and everything juicy on the boob tube, especially showbiz news.

She started her what's-up-with-what with Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby being true blue gay lovers, and that Lolit Solis is just being her usual outspoken self save for lawsuits and threats. That the more handsome and hunky actors are, the more they become gay (at least in the Philippines, she quipped). This news item on an actor who's separated and now prefers men as sex partners proves this, she pointed.

She then proceeded with the overly priced commodity that is rice, that's becoming every Pinoys' headbreak (that's extreme dilemma) saying you'll need P30 to buy a kilo of rice that's fine and 'eatable.' You need to be filthy rich to enjoy food now--she said, uttering each word loudly.

Remembering the Philippines under Marcos got my mom excited--she told of the time P20 is enough to buy a family a decent dinner--when your job doesn't necessarily dictate what you can and can't afford to put on your table. She claims life's easier then than now.

Then, I couldn't stop reminiscing myself. Back then, my father (bless his soul) would bring us to Luneta or Fiesta Carnival in Cubao every weekend. I would ride the carousel, he'd (father) buy me a balloon, and have us photographed. I recall we'd go to Makati Quad, stroll the posh boutiques, drool on Star Wars figures, then eat at Burger Machine. This we do every weekend--my father being an auto tinsmith and mom the company-employed dressmaker--proud of what their earnings can afford us. Those days, we were happy with what we have--now, still happy and blessed at what we're getting.

My mention of Makati brought my mom to a tirade--how Trillanes masqueraded there sounding patriotic only to surrender later looking lost in his purpose. Filipinos are simply tired, we need change, my mom said. She asked me why Makati is so appealing--I answered--it is because they (coup plotters) probably think if you freeze Makati, being the center of business, everywhere else will be frozen. Forget the place, aren't we already? That's a very strong statement coming from mom.

I thought so. Wisdom is sexier as you age.

Got to go

Went home early yesterday, my head's popping like a bomb about to explode! On my way home though, I was able to fulfill I-Must-Have #3, and the kids' can't wait until Friday.

And to the office I go, still with the heavy, pounding feeling, with body temp a little over 37 Celsius, I hope to finish the day productively. Got to go...

Found: Transformers in special tin casing

Finally, the Transformers DVD in its special tin-can casing, found.

Was looking for it in video shops for a couple of weeks now and was almost always told that its out of stock. Even the 2-disc exclusive release is nowhere to be found. There were few copies of the regular DVD release at some shops, but I decided I'd like to have the collectible edition.

However tonight, after my wife's volleyball game, we head off to SM Fairview with a friend, and decided we'll try to look for a copy after a quick dinner--and we did! Found it at Video City, where a friendly clerk told us they only have the special edition which is not on display.

Looking surprised, like we found a pot of golden coins, we bought it with what's left of our cash in hand and went straight home. The kids were jumping in excitement when they saw what we brought home as 'pasalubong!'

And so as not to drag ourselves in anticipation, we watched the movie (forget that we're still in jeans)--and enjoyed it just as we did when we saw it the first time. What happens next is the amazement and criticisms--then we all slept late.

On Harry Potter fever

We're (my eldest son Kurt and I) on it... though I did not really like the series (I miss Sydney Sheldon, bless his soul).

My intention was to make Kurt (and hopefully Marcus too) read books, that's all. While he is fond of kid-stuff magazines, science compilations, and dinosaur/outer space write-ups, I wanted him to start with mainstream books and later on introduce him to classics.

He initially found the first Harry Potter interesting, but not too interesting to keep him glued to a seat and read it chapter after chapter. Until I heard him talk about Hogwarts, Quidditch, and some magic spells. He asked us to buy the movies and that started it--he hardly puts the book down (even fakes sleep to take a peek).

I already bought the first four titles for him (here's wishing there's still enough paperback copies of the rest), already he's done with the two after only two weeks (in between reviews for his periodical exams!). Now, I'm doing my own reading and I hope I can catch up. Here's to knowing You-Know-Who!

Kurt's Hot Wheels

The 2006 Honda Civic is perfect for a Hot Wheels toy! Aside from its futuristic design and head-turning looks, it exudes what most Filipino motorists desire from an everyday car--speed and style in one. Also, as I've learned from my dad, the 2006 Honda Civic happens to be the Car of the Year 2007.

This is my son Kurt's entry to the Hot Wheels Giveaway contest by K-Zone (Summit Media) which won him this Hot Wheels toy. I wonder what he's up to next...

Wireless landline by Bayantel

Finally, the wireless landline service that reached our home and proof that we deserve visibility in every motorists' Metro Manila map.

We're waiting for either Smart or Globe (PLDT unfortunately subcontracts our area) but Bayantel's hassle-free processing and ready-to-use phone nailed it. We just paid P1,500 cash and had to show an ID and billing statement then voila--instant wireless phone! It costs less than competition, only 699 per month, add to that the caller ID and other unlimited perks. It's a bring-anywhere type of landline phone, problem is Bayantel has limited Manila coverage, lucky though that they're grounded solid in North Caloocan. Bayantel also offers 15-day money back guarantee should we feel disappointed by the service.

Well, so far so good actually.

