PISS-ed off

It doesn't matter if you are driving, in a meeting or in the middle of something important. Whenever nature calls you have to put everything on hold.

I hate pay toilets that don't deserve to get paid. Nowadays, most public restrooms charge a small amount to its users for "maintenance". The big mole on this perfectly brilliant idea is that some of these restrooms are not that clean to begin with.

Kudos to the management of public comfort rooms that are sparkly clean. Some will even captivate you by providing a cozy ambiance that is reminiscent of a spa-like setting.

Boo to those nasty toilets! Some are pretty darn filthy and have faulty toilet fixtures. Other facilities even exude foul and obnoxious odor. Also, you may even catch various infections and diseases in this type of surroundings.

photo by Bill Hornstein
flickr.com

Why do the management of these restrooms ask for such fees when they cannot even provide a decent and hygienic place for its users. We simply want fully functional and relatively clean comfort rooms where we can relieve our bladders and bowels. Where does the money go? Ah-yay-yay!

The innovative and imaginative Filipino spirit finally finds a home in Greenbelt 5. This new program is part of the much-awaited re-development scheme of the Greenbelt area. Putting an emphasis on the Philippine house, Greenbelt 5 in partnership with Ayala Museum proudly present Beyond Designs, a design talk series featuring numerous Filipino trailblazers in interior design and architecture.

Well-known Filipino interior designers and architects will be asked to curate their own exhibits using one-of-a-kind furnishing pieces from the different shop merchants located on level 3 of Greenbelt 5 such as Ito Kish, Designs Ligna, Aguas Domicillo , Cereo, Budji Layug, and many more. Each inspired, modern furnishing utilizes indigenous materials found only in the Philippines and high quality imported materials that ultimately celebrates the love of home and family of Filipinos and their pioneering talent in the field of interior design and architecture.

The first speaker and curator of the Beyond Designs opening exhibit will be the brilliant architect Dan Lichauco, the managing partner of Archion Architects. He earned his bachelor’s degree in the University of Santo Tomas and his master’s degree in the University of Michigan. A former apprentice under the esteemed firm Leandro V. Locsin and Associates, he went on to become one of the top architects in the country earning numerous projects under his belt. Dan Lichauco not only advocates for green living but also puts an emphasis on “mirroring the complex Philippine culture” in his designs.

Beyond Designs will be held in the Home Section of Greenbelt 5 located at the 3rd floor lobby on September 23, 2010 at 4:30 pm.

reblogged from http://www.ayalamuseum.org/index.php?option=com_ayala_content&task=staticcontent&category=116&id=105

Xanadu sang by Rachel Alejandro

Xanadu Experience

Unlike the past musicals that I have seen, Xanadu offers on-stage seats. So I grabbed the chance. Well, I have two valid reasons behind this decision of mine. Theater and production design are part of my interior design curriculum in college. Basically, I wanted to observe and see things up close. Witnessing what goes on behind those thick velvet curtains is pretty much interesting. You get to be acquainted with the flow and the chaos. Secondly, the on-stage seats are the cheapest. Roughly, it is a third or maybe a quarter of the prices of the VIP or patron seats.

When I had my seat reserved online, its location was on either side of the stage. However, when we were already allowed to enter the theater, I was astonished to see that our actual seats were at the middle of the stage. We were not just part of audience, we were part of the play. Since the musical has several scenes involving the roller disco, we turned out to be the living props s by the rink. The entire group who signed up for these seats were simply surprised. We were instructed not to mak

e unnecessary movements since it might distract the actors. We were also told that during the 90 minute show, no one is allowed to go on a bathroom break.

Also, we were given props in the form of light emitting ring-like gadgets that were to be used during the finale song. The lady in charge also mentioned that at some point the actors may interact with us. She advised us to participate even if it means total public humiliation. Our cellular phones were also deposited to a counter at the theater lobby for it may cause some sort of interference.

Soon, the lights started to dim and the show eventually started. Kudos to Mr. Bobby Garcia. The musical was undoubtedly amazing and super duper funny. Rachel Alejandro's performance was magnificent. I still can't believe how she was able to sing, dance and act while wearing those roller skates. The entire cast did a great job. Chari Arespacochaga's rendition of an evil muse was very commendable. Felix Rivera and veteran actor; Noel Trinidad also wowed the audience with their theatrical prowess. Congrats to all the cast and crew of this surprise hit Broadway musical. Long live Xanadu!

