Day 236, Nov 30, 2011

Starbucks planner:

Yup... as usual, its that time of the year when Starbucks once again brings out its planner promo - and yes, I know that if you compute how much you'll spend to finally get the planner, you'd be better of just getting one in National Bookstore or Fully Booked.

But... if you drink coffee regularly anyway, and you just get your Starbucks fix in the usual frequency (like I did), then you can say that the planner comes for free as a gift for my being a Starbucks drinker. See, I'm sure I could have gotten the planner much earlier - but why bother? It would eventually be mine anyway, given the length of the promo (which of course extends up to next year).

Well... I finally got enough stickers (with a little help from Barbie), and I now have my planner. I opened it - looked into it and satisfied my curiosity... and though its a but smaller in dimension, it still looks cool. About time too - as my old planner does not look too presentable these days. I intend to use this starting tomorrow - after all, it (just like previous Starbucks planners) has a courtesy start with December 2011, so I can definitely use it and not wait for next year.

Day 235, Nov 29, 2011

Ceiling:

If my recent pictures have lots of  Christmas decors in them, that's because I have a 'Look of Christmas' album in my FB account - and I would  just like to capture the essence (or spirit) of Christmas wherever I go. I know that there's so much to see - and share with friends and relatives who are not in the Philippines, so by seeing the pics I've taken, they will not be wondering how Manila looks this time of the year.

Sure, some will feel homesick... others nostalgic - well, that too is my goal; to make them feel both homesick and nostalgic. The other, more obvious reason, by the way, is to show the beauty of Christmas through the decors I see.

That said, this happens to be at a Krispy Kreme store... and I was definitely surprised to see these decors - so simple, yet so elegant. After all, its just pine branches formed to look like a wreath, with lights (non blinking) surrounding them. Too bad the ceiling loses its color as we see the ceiling's end. Ah well...

Day 234, Nov 28, 2011

Decors:

Its no surprise that most (if not all) malls, here in the Philippines have already set up their Christmas decors - and the Podium is no exception. Albeit the atmosphere is more subdued this Christmas as I did not see any Christmas tree by the outside lobby similar to last year's. Still, with piped in music playing, its beginning ot feel like Christmas.

This was an experimental shot - in fact the decors were in the middle aisle - right between the up and down escalators. So, as soon as I was ready to take the shot blindly (I couldn't fit between those two rail guards in the middle), I accompanied Barbie and Bernice down, camera in hand, hopefully angling things just right, and took several shots.

I would have wanted to continue doing this until I got the right (i.e. perfect) photo, but I just had to settle for what I got - which isn't too bad, actually... maybe just a blurry shot here, a wrong angle there... then there's this. Relatively clear, relatively okay in its macro-vision manner... yet to add to the artistic manner, we've got a sweet (i.e. clear) spot somewhere in the middle. Great huh? I specially like how the lights at the far background blur to look like stars.

Day 233, Nov 27, 2011

New batch...

Yup, by batch, of course, I simply mean my pull list (of comics) for the week. Relatively not that much - then again, I know I've yet to get every comic I am currently reading.

For this week, I am obviously elated in getting Fantastic Four 600, which shows the return of Johnny Storm  -and lets admit it, no real fan believed he was dead and never coming back, right? Well, apparently, if that was what you thought (and so did I), then we'd both be just half right.

Aside from this, I obviously looked forward to reading Aquaman (a statement I would not even bother thinking of around 4 months ago), after all, Geoff Johns is doing wonders on this title. Then there's Spider-man, which is basically a nice read, even after the Spider Island arc ended. Other than that, the rest were... well, okay.

Day 232, Nov 26, 2011

St James at 20!

Yes, apparently its been around for 20 years now... though personally, its been just my 4th year going to this bazaar. I'm talking about the St. James Christmas Bazaar at Ayala Alabang.

This year, though, I was not able to really roam the area, as it seemed apparent that Barbie's family was not enjoying St. James as much as I thought they would... we ll for starters, I think bringing Jude along was a mistake - after all, this isn't a mall - but more like a high class Divisoria... not a place for very young children.

