2nd Annual Pyrolympics

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Katy Perry. Fireworks

I have this huge suspended disbelief look whenever I'm in the presence of great fireworks display.  Maybe it's a bit silly, but I never get tired or get any less amazed watching even the cheapest Chinese firecracking powder being lighted up.  But last Saturday, cheap was definitely not on the vocabulary of the competing countries.  For our pre-NON-valentine's date, Dear Hubby and I came face to face with a truly awesome show.

The Pyromusical Competition runs til the end of March with the Philippines and United Kingdom performing the final curtain show.  The actual fireworks display last for a good 20 minutes per country, before that, there's a string of performers from the host country. In our case, a violinist from Korea and a dancer from Spain. Spongecola also performed, but like a kid not getting her candy at once, I decided to tune them out and just prayed that the person in charge of lighting the fireworks is as excited as I am and start lighting those damn things ahead of schedule.

Show starts at 7. But hey, we're in the Philippines, and we're nothing if not consistent, with being late.  Waited until 30 minutes past 7 before we heard the national anthems played.

I absolutely got goosebumps especially towards the end of Spain's show.  It was unbelievable, in the immortal words of Black Eyed Peas, BOOM BOOM POW!

Tickets are sold: Php 1500 (VIP w/ dinner) Php 500 (VIP), Php 250 (Gold) and the cheapest at Php 100 (Silver)

9th Italian Film Festival

Yay! It's back, the 9th Italian Film Festival officially kicks off today!  Admission is free once again so the usual long lines are to be expected.  But hey, from the looks of the screening list, I must say it's got to be worth it.  See you all at Shangri-la Mall.

SCHEDULE:

October 20
7:30 p.m. - Three Men and a Leg (by invitation only)

October  21
1:30 p.m. - If I Were You
4 p.m. - Hard Boiled Egg
6:30 p.m. - The Girl by the Lake
9 p.m. - Good Morning Heartache

October  22
1:30 p.m. - We Can Do That
4 p.m. - Ginger and Cinnamon
6:30 p.m. -  Different From Whom
9 p.m. - Unsane

October  23
1:30 p.m. - Almost Blue
4 p.m. - Ask Me if I'm Happy
6:30 p.m. - The Stendhal Syndrome
9 p.m. - Such is Life

October 24
1:30 p.m. - Night Before the Exams
4 p.m. - Unsane
6:30 p.m. -   Ginger and Cinnamon
9 p.m. - Three Men and a Leg

October  25
1:30 p.m. - Good Morning Heartache
4 p.m. - The Stendhal Syndrome
6:30 p.m. - If I Were You
9 p.m. - Ask Me if I'm Happy

October  26
1:30 p.m. - The Girl By the Lake
4 p.m. - The Feast
6:30 p.m. - Such is Life
9 p.m. - Almost Blue

 Schedule taken from: spot.ph

This Week in Manila: Film Festivals all around

My former film student self is salivating over the wide array of fabulous movies coming out this week.  And there's just so much to choose from.  If you're into European Cinema, there's currently the Cine Europa Film Festival at Edsa Shangrila Mall.  Tickets are free but you have to be there 2 hours before the screening, cause lines tend to go a little crazy, and they only give out 1 ticket per person.  So no mooching friends asking you to line for them.

Hubby and I were fortunate enough to get tickets to last night's screening of An Education (United Kingdom), starring Peter Sarsgaard and Carey Mulligen.  Just as I expected, I loved it. I'm so thankfully I get to be married to someone who is starting to share my passion for cinema.

NBA Oldies vs PBA 2010

I got dragged into the NBA Asian challenge show by Dear Hubby.  One of his friends backed out at the last possible minute. And not wanting to waste a perfectly good seat he unwittingly brought his silly wife along.  Truth be told, I was never not a fan, in fact back in the 90s, NBA was huge in our household.  I remember watching the playoffs year after year with my dad, each of us rooting for our own separate teams. So come Friday night's game, I wasn't totally clueless about the identities of the oldie NBA guys playing in Araneta Coliseum. However, I was in for a not so pleasant shock when I saw them versus my 90s recollection of their:  A. physique B. skills C. overall appearance.

MassKara Festival 2010

Festival Schedule

October 1, 2010 Opening of the Festival Site ( * Public Plaza * SM MassKara Village)
October 9, 2010 Bacolod MassKara Queen (* University of St. La Salle Coliseum)
October 15 & 16, 2010 Electric MassKara (* Tourism Street, Lacson Street.)
October 16, 2010 MassKara Street Dance Competition 2010 – School Category (* Araneta St. to Public Plaza)
October 17, 2010 MassKara Street Dance Competition – Barangay Category (* Araneta St. to Public Plaza)
October 18, 2010 Countdown to the Charter Day Giant Street Party Celebration (* New Government Center)
October 19 73rd Bacolod Charter Day Anniversary

I just checked Cebu Pacific and they have flights ranging from Php 2300 ++ to Php 3400++ depending on when you plan to arrive. I'm looking at October 16 to 19 though as that seem to be when most of the action will happen.

