Ads like this makes me realize how preoccupied we have become with what we do. Work, hobby, friends, colleagues, technology. I was walking the other day and walked pass some cars stuck in a heavy traffic jam. Most of the drivers were preoccupied on their mobile phones, either reading or composing SMS or talking with a hands-free kit. I'm not pointing at anyone. I'm referring to everyone of us. Only now that I realize how one can lessen stress if you have some quality time with yourself or people you love most. Reminding me to cherish more quality time with Selena when she comes here on December (hopefully).
For the preoccupied and busy
Ads like this makes me realize how preoccupied we have become with what we do. Work, hobby, friends, colleagues, technology. I was walking the other day and walked pass some cars stuck in a heavy traffic jam. Most of the drivers were preoccupied on their mobile phones, either reading or composing SMS or talking with a hands-free kit. I'm not pointing at anyone. I'm referring to everyone of us. Only now that I realize how one can lessen stress if you have some quality time with yourself or people you love most. Reminding me to cherish more quality time with Selena when she comes here on December (hopefully).
Towel!!!
Alright, Asian women are more conservative than Westerners. And so, seldom that you see naked women walking in the locker room of gyms. It's mostly the whites or westerners who are more confident with their bodies - toned, flabby or not. Us, we'd walk with the big towel hugging our luscious bodies, taking a moment to look around before we take even our blouses off.
And so, here goes my funny story. As I said, I used to go to the gym before - alone - not with somebody I know. So it was Jan's first time to do those things. So there we were, with our towelled naked bodies, walking from our locker to the wet section of the room. Before we dipped into the jacuzzi pool, told her that we'd have to take a shower first. And so, I did mine quickly and jumped into the tub. Switched on the jacuzzi and waited for Jan for half a minute. It was a wise move for me because I took off the towel and dipped into the pool without anyone looking. Hek-hek-hek! Sooooo, Jan came out of the shower, looking timid and shy. She stood at the edge of the pool thinking how she'd go in without me seeing her naked. I told her I wouldn't look and so she jumped into the pool while we laughed. Realizing that it's hot, she forgot that she's naked, jumped and stood up! Hahaha! But she finally got the hang of it and we enjoyed like 10 minutes in the jacuzzi.
READ: Pervs, stay away! No lesbian thing going on, ok! Graduated from that! LOL
And so after dipping in the jacuzzi, Jan faced another dilemma - how to get off the pool without seeing her naked. So I just reached out for the jacuzzi switch and she went ahead to get her towel while giggling. Guess what she did. She got her towel and covered her front and so when I got up to get my towel, her naked butt was only few inches away from my face. Hahaha! We kept laughing about it because she was so concerned covering her front when no one was around, and the only person with her was me who was standing behind her naked butt, shocked of the unsightly scene! Hahaha!
We had a cold shower before we entered the sauna room. We spent less than 10 minutes inside before we moved to the steam bath. By the time our bodies were all drenched in sweat and steam, we decided to wrap up the day with a cold shower. But I still can't get over the blooper that just happened. Until now. Until tomorrow. Until another blooper happens. :-)
And so, here goes my funny story. As I said, I used to go to the gym before - alone - not with somebody I know. So it was Jan's first time to do those things. So there we were, with our towelled naked bodies, walking from our locker to the wet section of the room. Before we dipped into the jacuzzi pool, told her that we'd have to take a shower first. And so, I did mine quickly and jumped into the tub. Switched on the jacuzzi and waited for Jan for half a minute. It was a wise move for me because I took off the towel and dipped into the pool without anyone looking. Hek-hek-hek! Sooooo, Jan came out of the shower, looking timid and shy. She stood at the edge of the pool thinking how she'd go in without me seeing her naked. I told her I wouldn't look and so she jumped into the pool while we laughed. Realizing that it's hot, she forgot that she's naked, jumped and stood up! Hahaha! But she finally got the hang of it and we enjoyed like 10 minutes in the jacuzzi.
READ: Pervs, stay away! No lesbian thing going on, ok! Graduated from that! LOL
And so after dipping in the jacuzzi, Jan faced another dilemma - how to get off the pool without seeing her naked. So I just reached out for the jacuzzi switch and she went ahead to get her towel while giggling. Guess what she did. She got her towel and covered her front and so when I got up to get my towel, her naked butt was only few inches away from my face. Hahaha! We kept laughing about it because she was so concerned covering her front when no one was around, and the only person with her was me who was standing behind her naked butt, shocked of the unsightly scene! Hahaha!
We had a cold shower before we entered the sauna room. We spent less than 10 minutes inside before we moved to the steam bath. By the time our bodies were all drenched in sweat and steam, we decided to wrap up the day with a cold shower. But I still can't get over the blooper that just happened. Until now. Until tomorrow. Until another blooper happens. :-)
Bored and off
Anony... yes it did huh! Thanks! :-)
We didn't do anything special on our off. No invitations, no appointments. Luckily I don't have a local mobile phone, no one to disturb me. Had a walk with Jan from the hotel to Bukit Bintang while trying to take some pictures. It's such a shame that there wasn't anything special to shoot at during that 15-minute walk. We cruised the different malls in Bukit Bintang. Said hello to my friend who owns Tarbush Restaurant in Starhill then walked back towards Sungei Wang. Met up with Marl who was in MPH getting an itchy hand to spend for another book. He's been a bookworm for a few months now. Jan was on a footwear search and I was on a skirt search. I couldn't find much skirts here. And my khaki skirt is becoming worn-out because it's a Wash-And-Wear apparel. I'm like that. When I like something, I'll wear/eat/do that over and over again. Until I'd wake up one day and say, "stop". I also bought some toiletries in where else... Watson's!
Jan and I took the monorail train on the way back. When we got back to the hotel, I dragged Jan to go with me to the gym. Not really gym, but the locker room. We soaked in the jacuzzi tub for a while, then went in the sauna room, then went in the steam room. I haven't done those things with somebody so we're like "naked" highschool girls or should I say, kids, laughing and going from one room to another to try it. I did them before but it's nothing like having somebody with you whom you can chat with. Will tell that funny story on my next post.
When we got back to the room, Marl has already went down to the lobby for his Monday night concerto. He doesn't have any off at all but he's more than willing to do it because he only have to perform for 2 sets and with all the great melodies in his repertoire and with his soothing voice, the management wouldn't want to settle on anything less.
My good friend Edlyn came to visit us again. She's one of the closest friends I got in this industry, always true and always there for me/us. She's not afraid or shy to tell people and even to me that she idolizes me. Of course, I'm flattered but I don't think it's necessary because I'm not even good in my own standards. She said, what she admires about me is my professionalism when I'm onstage. My the-show-must-go-on attitude. That no matter what I'm going through, I make it worthwhile for my audience to enjoy our performance just as much as the other normal nights. She's leaving this Wednesday with another great friend/saxophonist/musician, Marcial. They will be performing at the Sheraton Taipei where we have performed in 2000. I wish them lots of luck.
So there, nothing much special to do, huh? But I'm lucky that I'm into this field/job where everyday turns out to be different. Like everyday is full of surprises.
We didn't do anything special on our off. No invitations, no appointments. Luckily I don't have a local mobile phone, no one to disturb me. Had a walk with Jan from the hotel to Bukit Bintang while trying to take some pictures. It's such a shame that there wasn't anything special to shoot at during that 15-minute walk. We cruised the different malls in Bukit Bintang. Said hello to my friend who owns Tarbush Restaurant in Starhill then walked back towards Sungei Wang. Met up with Marl who was in MPH getting an itchy hand to spend for another book. He's been a bookworm for a few months now. Jan was on a footwear search and I was on a skirt search. I couldn't find much skirts here. And my khaki skirt is becoming worn-out because it's a Wash-And-Wear apparel. I'm like that. When I like something, I'll wear/eat/do that over and over again. Until I'd wake up one day and say, "stop". I also bought some toiletries in where else... Watson's!
