David Lodge and The Weather

Just finished reading a short chapter from David Lodge's The Art of Fiction. where he discusses how 19th century novelists seem to have placed a new-found appreciation of the weather in their works.

Well, to quote from something from someone somewhere, this weather is absolutely maddening! And it's almost 12 midnight! Sheesh, the price you pay for have "tropical weather" all year long.

Envy

Not related, but after frustration (see below) comes envy. Not the same root, but it's just absolutely ringing in my head. Let's just leave it at that for now. Not ready to talk about it.

An overwhelming sense of frustration

I just learned a couple of minutes from Damien Rice's official site that he will be performing a week from now in Singapore. I've been regularly checking out the site, and promised myself to grab the first opportunity to catch him anywhere here in SE Asia.

The timing, I must say, is impeccable - the date is fine, I have no other prior engagements, but I will not have enough time to prepare my travel documents - clearances, among others. I JUST CAN'T! Goshdarnit!

Taxi Confidential

Ever been turned away from a taxi? Flag one down, say the destination of your choice, only to be offered some lame excuse? "Hanggang Makati lang kasi ako e..." Worse, the driver would just give a surly look, then scoot off. Well, a few days ago, I had my revenge, and it was sweet.

Tuesday is coding day for me, and rather than run the risk of being caught by MMDA enforcers, I happily obliged to commute. Waiting for a cab (or a jeep for that matter) along Congressional Avenue has always been murder. With the glaring sun in my eye, I had to step out to the sidewalk because a no-good red van was covering my view of approaching vehicles. After probably fifteen minutes, an empty cab stops in front of me - I really forgot what his dumbass excuse was, but the bottomline was "I don't want to take you".

This is where the LA Confidential scene comes in. The cab hasn't gone more than 20 meters when the red van cuts in front of it, six men in LTO vests jump out, and one of them approaches me. "Ayaw ba kayong isakay nung taxi?" he asks. Hey, I'm not a liar, so I say "no". Immediately, they sieze the poor cabbie's license, fill out a ticket for "Rude Driver" (or something), and say to me "These creeps should be apprehended immediately" in Filipino.

And, for that moment, all the times that I was waiting in the rain, getting wet, or, being baked in the outdoors, waiting for a cab, and getting turned down, seemed totally worth it. I had gotten even - mwahahaha.

Things I Picked Up From The Grammies

I just bought Confessions on a Dance Floor by Madonna and Demon Days by Gorillaz - thanks to their smashing (how British!) opener at the Grammys . The album review? Confessions sounds like the old Madonna, seriously. When I mean old, I mean Borderline-type Madonna, not the Justify My Love type. Of course, worthy of accolade is the other producer, Stuart Price, also known as The Thin White Duke. The pulsating flux of his beats rejuvenated the Madonna franchise. MY favorite track? Get Together and Jump - it really sounds like Madonna singing to a Daft Punk backdrop.

I'm also glad I picked up Demon Days - I've been terribly intrigued by the album, ever since DARE came out. To sum up Demon Days, having an alternate persona, a cartoon one at that is much appropriate to their sound. Springy, and eclectic, for the lack of a better word. Weird but alt-pop, nevertheless. O Green World and DARE are my stand outs for this one.

Today's Pop Quiz

You're on your way to your car parked at the sixth floor of the parking building and the elevator jams at the third floor. What do you do?

a) Look for a hidden camera. It could be one of those nasty gag shows that put you in an awkward position and watch you squirm.
b) Check how you look. After all, this could still be Candid Camera.
c) Count the number of girls you can probably make out with in a stuck elevator.
d) Decide if you are claustrophobic.
e) Estimate how long would this delay take - and figure out if you need to do Number 2 by then.
f) Emergency response - Use the intercom to call the building administrator.
g) Bang on the elevator door. If this doesn't work, try prying it open.

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Want to know what I did? Here they are in order:
a) No cameras. Oh well, my chance to be a national star.
b) Again, no cameras.
c) Four ladies and me. I liked the chances of that, but they were all past 40. Tsk. Besides, it would've been a scandal.
d) Me claustrophobic? I still haven't decided yet.
e) Do. Not. Fart.
f) No one is answering the intercom (HEEEEEELLLLP!!!)
g) I don't have a crowbar in my laptop bag. Will a highlighter work?


