I am eksi...

The Physics of the Quest

2012-02-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

"Sometimes... to lose balance for love.. is part of living a balanced life."

The Physics of the Quest -- a force in nature governed by laws as real as the laws of gravity. The rule of the Quest Physics goes something like this...

If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting,

which can be anything from your house to bitter old resentments...

and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either eternally or internally.

And if you are truly willing,

to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue.

And if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher.

And if you are prepared, most of all,

to face and forgive some difficult realities about yourself.

Then the truth will not be withheld from you.

-- from the movie Eat Pray Love.

VisualDNA Personality Quiz Result: You're an Energizer

2011-12-07T14:02:00.001-08:00

Spirit
You're an Energizer. Outgoing and smiley, you get pleasure from being a really good friend. You have a naturally positive disposition and a whole lot of love to give. It seems like you're in a great place right now, feeling full of energy and with everything just flowing for you. Your natural optimism definitely helps! It may be time for a change of scene. If moving isn't an option, then why not think about little changes you can make around the home to freshen things up? There's lots you can do that won't break the bank. Try a new coat of paint or reupholster the couch. For someone who enjoys the buzz of social gatherings and lively events, the importance of a contrasting space in your life is especially important. You find great strength and comfort from being at one with nature. Make sure you remind yourself of how special those moments can be for reinvigorating.

Relationship
Allowing yourselves the space and freedom to be who you truly are is the foundation of a long-lasting partnership. Knowing that you can retain your individuality while being part of a strong pair is a valuable gift. You're a deeply passionate person and will go to extreme lengths for love. It's all about intuition and chemistry and being swept off your feet by your partner. Love means opening yourself up to intense experiences that you'll remember for the rest of your life. You are expressive and sensual, so a strong physical connection is important to you. It feels really good to lose yourself in the moment. There's nothing like being in love to put a smile on your face, butterflies in your stomach and a spring in your step. It's important to remember those magic feelings every now and again, no matter how long you've been together.

Relationship tips:
So you're Passionate but what tips can we give for keeping the magic alive in your relationship?
Say it loud and clear. Big romantic gestures are all part of the package for you. If you're in love, you want the whole world to know it so don't be afraid to shout it from the rooftops!

Who said fireworks have to be for a special occasion? Organize your very own fireworks display in your backyard, complete with barbecue and beers! Whatever the weather, sit out under the stars, or under an umbrella if you have to. It's all about being together!

Book tickets for a weekend away. Keep it a surprise to add to the excitement (just make sure you give little hints about what to pack!)

Take it easy. Hit a really great farmers market together, buy delicious ingredients and head home to cook up a feast.

Money
You're a techie, and you love to have the latest gadgets. If you get some money to spend, chances are it will go on something shiny! You have a very healthy approach to life. You know that true happiness doesn't come from material things or possessions. It goes much deeper than that and is all about valuing those things you can't put a price on. You like to care for those around you, and if they're happy, you're happy. You appreciate that both highs and lows make up the balance of life and you always try and stay spiritually strong and focused.

Health
You're a bounce-out-of-bed kind of person. Healthy, positive and on top of the world. You're an endorphin junkie, and nothing beats exercise to make you look and feel fantastic. You have excellent reserves of energy and live life at a fast pace. Anything else would feel like slow motion. You probably grab every opportunity to do a little extra exercise - walking up escalators, jogging home from the store. And if you don't get your heart rate up regularly, you can end up feeling like a bit of a slob. Just be careful that you don't get too obsessed. No one wants to hear how many sit-ups you've done!

Home
Ever dreamed about living the A-list lifestyle with a luxury villa and a pool perfect for parties? Thought so! Who needs stress and deadlines when you could be chilling in the sun all day or paying a visit to your own swim-up bar? What's not to love?

Entertainment
You have a vivid imagination and enjoy letting yourself be transported away from everyday life, so the escapism of the silver screen is perfect for you. Whether it's the latest blockbuster or a quirky arthouse offering, you love a night at the movies. Why not get some friends over for a themed DVD night? Fancy dress can be optional...just make sure you've got plenty of popcorn!

Style
Classic and classy just about sums you up! You're down-to-earth and practical with a laid-back approach to life. Whether you're just grabbing a coffee or off on exotic travels, you're always cool, calm and collected.

Travel
You're inquisitive, open-minded and interested in history. You love to discover new things and experience new places. For you, the tourist trail is best avoided. After all, it's the hidden gems that make traveling so exciting! You love to thoroughly immerse yourself in culture, so chances are you'll end up in a museum or gallery at some point on your trip.

Take VisualDNA Personality Quiz

The Sound of Music Manila

2011-11-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

"The hills are alive..."

The hills are alive, indeed. State-of-the art technology by Resorts World Manila's Newport Performing Arts Theater and a classic story seamlessly merged! The set was equally amazing as the performers: Cris Villonco (alternate of Joanna Ampil) as Maria, and Audie Gemora as Captain Georg von Trapp. The kids were all cute and bubbly, and Pinky Amador, as Baroness Elsa Schraeder, was stunning and gorgeous as ever.

