The September Roommate Project: 2005

In the background: Pipe Dream (Invisible Band Album), by Travis



Different types of personalities can emerge through the course of a year. When in a roommate housing situation, there are sacrifices to be made and there are benefits to be reaped - although some circumstances are such that you are uncertain which one outweighs the other. There was a 2004 version of this said project, which was not too much of success since our 3rd roommate is slated to move out. Reasons can be listed as to why Stacey and I just [momentary lapse as I try to conjure up an appropriate way to say this] did not jive with him, most of which emerged closer to the halfway point of the lease. I have confided with some friends about this and wanted to hear that it was not completely our fault, nor was completely his. Like in most situations, this phrase can also apply: "It just didn't work out."

There were new lessons learned in roommate dynamics. We had successes in the past with ex-roommies who ended being our friends well after - same reason perhaps why we thought that luck will just carry on through.

We published this Craigslist posting that gathered a good amount of responses. A variety of them, in terms of where they are moving from - common string among most of the candidates:
1. Professionals
2. Moving to Cambridge because of teaching job, grad studies, or project collaboration with Harvard.
3. late 20's
4. "Easy-going" and "Pays bills on time."

These upcoming weekends are going to be a blur with appointments - although Stacey and I have decided, with our coordinated schedules, we're leaving Saturday night out of the appointment cycle. We're not quite ready to give up our summer weekends (the few left) completely. Regarding our visitors on schedule for early-Friday night, I brought this suggestion out to the table: Why not have the three of them get the tour, and if they are interested - maybe have them hang out for a few, get some apps and few drinks to serve perhaps, and get to know more about them while talking apartment details...

Then I scratched the idea (with still a hint of possibility?)... because it was just too Reality TV.

What we told the prospective roommates was that we are not in a hurry to fill the place, as much as we are intending to be really careful about selecting a good fit. Not that we're asking for much, just someone who can be considerate, fun yet respectful of our time and space, share with the upkeep... (and would pick up the entire rent every now and again out of the kindess of his/her own heart. Willingness to provide weekly groceries a plus but not required.)


Glimmer of Hope..... Do'h!

It has been a while since since I got updated with updates from Manila. What for - I have a low threshold for pain, I discovered. I caught this headline as I was going through world news bits today:

Peso Continues to Gain in Strength

Mercy! Could it be? Holy Batman, maybe there is a chance.... then I won't have to go on ranting sessions and cut down on worrying about the parental units! With clammy hands and anticipation like no other, I clicked on the link.

http://currencynews.co.uk/index.php/2005/07/21/peso_continues_to_rise_in_strength

... only to be shut down. (Sigh) Viva la Mexico.

Fog over 'Frisco

In the background: Caring is Creepy (Oh, Inverted World Album), by The Shins



I recently finished reading Middlesex, a brave and commendable novel by Jeffrey Eugenides - author previously made famous by his pilot novel adapted for the big screen, The Virgin Suicides. While there are numerous reviews for the aforementioned book in most corners of print materials and indexed pages online - mostly raves, to which I nod my head in accordance - there were certain sections that struck me as poignant correlations to my (already skewed) perspective.

Towards the last few chapters, Eugenides' protagonist, Cal Stephanides speaks of San Francisco in such detail that I stop for a second and remember having seen that fog over one of my favorite cities for the first time:

"Every morning, a great wall of fog descents upon the city of San Francisco. It begins far out at sea. It forms over the Farrallons, covering the sea lions on their rocks, and then it sweeps onto Ocean Beach, filling the long green bowl of Golden Gate Park. The fog obscures the early morning joggers and the lone practitioners of tai chi. It mists up the windows of the Glass Pavillion. It creeps over the entire city, over the monuments and movie theaters, over the Panhandle dope dens and the flophouses in the Tenderloin. The fog covers the pastel Victorian mansions in Pacific Heights and shrouds the rainbow-colored houses in the Haight. It walks up and down the twisting streets of Chinatown; it boards the cable cars, making their clanging bells sound like buoys; it moves in on the Mission, where the mariachi players are still asleep; and it bothers the tourists. The fog of San Francisco, that cold, identity-cleansing mist that rolls over the city every day, explains better than anything else why that city is what it is.... and in such anonymity, personal change was that much easier."

Coincidentally, this part of the novel came to me at a time when decisions need to be made. I am well aware that in the months that will follow, a move towards that change - whatever choice it might be - will ensue. Our lives are but lists of pros and cons when it comes to paths we (often times deliberately) invariably take on.

Carole King could not have said it better: "Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?"

Harry of Hogwarts Harbors Hmillions

I could not quite understand it. Several years back, I don't think I ever stayed up late for a Nancy Drew book release party. Much ado about nothing? I could probably name at least 4 people who bought the book less than 12 hours after its release. There was media coverage, reader and Potter-fan commentaries all throughout. The frenzy was unbelievable. Never really got into the series and would even kid around with some of my Potter-crazy friends, "It's a cult. You all are sucked in. Get out while you can!"