Next, it seems that Dict was in a bad mood because he left his phone in the car - which was parked real far... though it was no one's fault in particular, it dampened the mood of everyone else. Third... and this was the kicker... the weather was hot (hence the expressions you see in the picture being less than enthusiastic). So naturally, people were feeling the humidity and the heat, even in shaded areas - but then again, this has not changed. In fact, St. James made this a little more bearable by having larger breaks in between booth aisles - thus having a more breathable surrounding - even in tight spots.

Oh well... hope to go back and really shop around on the 30th.

Day 231, Nov 25, 2011

Fiel and Affogato:

This is a rare picture indeed - Fiel captured in a situation that does not show him pouting or frowning... and the obvious reason for it is what's in front of him... an affogato, which is basically a scoop of gellato with a shot of espresso (boy, all these Italian terms and their non-conformance to English spelling).

We were introduced to this concoction by one of Fiel's past students... who mentioned the added fact that aside from it looking interesting enough, it could be had (with one piece of biscotti) for the same price as a Starbucks coffee. In this case, we get the coffee - plus some really great ice cream too.

Day 230, Nov 24, 2011

Latest i-mag:

Its no secret that I regularly get this magazine to find tips on how to improve taking pictures, and as I read through this particular issue during my downtime in Fiel and my Estimating class, I'm glad to say that I did find a few tips I could remember next time I try to take close up pictures.

The other lesson learned is a bit technical, and will need more time to learn and master... that of using images - cobbling them together to create some fantastic obviously fictional, yet visually stunning photo illustrations. Yeah... I've tried dabbling into these once - but got disappointing results. After scanning this issue, I understand things a bit better.

Next time... definitely next time...

Day 229, Nov 23, 2011

Estimating:

As I sit at the back of this training room in McKinley, I realize that it has been a while since I've conducted this course... in fact, I can't recall when I last did it. I'm sure it happened some time in the first quarter of this year... but the one I can recall was some time last year - in fact, Gina and I (if I remember things right) conducted this last year - the week before Christmas.

Today, I find myself recalling what topics I need to conduct and this time, I'm handling this training with Fiel - so I've no problem with this conduct, as I know that Fiel can easily handle any technical difficulties I may encounter. Oh yeah... we'll be doing this for the next two days too, with a relatively full house crowd.

Day 228, Nov 22, 2011

Rockwell mall:

This is one mall that does not do things half-baked... nope, no way. Case in point, they really decorate the mall with a lot of Christmas themed stuff - I mean, as far as the eye can see... in any direction, you can't help but see Christmas decors (and this picture only shows one view, mind you).

It really is a thrill to go here - its like getting transported elsewhere - in fact, as you approach the mall itself, you'll notice the entire Rockwell area has all its trees with orange lights - why orange? I don't know... but its still a nice thing to see... but when you step into the mall proper - and are greeted by this red and green assault to your senses - you could feel like just strolling the mall's corridors.

In fact, as I was about to leave, I felt a slight melancholy for needing to leave this place. After all, if Christmas is connoted with so many happy memories, then this place definitely pumps up the happy feelings. Hmmm... maybe this is precisely what the mall is trying to do - tap into our subconscious and make us feel happy to shop? If so, it works... yet it does not feel like a manipulation at all... more likely, its an escape (albeit a temporary one) from the drudgery of work and the worries of life. Honestly, I feel appreciative that there is such a place to go to.

Day 227, Nov 21, 2011

Team Lead School

This is an adhoc training - and as such, regardless of how little they may be (in this case, the participants were just six people), it means there is a need that has to be fulfilled - one that can't wait for the usual schedules. So, despite the low numbers, Tess and I were tasked to conduct the training for two days... not that I'm complaining, mind you.

As it is, the participants had little to ask, and this training went without any hitch (unless you count the fact that the participants handouts were not available when needed), so we basically ended a bit early each day - which is fine for us. After all, whether were looking at 6 or 25 participants, we still need to exert the same effort in facilitating the course.

Day 226, Nov 20, 2011

Tree up!

As I said previously, it looked like I'd need more than a day to set things up properly - and by saying that I did not just mean assembling the tree, but arranging the lights. I also had to get another set of electrical outlets to act as the plug-in point for the tree's lights.

