I've Moved

It has been wonderful staying with blogger for sometime. But I now moved to a new bloghome - http://isayinoz.wordpress.com.

See you there!

Kumustahan (Hello) 2006 in Melbourne

Last Friday I went to see a Filipino concert - my first time to see a show in Melbourne where it showcased Filipino talents. I was with my friend Mrs H and her husband. Hubby dear had to stay home as he was recovering from a nasty flu. Nevertheless, it was good he didn't come as I didn't think he would appreciate the show at all. It was all in Tagalog - syempre pa. Mr H was bored to death (he's Aussie) but he was happy to see his wife very happy - hysterically happy watching the show.

The show was called "Kumustahan 2006" with the Apo Hiking Society, Nanette Inventor and Geneva Cruz. The choice of venue was excellent as it was in the Hamer Hall, National Arts Centre. I'd normally go to see classical shows and opera performances.

The front act was performed by 3 Melbourne locals and they were great, except one guy had to wear barong with grey trousers and white shoes! Horrible to look at really. And when they had to wear smart cazh, they're just so uncoordinated. Nyways, what they lacked in the fashion department was compensated with their excellent rendition of Pinoy songs.

Nanette Inventor's comedy focused on the life of OFW's and it was indeed hilarious. We were laughing at every sentence she utters. Her powerful voice was perfect for her rendition of the "beerhouse" love songs (songs by Imelda Papin); Filipino folk songs and other pinoy classics.

The former Smokey Mountain girl, Geneva Cruz, has really grown to be such a talented and very sexy lady. She sang songs by Beyonce and she pulled it very well. She was a great dancer too. (For sexy photos of Geneva click here. The black short jumpsuit with fuschia ruffle bust trimming was what she wore in her first set of performance.)

The APO performed ALL their best OPM songs and it just brought back so much memories...We were singing along with them and I can't believe I still know most of the lyrics! At some point I felt nostalgic and homesick, remembering what I was doing when those songs were popular.



One of the highlights in the show that I liked was the presentation of Wow Philippines song and advertisement. I think this ad is perhaps the best one done to showcase Philippines. It made me very proud. After the show, we decided to get our programme signed and have a close look at sexy Geneva. Mrs H bought the DVD and CD and me being pinoy kokopyahin ko na lang yong binili nya. On the way home in the car we just had to play the CD and sing-along as our Aussie driver (Mr H) tried and hard to ignore us and our conversations in Tagalog.

Dior Gourmette

I've been looking for this Dior gourmette limited edition silver bracelet for sometime. I realise that's why it's called "limited edition" - it sold out the first hour it launched last year here in Melbourne. Why it's special is - it's not merely a chain, it's actually a lipgloss container - the Dior Addict Ultagloss. Last week I checked the counters at Myers in Chadstone and lo and behold! The Dior gourmette is on the shelf. 5 minutes before the shop was closing I asked the sales consultant if I may try it on. It was a bit tight but she said she can add some links, which she did except it was too loose. I didn't get the chain but I will next time... (Note the Dior gourmette ring on the right - gorgeous!)

2 Weekends of Retail Therapy

Why is it that when I start saying "I'm not really interested in shopping at this point in time", I actually head out to the shops? A couple of weeks ago hubby and I had this "serious" conversation about our life - I mean, seriously taking stock of how we spend our time outside work. I remember saying that given the free time I have, I'd prefer to stay home and watch tv or read magazines or sort through my things, blah, blah, blah. Anyway a week ago hubby needed some help from a male friend (he was doing some DIY work in the laundry putting in cupboards and some storage space) and so I asked his wife to come along with me and do some grocery shopping whilst the boys work.

On the way to the market, we passed by some shops and some were on sale. We couldn't refuse the calling of the mother ship - "Sale, sale, sale"! We didn't buy the first hour as we had to have lunch first. Then off to the Asian store to buy ingredients for the night's hot-pot meal Hongkong style. On the way to the parking lot, I saw the Sunglasshut shop which also sells watches. Now I wanted to buy another casual watch but then the sales consultant mentioned that their sunglasses were also on special, if I decide to buy a watch. My girlfriend was already trying on the glasses while I was checking the watches. I ended up buying an Anne Klein silver watch BUT I couldn't refuse not to buy this Prada sunglasses - it's a category 2 so it's perfect for winter season. Smooth edges and wraps perfectly. Love the brown tint as it matches my hair highlights. Yes, I'm a brand sucker - and I love that it's PRADA!

