<body><script type="text/javascript"> function setAttributeOnload(object, attribute, val) { if(window.addEventListener) { window.addEventListener('load', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }, false); } else { window.attachEvent('onload', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }); } } </script> <div id="navbar-iframe-container"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> gapi.load("gapi.iframes:gapi.iframes.style.bubble", function() { if (gapi.iframes && gapi.iframes.getContext) { gapi.iframes.getContext().openChild({ url: 'https://www.blogger.com/navbar.g?targetBlogID\x3d13112542\x26blogName\x3dHailie\x26publishMode\x3dPUBLISH_MODE_BLOGSPOT\x26navbarType\x3dSILVER\x26layoutType\x3dCLASSIC\x26searchRoot\x3dhttps://ulzzanghailie.blogspot.com/search\x26blogLocale\x3den_US\x26v\x3d2\x26homepageUrl\x3dhttp://ulzzanghailie.blogspot.com/\x26vt\x3d9059826982500720207', where: document.getElementById("navbar-iframe-container"), id: "navbar-iframe" }); } }); </script>
Hailie

To find someone you love, You gotta be someone you love. To find someone you love, You gotta call your own bluff. -"Concrete Bed", Nada Surf

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? (from OUR DEEPEST FEAR by Marianne Williamson)

Hailie is a 23 24 year-old girl who moves in the sometimes harsh reality under the name Karen. She loves reading, especially classical books and books written by Jeffrey Archer. She is a self-confessed ham who loves taking the center stage. She loves dancing and singing - but that doesn't mean she knows how to dance and sing. Her never-wavering dream is to become an actress...no kidding. A DVD addict, her favorite shopping places are Quiapo and Divisoria. She also recently discovered St. Francis Square, where she now shops for clothes, shoes, and anything Hello Kitty. Currently dreaming of owning an PlayStation PortableiTouch, pink Moto Razr Okwap i885, a portable DVD player, and the black pink DS Lite. She salivates everytime she sees the still-to-be-released recently-released Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. In love with life, love, and Frank Lampard Brandon Routh Joo Ji-hoon Milo Ventimiglia Daniel Henney (the last item changes from time to time...shifts from Rafael Nadal to Won Bin to Josh Hartnett or whoever). Her ultimate goal in life is to die happy.



Down Memory Lane Noong Unang Panahon...
Kaibigan

Cyber Essentials


Blogger
Blogskins
Dynamic Drive
HaloScan
Photobucket


Cyber Tambayans


Baby Blues
ESPN
Friendster
Mini Clip
Neopets
Orisinal
QJ
SimplyScripts
WWE
YouTube








Personal Blogs - Blog Catalog Blog Directory

Add to Technorati Favorites



Free Web Counter
Free Hit Counter





Google






Layout by mela
Powered by Blogger

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Revisiting America's Next Top Model past cycles

If you've been looking for me the past few weekends and were unable to locate my whereabouts, I was just at home. Doing DVD marathons. What can I say, I'm a couch potato.

Anyhoo, since school has hit the midsem and I'm once again burdened with checking paperworks, recording scores, and churning out my students' grades, I've put Ugly Betty aside (I'm missing Christopher Gorham already). And of course, the 2008 Australian Open has given me a new preoccupation.

I can never work in a quiet environment. And sometimes, music alone can make me sleepy. Now that Ugly Betty has been put on pause, I needed something that will accompany me in the wee hours of the morning as I labour over my students' grades.

That's when I rediscovered America's Next Top Model. Sometime last week, I got hold of DVDs of the said show, cycles 3 to 9. I've already seen cycles 3 to 8 on TV (ANTM is actually one of the reasons why I think the etc channel is *love*) but I think the show is worth revisiting - it makes me relive my childhood dreams of becoming a model (I've long given up on that dream when I realized that my height is stuck at 5'1").

Eva, Joanie, and Renee

Without a plot to follow, ANTM became a perfect companion while I cry over student essays. The show may sometimes feature catty, irritating girls (it's a competition, what can one expect?) but the Tyra Banks-created show has also given me girls I can totally relate to, love, and admire: Eva Pigford, Joannie Dodds (I loved Danielle Evans but I still think Joanie should have won), Renee Alway. But my all-time favourite ANTM contestant (and winner) will have to be Naima Mora.