The books reportedly were written in a manner that carries over a bigger age demographic than what the children/teen literature genre usually dictates. At the release of book #6-Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, stories about J.K. Rowling's book reading at the Edinburgh Castle were brought forward, news features of fans who read the book within a day (672 pages) were on every media avenue imaginable, and discussions anticipating what the end might be - well before Madame Rowling even has a chance to sit down and write it - are in countless forums. In light of that release, CNN even reported a study on how young students' overall aptitude scores in both math and verbal recently increased as a result of more encouraged reading outside the curriculum. Did J.K Rowling really make youth reading "cool" again?

(All together now: "TV will rot your brain. TV will rot your brain. TV will...)

In the Forbes Special Issue dated March 14, 2004, J.K. Rowling was valued at $2 billion for her (then) five books that sold 250 million copies. There were speculations in that issue that the "Potter craze may have already peaked." Fast forward 2006: The Forbes pundits were wrong and didn't see this coming. In the US, there were approximately 25,000 copies being sold every hour for the first 24 hours of release.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/books/07/18/britain.sales.reut/index.html

There is this part of me that is intrigued, almost urging me to pick up a copy to know first hand what this phenomenon is all about. Perhaps am a little bit concerned to learn my opinions are wrong. Even more so, maybe I am resisting the hype and be in turn scoffed at by those whom I initially pointed my finger at. Either way, I could only wish that my success story will be along the lines of Harry Potter's creator. J.K. Rowling, the former welfare mother could not have possibly fathomed what her creative burst of genius produced: another sub-culture with a magic of its own.

Sun-fried Contemplations

In the background: Blonde on Blonde (Let Go Album), by Nada Surf

At home on a Saturday night - somewhat of a good thing to recuperate from the after-effects of the sun. Spent a day at Newport, RI - which almost didn't happen thanks to the ever-changing New England weather patterns that initally told us this Saturday was expected to have scattered thunderstorms at 74 degrees. Woke up and saw the sunshine peeking into my room. Nice... Plans to hit the beach were reinstated, at least for me. After much plan-revising - Lena calls me enroute to I-95 South, telling me they have decided to come along.

Would have been nice to get into the water but as we scanned for some real estate on the sand, I saw what seemed like cranberry waves hitting up the shore at Easton's beach. Quite disturbing - but not all too much for me to turn away back to the Boston so soon. Walked around town and got a late lunch-early dinner at Christie's. Sun was setting as we hit home - driving soundtrack left room for discussion on certain tunes:

* Diamond Sea, by Sonic Youth - It had been quite some time since I last fully revisited this song. The track stretches out for 20 minutes and we reminisced on the times past when we listened to this: "Yeah, I would listen to the bulk of it - do my laundry and do some yard work.... come back in the living room and the song will still be on!" While I thought it was a good tune at that time (translate: those few token years when I would wear torn 501's and DM's outside of the constricts of that high school uniform.), this afternoon brought me back into that circle of songs and their meaning. "I wonder how it came to be my friend. That someone just like you has come again. You'll never, never know how close you came...until you fall in love with the diamond rain," Stands as a poetic rendition of an addiction and a split second of lucidity.

* Hey, Chilly P: You owe me 20 bucks worth of clams. "Summer Breeze" is indeed by Seals and Croft. And yes, I like chocolate... "What gave it away?"

Anywhere-but-here Syndrome: Catalogued Entry #1
(might have been the second one if counting the first post)

When I searched Google for "US cities with best weather," this spot showed up in the sponsored results - with no other seemingly viable websites listed on the natural results:

Top Cities to Live and Work:
www.findyourspot.com - Take a quiz to find out the best cities in America that match you.

I suppose that just as people's preferences are unique when it comes to ideal climate, so are their factors in determining what's acceptable. Would not want to be in the chronically hot areas right now, nor would I want to be freezing in an icebox come winter. Where's that fine balace of everyday 75 - 80 degree days (non-humid)? In light of the recent heatwave that hit Beantown - I thought of this view from my room not so many months ago. Sure, the seasons will come around - not that I am enthralled at the 5 some-odd weeks left for summer. Sent this photo (March 2005, 3rd week) to several friends/family in California and Manila, only to be told that I was full of it.

On the Bubble and Living Within One's Means

If not here, then where? There had been a good amount of talk about the ongoing housing bubble, along with speculations of those denying presence of said phenomena.

Most overpriced cities: http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/invest/forbes/P123785.asp?GT1=6706

Riskiest cities to by a home: http://biz.yahoo.com/special/re05_article1.html

Great. Should I start looking into Wyoming?

So we'll go no more a-roving (rowing)...

Ms. E, my English Literature teacher for my last 2 years in high school was very influential during that confusing period. The characters in the stories, the emotion in the poems, and the spirit that came abound on those written works of art she had craftly presented to a rowdy class of '96 - all came alive. Even until now, most everyday events of some considerable gravity can be related to, say... a chapter in the Iliad.