XANADU

Rachel Alejandro dons a blonde wig and a pair of rollerskates as she topbills Atlantis Producstions' XANADU; the surprise hit Broadway musical.

Xanadu is a theater adaptation of the 1980's movie starring Olivia Newton-John. It follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Clio (Alejandro), who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach in California. She disguises as Kira; (pronounced as Keeeeeh-rah) an Australian lass who is on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny Malone; played by Felix Rivera.

With her help, they are able to create the first roller disco. But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters, Melpomene and Calliope; played by Chari Arespacochaga and Yael Pineda, take advantage of the situation.

This side-splitting musical brings us back to the 80's as the cast belts out hit songs such as "Magic," "All Over The World," "Suddenly," "I’m Alive," "Evil Woman," "Have You Never Been Mellow" and "Xanadu".

Theater actors Anthony Ong, Glen Llanes, Alys Serdenia and Bea Garcia portray the hilarious Greek Muses. Completing the ensemble is veteran actor Noel Trinidad who plays the character of Danny McGuire.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, "Xanadu" runs from Sept. 3-19 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 8927078 or 8401187 or check their website http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com/tickets.htm

Despicable Me - Official Trailer 4 [HD]

Despicable Me is hilarious! This is Universal Picture’s newest 3-D CGI movie which features the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russel Brand, Julie Andrews, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Fisher.

DESPICABLE ME!

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by an army of tireless, little yellow Minions, we discover Gru (Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!).

Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad.

One of the world’s greatest super-villains has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

Written by Universal Pictures

POWER NAP

While I was waiting for my flight bound for Legaspi at Gate 116 of NAIA terminal 3, I can't help but notice how people sleep in such terminals or boarding areas. Every position imaginable can actually be seen. Some lay flat on the ground even if the flooring is clad in ceramic tiles which most of the time is pretty damn cold. Others are fortunate enough to rest on rows of chairs. Some even occupy the whole stretch, complete with blankets, pillows and believe it or not stuffed animals. Others try to sleep while sitting erectly amidst other sleeping passengers who attempt to do the same. Some do not care if they are seen drooling and snoring while others camouflage themselves by wearing oversized sunglasses, shades and whatnots. Others slouch, some sit like Indians while others try to be in positions that are somehow a translation of what they have learned in weeks of attending yoga classes. Others blend in while some put themselves in very awkward poses. Regardless of how individuals sleep in such public areas, at the end of the day everyone just wants to rest and have a piece of serenity before they embark on another journey that will lead them elsewhere. Happy traveling you jet setter you!

BOOGERS!

I was on my way to school when I had this sudden urge to pick my nose. A car was parked nearby so lumapit ako and used its windows as my mirror. While I was checking and picking out boogers, at the corner of my eye, I saw a pretty lady staring at me. I was super embarrassed. I then turned around and walked swiftly away!

Brownman's Album cover

During our OJT in Mapua, I have participated in the making of Brownman Revival’s music video for the single “Hitik sa Bunga”. I was part of the Production design team for the said project. The video was directed by Mr. Jay Pacena II. It was shot at Lola Ely’s in Bambang, Manila.

Apart from helping out, I was also an extra in the said video and the album cover (mostly nakatalikod). I was the one wearing a gray shirt with silver graphics on the back.

HITIK SA BUNGA by Brownman Revival (Official MV)

SALT for dessert!

I enjoyed watching SALT. After a hearty lunch of bangus, pork sinigang and rice, I succumbed to watching Angelina Jolie's latest film; Salt.

Who is Salt? This action filled movie tells the story about a CIA agent; Evelyn Salt, who is suspected to be a Russian spy. I loved the espionage, the death defying scenes, the twista and turn of events in this motion picture.

Jolie reportedly did most of the stunts for this flick. Kudos to her! However, its ending was sort of "bitin". Nevertheless, this is a must-see movie. cathc Salt in more than 100 theaters nationwide. Yehba!