Why I can't be a wristwatch model

I have always wondered why Tag Heuer never get me to promote their timepieces. Let me see... hmmm now I know! Judging by this photo, first, I should learn which arm to use to show the watch. Oh yeah, then, I need to get a Tag Heuer watch and get rid of my Technomarine watch. Get that intimidating look or that look that will make you burst into a big whacking laugh after the shot. And last, look so sleepy with droopy eyes instead of looking like a toothache is tickling me and making me laugh! I guess, practice makes perfect!

Pretz oh pretz!

This is my favorite pretzel stall. I love its almond pretzels with chocolate dipping - ONLY! Luckily, Suria KLCC is just less than 10 minutes by foot from Shangri-La, so I can get my pretzels anytime. The best part is that they have 2 Auntie Anne's Pretzels stalls there - on the lower ground & on the third floor. Hmm drooling... I think I am getting my pretzels today again!

Balik Kampung

I was told that the highways and expressways from KL to different cities and states are congested with traffic jam. Almost half of KL have left to go to their respective cities to celebrate the Hari Raya & Deepavali. Last night, most of our guests at the lounge were foreigners and Malay-Chinese. And then the rain poured towards the end of the night that's why it was a bit quiet for a weekend. I hope tonight's better than last night...

Purrrrrrrr

The strange cat of the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia. I got the jitters when the cat looked at me in the eye. Should you see this roaming around Tongkat Kia Peng, please send my regards to her.

Odd day for the street

Jalan Sultan Ismail is one of the busiest streets of KL, being one of the main roads within the city centre. It is also where Shangri-La Hotel is located and the street that the KL Monorail follows. The photo was taken from our window.

Since our room is facing the said street, we are used to seeing it jammed especially during peak hours. But today, I had to look at my calendar to check if it's Friday because there wasn't any jam at all, even during peak hours!

It's the weekend before the Indians' Deepavali Celebration and Muslim's Hari Raya or Aidilfitri. People might be on their way to their "kampung" or villages or their respective cities.

Hopefully we get a good crowd this weekend. Let's see tonight...

Late pressie

Last year, a friend promised me a birthday gift and I was so surprised that he hasn't forgotten about it. Today, he gave me something to make up for the year delay. But I didn't mind coz I've been playing with it since this afternoon and I love it!

Went to the Philippine Embassy today to notarize some of Selena's papers. I wasn't allowed by the guard to go inside because I was wearing a sleeveless blouse - I didn't know they had dress code there. The guard was new and I understood that he only did his job. So Marlou went in to inquire while I was left at the gate. At first I was a bit annoyed because the guard was so talkative and kept on asking questions. But he was so funny and sarcastic at the same time, that by the time Marlou was done, I was laughing with the guard and his cat. The embassy asked us to come back tomorrow to merge the two different forms into one.

At work, it was a bit boring because we didn't see familiar faces in the crowd. But glad that they enjoyed themselves. I hope this weekend will be good. At the mo', I'm waiting for Yec of Venture Band to come to our room...

Afternoon party

It was my boss' birthday party in the afternoon. Met up with the Concorde bands in the lobby of Shangri-La, we got 2 big taxis, one for the girls and the other for the boys. We proceeded to Leisure Mall in Cheras, the venue was just behind it. At 1PM, we all proceeded to the restaurant. There were six big tables reserved for the birthday lunch. When our boss arrived, we all sang birthday song, he didn't act surprised because I think he knew about it, our boss is very smart & since he has experienced lots of surprise birthday parties before, so this one was no different to him.

Six tables was enough for the people who came like his friends from the Philippine Embassy. Only few bands came because he only has few bands in KL, most of them are overseas. Bands from Concorde Hotel, Hilton KL Hotel, Hyatt Saujana, and some bands who are still waiting for their bookings. There were lots of food and I was so damn full but what I liked best was the chocolate cake. I even jumped from one table to another to get some untouched pieces! Hahaha! Even my boss gave me his share of cake. The party ended at 4PM.

