The Sunset Collection

I'll just never get tired of the view...

Mantigue Island, January 2004

Boracay, May 2005



Malapascua Island, April 2004

Mactan Island, November 2005

La Union, November 2005

Subic, May 2005

Puerto Galera, November 2005

Philippine Ad Congress

The few days I spent in Cebu for the Ad Congress was a blast, and a blast from the past! A veteran of only 3 ad congresses, the first I attended as a student volunteer, the 2nd only for the Araw Awards, its funny that only in a non-advertising company did I get to go as a delegate this time.  I ran into so many people from the industry, and the limits of my lousy memory were tested as I struggled to remember the names of a lot of people there ---  proof of my old age. The trip reminded me of things I missed, and things I am proud of...that my barely 3-year old career took the direction I wanted, as evidenced by the long lines at our trade exhibit booth also at the Waterfront where the Congress was held, the extravagant compliments I got from Ben's speech, MTV's tribute to our co-prod show in their speaking slot, and finally, people knowing what it means when I say I work in an online game company

Of course, ad congresses are never complete without the parties, and I got my fill hanging out with friends both old and new...

Going both to official Ad Congress functions like cocktails at Fort San Pedro, and unofficial congregations at Cebu's latest hotspots in Crossroads, with its dance club Vudu and billards-place Cues...

Drinking and dancing the night away (almost every night!) at new hotspot Formo...

Then a free day playing tourist at the Mactan Shrine, Magellan's Cross, a seaside sunset at Maribago Blue Waters.

Lunch at Sutokil and a dinner of Cebu lechon just made my last day better, but it was made more complete by a  stop at Sto. Nino Shrine (where I felt like I was in Rio de Janeiro) and offering a few candles in prayer.

Puerto Galera

How to get there: a 2-hour bus trip JAM Transit from Pasay passing through the very efficient Star Tollway, and not via the BLTB station which burned down in a fire 2 years ago --- that's how long I haven't been back to Galera. Then a 55-minute ferry (plus 30 minutes of waiting for passengers to load), MB Golden Hawk which deposits you straight onto White Beach. Wallet damage: P300 one-way.

Where to stay: Myra and Madelayns airconditioned rooms for up to 4 people for P1,200 a night. Would honestly have preferred the non-airconditioned beachfront cottages, but it was time to try a little more comfort for this trip.

What to bring: Cash, toilet paper and towels. Don't make Phil's mistake of thinking there are Boracay type accomodations on White Beach...he had to brave a 5-hour trip to Calapan to get cash from the ATM...and share a towel with his roomie.

Where to eat: Blue Marlyn's for a good corned beef breakfast, Ferdinand's Seaside Cafe for Banana-Peanut shakes, classic grilled favorites (and huge side order of flies--- urk), various seaside grills for great barbeque and Purefoods tender juicy hotdogs, some forgotten kubo-bar for the fabulous Mindoro Sling which sends you off to a deep and restful sleep and wakes you up way early in the morning for some serious sun-worshipping, and the best ever Italian pizza and pasta at Italian Corner Pizzeria on the main road.

What to do: Bake in the sun, ride a banca to go snorkeling in a nearby island, get a coconut oil massage, get hair braids, watch other people spend money on henna tattoos and banana boating, listen to live percussion and a great on-the-spot Spanish blues singer, take zillions of pictures of myself and camera-crazy friends, play with those crazy light wands, enjoy a beach bonfire, drink the night away and sleep far awaaaay from the city and reality.

What I learned: How to take good pictures of myself (thanks Pao!), the wrong way to put a hair braid, and a disturbing story about someone's past.

This year's Galera cast: Patrick, Karen, Boj, Phil, Pao, moi, Tricia, Trisha and Marj.

Hi Daddy

Ok, I know the picture's a little morbid to post, but I'm very glad that this year, after a longtime absence from daddy's graveside during the All Saints Day, the family trooped to the Sta. Cruz, Laguna cemetery to spend some time remembering someone we love very much.

He was born in India where they cremate the deceased, but he asked to be buried here becaused he loved the Filipino tradition of remembering the dead every year with a candle and flower fest. Sta. Cruz is where my mom's family is buried...when we changed our lifestyle it became hard for us to go back as often as we used to. I don't like the place, and don't really appreciate the people there, albeit for some good souls. This year, we made it a point to go back even it was difficult. I also fulfilled a promise to change the name on his grave to his correct name...Amitabha. The solution was temporary (just a few dabs of gold paint), but I think he was very happy that his three girls finally dropped by to do this. We also spent time together to buy flowers, arrange (along with Tita Vilma at her riverside house), bringing them to his grave, lighting some candles and saying a little prayer to say hi. After our evening meal on the 1st of 2 days we were there, my mom said she smelled flowers that she's only smelled when she was in India. I guess he dropped by to say hello too.

Don't Rain On My Parade

At last, the sun broke through the clouds for me both literally and figuratively. Its been dreary and raining over the last few weeks and I wanted to jump off our building when so many things fell through for what we'd been planning for ages. Rain on an outdoor event would've been the last straw.

But the sun came to party that day! The feat was made even more amazing by the rain all the way til 11pm of the previous night, and it started again soon as we closed shop at 10pm. Despite the mud, and the long weekend, so many people came. The reviews have been glowing, the program really got talked about. No matter what results we get out of it, I will always remember that.

In other news...I've been really happy lately, so much so that I'm stuck with a perpetual smile on my face. I had to go to mass last Sunday (for the 1st time in a while), for a big resounding THANK YOU.

Thanks to everyone who made the sun come out for me(yes, I'm thanking YOU too even if you don't know I mean you hahah).

Thought for the Day

Success
by Ralph Waldo Emerson

To laugh often & much.
To win the respect of intelligent people & the affection of children.
To earn the appreciation of honest critics & endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty.
To find the best in others.
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition.
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

Not an original but its been passed to me twice and its really striking. Only hope to experience success like this someday.:)

Most Wanted ---Not!

At least if I ever have to urge to commit a crime and go into hiding, thanks to my new discovery Makeover-o-matic, I know which looks not to attempt as a disguise:

1) Nancy Drew. Yep, my dream job when I was a kid doesn't look so good in the adult reality.
2) The flip. Very normal looking actually, maybe the fact that its floating on my head is what bothers me.
3) The afro. I've always fantasized about big curly hair...but I guess there's such a thing as TOO curly.
4) Blonde bimbo anyone? My extremely pinoy features just make it a disappointment haha.

