Sisters' bonding on a SaturdayI received a nice surprise last Friday: an SMS from Loi saying that he has free tickets to Repertory Philippines' "Tuesdays with Morrie". My sister and mother being big Mitch Albom fans (I like his books, I'm just not as huge a fan as the rest of the family), I grabbed the chance to make use of the tickets. The play was a beautiful start to a great sisters' bonding day - my mother was not able to join us because she already had a previous engagement. It was such an emotional play and my sister and I silently let our tears fall as Morrie tries to break down Mitch's hardened outlook in life. (Read my full review over here.) After the play, my sister and I trooped to Cubao. We had dinner at Shopwise's cheap selection of fast food because we were both on tight budget.
Since my sister had her first taste of a paycheck last Thursday (woohoo!), she treated me to a full body massage at our favourite spa in Cubao, the Heaven and Earth Spa. Side story: The Heaven and Earth Spa has this sign on the door that says, "Clean massage only". Because it is situated right across Eurotel, people apparently mistake it for one of "those" kinds of massage places. True to their word, they only give "clean massage". And a good one at that.
The lovely "clean" massage ended at 10 p.m. and since Anne has duty at 6 a.m. the next day, we decided to call it a night and went home to rest our sleepy heads in bed.
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Karen becomes an "Ugly Betty" fan and a Christopher Gorham loverOkay, I'm kinda late when it comes to riding in the "Ugly Betty" love bus but the two weekends has turned me into an Ugly...Betty addict. I've always loved America Ferrera. And I found her adorable as Betty Suarez. She gives the character the right mix of being confused, smart, composed, and charming.
I did not open up to "Ugly Betty" immediately despite my huge love for America Ferrera because I thought the show will be a tad too boring for my taste, just like its Colombian counterpart "Betty la Fea". But because I failed to find the Daniel Henney DVDs I've been searching for, I settled for "Ugly Betty" (and Cycle 8 of "America's Next Top Model"). Now, I'm really glad I did.
I'm finding the show super funny. Wilhelmina cracks me up with her witty, sarcastic lines. And it's nice to imagine, once in awhile, that I'm living the fast-paced life of those working in a fashion magazine.
And yesterday, I think in my third hour staying glued to the sofa, munching on cheez curls, and immersing myself in Betty's life, I met Henry Grubstick. And fell in love (yet again). Ain't he such a hot geek? While surfing the 'Net for some info on this cutie, I found this and almost fainted:
Christopher Gorham is so yummy.
* * * *
Speaking of yummy...I haven't been able to watch the Australian Open the past few weeks but I was able to catch a glimpse of the Rafael Nadal-Paul Henri Mathieu match (which Nadal won as Mathieu threw in the towel at the second set because of an injury). Then I realized: Rafael Nadal is so sexily tanned and buff these days. Yummy indeed. * * * *
To cap it all off...I'm really loving this pregnant (and naked) Christina Aguilera picture at Marie Clare's January 2008 cover: Feeling: just great Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri HaliwellAll ears to: Paghilom Dicta License (aaargh...I miss them already!!!)Labels: America Ferrera, Australian Open, Christopher Gorham, Rafael Nadal, Ugly Betty
| hAiLiE posted at 6:36:00 PM |
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Review: Tuesdays with Morrie The Play
I would never really list Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie" as one of my favourite books. I liked it. It was truly a book of meaningful life lessons. It's just that the book, for all its tear-jerker moments, swings to great heights then flops down really low only to pick up and take you to highs again when the book was just about to end. The book is a sure-fire crier but it became boring during the mid-part that it took me three months to actually finish the book.To be perfectly honest, I came to the show half-expecting it to be boring - I mean, just how much excitement can one get from a two-character play that is surely going to be mostly talkies?
Jose Mari Avellana and Bart Guingona gladly trampled my expectation. Though there really was not much excitement, the play was anything but boring.