It was a full ten minutes before we got rescued, and when we did have the elevator door opened, all the other passengers got out and decided to use the stairs. Bonus question - After being stuck in a defective elevator for 10 minutes, do you go out of the 3rd floor and just take the stairs for another 3 floors up?

Of course, I did. Smirk at the thought of it as the steel doors closed and prepared to take me to the sixth floor, that is.

monsterboy takes a monster-test

Not bad. Not bad at all.

Your Monster Profile

Wicked Fiend You Feast On: Starbucks You Lurk Around In: The Backseats of Cars You Especially Like to Torment: British People

What's Your Monster Name?

A new blog

I have a new blog. Nope, I'm not abandoning this one, just had to create a mini-blog that's supposed to keep the music I've been listening to recently.

Check it out at monsterboy music

Australian Open 2006: Women's Quarterfinals

Lindsay vs Justine
Ironically, these two players have crept up to the quarterfinals with minimum fanfare, yet their match-up is the de facto final. Last time they played in Melbourne Park, Lindsay squandered a 5-2 lead to lose the match. With an ankle injury hobbling her, it looks like JHH will definitely move a step closer to that delicious SF encounter with Maria Sharapova. JHH in 2 tight sets. Dang it, I hope I'm all wrong with this one.

Maria vs Nadia
Interesting to note that of the 24 tournaments Nadia has joined she reached the QF or better in 17. That's consistent, and that's why I should've chosen her over Elena. Crap. However, Maria has definitely the will and firepower to blast her off court. So, straights for the Maria glamour-girl-but-has-poor-tennis-dress-taste Sharapova.

Patty vs Amelie
Amelie is too strong for Schnyder. But granted, Schnyder has had her most success on Rebound Ace, albeit in other tournaments. So I'd say, 3 sets, going to Amelie's favor.

Martina vs Kim
The match to watch. I hope I'll be sitting at home in time to watch this game. How are all those injuries Kim? Looks like there is yet another opportunity in the draw that Martina Hingis can capitalise on. Having tested by Aussie Sam in the previous round, I hope she regained her ability to win through difficult times, since she's going to do a lot of running in a match with the reigning US Open Champion. I dunno, I'm hoping for a Martina win, for a fairy tale ending, but my head is saying Belgium in straight sets.

Semifinals and Final
An all-Belgian encounter, again? And this time, Kim will make sure that she sure ain't going to be the bridesmaid at Justine's wedding party again. That's 2 slams in a row, for Kim, I hope.

Australian Open 2006: Men's Quarterfinals

Back to regular programming....And on with more predictions.


Federer vs Davydenko
Whoa, Tommy Haas sure did give Roger quite a scare. Granted, Haas was able to knock him out of Kooyong, but it does take a true champion out of Federer to squeak out a match like that. I just would like to note that it takes a really sloppy performance to give away two sets like that, and a doggedly determined retriever like Haas to win two sets like that. So, how about another match
with fellow 5-set survivor Nikolay Davydenko? I think not. Straight sets for the Swiss maestro.

Kiefer vs Grosjean
No signs if injury for the top-ranked German in the draw, although there are no signs of slowing down for the reliable Frenchman as well. Grosjean, benefitting from a rather benign draw from the get-go, must be able to put away winners and outlast Kiefer to make it through to the semis. I see Kiefer having the very slight advantage here, with a better command of the hardcourts of Australia. Brace your self for a coin toss, this one is going to last a long 5 sets, with Kiefer making his Grand Slam SF debut.

Santoro vs NalbandianSurprise! The oldest player in the draw is *gasp* not Andre Agassi. What's even more surprising, is how Fabrice The Magician returns ALL those balls into play. This amazing ability to frustrate players and make them go for shots is the true asset of Santoro, and could come up quite useful against Nalbandian. However, big matches seem to be a niche for David, as he made quite a consistent run last 2005. He will win the craftiest match of the competition yet, in straight sets.