Deepa and I stayed up many a night to play with the site. The main website iVillage has tons of other interactive activities to entertain the kikay surfer. Besides getting to try on regular AND celebrity hairstyles, you can try on the latest make-up, headgear and eyewear. Here the eeeevil part...the stuff is actually branded so if you like how it looks on you, you may actually find yourself running to the nearest store to by that new Shu Uemura brick red lipstick or that Benefits amethyst eyeshadow. Simply sinful! The site also has My Virtual Model, where you can try on the latest styles on a virtual mannequin you can program to have similar body type, decorating tips, make up tips, fitness advice, quizzes (what's your ideal body weight?-->nice to know I'm still underweight, which celebrity's body are you closest to?) and the latest celebrity chismis (best and worst dressed at the emmy's, the break up of Paris and Paris)....

Argggh! Enough kakikayan. I have to get back to work now.

Trying Something New

Voila! My first attempt at Photoshop, immediately following my impulse buy for new Canon Powershot (may my old Epson camera rest in peace).   Now I feel a burning need to go back over ALL my past photos and start using that "healing brush", haha! Obviously I was bored and had nothing to do yesterday evening, even though I would have preferred to be in the same state yesterday morning. Instead I had to drag my ass to Valenzuela for work.  But things have been strange for me lately. No matter how busy the day gets or even if someone craps on my parade, I always fall asleep with a smile.  Its nice to be in a state of contentment (or maybe I could just be going crazy).

Have a good week ahead!

IT girls?

While shooting this...

Krissie and I found time to strike a pose with props from the other layouts...

Here's where I realized that professional photography has really got to be helped by professional styling. Who would ever have believed I was actually prom queen in high school?

I miss shoots! But I don't miss advertising. :)

Interesting links

Some interesting sites from friends (i.e. things to read/do when you're bored):

1. Date a geek. Sounds like a lot of guys in this business I've found myself in.
2. Which celebrity do you resemble? For anyone who dreams of stardom. Warning: Really bad English.
3. Watch me change. Dream closet...but not dream dance moves!
4. Plaxo. Create your own very professional looking signatures.
5. Technorati. Who's linked to your blog? Find out how popular your blogsite is getting by counting number of links to it.
6. Bloglines. Too lazy to read all your friends blogs from different sites? Check out this blog management system.
7. Statcounter. Find out how many people bother to read your blog and where they're from. I use it on my blog and who knew that I could get visitors from Uruguay?
8. Triumph the Comedy Dog and his piece on Star Wars. Hilarious! His other stuff funny too.

Happy surfing!

Jeepney Life

I'm always pleasantly surprised by the code of conduct that governs the Philippine jeepney. I used to be a much more spoiled brat than I am today, and never rode a jeepney til I was in college. And I think my first jeep was the UP Ikot (ah, you never forget your first jeep!). As I became more and more a woman of the world (with less and less access to my own car) I rode jeeps more and picked up so much stuff which probably seems common to early adaptors to jeepney riding but amazing to a late bloomer like me.

*People know better than to the driver on the shoulder or touch him in any way when giving payment. The driver has eyes at the back of his head to see you hand over payment, and an extra pair of hands holding on to the steering wheel to actually get payment even as he swerves to avoid traffic.
*Passengers develop undending patience as they wait without complaint for grandmothers, handicapped, little kids and people bringing everything from sacks of rice to bags of wet market purchases to board the jeep. In other cases they wouldn't be as forgiving.
*Passengers don't mind alighting in the middle of a busy street from a jeep and therefore holding up traffic behind them, but when given the opposing viewpoint of being part of the traffic that was held up, they can be extremely vicious.
*The driver always knows who hath not paid, and passengers always seem honest enough to pay and count out exact change for fellow passengers.
*He who sits nearest the driver has the lousy job of handing over everyone's payments and returning change. Its a never a steady job, so mostly you just take your turn.

Financials aside, it must be interesting to be a jeepney driver and see this sort of thing every day, although I'm sure they're bored with it already. I'm glad I'm not...yet.

Moments

The newlyweds Josh & Grace with friends from Level Up!

Two years ago I attended a spate of weddings of friends (8 in a year I think!), then it dwindled down to a score of christenings the suceeding year, and as a testament to my old age this year the 1st wedding I attended was of a staff member.  He was nice enough not to ask me to be ninang, but rather part of the entourage as the veil sponsor. It was a small and beautiful wedding, made even more meaningful by the fact that you could really feel that the vows spoken were straight from the heart.  The groom sang the vows through a self-composed song, the bride uttered them as heartfelt words.  Seeing someone I met years ago grow and develop into a mature individual pledging to share his life with someone was touching indeed.

Funny enough the other moment that struck me was when the minister lectured the bride that now, she could no longer live the single girl life and she would have to share everything with her husband, and consult him on all decisions.  I actually laughed out loud thinking of myself following that kind of advice.  It would be damn hard! Hmm, maybe I'm not ready?

PS - I caught the bouquet. Took pity on the poor flowers which were getting abused from landing on the floor because no wanted to catch them.

Mmmm, Dessert

I'm such a dessert junkie. I have a separate compartment in my stomach for dessert. Meals are not complete without dessert. Thanking Gigi for this yummy forward, reposted from another blog. Must try all...*slurp*

Strawberry Shortcake by Baby Yulo. "Mrs. Yulo from Forbes" is already a catchphrase among the well-heeled in Makati. Also known for her Turtle Pie but celebrated for her Strawberry Shortcake, this cake is close to eight inches high and is a sponge cake lightly spread with two layers of imported whipped cream and strawberry flecks. As a crowning touch, the top of the cake is decorated with a few large strawberries, definitely imported, definitely expensive at P1,300. Contact Number: 8124961/8108078


Polly's Chocolate Cake by Polly Garilao. It's a simple chocolate cake with a regular shiny icing and none of the frills and froufro associated with most cakes these days. Contact Number: 8247612


Nono's Chocolate Oblivionby Baba Ibazeta. Owner of the wildly successful Classic Confections, this cake is named after Baba's father. She dubs it as the "quintessential chocolate cake": layers of chocolate cake and ganache textured with walnut praline and dusted with cocoa powder. Contact Number: (Classic Confections) 8423969/ 7462773


Mango Torte by Tony Cuerva. A thin layer of meringue similar to sans rival without the buttercream, crowned with mango balls and decorated with whipped cream rosettes. Contact Number: 8509182


Macaroons by Bizu. One of the two commercial establishments on this list with two (or is it three?) branches, these macaroons are just like those found in French patisseries. Light and unassuming, in a variety of flavors and colors, this is a light and unassuming dessert.