Jan and I took the monorail train on the way back. When we got back to the hotel, I dragged Jan to go with me to the gym. Not really gym, but the locker room. We soaked in the jacuzzi tub for a while, then went in the sauna room, then went in the steam room. I haven't done those things with somebody so we're like "naked" highschool girls or should I say, kids, laughing and going from one room to another to try it. I did them before but it's nothing like having somebody with you whom you can chat with. Will tell that funny story on my next post.
When we got back to the room, Marl has already went down to the lobby for his Monday night concerto. He doesn't have any off at all but he's more than willing to do it because he only have to perform for 2 sets and with all the great melodies in his repertoire and with his soothing voice, the management wouldn't want to settle on anything less.
My good friend Edlyn came to visit us again. She's one of the closest friends I got in this industry, always true and always there for me/us. She's not afraid or shy to tell people and even to me that she idolizes me. Of course, I'm flattered but I don't think it's necessary because I'm not even good in my own standards. She said, what she admires about me is my professionalism when I'm onstage. My the-show-must-go-on attitude. That no matter what I'm going through, I make it worthwhile for my audience to enjoy our performance just as much as the other normal nights. She's leaving this Wednesday with another great friend/saxophonist/musician, Marcial. They will be performing at the Sheraton Taipei where we have performed in 2000. I wish them lots of luck.
So there, nothing much special to do, huh? But I'm lucky that I'm into this field/job where everyday turns out to be different. Like everyday is full of surprises.
Crowded Sunday
We didn't expect Sundays to be crowded because everyone goes back to work the day after. But tonight was somewhat different. Italian guests swarmed up the lounge before we ended our 1st set and got lots of local regulars who came in on our 2nd set. And they stayed until we finished our final set.
Right after our last set, we hurriedly changed and went to Concorde to have a listen to the bands. We seldom go there these days because we are quite busy. Busy in the room. Internet, I mean. LOL. We saw the MusicMates and B-Thru, the other band was off. Saw some old friends like Cem who doesn't look like Mr.Roboto anymore. He has trimmed down a bit remarkably and is looking good. Even with the way he dresses up. Groovy. Maybe preparing for Peach Apple Tree's comeback next week. Yiheeeeeee!
Was offered to have whiskey coke by one of the regulars, which I don't usually drink. But I had no choice. LOL. I was asked to sing a Shakira song by the MusicMates. Everytime the Concorde staff see my face, they'd usually ask me to sing Shakira song. One of the minor reasons why I don't want to chillout in Concorde because I couldn't really chillout! Always worried that they'd call me to sing when, in fact, the reason why we'd usually go there is to relax.
It's our off and if it doesn't rain, I'd have a walk around. Hope that I'll get some sun today. I'm getting fairer. Want to stay a bit tanned. Suits me well, they said. :-)
NOTE: I don't know why this post didn't appear on my website. But this is the 2nd try. Hope it works. :-)
Right after our last set, we hurriedly changed and went to Concorde to have a listen to the bands. We seldom go there these days because we are quite busy. Busy in the room. Internet, I mean. LOL. We saw the MusicMates and B-Thru, the other band was off. Saw some old friends like Cem who doesn't look like Mr.Roboto anymore. He has trimmed down a bit remarkably and is looking good. Even with the way he dresses up. Groovy. Maybe preparing for Peach Apple Tree's comeback next week. Yiheeeeeee!
Was offered to have whiskey coke by one of the regulars, which I don't usually drink. But I had no choice. LOL. I was asked to sing a Shakira song by the MusicMates. Everytime the Concorde staff see my face, they'd usually ask me to sing Shakira song. One of the minor reasons why I don't want to chillout in Concorde because I couldn't really chillout! Always worried that they'd call me to sing when, in fact, the reason why we'd usually go there is to relax.
It's our off and if it doesn't rain, I'd have a walk around. Hope that I'll get some sun today. I'm getting fairer. Want to stay a bit tanned. Suits me well, they said. :-)
NOTE: I don't know why this post didn't appear on my website. But this is the 2nd try. Hope it works. :-)
Just lounging
Woke up at 2PM when our doorbell rang. My friend Edlyn came to visit us. As usual, we spent the whole afternoon chatting with Jan. I'm the master of multitasking. So while we were chatting, I was editing some photos, laughing, then uploading, then telling some joke, texting Selena, then updated my website. And I got the work done.
I have put some captions on the September 2006 gallery and uploaded October 2006 which has the photos we took during our 3 days in Manila earlier this month. So enjoy!
PS: Am currently editing our October pics for the much-awaited KL 2006 album. Watch out for that!
I have put some captions on the September 2006 gallery and uploaded October 2006 which has the photos we took during our 3 days in Manila earlier this month. So enjoy!
PS: Am currently editing our October pics for the much-awaited KL 2006 album. Watch out for that!
Congrats Dev!
One of the best things in life is to feel real happiness over somebody's happiness. Just like for my friend, Dev, who just got engaged to his sweetheart W.M., recently. He's one of my self-confessed blog readers (LOL) and so I know he'll able to read this.
I've known Dev for almost a decade now. Met him in Concorde, he'd always watch our band almost every day that I'd wonder what happened to him if he doesn't show up in a day. No, I'm just exaggerrating. He's been a very good friend of ours and has kept in touch with him all through these years. I remember he takes a lot of out photos during performance and he'd give them out to us for souvenir. And I must say, the best pictures ever taken of me in Concorde were taken by him. Like the one on the right. Dev, I sincerely congratulate you and hope we can be part of your big day next year. Cheers!
I've known Dev for almost a decade now. Met him in Concorde, he'd always watch our band almost every day that I'd wonder what happened to him if he doesn't show up in a day. No, I'm just exaggerrating. He's been a very good friend of ours and has kept in touch with him all through these years. I remember he takes a lot of out photos during performance and he'd give them out to us for souvenir. And I must say, the best pictures ever taken of me in Concorde were taken by him. Like the one on the right. Dev, I sincerely congratulate you and hope we can be part of your big day next year. Cheers!
Lazy bum
It was raining when I woke up so got really lazy to even get up from my couch. I'm really a computer freak. Once I set my hands on my laptop, only real emergencies make me budge from my throne. Real emergencies like peeing. Or stretching or yawning. Yeah, that's one of the real emergencies. LOL.
I don't surf most of the time. Usually, I'd listen to some of my newly downloaded files or listen to the songs we have to practice. I also surf and find lyrics not only for myself, but for Jan and Marl as well. I edit the lyrics before giving it out to them. I'd check my websites for new entries on my guestbook, band's guestbook, shoutout box, and PBase comments. Then of course, I'd check mails which are 90% spam by the way. I'd reply to some of the real mails. Then I'd check my chat clients for any offline messages. I'd text some friends and Selena from my Chikka messenger. Then I'd blog. Then the rest of my online time would be like click here and yawn there.
Speaking of yawning... I just yawned. It's true that yawning is contagious, but I didn't know that even just writing the word "yawn" can make you do it. Wow! Hmmm... I feel like sleeping early. It's Sunday and I just want to have a lazy day maybe. It will be Monday soon anyway.
I don't surf most of the time. Usually, I'd listen to some of my newly downloaded files or listen to the songs we have to practice. I also surf and find lyrics not only for myself, but for Jan and Marl as well. I edit the lyrics before giving it out to them. I'd check my websites for new entries on my guestbook, band's guestbook, shoutout box, and PBase comments. Then of course, I'd check mails which are 90% spam by the way. I'd reply to some of the real mails. Then I'd check my chat clients for any offline messages. I'd text some friends and Selena from my Chikka messenger. Then I'd blog. Then the rest of my online time would be like click here and yawn there.
Speaking of yawning... I just yawned. It's true that yawning is contagious, but I didn't know that even just writing the word "yawn" can make you do it. Wow! Hmmm... I feel like sleeping early. It's Sunday and I just want to have a lazy day maybe. It will be Monday soon anyway.