I went to the gym to burn the cakes that I took. The aerobics room was all mine. Went back to the room at almost 7PM, took a rest for a while before preparing for work.

The lounge was again full and it was a good business for a Tuesday. My neighbor came and for the first time, watched me perform onstage. I was kinda shy at first because that guy has known me since I was 7 years old and there I was, shaking my butt out! I'm now burning the CD which I'd like to send to Selena, some pics and videos she wanted to see. My friend Yec called and asked me to go to Concorde to eat supper with them, so I will definitely meet her after this blog then go straight to Hotel Nikko to give the stuff for Selena to my neighbor.

Hectic Monday

Woke up at almost 3PM with my friends Yec's call to tell me that she's standing outside our room with her husband Kevin and sister Alex. We chatted for a while and they left. Marlou and I went to Sungei Wang to look for a gift for my boss. Then went to the KL Central Station to meet up with our friends for buka puasa or breaking of fast at Rebung Restaurant.

Marlou and I left right away because he was having his Monday one-man show at the lounge. I just stayed in the room and had a nap, then I went down to the lounge and did my song compositions while listening to Marlou.

Marlou finished at 11:30PM and then we went to Concorde Hotel again to chat with my friends again. We stayed until 4AM.

Unusual Sunday

I can't keep track of the times that I've set foot in KL, but I have already played in Concorde Hotel twice & in Shangri-La Hotel for the 4th time now. I am a Roman Catholic but I've never attended mass in KL ever since. Except today.

I went to St. John Church with Marlou for an early morning Sunday mass at 10:30AM. We were a bit late but I still managed to get a seat while Marlou stood behind near the entrance. I was quite amazed of the different races and nationalities from different walks of life who filled the church, despite that Malaysia is considered as a Muslim country.

After the mass, we were waiting for our friend Edlyn (KL Hilton singer) 2 blocks away from the church, when I saw a familiar face. It's our neighbor in Manila, the brother of my bestfriend, who came to Malaysia for a business trip with his girlfriend. We chatted for a while, asked about places where they could buy this and that. We then went to Kota Raya to have lunch at the Filipino restaurant before going back to the hotel.

Had an hour nap before we went to KL Central Station to meet up with our friends and then had my first ever eyebrow threading. I was so amazed with the procedure that I wanted to try it to my friends but none of them would trust me. The girl from the beauty salon just used a simple thread that's being used in sewing. She bit the other end of the thread and twisted some thread on her right finger and pulled the rest of the thread on her left. It's really amazing and I was satisfied with the way she did my eyebrows. I'm definitely gonna do it again... when it grows back of course.

Had buka puasa with our friends in Bangsar before we went back to the hotel to prepare for work. I actually wanted to have a nap but never had a chance. Had a moody first set that affected the whole evening. After work, we went to Concorde Hotel with our friend Edlyn. The management and staff asked me to jam with the band with Marlou - the most requested song from the URB Band these days - Lonely by Akon. Afterwards, we ate supper with the Venture & Peach Apple Tree bands and chatted with them until 8AM. We had interesting topics like supernatural stuff.

So my Sunday officially ended on Monday 8AM as I retired back to bed.

Fair Saturday

I love playing on Saturdays because most regulars come at the lounge to watch us. Tonight, not only regulars were there, but also our company Boss was there with his wife and some guests. My new friend Zoe came at the lounge, a very pretty girl whom I met last week and whom I have admired since then. Lots of regular guests were at the lounge, indeed another great evening for the lounge and the band.

Have to go off early tonight, will have to catch the early Sunday mass later. Happy weekend everyone!

(corrections were made due to friend's suggestion/comment)

Mournful weekend

It's been a very quiet Friday tonight. Not really quiet, the lounge was still full but the people weren't in their party mood at all. Maybe because the country has lost their beloved First Lady, the late wife of Malaysia's Prime Minister, yesterday.

