Standing On The Edge

The Rabbit Hole: In 3D

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Last Friday, I went to see Tim Burton’s take on Alice In Wonderland. Been planning to see it on 3D. The 3D theatres I am aware of were the ones in SM Mall Of Asia and SM North EDSA. I found out that the nearby Greenbelt cinema now has a 3D Theatre. Thought going to a movie is way better than doing excise spending time in treadmills like my friend did; not in this El Niño heat. Here are some memorable points I’ve had on my first 3D experience:

I was expecting a 3D cinema was three times wider than the normal cinema. The one in Greenbelt was like the normal theatre screens. Maybe the huge ones where the IMAX versions.
It took a while for my eyes to adjust to the screen. Well, I’ve been putting my glasses on and off and was a bit silly comparing how the picture will look with and without glasses. Hee.
The difference with 3D is you’ll have a depth perception while watching the film. The characters and the elements around them seemed to pop out of the screen. There are moments on the film that I thought I would be hit by the spears thrown by the Red Queen’s army of cards. LOL.

My review of the film, next…

Pinch Me

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:32:00 +0000

I was writing an article about a fat burner review when a friend of mine tweeted this:

John Mayer in Manila on May 16. It has got to be true since it's on his website.

OH. MY. GAWD.

A few weeks ago, I wrote something about it and was really apprehensive about the reality that is John Mayer having a concert here. Most people I shared this news with have all said there was a minute chance of it happening.

And now I have the screenshot of his website to prove that it is not.

Sleepwalk Circus' Great Secret Show Album Launch

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:34:00 +0000

Before I start working on anti wrinkle cream research, I want to invite all of you guys to this event:

Sleepwalk Circus is finally launching their debut album, Great Secret Show, on March 27. The launch party will be ay the Hexagon Lounge, RCBC Plaza (corner of Ayala and Buendia) Makati, City. Show starts 8:30 PM sharp. Php150 gets you in with a free drink.

Project 365 Kicks Off July (Hopefully)

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:49:00 +0000

So I was doing my daily blog-hoping earlier today. Well, sort of since today I decided to check out photosets in Flickr instead of the usual blogs. The online photo database is filled with the good stuff of course. But what I particularly explore pictures of people who paricipated in Project 365. It's a popular internet meme where you take a photo of yourself or anything around you everyday from the January 1 to December 31. Most of the photosets I saw were self-portraits. And I must say, most of the sets I've seen were pretty impressive, the account owners won't be needing the best acne treatment. Their entries are really inspiring especially the ones who makes the mundane scenes into something really interesting.

Thinking of starting my own Project 365 in a different way; Day 1 will be on my 27th birthday.

Helloooooo Panda!

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:19:00 +0000

Have you ever seen anything as cute as this?

No, this is not a stuffed toy. I found this photo while writing a proposal for the nordictrack audiostrider 990 pro PowerPoint presentation for a client. How lucky are the owners of this uber cute canine. I could stay all day, lounge with Panda Dog sitting on my tummy. Of course, I have no idea how heavy the dog is. It must weigh a ton, hehe. But look at those fluffy furr. Wah.

What Happens?

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:08:00 +0000

Was doing my usual blog rounds and saw this picture in Bryanboy.com. I was up late last night reading the latest digital issue of Nylon and reading blogs, I think I need to find the best sleep aid I can get to stop this forming habit. I also posted this picture on Tumblr to know what people thought. One of them answered that he would kill both or one of them; the other answered that she would be deeply sad. I haven’t thought about my answer to this. How about you? Any thoughts?

Fresh Sounds Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:30:00 +0000

El Niño starting to drill me down. I've been having recurring fever since Saturday and I am certain that the unbearable heat has something to do with it. Good thing, our office is fully airconditioned and I only experience the heat when the team goes out for lunch. Speaking of work, people are starting to get ready to participate at a project similar to getting an online degree. My boss suggested that the whole team should take the SharePoint courses. I still need to register for the said course, but my schedule is not until May.

Anyways, enough about work. Up Dharma Down and Sleepwalk Circus are playing this Saturday, February 27 at the Mag:Net Cafe in Boni Highstreet for their 2nd Fresh Sound Series. The gig starts at 10:30 PM. Php150 gets you in with a free drink.