Naima Mora = CoverGirl

The first time I saw Naima, I just fell in love. She's edgy and pretty at the same time. And with all the spunk she projects, she just has the sweetest and the loveliest voice. I feel like if I'm going to talk to her, I'll be so entranced. I'm just so in love with her! Last night, I finished cycle 4 (I started with cycle 8 then back to 3 and 4) and I still get goosebumps while watching her dance (second to the last episode) and work that pretty, pretty runway (cycle 4's final runway remains my favourite).

My company later will be cycle 5...I'm not too excited though. I don't like Nicole Linkletter that much. She's...blah. Pretty yes, but I just didn't think she should have won as America's Next Top Model. I'm actually thinking of skipping cycle 5 and go straight to Joanie's cycle. Haha...

Anyways, I still have some modules to write and some papers to check. Before I go, I'd like to know everybody's thoughts on America's Next Top Model.

Oh well, ta-ta for now!


Feeling: Photobucket giddy after three cans of Coke
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Bubbly Colbie Caillat

Labels: , ,


| hAiLiE posted at 8:43:00 PM | |

Coming soon: my friend's 'funky' guitar business

My friend has been talking about setting up her own business soon. She has this funky, edgy concept of designing personalized guitars. She even has a catchy name for the said business. The business has not started yet but she already has a customer base of three.

Yes, three. So I tell her, "Hunny, you're not going to earn money with just three customers." And so we think of strategies on how she can boost her customer base. Perhaps the most vital plan that we came up with is setting up her own online store - that way, her funky guitar designs will reach the international market. And we all know that there are just so many rockstar wannabes out there who'd like to get started with a really unique guitar that will eventually become their trademark.

Now there are a lot of eCommerce software out there that my friend can use. Taking cue though from another friend who is already reaping success with her online store (she's selling statement shirts), I suggested that my 'guitar' friend also use Ashop Commerce's shopping cart software. Since she's basically a noob, this shopping cart software will be perfect for her. It is very easy to set-up and she does not need advanced HTML skins to have her own shopping cart. And since this eCommerce software is affordable and offers free tech support, it will be a great start for my friend's business.



Now if you're a rockstar wannabe who wants to have a funky guitar, watch this page. I'll let you know when my friend's online store goes live.


| hAiLiE posted at 7:01:00 PM | |

The "Leave a comment, receive a reply" promo

I actually got this idea, and the title, from Ainj. Since I left a comment in his blog and received a reply, I'm returning the favour right here.

Leave a comment and I'll reply by answering the following.

1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.
3. I'll pick a flavor of Jell-o to wrestle with you in.
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you.
8. If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal.

Fight!


Feeling: Photobucket sleepy (haven't had any sleep since 10 a.m. yesterday)
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Over It Katherine McPhee

Labels:


| hAiLiE posted at 2:36:00 PM | |

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The 2008 Australian Open, The 2008 French Open, Rafel Nadal, etc...

2008 Australian Open

The 2008 Australian Open was, in one word, interesting. For one, the men's singles finals was devoid of a Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal - a first since 2005. Next, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a number 38 tennis player (and Congolese...he probably was the first - somebody correct me if I'm wrong), gave a surprise performance, overtaking #14 seed Mikhail Youzhny, #9 seed Andy Murray, #8 seed Richard Gasquet, and - it hurts really to reminisce this *weeps* - #2 seed Rafael Nadal to reach the finals. The finals is another interesting moment: Novak Đjoković becomes the first Serbian player to win a Grand Slam singles titles (not just an Australian Open title, mind you). And oh yeah, Đjoković is the first player since 2004 to beat Roger Federer in straight sets.


The women's singles finals was also a noteworthy event. Although the crowd favourite Maria Sharapova won, it was still pretty much historical. Sharapova (whom I super love, BTW) became the first Russian woman to become a champion in the Aussie Open. And Ana Ivanovic giving a good fight also made the women's finals an engaging watch.

