Dawn Riser

I awoke this morning to the unmistakable feeling of wanting to go to the loo. I know it seems like a pretty unceremonious way to start the day, but what the heck, at least it got me up early in the morning.

Some people tend to distinguish themselves as Dawn or Dusk persons. I think I could be both. I enjoy the comforting hue of the early morning AND early evening sky. The light is not too bright nor too dark, and (usually) the ambient temperature is pretty cool. Sometimes its really tempting to just sleep in under these conditions (especially in the AM), but I find that these are the times of day which I am most productive and when my mind is at its sharpest (although being in bed for about 6-8 hours doesn't hurt either).

Hmm.. now that I think about it, I guess dawn works better for me than dusk. :P

Selective Resetting

Il bet everyone wished at one time or another whether it would be possible for life to have a reset button. Different folks would have different needs ranging from an "entire-life reboot" to something as simple as making a different choice somewhere down the road. This entry deals with the latter.

I admit that I have made my fair share of decisions in my life that I wish I never made, but none to the extent that I would want to go back and change something.. Well, that is, until recently..

Being a little bit older and being able to take stock of my life from a more mature viewpoint has its ups and downs. It's good because of the wisdom you gain from certain experiences in your life that you were not able to understand at the time. On the flipside, it is that same increased level of intellectual maturity that may lead you to be disgusted at some of the things you've been through. It's like saying "What the hell was I thinking??".

It is the unfortunate fact that regrets come only after the event has transpired or an error has been made. Even more unfortunate are those regrets that come and hit you much later, years after something which cannot be undone. This seems to hurt more because of the helplessness you feel. With a more proximate event, it would definitely easier (for the most part) to make up for what had happened since if you go by the temporal profile, it's not really too far off. But when the regrets hit you a decade later, BAM! Its like being hit by a ton of bricks. You're suddenly reminded of the decision itself, but moreso of the multitude of possibilities and other pathways you could have taken during the great span of time between now and the past decision. In some cases, your imagination may go into overdrive as you envision totally different scenarios, the other roads not taken, and feel a deep sense of regret from within.. sigh.. 

There are some things I wish I could have changed, but on a positive note, a different kind of change is coming, and may possibly impact my life for the better, permanently.. :)

Construction Yard Blues

I'm stuck at home as we have renovations ongoing. Being the one who isn't really gainfully employed at the moment, it was only natural that I remain behind to "watch the house". Since there is some stonework going on, the place is often bathed in a thin layer of white dust. Besides the obvious dustiness kicked up, you also have to deal with the noise pollution, what with all the grinding, hammering, and drilling going on.

Funny, as a kid I used to love the smell of a new house, or more specifically the smell of freshly-laid cement. :P I guess I liked the smell because it was the scent that greeted me everytime I dropped by our house when it was still under construction. Its probably the thought of being able to move into my own room soon that was attached to the particular "scent memory".

By the way, it's my lawyer's birthday today!! Happy Birthday bro!! :P

Trese Quatro

I surprised myself the other day. 

I attended my first-ever book launching event, and for a Pinoy graphic novel at that!

This would strike people who know me as being highly unusual because 1) I don't go to book launchings, and 2) I don't really buy graphic novels.

But Trese was different..

I made a review about a year ago which featured this locally-made comic book which I never heard of before. It was about this female "supernatural detective" who dealt with mythological beings and creatures from Philippine folklore.

Curious as I was then, I sought it out. I found the website, , read the first story (which was available online for free), and I was instantly hooked.

Three graphic novel purchases later, I was just browsing the web casually when I found out that the fourth installment was finally being launched!! And in a nearby mall at that!! I thanked my lucky stars that I was free on that day and summoned my inner geek as I set out to go where I had never gone before!

I had been waiting for book 4 to come out ever since I had wolfed down the first 3 books in a very short sitting. Hungry for more, I waited and waited. Speculations had the release pegged earlier during May this year. When that rolled by, I have to admit that I was a bit let down, and eventually forgot about my fervent waiting, but I digress

KaJO Baldisimo and Budjette Tan, the creative geniuses behind Trese

(pics from the event itself are from the NBS Facebook page)

The event was held at the mezzanine level of the NBS Bestsellers bookstore in Robinsons Galeria, and I must admit that I was a bit surprised at the impressive turnout..