Maria and the von Trapp Family (source: spot.ph)

(source: ph.omg.yahoo.com)

"Do.. re.. mi.."

But for us, it was 1... 2.. 3... say cheese! :))

with Mel

Mela and I (rocking those jumpsuits)

Mel's funny.. critics Debralis
and the elites much :))

yay! christmas tree and Santa at Maxims

another photo opp with Santa!

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things.."

Pizza, smoothies and iPads.. these are a few of my favorite things...

Tomato and basil pizza from Krazy Garlic

Smoothies!!

What others have said about The Sound of Music Manila...

"brought back the sentimental feelings of children loving their parents, of looking for your dream, of loving the country" - politician Risa Hontiveros

"what you can look forward to is world-class singing, from start to finish" - Emmie Velarde of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

"It sent shivers down my spine, especially with the cast they have assembled to give justice to this particular staging" - blogger Ihcahieh

"The performers are just great! The Sound of Music makes you young… Makes you fall again" - Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corales

And that concludes my post...

"An absurd little bird

Is popping out to say coo-coo (coo-coo)...

So long, farewell

Auf Weidersehen, goodbye"

4 Awesome Days In Singapore Lah!

2011-05-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

Few things I was excited about this trip...
... first ever out-of-the-country trip,
... first time to meet my boss, David, in person (for almost 3 years working for/with him), and
... first time to see John Legend perform live.

Travel Date: April 15 - 18, 2011
Destination: Singapore
Place where I stayed: The Serenade (thanks to Prakash!)

Now, it wasn't very easy to get out of the country you know... but for a first time out-of-the-country traveler with just a passport and a valid ID close at hand, and an incomplete form (to show to immigration) ... well I guess that should be the case (or shouldn't be??)...

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Trip To Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur

2011-02-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

I should have posted this earlier (like a year and 4 months earlier) but.. the lack of a better reason.. yeah I was busy :)) ... The initial plan was to visit the place May 2009 (see tumbleblog) with friend Jen but it didn't happen. So when Luke finally marked a date to see me I started all the planning. Here's my first ever trip to Caramoan, and boy I fell in love with it's beauty!

Caramoan is a 2nd class municipality on the Caramoan Peninsula, in the province of Bicol, Camarines Sur, Philippines. The Caramoan Peninsula has gained tourism popularity in recent years. After the place has been featured in the news and local television programs, local and foreign travelers started to explore the beaches of the peninsula. Caramoan is one of the National Parks of the Philippines. source: wikipedia

The Trip
October 16-20, 2009
Itinerary prepared by Coleen of CMC.

DAY 1. We arrived in Caramoan 2pmish. We're supposed to go island hopping to Matukad and Lahos islands but because we were tired we just ate and then slept in.

DAY 2. Trek to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary and Hardcore Caving

The Trek - We were so prepared to climb 526 steps!

Hardcore Caving (Culapnit Cave) - Now why hardcore?? Well, this is something that you won't expect to do without at least getting a warning from your guide, because it involves crawling, rock climbing, passing through a really small opening that you'll have to dip your whole body and half of your head into the water to get across, and more rock climbing!

Discovery of the day...

2010-10-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

Am I the only person who jiggle when eating mangoes?

The end of an era, and the beginning of another

2010-06-09T06:20:00.001-07:00

January 2009, ended a long-term relationship (8 years) and started anew a month after.... if I didn't do what I did, I probably won't meet the smartest, coolest, kindest geek in my life right now...

When we're about to try new things in our life, make sure that it's always for the better.. it should always be better ...

Bruce on Definitely Filipinos - The Biggest Group of Filipinos on Facebook

2009-11-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

So I've been following Definitely Filipinos, and it's amazing how they can come up with so many things to talk about and members to participate on. Topics like Filipinos who are heroes on their own, Filipinos living abroad and a lot more. They did a great job too, sending information and updates about the Philippines' condition during "Ondoy" and so.

Recently DF gave way for it's members to send and show their best photo with their own pets. Of course, I joined. And luckily, my photo with Bruce has been included.

I get by with a little help from the web...

2009-06-15T03:47:00.001-07:00

Finding cool and odd stuff, sharing a bit about me, knowing a bit about you, letting the world know we exist, learning something new every day... a mix of everything. And, of course, the comfort of working from home!

Internet amazingly connects people.

Hook up the Starbucks Coffee

2009-06-12T17:52:00.001-07:00

Coffee Starbucks

Starbucks coffee, caffe latte with spenda particularly... would be great!

Yeah, I definitely would love to have a tap that spurts out endless Starbucks' caffe latte. So who likes coffee? anyone? Perfect, I'll just turn on the 'coffee' tap. Hmmm... that would be soooo cool!

Fact: 1997 - Starbucks Coffee International opens in the Philippines.

