worrY no More

Filed under Sunshine


The past few days had been very stressful and depressing for me. As I have mentioned in my last post, My Sunshine has finally left for work abroad and I am now just starting to adjust to the situation. What made the days more worrisome was the fact the I was not getting any word as to how his trip went and if he got there safely. No call, no e-mail, no nothing.

This afternoon, my mobile phone sounded off and lo and behold, it's a message from My Sunshine saying Hi and letting me now that he got there okay and is doing well!

Whew!!! Thank God for Yahoo Mobile!



I want you to laugh,
To kill all your worries;
To love you,
To nourish you...




Love
Life

Two Together, One Apart

Filed under Sunshine


Last week, My Sunshine and I marked a milestone in our life together when we celebrated our 2nd Anniversary.

I know . . . who would've thunk?!?!?

Thinking how we managed to keep our relationship going and the proverbial flame burning, I am definitely grateful that we got to this point. Needless to say, we went through some high's and low's over the last couple of years, but love prevails, I guess...



circa 2005


circa 2006



Sadly, just when I thought that our celebration will go as smoothly (albeit low-key) as I imagined, he kinda spoiled the occassion by dropping quite a bombshell. A year after he made a decision to no longer pursue his plans to work abroad, he told me that he has changed his mind one more time.

An offer from a long-time friend came and he was referred to join their company as a recruitment officer overseas. Since he has been looking for a new job for some time now (his contract with his previous employer expired already), he found it difficult to turn down the idea. Chalk it up to 'desperate times call for desperate measures'...

I have always been supportive of My Sunshine and if he feels that this is just what he needs to do, so be it. He'll be gone for about a year and I am now getting ready for his absence. It will be difficult, I know but I most certainly hope that love will once again prevail...


Say goodbye
With not knowing how to cry...




UPDATE (05/22): My Sunshine has left already yesterday and although this reality has yet to sink in, the depression is already setting in...



Anniversary
Relationship
Love

Coming (Again) To Camiguin

Filed under Travel | Friends | Sunshine


It's been a long while since Holy Week which I had the most wonderful time spending in one of my most loved places in the world, Camiguin and it's only now that I have the time to write about it. Well, better late than never...

Along with My Sunshine, our amazing friends Jun & Vannie and two newfound buddies Jeff & Jhunor, I had another opportunity to visit the province where my father was born and raised, Camiguin. It was way back in 1999 when I first set my foot on this paradise-like island and I was glad that despite its growing popularity among local and foreign tourists, it still hasn't lost its charm (which could no longer be said about the more-hyped Boracay and Puerto Galera).

Given that we got there during Holy Week (we arrived afternoon of Maundy Thursday), we thought it fitting to make as our first activity, the uphill trek through the Stations of the Cross at the Walkway at the foot of Mt. Hibok-hibok. And I'm telling you, after reaching the top at the very last station, it felt like all our sins have been washed out by the buckets-load of sweat and (yes!) tears we shed through our exhausting climb. Nevertheless, it was rather fulfilling and fun at the same time. And at least, we can say that our Holy Week sojourn in Camiguin was not all fun and pleasure...

Next stop was the Sunken Cemetery just off the coast from where the Walkway is at. Unfortunately, it was high tide when we got there so we did not exactly see the tombs that were sunk many years ago when Mt. Hibok-hibok had its last wild tantrum. Then we're off to the lovely Katibawasan Falls which we had to go back to the next day since we got there by dusk.

The next morning, we finally got to beautiful White Island and had a blast frolicking at its white sand and swimming in the crystal-clear water. The last time I was there, the island was just all-white sand and nothing else. However, since it was a peak season and they were expecting large crowds, makeshift picnic tables were set up to accommodate the tourists that sadly took away some of the beauty of the place. Afterwards, we also went to Ardent Hot Springs and took a dip in their refreshingly hot pool (Pansol has nothing on Ardent!) and it was just what we needed after 2 whole days of walking, swimming, eating, goofing around and just plain having fun. We left Camiguin on Easter Sunday for Butuan City and spent a night there. Having nothing much to do there, we just stayed in our hotel until the next day for our flight to Manila.