Ok, so maybe that was an understatement.. the place was PACKED!

Comic enthusiasts from all over the Metro seemed to have gathered for the unveiling of this newest installment in the chronicles of Alexandra Trese. From what I could see and hear, there were people from all walks of life, but probably a great majority were the comic book geeks, the artsy types, and members of the Pinoy Komiks community.

I actually felt a little bit out of place since it seemed as though almost everyone there knew everybody else (what with seeing each other during comic conventions and whatnot), but my inner fanboy prevailed and I patiently waited for the signing sessions. After the usual interview, open forum, and publicity shots for the media, it was announced that people can begin lining up for the autograph signing.

Before I forget, with every purchase of book 4, you receive a raffle coupon which gave you a chance to be the lucky winner of a Trese-themed iPad! Whoa!!

*drool*

Man, you really have to have a lot of patience when you line up for things like this. I haven't stood in line for this long since the first time I enrolled for college! :P But everything was cool when my turn came to face the creators of Trese.

..and as an added treat, out of all the people who came to have their books autographed, I (standing in the grey shirt) was the one lucky enough to be photographed by the NBS staff having my books signed!

I wasn't exactly bursting like a little fanboy when I met the guys. I composed myself and told them they made excellent work and that I was looking forward to the fifth installment. :D

My first ever autographed comics.. Man, I'm such a geek.. but at least I'm a happy geek! :P

Well, that was a pleasant experience. You could really feel that the guys were grateful that you bought and support their comic, and I intend to keep on doing just that.

 And then there were Four..

After getting my stuff signed (I just realized that it must be really boring as an author to sit there for hours and sign book after book), I headed straight home since my task was complete. I felt like a total fanboy but I guess it was worth it.

Trese 4 came with a glossy dust jacket with exclusive art.

Whe I got home to study (and later read) my swag, most noticable was the considerable cover art on the book jacket shown above. I guess this is one way of giving back to all Trese's fans that have been following her since she first came out on print.

*you can follow @AlexandraTrese on Twitter, and also @Budjette Tan

Celebrating a Great Loss

Yesterday, the local version of the hit reality show series The Biggest Loser wrapped up its first season after the final weigh-in of the 5 finalists. Cash prizes and gym memberships abounded . But more importantly, there was a general outpouring of admiration and goodwill from the audience who have followed these contestants as they fought to take steps to improve their fitness, self-image, and ultimately their very lives.

The 5 finalists (image source here)

Just because there were only 5 finalists did not mean that the rest of the other 11 contestants disappeared into obscurity after their appearance on the show. These 11 were called back to have a weigh-in of their own and whoever had the highest percentage weight loss (relative to their initial weigh-in at the camp) was also awarded a cash prize for being the Biggest Loser Home Winner.

How everyone looked at the start (image source here)

I think this program is one of the finer examples of reality TV that is of benefit not just for the contestants themselves, but for the viewership at large (pun not intended). As opposed to the usual bickering about as reality contestants jockeyed for position and did stupid/embarrassing things just so they could win a prize, the "bigating Pinoy" were doing it for their health and well-being. The competition was just secondary (at least thats what I think). The people who joined the show but didn't win are not leaving empty-handed. They have been shown the tools to better themselves and hopefully improve their lives in the process.

Having followed the show and being a budding health nut myself, I feel genuinely happy for everyone who participated in the show. Even though there was a prize in store, you couldn't help but feel like rooting for everyne, given the trials they underwent and the determination they showed in order to reach their goals at the camp.

The "Fab FIve". Holy Weight Loss, Batman!!

(Image source here)

The results were nothing short of amazing. You have these enormous 300+ pound guys and 200+ pound girls losing about a fourth to a third of their weight to emerge fitter, stronger, and definitely looking better!

On the filpside, I find it a little sad that obesity is now a growing problem here in the country. What used to be a lifestyle disease of the more developed western nations has began to show its ugly head in the islands.. Its great that people a becoming more health conscious already, with shows like this and fitness lifestyle magazines like Men's (and Women's) Health flying off the shelves. As a physician., I honestly hope that the prevalence of Pinoy obesity can be kept at a minimum, if not eradicated completely.