Photo cred: Out of town blog

Cats the Musical

Last week, Hubby and I watched one of the longest running musical of all time, Cats at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It was pouring hard and parking was shit as hell, but we did manage to get in before the 8pm curtain call.

Usher in Manila

Hubby was more into Usher's music than yours truly, truth be told.  But I did have a fantastic time.  Save for that not-so-wise decision of wearing my red high heeled boots to the concert.  But hey, we got our tickets for free there's no way I could possibly not enjoy myself.  Illogical fashion decisions aside.

15th French Film Festival

Yay. It's back.  The 15th French Film Festival officially kicked off last June 3 at the Shangri-la Cineplex.  Admission is free for those planning to watch it, just be sure to be there a few hours earlier.  It's on a first come first served basis.  Since there's a serious drop in Hollywood summer blockbuster films coming out this week, the festival is such a welcome relief for movie buffs like yours truly.

Sex and the City 2: On the Red Carpet

This week is going to be Huge for the ladies!  Sex and the City 2 will officially open in Manila this Wednesday.  Me and the girl friends will no doubt be there come opening day. But while waiting, here's a little something to get us by: hot fashion from the stars at the world premiere of SATC 2.

Dashboard Confessional Live in Manila

There's just something absolutely thrilling about seeing one of your favorite bands perform.  If you've ever been a fan you would get this.  You stand in line for the longest of time, you stand some more for the duration of the entire show, you glow buckets of sweat, but in the end, when they come out, you pump your fist up in the air like everyone else and scream as loud and wildly as you can.

I remember watching Incubus a few years back.  I got my phone stolen by the end of the night, but it didn't really matter, it never diminished the music-high I got from Brandon Boyd's oh-so-hot performance.

So last night, the Hubby and I rushed to Trinoma grounds to get us some Dashboard loving.  Silly blogger's fan-mania was at its highest.  Having just listened to their songs in the car on the way to the concert grounds, Hubby and I were definitely ready to pump it up.

Election 2010

Our very first semi-automated election in the Philippines. Woot!  I am super happy that many friends and acquaintances have exercised their right to vote and took part in this historic event.  According to ABS-CBN news, this year's election had the most number of voter registration EVER with 57 million strong not including overseas registration.  Glad to see that people are excited for a change.  And yes, there were long lines and some confusion but that's expected.  And really now, what is a few hours compared to the next 6 years of our lives right? Hee. Although my lucky sister voted late in the afternoon and it took her only 15 minutes. Drats, mashado kasing excited e. 

Hubby and I voted on separate precincts.  It took us just a little under 2 hours to vote.  Ipod and magazine helped.

Poll watcher: Natapos mo na basahin yung magazine mo noh
Jakers: (carrying two magazines) Pangalawang ulet ko na po tong binabasa
Poll watcher: *shouts to other poll watchers* Sabi ko sa inyo e dalawang beses na raw nyang nabasa! 

I thought it was rather awesome when I inserted my ballot and the machine said "Congratulations, you're vote has been counted."

Hey, maybe next 2014, we could have the registration automated as well!  Here's hoping!

Dashboard Confessional's LIVE

Finally! The band who sang my all time favorite "Hands Down" and uber emo alt/love song, "Stolen" is coming to Manila! *dances like a school girl!*.  Dashboard Confessional will be performing live this coming May 27, 2010, 8pm in Trinoma, Mindanao Open Parking.  Thank gawd it's a holiday tomorrow.  It gives silly blogger and the Hubby plenty of chances to go to TicketWorld and hoped that the reserved seats are still available!

For more info go to Ed Arevalo's blog,

EARLY BIRD – Get 20% Discount (Until May 3, 2010 only!)

Available on internet purchase and over-the-counter outlets at TicketWorld.

Ticket Prices:

EARLY-BIRD (Until May 3, 2010 only)
VIP PhP 3,256.00 (Reserved Seating)
Gold PhP 2,432.00 (With Seats – FCFS)
Silver PhP 1,236.00 (Standing)
Bronze PhP 580.00 (Standing)

REGULAR (Starting May 4, 2010)
VIP PhP 4,070.00 (Reserved Seating)
Gold PhP 3,040.00 (With Seats – FCFS)
Silver PhP 1,545.00 (Standing)
Bronze PhP 725.00 (Standing)

Update: Woohoo! got our tickets! See you guys on the 27th!

Al Gore in Manila

We are so there!!! Mark your calendars guys, June 8.  Happy fingers are already speed dialing Ticketnet for our reserved seats!