So how long did it take? Approximately a day and a half (maybe slightly less) as I continued what I stopped - and finalized a few arrangements before I placed the tree's new highlights, namely the meteor lights (those bright white LEDs that serve as running lights within the LED containers. I first saw these in Makati last year, and when I found out they were being sold in places where they sell Christmas lights, I was glad... until I saw the price. Boy was that an eye opener.

Needless to say, the tree looks great - and I tried taking a picture for posterity... now, how this will be accepted by others who see it, I don't know - although I suspect they'll like it (as been the mention with last year's tree). Yup... setting up the tree and lights is my pride and joy. Now to see if I will be needing more time as I start placing the decors - a responsibility that was usually for Barbie to handle, once my side of the set up was done, of course.

Day 225, Nov 19, 2011

Setting up the tree - finally!

Compared to the past years, setting up the tree around this time was much later done... but coinciding with Christ the King, and the beginning of Advent by next Sunday. So technically,  I'm still on time (assuming I get to finish the tree in a day).

This is, of course, our spanking brand new 8-feet tree which I got almost a month ago form National Bookstore - I mean, had I not seen how comparatively cheap the tree's price was, I wouldn't even bother getting a new tree (though I was contemplating on such a move, should our old tree prove to be unstable), and since I was in the mood... why not a taller one at that?

As is my usual style, I set up the tree at the same time that I'm laying out the lights... hence the need to start testing the lights even as the tree is slowly being assembled. I also decided on today (as opposed to yesterday) because I know I wold not feel comfortable if the tree were not finished as guests would arrive for last night's dinner. Looks like I made the right call - it looks like setting up this tree will take more than a day. Oh yeah, I spared no effort nor expense in deciding to get new sets of lights, so we need not worry about lights failing on us as Christmas approaches.

Day 224, Nov 18, 2011

Lechon night:

Definitely the highlight of this day happens to be dinner that we've planned a few days ago.

It innocently started with a Facebook post by Carlos about how  he enjoyed eating lechon (roasted pig), and I then commented that he should bring some for me to taste as well... well Carlos then replies stating that we should make arrangements for dinner and he'd willingly bring lechon .

You need not tell me twice - I then proceeded to contact Fred and Gerry via FB as well, asking them when they would want to have the lechon get together - Saturday was selected and we all made plans for this. I spent the afternoon getting stuff from the grocery (like ice) and even chilled a few wine bottles.

When dinner was finally served, we barely had side conversations aside from helping Carlos decide which lechon was the better tasting one (he brought two different brands - both from Cebu). We were so engrossed with the lechon that we hardly touched the KFC which I ordered, in case the lechon wasn't enough (turns out it was) that we forgot about the wine... ah well, goes to show it was really the lechon we wanted - any alcohol would just be supportive, but not necessary.

We definitely should do this again.

Day 223, Nov 17, 2011

PM training:

Yes, I'm conducting a Project Management training class once again, and this time, my partner is Gina (I think we conducted this training together last December - yes its been that long for us as a tandem for this course).

Once again, I find myself facilitating this course in Global1, and once again, I had to contend with the need to cross four cities from having brought Bryce to school and getting to Eastwood. Contending myself with traffic all the way. To say I hardly made it to Eastwood on time would be an understatement, and loath as I am to arriving late, I find myself in the position of not being able to do anything about it... you see, it seems that Metro traffic is already starting to experience Christmas. This means that whatever traffic I normally experience seems to have doubled - maybe even tripled. Augh!

That said, I just took this photo in a straightforward manner - I went to the back (intructor's PC area), and just took the shot.

Day 222, Nov 16, 2011

Dennies in town:

I received a call from an unregistered number, and when I answered it, I recognized Dennies' voice after thinking for a few seconds. After all, the caller definitely knew me - and when he said he's here for one day from Cebu... well, that sort of narrowed down the usual suspects.

We met for dinner in Mana-ish, Jupiter with Gina, so yes, it was an impromptu gathering of Past Division B Governors. We were trying to get more Toastmaster friends to join us, but they could not really catch us before dinner was served and consumed. It was nice meeting up with both of them again after so many years - and had it not been for Facebook, we'd be totally unaware of what's going on with our lives.

Dennies and Gina went on to meet other friends, while I had to go home already - work tomorrow for me, and I did come from a whole day's lecturing, so I was already tired.

Day 221, Nov 15, 2011

Banana ?