Now the Australian Open has wrapped up. And the next Grand Slam event, the Roland Garros Tournament a.k.a. French Open, won't happen until May 25. I'm excited - I expect my favourite (Rafa Nadal, duh?) to make a killing.

Speaking of Rafa, I read somewhere that the next tennis event he'll be participating in is the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships. Does anybody know if this is being shown in the Philippines?

I can't wait for May 25!!!


EDIT: My bad. Rafa's next tourney after the Australian Open will not be the Dubai Tennis Championships but Rotterdam/ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. Same question, will this be shown in the Philippines?! (I doubt it. Bummer.)


Feeling: Photobucket like pornstar (LOL)
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Paghilom Paghilom Dicta License

Labels: , , , , ,


| hAiLiE posted at 10:30:00 PM | |

Falling in love with computer games all over again

Ever since I worked for a gaming website, I have become a gaming addict. I used to not care about computer games but having my eyes opened to such wonders as the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii surely made me snap and pay attention. But not everybody can really afford these nice, shiny gadgets right? This is why I've always loved independent game developers - they make gaming so much more fun. And affordable of course!

Phelios has given me my dose of computer games as of late. They have everything from RPG, classic arcade games, to sports games, down to my favourite puzzle games. I am, admittedly, a Windows user. But if you're a fan of Steve Jobs and is more comfortable using Mac, the guys over at Phelios has a lot to offer you as well. They have Mac games like Mac mahjong and so much more.

Now I'll leave you guys for awhile - I have yet to finish checking out their tycoon games (being the Broadcast Communication major that I am, I'm super in love with their TV Tycoon)...


| hAiLiE posted at 8:00:00 PM | |

Monday, January 28, 2008

Damian 2k mini get-together: 26 January 2008

I think at one point in our lives, we get over high school and realize that that point in our lives was something we all just had to get through. It is not the be-all and end-all of things.

But this does not mean that we forget about everything in high school. If anything, high school is the richest source of memories. And friends...

Hence, it was a nice thing to actually have a mini get-together with some of the most memorable people I met back in high school.

My high school is a blur of memories and girlie writings (I've unearthed the journal I used to write back then and I cringe at how immature my writings were) but a few people stayed vivid in my memory. And perhaps one of the most vivid of them all (the most vivid, of course, being my high school barkada) was Damian 2K - my fourth year section. We dubbed ourselves to be the section of student leaders, talented individuals, and young, bright minds and well-rounded people. We took pride in each others' accomplishments. And, together, we also achieved a lot of things.

Stephan (taking cue from a suggestion of Floyd's), arranged a small "reunion" of sorts for what most of us considers as the best section of our high school life. And after eight long years, Damian 2K reunites. Only six people were in attendance - Kistna, Rica, Karen Lyn, Rac, Stephan, and myself - but it was surely good for starters.

Here's a peek at the night of Japanese food, Fuzion desserts, good talks, and fun company (more pictures here)...



Feeling: Photobucket still sleepy
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Over It Katherine McPhee

Labels:


| hAiLiE posted at 6:11:00 PM | |

I've been tagged...

Number 1
From Macy: For One More Day
(This was such a long time ago...but I only got around to hearing the song this weekend)

After hearing the "For One More Day" soundtrack, Ordinary Day, Macy threw us this question (the same question Mitch Albom threw to Oprah): "How would you spend one more day, with someone you loved and lost?"

If I'd have one more day with someone I lost, it will definitely be with my Tia Ly. Her death was so unexpected because I always saw her as someone strong and smiling and healthy. It surely came as a shock to me upon knowing that she was ridden with cancer. Because it was my graduating year and - I now have the courage to admit it - because I was then in denial that such a terrible thing can be happening to her, I spent so very little time in the hospital. Yeah, I did pop in every now and then but I never stayed too long in the hospital. Seeing one of the very few people I truly loved and admired lying in bed, helpless, it made me feel helpless as well. That was why back then, I tried to stay away from the hospital as much as I can. But when Tia Ly died, it was heart-wrenching and I suddenly wished I did not clam up at the sight of her weakening body.