Ljubicic vs Baghdatis
Wow, those Greek people are a real rowdy bunch, aren't they? But, those Croats shouldn't be a pushover anyhow. And they sure have much reason to cheer for, as Ljubicic and Baghdtis, along with quite a number of the last 8, have not been to the QF of a GS. If Baghdatis brings out the spark he used to take down Andy Roddick, then he can topple Davis Cup hero Ivan in 4 sets. I'm still going for the seeded player here, that will keep the fans cheering well past midnight in 5 sets.

Semifinals and Final
It's becoming clearer, Roger vs David for the finals. And this should be a treat, because unlike with Roddick and Hewitt, Federer is actually on the wrong end of this head-to-head match up. Since he will be coming off from an easier semifinal match, I'd still pick Roger to win in 4 sets. Ooh, Is that a 7th Grand Slam already?

Mrazt've Been Some Night

Okay, intermission muna. Lest I drown my blog with my longings to be a tennis commentator, I tried to do something else this weekend - watch a concert.

Long before the heat and excitement was roasting Melbourne due to the Australian Open, I reserved my seats for Jason Mraz Live in Manila. Row 5 - sweet! In the same way Martina Hingis' draw opened up for her, the schedule of that night aligned for me so I can enjoy the Mraz concert without worrying about my tennis matches and fantasy league. Perfect, perfect. One hitch, though. And I'm not telling. (Drat, I couldn't stop the tennis metaphors!)

Anyway (funny how these little thoughts of mine interrupt my train of thought, oops, here I go again with a random interjection), Jason Mraz was abolutely brilliant. I missed his first show here, no thanks to my provincial assignment, but I think I made up for it this time around. How do I put this to words, errm, Jason Mraz is where talent meets genius. I mean, he writes his very, very witty songs (ah, yes, wit), and his voice is just golden. I can't seem to recall any male person with voice as good as his. Is he classically trained? He can range to a crystal clear falsetto to a well-tuned scat and switch to and fro. Wow.

Admittedly, his studio recordings aren't as good as when they are performed live. Waiting For My Rocket To Come was not just in the same level as the Live At The Eagles Ballroom CD+DVD set. Saturday night didn't have a full band, but the crowd was not deprived a single bit of musical satisfaction. In fact, the acoustic set only enhanced the clarity of Mraz's voice.

Here is the complete playlist of what was performed that night. A miss with After An Afternoon, No Doubling Back and Sleep All Day, but a great addition with Rocket Man, snippets of Wonderwall and Our House, and the well-sung hook to Where Is The Love. He made Justin Timberlake sound like a bathroom singer.

set list:

-life is wonderful
-wordplay
-clockwatching
-you and i both
-mr. curiosity
-0% interest/our house/where is the love
-rocketman
-sleeping to dream with paolo santos
-1000 things with paolo santos
-curbside prophet
-no stopping us
-the remedy (i won't worry)/wonderwall
-geek in pink

encore: plane




My favorites? 1000 things with or without Paolo. Paolo Santos did a great job jamming with Jason. So I'll leave it at that. The 0% Interest medley was great as as it was fun and amusing, and his cover of Elton John's Rocket Man was definitely better than anything Ive seen and heard (although they were mostly on American Idol). Tsk, No Doubling Back wasn't performed. It's been on my playlist forever. My regret? I really should've bought the Mr A-Z album first, learn the lyrics so I could've gone to the concert prepared. Damn, that is so wrong, a concert is not a test.

ps. I hope that Warner releases another Live Mraz album - the music is, in a scale of one to to a hundred, about a fifty, billion, that is.

Australian Open 2006: Predictions Part Two

Women's Draw
Defending Champion: Serena Williams

I've been making these predictions since '03 and I've never been more excited. The women's draw offers the best collection of the players, past, present and future. Minor injuries aside, all bets are off in a race to claim the 2006 Women's Singles Championship crown. But before we proceed with the picks proper, let's have a rollcall on who's already at Melbourne Park.

Stars of the mid-90s? Bonjour, Mary. Late 90s? Hello Lindsay. And hello again to you, Martina. 2000-02? One big WASSUP to the sisters. 2003? Bienvenue to Team Belgium. and 04? How do you say 'Hello' in Russian? JenCap, there's one big party Down Under and sadly, you're missing it.