My PBase updated
After being busy and being bored, I finally got all my senses to work to upload the much-awaited photos on my Pbase gallery. The following albums under the Philippines 2006 gallery are updated:
- Cebu Scenes 3 - Deleted the less viewed ones, retained the most viewed ones, distributed the pics evenly in the 3 different Cebu Scenes galleries. Recent pics on the 3rd gallery.
- URB in Shangri-La Mactan - Uploaded the last pics taken of the URB onstage on my birthday (Sept.29) and on our last night performance (Sept.30).
- September 2006 - Wonderful memories during our last month in Cebu. No captions yet.
Bored but great
I had nothing to do today in the room. Quite bored nearly to death. The weather was good and I got so excited to be under the sun again. I had a walk today to KLCC. Took some photos along the way, brought the 300D with me. But I was really conscious about getting
To me, KLCC's even becoming a bit boring, nothing much to see anymore except for the shops with "sale". I'm thinking of going to Midvalley Megamall one of these days, haven't been there since we came back to KL. I bought Marl a new book, an addition to his library. Did a little grocery then went back to the hotel.
Our first set was sooooo quiet. It's been raining since 6PM and I thought we'd have a quiet crowd. But no, we've been laughing since the first set and the crowd came in on our 2nd set. We had a good crowd, lots of regulars and old friends. And I was on my funnier mood tonight, not to say, my voice was tuned classically since the 1st set. So I can say, it was a great night overall.
To me, KLCC's even becoming a bit boring, nothing much to see anymore except for the shops with "sale". I'm thinking of going to Midvalley Megamall one of these days, haven't been there since we came back to KL. I bought Marl a new book, an addition to his library. Did a little grocery then went back to the hotel.
Our first set was sooooo quiet. It's been raining since 6PM and I thought we'd have a quiet crowd. But no, we've been laughing since the first set and the crowd came in on our 2nd set. We had a good crowd, lots of regulars and old friends. And I was on my funnier mood tonight, not to say, my voice was tuned classically since the 1st set. So I can say, it was a great night overall.
URB's been blogged!
Check out my friend WMW's blog site. She has blogged about URB during her recent visit last weekend with the headmasters of the whole gang. LOL. Great blog. But I warn you, her whole blog site covers mostly food & entertainment. I had to get a tissue to wipe my mouth. Thanks a lot M... err, WMW for the post! And I've got the LSS (Last Song Syndrome) from her site. Now the song is stuck on my mind. Gotta have a file of that!
Check out WMW's blog about Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
Check out WMW's blog about Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
What they want is what they get
I have a few friends from the royal families here in Malaysia. I have met some and mingled with few of them on some occasions. The Queen (of Malaysia) herself would even get me to sing in her functions with my band as late as 3AM. Or sometimes would ask me to go to the Royal Suite on one of the afternoons when she's having "tea with the ladies" to teach them line-dancing. And I always admire her for being so down to earth and so approachable and kind.
Tonight, a group of royalties came on the second half of our last set. One of them was having her birthday and wanted her friend to sing a song for her. She didn't accept the house rule that we're not allowed to have guest singers. During our last song, I went down the stage and went to their table, I asked them nicely what song they'd like to sing. We don't have male version of La Vie En Rose which they requested so I presumed that they'd give up. I went back to the stage, just in time to play our outro for goodnight&goodbye. So after the set, while Marl and Jan was packing up, I was asked by one of the staff to talk to the "royalty table" and so I did. I was offended with the way the Princess was talking to me. She didn't understand that we didn't have the song. She told me I should have taken the initiative to at least let her friend go up the stage and insisted that they are "very important guests of the hotel" which I have no doubt about. I tried to be polite in any way I could, but she kept on scolding me. She even told me in sharp key, "okay, you don't know the song, but you should have asked the band when you went onstage because you're just a singer and the band might know the song". To which I politely answered with a smirk on my face, "ma'm, I may be the singer of the group but I am also the leader and I think I know the 1600 songs in our repertoire, therefore I'd know at first instance if a song is not part of our repertoire". But she still had her brat ways, trying to embarrass me infront of her VIP guests, who seemed more embarrassed with the way she was acting. I was pulled by one of them and told me better to let him sing to end the drama. So we switched on everything again, took out the computer and sound module and opened the lights and let him sing just a song. Luckily he's a great singer, worth all the trouble.
I know the dillemma won't be ending right here and right now. I know it will be an issue soon and I'm prepared to answer all the questions the management would be asking. One thing is for sure, if I'd be a royalty someday, I'd treat people with more respect than what they deserve. And the world will be a better place to live in. Anyway, I may not be born with a silver spoon on my mouth, but I'm a naturally born "little princess".
Tonight, a group of royalties came on the second half of our last set. One of them was having her birthday and wanted her friend to sing a song for her. She didn't accept the house rule that we're not allowed to have guest singers. During our last song, I went down the stage and went to their table, I asked them nicely what song they'd like to sing. We don't have male version of La Vie En Rose which they requested so I presumed that they'd give up. I went back to the stage, just in time to play our outro for goodnight&goodbye. So after the set, while Marl and Jan was packing up, I was asked by one of the staff to talk to the "royalty table" and so I did. I was offended with the way the Princess was talking to me. She didn't understand that we didn't have the song. She told me I should have taken the initiative to at least let her friend go up the stage and insisted that they are "very important guests of the hotel" which I have no doubt about. I tried to be polite in any way I could, but she kept on scolding me. She even told me in sharp key, "okay, you don't know the song, but you should have asked the band when you went onstage because you're just a singer and the band might know the song". To which I politely answered with a smirk on my face, "ma'm, I may be the singer of the group but I am also the leader and I think I know the 1600 songs in our repertoire, therefore I'd know at first instance if a song is not part of our repertoire". But she still had her brat ways, trying to embarrass me infront of her VIP guests, who seemed more embarrassed with the way she was acting. I was pulled by one of them and told me better to let him sing to end the drama. So we switched on everything again, took out the computer and sound module and opened the lights and let him sing just a song. Luckily he's a great singer, worth all the trouble.
I know the dillemma won't be ending right here and right now. I know it will be an issue soon and I'm prepared to answer all the questions the management would be asking. One thing is for sure, if I'd be a royalty someday, I'd treat people with more respect than what they deserve. And the world will be a better place to live in. Anyway, I may not be born with a silver spoon on my mouth, but I'm a naturally born "little princess".
Raya eve & day
It was our off yesterday, Monday. Nothing much happened and didn't go anywhere during the daytime. No, actually I went to the poolside to get some sun. It's been hazy since we arrived here in KL and my real semi-fair skin is coming back uninvitedly. Lots of people appreciate my semi-tanned skin and I do admit that it's true. Especially with the hair color that I have now. So I went to the poolside and tried to get some sun because the weather was good. But 5 minutes after lying under the sun, clouds gather up and covered Mr. Sun, to my dismay. 10 minutes after, it started to drizzle. So I've got no choice but to go back to the room.
We were invited by an old friend for dinner. Since Marl had to work at night, Jan and I joined JP for a Chinese dinner in Bangsar. Afterwards, we proceeded to Sheraton Imperial Hotel to listen to the Indonesian band which really impressed me amazingly. Their harmony is tight and they have beautiful voices. Thumbs up to Indonesian musicians everywhere!!! Went back to the hotelat 10:30PM.
Mira, Abang Jamal's eldest daughter, came to pick us up. We slept over in their house in Subang to celebrate Hari Raya today. Because I'm not used to sleeping over, I didn't sleep continuously. When the owners of the hous woke up at 7AM and started walking around the house as early as 9AM, it got difficult for me to go back to sleep and finally got up at 10AM.