Last Wednesday, I forgot to tell you what happened at the lounge (or maybe I was just too busy bumming around). As I mentioned earlier, it was a great week for the lounge. But during our last set, while Brice was singing, I saw a couple of drunk guys on the 1st floor. The first floor overlooks the whole lobby lounge and serves as the balcony for the lounge. So these 2 guys were run-waltzing to the rails of the balcony, but didn't reach it. They tripped over and crashed against the metal frame railing. Half of the frame fell off to the lounge and I saw the man, hugging his companion, with half of his body hanging from the 1st floor. I was so terrified and scared that they might fall off the lounge, I even shouted but off the mic. For sure, the guy would have hit the marble floor, head first, and it might have been a disaster. And I might end up being traumatized by that incident. I felt so bad for the guy, who suffered some serious cut on his arms (thank God, they weren't big to need hospitalization), because I know and I witnessed that they were having a good time. The guys even waved at me & I waved back just a second before it all happened.

Anyway, hope it improves tomorrow. Not that I'm wishing locals should stop mourning, but I like having good crowd especially on a weekend. So please, my friends, come to the lounge tomorrow lah!

Supposedly great

We had great crowd at the lobby lounge since the past weekend. Even when Marlou was playing alone last Monday, the lounge was so full. Every night has been a great performance night. I was feeling at my best onstage the past weeks, but still, downheartedness kicks in when I'm offstage and alone. Guess one cannot really hide the true feelings inside no matter how hard you try to fake it.

Oh people loved my cornrowed head last night. They are not in their best shape anymore but I will still wear it tonight. Thanks Yec!

Hair attack

My friend Yec came to our room after our work last night. She attacked my hair with a fine-toothed comb and some rubber bands. She started pulling my hair, forming some corn-rows on my head. It was so painful, but I kept on thinking - no pain no gain. Just like when I did my facial over the weekend and massage the other day, you'll have to bear the pain for the better you. I slept at 6AM.

I woke up at 2PM today, the weather's not good. It's drizzling a bit outside. I'm using the overflowed WiFi, wooohooooo! Eventhough I get disconnected every now and then, it's still okay. It's better than the dial-up anyway.

I'm quite excited about my corn-rowed head but I know the Soundforge, the band we replaced here, usually do corn-rows. But at least, mine is "almost" free of charge, right sis Yec?

Off!

Marlou's playing alone tonight. He's on his 2nd set as of this writing. I've just been to the gym and just relaxing in the room. Been to Sungei Wang, Imbi Plaza & Low Yat Plaza today for my "eye feasting" on my favorite stuff. Our Maxis Prepaid WiFi Account ran out, but I couldn't find it in any of those places. Guess I will have to go to Maxis KLCC tomorrow instead. Marlou's finishing at 11:30PM, still got time to catch the Rhythm Scent in KL Hilton. Laterzzz!!

Great weekend

This weekend is something I really need...

In the afternoon, Marlou and I were treated for a facial treatment in Bangsar by our friend. The dermatologist kept complementing about my skin and it was music to my ears, having suffered stressed skin the previous years. I think right vitamins, exercise, rest and eating habits helped a lot. Marlou's skin looked radiant after his treatment, so was mine.

We then went in a restaurant to join our friends for "buka puasa" (breaking of fast) even though the time wasn't enough. It's okay because there is "Gamelan" (traditional Malaysian music) so we just start at 9PM every night during this fasting month. I had "nasi briyani" with "tandoori chicken" and I was so full. Our friends sent us back to the hotel at 8PM, still got enough time to prepare for work.

Regular guests & familiar faces start going back to the lounge now. They said they haven't been to the lounge for as long as when we were in Shanghai. Deeply touching! It was a great night tonight (Saturday), with 70% of the guests were regulars.

After work, we went for supper at the Concorde Hotel with our friend Jeffrey. I had "mee mamak" and we ordered a dozen pairs of chicken wings & legs. Met up with my musician friends there and went back to the hotel at 3:30AM.

Sleepy now... still have to wake up early tomorrow for a lunch appointment with the Philippine Embassy people.

New pics uploaded - at last!