Lord Byron wrote the poem on the subject line in a state of melancholy. It was deliberated in Literature class that it was meant to portray his new resolve - no more free spirited approach to life and loves. He was living an existence akin to a contemporary rock star.... apparently, even that got tiring. Lord Byron presented this poem to the modern world in his as he broke into his 30's.

Just recently had a conversation with a good friend about the changes that do happen at that transition. She had a somewhat jaded view, which did not help an equally demented me. On the surface, men and women, acquaintances and relationships, facts and opinions - evolve, or so is the ideal. "Not really, they (men) don't," she says. I mostly listen. "Hmm," I would say every once in a while - almost agreeing. At what point do people get that point of enlightenment and say, "I'm done." I only wonder because more and more details lead to the [truth] that age is not the only measuring stick there is.


Roving to Rowing

I miss being on the Charles River. There was a time, not so long ago, when I will be rowing down those murky waters and loving every minute of it. I still do - I just hadn't gotten a chance to schedule accordingly. There were bigger projects that got me sidetracked from that plan. My schedule and running program goals just does not leave me time to do it anymore. Plus, I have to renew that swim test certificate.

Crock-of-bull[bleep] excuses.

I picked up HJNIY as a light read, almost as a joke between Kam and I. Laughed at the pseudo-situations and scoffed at some of the comments. But that thing ruined me, because I lost my sense of rationalizing. The premise of that book was that: "If [he] really liked you, [he] will find a way to come and see you and doesn't matter if there was a tornado warning head-on." Made me think, if I really wanted to pursue rowing, I would make it work no matter what. First 3 years into the sport I lived in Wakefield - a good 40 minute drive home from the boathouse. I ate my dinner on the way home after practice... while driving a stick-shift. I would even go as bold as to say that I decided to move to Cambridge, partly for that reason - to be somewhat close to the CRI Boathouse.

While running the other day, I ran past the Mass. Ave Bridge where several crew boats were practicing. I was back in that same state of mind as I did several years back when I first got into rowing. I recall stopping in my run to see the boats go and thought to myself, "Quiet agression. I like that."

On that recent moment of deja vu, I thought: "I need to be reminded of how good that felt. I have to get back." Carried on with my run humming Dirty Water in my head.

Which reminds me...

Sox-Yankees Series, NY bags it 3-1

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20050717&content_id=1135031&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos

Good effort on their the attempts to revive the scoreboard towards our favor - but it came up short. Still fairly optimistic for the year, more so than I actually was when the bases were full at no outs on the bottom of the ninth. Still think that: Nixon should have just been allowed to run straight home when he stopped at third, and that call for Alex Cora on first base should have been a safe. But what do I know...

Oh, New York...you cheeky-monkey

London Gets 2012 Olympics, NYC Still Advertising
http://www.adrants.com/2005/07/london-gets-2012-olympics-nyc-still.php

Steve Rubel points to yet another not so well timed contextual ad placement. Today, London was selected to host the 2012 Olympics. In a Yahoo story announcing the news, a New York City Olympic bid ad appeared embedded within the article. Not that anyone's to blame as you can't always time your ad campaign to breaking news but it wasn't looking good for New York for quite some time.

Media placement, public relations, and all other marketing components: tricky circle of promotional planning. London has won the bid - and it was disappointing to most New Yorkers who camped out yesterday awaiting the decision from Singapore. Well deliberated choice, though: The Big Apple is a great city - but to allocate another billion or so to build an Olympic Village in Queens when the UK already has most facilities set, the decision could not have been wiser. How about another irony pill: New York's proposed location in Queens... Olympic venue selection in London where the Queen resides.

**

Etc: Top 5's

Last-song(s)-syndrome*: Some of them are okay, some are like incessant buzzing noises in my ear (translate: annoying as hell).

• Tempted, by the Squeeze (I have got to take out that CD in the car already)
• Real Men of Genius, BudLight Commercial Themes (resulted to fits of laughter)
• Rollover DJ, by Jet
• Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own, by U2 (it can get tiring if you hear it over 3x a day. It's sad how airplay does that to a song.
• (This one, very odd as to why...) Jumper, by Third Eye Blind.

*All within a 3-day period.

. 

Independence Day for the Disenchanted Soul

The July 4th weekend had come and gone. In these few token days, meat (processesed and pattied) consumption was on the rise, good brews were overflowing, grills were working overtime and the sky at given moments on certain towns - were bright with lights despite the late hour.

I try to make the most of this holiday - as what one is to do on long weekends. The meaning is not completely lost: as I scanned the crowd, I noticed anticipation among the faces - how is this year's fireworks display going to top the last? (translate: how much of my tax money is going to this?). One man, who seemed a bit too spirited, was trying to get everybody singing God Bless America on the Mass. Ave Bridge. Quite a sight - gives me hope that an awareness lies in some of them - that this weekend was not about the overeating and the fun that comes at the peak of summer. It was about how the British used to call these blessed United States their colonies, and how the power got taken back.

