Memoirs of The Ring

As planned, we went back from Baguio last Saturday primarily to catch up with the regular Sunday airsoft wargames. However, tensions from the recent Political Comedy Show made us consider not to challenge the gullibility of military checkpoints around the Metro. A camo's still a camo and a gun's still a gun. We, being hailed on a checkpoint wearing camouflage and carrying guns (no matter how we'll explain it just pops out BB's), will still look like troop movements to the amusingly paranoiac henchmen of the midget overlord.

So in short, no gunbang yesterday! Rest for the wicked at last!

Instead, the Boyz of the Shakk decided to romp it up on Promenade to watch "Memoirs of Geisha". Truly, I need to bring scorecards whenever I step foot on that place. Andaming cuties! Pinagbabawal YATA ang pangit dun e. "YATA" for we made it inside the premise in the first place without a burly guy in bouncer's attire dragging us out. Wahehehe. But then again we're masters of stealth. =)

Grub time was at this Chinese resto somewhere along Shoppesville. Chicken mushroom & Hakaw (steamed prawn dimsum) are my chow-of-choice. However, right after much filling the stomach, I called it a day as my worried mum's texting me already that the base was barricaded and I might not be allowed to pass through. Our home's inside the base, FYI.

Certainly, it was barricaded. The overacting, action-deprived, bloodlusting men in bargain M16's were piled up on the gate with their oversized armored vans... or were they tanks?? I can't tell the difference! Hehe. Anyway, I just casually strutted my way in, talking to one of the Sarge and pulling strings to make it through. No sweat, I must say.

The Baguio adventure deserves its own post, for now off to the movie muna ko...


"Memoirs of a Geisha"
Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert!

Don't get me wrong when I say I don't like the movie.

The film was outright awesome on most aspects but I just don't dig movies of that genre. Still, I have to hold two thumbs high for the great work involved behind it.

The cinematography certainly added to the melancholic feel of most of the scenes and to boot, it was backed up by John Williams's musical arrangements. It's John Williams, man... we're talking Starwars and God-knows-how-many-great-movies here! He ticked it off just exactly for the viewers to experience the sad and mellow continuity of the movie while preserving the oriental mood in it. I personally liked this bass drum beat on one of the scenes which reminded me of the heartbeat intro for my peborit Depeche Mode song, "Somebody".

The film's phasing is good, and it should be, because the plot is dependent on a lifestory. Little Chiyo's growth to the famed geisha, Sayuri was well developed to complement the storyline. I haven't read its book though so I don't know if the movie adapted every events from it up to the letter.

I must say the story is presented well. For me, it did a good job on showing the intricacies of a geisha's life... on how they learn their artistry and social cunning and use this to survive their own politics. I don't dig the romance between Sayuri and the Chairman though. I mean c'mon, Chiyo's barely even a teenager when she met him, and I think he mentioned he already has a kid during that time. Imagine the gap. Possible, yes, but something to frown upon nonetheless. Definitely, their affair's not the love story you wanted to giggle to.

Ano pa ba?

Hmm... Ziyi Zhang. She's so so cute. Damn those chinkies. Kaka-adik. I dig her portrayal. I just don't like how they made her up as a geisha. She's not even near to the geisha drawings I saw on Japanese trappings... y'know, those with bulbous hairstyle and overdone makeup. A good geisha transformation must make a lady not look like her "normal" self. One close draw was this scene when Sayuri danced on stage... hindi na siya mukhang Ziyi Zhang...

...mukha nang Sadako. Hee hee!

Lipad, Obi... Lipad!

I'm off to Baguio later tonight with the boyz of Da Shakk for the Flower Festival celebration. Sabado na ang balik namin para siguro makapaglaro pa ng baril-barilan sa Linggo. Habiling i-uwi: Ube Walis tambo Anik anik na pilak Letsugas Palamuting pang-tribo Ashtray na etits Kukuting pika pika Koreana =) Kita kits!

A pic from our last trip up there...

From L-R: Man (Norman Perez), Obi, Himmy (Naravadee Wattanapreechakit *whew*), Kid (Ryan de Guzman), DD (Danny Arangel), Rorie *sabi ni Himmy* (Lorie Bon), JB (Joniel Bon)

A Sarbey A Day, Keeps The Doctor Away

Tagged by Koya Bijay...

Wahoo! Balik bisyo!

1. last movie you watched?
- Batang X

2. with whom?
- Sponklong

3.last song you heard?
- Shine, Shine, Shine... yung sa commercial ni Iya na pang haircare shampoo pero mas may impact kung pang underarm product na lang.

4.last thing you bought?
- cheeseburger sa kanto tas pinalagyan ko ng egg ke Ate

5.last thing that made you smile?
- joke sa text

6.last thing you heard your parent(s) say?
- "ingat"

7.last thing you said to your parent (s)?
- "alis na ko"

8.last thing you said to one of your friends?
- pakyumo big time!

9.persons who sincerely said you're handsome?
- lola ko. nanay ko. tita ko. minsan si sponklong pag nilibre ko. minsan mga utal ko pag kumontra me kotong.

10.last person who messaged you?
- Number 75... huh? ahhh "message"... kala ko "massage". hee hee.

11.Are you courting someone?
- not today

12. Do you like chinese food?
- yes. i like everything.

13. Do long distance relationships work?
- NOOOO. Boo. Hiss.

14. Do you like coffee?
- pag konyo mode ako. "hey dude, duh! let's hook it up outta herrre on tha coffee bar with a couple'a espressos on the side. aaahhyyt?" nyahahaha. pweh!

15. How do you like your eggs?
- i like mines... uhh... firm?? >:)

16. What was the last text message you
received and from whom?
- galing ke oshelle...

*Maid cleaning room, found a condom: Ay! Ano man ini?!
*Mam: Wala bang sex sa probinsiya nyo, Inday?
*Maid: Meron po naman Mam pero di naman hanggang matuklap ang balat!

=)

17.Do you know how to swim?
- kasali float?

18. Favorite ice cream?
- doboL dutch, cookies en cream, choco marble, choco sorbetes ni Manong

19. Tell me a random fact about yourself
- ako si Batman

20. Favorite quote?
- an apple a day is seven apples a week

21. What are you going to do this weekend?
- Baguio... Flower Fest... Walis Tambo Shopping...

22. What are you listening to right now?
- tic tac ng keyboard

23. A part of song lyrics that's in your mind right now?
- kundol, patola, singkamas, at mani, sitaw, at saka meron pa, patani, kalabasa! =D

24. What is your best day of the week?
- Gunbang Airsoft Sunday

25. What are you craving to have right now?
- a limo, two sexy Guess jeans models, and a bling bling

26. Do you like twins?
- why not make it twin Guess jeans models! nice idea ha. im liking you.

27. Mary had her little lamb. What do you wanna have?
- Mary

28. Say anything you like to whoever is reading your answers!
- Ano mas mabigat isang malaking bapor o limang pirasong pako?