And I said - that's it! Enough shopping for this month as I spent my week's pay for the 2 items already. Nah-ah! Last weekend, hubby says he still needs P's help. So Mrs H and I head to Chadstone. I saw this full-page ad on the Saturday paper and I thought that we should check this "history making" sale... pronto! while the boys do some more work.

Five hours later, Mrs H and I came out of Myer with goodies - Casa Domani drinking glasses, underwear, shirts, blouses, perfume and make-up. I absolutely loved the Kennetch Cole Black for women! Mrs H works for the company in-charge of a number of American perfume brands, one of which is Kenneth Cole. I love Kenneth Cole's range of accessories but I was surprised with this scent - delicate and feminine with a modern twist. Plus, her boss gave me a free weekend bag and lots of assorted sample cologne vials - which is really sweet ;) of him. The following day, Sunday, I felt the need to go back to Chadstone and look for a new pair of knee-high boots. I ended up browsing through the racks of MNG (Mango Shop) and got this jacket chaqueta vld voil in black and a couple of blusones. I came home and told hubby dearest in his daggy outfit workgear - "Look what you just bought for your lovely wife!!!"

I'm Back!

It has been about 5 months since my last post and the prisoners at the Fox River State Penitentiary are finally breaking out. The final episode will be aired next Wednesday here in Oz. The truth is, I've already been checking updates on the Fox site. I know - we're so behind here when it comes to tv programming.

Back to blogging - I hope. I really wish that I'll have a post a week; but given my priorities at the moment, blogging is definitely not on top of my list. Like now - I'm supposed to be doing some reading and drafting an outline. But instead I thought of checking out my "old" blog and suddenly I felt the need to update it. It felt good browsing through my archives and reading about my life in the past.

For now though - this is my only entry. So hi & hello to family and friends who come and visit my blog (including those who don't leave comments! :) I promise to update it regularly...

Cheers!

I'm a Wentworth Fan!

Ok, so I'm a certified Wentworth Miller fan. I surfed the net for some photos of Miller and these are tops in my list; I especially like the B&W photos done by GQ magazine... I can't find much info about the guy but I came across this article when he was promoting The Human Stain in Denver (I'm not sure what year). Here's another article on Miller published in August 2005.

Amazing story - his persistence did paid off. He says that he used to be "the xerox guy" doing temp jobs in the entertainment industry before landing a great role in The Human Stain. Anyway, I think Miller is hot and sexy. Thank goodness for the big break in Prison Break! Suddenly he's the hottest guy on Oz tv. I just hope that he'll get excellent breaks from here on.

A bit of trivia on Miller: He is of African American, Jamaican, English, German, French, Dutch, Syrian and Lebanese descent. That explains the good looks!


(The photos were picked from several sites so thanks to whoever posted them...)

Prison Break & Wentworth Miller

Love this new show on Channel 7! It's like Swashank Redemption, except Prison Break has got so many twists in it that I can't wait to see the next episode. (It's like reading Ludlum + Clancy + Baldacci!) And an unknown actor called Wentworth Miller is just too COOL playing the character of Michael Scofield. The pilot episode got me hooked. The conspiracy act behind Lincoln's (played by Dominic Purcell) case and Michael's plan to break his brother out of prison is enough reason to say that this tv series is WORTH WATCHING. Below is the show's plot for your info: (Photo on the right courtesy of yahoo.tv.com)

Michael Scofield is a desperate man in a desperate situation. His brother, Lincoln Burrows, is on death row and scheduled to die in a few months for a murder Michael is convinced Lincoln did not commit. With no other options and time winding down, Michael holds up a bank to get himself incarcerated alongside his brother in Fox River State Penitentiary. Once he's inside, we learn that Michael -- a structural engineer with the blueprints for the prison -- has hatched an elaborate plan to break Lincoln out and prove his innocence. Senior correctional officer Bellick offers some prison wisdom as Michael arrives. Then, with the help of his cellmate Sucre, Michael begins to align himself with a disparate group of prisoners -- including former mob boss John Abruzzi, and Charles Westmoreland, a man some believe to be the infamous skyjacker D.B. Cooper. On the outside Michael has only one ally, his defense attorney and longtime friend, Veronica Donovan -- who is Lincoln's former girlfriend. Meanwhile, Lincoln's 15-year-old son, LJ, is now adrift without his Uncle Michael's positive influence. (Executive Producers: Paul Scheuring, Dawn Parouse, Marty Adelstein, Neal Moritz and Brett Ratner.)

Wentworth Miller






This kid is HOT! He is not the typical good-looking actor but his looks and demeanour fits perfectly to his character, Michael. Rough and rugged and yet deep and seems sensitive... Although Miller doesn't have much dialogue in some of the episodes, his eyes speak volume in every scene where he is in. I don't find his tatoo sexy at all but his character does. Scofield has a structural engineering degree, magna cumlaude! How hot could that be?

