Back In Vietnam

Yup, am back in Vietnam, where our first ever Greenhome was made at 25 Tran Nhat Duat Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Now, am in Hanoi already after attending the Asian CSR Forum last week in HCMC. Arrived this noon via VN214 from Ho Chi Minh City. Finished dinner earlier. Had fried pork. Around 2 dollars only.

Chief also called as I was watching the Finals of FIFA between France and Germany. And Germany won according to Yahoo News.

Will write more later. Denzel Washington is calling me to watch his movie at Cinemax.

Minnie at 42

It my sister’s birthday today. Fermina was born 14 September 1965. She is 42 years young. Young kase she still doesn’t look much her age. Probably, will pass off as a 35 year old lady. She graduated from UST.... finished HRM. Photo shows Minnie with my mom the night before she left for Canada

For the past year, Minnie, as she is fondly called, has been living and working in Edmonton, Canada. For many years, she worked at Danarra Hotel until she pursued a chance of working abroad. She had worked in Danarra for many years, and often whenever we were around that place, we would pick her up at the hotel. When the three nephews, Carla, Geneve and Nicole, were all still living with us, there would be weekends, they would go to Danarra for a swim.

I remember back in 2005, she made her first overseas trip. Yes, she visited Chief and me in Vietnam. For two weeks, she lived with us at Hung Vung 2 at Saigon South. And for a week, she also bonded with our cousin, Patrick, who also had a long vacation with us. Photo shows my sister with Patrick (left) and Chief (right)

During those days, none of us would have imagined three cousins living together in Vietnam, much less, imagine Minnie traveling out of the country. But now, she is across the globe… on her own and for that we are very proud of her!

Sunday @ Bonifacio High Street

Sunday was nice and slow and relaxing for Chief and I. We spent a couple of hours at Seattle’s Best Serendra. The place was nearly full as Porche enthusiasts were gathering with their nice cars for breakfast. That made service a little slow.

Chief had the scrambled eggs with corned beef, while I had two pieces of hotdogs, also with eggs and three pieces of bread. Chief read her book, “The Google Story” which I still have to finish, while I was catching up on thesis paperwork. Finished proposals by Chesca, Lloyd, Gian and Jac, but am still a long way to go. Logo courtesy of www.seattlesbest.com

Then, we browsed around at Fully Booked. Bought the September 2007 issue of Good Housekeeping, with Ruffa Gutierrez as cover. The bookstore’s 5 floors had more than enough space for kids and parents to enjoy browsing through hundreds of books. I read a few pages about Golden Retrievers. Maybe, one day, when we have a house with a lawn, we will have a couple of dogs around and being chased by our kids.

By noon, “gutom” moved us to TGIF. Gosh, we haven’t been to any TGIF in years. Before, Chief and I simply enjoyed salad and fried calamari. Today, we shared garden salad with blue cheese dressing plus 6 pieces fried mozzorella. Described as hot and gooey inside. Crisp and golden outside. Served with marinara sauce for dipping.Total bill was around 600 pesos. And I had strawberry flavored lemonade.

The place was crowded. Really small, with not much elbow room. But the staff were attentive to customer’s needs. Even had three refills of my drink. TGIF is extra special for Chief and I as TGIF Glorietta was host to a big Christmas among ou r friends a few years ago. This was the first TGIF restaurant in the Philippines. Plus, we were able to eat at TGIF at the heart of Times Square back in 2003. Logo and photo from www.tgifridays.com

Then, spent 100 pesos at TimeZone, playing House of the Dead 2. Reached only up to level 2. Time Crisis was occupied by kids. Maybe, next time. Next Sunday again? Logo from www.timezonegames.com

How did you spend your Sunday?

Hair Spray? Nancy Drew? Or Disturbia?

After Mass at St. John Bosco Church, Chief and I had a quiet dinner at Ebun Restaurant at the heart of Greenbelt 3. Chief had morcon while I had sizzling pusit. The place was not really full and service was fast and efficient. We walked around Greenbelt. Went to Powerbooks. But the book sale was no where to be found. “Mahal na ulit ang mga libro,” I told Chief.