Jose Mari Avellana was a really charming Morrie Schwartz. His voice was very engaging that I can't help but wish that he was also a college teacher of mine. And everytime he'd utter, "Extra credit?", I would always feel the urge to go on stage and to take on the offer. My favourite Morrie moment was when he was talking to this "phantom" Janine. He was so sweet and cute and I'm pretty sure everybody in the theatre was remembering the moments when they'd sit on their grandfather's knees and listen to him telling a story.
Bart Guingona was also an effective Mitch Albom. He knew exactly when to pause and leave the audience wanting to hear more of what he has to say. His anger was powerful yet a bit controlled that the audience does not hate him for being aloof towards Morrie. In fact, with the way Bart Guingona portrayed Mitch, the audience reaches out to him. I personally wanted to go up to him and tell him that his Uncle Mike's death was not his fault and that Morrie is actually giving him that chance to say goodbye - a chance that he never got with his beloved uncle.
I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one who was captivated by this show. In the scenes where Morrie was nearing his death and Mitch was finally starting to soften up and enjoy his visits, the shushed audience broke into sniffles - it was as if everyone suddenly got a cold.
I'm glad I watched the play. Though the tickets that I had were free, I'd say money won't go wasted on this Repertory offering. The play was, in all honesty, better than the book. Jose Mari Avellana's and Bart Guingona's acting conveyed powerful emotions that Mitch Albom's words alone has failed to evoke.
*Edit: I got the names of the actors jumbled. Haha! Fixed that now. Thanks to Kathy for pointing out the error. ;-)
Labels: Bart Guingona, Jose Mari Avellana, Mitch Albom, Repertory Philippines, reviews, Tuesdays with Morrie
| hAiLiE posted at 3:47:00 PM |
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Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Farewell, Brad Renfro!
Although most - okay, all - of my Tiger Beat and Bop magazines were bought because of Devon Sawa (and occasionally because of Eddie Furlong), I won't deny that I also spent some "I'm still young, I can do anything with my time" pre-teen hours scanning Brad Renfro's pictures (who actually read the Bop and Tiger Beat articles?).
Now, although I'm not a big fan of Brad Renfro, it sure is sad to learn that he just passed away. He is very young at 25 and it is too bad that a talent such as his has gone to waste... ...and oh yeah, I learned from Mika, who was also the first person I know to blog about Renfro's death, that Jonathan Brandis committed suicide?!?! (Yahoo! Search says "yes".) This makes me want to round up all my poster boys and make sure they're all safe from drugs and alcohol. But what makes me think they'll all listen to me?!?! LOLz. Feeling: shockedCurled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch AlbomAll ears to: Hedonism Skunk AnansieLabels: Brad Renfro, Devon Sawa, Eddie Furlong
| hAiLiE posted at 3:17:00 PM |
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Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Super Smash Bros. Brawl delayed
Being a big fan of the Wii and a lover of the still-to-be-released title Super Smash Bros. Brawl, I should be sad of this little piece of news: Super Smash Bros. Brawl will no longer bear a February 10 launch date; release of the much awaited game is now cited as March 9. The game's official website reads: Due to delays in the completion of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, we’ve had to change the release date of the game to Sunday, March 9th.
I deeply apologize to the people who have looked forward to playing the game for so long and ask that you hold on just a little longer. Thank you for your patience.
Yet, I'm not sad. I don't think I'll be in possession of a Wii by March 9, anyways. So the news does not affect me. But just in case you're one of those lucky, lucky ones who already own a Wii (curse you) and who have been saving their precious money to be one of the first few who'll be able to play this game early February, this news is for you. Just think of it as having more time to save up for the game. ;-)
Feeling: still like a kid Curled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch AlbomAll ears to: Follow Through Gavin DeGrawLabels: Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Wii
| hAiLiE posted at 5:00:00 PM |
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Me want a DS Lite. NOW!
I've made up my mind: I'm finally getting a DS Lite!