Suffice it to say, we had an absolutely grand time in Camiguin! And as early as now, I am already thinking of other possible places we could go to on our next trip. Wherever that may be, I know it would be yet another fun and memorable experience. Especially with Jun, Vannie and of course My Sunshine around!




My Sunshine & I at the Church Ruins


with Vannie, Jun, Jeff and Jhunor at the Fishpen Restaurant


Arriving in style at White Island


Striking poses at White Island


My very own 'Cherish' shot!


Check out On Tour: My Holiday Pics at the sidebar for more of our Camiguin photos




Cherish is the word I used to remind me of...



Camiguin
Vacation

Madge Goodies Galore!

Before I post my entry on our Camiguin trip since I still have to gather my thoughts after such a wonderful time (go check out the photos at the right sidebar), allow me to show you the Madonna goodies I recently got through my fabulous Sanfo Friend Jun...




I have waited for these magazines for several weeks! The Out Magazine cover photo may be horrendous, but the Harper's Bazaar shot is just heavenly!



This is one collector's item! A book of Madonna quotes with lots of photos.



I already have the audio files of Madonna's children's books in my iPod but this would definitely be a fine addition to my collection.



And finally, the Sorry maxi-single CD!




These are just one of the reasons I always look forward to Jun's bi-annual homecoming! Of course, there's the dinners to places I would otherwise have no chance of getting into, the out-of-town trips, and most especially the bucketloads of chika, Mimi Ganderisms and endless Balajories! Ha-ha!


Thank you muchest, Jun dearest!!!


MADONNA

B2B : Back 2 Bohol!

Over the weekend, our office department held our annual Teambuilding activity and finally, our bosses got generous enough to send us to one of my most favorite places in the world... BOHOL!

Exactly a year ago, I visited the place with my diva-bulous friends and I had the greatest time! This time going back, though my purpose is different, I still had a wonderful experience.

Bohol is actually my Mom's hometown (Tagbilaran City) and I remember going there a number of times when I was a lot younger. My eldest sister also has already made it her new home since she married a Boholano. So you can only understand that more than just seeing the various tourist spots in the island, being in Bohol is like getting back to my family's roots.

Below are some photos taken during our Teambuilding trip...


click on images to enlarge

www.flickr.com

In the coming weeks, I will again have a chance to go back to my roots when my diva friends, my Sunshine and I visit Camiguin where my father was born and raised. Needless to say, I can't wait!



...Like I just got home!




Bohol
Office
Teambuilding
Travel

Pinoy Big 'Sistah'

People are abuzz for the last couple of days as an aftermath of a rather 'historic' moment in Philippine television 2 nights ago.

Rustom Padilla, the former heartthrob and leading man, now the so-called 'prodigal son of showbusiness', a celebrity contestant in Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition, has finally confirmed a long-standing 'open secret' among the gay community. Yes, he is ONE OF US!

In an otherwise humdrum night at the Big Brother house garden, with the increasingly amusing housemate Keanna Reeves, Rustom heeded the sign of a butterfly, and decided to open up about his true identity. Like a scene out of a teleserye, tears were shed and in true Keanna fashion, so did pee! Hahaha!


Oh Keanna! Who would've thought that after your endless publicity stunts in the past that bordered on desperation, you'll be able to redeem yourself in my eyes and in the hearts of televiewers everywhere? By according Rustom with open ears, heart and mind, you unconsciously assumed the role of a big sister anyone would love to go to in times of confusion. By saying that you have now more respect to Rustom after his confession, you have uttered the words many closeted gays all over the world want to hear. Winner ka, sistah!


Indeed, Rustom has gained more respect by finally being true to the world and most importantly, to himself. Regardless of any other ulterior motive you have for daring to come clean and come out, may you inspire others who are going through what you did to do the same and finally desert their darkest closets.



What do I have to do to be accepted,
What do I have to say;
What do I have to do to be respected,
How do I have to play?



Pinoy Big Brother
Television
Gay

Zizzling Zsazsa Zunday

Victoria! Winner! Tagumpay!


Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to have the chance to catch Tanghalang Pilipino's highly anticipated staging of Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzical. Due to its limited run and its small venue, tickets were almost instantly sold out but thanks to my friend Liza, I got one for myself.