No I'm not asking if this is a banana... I know it is - or to be clear about it, the item in question was made form bananas, dipped in brown sugar then fried (I think), so it caramelizes and then gets wrapped in paper (to allow people a place to hold it).

Nope... the reason for the question mark is because I'm wondering what exactly this food item is called. It can't be banana-q, as its not pierced by a stick (picking up from the term barbecue), nor is it banana chips - as these things are definitely not chips (though they can be as thin as your typical chips), nope... but until I find out its name, the question mark remains. Meanwhile, I just took this with a flash. This way, the picture will be clearly visible... exposure need not be too long, yet the details will be present; and yes... you should notice the banana like texture.

Day 220, Nov 14, 2011

Ayala decors:

Ayala Avenue has put up its Christmas decors by way of these stars. As decors go, these seem less extravagant - almost frugal, yet the simplicity in itself offers some elegance.

Lets face it, most establishments have already started setting up their Christmas looks while we were busy with dad's wake.  As it stands, it looks like I will be the one setting up our tree - as Barbie (at least, for now) does not have it in her to celebrate Christmas. Still, it is a way to continue... to move on. So I would insist on celebrating - in fact, I've bought a new tree and new lights just to prepare for such a thing. I want us to continue with life. Its also why I'd like to capture the spirit of Christmas wherever I can with these pictures.

Day 219, Nov 13, 2011

Family:

The 9th day of dad's death - and in Catholic circles, this calls for a mini celebration as the 9-day novena of prayers for his passing ends. The next celebration then will be after 40 days, which represents his finally leaving this plane and ascending to the next.

Today also marks the last day that the Buenaobra family will be complete, as Brian planes out this very night, while the rest of the Dubai-folks leave the very next day. It will be a trying time for mommy - and we suggest some of her relatives stay with her for a while (Tio Elmer has volunteered), while Ben and Benedict will likewise help her in the next few days.

That said, this is a frustration I have when others handle the camera. Notice how Bianca is cut out of the picture. Too bad. It would have been a perfect picture otherwise - I can only hope that the other cameras used will have a better shot captured.

Day 218, Nov 12, 2011

Goodbye:

This day is when we finally said goodbye to dad - laying him to rest at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque. Everyone was in white to celebrate his being at peace and finally joining his creator - and despite our trying to be less mournful about it, some of us could not help but cry at the finality of it all.

Barbie started crying as we entered the cemetery's gates - a realization I guess, as we crossed the threshold. Prior to coming here, Father Blas joked that the person who cried the loudest would most probably be the one with the most sins against dad. Needless to say most remained composed - with no hysterics. I guess we were all exhausted as well - after all, a near week long wake is no laughing matter. From hereon, we will just have pictures and videos to remind us of dad.

Be well dad, and watch over us from above.

Day 217, Nov 11, 2011

11/11/11 at 11:11

Just a trivial item really, but what were you doing at 11:11AM, on the 11th of  November (the eleventh month), 2011?

Some people say that this was a lucky day - hence a lot of them tried scheduling a wedding on this day (so I read), while others consider it an excuse to party (though I'd guess they'd do this at 11PM, instead of AM).

Me? I was in class, facilitating a Packaged Application Detailed Design class with Jinkee (day 2 of it actually), and when the moment came, I just took a picture of the class. This is in the relatively new Global One building, Eastwood. A relatively nice location - but hell for me to get to in the mornings, specially when you consider my needing to cut across the Metro and pass through at least 3 cities boundaries to get here. Ah well... so this is how I spent 11/11/11 11:11. How about you?

Day 216, Nov 10, 2011

Back to work:

Yup, I had to get back to work as Barbie and her family continue with dad's wake. But then again, work wasn't too hectic for me - which is good, since I still had to find a night where I would really have had a full night's sleep.

Luckily, I have a partner (Jinkee) so the facilitation roles are halved, and we get to rest our vocal chords (and in my case, myself as well) when our partner is facilitating. That said, I normally find myself with a book while either waiting my turn - or resting after my turn. In this case, it's the latter. So I head to the pantry sit back, enjoy a mug of tea (to soothe my throat muscles) and read a book (Covey's new offering).

Day 215, Nov 09, 2011

Bianca:

Meet the newest (for now) member of the Buenaobra clan - Bianca Jaz. She just planed in from Dubai with her parents (Bart and Tet) as well as her Tita Dette.