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Q1. It's always hard to make a prediction for Lindsay's preparation before any slam, since she, like Agassi, tends to be more particular now in conserving their energy. Well, se, as her road to the quarters is hampered by Svetlana, Maria Kirilenko and Tatiana Golovin. Should be an easy run, if she's playing on top form.

Justine dug deep, recovering from a 1-6 1-4 deficit to win in Sydney. Will she need that much fortitude to defeat Venus in R16? Most probably not, but I'm so glad to see them both back.

And did I mention that Jelena Dokic is in this side of the draw, as an Australian, again? Not that i'm expectiig her to make a major dent in the draw, but, this has been her 3rd nationality, right?

QF Match: Lindsay vs Justine

Q2. Who said Serena was fat? Anybody got a picture? If all the internet speculations are true, then it will be a juicy rematch with Maria for a spot in the quarters. Screaming Sharapova will be fighting through pain (naughtily placed in the right pectoral muscle), and Shrieking Serena through a leg injury. Missed the live telecast of last year's SF, so I do hope their 4R encounter will be as thrilling as it is ear-shattering.

While some hope that this be Elena's maiden slam, she's not properly placed in the right side of the draw. Granted, her road to the quarters won't be as hard as the others, but she will face either Serena or Maria in the QF, then either Justine or Lindsay in the semis. Lots work ahead for you.

QF Match: Maria vs Elena

Q3. I hate to say this, but on a per-quarter basis, Amelie Mauresmo seems to be the luckiest player in the Top 4. Her main hurdles in the draw would include the red-hot Nicole (off court and on court, hehehe) and probably Anastasia or Patty in the quarters. She may have the momentum of winning the WTA Championships last November, but the early exit at Sydney failed to put a commanding stamp on the court authority.

The lack of a formidable contestant for Amelie is compensated by a bevy of dangerous floaters seeded an otherwise. Eleni can easily upset Patty, Michaella can end Vijay's over-the-top cheering for Sania in 2R, and sister Dinara might do a Marat and crash out early. I'm going out on a limb here to predict that neither Amelie or Patty make it in the quarters.

QF Match: Anastasia vs Nicole

Q4. All eyes are on Martina Higis as she re-debuts in the Australian Open - home of her 6 consecutive finals appearance. She takes on 30th seed Vera Zvonareva in her opener. While this may look like a winnable match, she has to be ready to face a rejuvenated Mary Pierce in 3R.
It took Mary a good 2 years to climb from an injured has-been to one of last year's fairy tales, and should be able to teach Martina a thing or two about resuscitating careers. Mary is on top of her game, and should rake in ranking points since she crashed out of the 2005 Open in the first round and has barely no points to defend here.

Kim Clijsters through to the quarters. Questions?

QF: Mary vs Kim

Australian Open 2006: Predictions Yet Again

It's the time again for the Grand Slam predictions! Yipee. Gents first, I'd like to reserve the energy for the Women's Draw because that seems to be where all the action is.

Men's Draw
Defending Champion: Marat Safin

Q1. We've been asking who can stop the Federer Express since 2003, and the only ones to do so in 2005 are notably absent. However, the latest victory over Federer was claimed by Tommy Haas might probably show a chink in his armor. Nah. Besides, Haas has a tough first-rounder against 13th seed Richard Gasquet. I'd pick the German to win that, but not against the Swiss in 4R.

To complete this side of the draw, steady ATP achiever Nikolay Davydenko faces big (and I do mean tall) Karlovic in the opening round. Tough. Should he get past this, I see a 4R encounter with Slovak Hrbaty. I did notice that he has no apparel sponsor yet. Top 5 in the world and no sponsor? Yet Hrbaty has that pink cutout of a shirt?

QF Match: Federer vs Davydenko

Q2. Homeboy Hewitt again lost the draws lottery again - primed for a semifinal clash with Federer. Roadblocks to the quarters? None really, Kiefer would've been a good pick on hardcourts, but since limping out of Kooyong last week, I'm more likely to say no. Ferrero has yet to find consistency to string a series of victories, and the others have yet to make a splash at Melbourne Park.