Rum Cake by Joyce Aragon. A regular at bazaars. Contact Number: 09175232913


Chocolate Decadence Cake by Dennis Hipolito. This is a light chocolate cake in texture and flavor. Not too overpowering and perfect for those who don�t like their desserts too sweet. Contact no: 0917516578/(044) 8404082


Chocolate Carrot Cake by Melissa Lim. Contact Number: 9112329

Caramel Cake by Estrel's. Mouth meltingly light chiffon cake is artistically decorated with elaborate buttercream flowers in beautiful colors. This is one cake that is so light it practically floats off the table and into your mouth. Contact Number: 3722965


Banana Toffee Pie by Roselyn Tiangco. Contact Number: 8120908

Paris in the Spring

You Belong in Paris Stylish and a little sassy, you were meant for Paris. The art, the fashion, the wine, the men! Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park... You'll love living in the most chic place on earth What City Do You Belong in? Take This Quiz :-)

Online quizzes are hardly ever accurate but this last one I took reminded me that one of the most fabulous cities on the world for me is Paris. I've been there thrice but the time I've spent there has always been too short. I'm quite a travel junkie, and Europe has always had special place in my heart. But travel in general, as long as the place, the is culture different, the food is something I've never had in all its authentic splendour before, is something I've always looked forward to, something I wish I could do with unlimited vast resources. Following a path I've never traveled, people watching, sight seeing, food-tripping, having new and amazing encounters with people and places, almost nothing can beat the experience.

The last time I saw Paris was in the spring of 2002, when I luckily got myself in a slot with a team of young professionals headed for 5 weeks in Denmark. I cashed in my savings, convinced Chikki to join me post-Denmark on my well-plotted on Excel route around western Europe, and bought myself a $300 15-day Eurail pass.

Of course given my limited resources, I didn't exactly travel in glamorous style, but rather in back-pack mode, which I think made the trip even more of an adventure. A little help from a lot of friends came a long way. There was Tonichi's Frommer's guide to Europe and Kathy's best friend Valerie who put us up for our 3-day Parisian stint.

We took the TGV for from Barcelona-Sants to Paris-Austerlitz. Didn't know there were advance bookings to be made so we got stuck for a couple of hours at Montpellier and avoided a pick-up attempt by some weird guy by saying we were married and running fast in another direction. I was so proud of myself because I called Valerie's daughter at home to tell her we would be late, but she couldn't speak much English. I clearly recall my vain attempt, "Allo! Je m'appelle Sheila. L' train arrivez tardez, neuf pm. Merci!" The poor kid struggled to understand me while I patted myself on the back for listening to French conversational tapes when I was very young. In any case my message was understood, and the extremely accomodating Valerie picked us up at the train station at the right time.

Boissy St. Leger was on the outskirts of Paris, so daily Chikki and I would take the RER Line A to the heart of the city. We had extremly hilarious and pathetic attempts to save our money by jumping the subway gates so we wouldn't have to buy tokens, and squeezing in paid toilets meant for 2 so we wouldn't have to pay a 2nd time. We were frequent lunchtime patrons of a European fastfood chain that had an end of the spring promo --- cheeseburger meals buy one, take one! We walked everywhere, but I really couldn't complain because it was sensory overload.

During our first day as we were walking down the Champs-Elysees, two Chinese women came up to us and asked us to buy 3 Louis Vuitton bags each at the nearby shop. We almost refused because it seemed like we would be scammed, but then we figured what the heck, you're only in Paris once, and the experience of shopping at a Louis Vuitton store at the Champs Elysees would be hard to repeat unless I became extremely well-off! They handed us 700 Euros each and asked us to meet them at the corner after we were done. I half throught of running away with the cash, but I had dropped my heavy suitcase on my foot the day before (the trials of not affording to store my luggage at the Frankfurt airport), so I couldn't make a fast getaway. We spent 45-minutes getting top service at the shop, walked away with about 5 bags each which we handed to what we guessed to be counterfeiters, and later on got a $100 dollar tax exemption on our total purchases at the train station leaving Paris.

Other fun episodes --- buying bread and cheese with and picinicking near the Eiffel Tower as we jokingly turned our noses up at Parisiennes who vainly sunbathed near the fountains amidst cold spring air and a weak sun, thinking that Pinoys just have to drive an hour or so to sun-worship a gorgeous beach. Visiting the Notre Dame and arriving at the Louvre just in time to find out that it was too late to take a tour, but scoring a gorgeous Sephora lip gloss anyway (good thing I've seen the Mona Lisa before or I would've gotten dearly disappointed). Traipsing through cobble-stoned streets and finding a store that sold Naf-Naf items for just a Euro apiece (I got a dress and a shirt). Taking a photo outside the Moulin Rouge to commemorate my being there after the hit movie was shown. Looking out at the beautiful Seine River and watching the boats go past. Walking up to Montmarte and seeing a glorious (and free!) view of Paris. Bargaining down a hot artist to just 10 Euros for my Parisian portrait...and getting asked out after my portrait was done. Driving from the RER train station to Boissy St. Leger in Valerie's cute little car and getting a bit lost, then a car of cute guys stop to help us out. My only regret about my last trip to Paris was not seeing the nightlife because we had to go back to the house every day before the trains closed. But then there's always next time!

This year I've done a lot of local travel but I'm saving for a major purchase which is why I've held back on crossing the Pacific. The way things look, I think next year will be different.

The world is a book and those who don't travel read only a page.- St. Augustine

Facing a Challenge

Although life has been hard at times for me, many things have actually come amazingly easy. Its only now that I've gained some maturity (hopefully), that I've come to realize how lucky I've been throughout my life. In high school and college, I made above average grades without parental pressure. I've never lacked job offers. When the bottom fell out of things at home, I never really fell down on my knees...I tripped in a major way but things righted itself pretty soon. Not to say that I didnt work hard for it, but many people work harder but don't get the same results. Even when I entered the corporate world, I moved faster than quite a few who started off on the same footing. Again I didn't kill myself to make it happen, it just did with some investment from me.

