What's up as of the moment.....

Work by: Pro Gelladuga
Such a magnificent talent.
Now this is what I call a live picture right there...

A friend of mine asked me to model for his
students taking up a course in lighting for
professional photoshoots. I had fun.
20 people taking simultaneous shots!
What an experience!

My colleague in the Bible Study and at work,
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate
Ms. Ela Lisondra for making a difference in Euro-Disney...
You go girl! Take it! It's yours!

Engr. Patrick Mabanta, choreographer, photographer,
a graphic/web designer and a good friend visited us with
his mom and brother.
And so did Shei, her sister and with their
loved ones.


--00--

Kuya Vincent, my brother from another mother, spent his birthday...

I just had to mention him because he had been a very
good brother to me.
Dude! I salute you! Happy birthday man!

The "Rock" graced Hong Kong Disneyland's Disney on Parade
of his presence 2 weeks ago. It was a surprise for all of us.
I wish I have known of that but since it was top secret... or should I
say top surprise, only the ones who worked that day witnessed everything.

Full-moon gatherings in Pui O are just but exciting,
most especially when I saw Hogan do amazing doubles for the first time.
You could smell the sweat. Hahahaha!!!! Real live action.
He's really a raging talent! He just has amazing hands,
a full God-given talent, which is not to be put to waste...
And what's so wonderful about it is that I get to play the drums.
I just love the music, the setting.... incomparable...


It was fun after several months of hibernation from parties,
Hogan and I had fun at Gil and Rowell's party segue to
bar hopping at Cathy's friend's bar and Solas. Yey!

Smile after smile!

Happy Anniversary to us here in Hong Kong!!!!

I still remember how Josh and I struggled in sending our documents on time. We were supposed to come May 17 along with Tracey and Gil but it turned out, we left Philippines May 23 because the processing of the working visas took a longer time. This is just one of the memorable experiences huh, Josh? Anyways, to commemorate everything and for us to get hold of that success last year, we went to an eat-all-you-can Italian restaurant and whew! Was it oh so good! Thanks to the almighty Lord for all of these! Thanks also for the people who came to join us in celebration and for making our lives even better. Cheers!

Year of the Rat....

I have to start this blog with people who are about to give birth this year.

2008 babies' number shall I say is the most outstanding (among people that I know). While I was giving it a thought, I landed into figuring out what are the factors that paved way to it. Cold season perhaps? I don't know. More likely, maybe it's because 2008 is considered a lucky year. Anyways, still, the real strong reason is that LOVE is in the air. All these products of LOVE, the best of 2 people.... are about to come to our world. And there's no mystery behind it, no magic comparable to it, even Mickey Mouse couldn't top. Wait! You know why I said the best of 2 people? Well.... at this very material, fast-paced and competitive world, it's amazing how 2 people get to share a wonderful experience in terms of expressing desire, intimacy, love.... In letting go of your soul with somebody, that's sharing your best, yours alone... and if you get lucky in getting it in return, then the products gets sculpted.... the BABY... To all the moms who are about to give birth, I salute y'all!!!!!

Talking about balance though,
let's not forget about the earthquake that happened recently here in China.
In the picture that you see here, Chinese airborne troop soldiers help earthquake refugees dig for belongings in the debris while a young survivor covers his ears in Jinhua village of Shifang, China's southwest Sichuan province, Friday, June 6, 2008. The May 12 quake killed 69,127 people, with 17,918 still missing, according to the latest government figures.
Even though Disney came up with more than a million Hong Kong dollars
to help these people, I don't think money can ever ease them of the pain
they felt. So, spend time with your loved ones because you'll never know
when is the last time you'll be with them.
You might get surprised,
you can't even remember the last conversation
you ever had with them.

Also, landslide happened due to a 2-week long rainstorm
here in Hong Kong. Disney cast members had a hard time going to
work due to blocked roads and bridges.
Depressing as how nature strikes back,
we really have to put in mind the effects of global warming.
I encourage everybody to come up with little solutions of their own.
I admire TASTE Supermarket for coming up with a 50 cent reward for every plastic bag
saved to hold their groceries if they use their own bag instead.

Next in line that really highlighted my year....
In Hong Kong, employees are entitled with health insurances. Companies make sure that health services, when needed, are available to their workers. They give them enough time to go for check-ups by approving sick leaves as much as possible. That's a good thing. But I'm just so disappointed with the health care providers themselves. It's just so unacceptable for health care givers to neglect sanitation. Imagine, Chinese care givers' nails are polished. What's wrong with that? Well.... there'd be a direct contact with medicine that will be administered to you.... does it ring a bell? Nail polish may contain toxic materials with its mixture.... or, it could have bad reactions if it will have a direct contact with any medicine. Forgive me, but that's what I learned in my school. Manicures are a no-no amongst care givers in the Philippines. Yeah! One hell of a sacrifice alright for women. Because, besides the nail polish itself having toxic materials, if we get wounded with too much of the cuticle removal that happened, we are also exposing ourselves to risks. Check this picture out! This is a picture of a care giver here in Hong Kong. DAYNG!!!