We - that is, Barbie and I, fetched them from the airport, and brought them to the wake, so I'm not kidding with my 'fresh from Dubai' statement. This is, of course, Bianca's first trip outside of the UAE - and our first glimpse of her in the flesh. She also happens to be the first grand daughter on dad's side carrying the Buenaobra name (not to mention Bart's only daughter - and if rumor is true, he treasures her).

As you can see, she's always ready to face the camera and offer a smile, as her dad carries her. If anything, Bianca also brings a little sunshine to the occasion - after all, Bart, Tet and Dette did come home to pay their last respects to dad.

Day 214, Nov 08, 2011

Ma paying her respect:

Though they were hardly seeing each other, it would seem that dad and ma were both praying for each other and that somehow formed a bond of camaraderie between them. So when dad was hospitalized, ma wanted to know how he was doing - not out of morbid curiosity, but out of genuine concern.

Then when dad was turning for the worse, she suggested Barbie and me already talk to Tito (or Ninong) Frankie Malabed - just to make sure that should the need arise, we would be ready. Finally, when dad passed away, she insisted to go down from Batangas (she rarely leaves her house or the compound for that matter) to pay her respects. So technically, this is a rare shot of her not in Batangas.

Yeah... I'm sporting a rather longer beard here, as I had not found the time (nor need really) to trim things or shave.

Day 213, Nov 07, 2011

Honor:

Th ceremony looks both impressive for their colors, and heartwarming for their messages. Its also steeped with meaning, as the Knights of Colombus, Cavite chapter, gave homage to their past Grand Knight - Kit Buenaobra.

It was interesting to watch, and even if to this day I have yet to know the entire reason for the organization's goal, I would have to say that this evening was memorable, as the Knights presented Barbie's family with three symbolical gifts - a chalice, a flag and a sword. As for the ceremony itself - it was rather long... sometimes unwinding, but nonetheless much needed by the family. Specially since these talks gave them a glimpse of who he was - and not just by way of pictures... but through the sharing of stories of how dad touched their lives.

Day 212, Nov 06, 2011

Fountain:

Many people seeing this in dad's funeral were both impressed and had the immediate want for such a fountain - heck, a few even joked about taking it home with them when they left already. Personally, I wouldn't mind having a similar fountain at home where I could listen to the water - and its soothing white sound... able to relax me.

What makes this fount even more attractive are the led lights at the top where the water comes out - thus giving the effect of a lighted water coming out from the top, then trickling down. I hear that even some kids mistook it for holy water - touching it, then making the sign of the cross - and why not? Maybe the church can do this - its nto exactly a bad idea... getting holy water to come out of such a fountain.

Day 211, Nov 05, 2011

At peace...

Dad passed away around 3am today. When Barbie got the call from Ben, she was devastated - she could hardly breathe, much less talk. So I had to talk to Ben and give instructions to him. I then made the call to Tito Frankie to make the necessary arrangements with dad's body - lest some other unscrupulous parties take advantage of the family's moment of sadness - what can I say, there are vultures around... circling and waiting. We just need to be extra vigilant in situations like this.

Tito Frankie (Ninong Frankie actually - as he was one of our sponsors in the wedding) gave us clear instructions a few days ago about this... and though Barbie was receiving all this will a heavy heart, she knew the need for preparations. Today, those preparations bear fruit... and as for dad's final voyage - well, that's done. What remains are the practice to help sooth the ones left behind... and Tito Frankie made sure, things were in order.

We'll miss you dad... but I'm glad you're now at peace.

Day 210, Nov 04, 2011

Seafood crepe anyone?

I forget the name of this particular crepe - all I know is its got salmon inside it, with creme, topped with capers to give it an almost seafood pizza look. I think its name has something to do with Neptune's bounty - but don't take my word for it. I suggest, however, that should you find yourself in Cafe Breton one of these days, you should try this out - assuming you like sea food.

I had this as dinner together with Barbie and Bernice at the Podium, in Mandaluyong - and it was a nice light dinner for me (Barbie and I also had salad on the side) - and though I definitely would have gone for a desert crepe too - I thought to rein in my appetite. Besides, it was hardly appropriate to let loose... specially with Christmas nearing - and with it, all those reunions and food. Best to start controlling now.