We spent the whole afternoon eating and talking with the other visitors we know - Nanay Susana, Jeffrey and the Shangri-La Lobby Lounge staff. In fact, from lack of sleep and too much talking and laughing, I lost my voice. I had a hard time hitting the high notes during our set. It was a bit busy for a Raya night though most of the guests were hotel guests and local Chinese. It was definitely a good Hari Raya this year.
We were invited by an old friend for dinner. Since Marl had to work at night, Jan and I joined JP for a Chinese dinner in Bangsar. Afterwards, we proceeded to Sheraton Imperial Hotel to listen to the Indonesian band which really impressed me amazingly. Their harmony is tight and they have beautiful voices. Thumbs up to Indonesian musicians everywhere!!! Went back to the hotelat 10:30PM.
Mira, Abang Jamal's eldest daughter, came to pick us up. We slept over in their house in Subang to celebrate Hari Raya today. Because I'm not used to sleeping over, I didn't sleep continuously. When the owners of the hous woke up at 7AM and started walking around the house as early as 9AM, it got difficult for me to go back to sleep and finally got up at 10AM.
We spent the whole afternoon eating and talking with the other visitors we know - Nanay Susana, Jeffrey and the Shangri-La Lobby Lounge staff. In fact, from lack of sleep and too much talking and laughing, I lost my voice. I had a hard time hitting the high notes during our set. It was a bit busy for a Raya night though most of the guests were hotel guests and local Chinese. It was definitely a good Hari Raya this year.
Selamat Hari Raya!
Today, Muslims all over the world celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Today also marks the end of their month-long fasting. They also have their "open houses" for a month from today. In fact, we've just been to Abang Jamal's house in Subang. Slept over there last night but couldn't really sleep at all. So I have to doze off for a while, will have a gig later. Tah-tah! Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!!!
Good week
It's been a great week at the lobby. Last Wednesday, the Lobby Lounge was able to have one of the highest sales in one night. Thanks to the Standard Chartered guys who have stayed in the hotel for the whole week. Even on that night, we were enticed to wear something green dress with a blue accent on the chest, because the CEO and Managing Director of the Standard Chartered asked us to. Actually he tempted us by saying he'd pay for our dresses. And so he did. Poor fella.
Yesterday was Deepavali. The streets were quiet, KL city became a ghost town for a while. Apparently, Marl let me use his Canon EOS 300D for my photography stuff and so we went to KLCC to do my first trial shots there. Will share them to you soon. Even though the streets were quiet, the mall was full. Especially of Indians who were celebrating Deepavali. For a moment, KLCC became Little India. We saw a bunch of Indian guys, don't know where they came from, but I felt sorry for them. They were queuing up for the escalator and carefully stepping on it. I guess it's their first time, or maybe not, to use an escalator. I was guessing, maybe they're from
far away kampungs or small villages where malls still don't have escalators. At first it was funny, but after a second or two, I realized that it wasn't really a joke and I felt so bad thinking it was funny at first. While Marl went to Starbucks on the 3rd Level to have his coffee - correction, my coffee and his internet, Jan and I strolled around until we found the small Deeparaya stalls on the Concourse level. There's this one Henna Tattoo shop which I've been eyeing for a week now. Finally, there's a reason for me to try it - it's Deepavali! I queued while Jan helped me with my stuff and chose a design from the catalogues they have there. And with just RM 20, I had myself henna tattooed hands. Only mistake I had was choosing a lighter color and removing the henna 30 minutes after. It's lighter than I expected, making it look like I got stuck in a steel gate with
rust! But at least, I've tried it and it matched the blouse I was wearing, hahaha! Now I have to endure having "rusty" hands for a few days until it fades.
It's been a great Saturday at the lounge eventhough most of the local people go balik kampung to their respective provinces, cities, or villages. We still had majority of locals amazingly. Even JP was back in circulation with his Mongolian girlfriends. Lucky fella. We are expecting the lounge to be more quiet by tomorrow and the next days as Hari Raya sets in on Tuesday. Hopefully business will rebound after Hari Raya.
Yesterday was Deepavali. The streets were quiet, KL city became a ghost town for a while. Apparently, Marl let me use his Canon EOS 300D for my photography stuff and so we went to KLCC to do my first trial shots there. Will share them to you soon. Even though the streets were quiet, the mall was full. Especially of Indians who were celebrating Deepavali. For a moment, KLCC became Little India. We saw a bunch of Indian guys, don't know where they came from, but I felt sorry for them. They were queuing up for the escalator and carefully stepping on it. I guess it's their first time, or maybe not, to use an escalator. I was guessing, maybe they're from
far away kampungs or small villages where malls still don't have escalators. At first it was funny, but after a second or two, I realized that it wasn't really a joke and I felt so bad thinking it was funny at first. While Marl went to Starbucks on the 3rd Level to have his coffee - correction, my coffee and his internet, Jan and I strolled around until we found the small Deeparaya stalls on the Concourse level. There's this one Henna Tattoo shop which I've been eyeing for a week now. Finally, there's a reason for me to try it - it's Deepavali! I queued while Jan helped me with my stuff and chose a design from the catalogues they have there. And with just RM 20, I had myself henna tattooed hands. Only mistake I had was choosing a lighter color and removing the henna 30 minutes after. It's lighter than I expected, making it look like I got stuck in a steel gate with
rust! But at least, I've tried it and it matched the blouse I was wearing, hahaha! Now I have to endure having "rusty" hands for a few days until it fades.It's been a great Saturday at the lounge eventhough most of the local people go balik kampung to their respective provinces, cities, or villages. We still had majority of locals amazingly. Even JP was back in circulation with his Mongolian girlfriends. Lucky fella. We are expecting the lounge to be more quiet by tomorrow and the next days as Hari Raya sets in on Tuesday. Hopefully business will rebound after Hari Raya.
Becoming an aficionado
See the happy smile on my just-got-up face when Marl told me he's passing his passion on photography to me? And by that, he meant, I could use his Canon EOS 300D. Take note, use. It's like waking up on Xmas day finding a broken yet yummy candystick in my Xmas stocking. And that smile, it looks like a smirk but it's actually a genuine and sincere winked-smile like this ;-) but only with an opposite eye. LOL.But I think I have to work on my photographer's
pose. I have perfected my self portraits from using my Canon Ixus 750 for a year now that I look so awkward looking through the viewfinder of a 300D. Or maybe I should make a customized camera for me. Something that can show my face while I look through the viewfinder. Or maybe just make it transparent. Or maybe my face is just too small for a big camera like that? Probably I should eat a lot more so that my face will be bigger than the camera itself? Hmmm... good idea, saves all the trouble for Canon!
Happy Deepavali
Happy Deepavali to all my friends celebrating it! For everyone's information, Deepavali is an Indian holiday, what they call Festival of Lights. I wrote something about it last year on this blog but since I'm writing this blog offline (will be posting when I connect later), I couldn't check the link where I wrote it. But anyway, again Happy Deepavali!
Can't Take That Away
I used to like Mariah Carey, bought her cassette tapes to CD's, watched her videos and even wanted to be like her. 'Til the time came when I couldn't take looking at her anymore, but still, I listen to her songs all the time. I still love the way she sings and I love her songs especially her inspiring ones. So I'd like to share with you a song from her that keeps me company when I need it the most:
Can't Take That Away
They can say anything they want to say
Try to bring me down, but I will not allow
Anyone to succeed hanging clouds over me
And they can try hard to make me feel
That I don't matter at all, but I refuse to falter
In what I believe, or lose faith in my dreams
'Cause there's a light in me that shines brightly
They can try, but they can't take that away from me
From me
They can do anything they want to you
lf you let them in, but they won't ever win
If you cling to your pride and just push them aside
See, I have, I have learned there's an inner peace I own
Something in my soul that they cannot possess
So I won't be afraid and darkness will fade
'Cause there's a light in me that shines brightly
They can try but they can't take that away from me
No oh...