I was quite surprised last year when I was told I seemed to be too nice for my job, that I wasn't hard or aggressive enough, that I couldn't seem to handle everything even if I was doing a good job. For the first time someone questioned my abilities and it really bothered me. I almost thought of just packing up and leaving. But I couldn't admit defeat. So I grew up, and thought I proved them wrong in a matter of a few months. Actually it was a good experience for me. Taught me many things and I walked out of that experience a different person. I still had the nagging feeling though that I still hadn't proven myself enough.

Recent events have proved otherwise. Though I refused to accept things at first, I should finally give up on humility...for a brief moment please allow me to indulge. I've proud of what I've accomplished and the trust not only I've been shown, but something publicly announced. And once again fate handed me an answer to my growing indifference and gave me something to throw myself into. Something scary but exciting. Wish me well on this new adventure!

Having a Nice Day

I fished myself out of bed on SONA day to take myself off to the ER of Medical City, the new hospital-slash-hotel, to check on the state of my never-ending cold and cough.

Hoping to see a cute doctor or 2 around the place, I got disappointed. My attending physician though told me that he doubted I had pneumonia since I "looked too good." He just gave me paracetamol and cough medicine prescriptions and told me to come back if I still wasn't recovered in 5 days.

I waited for a cab to take me to Metrowalk where I was supposed to meet Mylinda and as I hung around the driveway, the guard struck up a conversation and asked me "Ma'am, do you work out?"

At Metrowalk, I found a copy of the elusive pirated DVD set of Smallville Season 4 which I have gotten extremely addicted to.

Then I also texted the friend who had offered a consultancy project through a Friendster message the night before. We set a meeting for few days later, which could actually mean extra cash.

I had a nice Monday!

Changes

There was a time a couple of years ago when me and my two best friends sat down for a "studio portrait" at a local Kameraworld, believing it to be one of our last photos as best friends in Manila. One of the trio was scheduled to leave for Hongkong for work, while the other planned to move to Holland to get married.  As always, I was slated to stay.

Six months later, everyone was back in town as the work thing and the relationship thing didn't work out...and we had many more photos and adventures again. But after that period, it seemed like things had changed.  Though we were close as ever, there was no longer a need to spend every minute together either in person or on the phone.  We all had our own lives, and we were pretty different people, which actually made the friendship even richer. 

Recently we had dinner at Nuvo (in the midst of my raging cold) and met Mylinda's fiance, their relationship a very inspiring product of her last visit to the United States to become a bridesmaid at a childhood's friend wedding.  He was the best man. It happened so suddenly it seemed to be cause for worry for me, but the inspiring part was this time everything was perfect.  From someone who's seen her experience so much crap from relationships through the years, she miraculously met and is going to marry her Mr. Right.  The last time she and I were in Nuvo, we half-seriously thought of this happening to us, but never really thought it would happen so soon. That just goes to show you never know what fate has in store!

She's leaving for Philly this September, to get married and settle there.  This time I think the change will be rather permanent.  I used to think I couldn't imagine what it would be like when people close to me wouldn't be around anymore.  But know I know although there may be changes in geography or in lifestlyle, relationships don't have to end...they just change, and its up to you to make it change for the better, to grow into something different and unique.

So very soon, i'll have an excuse to travel and visit her, which I think is going to be a lot of fun!


Kwon, Mylinda, Tricia and me.

Spread the love

Its 7th day anniversary of my virus.  Happy week-sary!  I have no idea why I haven't gotten significantly better after taking oodles of antibiotics and Tuseran Forte and extra virgin coconut oil (the home remedy system at work).  Well at least the whole weak knees and fever faded as of last weekend, but my cough and colds continue to persist in the face of extreme medication.  It could also be the late nights I insist on having, feeling as if I don't need rest at all (the Superman complex!).

Fabulously enough, I have also shared the wealth among numerous officemates who started coughing and sniffling soon as I looked in their direction.  Ain't that great?  That's how killer my virus is.  I've been so blessed to be visited by one of the most powerful entities in the virus-which-cause-colds-and-cough world.

Thankfully its the weekend and I hope that I get enough vegetating time in to get over this.  GMA has also cooperated by declaring a National Holiday so people can be enthralled by her State of the Nation Address.  It must be her way of making up for the horrid tax she's imposed to curtail my shopping habits.

Have a good weekend and wish me a speedy recovery please!

****************************************

Check out a copy of HP Book 6 bought from Thailand.  Oooh, a different cover! This copy belongs to the San Diegos, and I was quite entertained to open it and read that HP is also available in Welsh, Irish, Latin and Ancient Greek (gasp, say it isn't so!)

In Bed with Harry

Crawled out of my sickbed today to grab a copy of this:



I prided myself on never getting sick (except for the occasional bout of ulcer) but I guess there's just so much a body can take. That must have been an amazingly strog virus that took me down with the flu because it got Gigi too considering we spent less than 2 hours breathing the same air.

At least being sick gives me time to read Harry Potter, and get much needed rest as well. Although I used to be such a TV addict, and a bookworm, I haven't found myself in bed with a book for some time now. Nice to go back to the good old days.

The State of our Nation

Crossing Buendia Avenue through the rallying throng, trying to get a cab to take me to Glorietta so I could have a nice lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in ages who was leaving for the U.S. (aren't they all?) told me much about my state in relation to the the state of my country.

As in...please let us get on with out lives. Please let us go on with a regular day at work. Aren't people just sick of "EDSA 1,2,3, to the nth power"? Has any change in government over the last 10 years changed anything? One thing is always certain with a power struggle--- the economy always takes a dive and many people bear the brunt of it. I've never been very political, but as someone who pays water, electric and grocery bills, it has me bothered.

But since we can do nothing but laugh, as individuals and as a nation, here's a hilarious piece I picked up from email.

Enjoy!

******************************


THE SHADOW CABINET

ECONOMIC TEAM - Susan's thrust will be to achieve an ECONOMIC MIRACLE that
the country missed in the 80's and 90's. Nobody is better equipped in
making this MIRACLE happen than Nora Aunor (Himala). As NEDA Secretary,
Sec. Aunor will not draw water from brooks of Kupang (Place of Himala), but
would make miracles happen by encouraging people to believe in themselves.
According to the future NEDA chief. "Tayo ang gumagawa ng Himala" She will
be assisted by Underscretary Madame Auring to guide the government in
taking the miraculous path.