Miller was born in the UK and was raised in Brooklyn. A graduate of Princeton University with a degree in English literature, Miller sang in college and traveled the world performing with the school’s famed a cappella group, the Princeton Tigertones. He does not have a long resume but Miller landed guest spots and earned attention on the series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Popular.” Since appearing in “Dinotopia”, and “The Human Stain,” Miller has appeared in the vampire feature “Underworld” and had a recurring role this past season in the drama “Joan of Arcadia.”

(Photos courtesy of fox.com; Prison Break airs every Wednesday 8:30pm on 7)

Busy @ Work, Etc.

(Photo: Lake Garda, Italy, 2004)

January 29th was my last post and it's now mid-February... OMG! it has been a couple of very busy weeks for me.

February 4th, Saturday I hosted a Chinese New Year party at home and I've invited a few people from the church, a couple of colleagues from work and their partners, and good neighbours. Of course we had to celebrate the Chinese New Year - so I served the traditional meals - whole chicken (sans the head and the feet as my Aussie guest may be very shocked with it!), whole fish (snapper), long noodles, meals made with oranges and for the Aussies, some bbq meat and salad. And lots of booze as usual. It was a simple party and I got to know more of our neighbours (from the house at the back, at the rear and across). And I was glad to have invited some people from the church; I had to reciprocate their kindness as they always invite me to their place. From work, I got to be very close with two ladies - a Taiwanese and an Aussie - so I asked them to come to my party. Ms Taiwan brought his Russian husband and the couple is awesome; they're fun to be with and seems to be very genuine and sincere. They did help me entertain some of my guests... The Aussie lady is special too as at work she is good to me and she offered to bring homemade cake and pastries!

The week after I was just plain busy at work as I had to make up some hours for a day's leave. It has been a long time since I had a proper, normal job; meaning a 9:00 to 5:00 as I have been living a tai-tai for sometime and at one point did freelance work. But it's good to have that routine as it actually forces me to GET UP early in the morning and DO SOMETHING worthwhile during the day. That translates to = get paid for doing something and not just do shopping! At night, I was busy WATCHING the new season tv premieres! Lots of excellent shows in Oz right now. See, I really know my priorities!

Of course there are important things on my plate too but sometimes I choose to handle the urgent or things that I JUST WANT TO DO NOW. Like in a few minutes I have to run to the couch and see my favourite show this season, Prison Break...

Ciao!

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Today is the beginning of the Chinese New Year, but the Feng Shui predictions begin on February 4. It is the Fire Dog Year. Here are some tips for the new year from my Feng Shui master:

• To benefit from luck this year, place a water feature in the North, the East or the Southeast.
• Place a dog image gazing at the moon (preferably a dog that looks like gold or metal as metal produces water) in the North for good income and money luck; in the East for good career advancement luck.
• For zodiac signs who will not have a favourable year, it is best to lie low. The Dragon, Rooster and Horse have different kinds of bad luck to contend with, while the Sheep is also indirectly afflicted but it not so serious.
• The Rat will have a good year although he should be careful of betrayal from friends.
• The Tiger and the Ox will enjoy good heaven luck and will benefit from unexpected windfall luck.
• The Rabbit enjoys excellent career luck and will emerge winner in a race to the top. There is success luck for the Rabbit.
• The Sheep and the Monkey will enjoy completion luck and can lay the foundation for future prosperity. So he can start new ventures.
• The Dog and the Boar will benefit from peach blossom luck, which suggests love.
• The Rooster will have misfortune luck and should protect itself from the wu wang (Five Yellow star) energy by wearing or displaying the five-element pagoda.
• The Horse could get cheated, while the Snake and Dragon might succumb more easily to illness this year.
• This year's more auspicious colours are blue or black to indicate yang water energy.