After days of editing pictures, in between unpacking stuff and re-adjusting to just about everything, I have at last uploaded them!!!

Shanghai Albums:

• Others - new photos added
• My birthday in Shanghai
• Last day in Shanghai

KL Album NEW!!!

• KL 2005-2006

By the window...

It's pretty amazing that we still can connect through Concorde's overflowed Maxis WLAN connection! Marlou and I are by the window right now, sharing a small coffee table on a particular spot where we can only access the wireless connection. I'm more comfortable because I'm sitting on a couch, he's sitting on his handcarry luggage (it's funny when he gets up because he walks like he just had his circumcision! hahaha!).

I'm still editing the pics right now. Woah! A lot huh!

WiFi-ing!

I've been a WiFi gal for quite sometime now. That's the sole reason why I bought a PDA with a WiFi feature. But this time it's different.

We used to go to Concorde Hotel to access the Maxis WiFi connection which Shangri-La doesn't have. If you're a Maxis subscriber, postpaid or prepaid, you can easily get connected to the internet. I'm a Maxis user but I bought a separate WLAN prepaid account card so my load/credit won't be deducted.

Now, I'm so happy! You know why? Coz out of the nowhere, my laptop detected a Maxis WiFi connection from our room! Usually it's only Marlou who can get access to Maxis even we're in the room. And I really am thankful eventhough it's freaking slow, but still I can blog, I can chat, I can check my mails - the most important things I need right now. Sooooooooo happy WiFi-ing!!!

Workout resumed

I've just been to the gym today & having sore muscles. I resumed my workout yesterday, though I visited the gym for the first time on Monday for a steam bath only. I did Pilates yesterday and resumed my Yoga (with Pilates) today. In fact, my right shoulder hurts a bit, maybe because of wrong posture support.

I'm still in the process of editing hundreds of new pics, including the last pictures in Shanghai and new pictures here in KL. It's just that I am freakin' busy these days, still settling down. God!!! Excuses and alibis really go together huh!!!

The Winning Answer of a Filipina

Ms. Philippines won the title of Miss International recently.

"Mabuhay! Representing the democratic and freedom loving people of the pearl of the orient, I am PRECIOUS LARA QUIGAMAN, from the beautiful country Of THE PHILIPPINES"

Q: "What do you say to the people of the world who have typecasted Filipinos as nannies?"

A: "I take no offence on being typecasted as a nanny. But I do take offence that the educated people of the world have somehow degenerated the true sense and meaning of what a nanny is. Let me tell you what she is. She is someone who gives more than she takes. She is someone you trust to look after the very people most precious to you - your child, the elderly, yourself. She is the one who has made a living out of caring and loving other people. So to those who have typecasted us as nannies, thank you. It is a testament to the loving and caring culture of the Filipino people. And for that, I am forever proud and grateful of my roots and culture."

I'm also proud to be a Filipina, I thank you! (bow)

Late supper

After Yec's birthday supper, we all took 2 cabs (and 1 car) and we went back to Concorde hotel. The Venture's Dana & Alex can massage very well and that's what they did while we were seated on the steps by the hotel's entrance. I think it was about 4:30AM. Venture's Kevin took charge of making us laugh until 6AM. It was great to spend time with them, puts my troubles away.

I woke up at 2PM and I detected a WiFi connection from our room. So here I am by the window of our room, trying very hard to blog through the low WiFi connection. If this goes through, then it's not that bad I guess.

Concorde again

I'm blogging from the Concorde Hotel again. Went here to meet up with some friends. It's the birthday of Yec from The Venture band so I went to wish her on her birthday. Going out to eat supper with my friends. Blog later!

First offday in KL

It was our first offday in KL and it was worth spending for. Marlou had to perform ALONE as required by the hotel. But luckily, we were able to go out at daytime. meet with our friends from the concorde hotel. Went to KLCC to buy some things at the Watson's. We then went back to the hotel to prepare for Marl's first Monday gig at the Shang KL.