Sec. Aunor will be supported by Sec. Pepe Pimentel (Finance) and Sec.
Roderick Paulate (Budget and Management). As Finance chief, Sec. Pimentel
is well aware of where the "Kwarta" is. And no matter how small revenue
collection will be, the public purse will be efficiently handled and kept
by Budget Secretary Paulate in his "Bayong" with Undersecretary Amy Perez.

Finally, the Team is completed by Trade and Industry by the tandem of Sec.
Mura and Undersecretary Mahal to make sure that the basic commodities are
priced right, neither expensive (Mahal) nor cheap (Mura).

SERVICES TEAM - True to his populist color, Susan will give more to those
who have less in life. Being allied with the GMA administration, MMDA Chair
Bayani Fernando will be replaced by another Bayani, New MMDA Chair Bayani
Agbayani. As such he will scrap the Odd-Even scheme and implement a simpler
"Ocho-Ocho" traffic program, i.e., no cars in Edsa from 8am to 8pm.

Agriculture Department will be headed by Sec. Vilma Santos to ensure that
food supply will be bountiful in all seasons in all regions.

Housing, being the cornerstone of the Susan Roces Administration, will be
given to an equally regal and competent person, HLURB Secretary Dolphy. As
such, he will ensure that the masses get their deserved homes either along
the riles (railroads) or airports. The middle class on the other hand will
be helped by Undersecretary Nova Villa.

The National Youth Commission will be headed by German Moreno so that he
can help develop the talents of the millions of Filipino Youth. He will be
assisted by Commissioners-At-Large Jojo Veloso and Alfie Lorenzo.

Social Welfare portfolio will be given to no less than Sec. Willie
Revillame. He will leave his show to prepare for government service. To
fund the welfare programs, the young Lucky Manzano will be appointed to the
PCSO and PAGCOR.

Finally, the Department of Health will be headed by Dr. Vicky Belo. The
projects in line are as follows: Oplan Alis Skin Disease, Tangal taba, and
Libreng Lipo sa Masa.

RESOURCES TEAM - Susan Roces' policy is the full development of our
resources for the benefit of the people.

Department of Energy will be headed by Sec. Gary Valenciano. No more PPA,
just pure energy.

The Environment portfolio will be given to Sec. Chin-Chin Gutierrez and
supported by Bureau of Forestry Director Rico J. Puno, Mines and
Geosciences Directress Gretchen Barreto, and Undersecretary Jimmy Bondoc.

DEFENSE AND LAW AND ORDER TEAM - Considering the lack of respect the
citizens have for the law of the law, Susan will implement the policy of
law without fear or favor.

The Defense Department will be given to Sec. Annabel Rama who is feared by
the devil himself. If she can handle Ernie Maceda, why not the generals of
the AFP. If she can defend Ruffa's integrity despite all her shenanigans,
what more the integrity of the national territory.

The Department of Interior will be headed by another fighter, Sec. Mystica
who is well aware of the workings of the police after figuring in weekly
brawls ever since she entered showbiz. She will be assited by PNP Chief
Paquito Diaz, an expert on mobs and thugs.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS TEAM - Susan will continue the current government's
constructive engagement. Among the members of the nation's new foreign
service are the following Ambassadors:

Africa Union - Susan Africa
Austria - Amy Austria
Brunei Darusalam - Cristina Gonzalez
Colombia - Ace Vergel
Germany - Baron Geisler
Israel - Dick Israel
Jordan - Jordan Herrera
Spain - Gerald Madrid
Romania - David Bunevacz
Russian Federation - Nanette Medved
Turkey - Ruffa Gutierrez-Bektas
United Kingdom - Princess Punzalan
United States - Angelica Jones

The Department of Foreign Affairs will be headed by Sec. Melanie Marquez
(Miss International) who is very experienced in "international"
relationships.

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT - Lastly, to manage all the department secretaries,
a function of the Executive Secretary, no less than Exec. Sec. Lily
Monteverde will "manage" all of them to make sure that they work in line
with government policies. If Mother Lily can manage the whole Regal Family
(plus Regal Babies), what more the nation's Official Family. She will be
assisted by Presidential Management Staff Sec. Lolit Solis, another
"talent" manager. To complete the roster of palace officials, the
residential Spokesperson's job will be given not to Boy Abunda nor Cristy
Fermin as other have speculated, but to the reliable Sec. Rey Pumaloy
(Aminin!) to ensure that the government will not hide anything from the
public.


Kay SUSAN tayo !!!!

Outside the Tent

Sheila's additional rules for book-signings of pop fiction authors:

1. Listen when the author says it's better to choose a favorite book because it's likely he won't be able to sign everything you bring him. I could've saved some cash had I had restrained myself from buying a hardbound "signing" copy of Fables and Reflections. In the end I just asked Neil to sign my old copy of Neverwhere and my brand new 2nd copy of Stardust.

2. Do not party the night before you're due to line up for a numbered pass. As it was I got #631 at 11:30am when I should've been in line at 8am to secure a number in the early 100s. But then luck was still on my side because some staffer of Fully Booked mistakenly released up to #750 when they were only supposed to issue out 500.

3. Bring a nice comfy chair, a pillow, cold drinks and a fan--- this holds true especially for book signings in Manila where it's damn hot!

4. Be very careful about picking up strays while in line...you never when it's someone you wish you could tune out.

5. It pays to be outspoken, and optimistic. I did get my book signed (at 1am) also because about 150 people gave up ahead of me.

It was quite an experience to wait 14 hours for the signature of one man. But this was Neil Gaiman, who I have to salute for having the stamina to sign books for 7 hours straight and remain extremely sweet and down to earth to the very end.

In between though, I was quite entertained by lunch, the Fantastic Four movie we stuck in between 12:30- 2:30 pm, a lot of sticks of cigarettes, checking out the sole cute guy there (sadly I already know he's kind of a snob), and playing catch-up with almost every geek in my generation who turned up for the event--- from the Ateneans, to the gaming industry crowd, to the Ad Agency people, to the rock bands, to the Cyber Journalists. A friend of mine who was totally uninterested in Neil but just went to accompany his girlfriend commented how I seemed to know everyone there. And I had to face the fact. I am a geek. A geek who has 2 books signed by Neil Gaiman. Weee!