29. What kind of girl / boy do you like?
- Gusto ko yung jologs. Yung may nakataling scarf sa braso tapos naka higanteng jersey na parang daster tapos kaladkad ang pantalon parang basahan pero pag taas ng jersey-daster e nakalawit ang Spongebob na boxers tapos may kurbatang maluwag ang pagkabit tapos Anarchy sign ang print. Tapos matigas ang buhok dahil tatlong araw nang di naliligo. Yo shizzle bo fizzle yah! Aaaahhyyt?! =D

30. Any last request?
- Pwede "My Way" by Frank Sinatra?

Cuatro! Cuatro! Cuatro! Cuatro! from ihs:

4 Jobs I had in my Life:
1. software analyst
2. tiga-ubos ng tirang pagkain
3. magbilang ng poste sa kanto
4. organizer ng lakwatsa


4 Movies I could watch over and over:
1. lahat ng Starwars
2. Dune
3. lahat ng American Pie
4. Bruce Almighty


4 Places I've lived:
1. Fernando Air Base
2. Villamor Air Base
3. Malacañang Park
4. Sangley Field


4 TV shows/channels I love to watch:
1. Breakfast
2. Ang Dating Daan vs Tamang Daan
3. The Men Show (ziggi zaggi oi oi oi!)
4. Aquarium Channel


Vacation:
1. Baguio
2. Batangas
3. Tagaytay
4. Bed


4 Websites I visit daily:
1. RHGC Forums
2. Blogger
3. Fil-Airsoft
4. Guy and Pip Solid Fan Site


4 Places I'd rather be now:
1. Batangas
2. Baguio
3. Beach
4. Bed

4 bloggers I am tagging:
1. You
2. Usted
3. Ikaw
4. Tu

I Was Once a Proud Son

I was only four back then but I knew there was something wrong. All the adult males of the family were away, from my dad up to his brothers and even his brothers-in-law. All, except my civilian Uncle and my Lolo, who were ushering me and the girls of the family towards the old house's basement. Outside, there were sounds of aircrafts and choppers buzzing around the perimeter and the occasional gunshots. Protests were everywhere on the radio and TV stations while my Auntie assured us that everything was alright... but my Lola was fervent on her knees, praying.

This was the situation during the 1986 EDSA Revolution on our familial home inside the Air Force camp of then Nichols Air Base (now Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base).

The whole base was garrisoned as the soldiers themselves were unsure of where to put their loyalty between the warring factions. Should they remain on the iron grasp of the dictator or suffer the consequence... or should I say, fatal consequence... of upholding the call of democracy?

My dad had chosen the latter.

"Lu... lyu... lwu..."

I can barely even read his rank back then. Lieutenant. But I can already read my surname, and I knew upon reading my surname on the newspaper that it was talking about my father. It was on a picture's caption. The picture was of several Sikorsky S-76 helicopters bombing Malacañang Palace where the dictator and his cronies were staging a battle plan to liquify the personalities behind the revolt. I was aware that Daddy was on the cockpit of one of those gunships.

The last words I remembered my dad said to my lolo was, "Iluwas niyo ang mga bata sa Batangas." But we were trapped in Nichols, and all we have to hold on to was the hope that God has His special way of touching people's heart at His time. Thereafter, patriotism because of suppressed freedom spread like contagion and finally led to what was the most esteemed display of democracy in the world. Millions of people marched to EDSA despite threats against their lives.

Several hours later, the former president will be forced to fly to Hawaii.

My dad won.

The people won.

Democracy won.

One by one, the military men of the family returned home. And then, there was my dad. Clad on his sweat-damped, smelly flightsuit, but victory and pride have never smelled that sweet. He earned a medal and the rank of a "Captain" for that sortie but above all, he earned freedom and democracy. And none could have made the four-year old me even more proud.

A couple of years after that, me and my father dined with his friend in Hyatt. She said, "Wow, you should have been proud of what your dad accomplished."

I just smiled.

I thought to myself, "Yes, I was once a proud son."

*****

Taken from People Power - An Eyewitness History: The Philippine Revolution of 1986

On Monday, February 24th the turning point comes. Colonel Antonio Sotelo of the 15th Strike Wing has been ordered to attack Camp Crame using his squadron of attack helicopters. His squadron has more than enough fire power to completely obliterate Camp Crame. As Emmanuel Ridad writes:

"We heard the Sikorsky choppers fly over. It was time to join the others in the building's lobby. I was nervous. My arms were stiff. My hands were sweating. My lips were very dry.

...

With my Armalite aimed at one of the helicopters, I was now ready to die. I was just waiting for the whistling sound of the gunships' missiles and for the building to explode anytime.

But the helicopters did not open fire. Instead, they began to land!

Don't fire! They're defecting! They're ours! a jubilant General Ramos shouted."

And so they were. Colonel Sotelo and his entire command defected and put their helicopters at the disposal of General Ramos.

*****

Happy 20th Anniversary sa ESDA Revolution! At kahit nauwi lang sa wala ang paghihirap ng mga taong nagsakripisyo noon dahil napalitan lang ng mga bagong diktador ang gobyerno, mapalad pa din tayo dahil minsan sa ating nakaraan naipakita natin sa buong mundo ang totoong kahulugan ng demokrasya at kalayaan!

One Year Down, A Millenium To Go

My blog's first birthday!!! Weehee!!

I started blogging a year ago on this exact date... a day after Valentine's. I first learned about blogging and its doodads when I saw Miss Ala Paredes's journal. Gawd, who's not reading Ala's anyway?? It's as if 80% of Pinoy bloggers knew about it and the Pansitan domain. I didn't decide to blog until I saw Miss Bianca Gonzales's though.

Kras na kras ko siya. I love the way she writes. I like her appeal. Gusto ko yung attitude niya in life. Luckily, she answered my question in her blog! That would be my usual query before I link guys up: "Ano ayaw mo sa halo-halo?". She replied here in my tagboard but back then I was using the one that can't store up tag histories. Bummer! Same went with Ala. She tagged back on me too. Noon kasi hindi pa sila masyado busy with stuffs so they have all the time to bloghop, I presume.

So ayun, initially, I didn't plan to "astigatize" this blog. I just want to try it out. I just want it to be where I can write my mind... *period*. Kaya check my template, it's still one of those that can be selected in blogger. Still, as I go along, I find it fun to add up funky stuffs. Kaso yung attempt ko para magbago ng template e hindi matuloy tuloy kasi wala talagang oras at napamahal nako dito sa halo-halo look. =)

So instead, gumawa na lang ako ng isa pang blog. This is strictly for my miniature painting hobby naman. Link is on my sidebar.

On with the stats!
To end the first year of my blog, here are a couple of stats and links from the year that was...

Total Number of Posts (Bilang ng Gulaman) - 167
Number of Links in Blogroll (Bilang ng mga Tambay) - 68
Total Number of Hits starting Sep 13, 2005 (Ilang Beses Nakipag-Jamming) - 3352
Average Hits per Day (Kostumer Kada Araw) - 38

Links:
First post!

