Totally Hooked

 

Got tagged by Rhapsody. The instruction is to write down the three things I’m addicted to. No problem. Here they are:

MOVIES

This is a severe addiction. I go to the movies every week. I can watch 6-10 movies in a day. Maybe it runs in my blood. I got it from my grandfather na ginagawang tambayan ang sinehan . I watch all kinds-art film, romantic, foreign language, thriller/horror, comedy, adventure… Sometimes it depends on my mood.

Among my favorites are Cinema Paradiso, Three Seasons, Amelie, The Wizard of Oz, Parenthood, and Love Me if You Dare.

With the movie collection I have at home… maybe I could start a small video shop, hmmm….

BOOKS

Ever since I was a child, I prefer books over computer games (I was already in college when I played Super Mario ) or other toys. I’m more of a fiction fan.

Sometimes I read two different books at the same time (one I read while on my way to somewhere and a different book beside my pillow to read before I sleep). Just can’t live without them. You learn a lot from them and they take you to places (real, fictitious/magical) without having to leave your home. And history. Yeah, there’s history in fiction books; a fun way to learn history. Sometimes, you find yourself in one of the characters in the story.

My books occupy more space in my room than my clothes, shoes and bags combined.

GUMAMELA (hibiscus)

Well, it’s my favorite flower. I have a few pots of them in our small garden and I plan to add some more.

Now, I want you–insekto, dr. joy, len, mitsuru, witchy, sherma, and mithi–to share the three things you’re addicted to.

The Music of Dennis Doyle

 

The day may have started wrongly, but beauty is all around, waiting to be appreciated. Searching for Celtic music, I stumbled upon a musician named Dennis Doyle. Upon listening to a sample tune, I fell in love with his music. Unfortunately, I only found bits of information about him. Dennis Doyle is a Celtic harpist, a singer, a storyteller, professor and an author. I hope you will enjoy his music as much as I did and let me know what you think.

I have also included a few more of his music in my sonific widget. I particularly love “The Last Rose of Summer.” It’s the last song in the playlist.

Click here and here for additional information about Dennis Doyle.

Inauspaciuos Morn

 

I had quite an adventure this morning. Or should I call it an unfortunate event? Anyway, it was already half past seven when I left the house and I know I’m late for work (hmmm… was I ever early? I’m not a morning person and it’s really hard for me to wake up at the break of dawn.). Usually, I take the shuttle service (van, FX taxi) from our place to work. I’m among the daily commuters who line-up in FX terminals every morning hoping there are enough shuttles to accommodate all of us so we can get to where we are going as soon as possible.

Today’s a little different, though. Less than ten people were at the terminal when I arrived. It made me feel a little better. At least I don’t have to wait long. In a few minutes, I was sitting comfortably inside the van and in a few more minutes, off we go. The calm and steady motion of the vehicle soon lulled me to sleep. I don’t know how long I’ve dozed off, but I was suddenly pulled off from dreamland when the van abruptly stopped at a curve. Next thing I know, we were getting off because, unfortunately, the van was having some engine trouble. It was fine with me; I don’t get annoyed with things beyond my control. Besides, the driver has already called for help. In about 15 or 20 minutes, a new van arrived to pick us up.

In every misfortune, something good’s embedded in it for sure. You see, the place where we stopped, I pass by that area everyday. But I’ve never really appreciated or took time to look at it closely-here, where the city and the countryside fuse, a stretch of greenery greets your eyes.

I didn’t waste time and took a couple of snaps of a tree that caught my attention.

From across where I was standing. Isn’t it a sight to behold? I think it’s an acacia tree.

A closer shot. I can just imagine how grand and sturdy it will look years and years from now. I hope no one will cut it down.

Did You Feel It, Too?

I’m not sure if it occurred in the entire metropolis, but there was an earthquake at around 12:30 pm today. I was sitting in front of the PC when I felt my chair shaking a little, then it stopped. After a few seconds, the shaking started again, stronger this time. I can feel our office building swaying, as if dancing to a slow tune. I think it only lasted for a few seconds. Good thing no one panicked.

While all of us are waiting for news updates (because all I could find is a 3-sentence news item) about it, let me share some safety tips from SFGate.com:

Earthquake Drills Do’s And Don’ts

DURING THE QUAKE

Indoors

• Stay inside
• DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Take cover under and hold onto a piece of heavy furniture or stand against an inside wall. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Stay away from windows and doors.
• **Never take an elevator
• If you are in bed, hold on, stay there, protect your head with a pillow.