The picture of success! Me and Neil, who can't even look up at the camera anymore as he's been blinded by flashes the whole day.

Here Neil's perspective on the event:

Saturday, July 09, 2005

In the Tent
posted by Neil 7/09/2005 12:54:00 PM

In the Philippines, the people are enthusiastic on a level that makes the Brazilians look reserved and polite. They shout very loudly when they're happy, too. There's a noise that a few thousand of the locals make when they all shout at once to let you know they're happy to see you that made me finally understand the idea of a wall of sound...

Apparently over 3000 people turned up to see me, although only 700 tickets guaranteeing you a signature were given out (and had all gone well before lunchtime). (Which I still don't quite understand as I was told it would be limited to 500. But there you go.) It began late, due to overrunning tv interviews, followed by Printer Hell, when I couldn't get something to print out on the hotel printer, so I had to read it on stage from the laptop -- which left me feeling I'd made the right choice in getting a laptop that weighs about 2lb. So the event began a little after 4:00pm. A short ANANSI BOYS reading, a short Q&A, and then I signed...

I stayed till everyone still there in the tent was done -- I finished signing for the last people in line, all of us more than somewhat shellshocked, around 1:25 am.

Goodnight.


*****************************************

In unrelated news, I will be floating on clouds for an indefinite period of time as I just recently met with my favorite actor P for a "business" opportunity (Many thanks Gil for setting this up). I have watched all this guy's movies and have even downloaded his MMS photo so I can blissfully sigh at his picture on my phone wallpaper as I drift off to sleep. Here's the funny part---- as I giddily stuck out my hand to greet him when I arrived at the restaurant for our meeting, he said, "Yes, we've met before." I thought this was a line ---- I mean how would I have forgotten meeting HIM! He kept on insisting and I was ready to blame it on my evil twin (yes that girl who keeps on going around looking exactly like me--- my mom and sis have seen her around). P was so bothered he kept on insisting that he remembered my name, my face, and my personality. Finally we figured it out --- he remembers me from high school! He used to visit our campus often and remembers seeing me around…he even knew I was the "class speaker" and a "top student" (yes kids I told you I was a geek). He started calling me "Classmate" after that, and at the end of our meeting, we made beso-beso.

Sigh. Imagine that.

Book Signing Tips from the Lord of Dreams

My first book signing tomorrow, and its with Neil Gaiman!

Advice for the clueless straight from the horse's mouth. Its also written in Neil's journal.

Gotta hand it to the guy, even his signing tips are fun to read.

1) It can be a good idea to call the store first and find out if they have any specific ground rules. Some do, some don't. Will they be handing out numbers? Will you have to buy a copy of American Gods from them in hardback to get prime place in the line or will it be first come first served? What about books you bought somewhere else? Can you bring your ferret?

2) Get there reasonably early if you can. I'll always try and make sure that anyone in line during the posted signing times gets stuff signed. At evening signings I'll always stay and make sure everyone goes away happy, but on this tour there will be several places where I'll need to go from a signing to another signing, so don't cut it fine.

3) You may own everything I've ever written. I'm very grateful. I'm probably not going to sign it all, so you had better simply pick out your favorite thing and bring that along.

4) As a rule, I tend to tell stores I'll sign 3 things people bring with them - plus any copies of the new book you buy (if you have six brothers or sisters and buy one each, I'll sign them all). But stores may have their own policies - and we may wind up changing the rules as we go in order to make sure that everyone gets stuff signed.

5) Eat first. I'm not kidding. If it's a night-time signing of the kind that can go on for a long time, bring sandwiches or something to nibble (some signings with numbers handed out may make it possible for you to go out and eat and come back. Or you may be first in line. But plan for a worst-case scenario of several hours of standing and shuffling your way slowly around a store). (If it's a daytime signing somewhere that a line may snake out of a store into the hot sun, bring something to drink. I always feel guilty when people pass out.)

6) You may be in that line for a while, so talk to the people around you. You never know, you could make a new friend. I've signed books for kids whose parents met in signing lines (although to the best of my knowledge none of them were actually conceived there). And while we're on the subject, bring something to read while waiting. Or buy something to read - you'll be in a bookshop, after all.

7) Don't worry. You won't say anything stupid. It'll be fine. My heart tends to go out to people who've stood in line for hours trying to think of the single brilliant witty erudite thing that they can say when they get to the front of the line, and when it finally happens they put their books in front of me and go blank, or make a complete mess of whatever they were trying to say. If you have anything you want to ask or say, just ask, or say it, and if you get a blank look from me it's probably because I'm slightly brain dead after signing several thousand things that day.

8) The only people who ever get short shrift from me are the people who turn up with tape recorders who try and tape interviews during signings. I won't do them - it's unfair on the other people in the line, and unfair on me (and I was as curt with the guy from the LA Times who tried it as I am to people who decide on the spur of the moment to try and tape something for their college paper). If you want to do an interview, ask the bookstore who you should talk to in order to set it up.

9) Take things out of plastic bags before you reach me. Firstly, it speeds things up. Secondly, I once ripped the back off a $200 comic taking it out of a plastic bag, when the back of the comic caught on the tape. The person who owned it was very sweet about it, but tears glistened in his eyes as I signed, and I could hear him wailing softly as he walked away.

10) Yes, I'll happily personalize the stuff I sign, to you, or to friends. If it's a birthday or wedding present, tell me.

11) Remember your name. Know how to spell it, even under pressure, such as being asked. [If you have a nice simple name, like Bob or Dave or Jennifer, don't be surprised if I ask you how to spell it. I've encountered too many Bhob's, Daev's and even, once, a Jeniffer to take any spelling for granted.]

12) No, I probably won't do a drawing for you, because there are 300 people behind you, and if I had to draw for everyone we'd be finishing at 4.00am – on the other hand, if you're prepared to wait patiently until the end, I may do it then, if my hand still works.

13) If it means a lot to you, yes, I'll sign your lunchbox/skin/guitar/leather jacket/wings - but if it's something strange you may want to make sure you have a pen that writes on strange surfaces legibly. I'll have lots of pens, but they may not write on feathers.

14) At the start of the tour the answer to "Doesn't your hand hurt?" Is "No." By the end of the tour, it's probably going to be "Yes."

15) Yes, you can take my picture, and yes, of course you can be in the photo, that's the point isn't it? There's always someone near the front of the line who will take your photo.