It was then I thought of my independence day.

http://www.bibingka.com/phg/misc/july4not.htm

Up until President Diosdado Macapagal's term in 1962, The Philippines Independence Day was also celebrated on July 4th. One of the key reforms he pushed through was transferring the former date to June 12, wherein on 1898 we were freed of Spanish rule. Max Soliven, opinion editor for the Philippine Star, commented on the July 4th 2005 editorial that despite our history and the guise of independence, the experience of an actual democracy remains blurry. Political, economic and social unrest had been (ironically) constant since 1992 (very generous year estimation).

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is on the forefront of Philippine and international news. Both Time and Newsweek reportedly had gotten wind of the scandal and turmoil that was brought forth.

On a personal note, I never really comprehended my father's fascination with Australia and his goal of moving there - at least not at this point in their lives. Despite meeting resistance from my mother and Isma and myself, he is determined. At the wake of this news (Oh fate - the story broke out right on the eve of July 4th.) that a political shakeup is threatening the upcoming elections, I get an email from mom - asking how soon will I be getting citizenship status. This coming from a woman determined to stay put because of the life that she had made for herself and her family at home.

I watched those fireworks and silently mused at how much pride the Amerikanos have. Never did I completely understand the divide between the Republicans and the Democrats, nor the judicial system and a randomly selected jury to determine one's fate - but it felt good to be a part of this. Millions of of "lawful citizens" shared this event and maybe another million who are present- albeit having allegiance to a different flag by default of birth. I will have my own independence day - maybe then I won't be shaking my head in disbelief at the latest Philippine fiasco, and enjoy my burger in peace.

****

From the PhilippineStar.com Archives
July 7, 2005

Whistle-blower surrenders tapes (excerpt)
Headline: by Jess Diaz
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200507060402.htm

A whistle-blower in the "Gloriagate" tape scandal turned over yesterday to five House committees investigating the controversy two cassette tapes that he claimed contained "criminal conversations" between former election commissioner Virgilio Garcillano and President Arroyo.

["Gloriagate," as in Watergate? Colonial mentality is still in full-force, I see. Man alive, we can't even give our own scandals an original name?!

Pat on the back, though - doesn't look like we are saved from the mystery of a "Deep Throat" character. ]

Everybody's casting the 'first stone' (excerpts)
Opinion Column: BY THE WAY, by Max V. Soliven
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200507062602.htm

Poor GMA. To dunk her deeper into her sea of troubles, TIME Magazine (Asian edition) came out with its second cover of La Gloria in just a few weeks. Depicting a dour-faced Presidenta, the July 11th issue of the newsmagazine trumpeted: "FALLING FROM GRACE: Can Arroyo salvage her presidency?"....

The implication is that this is where she flopped. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: that radio-TV "Hello, it was me!" confession was an awful lapse in judgment. As Spaeth put it halfway into his article, on page 15: "Arroyo has chosen to break an old rule of politics – ‘never apologize, never explain’ – in a gamble that she can rise above Manila’s deafening political noice and appeal directly to the people." Although he tried to moderate his tone in the last paragraphs even that ending was barbed. The inside headline said it all: "UNDER SIEGE", followed by the subhead: "As vote-rigging scandal deepens and calls for her resignation grow louder, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is fighting for her political survival."...

What’s worrisome is that – as I feared – the Supreme Court TRO freezing the Expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) appears to have screwed up the economy. The Philippine Stock Exchange crashed on Monday following the High Court’s resolution, its steepest one-day plunge since September 2001, while our peso faltered.

[Who amongst them have not wronged in one way or another? Estrada is in jail right now supposedly in an air-conditioned cell, regularly stocked with blue seal Lucky Strikes - not so long ago stones were cast on him. That "damaged culture" clause remaines to be fully proven, however. (Aw, C'mon Mr. Soliven - how about a little er... optimism here.) ]

***

(Fine, then.) On a lighter note:

See how my side of the river ranked against the City of Boston:

Community Research
http://re.boston.com/community/community_detail.asp?SAction=C&CTown1=boston&CTown2=cambridge

One of the restaurants at the hotel we stayed at, Hyatt Regency Waikiki. You bet I was ragged on for this. Thanks, cousins... very funny, really.  

The Roam Chronicles: Alohas and Endless Mai Tais

June 16 -23, 2005: Honolulu, Hawaii (Oahu, Waikiki Beach and North Shore)


I had almost forgotten how beautiful the Hawaiian Islands were. Prior to heading to Logan Airport, I did the customary weather-check for Honolulu, HI: Consistently 89 degrees and sunny, except for a couple of days with alleged scattered showers. It did rain on some days, but when it did - it would dry out within 5 minutes. Even though I had been here twice before, I knew this trip would give me a newfound appreciation for beauty (and sweet pineapples).


Uncle Marv and Lucy scheduled their wedding on the afternoon of the 17th, giving me enough time to unpack, catch up with family and take in the wonderful sea breeze. The view from the hotel, overlooking the Ewa side of Waikiki was amazing. I thought to myself: If lived here, surely this view to greet me every morning would get annoying after a while. Sure, right - of course... all the uncanny ways of ridding myself of the "Anywhere-but-here (Boston, that is) Syndrome."