And here some passed-on traditions from mom:

• On new year's day, DON't do any cleaning so as not to sweep away good luck (I advised my brother to just tidy-up but no cleaning. Yesterday, even with a painful right foot - I'm experiencing some athritis-related pain - I did my usual domestic chores; laundry, vaccum, mop, some dusting of knick-knacks, thrown garbage, etc. I was exhausted but at least I've cleared the mess before the new year. I got rid of all the bad luck and now ready to welcome the new year.)
• After new year, you may sweep the floors but you can't throw the garbage or any mess cleared until the fifth day. And sweeping should be done inwards - from the front of the house to back. All the rubbish should be taken out from the back of the house and never through the front door.
• Don't lend any money on this day. (Bawal magpa-utang!)
• Refrain from using any foul language, bad or unlucky words, talks about death and dying, and about the past. Discussion should be about the good and about the future.
• Wear something red (also good luck when you wear red underwear!). So I took out all my red clothing and will probably be wearing red for the whole week.
• Wear gold jewelry. (I don't have lots of yellow gold but will wear some of it for the week.)
• Serve whole chicken and fish as it is not good to serve an animal in pieces. (I'm just wondering how my Aussie guests will react to a whole chicken served with head and feet intact. :[
• Have dumplings, noodles (uncut so as not to cut the longevity). Serve lots of food as this signifies abundance all year.
• Have LOTS of oranges (tangerines or pomelos) on the dining table as an orange is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. (I always have oranges on our dining table.
• Give lai-see (red envelope with $$$) to kids.

Wishing you all abundance, prosperity, good fortune and health!

Chinese Horoscope

I've been asked several times by people what their animal sign is in the Chinese zodiac but I honestly don't know all the signs and the year associated with them. I know MY sign, hubby' sign, my mom & dad's and my two brothers. So here, I'm putting the 12 animal signs and the respective years for reference.

RAT - 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996
Born undera a sign of charm, you are sociable and get on with others. You like to keep yourself active and, witha quick-witted and resourceful nature, you're good at spotting opportunities and making the most of situations. You take much pride in your home and family life.
Famous rats: Geoff :), Joel, Prince Charles, Hugh Grant, Eminem, Cameron Diaz.

OX - 1925, 1937, 196, 1973, 1985, 1997
Reliable, methodical and persistent, you are determined. And you're much admired for your strong will and sense of purpose. You are prepared to work long and hard to achieve your aims. Honest and frank in your views, you are a no-nonsense type who is loyal to those special to you.
Famous oxen: Richard Gere, Dustin Hoffman, Eddie Murphy, Bruce Springsteen.

TIGER - 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
Active, enterprising and often full of ideas, you like to be involved. You can be restless and sometimes impulsive, but your zest and enthusiasm bring results and make for a full and interesting life. Your outgoing nature and many interests give you a wide circle of friends.
Famous tigers: The Queen, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robbie Williams.

RABBIT - 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
Easy going and kindly, you enjoy company and are well thought of by others. You particularly value your home and life and as far as possible aim for a settled and stable existence. You do not like discord or disruption. You're perceptive and able to gauge situations and the feelings of others.
Famous rabbits: Johnny Depp, Tiger Woods, Davide Beckham, Kate Winslet.

DRAGON - 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
Born under a sign of luck, you have great energy and purpose. Always keen to make the most of yourself and your ideas, you are enterprising, bold and destined to lead a full and eventful life. You are independently minded and like having your own way, but are much admired for your determination, openness and integrity.
Famous dragons: Tom Jones, Dan Brown, Neil Diamond, Russel Crowe.

SNAKE - 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
With a quiet and thoughtful manner, you have considerable charm and appeal. You go about your activities in your own way and tend to keep things close to your chest. But your good humour, keen mind, persevering nature and great ambition ensure you're usually successful in getting your way. You are loyal and caring to those dear to you.
Famous snakes: Pierce Brosnan, Tony Blair, Brad Pitt, JK Rowling.

HORSE - 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
Friendly, outgoing and with a love of conversation, you get on well and easily with others. You have wide-ranging interests and, with your adventurous nature, often like to travel. You can at times be restless, but you work hard and have a keen and sharp mind. You take great care with and pride in your appearance.
Famous horses: Nelson Mandela, Sir Paul McCartney, Billy Connolly, Bob Geldof.

GOAT - 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
A kindly and easy going nature, born under the sign of art. You are adaptable and tactful and try hard to avoid disagreements and unpleasantness. You're all for a stable and peaceful existence and are often influenced by your surroundings. You also value the support and company of family and friends and regularly seek their advice.
Famous goats: Bill Gates, Sir Mick Jagger, Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts.

MONKEY - 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Lively, active and with a good sense of fun, you like to keep yourself occupied. Your alert and inquisitive mind makes you most resourceful. You are a good and persuasive communicator and your genial nature makes you popular in a wide social circle. Then there is your loyalty and generosity to those important to you.
Famous monkeys: Isay :), Joel :), Michael Douglas, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, Kylie Minogue.

ROOSTER - 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
With a great sense of style, keen mind and broad interests, you know how to impress. You enjoy conversation and, while sometimes you are outspoken, others admire your honest and fortright approach. You enjoy socialising and are caring and protective of loved ones. You carefully and methodically plan what you do.
Famous roosters: Mom :), Roger Federer, Dolly Parton, Britney Spears.