Went up to the third level and checked out the movies. “Hairspray” was showing. We had seen John Travolta on late night programs promoting the movie. Guess, after his dancing in “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease” nothing comes close. Maybe, we would just watch the Broadway version. Set in Baltimore during the early 60s, it follows the pursuits of stardom by Tracy Turnblad as a dancer on a local TV show and rallies against racial segregation.

“Nancy Drew.” Didn’t even know they did a movie on the fictional character. There was no star power in this movie. Suddenly, “The Hardy Boys” in Shawn Cassidy and Parker Stevenson flashed back into my mind. Emma Roberts appears as Nancy Drew Did you know that she is the daughter of Eric Roberts and niece of Julia Roberts? Pretty in this photo from the movie.


“Disturbia” was another option. The Shia LaBeouf, young hero from "Transformers" was in this movie. Out of boredom, he starts peeping out his window and is "disturbed: by what he sees with his camcorder. Carrie Ann Moss plays his mother. But Chief didn’t want a heavy suspense-filled movie. She wanted something light and relaxing. Movie poster from www.wildaboutmovies.com. So. we ended up at the Figaro Coffee Shop. Chief enjoyed her brewed coffee and magazines. Me? Just a glass of water and the Businessworld newspapers. And just watched "Enterprise" tonight.

Mama Mary's birthday

This morning, our good friend Fr. Armand of Don Bosco greeted us a nice and warm message via sms. He said, “May the Lord bless you abundantly today as we celebrate Mother Mary’s birthday.”

My reply was: “Tnx Fr. Armand for keeping us in your prayers. Pacem.”

So, Chief and I decided to go for the 6pm “anticipated” Mass at St. John Bosco. The Mass was SRO… really quite different from the few other “anticipated” masses we had attended here. Even, parking was full. We sat at the back row. Chief was feeling a little dizzy because she had skipped lunch and the big crowd infront of her. I only ate bibingka for lunch too.

During the sermon, the priest talked about people’s “excess baggage.” We all have that kind of baggage that we carry through everyday of our lives. I guess we all have to manage it well and not let that extra weight pull us down. Often, this includes emotional baggage. The priest said that we should have priorities. Agree. Right now, our priorities is another chance at parenthood.

Happy birthday Mama Mary. Thank you for bringing Christian Gabriel into our lives!

BER Months

Yesterday was the start of the BER months... September, October, November and December... and then, a 24 day countdown to Christmas Eve. As I scribble these words at Starbucks, where I think the barista remembers my name, I too begin my own little countdown to the Christmas Season, which hopefully, will bring Chief and I to visit the United States.

Photo is from last year's Christmas at our Greenhome. Display design made by Chief.

Mom Meets Cousins

While we were visiting Tita Celia at Rm 211 at the Angeles University Foundation Hospital, three ladies brought smiles and surprises to my mom.

The three ladies were 2nd cousins whom my mom has not seen in nearly 20 years.

Miguel at Krispy Kreme

Today, before going to Angeles City, Pampanga, to visit Tita Celia, we all stopped at Bonifacio High Street to buy “pasalubong” for our ailing Tita and cousins, Nedda and Baby Seng.

My mom arrived at our greenhome in Legazpi Village around 8:30am. Violet drove the Starex. Sonya, our labandera, had gone along so she can save some money from “pamasahe.”

Chief and I were nearly ready when they arrived. I had already loaded some of the stuff we were giving our other ailing relative, Uncle Ming (Hermilo Garcia). These stuff included some old shirts and pants for Michael. I also asked mom to buy a half-sack of rice for them. Our Uncle Ming live in an apartment in Marikina, together with his long-time partner, Jasmin and only son, Michael.

Since I was driving Shaq, the direction I took from Ayala Avenue was towards The Fort, Taguig. It was a quick drive up to Bonifacio High Street. We were there already a little past nine. There were only a few customers inside. Sheryl, one of the friendly crew, quickly gave Miguel two pieces of “honey-glaced” donuts.