About a year ago, I remember commending the couple for choosing a great venue for their wedding. It was good to see family whom I have not seen in several years. The ceremony was a small and intimate occasion, with the lush greens of the gardens in the background. It was almost as if the blooms and even the weather was ordered especially for that day. We went up to the deck where the meals and the other festivities were to be held. The sight was one to behold. (Enough to get me sidetracked enroute to the bar and the hors d'oueveres station.)

We headed out to the North Shore afterwards and drove around the island. Great views all throughout, didn't seem to have encountered traffic at any point. Had several stops before heading into the central area where the surf shops and the restaurants (including the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice shack) are located. As we waded on the beach, we caught sight of boats - reminiscent of crew, but with canoe paddles. On this same shore, Aunt Merlyn and I were a few arms-length away from 3 huge sea turtles. We rolled up our pants to get closer, wanted to touch them and tried to get them to the shore. Wished we had anticipated this and dressed accordingly.

Gigantic waves on the North Shore, nothing compared to the waves I have seen at Cape Cod, or anywhere in the East. The swells can get as high as 30 feet in December. This location was several miles away from the fabled Banzai Pipeline.

Completely random - I never fully understood this one either (along with the Hawaiians' reported Spam consumption).

Buddhist Temple on the way back from Hanaluma Bay. I remember it being a bit cold that day, but not quite stopping us from roaming around the island.

Back to Waikiki and making a mental note of what else I need to accomplish for this trip. Every single day, I saw the beach across the street filled with sunbathers, swimmers and surfers. The aquamarine blue waters are clear and the sand bars where the waves break enable people to be walking waist deep in water despite their hundred yards (or more) distance from the shore. Unreal - I realized that a part from my gratefulness to be there was my fascination at sights such as this, which actually do exist beyond the tourist postcards.

On Surfing: This was a goal that I had set for this trip, thanks to Jen and Irene for going through this with me. I have always wanted to learn: for some time now I thought of how I would have turned out if immensed in the surfing culture earlier on in life. No other better place to learn but the warm waters of the Pacific. We signed up and headed out to a section in Waikiki where it was not as crowded (No sense in a big audience to see me wipeout.). We paddled several hundred yards from the shore - not sure exactly, but it was a good distance. The instructors were all very helpful and chose the waves we were to take. First few times I tried - I could not get my balance and was having difficulty standing up on the board. Hitting the water was hard, not just on my body, but on my psyche. On my upteenth fall, while seriously wondering whether or not I'll get this, my foot hit bedrock - my left foot and toes were bruised and cut. Yet, I paddled back to hopefully catch one - and only then was I able to catch my first wave. It was an unbelievable feeling being up there, racking my brain on how this time was different from all other attempts. Two other waves were on my terms after that before we had to head back. I understood then, how one can get hooked on this.

The stinging did not start until I was back on land, not to mention the sore shoulders and the arm rashes the next day. It was all worth it - and yes, I would do it again.

We went to a Luau at the Royal Hawaiian Palace, oldest hotel in Hawaii where the Monarchs and other dignitiaries reportedly have stayed. The show was entertaining and the food was bountiful. Had a few drizzles prior to dinner, that ended in time for the program. Looked over the horizon towards Diamond Head. What we saw was a perfect component to a wonderful Hawaiian getaway.

The Iolani Palace featured exhibits and galleries that houses information on the history of how the Hawaiian Islands came to be govered and their transition from a monarchy to their United States annexation. The rich culture and pride - layered under the sand, sun and surf that the islands are known for - stands worthy of discovery as well. True story: I was mistaken for a 17 year-old by one of the tour guides at the entrance.

http://www.royalty.nu/America/Hawaii.html




"Yes, I liked da kine." Laidback living, plentiful tropical fruits and coconut trees, beautiful beaches and endless sunshine - I could get used to this. As I re-packed my luggage on the way back to the East Coast, I vowed that I will come back. Mahalo to my family and everyone who made this Hawaiian escapade a memorable one. Still enjoying the macadamias, and will be riding on this wave for as long as I could stretch this mai tai-fueled high.

At some point, I'll get to Boracay.

Adele and RJ - the avid divers of the bunch - took amazing pictures under water (and over. By the way: I was tempted to post the pictures of everyone on the banana boat - pre-fall, you know, agitated faces and all. Do I get your permission?).

Good job, guys. You found Nemo.

At the height of Boston's non-existent spring in May, my friends back home did a weekender to Boracay - dubbed as one of the best beaches in the Southeast Asian region and renowned all over the world for it's pristine waters and white sand.

While travel plans to Manila are not definitive at this point - I will get there. Just so I won't have to avert my eyes when encountering saavvy world travelers: "You're from the Philippines. So, how are the Boracay Islands? I have always wanted to..."

Thank you for sending those pictures, Del. This one is currently my desktop wallpaper.