Friendster Sarbeys!
Sarbey Wan
Sarbey Tu
Sarbey Tri
Sarbey Por
Sarbey Five-uh!

Notorious ako dati sa Friendster dahil sa hilig ko sumagot ng surveys kahit walang kabal-balan ang mga sagot ko. Those had been my way to detox myself from work. Maraming umaabang nun sa Bulletin Board kaya marami din ang nagtaka na bigla na lang kumonti ang pagsasagot ko. Busy na kasi simula nun lumipat ako ng work. Pwede ko na nga daw i-compile lahat ng sarbey ko at gawing jokebook. Hehe. Kelangang makausap si Bob Ong. Enjoy!

Hobbies!
I've got a LOT of hobbies and that's what makes me very flexible in terms of getting to know different kinds of people. Currently (and perhaps for a lifetime), I'm into tabletop miniature wargaming. Basically, it'll involve painting miniature soldiers and vehicles to form up an army. Your army will then be played against other's on a dioramic table using a complex set of rules ala Chess.
Warhammer 40,000
Miniature Tanks
Miniature Marines

Basketball naman. I usually play Small Forward or Shooting Guard.
Basketball Entry 1
Basketball Entry 2
Basketball Entry 3

Grub naman! Who doesn't love to eat?? Hehe.
Obi Kitchenomics
Obi Kitchenomics Part Deux
Flash Bang

Gunbang action with the Shakk Boyz. The latest chevron on my gaming rank. Huzzah!
First Game Funk
Gunbang Day 2
Gunbang Day 3
Gunbang Day 4
Gunbang Day 5

Literaries!
Things iL do for a pen and paper... or a laptop, much better! Lock me on Big Brother's house and provide em to me and iL survive for months doing just that... writing! Pramis!
Idol Lewis's Jabberwocky (Poem)
Obi's Poem 1
Obi's Poem 2
One of my card game articles on the defunct Seeker Hobby Magazine
Excerpt from my "Memento Mori" (A proposed novel)
Excerpt from my "Empire of the Orient Pearl" (An unfinished novel)
Alamat ng Kulubot ng Papaya (A must read! Hehe!)

Film Commentaries
Starwars Episode 3
Mr & Mrs Smith
Da Anothers
Legend of Zorro
Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire
King Kong
Chronicles of Narnia

Events!
Mga panyayari sa isang taong nagdaan.
Birthday ni Utol
Birthday ng Erpads ni Utol
Birthday ni Utal
Birthday nung Isa Pang Utal
Birthday ni Ermads
Birthday ni Batman
Birthday ni Super Man
Birthday ni Green Lantern Wacha

Justice League (Bootcamp Zambales)
Justice League (Bootcamp Ilocos)
Justice League (Bootcamp Ilocos - Kabanata Dos)
Justice League (Bootcamp Ilocos - Kabanata Tres)
Justice League (Bootcamp Ilocos - Huling Kabanata)
Justice League (EK Christmas Party)

Selda Katorse (Survival Caliraya)
HP-GRAD Inuman
My Last Day in HP-GRAD *sniff*

Dedong Pogi
Tito Obi
Christmas Holiday Spree

Samut-sari!
Any other stuffs that tickled my thoughts enough for them to deserve their own corner.
Something to Ponder
A Day in What Used to be My Life
Purple Chucks
Da Barracks
President Liar
Diksyunaryo ni Lolo
Blog Club
Tambayang UP Koredor
Encyclopedia ni Lola
Tipo Kong Babae
Idol Bob

Hwaw! I enjoyed that trip back to memory lane. Hope I got all the links working.

No Anything

No UP-CFA Tambayan?
The guys of the IPMS-BAC went to check out the Hot Air Balloon event in Pampanga last Saturday so our corner of the UP College of Fine Arts was unavailable for the boyz to bung up.

We hanged out instead at the Pitshop in Sta. Mesa and stuffed our paunches with pans after pans of pizza.

T'was modelling day for me as I worked on assemblying my miniatures while the boyz did their "thang".

No Gunbang Sundays?
It was a break from gun-toting and BB-slingin last Sunday as the boyz of Screaming BB's marched down south for the Candelaria Fiesta in Quezon province. Shak Boyz loaded up for a two-truck race between Emp's Altera and Arv's Pajero! Orkboy Garrboy took the navigator's seat on the Altera eventhough he only knew one nav instruction... "GO FASTAH!!!".

And truly the word of the Orkboy was blessed with Mork and Gork. We've managed to overtake the Pajero by San Pablo proper despite our brief stopover in SLEX, and the startled boyz from the other buggy suffered the consequence of Sparky's Finger! "Pakyumo! Pakyumo Bigtime!!"

Wahehehe... indeed a crazy sight!

The real fight begun at Candelaria, as grub after sinful grub were paraded to the boyz' delight. I didn't know what I was eating back then but as long as it looked good and tasted good, it was a warm welcome to my happy belly!

Many hath commented and really it was... "nakakapanibago makita kayo na hindi naka-camouflage on a Sunday." Hopefully, next Sunday we're back to some gunbangin' business.

Cam-whoring pics to follow.

No Valentine's Date?
VALENTINE'S DAY IS OVERRATED!!!!! ARGHHHH!!!!

Hearts, Butterflies, Red... Oh my gawd "RED"!!!, TEDDY BEARS, AND CHOCOLATES ARE FOR MUSHY, PILLOW-HUGGING, MOMMY-TOWED FAGS!!!

I DON'T CARE MUCH ABOUT SWEET NOTHINGS AND HOW MUCH MORE AN EFFIN VALENTINE'S BITCH FOR A DATE!!! HAH!!!




But y'know, I could be lying. Hehe.

HAPPY HEART'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!!Enjoy the crazy ride called "love"!

See you at the lobby! Haha!

Sing, Sing A Song

"I'll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me"
by MYMP

I hear you're taking the town again
Having a good time with all your good time friends
I don't think that you think of me
You're on your own now
And I'm alone and free
I know that I should get on with my life
But a life lived without you could never be right

As long as the stars shine down
From the heavens
Long as the rivers run to the sea
I'll never get over you getting over me

I try to smile so my hurt won't show
Tell everybody I was glad to see you go
But the tears just won't go away
Loneliness found me, looks like it's here to stay
I know that I ought to find someone new
But all I found is myself always thinking of you

As long as the stars shine down
From the heaven
Long as the rivers run to the sea
I'll never get over you getting over me

Oh, no matter what I do
Each night's a lifetime to live through
I can't go on like this
I need your touch
You're the only one I'll ever love

And as long as the stars shine down
From the heaves
Long as the rivers run to the sea
I'll never get over you getting over me
I'll never get over you getting over...
Never get over you...
Getting over...
I'll never get over you getting over me

*****

Just got a copy of this song from the Green Lantern. I was bugging him about it for a week now. Astig. I liked the Bellefire rendition but when I heard MYMP's, I could say it's the best! Ang galing ng singing voice ni Juris. I didn't find her attractive at all before but hearing her sing creates this shroud of sex appeal that will eventually make someone realize that she is in fact cute! Cool how talent contributes to ganda and pogi points. I need a vocal lesson then. Hehe.