DOG - 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Loyal to family and friends, dependable and well respected by many. You are caring and keen to help those in need as well as support causes you believe in. Being conscientious, you're a worrier and sometimes greater willingness to talk about your worries could help. You work hard and stay active, often enjoying outdoor pursuits.
Famous dogs: George W. Bush, Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna.

PIG - 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995
You work hard, play hard and set about your activities with great energy. At work, your commitment and good business sense can take you far. But you like to enjoy the results of your efforts and often have expensive tastes and an eye for comfort and style. Home and family life is particularly important and you are caring and devoted.
Famous pigs: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bryan Woods, Woody Allen, Sir Elton John.

It's Australia Day Today

G'day mate!

It's Australia today - what great about it is it's a national holiday. Evidently IT IS THE BIGGEST CELEBRATION in the country. Hubby and I didn't plan on anything today. At work yesterday, everyone was telling me (the Aussies) that it's time to have a barB (bbq) with friends and family. So I asked what else do they do? Not much really. Reading the papers this morning, there are lots (or heaps in Aussie lingo) of activities in the city and in other areas of Victoria (and other states of course). It should be great to go out and join the festivities but it's going to be very hot today - 40 C! Hmmmmm, better to stay indoors where there's air conditioning system. I'm not really in the mood go out as I got up with a headache so I thought of just being lazy today. Great - I can read the papers from cover to cover.

Around 9:30 am hubby's daugther called. Mrs N and her family lives in St Andrews, a rural locality NE of Melbourne, and they are on alert because of bushfires. Their massive country property is host to a few horses and lots of pets. The two kids and two dogs are already in her in-law's place. (How about the cat? I forgot to ask.) Since Sunday, several Victorian communities have been affected by the hot weather and bushfires; it did serous damage to properties and farm land. In one area, about 12 houses were ravaged by the fire. Hubby dear was just pottering around in the garden when I got the phone call from Mrs N - so the daughter and father had a quick chat. As hubby was getting ready, Mrs N called again and asked me if Dad could just take my car, Hillary. Sure I said. Hubby's car Bill, is too pretty to be subjected to such a situation. She just laughed... Hubby rushed and took the garden hose and some other "stuff" with him. I gave him a box of face masks (a leftover box from the SARS days in HK).

I went and checked the fridge and see what's on stock so I can at least plan for the rest of the week's menu. I'm terrible when it comes to planning for meals. I hate it. But as the wife, it's one of my duties. After I've made some marinade for the chicken and cut up the beef and put some seasoning, I had a long shower. By the time I came down, Phoebe has pooped on the carpet in the lounge!!! Aarrrghhhh! I just want this day to be a relaxed day.

So I decided to hit my pc and check emails and read entertainment news, update my blog, read some of other's blogs...

But going back to the Australia day, I did ask hubby at breakfast what it means to him. He was born in Scotland and then moved here 25 years ago. He says he is as much Aussie as he is as a Scottsman. OK then whatever that means. Having lived here for more than 2 years now I LOVE this country. In fact, I'll go and check the Australian Citizenship site now as I'm eligible to be an Aussie!

Golden Globes 2006 Worst-Dressed

Even if you're not a fashion expert, you know the following are in the worst-dressed list.

(1) Pamela Anderson
Her tv show Stacked is airing on Channel 7 here in Oz and I've seen 1 episode. Ms Anderson was not bad at all but it's a show I'd rather not follow. She looks very uncomfortable in this photo and in fact in her red carpet arrival interview she did say something like "i don't know why i'm here?" or to that effect. I think that with this dress she's trying hard to be demure - but she looked so uneasy with that black sling. around her famous "stack" and figure. She's got great figure but she should have chosen something that will accentuate that. I've got to give her some credit for trying to cover those famous t---s of hers.



(2) Mariah Carey.
Why is Ms Carey ALWAYS wearing too tight dresses??? This one just screams too tight and too revealing; and it's silk! The fabric accentuates all the curves in a bad way. And the hair is the same - it's pulled back too tight. I have yet to see her in a classy dress! I love her songs and I have her albums but when it comes to fashion she's a disaster! Need to hire a new stylist Ms Carey. I'm sure with your hit album The Emancipation of Mimi you have a budget for an excellent stylist.





(3) Virginia Madsen
Good choice of dress colour and fabric but the gown's plunging neckline is way too much - your cup overfloweth Ms Madsen. She's got a pretty face, but her boobs don't have to compete with her for attention.