Do come. :)

John Mayer in Manila on May 15

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:39:00 +0000

It started out with a shared link by my friend Jolly Estaris on Facebook last January 26. It directs readers to a blog-hosted survey where the author accommodate a friend's request who happens to be a big concert producer. The question was who the Pinoy concert-goers want to see next; Justin Beiber + Jay Sean OR John Mayer.

Of course the result was obvious (and yes, I will kick you in the nads if you prefer wasting your money to Beiber and Sean). Kidding.

I put my two cents on the survey and tightly crossed my fingers and wished that It does happen. I mean, the possibility is just too good to be true. Sharing the news with a colleague got me this response:

Si John Mayer pupunta dito? Sikat pa siya, diba?
(John Mayer is having a concert here? He’s still popular, right?)

Hearing this comment made me think that getting a bpi certification is more realistic that having JOHN MAYER play a concert for his Filipino fans. Let’s admit that a big act like him will not have our country on top of his list and have an amazing repertoire.

It’s John freakin’ Mayer!

I forgot about the survey. Letting go of the idea that the singer-song writer that I have been a part of my ‘to-do’ list before I die (watching his concert, that is), is the best way to do it. But of course there was a part of me, a big one, that’s really hoping that it will happen. I even said to myself it doesn’t matter how old I’d be if that happens: I will be there at the concert when Mr. Mayer decides to grace our country.

Then last Wednesday night, this tweet circulated twitterverse like wild fire:

BREAKING NEWS. Channel V brings JOHN MAYER in the Philippines on May 15! You read it here first here-@iamtimyap Yahoo! Spread the word.

No effing way!

Up until today, there is no news if this new is true or not. Tim Yap, a celebrity who’s been on top of things when it comes to huge events like this, was the one who broke the news. Channel [V] and the people behind the network, apparently, are the ones making this happen. May 15 is the date of the possible concert. I checked John Mayer’s tour dates on his website. May 15 is not listed yet. But on May 08, he’ll be in Australia and the next gig after that will be on the 21st, which means there really IS a possibility that he’ll be here on May 15th.
Dan dan daaan.

Hello Annoying

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:55:00 +0000

That would probably what the black puppy is trying to say in the picture, straight to my brother Zaide. LOL. My brother was really excited when he sent me this picture over YM. This was the first time the puppies walked around and explore the front yard after three weeks. Our dog, Tutets, gave birth to six litters; 2 pure black, 2 black-and-white, 1 white and 1 brown. One of the puppies won’t be needing a treatment for hair loss because of her thick fur. The twins and the brown one will need extra attention because they’re so small.

Busy February

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:52:00 +0000

I've been meaning to blog about a lot of things for the past few days. It's crazy how I never have enough time on my hands to write everything up. There's the fun project that I've poured my brain and heart out at the office (and still looking forward to working on it this weekend -- yes meaning no weekend for me, heee). It's the first time my boss has given me this huge task where I am in charge of everything; from the outline, to the layout and the design. It was nerve-wracking, but great at the same time since I am learning A LOT of things in the process. Been trying to squeeze in and write small articles about the Outer Banks rentals in between too. I am almost done with the whole project and looking forward for it to be finalized on Monday. I think I'll also be in charge with its maintenance, so it's all good.

It's On...

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:47:00 +0000

This is my blog. And for the past two years (and maybe the years before that), I've given much crap on what other people might say before writing something. Well, actually the start of that was when someone said to my face that I suck at writing. That was way before I've dealt with numerous research works like acne medicine and other random things I get on my Inbox. It's all good, anyway. I did not create this blog to impress people. I never really asked people to read whatever it is that I write here. It just so happens that A LOT of people bumped into this little corner that I have on the world wide web. And I thank all those people who stop by and really read my thoughts. Before, I could write endlessly about how my day was, but most of the people around me thinks that it is sucky and uncool and not the way to do blogging. Well, what do you think?

Downloading Dawson

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:39:00 +0000

For some reason, I cannot really let go of this show. Dawson’s Creek was my Monday nights when I was in high school. I remember feeling all grown-up when my mother allowed me to watch this show, as in fully-enjoy the perks of not having to be asked to run errands and do chores between 8 to 9pm. My teen years was never about acne body lotion and other related things that deal with what most of my classmate gave a big deal about: how to look good. Funny, right? That I never really worried about it that much about it then? Well, I don’t know. But all I cared about then is my books, Dawson’s Creek and MTV. I had my own world then, heee.