Of course, parties are never negligible. Work hard, party harder!
You'll get crazy if you'd be depriving yourself of social events. So, I'm thankful for the people to whom I matter. Yeah!

Still looking forward to a lot of things for the other half of the year!

Life is really finger-lickin' good!

day-off

There's nothing that could top having days off together. It's always a time for us to bond together. Most of the time, we end up exploring Tin Shui Wai.... everything about it. Well, besides the pool tables and the dart boards by the lobby, we get to enjoy Harbour Plaza Resort City's swimming pool. It's a fun location to relax. It's got peaceful and safe ambiance. You can even stay there for the entire day, hooked onto your iPod. Who knows that you're getting some snooze with your shades on? The water is a bit chilly though. But, that's all that you need during the Summer season, right?


A lot of times we catch ourselves with nothing to do so, besides getting a lot of sleep, we come up with extraordinary stuff to do. There was one time when we decided to cut off some of his hair for a change. That was my 1st time. It turned out good enough. Not bad for a start.

We also take a lot of walks in the park. Tin Shui Wai parks I can say are fine. They have different recreational facilities. We always opt for a place to throw some spikes. We just couldn't get Volleyball out of our system. A lot of fountains and garden beds surround the park. It's homey, spacious and peaceful. It's not allowed for people to smoke within the park so, it's really good for walking if you're after catching fresh air.

We also tried Hot Pot.

So much so, I still don't know when we'll be having the same days off... I guess there's one thing left for me to do.... reminisce, remember and hope. Hahaha!!!!

My 8-day vacation

Too bad, due to the fully booked flights of Philippine Airlines, Hogan and I weren't able to make it in Boracay. We ended up going home to our own hometowns (him: Apia, Samoa... me: Manila, Philippines. :< ) But it did both of us good. From now on, we wouldn't be having that kind of vacation. 8 days is just too long. The first thing that I had to do in the Philippines was to get my renewed Nursing License. Not that I'm aiming to finish NCLEX this year. Though I brought review materials with me already and I bought some books as well, to be able to prepare to some extent. So, I was able to successfully get it in PRC. It was disappointing, however, because pollution was really unbearable. And, right away, I missed Hong Kong's transportation. It's just too damn perfect! That when I tried Manila's own.... it quite sucked. In addition, the personnel who handed me my license was rude to look at my picture then to me... then awfully said, "PWEDE....." I just told myself, there's still no change in public offices such as this, then walked away.

Next stop was to get to be with the most important people in my life. My family. (YIKES! I sound like the most recent Bb. Pilipinas. Thank God, I spelled it right, not---"family" with "f" not with "p").. I lived with Ate Kaith and her family during the rest of my stay in the Philippines in Quezon City. My 6 month old nephew was just soooooo cute!!!!! Shawn.... I miss you! I also got the chance to be with Ally, my first ever niece whom I love to go to arcades with. Hahahahaha! And I love watching home videos with her. Luckily, I got home during her vacation. Yey! Ally, I always see you hugging and kissing me whenever I stare blankly while I was there. And they just make all my worries go away. Ate Kaith and Renel were very hospitable and they really made me feel comfortable. They brought me to my favorite restaurants, hanged out a lot and listened to what's going on with my life. I also get to meet my stepmom Aunt Cel... Time was really short at hand. My vacation days were too short for me to go with them in Boracay as well so, I just made myself busy with the people I have to meet in Manila. My pop is still the same. A certified scrabble addict!

April 7, 2008... I met up with Valerie, Roch and Nics for dinner at Kitchen, Greenbelt. I didn't know Greenbelt 5 exists already. I didn't get the chance to see it because we had a chit-chat over coffee right after eating. I was so glad with how we manage to ask each other for help when critical issues arise. At the end, we all agreed, "Prayers can move mountains." Too bad though the bridal shower for Ria will happen without me. She was on her way home to the Philippines from Vegas when I was about to go back here in Hong Kong.





One thing I made sure of, in going home was to eat Philippine barbecue. Yep! The exotic ones!!!! Hahahaha! You figure out what are the foods in the picture. But all of them are my all time favorites! With vinegar, complete with salt, sugar and garlic and rice! Yey!






