The Last Lecture

Some blog-worthy lines from the book “The Last Lecture” written by an admirable man, Randy Pausch…

The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.

I’ll take an earnest person over a hip person every time, because hip is short-term. Earnest is long-term. Earnestness is highly underestimated. It comes from the core, while hip is trying to impress you with the surface. Hip people live parodies. But there’s no such thing as timeless parody, is there?

Somehow, with the passage of time, and the deadlines that life imposes, surrendering became the right thing to do.

Complaining does not work as a strategy.

Treat the disease, not the symptom.

Talking louder or faster doesn’t make your idea any better.

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. (Seneca, Roman philosopher, 5BC)

It’s not how hard you hit. It’s how hard you get hit… and keep moving forward.

Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted as failure is not just acceptable, it’s often essential.

If you cab find your footing between two cultures, sometimes you can have the best of both worlds.

18-24 January 2010: Pure Indulgence

This week, I decided to fail in one of my new year’s resolutions – lose weight by dieting.  I gave in to the temptation of eating rice during weekdays – again.  Oh well, at least I am consistent in failing to accomplish this much needed task to reach my ideal weight year on year!  Hahaha!

Hence, I would have to say that 18 to 24 January 2010’s theme is “pure indulgence”.  Two major reasons why the week is called that way: (1) my food intake – enough said, (2) I decided to end it by pampering myself some more.  Friday morning, I had a spontaneous thought of flying to Bali for the weekend, but decided to just stay in Jakarta and book myself a nice suite at The Ritz Carlton (also quite excited as it is my first time to stay in the hotel with such fancy name) for Saturday and Sunday.

11-17 January 2010: More Than Just Work

One of the things that I promised myself in 2010 is to be more diligent in terms of documenting blog-worthy thoughts and events in my life.  Hence, I am now committed to summarizing my weekly adventures via words and photos.  So, here’s the first cut to a more active blog in 2010…

11 to 18 January 2010 I would say had been such a fun week – needless to say, work occupied much of it, but relatively speaking, there were also a lot of social activities that came by, making the seven days fully optimized with “more than just work”.

11 January, Monday – KTV night with Berna and Ayie at T-Rex, Grand Indonesia

12 January, Tuesday – Great dinner at Pand’or with Sari

14 January, Thursday – Gastronomic feast: grilled lamb lunch with Prita and JB at Andakar, Chinese dinner with J&J clients turned friends at No Signboard-Pacific Place

17 January, Sunday – Wore my tour guide hat: Pau’s visit in Jakarta for the first time.  Itinerary: Grand Indonesia, Social House, Pacific Place, Potato Head

Avatar: Best Film of 2009

This entry’s title is enough to summarize my thoughts about the film.  For sure, there have been tons of reviews about the movie, and I would not waste my words to echo what the more qualified film critics have been raving about.

Yet, the more relevant and striking realization that the masterpiece had left me is the true genius that its creator was able to showcase.  The word “highly creative” is an understatement and will not be enough to describe James Cameron’s imagination, feelings, vision and technical craft.  I certainly believe that it takes more than just talent to crack legendary masterpieces such as “Titanic” and “Avatar” since the films went beyond just pure entertainment – they were able to magnify simple, yet touching stories that go right thru everyone’s hearts, not to mention the use of cutting-edge technology which the general audience may not have thought possible.

If you have not seen the movie yet, watch it NOW – it’s better late than never.  I assure you, spending more than 2 hours in the cinema with those 3D glasses on is truly worth it!

New Year, New Life!

Don’t you just love the overused cliché about new year that is hinged on (for the nth time) improving one’s life and correcting the flaws that were consciously or unconsciously made in the previous years?  Call me a stupid conformist, but I am one of those idealistic individuals that patronize such belief.  Year on year, I have been very consistent in thinking, writing and charting my new year’s resolutions and plans, and also year on year, I win on some (especially those that involves making my dreams happen) and I lose on most (especially on the parts that start with “This year, I will stop blah…”).  Yet, as the year comes to a close, I do not have regrets for not being able to fully accomplish everything that I had set my eyes on when the year began, perhaps because the whole journey of trying and failing has a richer context in terms of character building and profoundly knowing thyself (note that I am not rationalizing here, okay?), and striving for pure perfection is really a lost case to begin with.