Also, I don't know if it's me or the song, itself, but I find it kinky. Turn on. Hee hee. For those who want a copy, just leave your emails here.

MYMP! Respect!

If Not For This Day, I'm Nothing

She wakes me up when I'm well stuck in my bed on a weekday morning...
She made me the paunchy dude I am by preparing the bestesest dishes in the world...
She effortlessly carried the burden of growing the kid that I was...
She even laboriously shrugged off the complications of the so-called "family life" for the sake of her altruistic compassion to me and my sibs...

In behalf of Cheng, Bon, and Long...

(...and now, the twin grandkiddies - Lei and Liz!!)

For the bestesest, craziest, and most beautifullesest lady in every planar points of the Universe...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!!!!

Boy Baraguda, Bon, and Mami (o-ha! gandang lola! panis kayow!)

Chikkin, Show My, Wazabe

Geeks Unite!
Last Friday, I hitched a ride to New Manila for the Rolling Hills Gaming Club (RHGC) general assembly. It was a night of beer, hobby gaming, and gut grub-stuffing! Awk! I can still feel a pounder chikkin being digested inside me until now.

Anyway, there were lotsa talks about the club's plans for the coming year, reviews of the past events, and appointments of new officers. I was assigned as Chapter Librarian for Makati. Not the typical Librarian you have in mind though... the task is to coordinate tournaments and general logistics for game related events in Makati, specifically those in Glorietta 2. Yikes! Im'a need spiritual guidance. Calling Warboss Gelo... Warboss Gelo! Very timely though as we are planning of holding a Game Campaign in Makati soon.

It was a succesful gathering, and here's a heartfelt kudos to Sir Lito for hosting another grub night!

Show My!
It was siomai day once again last Saturday as I charged headlong among the infamous halls of UP Koridor (College of Fine Arts). I just love munchin em dimsums for drop-dead price.

The boyz we're already there doin there doodahs as I grabbed my own corner and worked on my miniature figs.

I later took out my FHM mag for the boyz' perusal, praying it won't be mugged. I wanted em to check on the latest FHM gimik slash contest where you can win the last two Parokya Ni Edgar albums. The deal is to submit a photo of you clad in an invented superhero attire, complete with backstory and all. I have this crazy idea to join since the next day (Sunday) would be an airsoft wargames day anyway and we're all in our combat camouflage suits to boot. Besides, we normally do that crazy cam-whoring during the games.

I'm just waiting for the pics to come out. I will see... =)

Hitter Titter!
Gunbang Sunday ulit!

Still, sa San Mateo, Rizal kami naglaro. Ang lupit kasi talaga ng terrain dun, complete with hills and dense foliage. Mukhang mapapadalas na kami maglaro dun.

It would only mean matagal na ulit naming hindi makikita si Urban Camo Girl. =( Olats talaga. I had my pic in urban camo edited in Photoshop along with her picture taken during the last time we played in Last Castle, Pasig as remembrance.

Kudos DD.

John, beep beep! Honk honk!! Ayan... busina. Hehe. Medyo malabo yung kuha ko e kasi magkaiba ng pixel yung pictures namin or mas maganda lang talaga lens na pinangkuha ni Jacob kay Urban Camo Girl. Sana anyone of you knows her... =)

Anwyay, yung stampede last Saturday sa Ultra, sa tapat lang nun yung Last Castle. Siya yung bakod on the side just across the long waiting shed. Astig nga kasi they were talking na baka pag naglaro kami dun next time e habang nagbabarilan kami may sumulpot na lang na mumu na nagwa-Wowowee hand gesture! Hehe.

Back sa San Mateo, again, it was a tiring day. Thanks Raymund for the Hawaiian Burger! Ambigat sa tiyan kahit kalhati lang ang kinain ko. Feeling ko nadagdagan ng half-pound yung baril ko when it's my tummy pala. Hehe.

I had around nine games and for that day, I managed to have 3 confirmed kills. Not bad. Quota na, ika nga. I was using Jacob's H&K G3 assault rifle dahil for repairs pa din baril ko. Thanks Hakob! Pareho lang kami ng baril but I think mine's lighter.

After that, we hanged out at Da Shakk tapos dinner at Sushiya (para maiba!)... treat ni birthday boy Jubay Bomber. Thanks Jun for the wasabe treat!

Tapos ayun, uwi na kami ni Garrboy.

AM Radio sa Umaga

Alarming na pala talaga ang presyo ng isang decent hospital dito sa Pinas.

I am aware that healthcare and medicine prices are currently a hitch on the local social welfare concerns. Pero, naman! I didn't realize that it really is "THIS" huge a problem na pala. I mean, I grew up on a military clan. Halos libre lahat ng medical and dental affairs ko since birth... I was born on a military hospital, been operated on a military medical facility, checked by military dentists, and heck even circumcised by a soldier!

But a couple of days ago, my sis decided to stage her birth on a private hospital. Can't blame her though... a public hospital is still a public hospital, and don't be a hypocrite to disagree with me that it really is worrying to consult on one especially when it's the life of your children or a relative that is being dealt upon. Kaso nga nung lumabas yung bill from this private hospital, sooooobrang mahal. It's like buying a new car or renting a townhouse for a year. Kaso, NO CHOICE!

Which brings me to my point... why can't most of us have that confidence on publicly-funded clinics? I, alone, can produce a long list of reasons but one of the most upsetting items in it is the fact that our public hospitals are incapable to compete with the private ones. It may come to us as "normal" just because private medical bodies have the monetary strength to fund but I tell you, IT IS NOT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. The government has the almighty power to recruit the best medical team and provide the most advanced of medical facilities in the country that will leave private hospitals cower in comparison. BUT sadly, our government (that our heroes have sacrificed their lives to create) have more important matters to attend to: "pano pababanguhin sa publiko ang pangalan ng diyos nilang pandak", "pano nila pipilipitin ang Konstitusyon para tumagal pa silang panginoon", "pano sila ngingiti sa pictorial nila with Pacquiao", "pano sila mang-uumit sa taxes na binabayaran ni Obi para pang-tuition ni Bunso sa POVEDA o ng pang-patangos ng ilong ni Esmi kay Doc Calayan".

Tumataas ang singil sa mga private clinics dahil dekalidad naman ang serbisyo nila. Pumapangit ang serbisyo ng public clinics dahil kulang sila sa pondo. Ikaw, saan ka magsasalalay ng buhay mo?

Kabilang ka sa maswerteng minoridad kung may choice ka ba talaga sa tanong na yan. KUNG kakayanin ng bulsa mong mamili, congrats!