* * *

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Philippines/Province_of_Aklan/Boracay_Island-1407255/TravelGuide-Boracay_Island.html

Interesting comments on this page (apart from good pictures) in accord with the comments on virtualtourist.com about Boracay - while beautiful and all - has given in to commercialization and western culture.

http://home.online.no/~erfalch/boracay.htm

Politics and the Philippine Peso

*Politics causing Peso depreciation
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200506270403.htm

Really? Not surprisingly so... A dear family friend once said to me: There is hope for the Philippines yet (along with its seven million people?). Operative word being, "yet."



*Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin's Wake
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN2005062737991.html

FINAL RESTING PLACE: A nun looks at the crypt beneath the altar of the Manila Cathedral where former Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin will be buried tomorrow. - Photo By VAL RODRIGUEZ

Turning point in the Philippines' history, for the Archbishop was a crucial component of noteworthy events, such as the People Power Revolution in 1986.

The Roam Chonicles: That Blizzard Weekend in NY

*New York, NY - January 22-24 (which was extended to the 25th due to weather conditions)

Recently received photos from Kim's album of pictures taken from her b-day celebration in NY. The Boston crew (Jess and Raseeka on the roadtrip with me....) braved the anticipated storms and snowfall for what turned out to be an interesting weekend in the Big Apple.

After the onslaught of email trains on planning this surprise gig for the b-day princess, it came full-circle as we started the drive to NY. It was cold, but the sun was out and the roads were dry. So, on we went - keeping each other awake and strong against carsickness and freezing outside temps that fogged the windows. Poor Jess - as we got closer to the city, we hear a scraping noise at the back - she was using the window scraper to get a view of the skyline. "Alright! We're rolling the windows down for you for 3 seconds to get the view - that's it!"

Denise welcomed us to her apartment and briefed us on the plans for Kim's surprise dinner. We head to Three of Cups and waited... the girl walks past our table the first time! Second time around, she was genuinely surprised - if she was pleased or not, she didn't make it clear at that point - the shock factor was that strong.

Good food, but were too full to head out for drinks. Headed home and slept soundly - woke up to see the streets covered with about a foot of snow, and it was still coming down thick and fast. We were stuck indoors and getting a bit stir-crazy. Therefore, we took random pictures over at Denise's.



Saturday night - hell or high snow fall (snow was not stopping and we had to walk on knee-high snowbanks to get there), we ventured out for a quick dinner - then on to Luca Lounge. Really chill bar with dark antique furniture and minimal lighting. Couches were cozy and the sangria was commendable. I liked the mellow atmosphere and the non-intrusive music. Kept a mental note to look for a similar joint as soon as I get to Boston (The Living Room is great, but not really comparable).

Then someone had the great idea to go to Karaoke. Grrreat... We walked out and the weather still did not taper down. Snow was coming at an almost perfect horizontal angle. Kim, why can't you have your birthday in May??? We get to the Karaoke bar - that was when it got interesting. Raseeka rocked on, the Wong sisters were a phenomenal duo, I sang songs I would otherwise not be caught dead singing, and Jess brought her college memories to life with Just like Jesse James.

After Jordan's failed mission of bringing us to some obscure bar (which we found right when they were closing), we took a cab and drove (more like skidded and slipped) home. Sunday in NY was better, but Boston was being hit hard - so we called our places of work and reported our stranded situation in New York.

http://nametyphoon.com/forum/index.php?topic=24.new

That was quite an experience. Perfect time to stay in and enjoy movies with a cup of cocoa - but instead, we braved the harsh storm to go out. For once, streets in Soho were deserted - although the bars still had a good crowd going. It was amazing how we got through over 4 blocks through mounds of snow. This must have been what the pioneers had to go through in the early days.

Caught the Patriots game on TV over Kim's place, when I was supposed to be somewhere in Boston watching it on the big screen. Won over the Steelers on the AFC title game 41-27, (while I won some bets myself.... *'sup, Uncle Marv?) as I knew they would.

No, we would not have had the guts had it not been a private room. [RC: New York].

Rock on, Raseeka! (wait - are those britney spears lyrics?! Say it ain't so...) [RC: New York]

On Concerts and (er...)Rockstars: Concert-o-graphy from late 2004 - current

* Oasis
June 24th, Tweeter Center for Performing Arts - Mansfield, MA

Took us about 2 hours to get there... considering rush hour, Cape Cod traffic, and the concert goers trying to cut each other at the bottleneck by Mansfield and Norton. Great venue, as I have had fun in the past - just a process to get there.

We finally park and head to the area. Stopped by the entrance for some drinks and food - which amounted to what would have been a decent dinner somewhere else. Scanned the crowd and before anything was even mentioned, it was clear: the demographic of the people there were a bit off the radar with what we were expecting.

High schoolers, teens with short white skirts (a good number who had lawn tickets), young ones on their cellphones trying to locate their other friends who were in town and nixed the usual summer at Martha's Vineyard. We thought: How could they know Oasis? I was in high school, oblivious to their arrogance, when I rocking to them - some of these kids in the crowd could barely have been zygotes back then.