Day 209, Nov 03, 2011

New look:

This is Bubbles now. I did mention that I would post an after dog-spa/shaving experience, and this is it.

Notice how furry she still is at the tail and at the mane area (where her shoulder would be), notice how short her hair is in the rest of her body and feet?

Apparently, she feels a whole lot fresher - and we get to treat some wounds that recently came out of her body (possibly caused by food given her - ones that should not be given dogs, by the neighbors, or someone in the house). Needless to say, the shedding has been minimized - but not totally stopped. She's happy - not exactly feeling ashamed or sad... and who knows? Maybe we will make this a more regular practice - the neighbors seem to like her new look too, by the way. I bet in a way, this made her more proud of her new look.

Day 208, Nov 02, 2011

Its beginning to look like...

Christmas is really a little more than a month away - and stores, just like this Starbucks, are beginning to show this by way of setting up their Christmas decors.

A few weeks ago, I started seeing some Christmas trees set up in display windows of National Bookstore, but that was superficial, as the rest of the bookstore had not yet set up their decors within the rest of the store... not so here. Starbucks has set up their Christmas look, and it really is a reminder to everyone that the season is fast approaching.

Naturally, the look and feel wouldn't be complete if there weren't any Christmas carols being sung -  and though this was not done, the store's piped-in music was indeed sharing Christmas music.

In my more cynical days, I'd say 'marketing gimmick' - and though it is true... it still is great to see small pockets of this... small reminders, if you will, of Christmas. After all, regardless of what age I celebrated it, Christmas remains a happy holiday - one I intend to practice and share... specially with what is happening with Barbie's family... after all, Christmas is all about peace, hope and love. I don't know about you - but those are worthy goals to me... if not globally, at least, with my family.

Day 207, Nov 01, 2011

Vigil:

As the rest of the country sees people troop to the cemeteries to visit loved ones who've passed away, Barbie's family  and I spent 'All Saints' Day holiday keeping vigil over Barbie'S dad in the hospital - visiting him in the Intensive Care Unit.

The main difference here is that Brian, one of Barbie's Dubai-based siblings, arrived in time to see dad alive - even if, in such a state as he currently is in, meaning almost non-responsive, with communication being mostly the soft squeeze of one's hand.

This feeling of helplessness isn't easy to take, and I see the mixed emotions of frustration, fear of death, anger - but most importantly, love... in the faces of everyone in the family. Its both tough - yet inspiring to look at. I just wished we had a more positive reason for being together.

Day 206, Oct 31, 2011

In the parlor:

This is Bubbles first time to visit a pet parlor - and the reason she's here is because she's shedding... and its driving Barbie batty (not to mention the fact that I swept the floor one time and got a bucket full of fur). I had intended to tell the pet barber (what exactly do we call them?) to shave everything, but I also thought Bubbles might react negatively to the experience, hence I simply asked them to shave most of the body fur but leave the mane part and tail intact.

I'll post a picture of the after look some time, but for now, lets just say that though she was initially tense and afraid to enter the shop (probably thinking it was a vet clinic), when they started shaving her, she suddenly calmed down - possibly even liking the experience. Needless to say, she not only got a new look, but they bathed her and even cleaned her ears. I even got a foot massage while all this was happening. Nice way to spend day 3 of the long weekend.

Day 205, Oct 30, 2011

Ferns and Fountain:

This is the fountain in the De La Sallle Medical Center in Dasmarinas, Cavite. The reason I'm here is because we are visiting dad in the ICU. The fountain is found in a second floor garden, and it really tries to give a serene backdrop - complete with a small chapel for prayer. I like listening to the sound the water makes as it trickles down, and the visual of the ferns help soothe the view with a calming and cooling effect.

As I understand it, this is for patients who wish to pray, reflect and hopefully recover - barring that, it then can become a place where they can contemplate their life and consider any loose ends. My being here was not for any of those - heaven forbid I need to consider all those any time soon, but to capture some pictures - anything to keep my mind from thinking of dad's predicament too much. To be blunt, he's not doing well in his fight with Cancer, and it does put a downer on everyone. In that sense, this garden - and the photos I take, help me think of more pleasant matters - not as an avenue for escapism... but a manner of gathering strength. I just wish I could ask Barbie and her siblings to likewise gather some strength in this garden - to be better prepared for the inevitable.

