Someone is really trying to rain on my parade. It's my day and a force is trying to ruin it. Maybe fate, maybe karma, who knows. But I always have a positive mood today, except for that freaking call from the hotel which was resolved right away. The assistant F&B called and told us that hotel is paying for our last night's accommodation. So that's solved.
But I couldn't believe what just happened when I made a call to the PDA shop just before leaving the house today. The Sony Clie that I wanted and was about to buy yesterday was again sold to another customer. Marlou and Brice felt bad for me, but it didn't upset me that much. I accepted defeat and was being optimistic about it. I was thinking that maybe it was not meant for me. And it really wasn't.
I went to another computer store after that incident, just to buy blank CDs. I passed by one PDA shop, and again, drooled on the more expensive units. Marlou followed me there and saw a Treo600. He asked me why I didn't like Treo600 when he knows that I'm a heavy texter (SMS). I pointed out that I don't need a phone, but a PDA with wifi connectivity. Since he's had his Palm Tungsten C for a few months now and also, he felt sorry for me and my PDA jinxes, he gave up his unit to me. I bought the Treo600 which is way cheaper than KL and his Tungsten C, because they get their goods from HK.
If you think about it, it sounds crazy me buying a unit for him on my birthday. It sounds insane that he has a brand new toy and I get the used one. I don't care. I've had too much trouble about this freaking PDA choosing and now that I have a Tungsten C, which is slightly used, I never need to worry now. Besides, Palm Tungsten was my first choice before Palm discontinued it. I just couldn't find it around here anymore except on Ebay.
So who told you that you're allowed to rain on my parade?
Give us some justice!
Badtrip! Just got a call from the hotel that if we want to stay in the apartment longer than Oct 1st, we will have to pay for the room fee! What the...! Our flight is on Oct 2nd so that means we'll have to find a place to stay for a night when in fact it's the hotel's responsibility for our accomodation. What do they think of us? After using us, they'll just throw us out like that? Where's the consideration?
We have worked here in Pudong Shangri-La Hotel for the past 5 months. And this is even our 4th time working in this hotel since 2000. We didn't give them headache or any complaints even if we think they're going way beyond the line. Even if we looked like black widows wearing black every night, even if hotel's pipe-in music is louder than our sound, we obeyed them because that's what they want. We're not acting like superstars but we're not a desperate band either who would just kiss somebody else's ass just to put some food in our mouths. Only thing we can brag about is our passion for music.
Now why am I raising this subject? Simply because we don't deserve to be treated this way. We have worked properly. We have money, yes, but we are not paying anything for our accomodation because that's hotel's responsibility. We're lucky we know people in this city. What if we don't? They'll just throw us out of the street?
Try to think of this. The Canadian singer who will replace us is ALREADY staying in the hotel since Monday. And she's staying IN THE HOTEL though she hasn't started working yet. And the black band playing at the jazz bar of the hotel has been staying in the hotel since they got there, while the BATS' Culture Shock and U.R.B. bands are staying outside. Now is this a racial discrimination? Is it because their color is black or white and ours is somewhere in between? You tell me.
We're leaving for the airport at 6AM. What we're planning to do is to stay with our sister band playing at the BATS the night before we leave. They're more than willing to shelter us for a night. Another option is maybe we should just lie around in the big sofa's of the hotel and wouldn't move an inch if they'd ask us to move. Maybe glue myself in the sofa or tie myself on it. Hmmmm... not a bad idea...
Justice please!
We have worked here in Pudong Shangri-La Hotel for the past 5 months. And this is even our 4th time working in this hotel since 2000. We didn't give them headache or any complaints even if we think they're going way beyond the line. Even if we looked like black widows wearing black every night, even if hotel's pipe-in music is louder than our sound, we obeyed them because that's what they want. We're not acting like superstars but we're not a desperate band either who would just kiss somebody else's ass just to put some food in our mouths. Only thing we can brag about is our passion for music.
Now why am I raising this subject? Simply because we don't deserve to be treated this way. We have worked properly. We have money, yes, but we are not paying anything for our accomodation because that's hotel's responsibility. We're lucky we know people in this city. What if we don't? They'll just throw us out of the street?
Try to think of this. The Canadian singer who will replace us is ALREADY staying in the hotel since Monday. And she's staying IN THE HOTEL though she hasn't started working yet. And the black band playing at the jazz bar of the hotel has been staying in the hotel since they got there, while the BATS' Culture Shock and U.R.B. bands are staying outside. Now is this a racial discrimination? Is it because their color is black or white and ours is somewhere in between? You tell me.
We're leaving for the airport at 6AM. What we're planning to do is to stay with our sister band playing at the BATS the night before we leave. They're more than willing to shelter us for a night. Another option is maybe we should just lie around in the big sofa's of the hotel and wouldn't move an inch if they'd ask us to move. Maybe glue myself in the sofa or tie myself on it. Hmmmm... not a bad idea...
Justice please!
Give us some justice!
Badtrip! Just got a call from the hotel that if we want to stay in the apartment longer than Oct 1st, we will have to pay for the room fee! What the...! Our flight is on Oct 2nd so that means we'll have to find a place to stay for a night when in fact it's the hotel's responsibility for our accomodation. What do they think of us? After using us, they'll just throw us out like that? Where's the consideration?
We have worked here in Pudong Shangri-La Hotel for the past 5 months. And this is even our 4th time working in this hotel since 2000. We didn't give them headache or any complaints even if we think they're going way beyond the line. Even if we looked like black widows wearing black every night, even if hotel's pipe-in music is louder than our sound, we obeyed them because that's what they want. We're not acting like superstars but we're not a desperate band either who would just kiss somebody else's ass just to put some food in our mouths. Only thing we can brag about is our passion for music.
Now why am I raising this subject? Simply because we don't deserve to be treated this way. We have worked properly. We have money, yes, but we are not paying anything for our accomodation because that's hotel's responsibility. We're lucky we know people in this city. What if we don't? They'll just throw us out of the street?
Try to think of this. The Canadian singer who will replace us is ALREADY staying in the hotel since Monday. And she's staying IN THE HOTEL and she haven't started working yet. And the black band playing at the jazz bar of the hotel has been staying in the hotel since they got there, while the BATS' Culture Shock and U.R.B. bands are staying outside. Now is this a racial discrimination? Is it because their color is black or white and ours is somewhere in between? You tell me.
We're leaving for the airport at 6AM. What we're planning to do is to stay with our sister band playing at the BATS the night before we leave. They're more than willing to shelter us for a night. Another option is maybe we should just lie around in the big sofa's of the hotel and wouldn't move an inch if they'd ask us to move. Maybe glue myself in the sofa or tie myself on it. Hmmmm... not a bad idea...
Justice please!
We have worked here in Pudong Shangri-La Hotel for the past 5 months. And this is even our 4th time working in this hotel since 2000. We didn't give them headache or any complaints even if we think they're going way beyond the line. Even if we looked like black widows wearing black every night, even if hotel's pipe-in music is louder than our sound, we obeyed them because that's what they want. We're not acting like superstars but we're not a desperate band either who would just kiss somebody else's ass just to put some food in our mouths. Only thing we can brag about is our passion for music.
Now why am I raising this subject? Simply because we don't deserve to be treated this way. We have worked properly. We have money, yes, but we are not paying anything for our accomodation because that's hotel's responsibility. We're lucky we know people in this city. What if we don't? They'll just throw us out of the street?
Try to think of this. The Canadian singer who will replace us is ALREADY staying in the hotel since Monday. And she's staying IN THE HOTEL and she haven't started working yet. And the black band playing at the jazz bar of the hotel has been staying in the hotel since they got there, while the BATS' Culture Shock and U.R.B. bands are staying outside. Now is this a racial discrimination? Is it because their color is black or white and ours is somewhere in between? You tell me.
We're leaving for the airport at 6AM. What we're planning to do is to stay with our sister band playing at the BATS the night before we leave. They're more than willing to shelter us for a night. Another option is maybe we should just lie around in the big sofa's of the hotel and wouldn't move an inch if they'd ask us to move. Maybe glue myself in the sofa or tie myself on it. Hmmmm... not a bad idea...
Justice please!
Give us some justice!
Badtrip! Just got a call from the hotel that if we want to stay in the apartment longer than Oct 1st, we will have to pay for the room fee! What the...! Our flight is on Oct 2nd so that means we'll have to find a place to stay for a night when in fact it's the hotel's responsibility for our accomodation. What do they think of us? After using us, they'll just throw us out like that? Where's the consideration?
We have worked here in Pudong Shangri-La Hotel for the past 5 months. And this is even our 4th time working in this hotel since 2000. We didn't give them headache or any complaints even if we think they're going way beyond the line. Even if we looked like black widows wearing black every night, even if hotel's pipe-in music is louder than our sound, we obeyed them because that's what they want. We're not acting like superstars but we're not a desperate band either who would just kiss somebody else's ass just to put some food in our mouths. Only thing we can brag about is our passion for music.
