AI 2012

Disappointed. Sad.

I was really hoping Jessica Sanchez to win this year’s American Idol. Though I love

Phillip Phillips, I love Jessica more. Pinoy pride.

Jessica Sanchez with judges Randy Jackson and Steve Tyler (xfinity.comcast.net)

This is the best season ever for me. The contestants were great, and the elimination results were always unexpected. I get to have real time updates in the office because of Claude Dee. Thanks much!

I sincerely campaigned for Jessica. I don’t know if I were heard though. Philippines cannot vote, so to campaign to friends/relatives in the US was all we can do. If only we could vote!

My friends and I went crazy when the final result was announced. We went waaaaahhhhh…..It’s been over a week, and we still talk about it. We need a stress debriefing ;)

rickey.org

I hope Jessica will make it big. Bigger than Phillip. I hope she will not fade into oblivion. I hope Filipinos will buy her album. I hope she will visit the Philippines soon...just like Thia Megia who was here weeks ago.

Spotted in Glorietta.

I don't know what the occasion was, but it was sponsored by Greenwich.

I didn't recognize her at first...

Til next season, folks!

 

Rizal Park, Manila

Have you ever set foot in Manila’s Rizal Park? I just did, my first time ever, in my 7 years of residency in the city.

I always see the park whenever I take the LRT, or pass by it along Taft. But it never occurred to me to drop by until recently, when I was on my way to SM Manila.

This is the back portion of the Rizal monument along Taft. The monument is facing Roxas Boulevard. I did not drop by the monument as the heat was too intense. I just lingered in the park area.  

There are bridges or walkways crisscrossing the pond. The map of the Philippines is actually splattered on the pond.

The park is well maintained. The plants were green and the pavements were clean.

There were also framed pictures on display around the park. Pictures of buildings/structures with its historical background.

Facing the bayside, the park is sandwiched between the Department of Tourism and National Museum buildings.

National Museum. Must visit. Soon.

I didn't know that a lot of activities are actually being held here every month. Its calendar of events for the month of May is actually full. 

Right beside the Rizal Park is this:

A haven for kids. Cheap thrill for family.

It's nice to be staying outdoors from time to time. Manila is all about malls. One should try to visit parks and enjoy the sunshine.

Wearing the Traveling Dress for the 16th time.

Amazing Show

I’ve always wanted to watch the Amazing Show, mainly because I have never been to the Manila Film Center =).

I booked a ticket and finally set foot on the national building. The Film Center is located at the southwest end of the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex in Pasay City. I have heard horror stories and controversies of its construction, specifically when its scaffolding collapsed, and at least 169 workers fell and were buried under quick-drying wet cement (wiki).

I’ll try to visit the place again during day time to take pictures. The architecture is very nice, worthy of a separate post.

Anyway, the Amazing Show has been on stage for so long. It is live nightly from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00pm. The show is accredited by the Department of Tourism, to provide world class entertainment for the benefit of both foreign and local tourists in the Philippines.

Inside the lobby, you will be greeted with these displays:

The Amazing Show is known as the Philippines’ Premiere Theatrical Family Show were the performers are all pretty (mostly transgenders). It showcases different world cultures, letting the audience experience a world class pinoy entertainment.

Here are snippets of the show:

Dream Girls as opening number.

Ala GMA Supershow =)

Funniest production! This performer can do face contortions.

Phantom of the Opera.

Moulin Rouge.

Dancing in white ensemble.

There was Doble Kara, too!

Korean Traditional Fan Dance:

To my delight, they danced "Nobody But You" (hahaha, remembering my group's dance number way back 2009).

Dragon Dance.

Marilyn Monroe

Philippine Traditional Dances.

And many, many more!

At the end of the show, you can have can your souvenir photos taken with the performers.

 

The show was for an hour and ten minutes. I had a nice time. Of course, I wore my Traveling Dress (for the 15th time!).

 

 

 

Rebonded

My first time. Though it was a hype eons ago, I only got to try it recently.

My hair is dull and dry. Not from too much chemical treatments, but it is just naturally like that.

 I never had my hair colored, except cellophane that comes with color gloss. I like people who risks having their hair colored. It’s high maintenance. Not to mention the after effects. Besides, I’m afraid my hair will turn white, just like what happened to my Mom.

Basically, hair relax had been my solace whenever my hair gets unruly. That’s the only harsh treatment my hair endured so far.

Anyway, I go to the salon for regular hot oil or hair spa. I like my hair when steamed and my scalp when scrubbed. I always feel lighter, and my hair sleek and bouncier.

It’s been bad hair days recently (*blaming the intense summer heat*). I was always too lazy to fix my hair, so I often end up wearing a ponytail everyday. I was choosing between a perm and rebond, and just decided on the latter.

With all the vouchers available online, I chanced upon Groupon, offering 999php for a rebond with its merchant, Salon de San Lorenzo.

Dona Concepcion Bldg. is tucked along Arnaiz Ave., at the back of Park Square, Makati.

Inside the Salon, with its red wall, wearing my Traveling Dress for the 14th time =)

I went on a Sunday. Not much crowd. I was entertained right away.

They made me fill up an information sheet and signed a waiver regarding non-liability of the salon upon waiver of skin test.

Here’s what they did with my hair:

1)      shampoo

2)      blowdry

3)      iron

4)      apply the treatment

This was repeated twice.

After 3 hours:

I love it! teehee...

The attendant said this would last 5 to 6 months. I can have a retouch after 6 months.

Here's a price list of their services:

Cellophane        short hair    1,000

                           medium       1,500

                           long              2,000

Rebond             short             3,000

                          medium        5,000

                          long               7,000

haircut with blowdry            250

hot oil              short             400

                         medium         600

                         long                800

Recommended salon! 

Papemelroti

I’ve always been a loyal Papemelroti customer. I’ve been using their recycled notebooks, stationeries and memo pads for so long. It has always been a usual pasalubong for me from friends, back when Papemelroti had no branch in Davao yet.

I like anything country-ish. I dig the old and vintage look. I go for anything recycled. Papemelroti got them all.

I always make sure to stop in its store whenever I see one. And I always end up buying something… things that I don’t normally need, just nice to own and have.

Flowers as table toppers.

Boxes in all sizes, for storage or as gift box.

Papemelroti sells handcrafted products (from wood to metal to cloth). They strive to make products that only have a minimal impact on the environment. 

Here are some desk items that you will find in their stores:

Stone art paperweights and figurines.

Novelty eyeglasses holder.

Deco plaque coasters.

Religious items for your altar:

  

Wall decors for your kitchen:

 And a lot more!

A new Makati branch opened recently, conveniently located at the 2nd floor of Glorietta 3, along the walkway to SM.

http://www.papemelroti.com/

A contest is now open until the 23rd of May. You can win a Large Clock made of fiberboard or recycled wood. Click the link to join:   

http://www.papemelroti.com/contests.htm

 I'm hoping to win! hahaha.

Papemelroti Glorietta Branch, wearing my Traveling Dress for the 13th time =)

Happy Papemelroti shopping!