=)

Memoirs of The Ring

As planned, we went back from Baguio last Saturday primarily to catch up with the regular Sunday airsoft wargames. However, tensions from the recent Political Comedy Show made us consider not to challenge the gullibility of military checkpoints around the Metro. A camo's still a camo and a gun's still a gun. We, being hailed on a checkpoint wearing camouflage and carrying guns (no matter how we'll explain it just pops out BB's), will still look like troop movements to the amusingly paranoiac henchmen of the midget overlord.

So in short, no gunbang yesterday! Rest for the wicked at last!

Instead, the Boyz of the Shakk decided to romp it up on Promenade to watch "Memoirs of Geisha". Truly, I need to bring scorecards whenever I step foot on that place. Andaming cuties! Pinagbabawal YATA ang pangit dun e. "YATA" for we made it inside the premise in the first place without a burly guy in bouncer's attire dragging us out. Wahehehe. But then again we're masters of stealth. =)

Grub time was at this Chinese resto somewhere along Shoppesville. Chicken mushroom & Hakaw (steamed prawn dimsum) are my chow-of-choice. However, right after much filling the stomach, I called it a day as my worried mum's texting me already that the base was barricaded and I might not be allowed to pass through. Our home's inside the base, FYI.

Certainly, it was barricaded. The overacting, action-deprived, bloodlusting men in bargain M16's were piled up on the gate with their oversized armored vans... or were they tanks?? I can't tell the difference! Hehe. Anyway, I just casually strutted my way in, talking to one of the Sarge and pulling strings to make it through. No sweat, I must say.

The Baguio adventure deserves its own post, for now off to the movie muna ko...


"Memoirs of a Geisha"
Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert!

Don't get me wrong when I say I don't like the movie.

The film was outright awesome on most aspects but I just don't dig movies of that genre. Still, I have to hold two thumbs high for the great work involved behind it.

The cinematography certainly added to the melancholic feel of most of the scenes and to boot, it was backed up by John Williams's musical arrangements. It's John Williams, man... we're talking Starwars and God-knows-how-many-great-movies here! He ticked it off just exactly for the viewers to experience the sad and mellow continuity of the movie while preserving the oriental mood in it. I personally liked this bass drum beat on one of the scenes which reminded me of the heartbeat intro for my peborit Depeche Mode song, "Somebody".

The film's phasing is good, and it should be, because the plot is dependent on a lifestory. Little Chiyo's growth to the famed geisha, Sayuri was well developed to complement the storyline. I haven't read its book though so I don't know if the movie adapted every events from it up to the letter.

I must say the story is presented well. For me, it did a good job on showing the intricacies of a geisha's life... on how they learn their artistry and social cunning and use this to survive their own politics. I don't dig the romance between Sayuri and the Chairman though. I mean c'mon, Chiyo's barely even a teenager when she met him, and I think he mentioned he already has a kid during that time. Imagine the gap. Possible, yes, but something to frown upon nonetheless. Definitely, their affair's not the love story you wanted to giggle to.

Ano pa ba?

Hmm... Ziyi Zhang. She's so so cute. Damn those chinkies. Kaka-adik. I dig her portrayal. I just don't like how they made her up as a geisha. She's not even near to the geisha drawings I saw on Japanese trappings... y'know, those with bulbous hairstyle and overdone makeup. A good geisha transformation must make a lady not look like her "normal" self. One close draw was this scene when Sayuri danced on stage... hindi na siya mukhang Ziyi Zhang...

...mukha nang Sadako. Hee hee!

Lipad, Obi... Lipad!

I'm off to Baguio later tonight with the boyz of Da Shakk for the Flower Festival celebration. Sabado na ang balik namin para siguro makapaglaro pa ng baril-barilan sa Linggo. Habiling i-uwi: Ube Walis tambo Anik anik na pilak Letsugas Palamuting pang-tribo Ashtray na etits Kukuting pika pika Koreana =) Kita kits!

A pic from our last trip up there...

From L-R: Man (Norman Perez), Obi, Himmy (Naravadee Wattanapreechakit *whew*), Kid (Ryan de Guzman), DD (Danny Arangel), Rorie *sabi ni Himmy* (Lorie Bon), JB (Joniel Bon)

A Sarbey A Day, Keeps The Doctor Away

Tagged by Koya Bijay...

Wahoo! Balik bisyo!

1. last movie you watched?
- Batang X

2. with whom?
- Sponklong

3.last song you heard?
- Shine, Shine, Shine... yung sa commercial ni Iya na pang haircare shampoo pero mas may impact kung pang underarm product na lang.

4.last thing you bought?
- cheeseburger sa kanto tas pinalagyan ko ng egg ke Ate

5.last thing that made you smile?
- joke sa text

6.last thing you heard your parent(s) say?
- "ingat"

7.last thing you said to your parent (s)?
- "alis na ko"

8.last thing you said to one of your friends?
- pakyumo big time!

9.persons who sincerely said you're handsome?
- lola ko. nanay ko. tita ko. minsan si sponklong pag nilibre ko. minsan mga utal ko pag kumontra me kotong.

10.last person who messaged you?
- Number 75... huh? ahhh "message"... kala ko "massage". hee hee.

11.Are you courting someone?
- not today

12. Do you like chinese food?
- yes. i like everything.

13. Do long distance relationships work?
- NOOOO. Boo. Hiss.

14. Do you like coffee?
- pag konyo mode ako. "hey dude, duh! let's hook it up outta herrre on tha coffee bar with a couple'a espressos on the side. aaahhyyt?" nyahahaha. pweh!

15. How do you like your eggs?
- i like mines... uhh... firm?? >:)

16. What was the last text message you
received and from whom?
- galing ke oshelle...

*Maid cleaning room, found a condom: Ay! Ano man ini?!
*Mam: Wala bang sex sa probinsiya nyo, Inday?
*Maid: Meron po naman Mam pero di naman hanggang matuklap ang balat!

=)

17.Do you know how to swim?
- kasali float?

18. Favorite ice cream?
- doboL dutch, cookies en cream, choco marble, choco sorbetes ni Manong

19. Tell me a random fact about yourself
- ako si Batman

20. Favorite quote?
- an apple a day is seven apples a week

21. What are you going to do this weekend?
- Baguio... Flower Fest... Walis Tambo Shopping...

22. What are you listening to right now?
- tic tac ng keyboard

23. A part of song lyrics that's in your mind right now?
- kundol, patola, singkamas, at mani, sitaw, at saka meron pa, patani, kalabasa! =D

24. What is your best day of the week?
- Gunbang Airsoft Sunday

25. What are you craving to have right now?
- a limo, two sexy Guess jeans models, and a bling bling

26. Do you like twins?
- why not make it twin Guess jeans models! nice idea ha. im liking you.

27. Mary had her little lamb. What do you wanna have?
- Mary

28. Say anything you like to whoever is reading your answers!
- Ano mas mabigat isang malaking bapor o limang pirasong pako?