I first ordered a dozen assorted. Then, split that into two boxes of six donuts each. Then, ordered one more box of six assorted donuts. And Sheryl gave Miguel two more complimentary donuts. (See picture of Sheryl with another crew and Miguel)

Thank you to the staff of Krispy Kreme, Bonifacio High Street.

Ultimatum

Often, when our presence is not recognized by other persons, we would issue an ultimatum. Often, people don’t recognize the presence of other with whom they don’t have faith and trust in. Credibility is important.

For Jason Bourne (played by Matt Damon), he chases his past from Paris, Madrid, Tangiers to New York to make his presence within himself.

Last Sunday after Mass at Don Bosco Church, Chief and I watched “The Bourne Ultimatum.” This is the third sequel from the Bourne Trilogy based from the characters created by Robert Ludlum.

Damon goes through a series of shoot-puts and car chases until he finally discovers his real presence when he comes face to face with Dr. Albert Hirsh (played by Albert Finney). Dr. Hirsh did some “psychological conditioning” on the real David Webb to establish Jason Bourne.

The movie has already grossed $69.3 million in ticket sales in its first weekend of release in North America. Here in Makati, Jason competes with Lee and Taylor (Rush Hour 3) at the cinemas.

(Photo fron IMDB,com

Mom Is home!

Mom is home. She arrived this morning aboard a PAL flight (although if it were Chief and I, we would probably be traveling by Singapore Airlines) from Los Angeles, California. The flight was surprisingly on-time. It was the baggage retrieval that nearly took over an hour that Miguel was getting impatient.

Miguel would often ask, “Why is it taking so long?” I would explain that planes arrived one after another, and each probably had 300 plus passengers and thus, this would take more time.

But I guess, inefficiency, contributed more to the delay than volume. How can we expect the country to move forward at a pace like Vietnam or even Singapore, when our front line airport services are not efficient. But that would be another blog.

Mom quickly hugged Miguel upon seeing the fast-growing boy. Now, he was the only apo staying at home, and had all the focus and heart than lola could give.

Until, Chief and I become grandparents would we really feel all the affection and care my mom has for all her apos, Carla, Geneve, Nicole and Miguel.

Parenthood will ultimately lead to grandparenthood!

Sabado Nights at Podium

It was a rainy Saturday night when a few close friends got together to say goodbye to Olwen Powell Abergas who was going back to New York City on Wednesday, 23 August 2007.

Dinner was at Crust Asia at Podium. Chief and I rarely go to Podium and took a couple of wrong turns. I should have turned left at ADB Avenue from Ortigas.

Bong Lopez said, “Ikaw… dalawa ang kasalanan mo. Short notice na ang invitation mo. Tapos, late ka pa.” But he was just joking and appreciated being here. Also here was Cesar and Amvic (proud parents of Miguel and Iya) and Alain Carag. Matess Salviejo, who was doing late work at GMA was finally able to join us at UCC Café.

Dinner was at Crust Asia. Php 6,000 plus. Wow. Kind of expensive. Guess, am not used to spending around 600 pesos per head for seafood. Although the squid and crabs were good. Specially, the garlic. The bagoong rice was also good.

Plus, free unlimited hot tea and photos of April, the lovely waitress, who greeted us. Bong was enjoying conversation with April and how the famous 12 girl band from China (I think) ate at this restaurant. See photo of April with Bong.

Cesar and Amvic showed off pictures of Iya and Miguel. Iya was turning out to be an “Angelina Jolie” look-alike while Miguel enjoys being part of the Ateneo Cheering Team. Sorry, the Tigers defeated the Blue Eagles a couple of weeks ago!

Alain was using his new Canon EOS DSLR, which I hoped to also buy someday. Chief wants a big LCD TV. But we are currently saving for the U.S. trip, so all those big purchases would have to wait until 2008. Alain says, “Pina-greet kita kay Ali noong birthday mo.” He is referring to Ali Sotto, who was my classmate in Comm Arts, years ago.