Downloading the first season right now.

Sheldon Says...

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:39:00 +0000

Glad to have the gang back this week. I watched the episode while scanning the Playa del carmen rental website. There was no new episode of The Big Bang Theory last week, and this week they're back funny as ever with the new episode, The Einstein Approximation. Of course, the Bazinga scene was the highlight of the episode.

Hello Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:03:00 +0000

Should be in a better mood right now. The thought of friends not wanting you to be around them is the most depressing thing. It's just a thought. None of them might be true, but being in a been-there-done-that situation like that at least makes me a pro. I never should've let my hopes up that they would always include me. Who am I, anyway. I guess I'll just busy myself writing about modern furniture and maybe watch this movie. Might stir up a better mood.

Phoenix is love.

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:47:00 +0000

Their fourth album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, had been on my playlist for the past six months. I accidentally discovered this band while streaming songs tagged as #indie at Last.fm. Lasso was the very first song I heard from this band, and I've tracked their songs and albums since then.

Almost all of the songs from the Wolfgang Amadeus album are perfect morning pick-me-up playlist. The band’s exposure to the diverse sound of the 80s can be heard throughout the album with the ubiquitous synths (nothing like one scratching a Franke sink) and raw guitar riffs. Hopeful lyrics paired with catchy melodies have this band soaring through the airwaves as they made the list of the most listened-to artist of 2009 in Las.fm. The seamless vocals of Thomas Mars and a dash of his adorable French accents here and there made each and every song from the album a must-play.

We Are All Fans

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:12:00 +0000

People with the best jobs in the world were honored at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. Being in the music business, making music, touching people and then being honored for the work they've poured their souls into is I think the coolest thing ever.

Beyonce and Taylor Swift were the biggest winners this year, taking home six and four awards respectively. Great performances were prepared by the best of the best in music scene, but fans anticipated performance has got to be the Michael Jackson tribute performance in 3D.

Thirty-first

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:19:00 +0000

One month down, eleven to go. The first month of 2010 have been very busy both at work and with my friends. This month was great and I am thankful that I was able to start my year on a positive note. Another thing I am thankful for is the downpour of writing assignments I've been getting every week. I still need to write two articles about life insurance quote and there are six more on queue.

Anyways, aside from the blogging tasks that I hope I do a lot of this year, I also want to learn how to make this:

Droll fest

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:09:00 +0000

Now, I don't really care if I'd be writing some boring news article about insurance quote, this Rolling Stone photo of John Mayer made my day! H-O-T.

Just one more day and I'll tear a page on my desktop calendar that says January. I started 2010 the best way I have started any year of my adult life. Been surrounding myself with the best people around for the past couple of weeks that's why I'll be ending this month on a happy note.

Birthday Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:46:00 +0000

I love bringing home little gifts for my father. He has been a house husband for the past eight years and being good at that. He wakes up every 5am to drive me to the shuttle terminal and then takes care of my two other brothers before going to school and work. He also manages to help out the neighbors from time to time, making him the best one to come for help if there's something wrong with their sink or something similar. Taking care of us everyday makes him deserve little rewards, plus I really like seeing him so giggly everytime I tell him that I got him a pasalubong. His smile is priceless. Last Christmas, I was successful giving him the gift that he wanted: a new pair of leather shoes. He regularly serves as a lay minister at the local parish and he always wear leather shoes, hence the Christmas wish list.

His birthday is August, and I am thinking of what to give him. My mother suggested years ago that I should buy him a watch since he likes wearing one all the time. I was looking at this site where they sell the best replica watches. One design that caught my eye is the fake rolex submariner watch which looks fine for a replica watch. Other designs featured on the site would definitely knock off rolex and other expensive designer watches. Been browsing the site for a while now and I thought Do I really want to give my father a replica watch? It's affordable, yes. The quality must be not state-of-the-art, but it does look great. *thinks...

Anyways, I still have a couple of months to think and decide what gift I would give my father this year. A watch is an option, and another pair of jeans maybe...