Outdoors

• Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
• Drop to the ground until the shaking stops.

In A Car

• Slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above).
• Turn on emergency flashers on and slow to a stop. Do not stop on overpasses, underpasses, or bridges. Be careful of overhead hazards such as power lines or falling building debris.
• Turn off the ignition and set the parking brake.
• Stay inside the car until the shaking stops.

PETS: During and after

• Don’t try to hold your pet during a quake. Animals instinctively want to hide when their safety is threatened. If you get in their way, even the nicest pets may hurt you.
• Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.
• Pets may not be allowed into shelters for health and space reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes a 3-day supply of dry food and a large container of water.
• If you can’t find your pet or must leave it at home after a quake, leave fresh water in nonspill containers such as bathtubs and sinks. Leave plenty of low-fat dry food, which deteriorates more slowly and is less tasty so pets won’t try to eat it all at once. Leave a note indicating that you have a pet, where you will be and the date.

AFTER THE QUAKE

Personal Safety

• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself by wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.
• Check others for injuries. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance–infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Home

• Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
• Telephone: Use the telephone only for emergencies. Check to make sure the receiver has not been shaken off the hook and is tying up the line.
• Fires: Look for and extinguish small fires.
• Gas: Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and leave building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company.
• **Remember, only a professional can turn the gas back on.
• Electricity: Look for electrical system damage. Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker if you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if smell hot insulation. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
• Sewage, Water: Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and contact a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.

Secret Treasures

I have secret treasures
I keep them in a box that’s
Painted in gold and
Speckled with silver dust
And hides it under my bed.

One corner holds a tale of
An enchanting child
Who’s cheeks are red as cherries
With eyes that sparkle like stars
And laughter that echoes through the air.

Engraved at the center
is fairy godmother’s heart-
Keeper of the the key to a magical past
Of monster-slaying and gallant heroes,
And chronicles of faraway lands.

I have secret treasures
I keep them in a gold and silver box
Guarded with enchantments of joy and love
It’s hidden safely under my bed
Alas! But only you, now holds the key.

Twelve Months

Got tagged again, this time from the goddess, Dr. Joy. The rules are simple:

1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth.
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it!

I am tagging Witchy, Tim, Len, Sherma, Tayns , Mithi, Rhapsody, Badoodles, Che, Ed, MC, and Live.

I was born in August:

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

The Twelve Months

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Why do I Blog

I got tagged by witchy. So, here goes:

1. How long have you been blogging?

I’m basically new to blogging. I started on friendster last year, but I seldom updated my posts. So I deleted that account and transferred my posts there to wordpress. It was only this year that I really got hooked to blogging. Hence, crumbs was born in April. Somehow, it keeps my mind working and fills the dull moments of the day. It’s something fun to do and meet wonderful people.

2. What inspired you to start a blog and who are your mentors?

I attended the iblog summit last April (thanks to tim) and that inspired me to start a blog; hearing how fun it can be from other bloggers. I also learned about WordPress there.

3. Are you trying to make money online, or just doing it for fun?

Make money online? That would be nice. But since thi is a free blog, I can’t put ads here. So, I blog for fun.
4. Tell me 3 things you LOVE about being online.

One, meeting wonderful people. Two, being able to express myself freely. Three, learning something new everyday from the posts of other bloggers and in a way learning about their personalities as well.

5. Tell me 3 things you STRUGGLE within the online world.

As I have said, this is a free blog so there are a lot of restrictions. One, I can’t do much about the page layout. Two, I’m not a techie person, thus, I don’t understand a lot of things and I can’t follow instructions with so many technical terms no matter how a site says they’ve put the simplest instructions. Three, sites with too many pop-up ads. Pop-ups distracts my reading and slows down my server (I honestly think they do, although I’m not so sure.)

I have to pass the ball now. I want to see this in arminnehaha’s, len’s, tayns’, rhapsody’s, and hitokirihoshi’s (even if she has already enumerated her reasons for blogging) blogs.

Spice, Spice!