They can't take this precious love I'll always have inside me
Certainly the Lord will guide me, where I need to go, oh....
They can say anything they want to say
Try to bring me down but I won't face the ground
I will rise steadily sailing out of their reach
Oh Lord, they do try hard to make me feel
That I don't matter at all but I refuse to falter
In what I believe or lose faith in my dreams
'Cause there's a light in me that shines brightly...
They can try but they can't take that away from me
Can't Take That Away
They can say anything they want to say
Try to bring me down, but I will not allow
Anyone to succeed hanging clouds over me
And they can try hard to make me feel
That I don't matter at all, but I refuse to falter
In what I believe, or lose faith in my dreams
'Cause there's a light in me that shines brightly
They can try, but they can't take that away from me
From me
They can do anything they want to you
lf you let them in, but they won't ever win
If you cling to your pride and just push them aside
See, I have, I have learned there's an inner peace I own
Something in my soul that they cannot possess
So I won't be afraid and darkness will fade
'Cause there's a light in me that shines brightly
They can try but they can't take that away from me
No oh...
They can't take this precious love I'll always have inside me
Certainly the Lord will guide me, where I need to go, oh....
They can say anything they want to say
Try to bring me down but I won't face the ground
I will rise steadily sailing out of their reach
Oh Lord, they do try hard to make me feel
That I don't matter at all but I refuse to falter
In what I believe or lose faith in my dreams
'Cause there's a light in me that shines brightly...
They can try but they can't take that away from me
What do you do?
What do you do when everything doesn't seem to be the way you want them to be? What do you do when everyone seem to turn their backs on you when you need them most? What do you do when your world turns upside down?
The world is turning and so does the wheel. There's always a colorful rainbow after each and every storm. Just pray and ask for strength. Stay positive. And always remember that eventhough you can't trust people around you, trust yourself and believe in who you are and what you have. As the saying goes, "this, too, shall pass".
The world is turning and so does the wheel. There's always a colorful rainbow after each and every storm. Just pray and ask for strength. Stay positive. And always remember that eventhough you can't trust people around you, trust yourself and believe in who you are and what you have. As the saying goes, "this, too, shall pass".
Beware of bogus approaches
The other day, after having our salon appointment in Bangsar, Jan and I took Putra LRT back to the city centre, got off in KLCC. As we were walking from the station to the mall, we were approached by an Indian girl who said she's from TFS Creative which is talent agency and they were looking for fresh and new faces for TV commercials, print ads, and other modelling jobs. Flattered to be approached for the first time in KL, I gave out my name and Marl's mobile number without thinking twice as they promised to call me soon. Yesterday, I got a call from a certain Jess and said she wanted me to go to their office to have a VTR, they even gave me an address to go to. Being an experienced model in Manila, I thought, what the heck, I'm going to this one, too, just for the fun of it.
But, I was a bit skeptical about it. So I researched about the company on the net. I didn't find their website but found forums and blogs of girls with the same experience as mine. They got approached in malls, too, and they even turned up for VTR. They were asked to sign a contract that they must undergo a grooming training for 6 months and will have to complete the 6 grooming course. Cool. But they will ask you to buy their expensive cosmetic brand (something Beverly Hills) at RM300-800 as a must which you will be needing throughout the course. Some girls have finished the course and were lucky to be given jobs, but some weren't. For whatever reason, I really don't want to know. For me, I'm lucky to be clever enough to research about it before getting victimized. Viva, Internet! It will be such a shame for a girl like me who have made couple of TV commercials before, to be the victim of such bogus approach.
So there you go, lessons that I've learned - again:
But, I was a bit skeptical about it. So I researched about the company on the net. I didn't find their website but found forums and blogs of girls with the same experience as mine. They got approached in malls, too, and they even turned up for VTR. They were asked to sign a contract that they must undergo a grooming training for 6 months and will have to complete the 6 grooming course. Cool. But they will ask you to buy their expensive cosmetic brand (something Beverly Hills) at RM300-800 as a must which you will be needing throughout the course. Some girls have finished the course and were lucky to be given jobs, but some weren't. For whatever reason, I really don't want to know. For me, I'm lucky to be clever enough to research about it before getting victimized. Viva, Internet! It will be such a shame for a girl like me who have made couple of TV commercials before, to be the victim of such bogus approach.
So there you go, lessons that I've learned - again:
- Never give out name & number to total stranger especially to people with childish notepads.
- Ask for business card from the person and call the number to know if the person is really working there.
- If possible, always make a research on anything before you do it.
- Trust your intuitions.
Backpost: Three & a half days in Manila
Quality Sunday - Oct 1
We didn't want to waste any time without nothing to do in Cebu. So right after our last Saturday night show, we did some last minute packing and headed to the airport. We caught the earliest flight possible via PAL at 5AM. I've been missing my princessette and I wanted to spend some time with her. We arrived at 6AM and was fetched by my mom and my aunt. I know there will be some funny antics with my mom & my aunt's tandem. And I wasn't wrong. I asked them to rent a van or a jeep because we brought lots of baggage. It turned funny because when I saw the jeepney, I wanted to cover my face & pretended that it's not our service. Not that old, quite spacious but it makes a funny sound that makes people look at it. It's really a head-turner!!! But we were able to load our luggages into the jeep and I never looked back at the airport.
Alas we arrived home in Paco safely, unloaded the luggages and paid 600 pesos for the jeepney service. I haven't seen my stepfather since April. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in June and been doing chemotherapy since then. It was my first time to see him since April and I was shocked and disturbed when I saw him in his fragile and weak state. But eventhough he's fleshless and pale, he's still determined to fight over it.
My princessette woke up as we were noisily chatting in the living room. She was so thrilled to see us and I was really glad that we made the right decision to have the earliest flight because it's a Sunday and we can spend the whole day with her. We took a rest for a few hours until lunchtime and decided to go to SM Mall of Asia in the late afternoon with Selena, Marl, Jan and my 2 handsome brothers, Christopher and Andrew.
I promised Selena that I will take her to try ice skating, something that I want to do with her to celebrate our birthdays together. So we queued to pay and rented some skating boots with everyone except Marl. It was the first time for everybody to step into the ice skating rink and so funny things were expected to unfold. My brothers knew that I could skate with either rollerskates & rollerblades and knowing I've tried ice skating before, I was quite confident. As we already have put on our skating boots, I reminded them of the few basic things to remember. Then I got into the rink first and holy $%^&!!! I already forgot how to skate! So funny because my brothers thought I'd go straight to the center and do some figure skating moves but there I was on the side of the rink, trying to hold on to whatever and whoever! Hahaha! And we all looked funny as we queued up to the side of the rink. I've been shouting at my brothers and threatening them not to go near me nor to grab me when they fall. Not only shouted, but I threatened them. We stayed on the rink side for 30 minutes before we finally let go and enjoyed the rink itself. Tried to find a coach for Selena but one of guys working there was charmed by me (lolz) and offered to teach Selena for a while - for free! We skated for 3 hours before we all got hungry and hit McDonalds for dinner.
Hectic Monday, Oct 2
Woke up at 7AM to have an early breakfast and be prepared for a very busy day. By 8AM, we went to SM Lazo Medical Center to have our medical examination. It is required by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). I have done this several times before. From blood extraction, submitting stool & urine samples, x-ray, dental, optical, physical and psychological exams. The funniest part for me was getting undressed during the physical exams wherein one bends over and exposes his/her anus to a doctor so she can check if you've got anal hemorrhoids. Yucky but very funny. LOL.