A radio anchor doing commentary about the show's ending commented this morning that in the US version of the show, the contestants there reported being unable to keep the pounds off after they left the program. I think that won't be the case with the winners here. Having watched both versions, the Pinoy has the advantage of great familial support to keep them focused, and the lower prevalence of obesity here (which would make the former contestants stop and look at themselves more often than their US counterparts who live in a country where obesity is sadly becoming more of a norm). Pair that off with the enormous portions served in the US and the more sendentary lifestyles they have there, and it becomes pretty clear why I'm not so worried about our former "Bigating Pinoys".

Congratulations to the contestants of The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition! And props to Abs-CBN for producing a reality show that is actuially more than just crap on a stick. :P

Foodtripping: Mango Tree Bistro

This blog entry was a long time coming. I never got around to really writing it because I'm not really good at posting resto reviews, hence this is not included in the "Nitpicking" section of the site. That being said, I really enjoyed the food at the place I'm about to describe, and its a shame this article would not be able to do justice to the overall experience I had when I ate there. Well, the disclaimer is out, so here goes..

*all pics here come from Mango Tree Bistro Philippines' Facebook page

Found at the 3rd level of the Trinoma Mall (adjacent to Power Books), The Mango Tree Bistro struck me as a classy, elegant place where you'd want to hang out with friends after a hard week's work, or maybe treat your date to a romantic evening for two.

As you can see by the picture, the place is pretty dim, even at lunchtime when we ate, so it gives you that private and cozy feeling which says you can just relax and let it all hang out. Definitely a 5-star ambiance!

The food was a bit pricey for my relatively simple tastes (turo-turo, et al), but really worth every peso. I'm sorry I don't recall exactly what we ate as it's been a while since we went there. Basically the place deals with Thai cuisine. The owner (who happens to be an old friend from high school) happily obliged us with great dining suggestions which more than satisfied our appetites. :D As I recall, we ordered a curry dish, and something they labelled as a salad (but wasn't really a salad and was only named as such because they couldn't find the equivalent English term), and a bit of rice. The portions were generous to say the least, and the taste was just EXQUISITE! I don't think I have ever tasted anything that GOOD! It was a totally new dining experience, and would probably go down as one of our more memorable dates (food-wise).

Overall, the food was really excellent, the ambiance was unique and inviting, and there are no gripes about the service. I think the only downside of this place are the prices, but then again, I think it's geared towards the higher-end market and not streetfood consumers like me. :P Watch out for their other projected branches at Greenbelt and the Fort!

The very late Post-storm update

Pardon my lack of interest for updating after the storm (Typhoon Pedring; International name: Nesat)  . It just didn't seem that all interesting to follow up since (thankfully) nothing serious happened in this part of the Metro. But still, a good writer should always exercise his skills, whether he really feels like it or not. (Kinda like working out :P)

As I previously mentioned, we were fortunate that our little corner of the metropolis was relatively unaffected by the storm, though I can't say the same for the coastal areas, particularly Roxas Boulevard and the coastal restos of the Mall of Asia.. As I have heard (and seen on TV), things got really crazy around those parts, with storm surges and unhindered winds wreaked havoc alla long the area. Streetlamps fell, roads were flooded, and the contents of the aforementioned restos were technically swept away.

Even more worse off were our countrymen in the provinces like Nueva Ecija, where flooding got batshit crazy and covered entire houses! :( The death toll is still rising as rescue and aid workers are still trying their vest to sort things out and provide services where it is needed the most.

I was able to get this satellite photo when we got the power and internet back. It was really a whopper of a storm, which I believe was a lot bigger as it was just about to hit the country as it came from the east.. but what's this? Another storm was seen brewing! Here's the current weather picture below:

HOLY COW!! Its another big one!! After enjoying a few days of warmth and sunshine, its no wonder that things have gotten pretty gloomy around here since I woke up this morning.. According to the news, the dams have started releasing waterso as to avoid any sudden surges when the storm hits. Though it may be unfortunate that some areas would remain to have a bit of flooding brought about by this act, I guess this inconveniece would be preferred to the more dire consequences should the dams break or that the release of water would concide with the storm.

I just hope that this new typhoon (Quiel; International Name: Nalgae) would soon come to pass and that No further lives would be lost..

*To anyone who happens to be interested as to where I got these cool weather pics, you can go to THIS SITE, where the satellite images are animated and regularly updated.