Platinum (Reserved Seating)  Php15,840
Gold (Reserved Seating) Php 10,560
Silver (Reserved Seating) Php 5280
Bronze (Reseved Seating) Php 1056

For more info, contact Ticketnet at 911-5555

update: boo! Hubby and I were unable to get tickets for this. Apparently they have been sold out weeks before.

Mango and the City

Last night, silly blogger together with her fab girlfriends were invited to attend the Mango Summer/Spring 2010 fashion show.  I used to be obsessed with Mango but for a time their clothes had become a bit blah.  Glad to say that based on last night's collection, they are back and better than ever.

Are they serious??!?

John Mayer for Php 12,000??? I wanted to watch, despite his douchey antics of late, but with these prices...hmmm.

Just found out, his having the same concert over at Japan a few days earlier and get this, ticket prices there are for as low as Php 4,500 for their VIP seats. WTF!

One Cool Summer Night

I love themed parties.  And nobody throws it better than one of my best friends, Iamsimmy herself.  To celebrate turning a year wiser, Iamsimmy decided to have a mini summer fiesta at her place.  Everyone came in their shortest shorts and flatest sandals to feast on yummy Lechon (shoot! I think it's all the dieting I've been doing. I seem to be salivating over Lechon the past few days), grilled prawns and so much more.  Plus, what fiesta would be complete without a round of margaritas and other umbrella-ed drinks.

The Invite

A Laker Birthday Surprise

One of my friends is oh so fond with surprises.  So fond, in fact, that last year she threw 3 surprises in a span of 3 days add to that another secret surprise was in the works that we were in on for her behalf :)) Imagine the insanity and hilarity that ensued from trying to keep up pretenses from both of them.  We made her swear to the high heavens that  there would be no more surprises, at least for the rest of 2009.  We just couldn't handle all the lying and confusion 4 surprise parties bring (the 2 real surprises, the faux surprise, and the secret surprise)

And so with that in mind, this year, for her fiance's birthday, she decided to thankfully stick to just one party!  Ahh the sweet smell of less confusion.  Ever the Ms. Organizer and Ms. Pa-picture, dear friend made sure that we all looked picture perfect and had costumes and props prepared all for the big day.

House of Vanita

Super late post.  I just finally got hold of these pictures.  Last year, a new brand of lingerie hit the shores of Manila and Manila's finest put on their fabulous cocktail dresses and sky high stilettos for the official launching of Vanita in the Philippines.

I love lingeries!  I used to go to La Senza for their cutesy lingeries and pajamas but with the arrival of Vanita, looks like there's no need for that trip to the Fort  :)

Vanita is a brand of luxury lingerie and swimwear launched formally by Gruppo Solare late last year.  "It is designed specifically for the Philippine market by famed Italian designer Fabiola Marin of the world- renowned Intimissi Group." 

For the soon-to-wed: they have a bridal lingerie that's super cute.  Love it with the knee high stockings!

"Monstars" Gives Back

One of Hubby's friends had this great idea of turning your usual Christmas get together into something a lot more meaningful.  For years, Jackson Ong and his band of brothers have been day dreaming about their ideal charity project.  And last February, this dream was finally turned into an awesome reality.

December 2009. Jax, together with his girlfriend, organized a charitable Christmas bingo/poker party open to friends, friends of friends, and just about anyone on their Facebook friends list :P.  After feasting on to-die-for (literally for some, ahem ahem, dear Hubby) Lechon among others, Mr. and Ms. Organizer shared the whole idea of the night. Bingo + Poker + Giving Back = Extremely Rewarding Night!  Everyone present joined in on the fun with half of the proceeds going to the lucky winner and more importantly the other half, going to grocery funds for the chosen non-profit organization.

Fast forward to February 27, 2010 and you get 40 kids, 20 friends and 1 amazing afternoon.

Only in the Philippines

...Would you find massive traffic jam caused by a clearance sale for, get this, CROCS! hee.  And truly as a sign of aging, guess where you can find this silly blogger that afternoon? Why, falling in line with the rest of the clueless masses of course!

I had wanted to get the Hubby a nice pair of Sanouk-like Crocs (picture to be uploaded later) and when dear sister told me she got a hold of VIP passes for the Megatent event, a day before they unleash the 90% off promo gimmick to the unsuspecting public, I gave a resounding "hell yeah, I'll come" to her.

Little did I know VIP means squat.  It was madness.  Three hours in line shopping for something that's not even for me! Sigh.  All for the love of Hubby.  Unfortunately while the VIP pass did manage to let us off the hook from queuing in the dead heat of the sun outside the tent, it did not spare us from the even longer-3-hour line at the cashier to pay for our Crocs.

I tell you, only in the Philippines. Crocs?!?!

Crocs sale at Megatent runs from March 18-20.