On second thought - I did go to a Bob Dylan concert 3 years back...

We made it in time to catch Jet halfway through their performance. Now, they got the crowd going - seemingly a better job than the headliners did. Few minutes later. Oasis, the fabulous Gallagher brothers and all, went onstage. Had a slow start with an unfamiliar song from their new album, followed by a couple more fresh ones. Lyla woke up the audience, with a rendition that does not vary much from the radio/audio version. Not too bad material, but after a few minutes we thought it would be good to hear something familiar. Cigarettes and Alcohol, What's the Story Morning Glory?, and Champagne Supernova garnered good responses as well. Was waiting for Roll with It, but to no avail. Throughout the concert, Liam would be saying something quite indecipherable, that would make us doubt it was said in English. Was it their rockstar attitudes that wasn't effective for them to connect with the crowd this one particular show? The place was packed, and their performance did not seem to justify the sold out concert. I have heard of good experiences with folks who have seen them live - this was just not in that circle of notable ones. Clad in leather jacket and shorts - Liam sang without much regard for the audience.

Then again, they are (er....) rockstars, giving them the license to carry the same attitude that got them this far. (Not Beatles-far.... as that was an overestimation on their part).

Concert-o-graphy: late 2004 - current

• U2 Vertigo Tour: May 28th, 2005, Fleet Center - Boston, MA

http://www.u2setlists.com/vertigo.shtml

Stage was extended to form a circular ramp, enclosing the top $ ticket holders. Amazing (dizzying?) stage lighting. Entertaining - you can feel the energy from their performances- reciprocated by the crowd. All was well until politics got involved. Most are aware of their stand on war and world debt - all admirable. However, too much of it being incorporated into the show was unnecessary.

• Louisiana Heritage Fair: April 28-30, 2005, New Orleans, LA

(See Roam Chronicles for Jazz/Jambalaya Weekend)

• Garbage: April 17, 2005, Avalon - Boston, MA

http://www.epinions.com/content_4329676932

Yes, Ms. Manson - it is all about you. Seeing them live brings me back to my days with my torn jeans - the angst-ridden teen hating the world and everything thriving in it. Great connection with the audience, as one man in the front row was called on for being "naughty". What is one guy to do with a beautiful Scottish rock diva who has a knack for putting her leg up on the speakers (Shirley Manson was wearing a short white dress) as she croons? I was glad to have them back after the news on the band drama.

• Tori Amos: April 10, 2005, The Bushnell Center for Performing Arts, Hartford, CT

http://www.toriset.org/c.php?c=1461

The venue was amazing - Raseeka and Heather can attest to my admiration for the beautiful theater. Surely Boston's Orpheum theater is great - but I was glad to have witnessed Tori Amos live at the Bushnell. Previous statements heard from Tori fans - avid and fairweather ones alike - are proven true... she is one amazing performer. See her at least once - it will be worth it.

• Pixies: December 1, 2004, The Tsongas Arena - Lowell, MA

http://www.the-mass-media.com/media/paper445/news/2004/12/09/Arts/Pixies.Worth.Going.To.Lowell.For-826797.shtml

I was on a concert high for several days - that was one great show. Kim Deal, whom I admired with the Breeders before I got wind of the Pixies, is back with a vengeance. Hearty setlist with double renditions of several songs. Vecchio is right: It was a cold night and I would not have travelled to Lowell otherwise... Black Francis and the crew made it all worthwhile.

Finding Ms. Holloway

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8290302/

My friend, Jody*, was in Aruba several years ago. She got back to to Boston with a tan, regrets about being back, a slight buzz from the pina coladas, and a stories of how beautiful that place is. White sand is overrated, I thought - actually envious that she was able to go away one token week in winter. With her were an array of photographs with wonderful sights that made me want to pack my bags in a huff. We were laughing at the picture above and deliberated on sending it to Jay Leno - chances are they'll discuss it along with the other weird sightings they get. She gave me a copy and I treasured it along with my "English is not my first language!" ticket that I use whenever I get a grammar slip. No fail, it has turned into a conversation piece for it is an oddity... "[Perplexed look or double take from co-worker] Sorry we're... whaaat?"

I saw the picture of the bar about two weeks ago where Natalee Holloway, Alabama teen missing since May 30th, was last found. CNN had a quick shot of the entrance to Carlos N' Charlies and I saw the all-too-familiar door. For a moment, it didn't seem too funny anymore.

After a week of being out of town (was out of touch - felt like I was in a different planet altogether... will explain more later), I get a hold of the news that no concrete progess has been made. Sure, there were arrests - but what's the validity behind keeping both father-and-son van der Sloot behind bars if no details are leading them closer to where Natalee really is? There are speculations that the arrests were fueled by media and US government pressures. Aruba is less than 200 sq. km of land - one can't help but wonder how much can the sand, sun, and palm trees conceal in a relatively small area. For her family's sake, Natalee needs to be found before more vague connections are made, and worse - before the media drops the story for the next big one.