If, like Charley Benetto in the book, I was given one more day with Tia Ly, I'd tell her everything I never got around to saying. I will thank her for all the years that she stayed with me and my family, for all the help she unconditionally gave us. I will apologize for being such a brat at times and I will tell her that, eventhough I rarely say it, I love her very much. And that she should be proud for raising three beautiful, responsible individuals.

Not being able to say these words to Tia Ly in person will forever be one of the biggest regret of my life. But I'm sure she can still hear them, wherever she is...

Side note: Mitch Albom's For One More Day is, in my opinion, the best he's written so far. If you want an easy, heartwarming read, this is definitely the book you're looking for.


Number 2
From Hye: How Happy Are You?

You Are 84% Happy

It's unlikely that you know anyone happier than you.
You know how to be happy, no matter what life throws at you.


I wonder where the 16% went? It bothers me, really. Because I like to think of myself as a really happy individual. But there are times when I think that all the happiness is just a way of masking the pain I feel inside. This seems to validate that thought.

But I guess it's better to mask all the pain...it makes life easier to live. And nobody can really be a 100% happy, right? Sadness is still an essential part of life - it makes us appreciate those moments that make us truly happy.


Feeling: Photobucket sleepy
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: All At Once The Fray

Labels: ,


| hAiLiE posted at 3:53:00 PM | |

Friday, January 25, 2008

Roger Federer, NOOoooOOOoo!!!

Okay, Federer and Djokovic's semis match is on its second set. And Federer is trailing behind, 7-5 and 4-1. Will this be, as Loi has dubbed, a year of upsets? Or, if we'll be optimists, a year of underdogs?

I love underdogs. But since I won't have Nadal in the finals, I was hoping Federer will be there at least. Photobucket


Feeling: Photobucket happy still, even with this news...it's still payday...lol
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Kuwentuhan Sugarfree

Labels: , ,


| hAiLiE posted at 5:56:00 PM | |

Have more fun (and more winnings) with poker

Orange is such a nice color. It's very pleasing to the eyes. So imagine a site that's just rich in that color, is very easy to use, and helps you increase your winnings in poker. That's what MagicHoldem is all about.

Known for their Poker Odds Calculators, which a lot of users have testified to have helped them win like pros, MagicHoldem also offer poker tips and poker advise. Their Poker Odds Calculator not only increases your winnings, it actually lets you enjoy the game more. Because, as those who were smart enough to have used it, a lot of the nerve-cracking decision-making is put off your shoulders. Now if you want to see those poker winnings increase big time, head over to their site and give the free trial a go. I'm pretty sure once you see those money increasing big time, you won't stop with just the free trial. ;-)


| hAiLiE posted at 5:31:00 PM | |

Personal loans sans the headaches

I've said it before, but I'll say it again: sometimes having a job does not guarantee that you will have 'unlimited' supply of spending money. If anything, working only equates to having bills and more expenses.

The frustration of being able to earn your own money but not actually having enough to spend on other things that you want to buy (like in my case, my gadget love DS, Wii, and iPod Touch) or invest on (I've always fancied having my own computer shop or a really small production outfit) makes me want to apply for a personal loan. But based on what my friends have experienced, personal loans can be a pain in the ass. Especially now that the economy seems to be falling, I reckon getting a personal loan will be so much harder than it already is.

Then comes America One. They tend to take away the nightmares connected with personal loans. They promise that with them, applying for loans will go like a breeze. No collateral is actually needed, just a good current credit standing. What's more is that America One also boasts of a professional staff that is always ready to help you out...for free!

So if you're thinking of getting a loan sans all the headaches that seems to be associated with it, head over to America One.


| hAiLiE posted at 4:40:00 PM | |

A virtual upset: Tsonga defeats Nadal in Aussie Open semis

Nadal and Tsonga, Australian Open 2008 semis

I was still at work, far away from a television set when Loi sent me this SMS: "Are you watching? Rafa is losing to Tsonga (who looks like a tsonggo)".