For those not in the know. the musical is adapted from the Carlo Vergara's cult hit comic book Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah about a gay beautician (Ada) who was 'chosen' to assume the role of a superheroine (Zsazsa Zaturnnah) to save his town from a giant frog, zombies (the Mumus) and the alien Amazonistas led by Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux. With the help of his loyal sidekick Didi and objet d'amour Dodong, he struggled to fight the enemies and at the same time search his place and purpose in this world.


After hearing superlatively positive feedback from friends who have already seen the musical, I set myself up with such high expectations from the production. And they delivered... and how!

From the amazing performances of the actors (Eula Valdes, Ricci Chan and Agot Isidro were the stand-outs) to the most ingenious way they have presented and choreographed scenes to make the comic book come to life, the production is a triumph in creativity and fabulous queerness.

Luckily, the production chose to be faithful to the text of the comic book just enhancing some key moments with powerful, inspiring and soul-infused songs by composer Vince de Jesus. It was 2 and a half hours of laugh-a-minute musical extravaganza! Okay, there were a couple of songs there that nearly brought me to tears. After all, what's a story about a 'queen' without a little drama?!

The play did touch on rather serious issues like gay empowerment, social acceptance and the love that dare not speak its name, but it was not at all preachy as they were presented in a refreshingly comical way.

Though a little strapped for cash, I could not help purchasing some merchandise items being sold at the theater lobby. I bought the programme, a pink Zsazsa shirt (my Wonder Woman shirt now has a 'sister') and the souvenir Cast Recording CD. That CD is now on a repeat mode in my CD player!

Honestly, I'm still reeling from the whole experience. I feel so much pride that a production like this came along and that people supported it and I, in my own little way, was a part of it. Kudos to stage director Chris Millado, adaptor Chris Martinez and the entire cast and crew of Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzical for a job fabulously done.


Incidentally, my Sunshine resented the fact that he was not able to join me and missed out on a great show. I promised him that should the production announce an extended run or a repeat, I will immediately get us tickets so he'd also experience the 'Zsazsa fever'.

For the meantime, he will have to make do with me singing to him my favorite song in the soundtrack...


Ikaw ang Superhero ng Buhay ko... Ikaw,
Hindi ka man lumilipad,
Tinangay mo sa langit ang puso ko...



Zsazsa Zaturnnah
Theater
Musical
Comics

A Mega Valentine

After being her fan for more than 20 years, last Sunday had been a historic moment for me when I finally had the chance to witness my favorite Sharon Cuneta in concert for My Mega Valentine.

Many reasons had prevented and/or discouraged me in the past to catch her live but after being cajoled by a fellow Sharonian (who questioned my 'Mega idolatry'), I was glad I finally went to see her perform on stage.

The concert was such a fun evening mainly due to Shawie's funny spiels and wacky side comments between (and even during!) her song numbers. Her self-deprecating jokes really enlivened the crowd who obviously appreciated her honesty in talking about her weight. In fairness, Sharon has lost much of the weight she gained over the last few years but she still has much to go. Fortunately, her outfits for the concert were not as disastrous as her previous fashion faux pas. She clearly has gained back some curves and she no longer looked matronly in her size.

What blew me away that night is the quality of her singing voice that I initially feared has already detiriorated over the years. Apparently, nothing beats listening to her live! She did great singing some of the best loved and most romantic love songs. She did Barbra, Mannilow, Carpenters, Alcasid and of course some of her more popular classics. Kudos to her musical director Louie Ocampo who did such wonderful arrangements for her medleys.

A rather amusing number was when Sharon sang contemporary hits like Kitchie Nadal's Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin (with matching fake guitar-playing!). She also sang wonderful duets with her guests Christian Bautista (great voice!), Christopher De Leon (not so much) and Kuh Ledesma (competent, as expected). Special mention of celebrities in the audience was met with excited applause from the crowd particulary for boxing champ Manny Pacquiao.

Obviously, I had a great time in My Mega Valentine and you should count me in for Sharon's next concert!


Incidentally, I had my own mega valentine today. My Sunshine surprised me with a sweet token of a single rose with a Valentine card that really made my day. I always thought that Valentine's day is the cheesiest day of the year and I wasn't too keen on getting on with the whole hoopla. But as it turned out, I'm cheesier than I thought I should be! Hah!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S to everyone!!!


See the roses raining on the love parade...



Sharon Cuneta
Valentine