Another funny part was the psychological examination wherein you will be asked to draw a full body drawing of a man, a woman and yourself, aside from the complex phrases you have to complete which were actually just the same questions that are rephrased to confused you. If you look at the ones taking this exams, you will see our smiling faces coupled with giggles and silent laughters if you're seated with your colleagues. Marl was beside me and his drawings were so funny. We kept giggling until I almost peed in my pants. His drawing of a man was acceptable. When asked to draw a woman, he told me "I'd better have the woman wear a Filipiniana costume (from olden times) so it would be easy", and so he did - because the woman would be covered from head to toe. But the outcome was so funny. It looked like a white lady with uncombed hair and no feet. He even wrote on top of it "SUKOB", the title of the famous thriller movie in the Philippines. We kept giggling like highschool students until we were asked to keep quiet by the examiners. Jan's drawings were nice, she has artistic hands. Mine was funny, too, but since I am fond of sketching and designing clothes, my drawings of a woman and myself weren't that hard. But my drawing of a man is very funny. The head was small with large ears. As usual, all of my drawings had the hands hidden in the pockets or behind because I don't know how to draw fingers! Hahaha! And the shoes/feet... arghhh! Can't describe lah!
After the exams, I dropped by Medical Center Manila to see my surgeon to get my medical certificate from the hernia surgery I had last April. Had a chat with him, but didn't have my followup checkup. I went back home to get my previous x-ray roentgenograms (wow, what a
term - and you thought I'm not clever, huh! Don't you dare ask me to spell it again! LOL). We then went to our agency in Caloocan to sign some documents. Went back home, was a bit tired, but took Selena out to Robinson's Manila to buy her birthday gifts from Nanay Susana. Nanay asked me to take Selena out for belated birthday shopping, she said she'd pay me when we go back to KL, hehehe!
Tuesday Delirium - Oct 3
We woke up very early again to attend Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) which is needed by all overseas workers, no matter how many times you've already travelled abroad like us. They will issue a certificate of your attendance which you will then show to Overseas
Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the airport upon departure. Marl and I didn't have to attend the seminar because our PDOS certificate, which we got March last year, is still valid for another 2 years. We just went there to ask for reissuing of the certificate because we lost ours. The said seminar is a 2-day seminar but if you're in a rush, your agency can request you to have it in just 1 day provided you show them your plane ticket. And that's what Jan did, she took the whole day seminar.
While she was in the seminar, I went with my Aunty Susan for costume hunting. Bought some cheap but classy stuff. Afterwards, we went back home to pack our stuff because we were confirmed to leave the next day. Also spent time with Selena at home.
Wednesday Blues - Oct 4
After sending off Selena to school, Marl woke me up to do our last minute packing. We rushed to Robinsons Place Ermita to get some stuff we need, then went back home to prepare. By lunch, we've already prepared everything, waited for Selena to come. I felt so sorry for her because we thought she'd be going with us to the airport to send us off so I asked her to dress up. But my mom couldn't leave the house because my stepdad is sick. And my heart was just torn apart when we left Selena in her best dress, just bidding us goodbye outside our house. It didn't have to be that way. I didn't want it to be that way. Had I known my mom wouldn't be able to go with us to the airport, I shouldn't have let my princessette dress up. It's a very important "moment" that I wish did not happen at all. I still feel bad right now thinking how excited she was when she knew she'd be sending us off.
But luckily, she didn't go with us and at that time, I firmly believe that everything happens for a purpose. We were instructed by our agency to go to the new Centennial Airport because we thought we were flying via Philippine Airlines. We waited for Troy, a representative from our agency, who had our tickets and passports for almost an hour. So when he finally came, we were just about in time to check-in. But wait! We were stopped by the guards when they checked our tickets. We were at the wrong airport!!! Turned out that we were actually flying Malaysia Airlines which only has codesharing with Philippine Airlines, and not the latter. So Troy ran to the parking lot, got his spacious vehicle, loaded all our stuff, about 140 kgs., in like less than a minute then sped off to the nearby Manila International Airport Authority. It was very stressful for us because we have lots of stuff and we had a plane to catch. But luck was on our way through all the obstacles we've been through that day. We were able to check-in as last persons but when we reached the boarding gate, everyone was still there waiting for boarding. Switched on the roaming on my phone and closed my eyes as a sign of relief as the Malaysian Airlines plane took off at 4:30PM.
We didn't want to waste any time without nothing to do in Cebu. So right after our last Saturday night show, we did some last minute packing and headed to the airport. We caught the earliest flight possible via PAL at 5AM. I've been missing my princessette and I wanted to spend some time with her. We arrived at 6AM and was fetched by my mom and my aunt. I know there will be some funny antics with my mom & my aunt's tandem. And I wasn't wrong. I asked them to rent a van or a jeep because we brought lots of baggage. It turned funny because when I saw the jeepney, I wanted to cover my face & pretended that it's not our service. Not that old, quite spacious but it makes a funny sound that makes people look at it. It's really a head-turner!!! But we were able to load our luggages into the jeep and I never looked back at the airport.
Alas we arrived home in Paco safely, unloaded the luggages and paid 600 pesos for the jeepney service. I haven't seen my stepfather since April. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in June and been doing chemotherapy since then. It was my first time to see him since April and I was shocked and disturbed when I saw him in his fragile and weak state. But eventhough he's fleshless and pale, he's still determined to fight over it.
My princessette woke up as we were noisily chatting in the living room. She was so thrilled to see us and I was really glad that we made the right decision to have the earliest flight because it's a Sunday and we can spend the whole day with her. We took a rest for a few hours until lunchtime and decided to go to SM Mall of Asia in the late afternoon with Selena, Marl, Jan and my 2 handsome brothers, Christopher and Andrew.
I promised Selena that I will take her to try ice skating, something that I want to do with her to celebrate our birthdays together. So we queued to pay and rented some skating boots with everyone except Marl. It was the first time for everybody to step into the ice skating rink and so funny things were expected to unfold. My brothers knew that I could skate with either rollerskates & rollerblades and knowing I've tried ice skating before, I was quite confident. As we already have put on our skating boots, I reminded them of the few basic things to remember. Then I got into the rink first and holy $%^&!!! I already forgot how to skate! So funny because my brothers thought I'd go straight to the center and do some figure skating moves but there I was on the side of the rink, trying to hold on to whatever and whoever! Hahaha! And we all looked funny as we queued up to the side of the rink. I've been shouting at my brothers and threatening them not to go near me nor to grab me when they fall. Not only shouted, but I threatened them. We stayed on the rink side for 30 minutes before we finally let go and enjoyed the rink itself. Tried to find a coach for Selena but one of guys working there was charmed by me (lolz) and offered to teach Selena for a while - for free! We skated for 3 hours before we all got hungry and hit McDonalds for dinner.
Hectic Monday, Oct 2
Woke up at 7AM to have an early breakfast and be prepared for a very busy day. By 8AM, we went to SM Lazo Medical Center to have our medical examination. It is required by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). I have done this several times before. From blood extraction, submitting stool & urine samples, x-ray, dental, optical, physical and psychological exams. The funniest part for me was getting undressed during the physical exams wherein one bends over and exposes his/her anus to a doctor so she can check if you've got anal hemorrhoids. Yucky but very funny. LOL.
Another funny part was the psychological examination wherein you will be asked to draw a full body drawing of a man, a woman and yourself, aside from the complex phrases you have to complete which were actually just the same questions that are rephrased to confused you. If you look at the ones taking this exams, you will see our smiling faces coupled with giggles and silent laughters if you're seated with your colleagues. Marl was beside me and his drawings were so funny. We kept giggling until I almost peed in my pants. His drawing of a man was acceptable. When asked to draw a woman, he told me "I'd better have the woman wear a Filipiniana costume (from olden times) so it would be easy", and so he did - because the woman would be covered from head to toe. But the outcome was so funny. It looked like a white lady with uncombed hair and no feet. He even wrote on top of it "SUKOB", the title of the famous thriller movie in the Philippines. We kept giggling like highschool students until we were asked to keep quiet by the examiners. Jan's drawings were nice, she has artistic hands. Mine was funny, too, but since I am fond of sketching and designing clothes, my drawings of a woman and myself weren't that hard. But my drawing of a man is very funny. The head was small with large ears. As usual, all of my drawings had the hands hidden in the pockets or behind because I don't know how to draw fingers! Hahaha! And the shoes/feet... arghhh! Can't describe lah!