29. What kind of girl / boy do you like?
- Gusto ko yung jologs. Yung may nakataling scarf sa braso tapos naka higanteng jersey na parang daster tapos kaladkad ang pantalon parang basahan pero pag taas ng jersey-daster e nakalawit ang Spongebob na boxers tapos may kurbatang maluwag ang pagkabit tapos Anarchy sign ang print. Tapos matigas ang buhok dahil tatlong araw nang di naliligo. Yo shizzle bo fizzle yah! Aaaahhyyt?! =D

30. Any last request?
- Pwede "My Way" by Frank Sinatra?

Cuatro! Cuatro! Cuatro! Cuatro! from ihs:

4 Jobs I had in my Life:
1. software analyst
2. tiga-ubos ng tirang pagkain
3. magbilang ng poste sa kanto
4. organizer ng lakwatsa


4 Movies I could watch over and over:
1. lahat ng Starwars
2. Dune
3. lahat ng American Pie
4. Bruce Almighty


4 Places I've lived:
1. Fernando Air Base
2. Villamor Air Base
3. Malacañang Park
4. Sangley Field


4 TV shows/channels I love to watch:
1. Breakfast
2. Ang Dating Daan vs Tamang Daan
3. The Men Show (ziggi zaggi oi oi oi!)
4. Aquarium Channel


Vacation:
1. Baguio
2. Batangas
3. Tagaytay
4. Bed


4 Websites I visit daily:
1. RHGC Forums
2. Blogger
3. Fil-Airsoft
4. Guy and Pip Solid Fan Site


4 Places I'd rather be now:
1. Batangas
2. Baguio
3. Beach
4. Bed

4 bloggers I am tagging:
1. You
2. Usted
3. Ikaw
4. Tu

I Was Once a Proud Son

I was only four back then but I knew there was something wrong. All the adult males of the family were away, from my dad up to his brothers and even his brothers-in-law. All, except my civilian Uncle and my Lolo, who were ushering me and the girls of the family towards the old house's basement. Outside, there were sounds of aircrafts and choppers buzzing around the perimeter and the occasional gunshots. Protests were everywhere on the radio and TV stations while my Auntie assured us that everything was alright... but my Lola was fervent on her knees, praying.

This was the situation during the 1986 EDSA Revolution on our familial home inside the Air Force camp of then Nichols Air Base (now Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base).

The whole base was garrisoned as the soldiers themselves were unsure of where to put their loyalty between the warring factions. Should they remain on the iron grasp of the dictator or suffer the consequence... or should I say, fatal consequence... of upholding the call of democracy?

My dad had chosen the latter.

"Lu... lyu... lwu..."

I can barely even read his rank back then. Lieutenant. But I can already read my surname, and I knew upon reading my surname on the newspaper that it was talking about my father. It was on a picture's caption. The picture was of several Sikorsky S-76 helicopters bombing Malacañang Palace where the dictator and his cronies were staging a battle plan to liquify the personalities behind the revolt. I was aware that Daddy was on the cockpit of one of those gunships.

The last words I remembered my dad said to my lolo was, "Iluwas niyo ang mga bata sa Batangas." But we were trapped in Nichols, and all we have to hold on to was the hope that God has His special way of touching people's heart at His time. Thereafter, patriotism because of suppressed freedom spread like contagion and finally led to what was the most esteemed display of democracy in the world. Millions of people marched to EDSA despite threats against their lives.

Several hours later, the former president will be forced to fly to Hawaii.

My dad won.

The people won.

Democracy won.

One by one, the military men of the family returned home. And then, there was my dad. Clad on his sweat-damped, smelly flightsuit, but victory and pride have never smelled that sweet. He earned a medal and the rank of a "Captain" for that sortie but above all, he earned freedom and democracy. And none could have made the four-year old me even more proud.

A couple of years after that, me and my father dined with his friend in Hyatt. She said, "Wow, you should have been proud of what your dad accomplished."

I just smiled.

I thought to myself, "Yes, I was once a proud son."

*****

Taken from People Power - An Eyewitness History: The Philippine Revolution of 1986

On Monday, February 24th the turning point comes. Colonel Antonio Sotelo of the 15th Strike Wing has been ordered to attack Camp Crame using his squadron of attack helicopters. His squadron has more than enough fire power to completely obliterate Camp Crame. As Emmanuel Ridad writes:

"We heard the Sikorsky choppers fly over. It was time to join the others in the building's lobby. I was nervous. My arms were stiff. My hands were sweating. My lips were very dry.

...

With my Armalite aimed at one of the helicopters, I was now ready to die. I was just waiting for the whistling sound of the gunships' missiles and for the building to explode anytime.

But the helicopters did not open fire. Instead, they began to land!

Don't fire! They're defecting! They're ours! a jubilant General Ramos shouted."

And so they were. Colonel Sotelo and his entire command defected and put their helicopters at the disposal of General Ramos.

*****

Happy 20th Anniversary sa ESDA Revolution! At kahit nauwi lang sa wala ang paghihirap ng mga taong nagsakripisyo noon dahil napalitan lang ng mga bagong diktador ang gobyerno, mapalad pa din tayo dahil minsan sa ating nakaraan naipakita natin sa buong mundo ang totoong kahulugan ng demokrasya at kalayaan!

One Year Down, A Millenium To Go

My blog's first birthday!!! Weehee!!

I started blogging a year ago on this exact date... a day after Valentine's. I first learned about blogging and its doodads when I saw Miss Ala Paredes's journal. Gawd, who's not reading Ala's anyway?? It's as if 80% of Pinoy bloggers knew about it and the Pansitan domain. I didn't decide to blog until I saw Miss Bianca Gonzales's though.

Kras na kras ko siya. I love the way she writes. I like her appeal. Gusto ko yung attitude niya in life. Luckily, she answered my question in her blog! That would be my usual query before I link guys up: "Ano ayaw mo sa halo-halo?". She replied here in my tagboard but back then I was using the one that can't store up tag histories. Bummer! Same went with Ala. She tagged back on me too. Noon kasi hindi pa sila masyado busy with stuffs so they have all the time to bloghop, I presume.

So ayun, initially, I didn't plan to "astigatize" this blog. I just want to try it out. I just want it to be where I can write my mind... *period*. Kaya check my template, it's still one of those that can be selected in blogger. Still, as I go along, I find it fun to add up funky stuffs. Kaso yung attempt ko para magbago ng template e hindi matuloy tuloy kasi wala talagang oras at napamahal nako dito sa halo-halo look. =)

So instead, gumawa na lang ako ng isa pang blog. This is strictly for my miniature painting hobby naman. Link is on my sidebar.

On with the stats!
To end the first year of my blog, here are a couple of stats and links from the year that was...

Total Number of Posts (Bilang ng Gulaman) - 167
Number of Links in Blogroll (Bilang ng mga Tambay) - 68
Total Number of Hits starting Sep 13, 2005 (Ilang Beses Nakipag-Jamming) - 3352
Average Hits per Day (Kostumer Kada Araw) - 38

Links:
First post!