16) I do my best to read all the letters I'm given and not lose all the presents I'm given. Sometimes I'll read letters on the plane to the next place. But given the sheer volume of letters and gifts, you probably won't get a reply, unless you do. (On one previous tour I tried to write postcards to everyone who gave me something at the last stop on postcards at the next hotel. Never again.) If you're after a reply or to have me read something, you're much better off not giving it to me on a tour. Post it to me care of DreamHaven books in Minneapolis. (And although things people give me get posted back, on the last tour FedEx lost one box of notes and gifts, and on the tour before that hotel staff lost or stole another box. So smaller things I can put into a suitcase are going to be more popular than four-foot high paintings done on slabs of beech wood.)

17) No, I probably won't have dinner/a beer/sushi with you after the signing. If it's a daytime signing I'll be on my way to the next signing; and if it's an evening signing I'll be heading back to my hotel room because I'll be getting up at six a.m. to fly to the next city. If there actually is any spare time on the tour it will have been given to journalists, and if there's any time on top of that old friends will have started e-mailing me two or three months before the tour started to say "You'll be in the Paphlagonian Barnes and Noble on the 23rd. That's just a short yak-hop from my yurt. We must get together," and would have got themselves put on the schedule. (Still, it never hurts to ask.)

18) If you can't read what I wrote, just ask me. After a couple of hours of signing my handwriting can get pretty weird.

19) If I sign it in silver or gold, give it a minute or so to dry before putting it back in its bag or closing the cover, otherwise you'll soon have a gold or silver smudge and nothing more.

RPC Post-script

Ragnarok Philippine Championships, June 25-26, 2005, World Trade Center, Roxas Blvd., Manila

How can I not say something about the overwhelming experience of seeing 13,000 people troop to something you helped put together? To all those who made it possible, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Breaking Patterns

I'm sure many have felt this way at one time or another, when you feel trapped in a vicious cycle in your life and no matter how hard you try you can't seem to get out. Is it that you just don't try hard enough? Or is it a certain lesson you have to learn til you finally get over the hurdle then become better for it?

There are two major recurring themes in my life, which I've dealt with for years, one much longer than the other but both equally difficult in very different ways. So much time spent agonizing why I keep on repeating the same mistake over and over again and wondering why there seemed no end in sight, why I let it happen --- because in the end there was no one to blame but myself.

Lo and behold through the course of this year things changed. I want to kid myself and say that I finally got the discipline, the initiative to take control, but that wasn't the case. It just happened. Ok maybe there were signs that I was going down a better path already, but seeing how I've taken the high road before and veered off, its still amazing how I finally have come to see the light! Someone up there must like me.

I'm not actually writing this because I'm happy, its to pick myself up because I'm sad. Though what's happening is extremely good for me, its sooo hard to let go. Its an uphill struggle. I find myself wanting to go back down the road because its so much easier and comfortable back there.

Breaking a bad pattern is very hard. But its always for the best. Think I've won the battle, this is my pep talk to win the war. Wish me luck!

Ok now I'm just gonna crawl back under that rock where I've been for the past few days. Estimate resurfacing this weekend.

Visit to the friendly neighborhood manghuhula

Hello. My name is Sheila, and I'm a fortuneteller-holic.

Granted, that may not be the correct term for someone who makes it a point to see a fortuneteller at least once a year, but its a tad more than those who totally disavow fortunetelling due to moral or "i don't believe in that nonsense" types of reasons. Not that I do believe in fortunetelling--- honestly it appeals to my vanity more than anything. You pay someone to tell you about yourself for about an hour, so its almost like getting pampered by a visit to the hairstylist or the spa. If the good stuff comes true, then that's great! If you get dire warnings about your fate, well, you can never be too careful anyway. I still carry that anting-anting that helps me avoid unfortunate air travel incidents, given to me by yet another fortuneteller about 2 years ago. So far, its worked, hahaha.

My friendly Timog-residing fortuneteller Tara seems to be more on the nose about me than others I've visited. Perhaps I also felt overwhelming acceptance of her reading because she seems to envision so much money and luck showering on me down the line. But then her cards just unify a theme I heard earlier this year from another seer (ok ok this is my 2nd trip down future lane). The message is: Don't worry. You're going to get what you want in life.

An arrogant stance towards life, many might say, but who doesn't need that boost of confidence now and then? Especially during days when one feels so tired, or times when you're simply just down with the blues. So in defense of the entire crystal-ball experience, not only is it entertaining, it builds character too!

Ok enough, enough, I just actually wanted to write down this entry to remember what she said, and see if anything does come true someday. Here goes:
1. I'm very intimidating person. Even people who don't have bad intentions towards me get intimidated. Geez I wonder how she figured that out--- I hadn't opened my big trap to her THAT much yet.
2. I should beware of people who envy what I have, since I have so much. I seem to attract "inggiteras". Hmm, are they envious of my 6 dogs? I'm willing to give them away, since they're just too much!
3. Before the end of the month, I'll be getting some extra cash that starts with an "odd" number--- 1,3,5,7, or 9. This is beyond my regular income. Funny enough I'm hoping for something like this, but not expecting. Oh no. Now I'm expecting.
4. September will be my best month this year in ALL aspects of my life.
5. I'll make a good personal decision about my (love)life this year, and its something I won't regret.
6. Relatives from abroad will visit me this year for a happy occasion. Considering I hardly have relatives, I wait for the fulfillment of this one with bated breath.
7. I'll be taking a short trip, and a long trip soon. The long trip I may decide to delay til next year but it will happen within the year. Now the short trips are too be expected, but the long trip? Could that be my best friend's wedding? Funny enough I was deciding whether I should go this year or next.
8. I work hard for it, but I shouldn't worry because I'll never run out of money. Oooh time to break out the credit cards--- I'm kidding!
9. Level Up will be successful..beyond my wildest expectations. How fab!
10. Soon after my long trip, I'll get an offer I won't be able to refuse that will prompt me to live abroad even if its not in my plans right now. Paris here I come.
11. I've weathered 2 storms in my life, and the people who caused those storms are drowning in karma. Not exactly sure what this refers to, but a nice thought (although I supposedly have never wished anything bad on people who've done me wrong--- also a nice thought.)
12. If I were to list down 10 things I wanted to do with my life, I'd be able to accomplish 7 of them within the next 2 years (up to June 2006). Again, a very positive thought. Time to start listing!