After the exams, I dropped by Medical Center Manila to see my surgeon to get my medical certificate from the hernia surgery I had last April. Had a chat with him, but didn't have my followup checkup. I went back home to get my previous x-ray roentgenograms (wow, what a
term - and you thought I'm not clever, huh! Don't you dare ask me to spell it again! LOL). We then went to our agency in Caloocan to sign some documents. Went back home, was a bit tired, but took Selena out to Robinson's Manila to buy her birthday gifts from Nanay Susana. Nanay asked me to take Selena out for belated birthday shopping, she said she'd pay me when we go back to KL, hehehe!
Tuesday Delirium - Oct 3
We woke up very early again to attend Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) which is needed by all overseas workers, no matter how many times you've already travelled abroad like us. They will issue a certificate of your attendance which you will then show to Overseas
Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the airport upon departure. Marl and I didn't have to attend the seminar because our PDOS certificate, which we got March last year, is still valid for another 2 years. We just went there to ask for reissuing of the certificate because we lost ours. The said seminar is a 2-day seminar but if you're in a rush, your agency can request you to have it in just 1 day provided you show them your plane ticket. And that's what Jan did, she took the whole day seminar.
While she was in the seminar, I went with my Aunty Susan for costume hunting. Bought some cheap but classy stuff. Afterwards, we went back home to pack our stuff because we were confirmed to leave the next day. Also spent time with Selena at home.
Wednesday Blues - Oct 4
After sending off Selena to school, Marl woke me up to do our last minute packing. We rushed to Robinsons Place Ermita to get some stuff we need, then went back home to prepare. By lunch, we've already prepared everything, waited for Selena to come. I felt so sorry for her because we thought she'd be going with us to the airport to send us off so I asked her to dress up. But my mom couldn't leave the house because my stepdad is sick. And my heart was just torn apart when we left Selena in her best dress, just bidding us goodbye outside our house. It didn't have to be that way. I didn't want it to be that way. Had I known my mom wouldn't be able to go with us to the airport, I shouldn't have let my princessette dress up. It's a very important "moment" that I wish did not happen at all. I still feel bad right now thinking how excited she was when she knew she'd be sending us off.
But luckily, she didn't go with us and at that time, I firmly believe that everything happens for a purpose. We were instructed by our agency to go to the new Centennial Airport because we thought we were flying via Philippine Airlines. We waited for Troy, a representative from our agency, who had our tickets and passports for almost an hour. So when he finally came, we were just about in time to check-in. But wait! We were stopped by the guards when they checked our tickets. We were at the wrong airport!!! Turned out that we were actually flying Malaysia Airlines which only has codesharing with Philippine Airlines, and not the latter. So Troy ran to the parking lot, got his spacious vehicle, loaded all our stuff, about 140 kgs., in like less than a minute then sped off to the nearby Manila International Airport Authority. It was very stressful for us because we have lots of stuff and we had a plane to catch. But luck was on our way through all the obstacles we've been through that day. We were able to check-in as last persons but when we reached the boarding gate, everyone was still there waiting for boarding. Switched on the roaming on my phone and closed my eyes as a sign of relief as the Malaysian Airlines plane took off at 4:30PM.
A day with Nanay Susana
Jan and I were supposed to go with Mama Siah to the salon today but was cancelled at the last minute. So tried to go back to bed but couldn't sleep anymore, so I read my book "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" but couldn't absorb what I was reading. Maybe lots of things are screaming in my mind in contrast to what the book is saying. Hehehe!
So I just texted Nanay Susana who just came back from her trip in Indonesia. She invited to treat me for a belated birthday shopping in KLCC so I got up hurriedly - with an excitement that doesn't need a strong coffee to perk me up! But of course, I still made myself an instant coffee, can't start the day without it.
Nanay Susana and I went to KLCC and had a special Char Kway Teow in a restaurant called Little Penang Cafe. The noodles were done in a special way and it's really good. After having our tummies filles, we went to Isetan department store. There were lots of people because Hari Raya & Deepavali are just around the corner. Nanay Susana has a bunch of vouchers to spend and so since we both love cosmetics, we went to the cosmetic department and went to her favorite brand - Shiseido. We spent about an hour there because I also had a free makeover. She bought me a new lipstick & gave me the free bag that came with the Shiseido purchase. Yipee! Later on, the salesgirl finally convinced her to register as a member of Isetan. I was given a supplementary card with my name written as Ms. Sarita J. Carrean, not Carreon, but I accepted it anyway coz the queue was quite long. We then went to Sasa to buy some hair products then went back to the hotel.
Nanay Susana, for everyone's information, is our godmother during our wedding in HK and is Selena's godmother, too. She is from Indonesia but have lived in Malaysia for about 30 years I think. Marl and I met her 10 years ago in Burao Bay Resort in Langkawi (Malaysia) where we played for only 2 weeks. We didn't know that it was an acquaintance to last for a lifetime. She's one of the people I'm really close with and I look up to her just like my mom. I believe that she's one of the supermoms I've met. She's very supportive with her kids: Linty, Fei and especially Joe, who was already a fulfilled composer/musician/artiste at the very young age of 16 (he's 18 now, I think). I used to call her Aunty Susana but named her Nanay instead, because she's a mom you would dream to have. Thanks Nanay for a fun day and the goodies! Hehehe!
So I just texted Nanay Susana who just came back from her trip in Indonesia. She invited to treat me for a belated birthday shopping in KLCC so I got up hurriedly - with an excitement that doesn't need a strong coffee to perk me up! But of course, I still made myself an instant coffee, can't start the day without it.
Nanay Susana and I went to KLCC and had a special Char Kway Teow in a restaurant called Little Penang Cafe. The noodles were done in a special way and it's really good. After having our tummies filles, we went to Isetan department store. There were lots of people because Hari Raya & Deepavali are just around the corner. Nanay Susana has a bunch of vouchers to spend and so since we both love cosmetics, we went to the cosmetic department and went to her favorite brand - Shiseido. We spent about an hour there because I also had a free makeover. She bought me a new lipstick & gave me the free bag that came with the Shiseido purchase. Yipee! Later on, the salesgirl finally convinced her to register as a member of Isetan. I was given a supplementary card with my name written as Ms. Sarita J. Carrean, not Carreon, but I accepted it anyway coz the queue was quite long. We then went to Sasa to buy some hair products then went back to the hotel.
Nanay Susana, for everyone's information, is our godmother during our wedding in HK and is Selena's godmother, too. She is from Indonesia but have lived in Malaysia for about 30 years I think. Marl and I met her 10 years ago in Burao Bay Resort in Langkawi (Malaysia) where we played for only 2 weeks. We didn't know that it was an acquaintance to last for a lifetime. She's one of the people I'm really close with and I look up to her just like my mom. I believe that she's one of the supermoms I've met. She's very supportive with her kids: Linty, Fei and especially Joe, who was already a fulfilled composer/musician/artiste at the very young age of 16 (he's 18 now, I think). I used to call her Aunty Susana but named her Nanay instead, because she's a mom you would dream to have. Thanks Nanay for a fun day and the goodies! Hehehe!
Great weekend
It's our 2nd weekend here in KL since we arrived and it was absolutely great. Eventhough it was a bit quiet or "normal" during weekdays, the lounge was once again full-packed. Lots of familiar faces and regular guests showed up. Staff asked me not to "shake" too much because they're too tired running about for the guests' orders. They said they haven't seen the lounge to be that busy for a few months when we were gone. Oops, I didn't say that, they did. The previous band members are good friends of ours, especially Edlyn. But she herself has witnessed that the lounge was incredibly full.
Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor was one of our guests last night (Friday). It was a pleasure indeed to finally meet her. She's down to earth but has a "streak" of superstardom in her manners. But we finally got her to sing "If I Ain't Got You" on our 2nd set, eventhough we're not allowed to let guests sing. I was left in awe after she sang. She has one of the purest voices I've heard on live performance, definitely deserving to be the 1st Malaysian Idol. After she sang, I announced that I don't want to sing anymore after hearing her therefore Marl just played something we could dance and grind with! Hahaha!
Hope that it will continue eventhough it's Ramadhan season. Hari Raya and Deepavali are coming soon so for sure the business at the lounge will be even better.
Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor was one of our guests last night (Friday). It was a pleasure indeed to finally meet her. She's down to earth but has a "streak" of superstardom in her manners. But we finally got her to sing "If I Ain't Got You" on our 2nd set, eventhough we're not allowed to let guests sing. I was left in awe after she sang. She has one of the purest voices I've heard on live performance, definitely deserving to be the 1st Malaysian Idol. After she sang, I announced that I don't want to sing anymore after hearing her therefore Marl just played something we could dance and grind with! Hahaha!
Hope that it will continue eventhough it's Ramadhan season. Hari Raya and Deepavali are coming soon so for sure the business at the lounge will be even better.
I'm fine
After 1 week of suffering from bad colds and sore throat, I thank God that I'm fine now. But sometimes, it's better to sing with a bit of colds because voice gets nasal and therefore it gets easier for me to sing. But knock on wood, hope I'll be perfectly healthy and okay despite the hazy weather in KL nowadays.
NOTE: Thanks for all your well wishes and get-well-soon messages!
NOTE: Thanks for all your well wishes and get-well-soon messages!
Mactan Shrine album
Because of the poor wireless internet I've got from Concorde Hotel (just sneaking from the overflow), I was able to upload the pictures we took when we dropped by the Mactan Shrine in Cebu. I'm yet to upload the September gallery so watch out for that! For the meantime, please do enjoy the:
Mactan Shrine Gallery
I need a miracle
I've been down with a bad flu since we started here at the Shangri-La KL last Thursday (Oct 5) and only vocally lasted till Sunday night. Luckily it was our off yesterday, saw a doctor and was given antibiotics for the whole week. I rested my voice aside from occasional chatting & laughing with Janiz and my friend Edlyn. Marlou performed solo and he did a great job. But poor guy, he doesn't have an off at all to relax his mind.
Thought I'd be better by today. This might be one of the worse hoarseness I've had and hope I can overcome it sooner than later. Huhuhu! Anyway, got to prepare for work now. Tah-tah!
Thought I'd be better by today. This might be one of the worse hoarseness I've had and hope I can overcome it sooner than later. Huhuhu! Anyway, got to prepare for work now. Tah-tah!
Back-post: A week-long celebration 9/23-9/30
My birthweek began its celebration a week ago, Saturday Sept 23, 
when we went out with the lobby lounge staff after work for a night of binging & grooving at Ratsky in Ayala Cebu until 3AM. Then we moved to the I.T. Park
On Sunday, Sept 24, we went back to our house in Talisay to supposedly do last minute packing. But it turned out thatMarl Singapore to have her swollen wrist operated) and Jennifer (who was leaving for Korea
when we went out with the lobby lounge staff after work for a night of binging & grooving at Ratsky in Ayala Cebu until 3AM. Then we moved to the On Sunday, Sept 24, we went back to our house in Talisay to supposedly do last minute packing. But it turned out that
The rest of our last week was devoted to practising, packing and finishing up things that need to get done.
On Thursday, Sept. 28, a huge typhoon, " Milenyo", swept the northern part of the
On that same day, unaware of what's been going on in my hometown
On September 29, I woke up from lack of sleep from last minute packing the night before. I didn't feel like it's my birthday because we've been running around like mad people. Since it's a
Friday and our salary was already given in advance to us, we had to rush to the bank to do our transactions. Afterwards, Jan and I rushed to SM City Cebu for costume hunting during their 3-day sale, but only found a couple. Went back to the hotel and primped up for my special night. Since I have a new hair, I styled it differently from my "banat" hairstyle every night.
I was so delighted that eventhough it wasn't that busy for a Friday, I still had a great birthday celebration. I got flowers from our guests whom I only met few nights ago. A couple of our regular guests also showed up just to greet me. Marlou's family was also there to wish me. Of course, I was so thankful because Jan caught everything on camera - stills and video.
After my birthday set, we went out with the Lobby Lounge staff in a nearby music bar called Hilton's Corner for a double celebration - my birthday and despidida or farewell party for us. The staff brought along bottles of drinks & munchies as they showed what they sang their hearts out until 5AM!
Our last day in 
I rushed to the airport, thank God it was just 15 minutes away from the hotel, and went to the PAL ticketing office to have our e-tickets printed. I also dropped and shopped at the Mactan Shrine for some souvenirs. I went back to the hotel to claim our clean laundry items and packed them. I had a 30-minute nap and had my last dinner at the Tides restaurant. Prepared for work and had to drink some miraculous energy booster drinks to get me going through the night. I was so damn tired and exhausted from the past weeks of rushing, aside from sore throat that I have been suffering for a few days already.
Our last night was one of the most exciting nights we had in Mactan - if not the most. Again, my hair was set as I'd like it to be. Before we started, our F&B Director Mr. Stephan Kapek, asked us to go onstage and start the evening. When we reached the stage, he followed us and gave Brice and me a bouquet of flowers. He thanked us and it was very classy and Shangrilacious of him. Before we started our set, we took pictures with the staff onstage. Guests whom we have met through the course of our contract were there to support us. But the evening became more special when my elder paternal (half)brother from
Our last set was an emotional one. Who doesn’t hate goodbyes? And singing the "goodbye" songs
like "Time To Say Goodbye" and “Leaving On A Jetplane” definitely stuck a stone on my throat and gave a small cry. The staff, aside from the big bouquets they gave us earlier and the partying and karaoke we did a few days ago, they gave us chocolate cakes with “Bon Voyage” written on it. So sweet – the cake and the gesture! I’ve always experienced a lot of goodbyes and I have overcome most of it, but still, goodbyes are goodbyes. You’ll never know when you’re going to see each other again. It’s a small world, after all!
142,201?! Whew!
My PBase galleries' total page views have reached 142,201 as of today. It says "The PBase Statistics Pages show you how many times your pages have been viewed in the past 30 days" but this is unbelievable! Anyway, here are my stats for the past 30 days:
Gallery Page Views: 36,605
Image Page Views: 105,596
Total Page Views: 142,201
Whew! Thanks a lot guys!!!
However, I apologize for not yet uploading September pix and some recent ones, but I'm working on it. Will keep you all posted.
Gallery Page Views: 36,605
Image Page Views: 105,596
Total Page Views: 142,201
Whew! Thanks a lot guys!!!
However, I apologize for not yet uploading September pix and some recent ones, but I'm working on it. Will keep you all posted.
Back in KL
The past 2 weeks have been pretty hectic for us, leaving me no time to even check my mails. From our last week in Cebu, to spending few days in Manila before flying back to Kuala Lumpur, we've always been on the move. The only consolation was spending some quality time with my princessette, Selena.
We started performing on Thursday, October 5, at the Lobby Lounge of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. It feels great to be back and seeing familiar faces who have supported us during our 4 previous contracts here. Will tell you more about it soon.
I promise I will be posting some back-dated blog posts about the past weeks once I have done everything I need to do. But for now, let me clear some @#$%^&^* spam mails!!! Tah-tah!
We started performing on Thursday, October 5, at the Lobby Lounge of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. It feels great to be back and seeing familiar faces who have supported us during our 4 previous contracts here. Will tell you more about it soon.
I promise I will be posting some back-dated blog posts about the past weeks once I have done everything I need to do. But for now, let me clear some @#$%^&^* spam mails!!! Tah-tah!
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