Friendster Sarbeys!
Sarbey Wan
Sarbey Tu
Sarbey Tri
Sarbey Por
Sarbey Five-uh!

Notorious ako dati sa Friendster dahil sa hilig ko sumagot ng surveys kahit walang kabal-balan ang mga sagot ko. Those had been my way to detox myself from work. Maraming umaabang nun sa Bulletin Board kaya marami din ang nagtaka na bigla na lang kumonti ang pagsasagot ko. Busy na kasi simula nun lumipat ako ng work. Pwede ko na nga daw i-compile lahat ng sarbey ko at gawing jokebook. Hehe. Kelangang makausap si Bob Ong. Enjoy!

Hobbies!
I've got a LOT of hobbies and that's what makes me very flexible in terms of getting to know different kinds of people. Currently (and perhaps for a lifetime), I'm into tabletop miniature wargaming. Basically, it'll involve painting miniature soldiers and vehicles to form up an army. Your army will then be played against other's on a dioramic table using a complex set of rules ala Chess.
Warhammer 40,000
Miniature Tanks
Miniature Marines

Basketball naman. I usually play Small Forward or Shooting Guard.
Basketball Entry 1
Basketball Entry 2
Basketball Entry 3

Grub naman! Who doesn't love to eat?? Hehe.
Obi Kitchenomics
Obi Kitchenomics Part Deux
Flash Bang

Gunbang action with the Shakk Boyz. The latest chevron on my gaming rank. Huzzah!
First Game Funk
Gunbang Day 2
Gunbang Day 3
Gunbang Day 4
Gunbang Day 5

Literaries!
Things iL do for a pen and paper... or a laptop, much better! Lock me on Big Brother's house and provide em to me and iL survive for months doing just that... writing! Pramis!
Idol Lewis's Jabberwocky (Poem)
Obi's Poem 1
Obi's Poem 2
One of my card game articles on the defunct Seeker Hobby Magazine
Excerpt from my "Memento Mori" (A proposed novel)
Excerpt from my "Empire of the Orient Pearl" (An unfinished novel)
Alamat ng Kulubot ng Papaya (A must read! Hehe!)

Film Commentaries
Starwars Episode 3
Mr & Mrs Smith
Da Anothers
Legend of Zorro
Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire
King Kong
Chronicles of Narnia

Events!
Mga panyayari sa isang taong nagdaan.
Birthday ni Utol
Birthday ng Erpads ni Utol
Birthday ni Utal
Birthday nung Isa Pang Utal
Birthday ni Ermads
Birthday ni Batman
Birthday ni Super Man
Birthday ni Green Lantern Wacha

Justice League (Bootcamp Zambales)
Justice League (Bootcamp Ilocos)
Justice League (Bootcamp Ilocos - Kabanata Dos)
Justice League (Bootcamp Ilocos - Kabanata Tres)
Justice League (Bootcamp Ilocos - Huling Kabanata)
Justice League (EK Christmas Party)

Selda Katorse (Survival Caliraya)
HP-GRAD Inuman
My Last Day in HP-GRAD *sniff*

Dedong Pogi
Tito Obi
Christmas Holiday Spree

Samut-sari!
Any other stuffs that tickled my thoughts enough for them to deserve their own corner.
Something to Ponder
A Day in What Used to be My Life
Purple Chucks
Da Barracks
President Liar
Diksyunaryo ni Lolo
Blog Club
Tambayang UP Koredor
Encyclopedia ni Lola
Tipo Kong Babae
Idol Bob

Hwaw! I enjoyed that trip back to memory lane. Hope I got all the links working.

No Anything

No UP-CFA Tambayan?
The guys of the IPMS-BAC went to check out the Hot Air Balloon event in Pampanga last Saturday so our corner of the UP College of Fine Arts was unavailable for the boyz to bung up.

We hanged out instead at the Pitshop in Sta. Mesa and stuffed our paunches with pans after pans of pizza.

T'was modelling day for me as I worked on assemblying my miniatures while the boyz did their "thang".

No Gunbang Sundays?
It was a break from gun-toting and BB-slingin last Sunday as the boyz of Screaming BB's marched down south for the Candelaria Fiesta in Quezon province. Shak Boyz loaded up for a two-truck race between Emp's Altera and Arv's Pajero! Orkboy Garrboy took the navigator's seat on the Altera eventhough he only knew one nav instruction... "GO FASTAH!!!".

And truly the word of the Orkboy was blessed with Mork and Gork. We've managed to overtake the Pajero by San Pablo proper despite our brief stopover in SLEX, and the startled boyz from the other buggy suffered the consequence of Sparky's Finger! "Pakyumo! Pakyumo Bigtime!!"

Wahehehe... indeed a crazy sight!

The real fight begun at Candelaria, as grub after sinful grub were paraded to the boyz' delight. I didn't know what I was eating back then but as long as it looked good and tasted good, it was a warm welcome to my happy belly!

Many hath commented and really it was... "nakakapanibago makita kayo na hindi naka-camouflage on a Sunday." Hopefully, next Sunday we're back to some gunbangin' business.

Cam-whoring pics to follow.

No Valentine's Date?
VALENTINE'S DAY IS OVERRATED!!!!! ARGHHHH!!!!

Hearts, Butterflies, Red... Oh my gawd "RED"!!!, TEDDY BEARS, AND CHOCOLATES ARE FOR MUSHY, PILLOW-HUGGING, MOMMY-TOWED FAGS!!!

I DON'T CARE MUCH ABOUT SWEET NOTHINGS AND HOW MUCH MORE AN EFFIN VALENTINE'S BITCH FOR A DATE!!! HAH!!!




But y'know, I could be lying. Hehe.

HAPPY HEART'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!!Enjoy the crazy ride called "love"!

See you at the lobby! Haha!

Sing, Sing A Song

"I'll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me"
by MYMP

I hear you're taking the town again
Having a good time with all your good time friends
I don't think that you think of me
You're on your own now
And I'm alone and free
I know that I should get on with my life
But a life lived without you could never be right

As long as the stars shine down
From the heavens
Long as the rivers run to the sea
I'll never get over you getting over me

I try to smile so my hurt won't show
Tell everybody I was glad to see you go
But the tears just won't go away
Loneliness found me, looks like it's here to stay
I know that I ought to find someone new
But all I found is myself always thinking of you

As long as the stars shine down
From the heaven
Long as the rivers run to the sea
I'll never get over you getting over me

Oh, no matter what I do
Each night's a lifetime to live through
I can't go on like this
I need your touch
You're the only one I'll ever love

And as long as the stars shine down
From the heaves
Long as the rivers run to the sea
I'll never get over you getting over me
I'll never get over you getting over...
Never get over you...
Getting over...
I'll never get over you getting over me

*****

Just got a copy of this song from the Green Lantern. I was bugging him about it for a week now. Astig. I liked the Bellefire rendition but when I heard MYMP's, I could say it's the best! Ang galing ng singing voice ni Juris. I didn't find her attractive at all before but hearing her sing creates this shroud of sex appeal that will eventually make someone realize that she is in fact cute! Cool how talent contributes to ganda and pogi points. I need a vocal lesson then. Hehe.