Day 204, Oct 29, 2011

Street Party!

Yup! Its not exactly an all out party with dancing in the street, as in the band playing was not able to entice everyone to do so - maybe everyone was still sober or wanted to stay sober so as not to lose their wallets... who knows?

But it was still a great and festive mood for a Halloween Party in Burgos Street, Makati. My first ever street party (yeah I know - many of you are wondering where I've been in all those celebrations. But its true... I hardly attend such stuff.

Obviously, as the picture suggests, there were a lot of attractive features to keep the party from getting boring - in fact, it was many things but boring. I went out with John (as a sort of post birthday bash of his as well) and we did not even plan to attend this street party - or at least, it was not in the plans, even if John knew about it. Still, I'm glad we went and enjoyed the night. I later learned that this was an annual event (weekend closest to Halloween it seems), and I just might try and make this an annual visit.

As for the curious minds... nope, nothing happened with us three; and even if something did - say a threesome (and what a dream that would be), you think I'll share it here? Uh uh.

Day 203, Oct 28, 2011

Bird of Prey?

The silhouette of the two birds in the picture sort of remind me of two ships from Star Trek - specifically, the Klingon Bird of Prey. Of course, this was farthest from my mind when I was taking the shot... after all, I was more for catching the great colors of a sun-setting sky.

Then I found a way to crop the picture - getting rid of all the non-essentials, and it was then that I noticed the birds - or more specifically, how they were flying, and the shape of their wings. Of course, I'd rather see the Enterpise coming in from the horizon - but hey... what kind of bird does that kind of impression?

Day 202, Oct 27, 2011

Unscheduled purchase:

Not complaining, mind you. Its just that I got these comics at least a day (or two) earlier than from where I normally get them.

Its not really a practice of mine to take a peek at Robinson's Galleria, and check the comic shop there - neither is it my usual practice to want my comics hot off the plane... not really. Yet when opportunity shows itself, I would be foolish not to get them when I can. In this case, I got Nightwing and Catwoman 2 earlier - but these were not the only issues I got. I found a difficult to find cross-over between the Legion of Superheroes and Star Trek... and as I read this issue, it still has yet to show the actual cross-over, so its still a mystery. Its as if the writer is having some difficulty integrating them and is bidding some time for the right moment - of course, to us readers, it would have been great had this happened in the first issue. Ah well...

Next hard to find items are issues one and two of Deadly Hands of Kung Fu - a Spider Island cross over. Its main focus is Shang Chi battling a possessed Queen of Spiders who's captured the rest of the immortal warriors (including Iron Fist)... its interesting - but I don't know if its really worth pursuing to the end - did I mention its just a 3 issue mini series? Oh well... at least these got me reading and therefore avoided an otherwise boring half day as I await my turn to lecture in the ongoing PM (for project management) class.

Day 201, Oct 26, 2011

Hand Sanitizer:

Yeah, I saw this in one of the Watson stores - and I just had to get one - after all, its not a bad idea to have these hand sanitizers on hand (pun not intended), but its also (as seen by this picture) a rally point to show your school loyalty.

So what if our basketball team was a disappointment in the recent UAAP - its not just the basketball game that makes the school... and it is, when you think about it, the only school I've attended - so its not as if I've other options.

Still, its a great school - and even as I studied there, others looked to me as an elite (which the school does have an image of), and now, with Bryce likewise studying in La Salle, he continues a tradition of sort. My dad studied there, I did... my two half siblings studied there as well. So now Bryce is the 3rd generation Syyap going into that college - maybe Bernice will follow after a few years... who knows?

On a side note, a milestone has passed in this photoblog as we've reached the 200th entry yesterday, Wow... never mind that its the second year this is happening - just consider that I now have 200 photos of how my year (at least, when I started this year 2 photoblog) went. I normally use this as my usual introductory statement... and I guess, all one had to do is take it a day at a time. There will be lull moments - and there will be days one will be too busy - but just continue... play catch up when necessary - but continue. Real soon, I'm sure to be celebrating the end of my second year photoblog... and contemplating whether to go for year three.