The other hometown hero, who was able to enter on a wildcard entry is another victim of a draw gone bad. Mark Philippoussis plays seasoned veteran Sebastian Grosjean in the opener - although a potential matchup with 6th seed Coria does not sound too alarming, meeting up with either Gonzales or Monfils would most probably end his run in Down Under. Methinks 1R will do for The Scud.

QF Match: Hewitt vs Coria

Q3. Riding high from his success in Shanghai, Nalbandian hopes to score his maiden Slam immediately right after. And why not, momentum is high, the field depleted, and the draw more than inviting. Past Henman (who by the way is already unseeded), Robredo and Tursunov, Blake seems to be the most compelling challenge for David towards his first Slam. It's a fairly even toss up, with the latter claiming the title in Adelaide.

As for Nalbandian's compatriot Gaudio, I would expect an upset from Ancic. Gaudio honestly is an okay hardcourt player, reaching the semis of the Championships last year. However, since that whitewash by Federer, the respect for him has been thrown out the door. He'll get over that, similar to Sharapova's double bagel in Indian Wells. Sorry, thinking out loud.

QF Match: Ancic vs Nalbandian

Q4. Based on the draw, this looks actually trans-Atlantic battle held Down Under. Europe will grab a seat for the quarters, be it Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Russia even. Team USA will place themselves on the other side of the pond - Ginepri? Dent? Roddick?


QF Match: Ljubicic vs Roddick

Travelling While Being In A Cube

Work has been murder recently, so I guess I haven't been able to update my blog as much as I want to. However, all things must start from somewhere, so here's to a productive blogging for 2006. *raises glass of wine*

One of my recently discovered hobbies is travelling. Okay, not recent (and most definitely not a hobby - let's just say, umm, interest), I think I'm one restless guy when it comes to travelling. Last year was beautifully lucky, as I was able to go to three different countries. My plans for this year? I don't know, but I'm hoping for at least 2, one for personal purposes, and the other from work. Besides, my lounge access pass will expire by February 2007, so I'd best make the most out of that. There is a pending invitation for Bangkok and Angkor Wat in May, and a Macau-Hongkong-Shenzen in January 2007. As for what happens in between, I'm still hoping to get a whiff of Singapore within the year.

Long term goals? Beijing and Melbourne 2008. I absolutely vowed to watch a Grand Slam tennis tournament in this lifetime, so the Australian Open is the most practicable, and least expensive one. Beijing, has one great come-on, "negative two degrees celsius". If Shanghai was cold, this will be frigid. So, how do I manage these? I currently have 35 thousand miles, I think I can purchase the HKG and BKK tickets, which leaves me enough miles for Melbourne. *crosses fingers*

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However, since my resources are really limited, there is a better way to travel. Forget surfing the Web, I found a better one. It's called Google Earth.

I absolutely adore maps, and the one the Google Earth provides is a clear satellite image that allows you to zoom to an area with the click of a finger.

Syempre, inuna ko na yung Manila. Unfortunately, the staellite images of Manila aren't as clear as the others - which is okay, the building views of New York or Chicago are fine by me. What's funny is, the fields of Pulilan, Bulacan are clearer than Manila's. What gives?

This is a great substitute to picture viewing, on one day, I was coasting the Red Square in Moscow, the other minute, I was looking for La Guardia Airport in New York City. Words cannot simple express how happy I am with this program. Really.

The 2005 list

Here's a list of stuff that caught my fancy for 2005:

Bangkok and Ayutthaya - Thailand is gorgeous!
The Streets - Mike Skinner is the man, bringing a fresh spin with his spoken word/rap album.
Venus vs Lindsay in Wimbledon - Definitely the tennis match of the year.
Shanghai - East meets West, powdered with the mystic past, and an enviable future.
Scrubs - Laughter is the best medicine. Plus, the soundtrack was a great buy.
The OC - Yes, teen dramedy, but with a kick-butt soundtrack that features the up and coming indie and alt-pop artists, it single-handedly rejuvenated my CD collection.
Garden State - When you take out the Spider-man out of Peter Parker, this is kind of the result. Somewhat.
The Emancipation of Mimi - I must admit, it is an outstanding album.
The Coversproject.com Website - Who did who, musically of course.
The Amazing Race Fantasy Game, volume 2 - My first time to host. And it was a blast.
www.thestone.com - Learn a lot from the website by playign a game.
The Killers - Hot Fuss ushered in mod-rock. Suddenly, we're back to the 80s.
Sky High - Candy-pop fun laced with 80s music. Nostalgia without being sappy.