Matess joined us at UCC Café. Seeing Marvin Augustin in near our table, she quickly made “beso-beso” and “tsika” with the celebrity. She finally got our go signal to do a love story feature on Chief and I. Ha? Yes, we will be featured on “Mel and Joey?”

Abangan. CG must be very proud!

Mom Home By Monday

My mom is coming home on Monday. Chief and I are picking her up at NAIA at 5am. Luckily, Monday is a holiday, Ninoy Aquino’s holiday.

Mom has been away for a few months, visiting my youngest sister, Minnie, in Edmonton, Canada. While in Canada, she continued to play the role of mother to my sister Minnie. She would cook meals for her (and even her other Pinay friends).

We are “sigurado” (sure) that she brings a lot of stories and “pasalubong” for Miguel at home.

Mom really wanted to go on this trip as she misses her apos, Carla, Geneve and Nicole, who are now in California. (Photo shpws mom wit her apos and their mom, Laly) For a few years, the 3 girls lived and stayed with her at our home in BF Paranaque, until Laly "petitioned" them to the States, where they have been living together since July 2005. Chief says she remembers that month, coz we returned back to Manila from Vietnam, afer our own "tour of duty" abroad.

At 70 years old, we were initially kind of worried about her taking a long-haul flight to the West Coast, getting her heavy bags from the conveyor belt and pushing (or pulling) these bags through a crowded airport. But she made it and is coming home on Monday.

Welcome home mom!

Egay Brings Rain and Relief

Egay is the name of a good friend of mine. He was the former boyfriend of Cecil Villa, one of my barkada from Comm Arts in UST. But now, Cecil lives abroad (I think somewhere in France) and Egay is married and a parent to one child.

There is another Egay that millions of Filipinos are familiar with. Yes, “Egay” the storm that brought much needed rain to the Philippines for the past four days. The eye of Egay would close to within 100 km of Bataan Island on Saturday as it blows toward Taiwan. According to PAGASA, (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), “Egay” (international codename “Sepat”) was moving toward the northern tip of Luzon with gusts of up to 220 kilometers an hour.

“Egay” continues rains to dry agricultural fields up North, either to the delight or disgust of farmers. Other families were sad and angry as “Egay” brought floods and landslides to them.

“Egay” also made millions of students, including my own thesis class at UST happy. Imagine, no classes for a long stretch. I bounced off an email to my thesis team, Eia Belveder, Kristine Buendia, Jeeno David, Jessa de Guzman, Cheska Genato, Lyan Go, Migs Gutierrez, Christine Kiac, Kristel Leonardo, Gian Nealega, Andrea Ong, Asia Parreno, Marianne Quan, Lloyd Querijero, Jac Remo, Chico Santos and Ingrid Torricer to keep the focus and maximize these free days to make their parents happy next year by finishing their thesis and graduating in March 2008.

It is times like these that give parents opportunities to find quality time with their children. Go the mall and watch “Rush Hour 3” or “Bourne Ultimatum.” Spend hours at Time Zone. Eat out at Jollibee or Italianis. Or just stay at home, enjoy home-cooked sinigang or nilaga.

For me and Chief, we just enjoyed a nice breakfast. Omelette with kamatis, potatoes and green bell pepper. Plus, pork and beans.

Later, we might do some groceries, go to a wake and meet Olwen and some friends for dinner.

Enjoy “Egay” weather.

Maribelle breaks the silence

Last night, we had a surprise visitor which broke the silence as we were watching TV. Yes, Maribelle Regino was in Manila and wanted to see us. And I told Chief that instead of eating out with Maribelle, why not just have her come over at our greenhome.

So, I drove off Shaq heading for Hotel Intercon while Chief stayed at home to prepare nilaga and crab omelette for our guest.