I definitely have no right to complain about 2009 – it had been such a meaningful, happy and prosperous year for me.  Perhaps, I can even say that it was one of the best years to date.  2010 though (I feel and hope) would be immensely more meaningful, happier and more prosperous.  Since it is also the year when I would hit the big three-O, I view it as another turning point that will open a new chapter filled with life defining moments that would serve as windows to who and what I would be in the coming years.  Let’s elaborate on this come March 21, 2010.

Bottomline, I am very excited, prepared and determined to make the most out of 2010 – as always, my passion for life fuels this unrelenting spirit of striving to be the best person that I can ever be, wherever I am and whatever I do.

So, let the fun begin!  Carpe diem!

Blissful Ending To 2009

Contrary to previous years where I put much effort to making Christmas and New Year celebrations very grandiose and party-filled, I spent 2009’s yuletide season in a rather simpler way that just involves the people I value most – and I’m so glad I did as I was able to spend the last 11 days of the year with pure bliss.

First and foremost, being able to spend more quality time with family that I don’t get to do on a daily basis now was such a great present.  What made it more jovial is the new addition to us four, my sister-in-law and my extremely adorable nephew.  My family Christmas and New Year dinners had more pizzazz as the new dimension of now having six members indeed brought more laughter and closeness.  Some notable events and stuff were: (1) taking our new baby boy to the mall, (2) enjoying a new and bigger ride, i.e. my gift for the family – Starex van, (3) dinner at Kusina Salud, (4) post-Christmas lunch with extended family.

Secondly, vacation in the Philippines will not be complete without re-connecting with friends.  I spent a couple of days with my bestest college friends via a culinary tour in Tagaytay (Antonio’s, Bag of Beans, Leslie’s) and enjoyed some more food and booze at The Fort (Café Juanita, Establishment, Barcino).  Also met up with friends from previous work at Monde and Jollibee – simple dinner and rounds of booze (Abe, Sentro, plus two other places in High Street that I failed to remember the names of – one is the resto owned by Del Monte which is beside TGIF and the other is a Mexican spot near Nike) filled with stories and laughter made such immense difference.

21 December 2012

After hearing a news clip in CNN about how people are bombarding NASA with hate mails in connection with the recently launched movie, “2012” (accusing the institution’s authorities that the secret in the fictional movie is “real”), I got so intrigued with the film that I did not procrastinate this weekend and immediately watched the sensationalized movie.

After seeing tons of end-of-the-world themed pictures like “Independence Day”, “War of the Worlds”, “Armageddon” (to mention a few that I kind of fancy), I had low expectations when I entered the cinema to watch “2012”. To my surprise, I left the movie house after almost 2 and a half hours of being glued to my seat with a sense of “amazement”, making me realize that I just viewed the best end-of-the-world movie to date (for me, that is).

Some of my insights about the film:

• PORTRAYAL OF “THE RICH AND POWERFUL VERSUS THE POOR” DEPICTED TO ITS TRUEST SENSE: In a world that is practically run by money and power, it is so appalling to see how the oppressed will really be oppressed come crunch time. I love the scene when the wealthy people were boarding the ship while the “less rich” were left unattended – great analogy about how a person’s ticket to saving his life was compared to watching a high-end opera, you won’t have a chance in life if you don’t have the money! Very sad, yet very true in today’s society. 

• IMPORTANT COUNTRIES FEATURED: It was interesting, quite funny and intriguing how the countries featured in the film were chosen. India – it was where everything started, thru a middle-class brainy Indian bloke, which ended up not being saved despite his huge contribution by discovering everything. China – it was portrayed as the “the place of assembly” where “Noah’s ark” was parked; in today’s global economy, the said country is the active giant, which seems to be the emerging market to drive new hope in the distressed economy. Brazil and Italy – highly Catholic countries which in the film were just eaten alive by the quake and tsunami. USA – the main protagonist, portrayed as the world leader that made “saving some citizens of the world” possible (needless to say, it’s a Hollywood movie – what’s new?!), but the twist was that it was done with the major help of its new BFF, China (why was I not surprised, assuming India is the new growing economy in real life, perhaps the roles of China and India will be interchanged!). The following countries were also mentioned, some even played minor roles – Russia, Germany, Japan, Canada, Saudi Arabia (or another rich middle east country). Rhetorical question – how come Indonesia or the Philippines were not mentioned at all?  