Now why am I raising this subject? Simply because we don't deserve to be treated this way. We have worked properly. We have money, yes, but we are not paying anything for our accomodation because that's hotel's responsibility. We're lucky we know people in this city. What if we don't? They'll just throw us out of the street?
Try to think of this. The Canadian singer who will replace is ALREADY staying in the hotel since Monday. And she's staying IN THE HOTEL and she haven't started working yet. And the black band playing at the jazz bar of the hotel has been staying in the hotel since they got there, while the BATS' Culture Shock and U.R.B. bands are staying outside. Now is this a racial discrimination? Is it because their color is black or white and ours is somewhere in between? You tell me.
We're leaving for the airport at 6AM. What we're planning to do is to stay with our sister band playing at the BATS the night before we leave. They're more than willing to shelter us for a night. Another option is maybe we should just lie around in the big sofa's of the hotel and wouldn't move an inch if they'd ask us to move. Maybe glue myself in the sofa or tie myself on it. Hmmmm... not a bad idea...
Justice please!
We have worked here in Pudong Shangri-La Hotel for the past 5 months. And this is even our 4th time working in this hotel since 2000. We didn't give them headache or any complaints even if we think they're going way beyond the line. Even if we looked like black widows wearing black every night, even if hotel's pipe-in music is louder than our sound, we obeyed them because that's what they want. We're not acting like superstars but we're not a desperate band either who would just kiss somebody else's ass just to put some food in our mouths. Only thing we can brag about is our passion for music.
Now why am I raising this subject? Simply because we don't deserve to be treated this way. We have worked properly. We have money, yes, but we are not paying anything for our accomodation because that's hotel's responsibility. We're lucky we know people in this city. What if we don't? They'll just throw us out of the street?
Try to think of this. The Canadian singer who will replace is ALREADY staying in the hotel since Monday. And she's staying IN THE HOTEL and she haven't started working yet. And the black band playing at the jazz bar of the hotel has been staying in the hotel since they got there, while the BATS' Culture Shock and U.R.B. bands are staying outside. Now is this a racial discrimination? Is it because their color is black or white and ours is somewhere in between? You tell me.
We're leaving for the airport at 6AM. What we're planning to do is to stay with our sister band playing at the BATS the night before we leave. They're more than willing to shelter us for a night. Another option is maybe we should just lie around in the big sofa's of the hotel and wouldn't move an inch if they'd ask us to move. Maybe glue myself in the sofa or tie myself on it. Hmmmm... not a bad idea...
Justice please!
Sony Clie? IPAQ? Sony Clie!!!
I went to the PDA shop yesterday to get my deposited money for the iPAQ h4350 that I ordered. But since they said that HP discontinued this product, I just asked for my money back. While I was there, I tried couple of PDA's. One is iPAQ 6365, with a bluetooth, wifi, and a detachable thumb keyboard. The other one is still the greatest contender in my choices: Sony Clie UX50. I found it so cute and it surely fits my personality than having an iPAQ which is suitable for business people. Ohhhhhhh, I was an inch short from buying it ONLY I didn't my wallet with me. When I went back home yesterday, Marlou and Brice saw that I really liked it so they asked me why I didn't buy it.
As a birthday present for myself, or as a consolation for myself, I will go to the shop and buy that Sony Clie UX50 that have been bugging me for weeks now. I need to, I have to, I want to... Huwahhhhhhhhh!!!
As a birthday present for myself, or as a consolation for myself, I will go to the shop and buy that Sony Clie UX50 that have been bugging me for weeks now. I need to, I have to, I want to... Huwahhhhhhhhh!!!
It's muh birthday!
Itz muh burpdei!
My band sang a birthday song to me infront of an empty crowd. Oh no, not so empty, there was somebody listening to us. Brice didn't know what to say but at least she made her point to greet me. After that birthday song, Marlou sang two of the songs that he dedicated to me, "Forever Love" and "What Matters Most" which really put me into tears. Luckily we only played until 12:15AM coz if not, I'd be crying all through out. Luckyt that my mascara is waterproof!
After our set, we ate supper. I forgot to order spaghetti or any noodles/pasta. In Philippines, it is a sign of long life when you have pasta/noodles on your birthday. We watched an HBO movie while having supper, then I borrowed microwave oven from Joanne. She stays next door to us. We need the microwave oen for Friday's small gathering.
Marlou went to sleep ahead, I went online to chat with some friends. It definitely feels good chatting eventhough the internet speed was only 9.6kbps. I went to bed about 5AM.
My band sang a birthday song to me infront of an empty crowd. Oh no, not so empty, there was somebody listening to us. Brice didn't know what to say but at least she made her point to greet me. After that birthday song, Marlou sang two of the songs that he dedicated to me, "Forever Love" and "What Matters Most" which really put me into tears. Luckily we only played until 12:15AM coz if not, I'd be crying all through out. Luckyt that my mascara is waterproof!
After our set, we ate supper. I forgot to order spaghetti or any noodles/pasta. In Philippines, it is a sign of long life when you have pasta/noodles on your birthday. We watched an HBO movie while having supper, then I borrowed microwave oven from Joanne. She stays next door to us. We need the microwave oen for Friday's small gathering.
Marlou went to sleep ahead, I went online to chat with some friends. It definitely feels good chatting eventhough the internet speed was only 9.6kbps. I went to bed about 5AM.
Happy Birthday my baby!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DARLING BABY!
Selena turns 6 today. Instead of having a party in school, she will just distribute goody bags to her classmates. My mom was told that it's useless to have a party in school because they don't allow parents/guardians to get in. She will just have a simple celebration at home after school. Selena is a very smart kid and she doesn't feel bad at all not having her party in school, as planned. But she's really excited to give away good bags.
I really miss her so much. We haven't celebrated our birthdays together Hopefully next year, if my plan goes through, I can celebrate my birthday with her. Besides, 7th birthday is something to celebrate for. Hmmm planning, planning, planning...
Selena turns 6 today. Instead of having a party in school, she will just distribute goody bags to her classmates. My mom was told that it's useless to have a party in school because they don't allow parents/guardians to get in. She will just have a simple celebration at home after school. Selena is a very smart kid and she doesn't feel bad at all not having her party in school, as planned. But she's really excited to give away good bags.
I really miss her so much. We haven't celebrated our birthdays together Hopefully next year, if my plan goes through, I can celebrate my birthday with her. Besides, 7th birthday is something to celebrate for. Hmmm planning, planning, planning...
What a weekend!
It has been a busy weekend. One of the roughest time for me too. This month, I have dealt with lots of personal problems but I'm quite grateful that they're all resolvable. I hope things will run smoothly for me now.
This is our last week in Shanghai. We managed to book seats on an earlier flight with MAS. Leaving on Sunday, the 2nd of October, for KL. Just simply thinking about KL gives me butterflies in my stomach. I really am looking forward to go back there.
Last night was our last BATS gig. I was dreading for it because of the current situation I've been having, but it turned okay and fun. Couple of friends came to visit us: Ayeth & Danny of Harmony & Rhythm Band and Marcial & Nini of D'Zone Band.
After work, we all proceeded to Xanadu. It's a new hangout for Shanghai musicians. A Mauritian band plays there nightly, but on Sundays, other musicians would take over the stage to jam. I was pleasantly surprised by the talented musicians who put out their hearts and souls for their musical passion. It was a showdown of talents. And it's always like that in Xanadu on Sundays. I wasn't asked to sing luckily, because I always feel intimidated when there's a jamming session especially by talented musicians. It was fun to be the audience that time.
We went back home at 5AM. Slept only for a couple of hours, then woke up at 8AM. We went to the Malaysian Consulate to apply for visa. We went back home at 10AM, slept the whole day. I woke only at 5:30PM.
What a day...
This is our last week in Shanghai. We managed to book seats on an earlier flight with MAS. Leaving on Sunday, the 2nd of October, for KL. Just simply thinking about KL gives me butterflies in my stomach. I really am looking forward to go back there.
Last night was our last BATS gig. I was dreading for it because of the current situation I've been having, but it turned okay and fun. Couple of friends came to visit us: Ayeth & Danny of Harmony & Rhythm Band and Marcial & Nini of D'Zone Band.
After work, we all proceeded to Xanadu. It's a new hangout for Shanghai musicians. A Mauritian band plays there nightly, but on Sundays, other musicians would take over the stage to jam. I was pleasantly surprised by the talented musicians who put out their hearts and souls for their musical passion. It was a showdown of talents. And it's always like that in Xanadu on Sundays. I wasn't asked to sing luckily, because I always feel intimidated when there's a jamming session especially by talented musicians. It was fun to be the audience that time.