It wasn't bad, although I personally think that 3 sets would be enough, as opposed to the 4 sets the hotel was requiring him. Some of my friends appeared in the crowd so I had to play a little bit of "PR manager" while Marl was playing.

After work, we then went to Concorde and greet Wacky from the Peach Apple Tree, it's his birthday. The other Fili[ino band, The Venture, asked me to jam with them, so I sang the remarkable Objection (what else can I sing with a nasal voice?!?). I sang a song with the Peach Apple Tree and another song with The Venture.

After work, we all went behind Concorde and ate at the mamak stalls to celebrate Wacky's birthday. It was fun and I certainly enjoyed my first offfday in KL!!! Hooray!

1st KL weekend

Starting on a fasting month isn't that bad at all as I have imagined. The lounge has always been full since we started, although people tend to go back early these days. We actually have lots of new songs but people still request the old songs that we used to play.

I feel like I'm coming down with something. I can feel flu-like syndrome but I hope it won't get me. I just need lots of time to rest I guess. I've been through a lot of stress lately.

My bedtime nowadays is between 3-4AM. I always wake up at this time (around 12:00PM KL time). Still adjusting to it.

My guitar

I got another birthday gift from Marlou yesterday. He bought me a guitar with a hard case for travelling. I was so glad because I really wanted to learn how to play a guitar. Well, I know how to play the D-A-G chords, which are by the way used in a lot of songs, but I'm confused with the rest of the major chords alone. I will be allotting time for that because I have the right resources online and Marlou also bought me some softwares for it.

We had a dinner with the Jamal family at the Shang's Lemon Garden Cafe for "buka puasa" or breaking fast. It was a busy night at the lounge again, with familiar faces around. After work, we went to Concorde Hotel to say hello to the Peach Apple Tree who just arrived back to perform in KL again. We missed them a lot. Went back to the hotel at 3AM and went to bed straight. Just woke up now.

Fasting starts

I ordered my dancing shoes today, my godmom Susana will give it to me as a belated birthday gift. I found a very cheap optical shop in Cheras, might go back there soon to change my contact lenses.

Fasting month started today. Malays or Muslims fast from 7AM to 7PM, or from sunrise till sunset. That means no water, no food, no vices and they had to pray at certain times. It will go on for a month. I haven't tried it but I think I can bear it, as long as I'll just be in the room. I'm pretty much amazed with those people who fast and still can go to work or university. What's worse I think is seeing other people eating or drinking. I'm very weak with that.

It's been a good night for the first fasting day, although we had mostly foreigners and Chinese guests. Saw some familiar faces & saw some old friends.

I was so lucky to find a prepaid internet card in a small shop today. So that's what I'm using now!!! Hoooorayyy!

Welcome back to KL!

We arrived KL at almost 5PM on Oct 2. We checked in and watched the Sound Forge band on their last night. I saw some of my friends especially the people that I treat as my family here in KL. After watching Sound Forge's last performance, we dropped by at the Concorde Hotel to see Jake of Music Heights who had their last night performance as well. We were so tired so we just went back to the hotel at 3AM and slept.

We started playing at the Lobby Lounge of the Shangri-La Hotel on an unusual performance day, Monday Oct 3rd, which was supposed to be our off. It wasn't bad at all eventhough I still haven't kept in touch with our regular guests & other friends. The lounge was still full for a Monday. They changed our position on the stage. Now Marlou is behind and in the middle. I personally don't like it because I only have a small dancing space, but I know it's better for the guests. I almost slipped when I tripped over the metal railings on the dance floor, Marlou and Brice shouted, but I gained my balance right away. I sprained my ankle a bit and it's still hurting now. I need to get a pair of good dancing shoes first.

Our second night (Tuesday) was better with some of the familiar faces in the crowd. I had my champagnes as usual. Maybe will have my amaretto's tonight. My batter is running low now, hafta gooooooooo!!!

Saved blogs

The following blogs were written on the specified dates but was only blogged right now - because I didn't have internet connection in our apartment and I was sooooo freakin' busy the past days in Shanghai.