Totally a Woo hoo! moment...

2009-06-12T04:16:00.001-07:00

a couple of days ago... i got Patti Austin's Avant Gershwin cd with an autograph that says: "To Marina - Love Ya Much Patti Austin." http://ow.ly/dGGY

so stoked... i took more photos of it...

and oh... my boss got me the cd, with this note, which has made the moment an "awww moment" as well...

For Bruce And All Other Franks Out There...

2009-04-18T03:46:00.000-07:00

We Will Wuv You

Dougie, you’re a pug,
Make a big noise playing round our feet,
Gonna be a big pug someday!
Got gunk on your face,
Your cutie-toot face,
Wavin’ your little tail all over the place!

WE WILL, WE WILL, WUV YOU!
WE WILL, WE WILL WUV YOU!

Dougie you’re a young pug, strong pug,
Pullin’ me down the street,
Gonna take on a car someday!
You got muck on your face,
You’re scrunched little face
Wantin’ to meet everbody in this place!

WE WILL, WE WILL, WUV YOU!
WE WILL, WE WILL WUV YOU!

Dougie, you think you’re poor pug,
Beggin’ with your eyes
Will they give you a treat some day?
You’ve got gunk on your face,
Your pleadin’ lil face
Wavin’ your curled tail all over the place!

WE WILL, WE WILL, WUV YOU!
WE WILL, WE WILL WUV YOU!

Bruce:

Visit Pugslife

Fudge!!

2009-02-14T02:35:00.000-08:00

Officially a Twitter Addict! Tweet! Tweet!

2008-11-06T18:04:00.000-08:00

I've been a member of Twitter since July of this year and I'm completely fascinated by this site. And yes, today I am officially a Twitter addict! Once I'm on... I can't take my browser off the site.

For those who haven't "Tweet" yet, Twitter is a site that allows you to post messages about what you’re currently doing—via the web interface, social cient, IM, or SMS. This great little program is made for friends, family, etc. to stay connected through short bursts of conversations, up to 160 characters. It’s just like sending a simple text message, all you need to do is to register and verify that phone number on the Twitter website and then you’re good to go... send updates to your followers, right on your phone, email client or desktop.

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My Audiophile Brother Got a New Drug called Networked HD Tank - HDMI 1.3

2008-10-10T04:55:00.000-07:00

I've cited on my previous blog "Are you an Audiophile? My brother is!"... that there's no cure yet for audiophilia. Then what is next to being an audiophile? What else... but to be a Videophile! Many self-claimed audiophiles thought themselves as a videophile too. Yes! With great addiction to blue ray disc and plasma TV what else could they be.

Yesterday, my brother bought this cool device... the Networked HD TANK. On the box it says: "Your Key to Digital Entertainment - HDMI 1.3". I've googled the actual thing but i can't find this on the web.

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Special Force: CLAN Arsenal... The Clan to Watch Out For!

2008-09-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

I recently got hooked on this FPS game. I can honestly say that this is the NEXT BIG THING after CounterStrike, and probably... caused the downfall of War Rock. I'm sure many can attest to that. Here's an overview:

THE PHILIPPINES NEWEST ONLINE MILITARY FPS GAME

This First Person Shooting game provides full tactical and intense action, and commando feel right in you screens.

The Story of Cold Water and Flashlights

2008-09-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaI met a lady at a grocery store about two weeks ago, caught her staring at a flashlight. She was looking pale at that moment so I approached her to see what's going on. She then told me... "I had mixed feelings. This flashlight took me back in time." I was like "flashlight? flashback?." She then laughed and told me to not get her wrong... she's not crazy.

After being acquainted with each other... she told a story, which i could not forget and would like to share to you. This might inspire you too...

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Are you an Audiophile? My brother is!

2008-09-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

I've read an article on audiophilia, I was so surprised how this disorder-as it seems... sounds so odd, yet so familiar.

According to Dr. Henry Angus Bowes of St. Anne's Hospital in Quebec, audiophilia is an excessive passion for hi-fi sound and equipment. A person having this state is an audiophile, who tries to listen to music or so - at a quality that is as close to the original performance as possible. They use high-fidelity components to try to attain these goals.

According to Ben Patterson, victims are usually middle-aged, male, and intelligent, often single - or if married, childless. Victims rarely play any instrument well themselves... are also of compulsive personality and tends to go through rituals in the playing of his recordings.

Baguio Trip, April 2008

2008-09-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

After 26 years of waiting, finally, I've conquered Baguio City!

Apol, Mela, Myrza and I planned this trip sometime around month of February, while we were at the office so busy doing nothing (harhar). Myrza suggested to have his boyfriend along and use BOB "the van" to take us to Baguio, of course my boyfriend came along too. I might bore you with my words so let the pictures do the talking.

This is us while waiting for our ride, zipping coffee at Starbucks, Valero Street, Makati City, Philippines. From left to right: me, mela, myrza and apol.