We went back home at 5AM. Slept only for a couple of hours, then woke up at 8AM. We went to the Malaysian Consulate to apply for visa. We went back home at 10AM, slept the whole day. I woke only at 5:30PM.
What a day...
Flight changed
Malaysian Airlines called and said that they were able to book us a day earlier. We booked our tickets on the 3rd of October for KL, since there wasn't any available seats earlier than that. But we put us on waiting list for the 1st and 2nd of October just in case there will be pullouts. So we're confirmed to fly on the 2nd of October instead. Can't wait!!!
Uploaded pics
New pics at my pbase gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/saritajc/jinmao
http://www.pbase.com/saritajc/joans_bday__engagement_party
Enjoy!
http://www.pbase.com/saritajc/jinmao
http://www.pbase.com/saritajc/joans_bday__engagement_party
Enjoy!
Still undecided
I woke up at 11:30AM. Still undecided about the PDA. I was told to wait until KL because that's where I will be needing it anyway. There are lots of wifi hotspots there and it's easy for me to check my mails when I get a signal anywhere, especially in the malls there. I'm a Starbucks baby so I definitely will be in most Starbucks Coffee there.
So....... just have to wait for me to reach KL! Hmp!!! All these sleepless daysssss... Grrrrrrrrrrrr!
So....... just have to wait for me to reach KL! Hmp!!! All these sleepless daysssss... Grrrrrrrrrrrr!
It's pouring
Had a good rest, I woke up at 1PM. I wasn't really hungry, maybe I ate too much last night, so I just had coffee. I was supposed to go to Xujiahui today but I felt a bit lazy. So I just dragged Brice to the nearby tailor for us to try if she can do our dresses right. I had my measurements first and then I went to the next shop which makes business cards. I ordered my business cards and they charged me very cheap. Only RMB70 for 200 pieces. Then suddenly the rain poured. It was 4PM then but it looked like 7:30PM. It was so dark and the rain was so heavy, I think it was my first time to experience that in Shanghai. Brice was still at the tailor's shop but already done. Since she has an umbrella with her, I asked her to fetch me next door. We ran across the flooded street to Novotel Atlantis Hotel where we managed to get a cab.
Hopefully it stops right away, because we'll be worried going to work with our long gowns later.
Hopefully it stops right away, because we'll be worried going to work with our long gowns later.
New stage and party time
Our new stage at the Pudong Shangri-La gained thumbs-up from the guests. They definitely liked it, and we also do. The only thing is that we have to be very careful about the sound. Will have to post photo of us soon.
I just came from Culture Shock's Joan's birthday party which was well-attended by musicians in Shanghai. Me and Marlou took the pics. There were lots of foreign musicians, I just knew them at the party. It was a great party and the drinks were flowing. Food was cooked by Joan, with the help of her band, Ate Nini and her boyfriend. One highlight of the party was when her boyfriend Diether knelt down, took out a ring and proposed to her on her birthday! It was such a romantic event. The music was loud and everyone's dancing. I made fun of one of the girls I met there, because no one dared to dance with her. It was so hilarious and everyone was cracking up. The noise level was extremely high that we were disturbed by the security as there were complaints from the neighboring doors. Even the units 3-4 floors down and up complained. Imagine one unit being occupied by noisy people with loud voices, standing room only! But after settling it with the guards, the party continued.
Just when some started to leave, Marlou and I made our exit too. Brice was nowhere in sight after the party started. We live next door and we actually could hear the noise - the complaint was very true. We had a long day and we needed to sleep.
Marlou went to bed at 5:30. I checked mail and was so disappointed with the internet connection. It's sooooooooo freaking slow at 9.6kbps. They also blocked some of the internet dial-up numbers so I couldn't try the other numbers.
I just came from Culture Shock's Joan's birthday party which was well-attended by musicians in Shanghai. Me and Marlou took the pics. There were lots of foreign musicians, I just knew them at the party. It was a great party and the drinks were flowing. Food was cooked by Joan, with the help of her band, Ate Nini and her boyfriend. One highlight of the party was when her boyfriend Diether knelt down, took out a ring and proposed to her on her birthday! It was such a romantic event. The music was loud and everyone's dancing. I made fun of one of the girls I met there, because no one dared to dance with her. It was so hilarious and everyone was cracking up. The noise level was extremely high that we were disturbed by the security as there were complaints from the neighboring doors. Even the units 3-4 floors down and up complained. Imagine one unit being occupied by noisy people with loud voices, standing room only! But after settling it with the guards, the party continued.
Just when some started to leave, Marlou and I made our exit too. Brice was nowhere in sight after the party started. We live next door and we actually could hear the noise - the complaint was very true. We had a long day and we needed to sleep.
Marlou went to bed at 5:30. I checked mail and was so disappointed with the internet connection. It's sooooooooo freaking slow at 9.6kbps. They also blocked some of the internet dial-up numbers so I couldn't try the other numbers.
Clie it is!
We had our soundcheck at the lobby lounge just now. The new stage is good but we're quite worried that we might look and sound more like just a background music.
I spoke with the iPAQ guys on the phone and I was so disappointed when they said that the company doesn't have this model anymore. I regretted my indecision of buying it on that very day I saw it. I should have just bought it right away.
After soundcheck, I went to the computer store beside Intercontinental Hotel. I tried to find the iPAQ that I want, maybe one of the shop has it. I looked and asked around but I didn't see iPAQ4350, they don't sell it. One guy suggested PalmOne's Lifedrive to me. It doesn't have a thumb keyboard so I scratched it off the list. Which leaves me to my original plan - Sony Clie PEG-UX50/U. They sold it at a higher price here in Pudong, RMB4350. So I called the iPAQ guys and asked them for the cheapest price they can give me for all the trouble I had gone through waiting for my iPAQ. They gave me a fair price of RMB3600, fair enough.
Can't wait to get it. It's been more than 1 week now...
I spoke with the iPAQ guys on the phone and I was so disappointed when they said that the company doesn't have this model anymore. I regretted my indecision of buying it on that very day I saw it. I should have just bought it right away.
After soundcheck, I went to the computer store beside Intercontinental Hotel. I tried to find the iPAQ that I want, maybe one of the shop has it. I looked and asked around but I didn't see iPAQ4350, they don't sell it. One guy suggested PalmOne's Lifedrive to me. It doesn't have a thumb keyboard so I scratched it off the list. Which leaves me to my original plan - Sony Clie PEG-UX50/U. They sold it at a higher price here in Pudong, RMB4350. So I called the iPAQ guys and asked them for the cheapest price they can give me for all the trouble I had gone through waiting for my iPAQ. They gave me a fair price of RMB3600, fair enough.
Can't wait to get it. It's been more than 1 week now...
Moved to Pent-Ox
We have just moved in to Pent-Ox. We are on the same floor with the Culture Shock singers. Our apartment is nice. We have asked them to open the kitchen which requires deposit of RM400. Eventhough the kitchen is not even a bit of our last kitchen, we can still cook and wash dishes here. However, there's no microwave oven. Just the cooking stove and the sink. We also have a refrigerator and water dispenser. We don't have a washing machine so we will be sending our laundry to the hotel every now and then.
Hmmm... but I kinda like the homey feeling than staying in hotels. Hope we get to stay in apartments in all the contracts that we have... paging Mr. Riley of Shangri-la KL!!!
Hmmm... but I kinda like the homey feeling than staying in hotels. Hope we get to stay in apartments in all the contracts that we have... paging Mr. Riley of Shangri-la KL!!!
Monday off
The iPAQ guys haven't called me yet. Maybe because they're sick of my whining through text messages and calls. I don't think it's right to tell a customer that the product will be shipped in 3 days. If it takes a week, then say it. What if I'd be leaving 3 days after? Besides, I'm staying in Pudong which takes like 30 minutes for me to go to their shop, either by train or by taxi. I mean, c'mon, waiting for their call is not the only that I'd be doing the rest of the day. Although I admit that I've been losing sleep coz of that. Coz everytime I open my eyes, I'd wonder if they have texted me on that day. We're very busy at the moment and it just stressed me out when I don't get to do the things my way. Hopefully I'd get it any day sooner coz I might really take out my ax and go berserk!
It's Monday and the lobby lounge is still being renovated so we're still off. But we won't be going out today, till tonight to watch some bands, because somebody will pick up our boxes to be sent to Manila, so we'll have to wait. We all woke up at 7:30AM today because we sent out boxes to KL, to save up for excess baggages. We have to be really careful about it, I used to spend a lot on excess baggages. The airline is giving 25 kgs to each of us and the hotel is giving 60 kgs for the group. Our instruments alone takes up the hotel's allotted baggage allowance.