That is an incomplete list, some I forgot, and some I'm keeping to myself. Haha.

Disc Jockey for A Day - No, Not Really

You see, I've always wanted to be a DJ. Not a radio announcer, but one that shares his music. I think that music, like food and really good stories, should be shared, Like a friend of mine once said, I'm one of those people that relate music with memories with emotions. Besides, I'm paying good money to buy CDs, why not let professional songer-songwriters do all the hard work.

Today's playlist:

No Doubling Back by Jason Mraz
Falling In Love by Lisa Loeb
Run by Snow Patrol
Hold On Hope by Guided By Voices

Cheers and Merry Christmas everyone!

Scrubbing for Scrubs

Time for that annual physical exam - it better be now, before I stuff myself silly with Christmas goodies high on fat, salt, sugar, and cholesterol. While last year's ordeal found me inhaling ammonia after passing out (long story, but I am man enough to admit that I did faint after blood extraction), this time, I was more keen on staying awake, un-bored, and patient (bad pun!) while going through the whole process.



After finishing the first season of Scrubs, being locked in a medical facility full of people wearing scrubs does get you a bit paranoid. As a summary, watch Scrubs, it's funny, and like they say, laughter is the best medicine.


ps. It's on my Amazon wishlist *wink wink*

more winking going on....

Mon sac!

Someone stole my bag today. I don't remember the last time I had something stolen from me, as opposed to something I misplaced and ultimately couldn't find. So I lost my bag before going to the airport. Crap.

To make light of an unfortunate situation, I console myself with the following thoughts:

1. True to TAR form, I was wearing overlapping clothes while holding a plastic bag containing what was left of my belongings. Nanakawan na nga ako, TAR pa rin ang nasa isip ko....

2. Good thing I didn't pack, and I had all my important things in my pocket.

3. Time to get new clothes anyway.

Travel: Stalker at the Hilton

To make the most out of meeting top-ranked tennis players in Shanghai, we decided to have a more personal experience with these tennis stars. Rather than cheer for them on court, or stalk outside the stadium's VIP entrance, it would be a bit fancier if we had lunch with them. Not exactly dine with them at their table, but have lunch with them in the same place.

So, lunch at the Hilton brought me closer to Team Federer, minus Roger himself. There was Mirka and Tony Roche (who by the way has one of the easiest jobs on planet Earth), Ivan Ljubicic, Fernando Gonzalez, a bevy of doubles players, and the whole Argentinian entourage. Nalbandian, Gaudio, Puerta and Coria (who had the most lovely wife). So, I was star-struck admittedly. Had this been the WTA Championships, I would've been wiping the drool off the side of my lips.

Here's a picture of me, luckily I wasn't caught by security.

Travel: The Shanghai Pitstop

No, you scratch your brow and say, "Not another Shanghai article..."

But, this will be the last one of them I promise. And this will be short.

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Forget Phil, all I needed was that pretty Shanghainese lady greeting us at the Pitstop!

Travel: The Tennis Part of the Trip

Lest we forget, we went to Shanghai not just to see the sights, but primarily to watch the year-end tournament of the ATP. While not getting our money's worth to see all the big-name stars, the beauty of the location made up for it.

Tennis!

Travel: Pudong (Shanghai Day Four)

Rather than bore you with a long narrative of Pudong, the newly developed portion of Shanghai, I'd rather share with you some pictures.

Took pics with the Jin Mao Tower on the background, and an aerial view of the Huangpu River.

Had a great time with the Aquarium, and touched a shark in the process. I don't know how to explain this, but all I can remember is Don't Panic by Coldplay playing in the background (see the Shanghai Soundtrack article below).

Lunch was at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower revolving restaurant, but I will reserve that for another article.

Here's the link to my photo album, comments are welcome ;)

pictures!