A Page From The Past 02

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:05:00 +0000

Kid Makes It To The Top Of The World
By Maria Zobel Certeza
Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 03, 2002

A Page From The Past

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:11:00 +0000

Harry Potter By Two

by Luigi Baroa and Bhel Certeza (that’s me n_n)
The Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 26, 2003

Life Unexpected

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:22:00 +0000

I remember watching each and every episode of Gilmore Girls. The banter between the mother-daughter tandem of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel respectively, is seamless, smart and entertaining. The lovely scenario of generation gap interpreted through the war of words between the two is really something to look forward to every week. But the fun ended which I believe was so soon some three years ago when the show aired its last season.

Life Unexpected, the new show from the same producers as Gilmore Girls, promises the same smart sarcasm that Lorelai and Rory had, and a lot more.

I read an article about Life Unexpected while researching about quick weight loss, sharing that this new series has a Juno-meets-Gilmore-Girls feel to it. Here’s a quick synopsis of the show from Variety.com:

About to turn 16, foster child Lux ("Swingtown's" talented Brittany Robertson) learns she must obtain signatures from her biological parents in order to become emancipated. So she hunts down her dad, Nate (Kristoffer Polaha), who is now running a bar, has a bit of a Peter Pan complex and is understandably flummoxed to meet the girl he fathered with the unfortunately named Cate Cassidy (Shiri Appleby) in high school.

Cate now co-hosts a local morning radio show with her boyfriend, Ryan ("Dawson Creek's" Kerr Smith), and she's equally flustered when Lux waltzes into her life. Yet the plans for a quickie emancipation conveniently evaporate (or else there would be no series), and Cate and Nate reluctantly assume shared custody of their long-lost seed.

Series creator Liz Tigelaar ("What About Brian") falls back on all the tired tropes of the genre, from the squabbling between Nate and Cate (nope, it doesn't sound any less silly that way) to Lux's alternating precociousness and neediness. What makes a family is a potent theme, but "Life" never gets much beyond glib banter and after-school special territory.

For all that, Robertson and the still-adorable Appleby (a graduate of "Roswell," which played on both WB and UPN) nearly save things with their moist eyes and innate likability. If only the show didn't keep stumbling into cliches like Lux's tough friends and Nate's disapproving parents at each new episodic turn -- or empower Lux to repeatedly lecture adults about the art of parenting, which will likely make anybody out of their teens want to throw up.

So despite its modest merits, "Life" ultimately spends most of its time paddling in the shallow end of the dramatic gene pool. And based on the CW's recent track record, that wasn't entirely unexpected.

Early Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:13:00 +0000

NC short term health insurance or other similar services might one of the things I should start securing. I am not getting any younger, and I am not seeing myself getting tied up soon. Better plan things ahead and secure my future, right? Starting an insurance account was suggested by a number of friends for the past three years, but only decided to really look in to it now. Hope I can get the one that has the best deal out there.

Glee Girls At The Globes

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:26:00 +0000

The recently concluded Golden Globe awards is most special for the whole cast and crew of Glee. The show and its cast were nominated in three categories; Lea Michelle for Best Actress in a Comedy; Matt Morrison for Best Actor in a Comedy and the show for Best New Comedy.

Here are the girls all glamed-up and definitely won't be needing a face wrinkle cream anytime soon. The two cast members who were nominated didn’t win, but the show was the night’s victor as it was honored as the Best New Comedy of the year.

Post-Meetup

noreply@blogger.com (Zobel) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:36:00 +0000

I don’t really have that much expectation when I organized the UdD Tumblr Meetup. The Tumblelog is barely five months old and was only able to have 280+ followers before the meetup. It was the first time for me to organize a gathering such as that that I said to myself not to look forward to something huge, like everyone who follows the blog would come, things like that.

Only seven members made it to Saguijo, but it sure did made me happy that there are people who responded to the invitation. n_n

Armi, Pol, Ean and Carlos thanked me for all the effort I did for the event like sending and texting invites, preparing the list of the followers and giving out badges, not only to those Tumblr followers who attended, but also to the other fans who were there that night as well. The place was packed! The gig was scheduled on the 15th, but Up Dharma Down was only able to play around 2am which was already the 16th. Still, the volume of people inside Saguijo was the same as it was, and even more, when the event started at 11pm. It was great that the crowed kept the energy and sang along to every song that the band played that night…erm…morning.

Here’s one decent photo I have of the event. I took a couple of pictures, but most of it were blurred because of the lack of space to even move an arm.

This is Armi (who won't be needing the best fat burner anytime soon) doing the thing that she love the most, and the jam packed Saguijo.