By the way, last night was a great gig at the BATS. Jun, of Forte Band, came to visit us and jammed with us. A long-time friend who I have seen for 5 years also came to visit me and gave me a birthday gift, JBL on tour portable speakers. It's really great and it's just so much in a great timing because I've been scouting portable speakers lately but most of the speakers are made for iPOD's. So I was really thankful when I got it.
Moving out tomorrow to Pent-Ox. Hopefully they'll put to the new building where they have cable internet readily installed. The old building doesn't have DSL, and they have locked the phone lines so no outbound calls can be made. I might have to rely on Shangri-La's hotspot which will take up my mobile load. Let's wait and see...
It's Monday and the lobby lounge is still being renovated so we're still off. But we won't be going out today, till tonight to watch some bands, because somebody will pick up our boxes to be sent to Manila, so we'll have to wait. We all woke up at 7:30AM today because we sent out boxes to KL, to save up for excess baggages. We have to be really careful about it, I used to spend a lot on excess baggages. The airline is giving 25 kgs to each of us and the hotel is giving 60 kgs for the group. Our instruments alone takes up the hotel's allotted baggage allowance.
By the way, last night was a great gig at the BATS. Jun, of Forte Band, came to visit us and jammed with us. A long-time friend who I have seen for 5 years also came to visit me and gave me a birthday gift, JBL on tour portable speakers. It's really great and it's just so much in a great timing because I've been scouting portable speakers lately but most of the speakers are made for iPOD's. So I was really thankful when I got it.
Moving out tomorrow to Pent-Ox. Hopefully they'll put to the new building where they have cable internet readily installed. The old building doesn't have DSL, and they have locked the phone lines so no outbound calls can be made. I might have to rely on Shangri-La's hotspot which will take up my mobile load. Let's wait and see...
Great day...
After packing yesterday afternoon - or this afternoon in my time table - I went out to buy something at the nearby Watsons. While I was walking in the gardens of Summit Panorama, there were some simple things that have made my day.
There was a couple of kids, I guess they're sisters, one is around 3 and the other maybe 7. They were both on their rollerblades with the older guiding the younger one. I was touched by the way the bigger sister was so protective of her little sister.
The walk path in the garden is not straight. I was passing by the path opposite to the playground, then suddenly whoooooshhhh! A football flew across a meter away from me from the playground. I picked up the ball looking for the owner. Then a little Chinese boy, around 5 years old, was running to me to get his ball. So I smiled and I threw him back the ball. The gesture he made was very simple but it touched me. He caught the ball and heard him say "thank you!". I was so touched that I left the garden teary eyed.
Those simple things in our everyday lives can definitely touch someone else's heart or can influence someone else's life. Let's learn to appreciate little things as we live everyday of our lives.
There was a couple of kids, I guess they're sisters, one is around 3 and the other maybe 7. They were both on their rollerblades with the older guiding the younger one. I was touched by the way the bigger sister was so protective of her little sister.
The walk path in the garden is not straight. I was passing by the path opposite to the playground, then suddenly whoooooshhhh! A football flew across a meter away from me from the playground. I picked up the ball looking for the owner. Then a little Chinese boy, around 5 years old, was running to me to get his ball. So I smiled and I threw him back the ball. The gesture he made was very simple but it touched me. He caught the ball and heard him say "thank you!". I was so touched that I left the garden teary eyed.
Those simple things in our everyday lives can definitely touch someone else's heart or can influence someone else's life. Let's learn to appreciate little things as we live everyday of our lives.
Pack-pack-pack!
Still packing. Didn't have lunch, didn't have food. Only coffee and biscuits and I just had a KFC zinger burger which Marlou brought for me when he went to Baoshan Lu. And he bought me an amazing gift, a Maori Technomarine watch, my 2nd Technomarine watch. It's not authentic BUT it looks like the real thing.
My 1st Technomarine watch is authentic, which was given to me last year, because it came with the Certificate of Authenticity and it came with it's original box and warranty. I couldn't even tell the difference between the two, except for its design. And I couldn't tell if my Maori is not authentic, except of its lack of certificate & warranty. It's an A1 replica.
Anyway, time to pack again. I will go to Watsons to buy some stuff then I'll take a nap when I go back home. It's BATS time later, but off again tomorrow!!! Tah-tah!
My 1st Technomarine watch is authentic, which was given to me last year, because it came with the Certificate of Authenticity and it came with it's original box and warranty. I couldn't even tell the difference between the two, except for its design. And I couldn't tell if my Maori is not authentic, except of its lack of certificate & warranty. It's an A1 replica.
Anyway, time to pack again. I will go to Watsons to buy some stuff then I'll take a nap when I go back home. It's BATS time later, but off again tomorrow!!! Tah-tah!
1st off on a Saturday
It such a waste to be given an off on a Saturday when all you could do is pack, pack, f*ck!!! - the last word is an expression, not a deed! haha! Woke up at past 12noon, went online to check mails & to chat a bit. Packed a bit then prepared to go out with Marlou.
We went to the tallest building in China, Jin Mao Tower, which has 88 floors. Offices up until past 50th floor. From the 53rd or 54th floor, the Grand Hyatt. On the 88th floor is the observation deck. That was where we spent the whole 2 hours taking photos. I wasn't really in the mood for sightseeing and besides I've been there. But seeing a lot of improvement of Shanghai from the last time I've been there, it somehow amazed me for a while. We spent 2 hours (5-7PM) to capture the daylight and nighttime shots of Shanghai. I was so bored during the last hour that I only sat down and yawn, while waiting for the Oriental Pearl TV tower to light up. There were lots of people waiting for night time too. Luckily, they didn't bring their sleeping bags because most of them we sit-sleeping. Bought some souvenirs upstairs and when I went down, there were lots of vendors outside selling souvenirs as well which, as usual, was way cheaper than the one inside.
We walked our way to the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel. We had dinner buffet at Yi Cafe which I enjoyed because it's one of those times when I don't have to rush. I also ate ice cream after sooooo long, I had cookies & cream & chocolate flavors. Which was actually a bad idea since we were sitting below the aircon vent. So I wrapped up my dinner with a cappuccino.
The lobby lounge was being renovated. They moved the stage to the left side of the lounge (if you facing the lobby lounge), facing the whole lounge. It's a good change, but only why after sooo long? Why only now that we're leaving?! And why now when the hotel is always full? Somebody please answer me! Answer me!
When Marlou finished reading the papers, we went to Hengshan Lu and visited our friends who were playing at one of the bars in the old bowling center where we used go 3-4 years ago. The Existence Band were on their first set. Marcial and Nini arrived a set after. Had 2 Heinekens and I still wanted some more but I realized that we'll be packing when we go back home.
We went back around 12:30AM. I packed stuff for our boxes to KL & Manila. I haven't packed our stuff that's going to be left behind, but that's easy to throw in the luggage and plastic bags if there's no more time. Went to bed at 5:30AM printing everything that needs to be printed.
We went to the tallest building in China, Jin Mao Tower, which has 88 floors. Offices up until past 50th floor. From the 53rd or 54th floor, the Grand Hyatt. On the 88th floor is the observation deck. That was where we spent the whole 2 hours taking photos. I wasn't really in the mood for sightseeing and besides I've been there. But seeing a lot of improvement of Shanghai from the last time I've been there, it somehow amazed me for a while. We spent 2 hours (5-7PM) to capture the daylight and nighttime shots of Shanghai. I was so bored during the last hour that I only sat down and yawn, while waiting for the Oriental Pearl TV tower to light up. There were lots of people waiting for night time too. Luckily, they didn't bring their sleeping bags because most of them we sit-sleeping. Bought some souvenirs upstairs and when I went down, there were lots of vendors outside selling souvenirs as well which, as usual, was way cheaper than the one inside.
We walked our way to the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel. We had dinner buffet at Yi Cafe which I enjoyed because it's one of those times when I don't have to rush. I also ate ice cream after sooooo long, I had cookies & cream & chocolate flavors. Which was actually a bad idea since we were sitting below the aircon vent. So I wrapped up my dinner with a cappuccino.
The lobby lounge was being renovated. They moved the stage to the left side of the lounge (if you facing the lobby lounge), facing the whole lounge. It's a good change, but only why after sooo long? Why only now that we're leaving?! And why now when the hotel is always full? Somebody please answer me! Answer me!
When Marlou finished reading the papers, we went to Hengshan Lu and visited our friends who were playing at one of the bars in the old bowling center where we used go 3-4 years ago. The Existence Band were on their first set. Marcial and Nini arrived a set after. Had 2 Heinekens and I still wanted some more but I realized that we'll be packing when we go back home.
We went back around 12:30AM. I packed stuff for our boxes to KL & Manila. I haven't packed our stuff that's going to be left behind, but that's easy to throw in the luggage and plastic bags if there's no more time. Went to bed at 5:30AM printing everything that needs to be printed.