Travel: The Wrath of Hunan (aka Shanghai Day Three)

Like I mentioned earlier, the weather in Shanghai was cold. THe funny thing is, I felt confident with a black knit long-sleeved turtleneck. Boy, was I wrong. This one I did not realise unti after lunch. Of course, lunch is after breakfast, so breakfast first.

Breakfast was of the famed Shanghainese delicacy xiao long pao, a dumpling with a good amount of broth inside, to be dipped in balsamic vinegar. My only gripe, why is there not enough soup in the dumpling??? Grr.

Beside this eatery is the famed Yuyuan Gardens, a traditional looking chinese villa that once housed the emperor and his many concubines. There is nothing more perverse than having a labyrinthine house with hidden passages and dark alleys, and your concubines scattered around for you to find. Other than admiring the wonderful architecture of the estate (and having wild concubine fantasies), I searched where TAR6 placed the clue for their Shanghai leg. And thus creating a theme for my subsequent trips - but more on that in another entry. I found it in the corner of the Gardens, and took a picture for posterity.



Right outside the Yuyuan Garden is a zigzag bridge over a lake - and right across, a Starbucks shop! Presumptuous rather than convenient, I am totally against having Starbucks in touristy spots that exude a certain ambience (similar to my discovery of a Starbucks branch right smack along the walls of Intramuros). Grr.

More walking for the day brought us to the French Concession famished and thirsty, thus ushering us to lunch. It was a Hunanese restaurant and their specialty was hotpot. Look at the photo below - this dish had chorizos, pork chunks and tripe. Yummy. What I did not notice was the sauce - which was made from, no not tomato sauce, but from crushed peppers. If that was not enough, there were four kinds of pepper in the dish, none of them being the sissy bell pepper variety. For the record, this is the spiciest dish I have ever tried, beating the Bangkok Tom Yang Goong, and the wasabi burger in the process.



Feeling the full wrath of Hunan, I flailed my arms at the waitress and shouted at her 'Coke', which I could barely mumble because at this point, my tongue and lips were absolutely numb. Even my water did not taste like water because I think I just killed half my taste buds with one bite. It was at this point that I realised that actions spea louder than words as the waitress brought me a moist towelette to help ease my extreme discomfort.

I was burping the spiciness until the evening at QiZhong. It was at that point the stadium crowd was informed the Rafael Nadal had withdrawn from the tournament due to a foot injury. Foot injury my foot! He can still walk. Grr. I hope the tennis gods bequeath him with the Wrath of Hunan as punishment.

Travel: A Thousand and One Nights and I End Up Here (aka Shanghai Night Two)

After a thrilling day at the tennis tournament, it was time for dinner. After that recent debacle with the over-ordering, we now know better. Point at the picture, and use the fingers to indicate the quantity.

*points at hummus* One!
*points at kebab* One!
*points at drink* One!

Wasn't that easy?

My first taste of authentic Middle Eastern food, and it was great. Loved the hummus.

*points at stage*

Travel: Say "chee-jong", Spell QiZhong (aka Shanghai Day Two)

The day has come, it is Tennis Master's Cup 2005, where the top 8 players of the world converge for the culminating event of the ATP tour. It doesn't help that Hewitt, Safin and Roddick have pulled out even if the event hasn't started, but I'm already here.

The stadium is simply magnificent, glass walls all around, a fantastic view of the court, and that spankin' brand new scent. Yeah baby!



Got to see the master Federer take on Nalbandian, Ljubicic against Coria, and the Bryan Brothers against Wayne/Arthurs. First ever tournament attended, first tennis match - had to be a Federer.

Travel: Tsk! and TMSK! (aka Shanghai Night One)

My "Welcome to Shanghai" dinner was a feast - 10 dishes at least, and we were only 3 people. It wasn't planned though. You see, English is not really widely spoken in Shanghai - hold that, English is not spoken by the Chinese in Shanghai. So when my friend pointed and inquired about several dishes, they assumed that we were already ordering them! Tsk!

A pleasant tree-lined walk (and at the same time give our stomachs ample time to digest all the food) to the city's new drinking joint Xintiandi featured bars, pubs and restaurants tailored into newly constructed (but with old architecture) French villas. One even boasted of a great Filipino band. Never mind that, we went to TMSK, whose glass counter is always good enough as conversation piece.