 

I’ve grown a liking to one of Jollibee’s spicy burgers–Yum Cheesy Chili con Carne burger. Being born and raised in Bicol, I’m used to the spicy/chili (puwede ring super-anghang ) taste.You’ve got to try this one. Really good. The chili con carne blends well with the burger (beef patty) and cheese. Oh, well, chili con carne’s more delicious with lots of cheese in it (I use cheese to salt my chili con).Pag na-try mo, I’m sue you’re gonna love it, too. Parang gusto mong sabayan si Sarah Geronimo na sumayaw habang kumakanta ng “Spice, spice burger!”

My cheesy chili con carne burger… yummy merienda. Mmmmm…

Tom Who?

This e-mail was in my inbox today, from one of my friends who’s into trivias and shared this news clip with me. It’s about one of the 80’s (or was it in the 70’s) actor who had a very short-lived career in the Philippines: Tom Babauta. Here’s the news clip:

From Waikiki With Love: Remembering Tom Babauta

By: Guillermo Ramos

The star of Strangers in Paradise remained a stranger in paradise.

For decades the Philippine movie industry has been graced by foreign “actor” who want to try their luck in local showbiz. In the 60’s you had John Saxon, who appeared as the token Caucasian in movies like El Pinoy Matador, a Dolphy movie shot entirely in Spain; and the Pinoy spaghetti western Sergio Leone take-offs starring Chiquito. In the 70’s you had Sajid Khan, an Indian looker who appeared in mindless romantic comedies with Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos. His career in the Philippines didn’t last long because Filipinos are inherently racist and not very keen on actors who have dark skin. He was displaced in the public’s affections by Junior the American singer.

In the 80’s you had Tom Babauta, whose talent hung delicately on his cheekbones, triceps and his “big kahuna.” We don’t exactly know his progeny but legend has it that he was model for the original “Malakas” cracking out of a bamboo pole as depicted in the mural by Botong Francisco at the Manila Film Center. “Maganda,” on the other hand was supposedly modeled after the body of Coca Nicolas and the face of Imelda Marcos. I don’t know if this mural still exists; maybe it’s hanging in the dining room of some fallen PCGG commissioner.

Tom Babauta. A name immortalized in swardspeak. “Tom Babauta na ako” means “I’m hungry.” “Tom” is short for gutom.

This ball-scratching monosyllabic dude was a dreamboat for casting couch directors. Rumor had it that he would do anything for a sandwich. His notable talents included: hula war dancing, baton twirling with fire on both ends, greased tightrope walking, lying on nails and broken glass, and last but not the least, fire-eating. Tom was so sought-after that Mother Lily made a series of Hawaiian-themed movies with social commentaries on Fil-American cross-cultural issues. At least there was a sense of authenticity when he was cast in these films. Another rumor was that his family was not from Hawaii, but the Northern Marianas (The elected Governor of Northern Marianas bears the name of Juan Babauta.). What the heck, no one will know the difference.

Tom Babauta had so much promise, and his career remained a promise. He appeared with Snooky in Strangers in Paradise. Then he starred with Rio Locsin in Waikiki, (Was he the one? No not really. I take it back) nevertheless propelled him to oblivion. From time to time he appeared in dramas and variety shows, notably in Lovingly Yours, Helen, where he played a balikbayan GI baby searching for his mother in Angeles. And yes, of our country’s 80 million population, I’m the only one who remembers this useless piece of information. If no one remembers what Tom looked like, think of David Kawena of Lilo and Stich, with curly hair.

In one of his final interviews in Manila, Tom Babauta graced the immortal Sunday variety show, Germspesyal. Here is the transcript of that conversation:

Kuya Germs: “Do you love Philippines?”
Tom: “Yes Kuya Germs.”
Kuya Germs: “Have you, ah, made love to a Filipina?”
Tom: “Duh?”

And thus Kuya Germs brought Tom Babauta’s career to its final, inexorable doom.

___________________

I only learned about the existence of an actor named Tom Babauta from my former officemates, in one of our lunch time chitchat, and we were talking about forgotten Pinoy actors and actresses. I’ve never even seen any of his films. Anyway, they find the way I pronounce his name very hilarious and they would laugh at me every time I say it.

Thanks, San, for this one.

First Smoke

 

I have lived in Tiwi, Albay almost all my life but never have I woken to see the first smoke coming out from the geothermal power plant in our town. Not until this All Souls Day (02-XI-07). We stayed overnight at the memorial park on November 1 and during the mass the next day, there it was, from a distance, white smoke was slowly rising, then forming fluffy white clouds.