Lobby lounge renovation
We played only until 11PM on just now (Friday). So in total, we played only 2 sets of 45 minutes each and another 30 minutes on our 3rd set. The crowd was great and it was such a shame that we had to end our set.
We won't be playing tomorrow (Saturday) and on Monday due to the on-going renovation. But we'll be playing at the BATS on Sunday night.
The lobby lounge renovation is a blessing in disguise so we can pack our stuff for Tuesday's moving out. I hate packing, s**t!
Ate Nini and Marcial came to our apartment to get some help with their computers. We had Marlou's spicy & tasty pork ribs for supper then opened a bottle of rose wine.
iPAQ shop guy texted me in the afternoon and told me that my unit is not yet there. Huhuhu! Tomorrow's off for me. I'd be glad to get a suprise call from them... pls pls again God, let my phone ring...
We won't be playing tomorrow (Saturday) and on Monday due to the on-going renovation. But we'll be playing at the BATS on Sunday night.
The lobby lounge renovation is a blessing in disguise so we can pack our stuff for Tuesday's moving out. I hate packing, s**t!
Ate Nini and Marcial came to our apartment to get some help with their computers. We had Marlou's spicy & tasty pork ribs for supper then opened a bottle of rose wine.
iPAQ shop guy texted me in the afternoon and told me that my unit is not yet there. Huhuhu! Tomorrow's off for me. I'd be glad to get a suprise call from them... pls pls again God, let my phone ring...
Moving booked... booking moved...
Moving booked:
Soon, the reality will kick in. We're really moving out of the apartment on the 20th (Tuesday). We will be picked up by the hotel's shuttle bus at noontime to move back to Pent-Ox.
Booking moved:
Due to the national holiday on the first week of October, all the outbound flights are fully booked. We managed to book our ticket with Malaysian Airlines on the 3rd of October. But we are also on the waiting list with the rest of the 300 passengers on the 1st and 2nd of October. Wish us luck!
Bottomline:
Birthday will be definitely be here in Shanghai. How and where is the problem since we're moving of our apartment. There's no kitchen in Pent-Ox. But my friends in KL can't wait to celebrate my birthday, even if it'll be few days after. *sigh*
Soon, the reality will kick in. We're really moving out of the apartment on the 20th (Tuesday). We will be picked up by the hotel's shuttle bus at noontime to move back to Pent-Ox.
Booking moved:
Due to the national holiday on the first week of October, all the outbound flights are fully booked. We managed to book our ticket with Malaysian Airlines on the 3rd of October. But we are also on the waiting list with the rest of the 300 passengers on the 1st and 2nd of October. Wish us luck!
Bottomline:
Birthday will be definitely be here in Shanghai. How and where is the problem since we're moving of our apartment. There's no kitchen in Pent-Ox. But my friends in KL can't wait to celebrate my birthday, even if it'll be few days after. *sigh*
Expecting for a surprise call
Two more weeks to go. We'll be going to the ticketing office today to inquire/book our ticket to Kuala Lumpur on the 1st of October. I was asking Marlou whether we have it earlier so I can celebrate my birthday there instead. I'm really looking forward to our 4th gig at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Can't wait!
PS: It's the 3rd day today since I ordered my iPAQ. I'm expecting a surprise call from them anytime... pls pls pls God, make my phone ring...
PS: It's the 3rd day today since I ordered my iPAQ. I'm expecting a surprise call from them anytime... pls pls pls God, make my phone ring...
What?!? Moving out again?!?
The contract of Shangri-La Hotel with our current landlord is ending next week. We are asked to pack our stuff again because we will move back to our old apartment, Citic Pent-Ox. It's the same one we stayed in before we moved here to our posh unit. It is where the Shangri-La bands stay and where the Culture Shock band is staying at the moment.
Luckily, we're having off this weekend, just in time for us to pack our stuff and clean the house. We're moving to Pent-Ox on the 20th. We'll stay there for 10 days before we fly off to Kuala Lumpur.
So, goodbye broadband, goodbye transparent shower, goodbye kitchen, goodbye nice living... huhuhuhu!
Luckily, we're having off this weekend, just in time for us to pack our stuff and clean the house. We're moving to Pent-Ox on the 20th. We'll stay there for 10 days before we fly off to Kuala Lumpur.
So, goodbye broadband, goodbye transparent shower, goodbye kitchen, goodbye nice living... huhuhuhu!
Speaking about...
Speaking about those indecent proposals, something happened at work just now. The lounge was so busy, full packed, but most of them were discussing and not really palying any attention to us. We'd be glad if someone claps after a song and say "thank you" while batting our eyelashes.
When we went to Yi Cafe to place our orders for our supper, we noticed that it was also full. Upon leaving the restaurant, Marlou and Brice were walking a bit ahead of me. Then a tall man, in his 50's, approached me from behind, whispered to my ears and said "I give you my number", then handed me a tiny piece of paper with the note written "Shangri-La Hotel, Room 1403", then disappeared. I laughed and passed the paper to Marlou, then we were laughing at the thought of letting Marlou turn up on the old man's room instead, complete with fishnet stockings & a tutu (ballet skirt).
So there, that should serve all you pervs some lesson. Next time you think of approaching me, try to check on Marlou and see what you could be missing!!! Hahaha!
When we went to Yi Cafe to place our orders for our supper, we noticed that it was also full. Upon leaving the restaurant, Marlou and Brice were walking a bit ahead of me. Then a tall man, in his 50's, approached me from behind, whispered to my ears and said "I give you my number", then handed me a tiny piece of paper with the note written "Shangri-La Hotel, Room 1403", then disappeared. I laughed and passed the paper to Marlou, then we were laughing at the thought of letting Marlou turn up on the old man's room instead, complete with fishnet stockings & a tutu (ballet skirt).
So there, that should serve all you pervs some lesson. Next time you think of approaching me, try to check on Marlou and see what you could be missing!!! Hahaha!
2nd thing I hate about myself
The second thing I hate about myself...
Difficulty in expressing myself when I'm angry, depressed, frustrated or sad. Normally, I'd just sit quietly and wouldn't talk to anyone. If I'm at home, I'd just spend my time in the computer. But being in an entertainment industry, I cannot just burn myself on my seat & be invisible for awhile. I always have to maintain this bubbly personality that I have, the friendly smile that might make a big difference in a person's hard day, the Sarita that they've known.
There were times, during my 'dark' teenage days, when I'd have suicidal tendency. That's how I dealt with my anger. Luckily I have overcome it and appreciate life as it is. Now I know what I could have missed if I did stupid things like that before.
I still have to learn how to express myself when I'm angry. But I don't want to just lash out and and run around while waving my ax. No, I don't want to be like that. I'm just scared of losing people around me. Like what if they don't like me when I'm mad? Will they still accept me as I am? Or will that change the way they deal with me? I hate changes, especially negative ones.
But then it all goes down to who I really am. Maybe I'm gifted to solve sad emotions by myself, unlike other people who'd affect others just for them to express themselves. Or maybe I should change that. What do you think?
Difficulty in expressing myself when I'm angry, depressed, frustrated or sad. Normally, I'd just sit quietly and wouldn't talk to anyone. If I'm at home, I'd just spend my time in the computer. But being in an entertainment industry, I cannot just burn myself on my seat & be invisible for awhile. I always have to maintain this bubbly personality that I have, the friendly smile that might make a big difference in a person's hard day, the Sarita that they've known.
There were times, during my 'dark' teenage days, when I'd have suicidal tendency. That's how I dealt with my anger. Luckily I have overcome it and appreciate life as it is. Now I know what I could have missed if I did stupid things like that before.
I still have to learn how to express myself when I'm angry. But I don't want to just lash out and and run around while waving my ax. No, I don't want to be like that. I'm just scared of losing people around me. Like what if they don't like me when I'm mad? Will they still accept me as I am? Or will that change the way they deal with me? I hate changes, especially negative ones.
But then it all goes down to who I really am. Maybe I'm gifted to solve sad emotions by myself, unlike other people who'd affect others just for them to express themselves. Or maybe I should change that. What do you think?
1st thing I hate about myself
1st thing I hate about myself:
I'm super nice and very polite and wouldn't want to be rude to anyone. I know that's not a bad thing. But as an artiste, I do get a lot of indecent proposals or rude pick-up lines or comments that would make another girl slap the person in the face. Even if someone comes up to me and says "I want to sleep with you tonight" or "How much is one night with you?", I still couldn't stand being rude to that person. I still act diplomatically and just avoid that person in the course.