My initial reaction was, "What? No. Where's the TV? I need to watch this!" But as I said, I was faraway from the TV set and the rational in me said that I cannot go home just to watch the match. So I just asked Loi to keep me updated.

At around 7:30, 8pm, he told me that I can officially weep: Nadal lost to the Frenchman -- 6-2, 6-3, 6-2. It was really a huge upset, especially since Nadal is ranked 2nd and Tsonga not even seeded in the Top 30 (he's number 38, to be exact). It was more upsetting because, well, where will I get my Nadal fix now? Damn that Tsonga! I wish Federer will make him weep and bleed during the Finals!!!

On a happy note: Look at the picture above. Rafael Nadal has to-die-for muscles! I can just imagine being wrapped in those arms. +cue daydream+


Feeling: Photobucket happy because it's payday
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Torpedo Eraserheads

Labels: ,


| hAiLiE posted at 11:26:00 AM | |

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Mario is <3

Mario never fails to amuse me! I can't explain why, but I laughed a lot while watching this clip. Maybe it's the concept of Mario being so afraid of taking his dry cleaned clothes? Or his lame (albeit cute) attempts to thwart the bellboy? Or perhaps it's simply because he's Mario. And he still looks oh-so-adorable in those red and blue overalls!



Feeling: Photobucket like a giddy school girl
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Last Train Home Lostprophets

Labels:


| hAiLiE posted at 2:02:00 PM | |

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

In need of a vacation

I remember saying the other day that working is fun. Mostly because earning your own money is a different kind of high. But after a few months of working, everything can get pretty stressful. Especially in my case: I am juggling two very demanding jobs and I'm actually working 14 hours a day - more on days when I have to check papers, compute grades, and take home unfinished module pages. It is at this point in time when I tell myself, "Gahd, I need a vacation."

My dream vacation destination has always been Europe. Occasionally, I'll find myself looking at tourist places in France, Britain, or Ireland. Then sometimes I'll fancy myself staying at hotels in Spain and experiencing the Tappas bars or the seemingly heartless but nevertheless must-see bull fights. A stay at hotels in Barcelona is also a nice option. In this place where Picasso was born, I can immerse myself in the rich history of the place. I can go see the La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's wonderful architectural works, and so much more.

Europe offers more than the popular places I've mentioned, though. Daydreaming that i can already afford to take a leave from work and go backpacking in my dream destination, I stumbled upon CheaperthanHotels.co.uk (which is a good site if you're 'shopping' for affordable places to stay in when going to Europe). The discovery opened my eyes to other destinations I can list in my "must go to before I die". The site, which lists cheap hotels in Malaga, said that I can visit that pretty place in Spain and take a peek at the Picasso museum and Caves of Neria. The site also points me to hotels in Palma, a place where one can find the Caves of Drach and one of the largest underground lake, Lago Martel.

I was uber glad I found this site. I'm actually keeping tabs on it for when I can actually stop dreaming about going to Europe and actually be able to go there. Perhaps with the help of CheaperthanHotels.co.uk, my dream vacation may actually happen sooner than I thought. For those who can now afford my dream vacation, go check out the site. It might save you buckets and perhaps you can afford to treat one deserving young lady to a trip to Europe. *winks*

Labels:


| hAiLiE posted at 6:04:00 PM | |

Heath Ledger: In memoriam

Ledger in 10Things... I woke up to a shocking news from Jex: Heath Ledger is dead. And after a few minutes of denial, Myx and the Internet portals told me that it's time to face the truth.

I first fell in love with Heath Ledger in, uh-huh, "10 Things I Hate About You" (I hate the way you talk to me/ and the way you cut your hair/ I hate the way you drive my car/ I hate it when you stare. / I hate your big dumb combat boots/ and the way you read my mind/ I hate you so much it makes me sick/ it even makes me rhyme. / I hate the way you're always right/ I hate it when you lie/ I hate it when you make me laugh/ even worse when you make me cry/ I hate it that you're not around/ and the fact that you didn't call/ But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you/ not even close, not even a little bit, not even any at all.). But I fell for him the hardest in "A Knight's Tale". I fell so hard that I watched the movie three or four times in the cinema! And who would forget Heath Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain"? Okay, I wasn't really in love with him in that movie but I was in love with his acting. He has proven himself to be one of the edgiest, most original actors in Hollywood.