Also, I don't know if it's me or the song, itself, but I find it kinky. Turn on. Hee hee. For those who want a copy, just leave your emails here.

MYMP! Respect!

If Not For This Day, I'm Nothing

She wakes me up when I'm well stuck in my bed on a weekday morning...
She made me the paunchy dude I am by preparing the bestesest dishes in the world...
She effortlessly carried the burden of growing the kid that I was...
She even laboriously shrugged off the complications of the so-called "family life" for the sake of her altruistic compassion to me and my sibs...

In behalf of Cheng, Bon, and Long...

(...and now, the twin grandkiddies - Lei and Liz!!)

For the bestesest, craziest, and most beautifullesest lady in every planar points of the Universe...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!!!!

Boy Baraguda, Bon, and Mami (o-ha! gandang lola! panis kayow!)

Chikkin, Show My, Wazabe

Geeks Unite!
Last Friday, I hitched a ride to New Manila for the Rolling Hills Gaming Club (RHGC) general assembly. It was a night of beer, hobby gaming, and gut grub-stuffing! Awk! I can still feel a pounder chikkin being digested inside me until now.

Anyway, there were lotsa talks about the club's plans for the coming year, reviews of the past events, and appointments of new officers. I was assigned as Chapter Librarian for Makati. Not the typical Librarian you have in mind though... the task is to coordinate tournaments and general logistics for game related events in Makati, specifically those in Glorietta 2. Yikes! Im'a need spiritual guidance. Calling Warboss Gelo... Warboss Gelo! Very timely though as we are planning of holding a Game Campaign in Makati soon.

It was a succesful gathering, and here's a heartfelt kudos to Sir Lito for hosting another grub night!

Show My!
It was siomai day once again last Saturday as I charged headlong among the infamous halls of UP Koridor (College of Fine Arts). I just love munchin em dimsums for drop-dead price.

The boyz we're already there doin there doodahs as I grabbed my own corner and worked on my miniature figs.

I later took out my FHM mag for the boyz' perusal, praying it won't be mugged. I wanted em to check on the latest FHM gimik slash contest where you can win the last two Parokya Ni Edgar albums. The deal is to submit a photo of you clad in an invented superhero attire, complete with backstory and all. I have this crazy idea to join since the next day (Sunday) would be an airsoft wargames day anyway and we're all in our combat camouflage suits to boot. Besides, we normally do that crazy cam-whoring during the games.

I'm just waiting for the pics to come out. I will see... =)

Hitter Titter!
Gunbang Sunday ulit!

Still, sa San Mateo, Rizal kami naglaro. Ang lupit kasi talaga ng terrain dun, complete with hills and dense foliage. Mukhang mapapadalas na kami maglaro dun.

It would only mean matagal na ulit naming hindi makikita si Urban Camo Girl. =( Olats talaga. I had my pic in urban camo edited in Photoshop along with her picture taken during the last time we played in Last Castle, Pasig as remembrance.

Kudos DD.

John, beep beep! Honk honk!! Ayan... busina. Hehe. Medyo malabo yung kuha ko e kasi magkaiba ng pixel yung pictures namin or mas maganda lang talaga lens na pinangkuha ni Jacob kay Urban Camo Girl. Sana anyone of you knows her... =)

Anwyay, yung stampede last Saturday sa Ultra, sa tapat lang nun yung Last Castle. Siya yung bakod on the side just across the long waiting shed. Astig nga kasi they were talking na baka pag naglaro kami dun next time e habang nagbabarilan kami may sumulpot na lang na mumu na nagwa-Wowowee hand gesture! Hehe.

Back sa San Mateo, again, it was a tiring day. Thanks Raymund for the Hawaiian Burger! Ambigat sa tiyan kahit kalhati lang ang kinain ko. Feeling ko nadagdagan ng half-pound yung baril ko when it's my tummy pala. Hehe.

I had around nine games and for that day, I managed to have 3 confirmed kills. Not bad. Quota na, ika nga. I was using Jacob's H&K G3 assault rifle dahil for repairs pa din baril ko. Thanks Hakob! Pareho lang kami ng baril but I think mine's lighter.

After that, we hanged out at Da Shakk tapos dinner at Sushiya (para maiba!)... treat ni birthday boy Jubay Bomber. Thanks Jun for the wasabe treat!

Tapos ayun, uwi na kami ni Garrboy.

AM Radio sa Umaga

Alarming na pala talaga ang presyo ng isang decent hospital dito sa Pinas.

I am aware that healthcare and medicine prices are currently a hitch on the local social welfare concerns. Pero, naman! I didn't realize that it really is "THIS" huge a problem na pala. I mean, I grew up on a military clan. Halos libre lahat ng medical and dental affairs ko since birth... I was born on a military hospital, been operated on a military medical facility, checked by military dentists, and heck even circumcised by a soldier!

But a couple of days ago, my sis decided to stage her birth on a private hospital. Can't blame her though... a public hospital is still a public hospital, and don't be a hypocrite to disagree with me that it really is worrying to consult on one especially when it's the life of your children or a relative that is being dealt upon. Kaso nga nung lumabas yung bill from this private hospital, sooooobrang mahal. It's like buying a new car or renting a townhouse for a year. Kaso, NO CHOICE!

Which brings me to my point... why can't most of us have that confidence on publicly-funded clinics? I, alone, can produce a long list of reasons but one of the most upsetting items in it is the fact that our public hospitals are incapable to compete with the private ones. It may come to us as "normal" just because private medical bodies have the monetary strength to fund but I tell you, IT IS NOT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. The government has the almighty power to recruit the best medical team and provide the most advanced of medical facilities in the country that will leave private hospitals cower in comparison. BUT sadly, our government (that our heroes have sacrificed their lives to create) have more important matters to attend to: "pano pababanguhin sa publiko ang pangalan ng diyos nilang pandak", "pano nila pipilipitin ang Konstitusyon para tumagal pa silang panginoon", "pano sila ngingiti sa pictorial nila with Pacquiao", "pano sila mang-uumit sa taxes na binabayaran ni Obi para pang-tuition ni Bunso sa POVEDA o ng pang-patangos ng ilong ni Esmi kay Doc Calayan".

Tumataas ang singil sa mga private clinics dahil dekalidad naman ang serbisyo nila. Pumapangit ang serbisyo ng public clinics dahil kulang sila sa pondo. Ikaw, saan ka magsasalalay ng buhay mo?

Kabilang ka sa maswerteng minoridad kung may choice ka ba talaga sa tanong na yan. KUNG kakayanin ng bulsa mong mamili, congrats!

=)