I'm at the Concorde Hotel right now, using the Maxis wireless internet which we don't have in Shangri-La Hotel. Luckily, Shang is just across the road.

Flyin' & bloggin'

I'm writing this blog while on a Malaysia Airlines flight to KL. I've just finished watching Lindsay Lohan's movie "Herbie: Fully Loaded" which was okay. I intend to watch more but I have lots of things to do with PC given the fact that I was so occupied with a lot of last minute stuff during the past few days. And how can I forget about our unit's phoneline for outgoing calls being barred since my birthday, so I couldn't connect to the internet with it's fast speed connection at 9.6kbps. I took it as a blessing in disguise that our line got cut-off, made me do a lot of things aside from just the net.

I'm sitting by the window next to Marlou and he's currently wondering if he can "star" on my blog. Well, I should save a precious space for that someday because I have lots of things to say about him.

Can't wait to land in KL. First thing I need to find out is the wifi connection. I heard they have it in KLIA, so will make sure that I can blog this when I land KL - if the hotel service is not yet there. Keeping my fingers crossed.

My mind was still spinning but I forced myself out of the bed at 1PM. I had to do last minute packing, which was more favorable for me than packing way too early. Can you imagine that I've bee packing boxes and baggages for a month now and I ain't still finished with it?

Plan was to go to the Global Carnival today after packing, but I dyed my hair (root-dye is the right term I guess) and did my girly stuff & beauty regimen to use all the toiletries that I couldn't bring in KL. Left the house at past 6PM, took a taxi. The street was busy with people walking especially near the carnival and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The traffic was so bad. We went straight to the Paulaner Brauhaus Pudong to catch the D'Zone band for the last time & also to leave some stuff with them. I had my tequila sunrise - on a sunset! I also had banana split. D'Zone was thoughful enough to order some snack for us. We finished their show until 8:15PM and watched a few songs of the primetime band there, Blue Heaven.

We all decided to catch a glimpse of the new band who replaced us at the lobby lounge of the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel. I was stunned when we walked in the lobby and heard a swing band playing, complete with drums! They have a different concept this time. A Canadian singer named Anna hooked up with the local jazz musicians. We watched their first set and I think I just heard her sing 5 songs. The intro & outro of the whole set were instrumentals by the Chinese musicians. What an easy job for her!

Got bored and tired and somnolence started sinking in. The street was filled with lots of people. It's like the Chinese was in for a Shanghai Mardi Gras, but no, it's just their National Holiday. Don't ask me what kind of holiday it was because nobody answered that to me when I tried to ask around. Since we couldn't get a taxi around the hotel and didn't want to be in a bloodshed just for hailing a taxi against the Chinese stanby-ers, Marlou and I decided to take a walk to the carnival. It wasn't really far, just around 30 minutes walk. But, I was sooooooooo disappointed when we reached there and found out that it closes at 10PM! What kind of a carnival closes at 10PM?!?

In Manila, one of my stepdad's friends operates the Star City in Roxas Boulevard, which is the amusement park that opens yearly from September until January. And I'd always have a free ride-all-you-can ticket for me, my family and my friends whenever I go there and I could ride all of the rides until 2AM. So what's with the early closing time of the Global Carnival in Shanghai? What a shame! That's the thing that I've been waiting for the whole month. But anyway, my fate and karma is not good these days so I'll just have to go with the flow and stay optimistic that better things are yet to come. Anyway, I still took a sad-faced photo with the Global Carnival unlit behind me, just for me to say that I've been there - only it was closed.

After the disappointment, I began feeling down and tired and sleepy. Marlou and I went to Novotel Hotel in Pudong. Its area boasts a lot of massage parlors. We went to one of them, Marlou had foot massage while I had a body massage. But due to the last experience with a male massager, Marlou made sure that a masseuse would be doing my massage before we parted rooms. My masseuse was really good, she was kinda talkative but hey, it's alright. When she knew that I'm a singer, she started singing and asking me a lot of questions. She even asked me to sing a few Chinese songs, calling each of her colleagues to brag. But I found the masseurs very jolly and very professional. My masseuse said that they even do home/hotel service in a professional way - so no hanky pankies. Contact me if you want to try it, I have the number.