But I remember one time, there's this white guy during that past New Year's Eve in KL who asked me to sit on his lap. I've had fairly enough champagnes then so I said "no" politely. He told me "ok, come with me in room and s*ck me". Eventhough the music was loud, I acted like I didn't hear it so I said "I beg your pardon?". He said, "I said f*ck off" so I said "f*ck off too and s*ck yourself!"... I left the table with his friends embarrassed with how he acted, I felt proud of what I did. The next day, I told the management about it, just in case he'd complain. Our GM said, "you should have slapped him and called the security, I don't care if he's a VIP or if he's staying in the Presidential suite". So eventhough I was proud to act bitchy for a while then, I still felt bad because I couldn't just slap someone eventhough I was already verbally abused. I just couldn't stand hurting another person just for the sake of me letting off my steam.
That I think is one thing I should change. Sometimes I dream of being bitchy & ill-tempered like Ally McBeal or maybe strong like Xena, the warrior princess. I know that ain't me, but I wish even for a day. Oh I've been watchin too much telly maybe. Or maybe, that ain't bad for a birthday wish, don't you think so?!?
Lobby Lounge to be renovated
Yes, the Lobby Lounge of Pudong Shangri-La Hotel will be renovated this coming weekend. Therefore, we won't be playing on Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Our set on Friday will only be until 11PM, so this will be the first weekend in Shanghai that I can go barhopping or check out some other bands - ever!!! It will be a great time for us to go out of town, too. We've known about this a month ago and we were actually planning to go to Beijing to at least see the Great Wall of China or Hongkong to visit Disneyland.
We thought we can outsmart the management by letting them pay us full this month. Anyway, it's not our fault or our wish that the lounge be renovated. But, no!!! The Shangri-La management is a lot smarter than us. We are actually playing at the BATS for the 2 consecutive Sundays that we have here in Shanghai, September 18th and 25th. That's in payment for the days that we won't be working this weekend. Prrfffffft!
That's alright with us. We love playing at the BATS anyway, I think we can handle that. Hopefully 25th will be a riot there as it will be our last Sunday in Shanghai and our last BATS gig. My birthday's coming... hope I can celebrate that in BATS too, with my friends. That will be fun I guess!
We thought we can outsmart the management by letting them pay us full this month. Anyway, it's not our fault or our wish that the lounge be renovated. But, no!!! The Shangri-La management is a lot smarter than us. We are actually playing at the BATS for the 2 consecutive Sundays that we have here in Shanghai, September 18th and 25th. That's in payment for the days that we won't be working this weekend. Prrfffffft!
That's alright with us. We love playing at the BATS anyway, I think we can handle that. Hopefully 25th will be a riot there as it will be our last Sunday in Shanghai and our last BATS gig. My birthday's coming... hope I can celebrate that in BATS too, with my friends. That will be fun I guess!
Frustratedly glad
I'm the kind of person who don't like keeping my hopes high or expecting things to happen. I describe myself as someone who lives life as it passes me by, no expectations or anything. The reason is because I don't like to get frustated or have my heart broken. I'm a a very emotional person and if things don't go the way I want them to be, I usually give up easily.
Like today... I went back to the electonic store again only to find out that the iPAQ h4350 I had my eyes on last Sunday has been sold... just this morning! What a shame! I needed to take a seat to let it absorb into my mind. Luckily, they offered to make an order for me if I really want it - and gave me a fair discount. My whole world just lit up! I paid deposit and left the shop.
Now I only have to deal with sleepless nights and itchy hands which couldn't wait to hold it... Whaaaaat?!? Sleepless nights again?!? Oh no!
Like today... I went back to the electonic store again only to find out that the iPAQ h4350 I had my eyes on last Sunday has been sold... just this morning! What a shame! I needed to take a seat to let it absorb into my mind. Luckily, they offered to make an order for me if I really want it - and gave me a fair discount. My whole world just lit up! I paid deposit and left the shop.
Now I only have to deal with sleepless nights and itchy hands which couldn't wait to hold it... Whaaaaat?!? Sleepless nights again?!? Oh no!
Glad to have an off!
Woke up at 11AM today, went to the shower straight before having a breakfast prepared by Marlou. He's trying to cook the remaining stock in the fridge as we might be moving back to the hotel or another apartment again after our current apartment's contract with the Shangri-La expires on the 22nd of Sept. We don't know if they're going to sign renewals. Anyway, after shower, I wanted to wear my denim skirt to church, it's not really as mini as I'd wear during work, it's more modest and not flippy like other skirts. But Marlou said it's drizzling outside and I might feel a bit cold afterwards so I changed to my jeans. And luckily, I changed because... I'll tell you the story later.
So the three of us left for church after 12noon. When we reach the church, there was an Italian Espresso Coffee stall that served coffees for free. Being a coffee-addict like me, I stopped by and got my full cup of coffee. The St. Peter Church itself is situated on the 3rd floor of the church building. We sat by the benches infront of the church doors as we wait for the mass to begin. I asked Brice and Marl to go ahead inside because my coffee was still hot, can't even sip it. The mass already started and I was still worrying about my coffee. It just smelled sooooo coffee-ish!!! I sipped half-cup and burned my tongue and throat and rushed inside.
Marl was sitting with Marcial on the left side of the last rows, Brice was seated near the center aisle of the last row so I just sat beside her. Since I had a rough week, I was purely emotional and quiet all through out the mass. Offertory came and I watched the kids lining up at the church door with flowers. They looked so cute. Was reminiscing when Marlou and I did the offertory couple of weeks ago, when I was patted on my back and was asked to offer the Hosts! Oh my God! They also asked Brice to offer the other set of Hosts and another guy to bring the wine. I was all giggly on the line and people around we looking at me because I was making fun of the Hosts' cup I was bringing. The kids, who were holding flowers to offer, started marching down the aisle and I still didn't know what I was offering, then it was my turn. As I was approaching the altar, making my gait as modest as possible, I was thinking funny thoughts again. I actually wanted to hand the cup to the priest and ask "what the hell is inside this?", but I was too scared that he might collapse upon hearing the word "hell", so I just kept it in my imagination.
After the mass, Marlou and I went to the 2nd hand building in Fuxing Lu. Just went around the building to scout for any stuff. Marlou bought me a fan for my PC, the kind that you can connect to ur USB port, either to cool down your laptop or to cool you down when you feel hot in a middle of a steamy chat, hahaha!
We went to Xujiahui after that to meet up with our Boss, who wanted me to scout around while waiting for him. He wanted to buy a Sony PSP for his daughter. So me and Marlou went to look around and I only ended up drooling for PDA's! Our boss came 2 hours after and he handed me the money to buy for him. Luckily I didn't give the money right away because I knew they were not giving out warranties for Sony PSP when you buy them in China. What a waste of time! But anyway, at least, I found a birthday present for myself!!! I just have to decide on it, sooner rather than later.
It's raining hard and it was difficult to find a taxi. Marlou and I took the subway train, which took around 30 minutes. When we reached home, Marlou was rushing to his PC to record the F1 race while I rushed to mine to research for the PDA's I found. Then I took a nap for almost 2 hours then surfed back on the net again.
Hmmm, after a rough week, it was not a bad day after all...
So the three of us left for church after 12noon. When we reach the church, there was an Italian Espresso Coffee stall that served coffees for free. Being a coffee-addict like me, I stopped by and got my full cup of coffee. The St. Peter Church itself is situated on the 3rd floor of the church building. We sat by the benches infront of the church doors as we wait for the mass to begin. I asked Brice and Marl to go ahead inside because my coffee was still hot, can't even sip it. The mass already started and I was still worrying about my coffee. It just smelled sooooo coffee-ish!!! I sipped half-cup and burned my tongue and throat and rushed inside.
Marl was sitting with Marcial on the left side of the last rows, Brice was seated near the center aisle of the last row so I just sat beside her. Since I had a rough week, I was purely emotional and quiet all through out the mass. Offertory came and I watched the kids lining up at the church door with flowers. They looked so cute. Was reminiscing when Marlou and I did the offertory couple of weeks ago, when I was patted on my back and was asked to offer the Hosts! Oh my God! They also asked Brice to offer the other set of Hosts and another guy to bring the wine. I was all giggly on the line and people around we looking at me because I was making fun of the Hosts' cup I was bringing. The kids, who were holding flowers to offer, started marching down the aisle and I still didn't know what I was offering, then it was my turn. As I was approaching the altar, making my gait as modest as possible, I was thinking funny thoughts again. I actually wanted to hand the cup to the priest and ask "what the hell is inside this?", but I was too scared that he might collapse upon hearing the word "hell", so I just kept it in my imagination.
After the mass, Marlou and I went to the 2nd hand building in Fuxing Lu. Just went around the building to scout for any stuff. Marlou bought me a fan for my PC, the kind that you can connect to ur USB port, either to cool down your laptop or to cool you down when you feel hot in a middle of a steamy chat, hahaha!