I was told before that the best parties were the ones laden with details that you cannot clearly remember the day after. Put aside the cocktails for a bit to get answers - this hangover in Aruba had lingered long enough.

On a high... 

Britain's gift to the world: Nick Hornby Reads at Coolidge Corner

(Brookline, MA, 6pm) I recall several years ago, I was enroute via train to New York. I found myself not only engrossed with this book (About a Boy, pre-movie) that I almost randomly picked up as something for the trip, but completely making a fool out of myself by laughing out loud on more than one occasion. Sure, I was embarassed - but not as much as I was hooked. Nick Hornby - with that writing tone sure to get the reader engaged, and cynicsm that eludes negativity with something more (oddly) profound - has moved up to being one of my favorite writers of all time.

The book reading was hosted by Brookline Booksmith and was scheduled for 6pm. Instead of their usual basement location for guest authors, the event director organized it across the street at the Coolidge Corner Theater. Good move, I'd say - because except for maybe 1-2 seats in the back, the place was filled.

This event was in line with Nick Hornby's new book, A Long Way Down, which is about random people who all met at the top of the tower block - intending to commit suicide. What ensues is a (dysfunctional) friendship amongst them and a support group that is strengthened by their differences. Here is another topic, suicide-that is, that he (NH) was able to translate into lighthearted prose without sacrificing character building and depth. Typical Hornby: High Fidelity (!) and Fever Pitch were both about men fearing commitment and their careers heading for a downturn. About a Boy features a pensive child with a suicidal mother and no set circle of friends. How to be Good is about a man trying to save what's left of his marriage... Not surprisingly, he probably has the formula to write a comic novel about the plummeting world debt.

Nick Hornby seem to be quite a mellow, level-headed guy when he was reading some excerpts from the novel in focus. Starkly different, I suppose, from his book characters that hinge on the neurotic, quirky... to the clinically deranged. The Q&A part came next - I regret that I am not able to relay the items verbatim, but here were a few that were worthy of mention.

On the Fever Pitch movie adaptation: He seemed content about it, seeing that it did reflect (albeit not completely mirrored) an obsession to a sports team that pervaded the main character's daily existence. Boston Red Sox fans out there can relate. Hornby did mention that the movie was meant to portray the team as one that "never one the World Series." He'd like to believe that he took part in our fate in 2004 having taken a turn, and even joked that maybe he could do another movie to help another team -"The Cubs, perhaps," says Hornby.

Malcom Glazer's (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) acquisition of Manchester United: (No particular comment on this - as he rooted for Liverpool. Roused some reaction from the crowd though - for good reason.)

On the High Fidelity movie adaptation: Acknowledged Stephen Frears, cast and crew... Talked about the similarities with both mediums along with some few stark differences. Commended the movie crew's close attention to detail with the selected cast whose characters were somehow on-par with that of the book's. (I am trying my darnedest to leave my John Cusack bias out the window) Role-building and character depth, the songs, the soundtrack, the inner dialogue... specifics that attributed to the success that the movie had garnered to this day.

On NH's protagonists, usually featuring self-loathing British adolescents: Who isn't self-loathing at that age, whether British, American (or even Asian)? (Hornby yet again makes a good point on that one...) It is that part of life where all the world seems suffocating and one can only take refuge in the songs that filter the pain. Hornby said that even when he was starting out and an American publisher offered him a deal (for High Fidelity), he had to ask twice because, "wouldn't America have had someone creatively write about relationships gone bad and non-existent careers?" Probably, but no one having portrayed it the way he did.

It was then he admitted, that the self-loathing just might be a typical characteristic... so-called Britain's gift to the world.

I waited 1.5 hours in line to get my 2 books signed (High Fidelity and A Long Way Down). When it was my turn - I knew I only had a few seconds before I had to move along.... Man, I wanted to ask him what were the top 5 most ridiculous things said to him at the book signing... I wanted to know more about his relationship with his son... I wanted to ask how one can grow the gift of writing as he had been given. So then I asked him a favor: Apart from the front covers pages of my books, I requested him to also sign a page from High Fidelity that I had dog-eared with (I think) one of the most poignant points of the book. He looked at it and smiled:

"... Surely this is wrong? Surely people who are happy should look happy, at all times, no matter how much money they have or how uncomfortable their shoes are or how little their child is sleeping; and people who are doing OK but still not found their soulmate should look... and people who are desparate should wear something, a yellow ribbon maybe, which would allow them to be identified by similarly desparate people. When I am no longer desparate, when I have got all this sorted out, I promise you here and now that I will never ever complain again about... or anything at all. I will beam beatifically at all times, just from sheer relief."
Hornby, Nick. Character: Rob, High Fidelity, p.227

Think again, Sir Hornby. Who do you think, to a good number of literary-appreciating folks here in the US, is Britain's gift to the world?

Genius who has remarkble talent for offhand humor and wit - I was fortunate enough to look him in the eye this afternoon and say: "Thank you..."