Heath Ledger may have the "personality of a cardboard" (Gino's words) but his cinematic persona is very commanding. I admire him for his ability to tackle a variety of roles. I believe him to be a man of intense talent. He sure is a great loss to moviegoers and lovers.

Heath Ledger...I'll miss you...


P.S. Yes, there were sleeping pills beside Ledger when he died but an autopsy is yet to be done. Best we steer away from the 'suicide' talks until anything has been confirmed. Respects to the family of the guy I once dreamt of kissing. XD Surely though, his death will rake in more interest in the already much-talked about "Dark Night".

P.P.S. Ledger's death got me thinking, "That's it! I'm really tracking down Josh Hartnett, Devon Sawa and Jonathan Jackson. And I'll tell them, "Drugs are very bad. they make fangirls like me really, really sad."


Feeling: Photobucket really sad
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: All at Once The Fray

Labels:


| hAiLiE posted at 2:01:00 PM | |

Monday, January 21, 2008

Weekend recap

Sisters' bonding on a Saturday

I 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.

* * * *

Karen becomes an "Ugly Betty" fan and a Christopher Gorham lover

Okay, 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

Christopher Gorham is so yummy.

* * * *

Speaking of yummy...


Nadal at the Aussie Open 2008

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:

Aguilera @ marie clare


Feeling: Photobucket just great
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Haliwell
All ears to: Paghilom Dicta License (aaargh...I miss them already!!!)

Labels: , , , ,


| hAiLiE posted at 6:36:00 PM | |

Review: Tuesdays with Morrie The Play

one star one star one star one star one star /5stars


Tuesdays with Morrie 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.


That didn't stop me though from getting curious with Repertory Philippines' staging of "Tuesdays with Morrie: The Play". And when a good friend of mine offered his complimentary tickets, I knew I just had to go see the play.

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: , , , , ,


| hAiLiE posted at 3:47:00 PM | |

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: shocked
Curled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch Albom
All ears to: Hedonism Skunk Anansie

Labels: , ,


| hAiLiE posted at 3:17:00 PM | |

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: Photobucket still like a kid
Curled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch Albom
All ears to: Follow Through Gavin DeGraw

Labels: ,


| hAiLiE posted at 5:00:00 PM | |

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: Photobucket like a kid
Curled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch Albom
All ears to: the office's very, very noisy AC

Labels: , , , ,


| hAiLiE posted at 2:33:00 PM | |

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 | |

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:

Mr. Perfect
Seducing Mr. Perfect

My Father
My Father

Coffee Prince
Coffee Prince

Spring Wlatz
Spring Waltz

I can't wait to get my hands on these DVDs (three of which star my current poster boy, Daniel Henney)!!!


Feeling: Photobucket in love with Henney
Curled up in bed with: Enheduanna in the 21st Century Eileen R. Tabios
All ears to: Over It Katherine McPhee

Labels: , , ,


| hAiLiE posted at 9:11:00 PM | |

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. Photobucket


| hAiLiE posted at 4:34:00 PM | |

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

I have a pet!

Meet my new pet:

Photobucket

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: Photobucket bored and sleepy
Curled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch Albom
All ears to: Mamaw Michael V.

Labels:


| hAiLiE posted at 7:26:00 PM | |

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 | |

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 Schiffahrt


Pamatay eh 'yung pangalan ng "nagsambit" ng quote na 'yan. Sounds shala, neh?


Feeling: Photobucket feeling uber pretty...harhar!
Lost in: The Female Eunuch Germaine Greer
All ears: Always All Ways Lostprophets


| hAiLiE posted at 6:28:00 PM | |

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:

Photobucket

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:

Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
(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: Photobucket wishing for my first wish of 2008 to come true
Lost in: The Female Eunuch Germaine Greer
All ears: One Love Acel Bisa