Our typical Sunday morning starts with buying hot pandesal and a newspaper, and preparing our cup of coffee. Then, we spend an hour or two reading the paper, exchanging sections-- the front page first for me and the Sports section first for him. The coffee serves as a filler as we browse from one page to the next, giving our unsolicited personal commentaries from time to time [although he prefers reading in silence and I prefer sharing any interesting info with him as soon as I finish reading that particular topic]. Looking out for Gabi as she messes around serves as interlude.
Recently, we have earned a tailored Sunday (and even Saturday or any day-off) formula. We discovered a secret, decent park at the back of their apartment, very close to Petron Depot in Pandacan, Manila. Apart from its long concrete path designed for joggers, it also has a long narrow covered alley made of brick, suited for jogging or brisk walking on a very hot day or on a rainy day. On the average, we can jog 10-15 rounds down the covered path [or 4-5 rounds, if the route includes the concrete path]. The park also has some sort of gazebos, where we do a 20-minute stretching, and a basketball court at the end, where we practice shooting some baskets.
Our latest record is 1.5 hours.
*****
Now we always make sure his fridge has enough Gatorade stash for cooling down. And yes-- we still read the paper, have our cup, eat pandesal, and fool around with Gabi.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Maddening Red
bitten twice, itchy lumps all over.
==
i got stung by a baby jellyfish while swimming in white beach. medyo delayed reaction. i thought a drifting seaweed had accidentally stroked my left arm then my middle finger, down to my left thigh then to my right thigh. it was prickly-- that kind of tingling you didn't just want to scratch but to totally strip off your skin.
somehow, i panicked. but since everyone had been having fun, i decided to return to the shore, and rubbed my feet and hands with a handful of sand. it didn't work; the burning itch was still there. so i went back to our unit, asked one of the tenants for a bowl of vinegar, and washed myself with it. yeah, yeah. but i would rather take the smell than prolong the agony. after an hour, the reaction subsided. but it had left some red lumps close to my left elbow, just below the scar that I got from falling off a barbed wire way back in grade school.
==
i got insect bites.
i invited my parents and brother to our unit in bcda, and let them sleep on the airbed and my sofa bed over the weekend. i was booted out to our dark green leathery sofa. when i woke up the next day, my left foot and thigh were tickly. i didn't consider insects as prime suspects. instead, i blamed our laundromat because i had been using the blanket, towel, and pants that they delivered the other day.
i had these red bumps on the same area where i got stung by the jellyfish. i tried to ignore them because I had a more important thing to do that afternoon-- a PBA game date with my buddy. but when we got home, the marks worsened. nawala ako sa mood. for someone who doesn't have a really really really fine skin, the experience was somehow frustrating.
to prove if the reaction had been caused by our laundromat, we used other fabrics that were recently handed over to us. the next morning, nothing happened to him. and no additional marks or irritation on me as well.
==
i went to humana for a checkup. the dermatologist told me it was not an allergy. the bumps, which had small holes in the middle, were insect bites. she prescribed two types of capsules and one ointment, and advised me to spray insecticide at home and return to her after a week.
she's good ha. on the second day of her prescriptions, the irriation as well as the bumps faded. whew.
==
i got stung by a baby jellyfish while swimming in white beach. medyo delayed reaction. i thought a drifting seaweed had accidentally stroked my left arm then my middle finger, down to my left thigh then to my right thigh. it was prickly-- that kind of tingling you didn't just want to scratch but to totally strip off your skin.
somehow, i panicked. but since everyone had been having fun, i decided to return to the shore, and rubbed my feet and hands with a handful of sand. it didn't work; the burning itch was still there. so i went back to our unit, asked one of the tenants for a bowl of vinegar, and washed myself with it. yeah, yeah. but i would rather take the smell than prolong the agony. after an hour, the reaction subsided. but it had left some red lumps close to my left elbow, just below the scar that I got from falling off a barbed wire way back in grade school.
==
i got insect bites.
i invited my parents and brother to our unit in bcda, and let them sleep on the airbed and my sofa bed over the weekend. i was booted out to our dark green leathery sofa. when i woke up the next day, my left foot and thigh were tickly. i didn't consider insects as prime suspects. instead, i blamed our laundromat because i had been using the blanket, towel, and pants that they delivered the other day.
i had these red bumps on the same area where i got stung by the jellyfish. i tried to ignore them because I had a more important thing to do that afternoon-- a PBA game date with my buddy. but when we got home, the marks worsened. nawala ako sa mood. for someone who doesn't have a really really really fine skin, the experience was somehow frustrating.
to prove if the reaction had been caused by our laundromat, we used other fabrics that were recently handed over to us. the next morning, nothing happened to him. and no additional marks or irritation on me as well.