Then there was Luna and and a red-haired Deborah Harry. Funny, we were shouting Blondie. Anyway, I was only mildly buzzed but tipsy enough to have a direct ticket to lala-land when we arrived at the hotel.

Travel: The Bling of Nanjing (aka Shanghai Day One)

It was my second trip out of the country, and this time, I'm travelling alone to meet a friend at our final destination. Just as a background, I've been planning this trip since May - saving up money, miles and courage to do a trip alone. So, 6 months later, twenty thousand miles poorer, but 2 guide books smarter, I find myself taking of my belt at the counter of the Centennial Airport. (No dirty thoughts please, just standard security procedure).

While waiting for the MLA-PVG (Love 'em airport codes), I met two ladies who screamed at a footage from the WTA Championships, featuring a news bit about Lindsay Davenport taking home the year-end Numero Uno for the fourth time. AHA! Tennis fans off to watch the men's version of that in *gasp* Shanghai. Then I learned that there was a Manila delegation, of about 40 people. At least our country is represented in the audience.

A thousand miles later up north, I find myself walking at the tarmac of Pudong International Airport. First time in China, and a first time winter for me. Before my illusions of snow and skates realised, I already knew that it didn't snow in Shanghai. Nevertheless, I never stopped muttering to myself, "This weather is just gorgeous". Crisp, cold, wintery, minus the slush.

Airport to hotel was a breeze. Okay, I stood in a very long line at Immigration, and given that the airport had all 26 counters open, you can just tell that Shanghai was a very touristy place. Hey, Tennis Masters Cup really drew in the crowd, at least. Again, airport to hotel, after immigration was a breeze. Gate, escalator, maglev ticket counter, maglev gate, I plopped myself to a seat on the only magnetic levitation train in the world. City center was a good hour away from the airport, and with the train, it took me 8 minutes. 430 kph baaaaby. Here's a pic to prove it.



Maglev to subway was very easy, then next thing I knew, I was right smack in the middle of one of the most famous shopping districts this side of the world. Nanjing Road felt like Times Square, not that I've been there, but the blazing neon lights, people hustling left and right, and all the wares you can think of. Throw in a couple of 1920 architecture buildings, and a hotel with a giant thermometer proclaiming 17 degrees Celsius... *BAM* I knew that this trip was going to rock.

Music: The Shanghai Soundtrack

Before I give the blow-by-blow of my Shanghai sojourn, I'll share what was playing on my phone during those times. Same with my Bangkok trip, this vacation's music was appropriately provided by my handy W800i.

Music to listen to when ...

- riding the MagLev: Don't Let Go by LMC vs The New Radicals
- weaving through the crowd: Move This Mountain by Sophie Ellis Bextor
- holding your jacket in a 10 degrees weather as you board the plane: Clarity by John Mayer
- watching planes take off and land at the airport tarmac: Desperately Wanting by Better Than Ezra
- riding the subway: Professional Widow by Tori Amos
- singing out at the top of your lungs along the Bund since no one knows you anyway: I Don't Wanna Be by Gavin de Graw
- (and my favorite) being on a moving walkway underneath an aquarium filled with sharks: Don't Panic by Coldplay

Must find a new one for this segment of my vacation....

Bones, sinking like stones,
All that we fought for,
Homes, places we've grown,
All of us are done for.

Ni Hao!

Too busy running around Shanghai, and translating to actually write an entry, but watch out when I come back from a long vacation. See ya!

Not so smart

Sabi ko na nga ba e. Hindi ako SMART.

After having getting my phone line disconnected, I immediately went to the nearest SMART wireless center to pay my dues and shove at SMART's ass that I can pay them my overdue amount of 500 big ones.

I didn't have my account number with me, nor did I have my billing statement (hence not knowing that I was already overdue) - so I just gave them my phone number. Apparently, the phone number I knew was not mine. I have been giving out the wrong number to people in my email correspondences, and perhaps egroups. Yaiks!

So to all, my apologies for giving out the wrong number. And much more so to the owner of the number I have been giving. I'm sure those pesky foreigner suppliers of ours must have had a field day looking for me.