One last stop was to go in a new club at The Fort called, "ASCEND"... My cousin said, the club was called so because it is made up of a lot of floors where each floor has a designated type of music assigned to it. Like one floor plays hip hop songs, one floor, is for the VIP's where the cool people dance on cool/trance music. And then I don't know which type of songs are played in the other floors since we just stayed in one. Again and again, I compare the clubs here in Hong Kong with that of the Philippines in terms of size. Philippine clubs make way for people who love to dance. I like how they put it that way. They also consider events that may happen. I had fun, I must say. And the usual.... we head for KFC for breakfast after and then stayed awake until the sun shone on our faces. It's a cue to sleep.



This vacation refreshed me alright. Back to work.... awwwww!!!!!

Define "unwind".....

Before I left for the Philippines, my fellow cast members in Disney and I had so much fun at the Hollywood Hotel. It has been a loaded month that's why we really needed to unwind.

Things to take note of when you want to indulge in relaxation:
1. Good friends.
2. Good location.
3. Digital Cameras.
4. Pleasant personality.
5. Time.

stand by

Our most favorite thing to do to make time pass is to get hold of as much memories as we can by taking a lot of photos. And that means.... "A LOT!!!!!"

The most visited is the Philharmagic. I think I've described what you can expect from it. It just feels so relaxing whenever we enter this. And endorphins just keep on flowing while you enjoy watching it.

What I noticed after working here in almost a year now is that the 3d glasses that you use in witnessing the show is not that good anymore. They are so much used up already. You know how kids could get so unruly sometimes.

The next best thing I consider are the treats per season. There are just houses decorated differently as time passes.

HALLOWEEN
This is what Disney calls "The Main Street Hotel".
Theme: Ghost House

HOLIDAY SEASON
Santa's Workshop was famous among kids
but it doesn't stop us from going back to being kids again.



HOUSE OF MICKEY
This year, Hong Kong Disneyland honored the year of the mouse
by making the Disney guests experience Mickey's own house.
Portraits were everywhere, you could try out Mickey's shoes, and you could
see his office too. Neat!

Fantasy Garden also hits the charts!
A lot of Disney characters welcome you here to experience a face-to-face meet and greet.
Lately, I've been so fascinated with how cute Chip and Dale are.
They are effortlessly cute.

I also love indulging myself into my fellow cast members' shows. I think every cast member sees to it that if they have free time, they would want to have a walk in the park and witness presentations, parades and shows as much as they can. For all we know, we are all contractual and the only moments you can hold onto, are "where you at, at the present."

In walking down the park from 604, you would see the Golden Mickeys Storybook Theatre.
It's seldom though that I get to watch this no matter how near it is to 604 because of the
schedule of the shows. It is either minutes before or after my show.
Or hassle to my bus schedule in going home.

Next to it is the "It's A Small World Ride", the newest attraction Disney gave way for Spring.
What really is so fascinating about this is the ice cream treat
available in Strawberry, Chocolate, Vanilla and.... wait! I forgot the green flavor.
Anyhow, now that Summer is almost here, it's just good for them to
make an ice cream counter stand right by the exit.

As you walk further, you'll find yourself checking out a pathway that leads
to Tomorrowland. And the Stitch Encounter (available in Cantonese
and English version) is the first attraction you'll see.
I recently experienced how it goes and it's ultimately funny.
It's important to check out the schedule if you'd go for it.

There's AUTOPIA as well, where you get your own license to drive the little sports cars Disney has for young boys to get fond of. Buzz light year is there for those who want to have a close meet and greet with him. Did I mention, in Tomorrowland, you can also witness the talking trash can? It's just a place to get hold of everything hi-tech. Jammitors keep the people entertained with their music. And ASTROBLAST is just a fun game. I am an L-3 by the way.

The Dapper Dans singers... I love watching and hearing them sing. They just give the smoothest show ever. I warmly welcome the new ones and for the previous 4 that were here, friends for keeps people!!!!!

As you walk down Main Street, past Princess Aurora's castle and the pathway to Adventureland, you'll see numerous shops.

Jewelry shops, bakery, shops for souvenirs, photo gallery where you could check out extraordinary shots made by Disney's professional photographers, you can see them all down there. Just take the path where the parade goes and you'll understand what I mean.

Not to mention, you can also see this Indian too. Oftentimes, people would just pass by him so I decided to give him honor and took a shot of it.


Last but not the least, it's always nice to look at a place as a whole. So, I suggest you check out the nearest Disneyland Railroad station, and get a glimpse of the whole Hong Kong Disneyland.

This is what we do on stand by... get hold of that much as we can....

How I change from one look to another....

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL LIVE!

"Hey ya WILDCATS!!!!