Walked back to Pent-Ox at 12 midnight... now it's 3am soooo have to retire to bed now. At least I still have 2 more hours to rest... have to catch the morning flight to KL.

Celebrate Good Times

We hosted a party after work. It's my birthday celebration & band's farewell party in one. We weren't supposed to host a party anymore. We tried to keep it simple and small. I know most of my friends in Shanghai would be surprised why they weren't invited. Well, it was just supposed to be a small supper which turned out to be a great fun party. Haven't had a fun party with crazy people for such a long time.

We went back home 1AM, Marlou cooked and did his final touches & tastings. First persons to arrive were the D'Zone Band with Salve (Gems). Then the Paulaner Brauhaus Pudong & then BATS' Culture Shock. That's all. We had a great time. Drinks were sponsored by some, there wasn't any beer though. Most of the hard liquors were sponsored by a friend who was at the States on that moment and wasn't able to make it at the party. He gave me 2 Jose Cuervo Tequila & 2 JW Black Label bottles. Kuya Alex, my former band leader, gave me a JW Black Label and Ate Nini & Luz contributed red wines. Everyone had enough drinks eventhough I didn't serve beers.

Being a party hostess like me, Joan suggested that we'd do something special. We took some great photos and even used props. We did crazy stuff and it was sooooo much fun! Keep coming back on my website for the updated photos to be posted soon.

Everyone left all at the same time in a full swoop at around 6AM. Ramon & Sham of Culture Shock got real pissed and stayed with Joan & Gates. Ramon gave me a VCD of the Latina singer Olga Tanon. He said the first person he thought about when he watched the video was me. And as I watched the great Latina, I somehow agree with him because I can see myself in her. And he insisted that we'd watch every single move of the her - until 7AM! So we watched it while Marlou took care of the cleaning. The party officially ended at 8AM, but went to bed only at 9AM.

Again, I'd like to thank all my friends who remembered... Thank you guys!!!

Busy busy busy

It was our 2nd to the last day in Shanghai but our last performance night at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel. Our whole day was freaking busy. It started at 2PM when Brice and I went to pick up our last laundry at the Shang and bought some ingredients that Marlou needed for his 3 main dishes for the party later: Chicken Adobo, Afritada & Pork Spare Ribs.

Marlou was left at home the whole day cooking while we ran for errands. It was difficult to get taxi today because it's pay day and also because it's the eve of China's National Holiday. We picked our dresses from the tailor in Dongjiadu Lu, had some alterations so we managed to go back home at past 5PM. I went out again to find paper plates because couldn't find it in the supermarket earlier. What surprised me was finding it in a convenience store. Went back home at 6:30PM only to raise my feet against the wall for a few minutes and prepare for work.

It was our last performance evening and being the eve of the National Holiday, we had good crowd. I had the most pleasant surprise when we were on our 3rd set. Out of the blue and without any note, Marlou played a birthday song again. I was kinda skeptical if the song was for me because there wasn't any other reason for him to play it not letting me know about it. First I thought that the staff just wanted to greet me, I looked around and found that the staff were all busy. Then from their hives, BATS band Culture Shock walked in the lobby from my right with a birthday cake for me. I was speechless and shocked. I wasn't really expecting them to do that. They were almost complete except for their drummer, Kuya Noel, who wasn't able to make it at work due to his injuries. He had his foot casted with a cement after slipping in the bathroom, I guess he was lucky enough that he didn't fall head first but instead fractured his ankle). That's one of the great things I had experienced during the past birthdays I had. Really surprising and heart-warming. Thanks a lot guys, I love you!

After we finished performing right on the dot, I waited for our last food order as Marlou packed all the things & equipments we had on stage. Had to go back home right away for the partayyyy!