Birthday Non-Celebration

I guess my friends know me so well that they know a major
occasion with beer and food (tons of barbecue my favorite!) would only
get even better with a round of VIDEOKE!

Kudos to Jake for the brilliant idea, Joie for helping out, and everyone
who contributed (even if I know it was half Jake's taray factor that made you pitch in the pot)... I had planned a simple, informal, birthday
"non-celebration" in the hopes that my 29th birthday would slip by so
quietly no one would notice I was a year older. But what I got was contributions of more barbecue, palabok, liquor and cigarettes that I
was extremely giddy with well-being and gratitude.

And for entertainment, nothing can beat my singers, whether they be
from Level Up (Moonie, Mon, Jake, Vanessa--future pop sensation,
Teresa, Lexi, Oneil, Pat, Jose, Pau, Ben), other friends (Gigi, Pao, Tey),
and family (my sister Deepa's rare moments of singing solo pop).
Of course the night wasn't complete without me torturing everyone with
renditions of my usual videoke fare (Sweet Child of Mine, Bitch,
Crazy For You) and an attempt to sing "Love Moves in Mysterious Ways" (eek!). Happily enough since it was my birthday, guests had to
applaud enthusiastically.




Aside from a good sprinkling of people from my LU family (IT, BRG,
Marketing, Creative, Prod Dev, Finance were all represented),
there was also special effort from friends outside the office
to be there (Ainee, Marj, Gigi, Trish, Pao, Momentum ppl).
All in all, the "non-celebration" was a good look of aspects in my
life that I love --- friends from all over, food, beer, great conversations
(if slightly drunk), videoke, hanging out at 6.5.

It was so fulfilling I almost felt like I was 30, which is usually
what one would deem to be the next big milestone in one's life----
but thank goodness I'm not yet there. According to this energy reader I met
some time ago (yes that's me, fortuneteller junkie), my spirit guides think
I'm on track. It might have been BS, but I feel it to be true somehow.
However, I may have gotten my head screwed on better in the past year of my
growth, but there's so much to learn yet. And that's the exciting part.

Blog template credits: To Diwa thank you very much for this fabulous blog template which depicts one of my favorite shots of the white island/sandbar which rises up in low tide across the shores of Camiguin Island.

Laguna Loop

It was almost a few days in Sagada, then a weekend in Balai, finally it settled into the long overdue Laguna Loop with the girls. It does sound too near to be exciting, but its a road trip highly recommended for those who want to know what's just outside Manila. I discovered and re-discovered so many things.

...such as that road that starts at the Ortigas Extension actually loops around Laguna de Bay and ends up on the South Expressway upon returning to Manila. How amazing! We took off from Ortigas at around 9am on Saturday (alright 10 am because I was late as usual) and shopped for supplies at the 7-11 at the junction to Tanay.

Its so true that anywhere in the world, some of the most beautiful art can be found in churches. I think we visited a total of 5 churches through our trip, and caught 4 weddings in the process. Throughout the route we stopped at the town churches of Taytay, Morong, Lumbang, Paete, and Pagsanhan. The exteriors of the churches speak of the history of the towns that saw Christianity in the 1600s, even as most churches were just rebuilt after being damaged by fire or war.

Flame trees were a common spectacle along the roads and in the church grounds. Wish they would bloom year round.

Ainee, Gigi & Marj in a photo meant for a travel magazine.

The Dambana ng Kagalakan columns stand outside the Angono Church, and though I don't know what it means exactly, it must be something happy right?

Morong Church.

Historical facts about the Lumban Church.

Paete Church...looks so much like the wood carvings they're known for!
The interiors of the churches are so influenced by European and Spanish architecture, I felt like Robert Langdon trying to break the secrets of the Da Vinci Code. Yes, there were pyramid and sun structures in the art as well as the distinctly Catholic images.


This is one of my favorite pictures...Ainee has a very serene face it seems like she's always content. Very apt for her church surroundings!

Of course the church visits were never complete without a prayer. Believe me, the girls knew exactly what to ask for.

We were very lucky to find Bulawan floating restaurant, which was our first lunch of the road trip. The restaurant is right by the main highway in Pililla, and is a cute enterprise sitting on a big fishpond, while the view away from the road looks out to Laguna de Bay. Highly recommended fare: Inihaw na Pla-pla.
We also drove around Caliraya Lake in an attempt to find housing for the night, but the place was just too rich for our blood. So we ended up at Pagsanhan Falls Lodge...bringing back many childhood recollections of me shooting the rapids with my family who is orignally from that area.

The thing that made this road trip great was actually the company I kept. So well into the night (armed with red wine and a bottle of GSM Blue), we toasted our fabulous lives (things look so much better with a round of liquor), and gave ourselves up to the Sandman in our small but comfy room (with a haunted bathroom!).

The next morning we gathered up our dwindling "kitty fund" to take a trip down the Pagsanhan river. It was so memory-laden for me as I remember going down the same river looking up at the trees jutting out of the mountainside...stopping at the rest area for delicious chicken barbecue...and finally getting to the main waterfall after a 30-minute boat ride that demonstrated the ingenuity and stamina of Pagsanhan boatmen. One thing i did NOT remember from my childhood was how it felt to cross under the waterfall to get to the cave behind it. I almost thought I wouldn't make it but I did! All it took was a deep breath and some internal pep talk...and it can be applied to so many things in life you thought you couldn't do...until you tried.

Oh and the other thing I didn't remember from childhood...I hadn't realized that were quite a bit of good looking boatmen. Shame we didn't have a camera during the river jaunt!

On the drive home we stopped by my dad's grave in Sta. Cruz which I hadn't visited in ages. Its funny how I got a reminder from him through Marj, who's blessed with a third eye. I have to go back there soon to correct his name on the grave. But more than that simple reminder the bigger picture...that he watches out for us too.

One of our last stops along the way home was the University of the Philippines Los Banos to buy fresh milk. Unfortunately, the dairy farm was closed but we did stop for a cute picture. Now do you know what the girls prayed for?

We got distracted with buying milk, cheese, crabs, lamps (!) along the way home so we grabbed dinner at Grace's Bulalo, right before the exit to the South Expressway. Highly recommended fare: Bulalo (err, its obvious).



Credits for the trip: Gigi for her planning and fabulous style; Marj for the transport, the infectious laugh and optimism; Ainee for her poise and "game-to-do-anythingness".