Day 200, Oct 25, 2011

PM class:

As I was saying in my previous post... rooms are small and tight, with hardly any space to move around - and lo and behold... CRT monitors! Oh joy...

To make matters more frustrating, this is a four day course... so we'll have to suffer this lack of comfort for that duration.

Situations like this are not conducive to learning (specially when you consider the fact that these participants have to work as a team too), and they don't make wonders for inspiring us to train as well. Yet train we do... always going to solution mode when problems arise. I hear we're not the only people commenting (okay, complaining) about the type pf service we're receiving regarding room set up. I hope things get better... specially since there will be a long weekend for some people to contemplate how to improve such things. Meanwhile, as Marie (my partner in this conduct) teaches... I stay in the pantry area.

Day 199, Oct 24, 2011

Application Testing:

Monday comes with Application Testing - and my partner for this conduct is Cerise. As you can see, the room is relatively packed (I took this picture during break time - hence Cerise relaxing in the middle... she's the one in pink) with machines and in its normal course - with people as well.

Its so tight that I need to stay at the side or better yet, step out and just come in when its my turn to run the show... so to speak. This would have been even tighter had the monitors been your traditional CRT type - thus adding both heat and eating up table space. As it is, we tolerate such a set-up, and yes... we've been telling the people that these rooms are too tight for such a set up. Whether they're paying attention or just ignoring us (and it seems to be the latter) is a testament to how much quality of the conduct is important - and not just the metrics. Ah well...

Day 198, Oct 23, 2011

Family huddle:

Yes, I realized that I've not posted anything quite recent about my family, so here they are, showing us all that they remain close. Just what is it they are all huddling about for? Why its Benedict's Samsung Galaxy Tablet.

This was taken when we visited Barbie's dad in the hospital, and while waiting for ICU visiting hours, the kids were just glad to play with the games stored in Dict's tab. In this photo, Bryce is controlling the tablet, while Bernice (who obviously has had some experience with the game he is playing) is ready to coach her kuya on what moves to try to succeed in his current level. Barbie, who noticed how the two can actually get along (via the game) is herself pulled into observing the game as well. Ah well... who said computer games run counter to having family bonding moments?

Day 197, Oct 22, 2011

Some New - some recent:

This batch represents a combination of new and fairly recent issues - the new ones would be Batman, the Justice League, Green Lanter Corps, the Avengers issues, the X-men issues, and the Fear Itself tie ins. Meanwhile, the fairly recent ones would be Nightwing and Catwoman, plus my catch up moment with the revamped Wonder Woman.

What can I say about this batch? The Batman issues are a bit confusing when placed together into one (hopefully) easily fit bunch - but they don't seem to be as tightly molded as the editors want them to think. I was most curious about how they'd treat Nightwing... after all, for nearly several years (real time) he wore the mantle of the Bat - and he did it quite well with the new Robin too. Yet in a panel of Batman, when Bruce Wayne is talking - as Dick, Tim and Damien listen, you could clearly see a great size and height difference between Bruce and Dick. I mean, huh? Isn't Dick almost the height of Bruce? He would have to be to pull of being Batman in Bruce's absence. Minor complaint aside, I'm starting to realize which titles I will be sticking with for the duration - and the ones I will definitely drop. Nightwing is one that I'm continuing. As for Catwoman... I'll still see. I mean, aside from the usual sexiness - I've yet to see where this title is going. Wonder Woman... I'm sorry to say, may be one I will drop soon... likewise on the Green Lantern Corps.

Day 196, Oct 21, 2011

Playing catch up:

For the most part, the issues seen here are - well, older than the newer releases. The reason I just got them is simple... they were not around in my usual haunts. Take for example the Action comics relaunch number 1. Sold out in its first printing, there only seemed to be the need to await the second printing for me to get myself a copy.

As a collector, I would have frowned upon this - after all, there is the artificial value consideration that a first printing may have over its succeeding printing - but to me... one who doesn't really care for such idiosyncrasies as a necessity, I'd still go for the second printing because I'm just after the story. In fact, I may even opt for the compiled version instead. I also got Birds of Prey, Resurrection Man, Children's Crusade and Spider-man... the DC titles to try them out, and the Marvel ones to cover some gaps in my collection. Batwoman seems to be the only real new item in the this batch... but that's okay.