We went to Xujiahui after that to meet up with our Boss, who wanted me to scout around while waiting for him. He wanted to buy a Sony PSP for his daughter. So me and Marlou went to look around and I only ended up drooling for PDA's! Our boss came 2 hours after and he handed me the money to buy for him. Luckily I didn't give the money right away because I knew they were not giving out warranties for Sony PSP when you buy them in China. What a waste of time! But anyway, at least, I found a birthday present for myself!!! I just have to decide on it, sooner rather than later.
It's raining hard and it was difficult to find a taxi. Marlou and I took the subway train, which took around 30 minutes. When we reached home, Marlou was rushing to his PC to record the F1 race while I rushed to mine to research for the PDA's I found. Then I took a nap for almost 2 hours then surfed back on the net again.
Hmmm, after a rough week, it was not a bad day after all...
Thanks guys!
Thanks to you guys who have read that I had a rough week. You're all so sweet and thoughtful with your encouraging words. And to those who would visit my blog on a regular basis, thanks a lot for enduring my senseless stuff, hahaha!
It's my off today. And to prove that shopping is a girl's medicine to stress, I went out and did some window shopping. And yes, it worked although I'm not a typical girl who would be wooed by clothes, shoes, handbags. The only kind of store that would lit up my senses is the electronic store.
But now, I know I will have sleepless nights again afer I saw couple pf PDA's I wanted to have!!! Hahaha! Since Palm Tungsten C is already obsolete, I've been trying to find a good PDA which has a keyboard layout and which has connectivity for bluetooth and wireless LAN. The 2 models I have to choose from are:
Sony Clie PEG-UX50/U
Hewlett-Packard iPaq h4300
Sony Clie is a lot costly but very nice design. I've read reviews of both products but I'm still confused. If you can help me out to decide, I'd really appreciate your piece of mind.
It's my off today. And to prove that shopping is a girl's medicine to stress, I went out and did some window shopping. And yes, it worked although I'm not a typical girl who would be wooed by clothes, shoes, handbags. The only kind of store that would lit up my senses is the electronic store.
But now, I know I will have sleepless nights again afer I saw couple pf PDA's I wanted to have!!! Hahaha! Since Palm Tungsten C is already obsolete, I've been trying to find a good PDA which has a keyboard layout and which has connectivity for bluetooth and wireless LAN. The 2 models I have to choose from are:
Sony Clie PEG-UX50/U
Hewlett-Packard iPaq h4300
Sony Clie is a lot costly but very nice design. I've read reviews of both products but I'm still confused. If you can help me out to decide, I'd really appreciate your piece of mind.
Rough week
It's been a rough week for me. Been through lots of stress. Though there were lots of reasons for me to smile and be happy, I still feel depressed and down. Is this a burn-out??? One of those days I guess.
Packing time
Oh I hate packing!!! The 3 of us discussed what we should do with our things. Brice has no problem with at all because she has lesser stuff than us. We're sending off our things to KL through post office by ship. Though it will take at least 4 weeks for our things to reach KL, I guess it's alright as it's a lot cheaper than other private shipping companies or by taking it with us on the plane - in fact a loooooot cheaper than the excess baggage charges!
I really hate packing boxes because it beats my brains out deciding which stuff to leave with me and which stuff to send out first. I'd rather wrap Xmas gifts... looking forward to that!
I really hate packing boxes because it beats my brains out deciding which stuff to leave with me and which stuff to send out first. I'd rather wrap Xmas gifts... looking forward to that!
My countdown starts...
26 more days to go... hmmm can't wait. I get all jittery and excited and my eyes would light up when I think of leaving Shanghai to go to my favorite city, KL. I really like KL for a lot of reasons. I love the people there, it's a place where I don't feel homesick at all. Because Filipinos' race is Malay and people in Malaysia look like Filipinos. Besides, there is a place/mall in downtown called Kota Raya, where you can get products and goods from the Philippines.
I really wish that her Royal Highness will take it seriously when I said I really would like to stay in Malaysia and make it my home. Maybe when she asks me to sing again in one of her functions in Shangri-La KL, I will tell her again about it. Besides, my Bahasa Melayu is not bad, just need to brush up on it. I used to speak Bahasa fluently when I first came to Malaysia, because I had to learn it in Indonesia as, like in China, it's very difficult to get around when you don't speak a little of their native tongue. Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malay is very similar and the words are pretty similar with Philippine's Visayan dialect & Tagalog.
So 26 more days to go... I wish that it's just 24 days more because I really want to celebrate my birthday there on the 29th in KL! Huhuhuhu!
I really wish that her Royal Highness will take it seriously when I said I really would like to stay in Malaysia and make it my home. Maybe when she asks me to sing again in one of her functions in Shangri-La KL, I will tell her again about it. Besides, my Bahasa Melayu is not bad, just need to brush up on it. I used to speak Bahasa fluently when I first came to Malaysia, because I had to learn it in Indonesia as, like in China, it's very difficult to get around when you don't speak a little of their native tongue. Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malay is very similar and the words are pretty similar with Philippine's Visayan dialect & Tagalog.
So 26 more days to go... I wish that it's just 24 days more because I really want to celebrate my birthday there on the 29th in KL! Huhuhuhu!
Wined and whined
Last night's BATS gig wasn't bad at all. I learned how to really relax myself on stage, rather than pumping up and down and getting all tired at the end of night - when no one's listening. I really have to learn it because my body is very rhythmical. Once it hears a beat, I can't help but move it. After our set, somebody from BMG Australia gave me a bottle of wine. I put the bottle in my bag and sped off home.
Ate Nini came to our house for me to install stuff in her computer. We drank the wine that was given to me and opened another bottle. Brice and Marlou slept early, around 4AM. Ate Nini and I whined about our lives until 6:30AM. I cleaned up our place for 30 minutes and dozed off until 3PM.
One more BATS gig on the 18th... woohooooo!
Ate Nini came to our house for me to install stuff in her computer. We drank the wine that was given to me and opened another bottle. Brice and Marlou slept early, around 4AM. Ate Nini and I whined about our lives until 6:30AM. I cleaned up our place for 30 minutes and dozed off until 3PM.
One more BATS gig on the 18th... woohooooo!
It's been a great week!
It has been a great week at the lobby lounge. The hotel was full, as expected, there were lots of guests who were there night after night to be entertained.
It's been a great week communicating with friends. I've got lots of contacts in my address book, most of them haven't kept in touch for quite a while. That's why I was glad that most of them replied and checked out my website.
It's BATS time tomorrow night. Hopefully, there would still be lots of guests around, although most of them are going already leaving Shanghai. Anyway, have to take a rest now.
It's been a great week communicating with friends. I've got lots of contacts in my address book, most of them haven't kept in touch for quite a while. That's why I was glad that most of them replied and checked out my website.
It's BATS time tomorrow night. Hopefully, there would still be lots of guests around, although most of them are going already leaving Shanghai. Anyway, have to take a rest now.
Daily routine
What's a daily routine for me like? That's a great question suggested by my friend. I realized that I always put my daily encounters, confusing the readers of what I really do everyday.
My insomnia got worse when I got in Shanghai. I don't know what's with Shanghai, but I remember very well that I broke the record of sleeping late once while revising my whole website in 2003. I slept at 1PM then. Maybe because our work is quite relaxing here that the only time I sweat during performance is when I let my hair down and we play some bouncy tunes. But other than that, I'd still say that it's the most relaxing job we had.
I don't like going out on a typical working day, and that's like 6 days a week. A week ago, I changed my sleeping habits. Used to sleep so late in Shanghai because we have a broadband connection and I do lots of stuff on the net - and not only chatting ok?!? So yeah, what's a typical routine for me daily?
The first thing that I do when I wake up (these days in between 1-3PM), is brush my teeth. I don't like washing my face, I only wash it when I need to go out. Besides, friends like my "just woke up" look. Then I'd head to the kitchen and boil some water for my coffee. We don't have a thermos or any device that specifically boils water so I use the saucer pan. While waiting it to boil, I'd turn on my computer and check mails. Being a careless person that I usually am, sometimes I'd leave it boiling until there's only few water left. And I'd usually kick myself for it. I love having my 3-in-1 Maxwell coffee with a bunch of biscuits. I'd dip the biscuits in it before munching them. When I'm in Manila, I'd do it with our famous "pan de sal". Oh I miss the morning "pandesals". And the taho!!! Hmmmm...
When I'm on my computer, time would really pass by quickly. And yes, I'd usually spend looooong time on my computer. Sometimes, I already regard it as my main job, not the singing for 4 hours!
At 6PM, I usually do my Pilates and Yoga for less than an hour before preparing for work. Sometimes, I take my dinner before having a shower. And when I take a shower, I'm like a guy. I just do the necessary stuff in the shower, unlike other girls who'd spend almost an hour in the shower.