I've been meaning to get one since...erm forever. Okay, not really forever, but I think for a year and a half now, the top spot in my "must have gadgets" list always belong to the cutesy Nintendo handheld (with the MSI S262 YA! Edition laptop coming in as close second - mostly because its pink and not because of any jaw-dropping features it might have). I fell in love with the DS Lite when Sony and I had a falling out and I stopped being in love with its handheld, the PSP. But with everything I needed to pay in the last year and a half - bills, my sister's tuition fee, allowance, etc. - the DS Lite (and everything under it) was soon forgotten. Recently, though, I visited my one-time office. Former officemate and friend Chochi bought herself a DS just before Christmas and she was so excited to show me the black beauty that is her DS. It was pretty, pretty, pretty, pret -- Karen, stop. Okay, it was pretty. And though I'm still very much in love with Mario Kart DS and Coooking Mama (whom I've learned has become the ultimate sell-out with the sequel Cooking Mama 2: Cooking with Friends, which lets players customize the way Mama looks), what convinced me that it's high-time I get myself this pretty, pretty toy was this: The video you just saw was for Taiko Drum Master Portable (Taiko no Tatsujin DS). It's not exactly a new game but I only recently got acquainted with it. I had so much fun in this sort of drum/rhythm game. The song choices were oh-so-cute. Okay, so my fingers are ill-coordinated and I was bad at the game but what matters is I had so much fun! I swear, before February ends, I will have my own DS Lite! And anybody who knows me will know what color my DS Lite will come in. (Although I wouldn't mind getting this yellow one.) Feeling: like a kidCurled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch AlbomAll ears to: the office's very, very noisy ACLabels: Cooking Mama, DS Lite, Mario Kart DS, Pikachu, Taiko Drum Master Portable
| hAiLiE posted at 2:33:00 PM |
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On Improving Thyself
I have never been a big fan of self-improvement magazines, books, and websites because they almost always turn out to be boring reads. Though I sometimes let myself fall prey to what these personal development materials say, I almost always never imbibe them. The writing just falls flat, making it hard for me to actually remember what is being said. The Diet Mind Spirit site just might be the exception. The site is an amalgamation of articles from different websites but what make it unique are the short introductions that prelude the actual article. By picking up from popular lit (I especially liked the reference to Silence of the Lambs) or by putting funny, shocking titles, the site is able to grab the attention of anyone who wishes to get information about self-improvement. The website is even updated daily, giving the personal development-junkies their daily dose of articles.
Body mind spirit - these are three aspects that Diet Mind Spirit focuses on. And whether you're looking for a good aromatherapy place, DVDs and books for self-help, inspirational stories, lifestyle tips, etc., this site sure has it under its bag. So if you're big on those kinds of things - I am most certainly now a convert - give Diet Mind Spirit a visit and enjoy exploring all those witty articles!
| hAiLiE posted at 1:30:00 PM |
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Thursday, January 10, 2008
Reasons for going to Divi
I have been meaning to go to Divisoria the past few weekends but something always comes up or I get bitten by the lazy bug and I end up staying at home.
Now, though, I have the perfect reasonS to risk getting manhandled by the many people who troop to cheapskate heaven:
Seducing Mr. PerfectMy FatherCoffee PrinceSpring Waltz I can't wait to get my hands on these DVDs (three of which star my current poster boy, Daniel Henney)!!! Feeling: in love with HenneyCurled up in bed with: Enheduanna in the 21st Century Eileen R. TabiosAll ears to: Over It Katherine McPheeLabels: coffe prince, daniel henney, Divisoria, spring waltz
| hAiLiE posted at 9:11:00 PM |
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I'm on Technorati!
I've always loved Technorati. It has helped me a lot when I was still working for a gaming website. And now, I'm on Technorati! Woohoo! Check out my Technorati Profile, aight? See yah there.
| hAiLiE posted at 4:34:00 PM |
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Wednesday, January 09, 2008
I have a pet!