==
i went to humana for a checkup. the dermatologist told me it was not an allergy. the bumps, which had small holes in the middle, were insect bites. she prescribed two types of capsules and one ointment, and advised me to spray insecticide at home and return to her after a week.
she's good ha. on the second day of her prescriptions, the irriation as well as the bumps faded. whew.
Friday, June 20, 2008
House Party
some singing and drinking and poker games last night.
it was good fun. and kat's two pasta treats, al dente.
but the bartender slash the dealer is leaving.
anyway-- happy sea change, job. =)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
34
Good morning, beautiful.
===
We had a petty clash over a kayak on our last afternoon in White Beach.
The plan was to rent one double, traverse toward the rocky coastline, and take some shots of sundown. But since there was no available double kayak, and the sun had already been setting, he insisted that we just rent two singles. Hmmm. I chickened out. He was confident I could handle it. But I wasn't. And I felt a bit low about that-- not trying and not helping him back his assurance. So I asked him if he wanted to ride alone. There was a short gap. I went back to our room; he seated outside. Pareho kaming nagpalipas ng bad mood. After a few minutes, things mellowed down, and so was the sun. We agreed that he would go solo, and I would just give him the DSLR once he reaches the other end. But you know what? The battery was empty. Tingnan mo nga naman. Nag-away pa talaga kami. But he had this idea-- me riding in the single kayak with him (just what the other two single kayaks that he had seen earlier). Scary, but he was with me-- and that was enough.
Our stubbornness collide sometimes. But the good thing is someone is always willing to give way.
===
Right after we unpacked some of our stuff from Puerto Galera, we headed to Intramuros for a church visit (and as the starting point of our itinerary). Initially, we planned to shoot around the Mall of Asia, since it has a nearby church, a Mann Hann branch, which he had been craving for (again) since the previous weekend, and a potential location. Change of mind, obviously.
From Manila City Hall, down the underpass to Intramuros.
More of Intramuros, going to Rizal Park.
Coincidentally, it was the celebration of our Independence Day in lieu of June 12. So naki-celebrate kami sa ngalan ng bayan. =)
We had a petty clash over a kayak on our last afternoon in White Beach.
The plan was to rent one double, traverse toward the rocky coastline, and take some shots of sundown. But since there was no available double kayak, and the sun had already been setting, he insisted that we just rent two singles. Hmmm. I chickened out. He was confident I could handle it. But I wasn't. And I felt a bit low about that-- not trying and not helping him back his assurance. So I asked him if he wanted to ride alone. There was a short gap. I went back to our room; he seated outside. Pareho kaming nagpalipas ng bad mood. After a few minutes, things mellowed down, and so was the sun. We agreed that he would go solo, and I would just give him the DSLR once he reaches the other end. But you know what? The battery was empty. Tingnan mo nga naman. Nag-away pa talaga kami. But he had this idea-- me riding in the single kayak with him (just what the other two single kayaks that he had seen earlier). Scary, but he was with me-- and that was enough.
Our stubbornness collide sometimes. But the good thing is someone is always willing to give way.
===
Right after we unpacked some of our stuff from Puerto Galera, we headed to Intramuros for a church visit (and as the starting point of our itinerary). Initially, we planned to shoot around the Mall of Asia, since it has a nearby church, a Mann Hann branch, which he had been craving for (again) since the previous weekend, and a potential location. Change of mind, obviously.
From Manila City Hall, down the underpass to Intramuros.
More of Intramuros, going to Rizal Park.
Coincidentally, it was the celebration of our Independence Day in lieu of June 12. So naki-celebrate kami sa ngalan ng bayan. =)
We made an easy stroll to Roxas Boulevard, passing by the Ocean Park, then the US embassy.
Continued our promenade to Baywalk for some photos. He has this fascination with clouds and human faces, which he always tries to capture with precision, faithful to how they appear in real-time.
My trip that day was on framing landscapes, having people as ornaments.
After roughly two hours, we headed to Malate, and grabbed kopi and roti at Kopi Roti. =) Then, we decided to pass by Robinson's Place. Ikot-ikot lang. Almost an hour later, we called it a day.
I love you more, buddy ko. *kugos*
Banana Boat
Gabi learned a few new words and phrases over the long weekend.
We made reservation at Basilico, exactly the same place and at the same corner unit were we stayed last year with my family. The rate has been relatively cheap for a beachfront accommodation. But we noticed a slight customer service deterioration.
And my favorite-- when she says "Aaayyy (pointing to herself) love (her fingers forming a heart) yuuu (pointing at you)".
And she just turned two.