By 8:30pm, another friend was amazed at our 66 sqm abode at Legazpi Towers 100. She quickly noticed (like Olwen a week ago) our furniture shipped from Vietnam. She took particular notice of the Hue Cabinet which we bought for US$350.00 at a garage sale in Phu My Hung.

She also saw the Indonesian decors we bought during our trip to Jakarta in 2004, as well as Mila’s gift… a tea box with a frog etched-design on the cover.

We caught up with a lot of kuwentos. Olwen probably was “nasasamid” as we were talking about him too. We also talked about Bong Lopez, Jenny Florendo, Jun Maniego and other ex-JWT friends.

We have always wondered how Jun Maniego is now? He has not really kept in touch with us.

But this blog is about Maribelle. Back to her. She is now based in Bangkok, Thailand, and stays on the 9th floor of a high-rise condo. “Hanggang 9th floor lang ang naabot ng ladders ng firetrucks in Bangkok” she told me as we were going back to the hotel. Atleast we were just on the 2nd floor. Firetruck’s ladders not needed.

Olwen's Excitement

Last December 2001, Chief and I made our first trip to the United States. We were overwhelmed by excitement and euphoria (which I still need to blog) as we visited family and friends. One of those friends is Olwen Powell Abergas.

Last Wednesday night, before my birthday, the excitement extended to our own greenhome in the heart of Legazpi Village as Olwen made a “state visit” into our humble abode. We had met him earlier for dinner at Dad’s Restaurant at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City and made a quick 15 minute drive back to our greenhome in Makati for red wine and stories.

“Parang museum ang bahay ninyo,” says Olwen. We could feel his own excitement of seeing our place… and even being first among our friends to see our home.

He admired the furnitures and fixtures which we had shipped back from Vietnam, plus the other stuff we had accumulated through the years.

But more than the physical surrounding, it is the solid friendship between us and make our greenhome an even more memorable place to be in.

For many hours, we talked about family and friends and life between the New York City and Makati.

Melanie born in 1957

Now ten things about Melanie Griffith, beside being born on August 9, 1957 and being married to Antonio Banderas.

Only child of actress Tippi Hedren (of Swedish, German, Danish and Norwegian descent) and eldest child of Peter Griffith, (of English, Welsh, Scottish and Dutch descent)

Began work at just 9 months old in a commercial and later became an extra on Smith! (1969) and The Harrad Experiment (1973)

Substance abuse problems derailed her career for nearly a decade.

Made a comeback in Brian De Palma's Body Double (1984) and The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990).

Played the title role in Mike Nichols' Working Girl (1988) where she earned an Academy Award nomination as Best Actress and won the Golden Globe award as Best Actress for Musical or Comedy.

In 1995, she met her husband Antonio Banderas in the movie “Two Much.”

Griffith has been married four times. Don Johnson in 1976, Steven Bauer from 1980 to 1987, remarried Johnson in 1989 and 1996 married Antonio Banderas.

In February 1999, Griffith made her stage debut at the Old Vic in London, England, where she acted with Cate Blanchett in the Vagina Monologues.

Made her Broadway debut, playing Roxie in the musical "Chicago" in 2003.

Her husband Antonio Banderas was appearing across the street in another musical "Nine," at the same time.

Eric born in 1968

Please allow me to write about two people with whom I celebrate my birthday with. Eric Bana and Melanie Griffith.

Ten things about Eric Bana besides the movie “Troy” and “Black Hawk Down.”

Born Eric Banadinovich on August 9, 1968.

Began his career as a comedian in the sketch comedy series called Full Frontal

Played the role of American Delta Sergeant Norm 'Hoot' Gibson in Black Hawk Down (2001)

Was Bruce Banner in the Ang Lee directed film Hulk (2003).

Is considered in Australia as an accomplished dramatic actor and comedian.

Married to Rebecca Gleeson in 1997, after Bana proposed to her while on a trip to the United States after being named "Bachelor of the Year" in 1996 by Cleo Magazine.