Meet my new pet:
Her name's Veeva2008 (yuck, korni!). I have always loved NeoPets but I've always been too lazy to manage my account and my pets end up dying (poor, poor NeoPets). Now, though, I'm online most of the time and the past few days, I've been finding myself repeatedly browsing to the NeoPets site. After a hundredth visit, it hit me: Why not create an account now? With me online 18hours/day, I'm pretty sure I can squeeze in a few minutes (err, hours) taking care of my NeoPets. (Yeah, it took me that many visits to realize that I can create an account after all, instead of just browsing at the site wanting to own a NeoPet!) And voila, Veeva comes to life (erm...sorta). Now, if you guys will excuse me, Veeva is already hungry...
Feeling: bored and sleepyCurled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch AlbomAll ears to: Mamaw Michael V.Labels: Neopets
| hAiLiE posted at 7:26:00 PM |
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Looking at silver linings
As much as we want to believe that we and our loved ones will always stay safe, reality is very far from the truth.
Just recently, I learned that a very good friend of mine was confined in the hospital. At the young age of 22 (or 23?), she had cysts appearing on both her ovaries. But as we are believers in the old saying that "Everything has a silver lining", we're thankful that her doctors were able save her ovaries. And she can still hold on to her hopes of her having her own child in the future.
Now, while it may be true that we cannot stop our friends from being ridden with disease, it is also true that when they do get [terminally] ill we can at least help them make their journey a bit better. Thank God for the Internet, which now makes it easy for us to search for ways on how to take care of ourselves and the people we love.
It's true though that sometimes, when a person is terminally ill and (and, not OR) terribly old, it can get pretty tiring to take care of him. Although I personally don't approve of nursing homes (I'd rather retain my mom at home, no matter how cranky she can get), it is good to know that there are indeed care homes (it's a much better term, neh?) that will treat your parents/relatives/loved ones right. Now, if you do decide to put your beloved in a care home, you no longer have to worry that the nice nurse that helped her settle is not a mass murderer in disguise...
| hAiLiE posted at 4:53:00 PM |
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Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Random Quote #1
Seen posted in a PUJ...Kung pangit sa tingin ng iba
di bale na,
kaysa maganda
dinadali naman ng iba.
-Bos'n Er SchiffahrtPamatay eh 'yung pangalan ng "nagsambit" ng quote na 'yan. Sounds shala, neh?Feeling: feeling uber pretty...harhar!Lost in: The Female Eunuch Germaine GreerAll ears: Always All Ways Lostprophets
| hAiLiE posted at 6:28:00 PM |
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Monday, January 07, 2008
Hailie's 2008 Planner(s)
When it comes to my organizer, I'm such a big geek. Imagine, I bought my 2008 organizer as early as, ehem, (early) September.
Back when I was shopping for the organizer, I fell in love with this instantly:
If you see the inside of this planner, you'll also fall in love. Especially if you're into keeping "trash" like me - receipts, candy wrapper, and the like. The planner is standard notebook-sized but has enough space to accommodate my kalat. I tell you, it was love at first sight for me and my "This Journal will actually change your life!!!" planner.
That's why I instantly bought it when I saw its beauty for sale at Powerbooks Mega.Only for me to regret the decision four months later. I'm still pretty much fascinated with my current planner (who wouldn't be, when there are such holidays as "World Book Day", International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination" and, uhm, "Pamper Thyself Day" written in the crispy, white pages?). But I'm willing to ditch this Php800-something planner for this:
(more pictures of this wonder over here)
I want. I want. I want!!! To borrow words from a dear friend, I am 'profusely sweating and salivating' for the UP Centennial Planner! And once I get my hard-earned cash this Thursday, I'm trooping to U.P. to pay for my copy. Too bad, it won't be in my hands until mid February. Guess my Php800-something planner will be put to use in the next month and a half.
Anybody wanna buy a 'slightly' used planner by February? *winks*
Feeling: wishing for my first wish of 2008 to come trueLost in: The Female Eunuch Germaine GreerAll ears: One Love Acel Bisa
| hAiLiE posted at 3:00:00 PM |
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