The musical sensation that's sweeping the globe is headed right this way! So, get ready to dance, party and sing along as we proudly presents, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL LIVE!"

This is what I've been hearing for quite some time now. Being one of the High School Musical performers of Hong Kong Disneyland this coming season is indeed a very exciting experience. Check out the making of everything with the very professional Ms. Wendy and the ever supportive, Kuya Nanad and the rest of my fellow cast members as most of us relive our forte, CHEERLEADING!!!!!

Spring is here!

The sun is out, flowers are at its best colors, birds chirping, the breeze are not to be feared anymore and people are not into hybernation mode at all. I must say this is the most perfect climate ever. The nasty winter season was a pain in the ass. It was my first winter and it's not even snowing. But the snow storm in China made me learn a lot of stuff about winter and here are the basic things to remember:

1. Never neglect putting on moisturizer (of course still with SPF), lip balm and lotion before leaving your house. Better yet, use butter. (Body shop's Cranberry butter is the best for me.) This is my first time to finish one. Hahaha!!!! My hands were like an old woman's during the last season. LITERALLY!!!!! The thing is, my pain threshold was very strong that I don't notice my skin cracking anymore. One distinct sign to watch out for that you may have dermatitis (skin inflammation in simple language) because of the cold weather, is ITCHINESS. As for moisturizers, I don't know among you but Nivea did instant wonders to my face. For lip balm, since I put make up a lot because of shows, I chose to use plain Petroleum Jelly. I am also a huge victim of wind burns. It sucked really.

2. Invest on good bonnets/berets, jackets/sweaters, scarves/mufflers, trench coats, warmers, gloves, and boots. Choose jackets and trench coats that are double sided. This is to give you enough warmth when you have to deal with long walks and when you're standing by at MTR stations. You just can't help but look for a confined place when Winter season is here because it's just soooooo damn cold. Mong Kok offers good deals with what's needed at a certain season. On boots, it's very important for you to choose the most comfortable and neutral one. I loved Hong Kong's style with Flat boots. They can make it sophisticated and comfortable at the same time. Choose neutral colored boots that can be matched with most of your wardrobes because believe me, you don't want to wear just sneakers when it's winter. Scarves and mufflers offer an "umph" with dull sweaters and long sleeves. Gloves are not really that necessary but if your hands are very sensitive (like mine), then it becomes a must. Lastly, warmers help you to avoid tendonitis and arthritis. Mind you, weather is a big factor in developing these especially when you resort to drinking beer or eating a lot to compensate the coldness and boredom since you least likely would want to go out because like how I emphasized earlier, it's just soooooo damn cold! It just reaches from 8 to 12 degrees Celsius. Here are some of the samples of these garments.

3. It wouldn't hurt if you'll stock your fridge with liquor. This really helps to warm you a little bit. On weekends, a shot of bailey's or cranberry lychee won't hurt as you go on with that movie you've been dying to watch again. Or so what if it's a rerun on a Saturday night? I don't mind seeing Brad Pitt's sexy butt again in Troy! Hahaha!!!!

4. Heaters can really make the bills hike up but you have to maximize its use. Like air conditioning units, set your alarm clocks by the time you want to turn it off. It does provide comfort but it may drain you out. Don't forget to nourish your need for water before and after using it. It also helped me in drying some of my clothes at the most wet days Winter season has. Because you see, even if you keep your clothes hanged for 3 days, it will still feel wet. You can't just put them in a dryer because it's mostly made up of wool. And you know what happens when wool is dried up.... well, it gets very short.

5. You have to be aware of what hybernating can do to your body. Due to the cold weather, you would least likely be outside. And you would hate going out. This is a natural reaction of the body. It retains as much fat as you could, for heat production. Which ends up you, getting fat. So much so, there's no excuse for you to just munch on chocolates all the time. You have to find activities that will make you stay inside the house but would still keep your heart beating fast. Before you think of anything else, here are some suggestions of the "activities" I'm telling you about. POKER, NINTENDO WII or PS2, stretching on your own, and blogging.

6. Be careful in dealing with your hair. Too much static (because of the heat you produce vs. the cold weather) may damage your hair. You will also find yourself adjusting the shower a notch warmer (which may lead you to baldness), usually, these kind of changes stress your scalp a lot and may produce undesired outcomes. Also, in blowdrying it and in using the straightening iron.

7. Remember to drink your vitamins daily. This boosts your body to its max. You see, I learned that no matter how you cover up, your lungs would just slowly get weak because of the cold air that holds lots of viruses. Cold weather is very conducive for airborne viruses to stay alive at. So, it's important to keep your immune system intact. Flu shots are worth having during Winter.

Well, there you go folks! These are all based on my experience. It's just little information that you may find useful someday.