• BREATHTAKING SPECIAL EFFECTS – AS IF YOU ARE RIDING A ROLLER COASTER: Viewing the film in 2D was hair-raising and spine-tingling already, I wonder how it’s like if it were in 3D. The special effects (though we’ve seen better) were just so helpful in amplifying the important sequences of the movie, more so, making the viewer glued to their seats even if they are in a desperate need of taking a piss (commercial/entertainment value, that is).

• SMOOTH BRAND INTRUSION: The integration of some brands to the film (Bentley, Sony/Vaio, Chevrolet, that diaper brand which I don’t remember) was seamlessly done. My favorite was the Bentley execution, yet it’s still incomparable to the brand intrusion of “Starbucks” in the film “I am Sam”, which for me is the best as it was so integral to the story.

• EFFECTIVE NON-ALL STAR CAST: Two thumbs up to all the actors who starred in the film (from the lead up to the cameo artists), they effectively delivered the emotions necessary to make their roles convincing. I have not been a fan of John Cusack (a little bit of Amanda Peet though for “A Lot Like Love”) but perhaps, this would be one of his most memorable films, aside from “High Fidelity”. In addition, it was a good casting strategy not to flood the film with Hollywood superstars – it made the portrayal of roles more subtle, realistic and not over-acting (this perhaps became the problem of Tom Cruise’s and Dakota Fanning’s “War of the Worlds”). 

• HEROIC BUT NOT MELODRAMATIC: Keeping John Cusack alive in the end was a breath of fresh air. I would have walked out of the cinema or may not be writing this blog entry if his heroic act in the end led to his death (remember Bruce Willis in “Armageddon”?). Call me cheesy, but having a hero alive at the end of a tragic movie (though very commercial) is quite unique (relatively speaking). 

• IRONIC PORTRAYAL OF OBAMA AND QUEEN ELIZABETH: I just laughed out loud when the US black president (played by Danny Glover) sacrificed his life by staying in Washington D.C. while the Queen-Elizabeth-looking-character rushed to the ship with her dogs! I wonder if this section of the plot would still be the same if 2012 were an “English” movie. ☺ 

• SYMBOLISMS THAT YOU CAN’T HELP BUT IDENTIFY: There were a lot of symbolisms in the characters tackled, which made it a little comical, and at the same time, so close to home. Some of them are as follows: a “has been” Russian boxer with a sports car collection and a slutty-and-gold-digger-blonde-with-a-Chihuahua girlfriend; a controlling, power-hungry and selfish White House chief-of-staff; a divorced wife with a doctor boyfriend who can fly air planes (too far fetched, huh?); a powerless president’s daughter who meddles with the affairs of the state; a parallelism between the archbishops in Rome and a Buddhist monk in China when they were about to die; hysterical Catholics in the streets of Rio de Janeiro while the “Christ the Redeemer” statue was crumbling in pieces; and tons of rich people who are in possession of at least 1 Billion Euros. 

• SURREAL AND PERSONALLY MOVING SCENES: Almost four weeks ago, I was in the US for a vacation and seeing the places that I love crumble into pieces just personally moved me. Destroying Las Vegas (particularly “The Bellagio” and “Caesar’s Palace”, while “Encore” and “Wynn” remained standing), the whole of California and showing New Yorkers weep in the middle of Times Square was just so sad. 

• IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE FAILS: Perhaps this was one of the reasons why I got so involved with the film. Being a firm believer in the importance of family when all else fails here on earth, I recognized the value very well portrayed in the movie, which became the sparkling hope before the closing credits. 

There were tons of criticisms about “2012”, but then again, it has a certain magic which makes it so sensational – perhaps it’s today’s current reality bits sewed in the film that we can’t help but identify. I may totally like it while others might totally hate it, yet at the end of the day, after viewing the film, we will all be intrigued in what will happen on 21 December 2012 – and our impression of that date won’t be the same again – for me, that is a measure of how good and effective a film really is.