Kurt's pre-birthday celeb surprise--metallic blue PSP

Few more days before Kurt's birthday, I bought him what he calls the 'magazine' gift, which he also calls the 'you know' surprise--he wants to upgrade his Gameboy SP to a Playstation Portable (PSP).

My wife and I have been cooking up the scenario that we can't afford the 'magazine' this time. What with all the school expenses and bad weather (doesn't sound like a good mix, hehehehe).

Afraid I might not have enough time to do shopping--went to GH late afternoon, went straight home pretending to have only the usual 'pasalubong' of donuts then that 'you know' moment--Kurt was really surprised he kept on saying 'dude, this is way too cool!' in his kurtish twang. Marcus, our youngest, ditched his DS, and waited for his turn--both thanked Egay for the school-less days and welcome the long weekend with tire-the-thumb anticipation.

Tapping the hours with Phoenix Wright

I busied myself this weekend tapping tirelessly like hours on end, that is, my son's Nintendo DS Lite. I'd lost interest in most of its card-stored games until I had it installed with Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney.

It's not a new game but is considered one of all-time DS favorites. It's released in Japan 2001 originally for GBA and rereleased for Nintendo DS in the US in English.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is an adventure game, starring of course Phoenix Wright, a defense lawyer working on mostly trumped-up murder charges/cases. As Phoenix, you get to investigate/examine crime scenes, question witnesses, and of course be where the action is--the courtroom. This is where actually the fun begins, and where you need to logically connect bits and pieces of information you collected from your investigation, and press on witnesses, whose funny antics (tongue sticking out, vibrating boobsies) you'll not miss and will surely make you laugh. Enough said, you'll have to play it to appreciate it.

I am now at Episode 4 (Turnabout Goodbyes), and if my youngest (the owner of the DS Lite) would still allow me, I hope to finish it today. I hope...

PSP 2 (so)on the loose?

In last week's conclusion of E3 2007, an announcement from the Sony camp confirmed reports that a slimmer Playstation Portable / PSP will be available (on September in Japan) -- thought of as a move to ride on (or get a share of) Nintendo DS's popularity.

My youngest, Kirk Marcus, has a DS Lite, which he practically plays the whole day (as in keep it plugged to keep it charged). Kurt, who wants a PSP (he has PS2 already) for his birthday, teases his brother that his (console) will be a blast when it arrives.

Do I wait or go with the old PSP? Well, if you search online for comparo of the original and the redone PSP, you'll find out that not much will be changed except for the battery, on-board memory, and little on aesthetics. The redone PSP, when available here, I'm sure will cost an arm and a leg.

But say hello to GH, and you'll be welcomed by a plethora of shops offering PSPs (in all its variant colors and versions) below 10k bundled with memory stick(s) and all the games you can ever imagined hackable. Well, only in the Philippines.

Last Shot Finally

I had my last anti-rabies shot today, finally.

Athena's changed, a lot actually. She's become playfully sweet and overly cuddling she'd bite you unintentionally. But thank God she's safe. I'm convinced, although up to now we're still clueless, that she's a mix of Labrador, Pit bull or semi-askal or half-half-breed.

Well, she's still a goddess and after me, it's her turn to get shot at (read: vaccinated).

Father's day blues...

I spent Father's day in two hospitals today, first at Bernardino to get my 4th anti-rabies vaccine and then at Medical City to have my skin allergy checked. It's a date with the hospitals if you ask me, at least I have my wife as company.

I's so tired I slept early...

Home with Chris Daughtry

The kids (actually the wife) surprised me with Chris Daughtry's debut CD. Of course he's one of my favorites from American Idol, and consider his (Taylor Hick's) season the best.

Daughtry's music is easy to listen to, it's rock with a heart. 'Home' says it all as it expresses probably Chris's feelings during his AI stint, and it's my favorite. My wife said this track also is about me, as I moved heaven and hell really just to be home.

And I'm glad I did.

Deltoid shots...

I've had three anti-rabies shots already, it's my 7th day today... Can't actually wait until all this is over, we want Athena back home, we miss her dearly...

Wildfangs getting wild...

Wildfangs, in fighting form...

Athena bit me...

It's Sunday and we all stayed in bed while the mid-morning sun woke up Athena. She must've been hungry and wanted to wake us up. I did, with her bite and a long scratch on my right foot.

My wife had to rush me to the hospital to get the shots.

Now, amidst Marcus's tears, and all of us missing her dearly, Athena had to stay out of the house (she's at Nanay's compound)... well, until she too gets the shots.

Yo dude...

Says Kurt "Here's to my kuletzung bro who's DS'ng made him not care about what's going on around him. Chicken and gaming is not a good mix after all."

Athena - a dalmatian princess?

Look at the spots now appearing... but she's a Labrador?

Athena's homing predicament

Athena's a mixed-breed Labrador, and we're told that she might have Pitbull blood. Her Pitbull roots show when she runs around and chews on everything and everyone.

The Labrador in her points her to our refrigerator... in the pix below she's catching up the coolest sleep ever. She actually wanted to sleep in the vegetable box!










Ain't she cute with her rabbit toy? She sleeps like a true goddess here...










Had enough milk? Well, she seem to have found the best sleeping spot in her 'gorging' bin...