(I know a friend who'd spend 2 hours in the toilet everyday. When I stayed in their house for a month when I was 17, we'd take shower together (we're both girls, so what's wrong with that?). I was all done with all my stuff when she just started shampooing her hair! But she insisted that I'd stay and chat with her till she finish, so when I went out of the shower, I was all wrinkled from head to toe!!!)
I could do my makeup and hair in 20 minutes but I'm usually the last one to get out of the room. I'm a crammer, I don't like preparing or doing things early. I like cramming up and that brings out the adrenaline rush. That's one of the funny things I notice with myself.
At 8PM, we'd be on our way to work. Our apartment is just 3-5 minutes by cab. I hate waiting for work, I like going to work and preparing my lyrics and just sing right away. But sometimes I like having coffee before set or before the 2nd set. I like a quiet time before I sing so I appreciate my band mates not speaking to me before our 1st set.
We begin our 1st set at 8:30PM. I sing the Shangri-La song which is a Chinese song to start our 1st set. We were required to do it by the management. There was a time when the owner came, all the hotel executives were hanging around in the lobby. They asked us to play the Shangri-La song 3 times that night! Nothing wrong with that but it's becoming like the national anthem for us.
We have 4 sets of 45 minutes each. We have 15 minute breaks in between. On our last break, right after our 3rd set, we'd usually go to Yi Cafe and order our supper, to be picked up after our last set, which is 12:15AM.
We take a taxi going back home. The taxi drivers already know us and sometimes they don't feel lucky when they take our ride coz our place is just near. We're not disappointed with that, we truly understand their situation. They'd queue up for so long in the taxi queue, only to get a RMB13 ride. But the great thing about the taxi drivers here is they don't choose passengers, unlike Filipino cab drivers. So whether they like it or not, they had to take our ride. If only we could ride a bicycle to and from work.
When we arrive home, we'd leave the food in the kitchen, leave my things in the home office and go to our rooms directly to change. I'd remove my makeup too, although I'm not really that sensitive with cosmetics (depends on the brand). Then I'd turn on my computer again while eating supper. If we have a practice, I'd play the song to be practised, if not I'd just check on my website, my guestbook and my blog.
Bedtime varies now at 4-5AM, of course after I've done my computer. And it doesn't end there. I read magazines or books to put me to sleep. Sometimes I'd read it in the toilet because the light is on there. So what's with the routine?
My insomnia got worse when I got in Shanghai. I don't know what's with Shanghai, but I remember very well that I broke the record of sleeping late once while revising my whole website in 2003. I slept at 1PM then. Maybe because our work is quite relaxing here that the only time I sweat during performance is when I let my hair down and we play some bouncy tunes. But other than that, I'd still say that it's the most relaxing job we had.
I don't like going out on a typical working day, and that's like 6 days a week. A week ago, I changed my sleeping habits. Used to sleep so late in Shanghai because we have a broadband connection and I do lots of stuff on the net - and not only chatting ok?!? So yeah, what's a typical routine for me daily?
The first thing that I do when I wake up (these days in between 1-3PM), is brush my teeth. I don't like washing my face, I only wash it when I need to go out. Besides, friends like my "just woke up" look. Then I'd head to the kitchen and boil some water for my coffee. We don't have a thermos or any device that specifically boils water so I use the saucer pan. While waiting it to boil, I'd turn on my computer and check mails. Being a careless person that I usually am, sometimes I'd leave it boiling until there's only few water left. And I'd usually kick myself for it. I love having my 3-in-1 Maxwell coffee with a bunch of biscuits. I'd dip the biscuits in it before munching them. When I'm in Manila, I'd do it with our famous "pan de sal". Oh I miss the morning "pandesals". And the taho!!! Hmmmm...
When I'm on my computer, time would really pass by quickly. And yes, I'd usually spend looooong time on my computer. Sometimes, I already regard it as my main job, not the singing for 4 hours!
At 6PM, I usually do my Pilates and Yoga for less than an hour before preparing for work. Sometimes, I take my dinner before having a shower. And when I take a shower, I'm like a guy. I just do the necessary stuff in the shower, unlike other girls who'd spend almost an hour in the shower.
(I know a friend who'd spend 2 hours in the toilet everyday. When I stayed in their house for a month when I was 17, we'd take shower together (we're both girls, so what's wrong with that?). I was all done with all my stuff when she just started shampooing her hair! But she insisted that I'd stay and chat with her till she finish, so when I went out of the shower, I was all wrinkled from head to toe!!!)
I could do my makeup and hair in 20 minutes but I'm usually the last one to get out of the room. I'm a crammer, I don't like preparing or doing things early. I like cramming up and that brings out the adrenaline rush. That's one of the funny things I notice with myself.
At 8PM, we'd be on our way to work. Our apartment is just 3-5 minutes by cab. I hate waiting for work, I like going to work and preparing my lyrics and just sing right away. But sometimes I like having coffee before set or before the 2nd set. I like a quiet time before I sing so I appreciate my band mates not speaking to me before our 1st set.
We begin our 1st set at 8:30PM. I sing the Shangri-La song which is a Chinese song to start our 1st set. We were required to do it by the management. There was a time when the owner came, all the hotel executives were hanging around in the lobby. They asked us to play the Shangri-La song 3 times that night! Nothing wrong with that but it's becoming like the national anthem for us.
We have 4 sets of 45 minutes each. We have 15 minute breaks in between. On our last break, right after our 3rd set, we'd usually go to Yi Cafe and order our supper, to be picked up after our last set, which is 12:15AM.
We take a taxi going back home. The taxi drivers already know us and sometimes they don't feel lucky when they take our ride coz our place is just near. We're not disappointed with that, we truly understand their situation. They'd queue up for so long in the taxi queue, only to get a RMB13 ride. But the great thing about the taxi drivers here is they don't choose passengers, unlike Filipino cab drivers. So whether they like it or not, they had to take our ride. If only we could ride a bicycle to and from work.
When we arrive home, we'd leave the food in the kitchen, leave my things in the home office and go to our rooms directly to change. I'd remove my makeup too, although I'm not really that sensitive with cosmetics (depends on the brand). Then I'd turn on my computer again while eating supper. If we have a practice, I'd play the song to be practised, if not I'd just check on my website, my guestbook and my blog.
Bedtime varies now at 4-5AM, of course after I've done my computer. And it doesn't end there. I read magazines or books to put me to sleep. Sometimes I'd read it in the toilet because the light is on there. So what's with the routine?
BER months start off
It's the 1st of September. In other countries, climates are changing, maybe having their summer or their autumn. But in a tropical country like Philippines, we only experience 2 kinds of weather: sunny & rainy. In most cases: sunny, rainy & stormy. In rare cases: rainy & very stormy. We don't have 4 seasons and most of us haven't actually seen an actual snow flake - except for the small stalls during summer selling halo-halo.
In Philippines, where majority are Roman Catholic or Christians, September is an exciting point of the year. SeptemBER is followed by other BER months and soon enough it'll be Christmas time.
To those who haven't been to my country, you won't believe how Christmas is hugely celebrated in the Philippines. Some stores are starting to sell Christmas carol CDs and tapes. In fact, I was greeted by one of my agent's daughters today: Advanced Merry Christmas.
And yes, September is of course a significant month for a Libran like me. My daughter's birthday is on the 27th while mine is 2 days after that. Birthdays don't actually excite me like it used to get the party girl out of me few years back.
So, if age doesn't really matter, why does it matter to me now?
In Philippines, where majority are Roman Catholic or Christians, September is an exciting point of the year. SeptemBER is followed by other BER months and soon enough it'll be Christmas time.
To those who haven't been to my country, you won't believe how Christmas is hugely celebrated in the Philippines. Some stores are starting to sell Christmas carol CDs and tapes. In fact, I was greeted by one of my agent's daughters today: Advanced Merry Christmas.
And yes, September is of course a significant month for a Libran like me. My daughter's birthday is on the 27th while mine is 2 days after that. Birthdays don't actually excite me like it used to get the party girl out of me few years back.
So, if age doesn't really matter, why does it matter to me now?
Touching base
I am doing my "touching base" send-outs now. Time to again get in touch with the people on my address book. I used to do it almost every month, then every quarter, then twice a year, then now just annually. It's so amazing to know, as I was editing my recipients, that my list has gone to more than a thousand already! It feels great because 95% of these people on my list are people I actually have crossed paths with.
If you have just surfed on my website and want to receive updates about it, please do drop me a note at mailme@saritac.com so I can add you up on my list. Thanks!
If you have just surfed on my website and want to receive updates about it, please do drop me a note at mailme@saritac.com so I can add you up on my list. Thanks!
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