===
As our birthday present, we packed our things for a short trip to Puerto Galera. It would be her first beach experience, our third boat ride to White Beach, and our pahabol summer treat for Nay and Giselle. =)
We made reservation at Basilico, exactly the same place and at the same corner unit were we stayed last year with my family. The rate has been relatively cheap for a beachfront accommodation. But we noticed a slight customer service deterioration.
Gabi' first dip.
On our second night, we dined at Pizzeria Ristorante Italianno, located at the west end of White Beach going to Tamaraw Beach. At laaast! Our third attempt was a success. It has a nice location, almost at the bend. The view, if you happen to find a seat near the veranda, could be stunning at sunset.
Their giant pizza (prize range P300 - 500) tastes really good. We ordered Capriciossa. Loved it. Then, later on, we added two sets of pasta-- prize range 200-390, good for two. Buddy ko and I tried Marcianna, with fresh tomato, ham, and a few mushrooms. We both loved it, too. Giselle and Nay gave Carbonarra a shot.
After dinner, we decided to have a full-body beachside massage, except for Giselle who had changed her mind and accompanied Gabi to our unit, instead. The initial plan was to have the massage by pair. Anyway, the session was satisfactory. The charge has also increased by P50.
We got up early the next day for Gabi's last plunge.
And I got stung by a baby jellyfish. But that was another story.
And I got stung by a baby jellyfish. But that was another story.
Quick Budget Reference (Per Head)
Transportation: Taxi 160 (to and from bus terminal) + Bus, 344 (2-way) + Ferry, 380 (2-way) = P552
Transportation: Taxi 160 (to and from bus terminal) + Bus, 344 (2-way) + Ferry, 380 (2-way) = P552
Food: ~P100 per meal (3x for 3 days) = P900
Accommodation: 1500-2000 per day for 2-5 heads (beachfront, offpeak)
* Kayak: P200-300 per hour
* Banana Boat: P200 per hour
* Snorkling: P600-800 per boat for two (usually starts at P1000 per boat for at least four persons)
* ATV: P650 per hour
* Buggy: P800 per hour
* Body massage: P200 per hour
Note: Those with * are optional and can be negotiated.
*****
Banana boat, big rock, beach (when she's swimming or wants to swim) or sea (when she's just looking at it). Those words have just been added to her quite impressive memory, which includes fahnten (fountain), mahnten (mountain), ribber (river), pancit, baby jaguar, castle, apel juice (apple juice), umbella (umbrella), oop aaag (group hug), embace (embrace), nater please (water please), book, melk (milk), pick floweh (flower), park, "1" to "14".
And my favorite-- when she says "Aaayyy (pointing to herself) love (her fingers forming a heart) yuuu (pointing at you)".
Happy 2nd Birthday, Gabi! We love you very much. Be good. *kugos*
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Jubjub Bird in the Tumtum Tree
I learned a new word today-- portmanteau-- from googling information about Cavendish Banana. First time for me to encounter that word, promise. [He wonders why the banana that Kat and I buy is all yellow outside and white inside. Plus the fact that it's relatively big. I always tell him "kase Cavendish Banana yun," adding (and sometimes inventing) more convincing words to describe it.] I found out in Wikipedia that it is the name for banana cultivar, from the words cultivated and variety. And cultivar is a portmanteau word.
A "portmanteau word" is a term used to describe a word that merges two different words. According to Wikipedia, it is a "linguistic blend". You form a term by "blending sounds from two or more distinct words and combining their meanings". Below are some examples:
Yeah, yeah, what a nerd. Well, it's a good tongue exercise full of portmanteu words!
JABBERWOCKY
Lewis Carroll
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought --
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
And they say that this is the greatest nonsense poem written in the English language. =)
A "portmanteau word" is a term used to describe a word that merges two different words. According to Wikipedia, it is a "linguistic blend". You form a term by "blending sounds from two or more distinct words and combining their meanings". Below are some examples:
- brunch = breakfast + lunch
- pixel = picture + element
- mimsy = miserable + flimsy
- flop = flap + drop
- malware = malicious + software
- glitz = glamour + ritz
- WiFi = wireless + fidelity
- frumious = fuming + furious
- motel = motor + hotel
- chillaxing = chilling + relaxing
"Taglish" and "Brangelina" fit into this category, too. And even Wikipedia, from Wiki and Encyclopedia, belongs to this group.
Anyway, after jumping from one hyperlink to another, I came across this poem of nonsense verse entitled Jabberwocky, written by Lewis Carroll for his novel "Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There". I had fun reading it.Yeah, yeah, what a nerd. Well, it's a good tongue exercise full of portmanteu words!
JABBERWOCKY
Lewis Carroll
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought --
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
And they say that this is the greatest nonsense poem written in the English language. =)
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