 

2009 Grand Vacay (Last Part): Finding the Philippines in New Jersey…

After the 4-day stay in Miami Beach, we flew back to New York and spent the remaining day of my second US trip in New Jersey – to rest some more and of course, to do the mandatory last minute shopping for “pasalubongs” and more vanity stuff from the outlet shops.  Some highlights on the remaining hours before flying back to Manila and Jakarta are as follows:

Lau kept on saying that we're going to Jollibee - but then I know that the only Jollibee store in East Coast is in Queens, New York and we were in New Jersey! Unfortunately, I realized that I was wrong after seeing this shop which apparently has the same name!

Although, the shop didn't offer any Chickenjoy or Yumburgers... but Pinoy stuff including these "Balikbayan" boxes which will be instrumental to my coming home...

Obviously, this store belongs to a Pinoy - read the sore signage and figure out why!

And finally, we're doing Filipino dinner (read: lotsa rice and fat) in an intriguing resto called "Wazz Up"!!!

Viand 1: Crispy Pata!

Viand 2: Sinigang na Baboy!

The night ended with a trip in the "National Bookstore" of the country to search for the elusive book "Turning Thirty" by Mike Gayle - Lau and I realized that we have to finish reading the book before we actually get into the "big three-o"!

Second to the last day, a final trip in Whole Foods! Simply love this retail chain!

Last supper - where else but the same place where we flocked in Manila, but this time, Jersey style!

Appetizer set!

Salmon for a change...

But of course, some things would never change... wherever life leads us!

Thanks Lau for being such a gracious host... best travel buddy I would have to say! See you in Europe next year!

After 25 days and 14 plane rides, this year’s grand vacation ended with me returning back to the comforts of my apartment in Jakarta – with a better perspective in life, a renewed spirit and a mindset that is ready to face what’s ahead, no matter what.  Perhaps, this is just exactly what I needed, a time-away from what I had been so accustomed to so that I can clear my head, have a good time and realize the great things that I should be thankful for despite the odds.

I’m also glad to realize that one of my plans at the start of the year was accomplished – to go back to the US and explore what’s on the other coast.  Just for the fun of it, if I were to rank my favorite places in America, my list would be something like this: tie in # 1 spot – San Francisco and the combination of New York and New Jersey, # 2 – Las Vegas, # 3 – Miami Beach, # 4 – Los Angeles, # 5 – Arizona.

Year 2010 will be another hallmark year – it’s gonna be the start of a new age decade for me!  Hopefully, my dream of spending my 30th via a European backpacking trip will come to fruition.  If that would be the case, then this “Grand Vacay” post will have its counterpart in 2010…  Let’s see how it would pan out! 

2009 Grand Vacay (Part 7): Am I in Cuba or America?!?!

“How come they speak Spanish in here???” – my first reaction when we landed in Miami Beach, Florida.  Apparently, my ignorance to world geography  became so apparent – not realizing how close the place is to Cuba, hence, the use of another language.

Anyway, the focal point is that Miami Beach is indeed a paradise – enough said!  Despite being so accustomed and biased to the exhilarating beaches of Asia, I caught myself surprised again – this time to see that the USA also have something to be proud of in the “beach department”.  All these great photos summarizes the experience that I would want to go back to, over and over again…

Wake up sleepy head! Breakfast in paradise is ready!!! My first meal in an all-American resto along Ocean Drive.

After resting and sleeping the whole day, we're ready for dinner and party...

This slab of meat looks deadly, yet so yummy! This is my first dinner in this restaurant called "Meat Market".

While I was dying for rice, this mashed potato with lobster seemed so appetizing...

...and the perfect ending, another deadly dessert from Ghirardelli!

While strolling around, we found so many artists from Cuba scattered around the area, selling their products to tourists. Lau bought a lot of this guy's Miami memorabilia for "pasalubong"!

Then just lounged around Ocean Drive - with my standard Mojito fix!

On the second day, we hit the beach - finally!

So serene...

Spent the afternoon with my regular beach essentials - shades, iPod, book (this time, I chose "Inside Steve's Brain" - perfect choice, very inspiring!). Thought of the moment - "Can this be everyday?"...

This was one interesting bit - ads for parties, para sailing, jet ski and a whole lot more flew around the beach through helicopters! Cool!

If I was just brave enough, I could have been the guy up there! Oh well, perhaps before I die, I would have to conquer my fear of heights and deep waters!

Lots of postcard moments...

...and romantic scenes to match!

Let the picture speak for itself - there's nothing that I can say anymore!