Has two children, Klaus and Sophia and limits his as his work to one film per year so he can spend time with his family at their home in Melbourne

Is a motor racing enthusiast, and participates in various motor racing competitions in Australia.

Purchased his first car, a 1973 XB Ford Falcon coupé, at the age of fifteen for AU$1100.

In 2004, Bana purchased a Porsche 944 to compete in Australia's Porsche Challenge.

A daughter's promise

Last Friday night had a date. We had dinner at Heaven and Eggs (a place where we are “suki”) and then at Cinema 3 of Glorietta 4 Cinema. Chief and I had many good laughs from the 3rd sequel of "Rush Hour" starring Jackie Chan and Chrsi Tucker. I guess the biggest laugh could be on Chris Tucker as he really looked overweight in this movie. While he still has the moves, specially, during the first scene, when he was a traffic policeman in Los Angeles, seeing his “big self” on the big screen could be annoying.

This is third installment in the martial arts/action-adventure began with Rush Hour (1998) and continued with Rush Hour 2 (2001). The film is set in Paris, New York City, and Los Angeles. Rush Hour 3 was released on August 10, 2007, one day after my own birthday.

The movie begins 3 years after the end of Rush Hour 2. Carter is now a traffic guard on the streets of Los Angeles while Lee is now the bodyguard for his friend Ambassador Han, who also appeared as a consul on the first film.. An assassination attempt on Han's life takes place at the World Criminal Court. Lee traces and pursues the assassin and eventually catches him, discovering that the assassin is his godbrother, Kenji. When Lee hesitates to shoot Kenji, Carter shows up driving towards the two but Kenji manages to escape.



In the hospital, Han wound is not critical and will make a full recovery. His daughter, Soo Yung (Zhang Jinchu), now grown up, arrives. She asks a promise from Lee and Carter to capture the one behind the assassination in order to ensure her father's safety.

In Paris, the final scene brings the two heroes at the Eiffel Tower to rescue Soo Yung. Kenji challenges Lee to a sword duel until both fall off the tower and get caught in a safety net. Unfortunately, Kenji's sword cuts the safety net open and it collapses, leaving both men hanging on for dear life. Kenji then willingly lets go of Lee and falls to his death, saving Lee's life.

Even with Kenji dead, more Triads arrive. In order to escape, Lee and Carter use a French flag as a parachute and float to safety. Unfortunately, they are confronted by Reynard, who is holding Genevieve hostage. Fortunately, George arrives and shoots Reynard before he can harm anybody else. The police then arrive and with the case closed, Lee and Carter leave the scene dancing to War.

Maybe, on Rush Hour 4, Soo Yung will play a bigger role and kick more butt!

Enrique and Aileen

If there were two people i wanted to watch and listen and meet at the 1st IMMAP Conference, they would be Enrique Gonzalez of IPVG and Aileen Apolo of Google Philippines.

Josh Harnett & Too Late The Hero

Yes, Josh Harnett is in the Philippines doing a movie entitled, "I come with the rain: somewhere at Mt. Diwalwal.

According to a new report by Edith Regalado, published in today's issue of the Philippine Star, the Hollywood actor treated the film and production crew to lechon (roasted pig) and beer.

I last remember watching Joshua Daniel Hartnett (born July 21, 1978) in the movie “Black Hawk Down.” I didn’t even watch this movie in the cinemas but only caught it on cable when Chief and I were still in Vietnam.

Back in the early 70s, my dad used to work for Vicnayve Productions, which worked with American companies to produce movies in the Philippines. There was a film production boom in the country during those Marcos years. Apocalypse Now was the most popular movies filmed here in the country.

One of those smaller movies shot here was “Too Late The Hero.” Directed by Robert Aldrich, tt starred Michael Caine and Cliff Robertson. I remember my dad, Hector Urbano Velez, use to bring home publicity photos from that movie. I now wished I had joined my dad “on location” to witness a movie being made.

But my dad has moved on already, and today my birthday, am feeling a melancholy about my dad not being around as I celebrate my birthday!

Miss you dad!