Ecopark weekend, Heima event

Went out the whole weekend, and spent Sunday relaxing at home.

Friday. Met up w/ Jojo and Vincenzo @ 121 Adamson Center to eat and drink the same things we munch on normally at the Allegro branch. I have had a thing for their burgers lately. A couple of friends were next door having a more upscale meet and drink. I enjoyed talking to them over the low wall fronting their outdoor table.

That evening and for much of the next morning, was texting, scrambling for any type of outdoor trip that could be pulled off -- this as a result of my Pinatubo trip being called off because of weather uncertainty. I think people are still paranoid as well because some French pasaway tourists trekked up even if they were told not to, and some flash flood got them.

So my original trip buddies had to peel off since nothing was happening fast enough. Ended up unexpectedly with Namee and Justin -- people who typically are busy and/or asleep on the weekend. After lunch and with Driver Butch, we made our way to La Mesa Eco Park . A small wrong turn got us on the road towards the Payatas dumpsite. Lovely. In the end we found the park.

The park is full of beautiful large trees, and plants. Green everywhere. And now that I think of it, the park was quite clean and well maintained. There were a lot of people making use of the public pools. We could smell the sweat and chlorine. People were also having picnics, napping in the shade, and doing fun family things, like kiddie birthday parties. There was also a rather bizarre "romantic" photo shoot of an Amboy/Pinay in the Orchidarium. The sort of photos that probably wouldn't be out of place in a karaoke slideshow.

We got to see the famous view of that tower that is in the middle of the La Mesa reservoir. There was a chain-linked fence in front of the viewing space and signs saying that no camera/video is allowed. Later was told by a park policeman that this was because the dam is a "vital installation" and that we should be careful, what with Bin Laden being killed and retaliatory terrorist attacks expected. I did not expect this coming from a policeman.

The whole time was sunny and hot though so we couldn't stay long. We stuck around for just under 2 hours and headed to Maginhawa to recover. We chose to eat at Crazy Katsu -- a small Jap places that only serves 5 dishes. The Chicken Katsu was quite scrumptious. Nams and I tried to brainstorm our 5 item Thai restaurant menu.

In the evening met up with Bob and others at the Heima event in Reposo. It was pretty good. Outerhope played. Really liked the stuff Owel and Nice put out. I drank a lot of beer. Ended up back at Bob's place, drinking more, and "doing commercials".

Sunday was hangout day in the house. Got some cool pasalubong through Pops. Also discussed a bit the coordinating for the upcoming Chicago trip. Will probably write about that over the next few weeks.

Boat Behind

I think I might have figured a simple enough pattern for writing so I will stick to it. The extra work from the previous night paid off today, I thought. I didn't have to cram for a deadline and I was able to focus on my primary tasks.

Just before lunch I passed by 2Go to get my passport back from the US embassy. I've been given a 10 year multiple entry visa which is pretty awesome. I met with Mahar and Vinny at Persia Grill and ate a lot of basmati rice. I was able to take some 1x1 photos nearby for use for our MTRCB IDs! Can't wait to put those to use.

After lunch, I spent some time doing background research for work, and printing stuff out for another visa I have to get. Went with Sir Gene to a 5pm-6pm brainstorming session. It was really more of a networking opportunity but I thought it was pretty interesting. Tossing out interesting stories is a not a bad way to juice up a brainstorm.

Got back at almost 7pm and had lunch with Dan, Beth and Jaja. Bacolod Inasal for us tonight. I thought I wasn't gonna eat rice what with the Basmati earlier, but screw that right.

Upon getting home did some reading on valuations in emerging markets on the recommendation of Dan. Ending the evening with listening to some more music which is actually a better aid for me to do work these days. No podcast recording tonight 'coz we're giving Vinny some more time to watch Thor (at least he enjoyed it!)

Bin Laden was reported kill today. We're going to be talking about that tomorrow night. Seth Myers didn't do too badly at the White House correspondent's dinner.

Times are a Changin -- I couldn't help it

An important talk this Friday which has given me a bit more focus on what I would like to do at work. This is vital given the back to back week of work meh-ness. And not a moment to soon as I am part of another important raised profile project. These are all important for me.

I watched Thor with Mahar, Kage and last minute addition Maf. The movie was very entertaining and C. Hemsworth was cast perfectly. We repaired to Chilis -- without Chris -- after the movie to drink margaritas and eat (too much) nachos.

The next day met with Namee and Poch at the market. There is a new stall next to Nams's that sells good looking carrots and meat from grass-fed pasture roaming animals in Bukidnon. Marketman made mention of this in his blog. I ate some lunch with N&P and made a few plans for a Pinatubo trek on the 14th (you can come with me if you want).

Another dental appointment with Dr. Karl, and he didn't scrape too much my gumline this time. So now I'm on a flossing trip. I'm going to have to consult an oral surgeon soon though since I have an impacted molar that is going to have to go before it causes trouble to the adjacent teeth.

Then it was time to go to cousin Ludwig's party at SGT. It was a nice place and nice to see my cousins and uncles/aunts from that side. Had a great early talk with Lud, got to talk some business stuff with Uncle B, spoke with Auntie Myr, Vange, Yvette, Elizabeth, Uncle Freddie and also Grace and Hannah. And Jeff and Marian, of course and we got Princess to do her voice-over for us. And other relatives I forgot to mention.

Killed time at the flat before meeting with Vin and others at break party in a bar near the park. I almost didn't go coz I couldn't figure out what to wear. If you want me to definitely go to your event/party/show please help me dress for it.

It was a late rise and some great breakfast stuff that I ended up eating for lunch. Mahar dropped me in Makati. Did a few errands, went for a run. But not before passing by the office for about 2 hours to get a head start on Monday. Boss saw me working this late afternoon.

And now I'm just here, having decided initially to watch Pulp Fiction but deciding against it.

Found myself smiling at the off-beat way Arcade plays Brazil. It is a rare thing for music to make me smile. But I think it's coz I just don't pay attention most of the time. I should write and listen to music more often. It's good to hear that Glenn has decided to actively check-out and listen to what music is current.