:D

Dinner for the second night - "Nobu" at the Shore Club Hotel. Here's our yummy appetizer - the black thingie is caviar!

My prawns and mushrooms - with rice of course!

And here's Lau's seabass dinner!

We ended the night with a couple of rounds of booze... Just perfect to have a good night sleep!

Third day in paradise... After hearing Sunday mass, we just maximized our rounds in the boutique hotel where we were staying and found this "tagline" posted in one of the glass walls... How provocative?!

Aqua Hotel's main inside - simple, yet calming...

Our mini-jacuzzi... which by the way, we were not able to use at all!

One of the art deco hotels... Actually, most of the structures in the South Beach are like this - mid to low rise...

There's the facade of our hotel, by the way...

:)

Time to hit the beach again - perhaps for the last time as we're leaving tomorrow... One of the highlights, seeing the commonality across all beaches - the vendors of all these blings!

We've explored the other side of the beach and realized that we've made the right decision! The beach front of Ritz Carlton was even way better to what we have explored the previous day! This is simply amazing...

While marching down the alley...

Who would have thought that this one's real?! It's like putting together impossible digital images - yet, this definitely is the real deal!!!

I just can't figure out where to settle as all spots seem to be just perfect! Agree?

Kinda funky lifeguard station, huh?

Another unique thing here which you cannot find in Boracay or Bali is the pigeons roaming around! They don't fear people, perhaps it's the other way around!

This photo is supposed to have pigeons flying in the background, but then they're so fast that the lens didn't capture them in action!

After laying down on my beach chair, this is what I saw! Geeeez, I can't concentrate - everything here is just perfect!

The view on my left side...

...this on the other hand, is the one in front of me

...and a change from landscape to portrait resulted to more aesthetic magic!

Another para sailing ad!

Finally, after having been amazed by all the great stuff I saw, I started my routine which didn't even feel like a routine! Just loved it - dreaming of doing it every single day... If only I could!

Right before the sun sets and after almost three hours of just staying where I settled in, I played with the camera! Hahaha!

And when the night was about to start, the flock of pigeons came flying again, like a signal asking people to leave the beach and enjoy everything else that Miami's got to offer!

The night ended with a tapas dinner and a peaceful sleep!

The whole Miami Beach experience was just what I needed to take a break, breathe and simply do nothing!  It was a moment where I was able to say that after a year and some months of working so hard, I am rejuvenated and again ready to start anew!

2009 Grand Vacay (Part 6-D): Sleepless in the City that Never Sleeps – NYC!

The fourth day started early…  reason being, I need to meet up with a colleague in our global headquarters.  Yes, this is a vacation for me, but meeting the people whom you just encounter in emails and at the same time seeing your main office and having a tour of it isn’t a bad idea.  Not to mention, advertising agency life can really be felt where it all started – Madison Avenue!  After that, we proceeded to the day’s itinerary which is highlighted by meeting Lady Liberty…

The address of our global agency office... 437 Madison Avenue... Go figure!

After touring the office, I was treated for lunch at this resto called Brassiere. After the meal, I said goodbye to the agency... will I be back in here? Hmmmm, let's see...

Now time to do the touristy stuff... First stop is the ferry station leading to Liberty Island. One striking structure stood there was called "The Immigrants" - an impression of those people way way back who arrived in the "land of the free" and eventually became citizens of it - and am I one of them? Another "hmmmm"...

Around 30-minute ride before finally meeting "her"...

There she is...

Walking towards Lady Liberty while going through the details of her story...

Read it... pretty interesting!

Simpy glorious...

I thought she was white, but apparently she was sooo green! Hahahaha!

Another mandatory shot, but at least done in a less boring way!

While we could hop to Ellis Island, we have decided to just hie-off to see Ground Zero and see the remnants of World Trade Center...

While we have reached the path of World Trade Center, it was unfortunately closed for re-construction. Hence, we jumped to South Street seaport...

...to capture a closer view of the 3 famous bridges: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Williamsburg...

There, the 3 of them on the background...

And finally, who says that taxis are only for land transportation?

We ended the last day of NYC tour early as we have an early plane to catch for the next leg of my pit stop, i.e. Miami!  I was excited to leap to the next destination as I really need to physically rest – despite this being a vacation, the non-stop walking was killing me!  Yet, definitely no regrets as NYC is really a place that is worth seeing!