It's good to be HOME!!!

At last! I'm here, in my home land again... I feel like singing Noypi, hahaha! Well, I got in last night at around 8pm, we had some dinner. It was my mum's birthday but we didn't celebrate because all of us were tired as hell. My dad unpacked, and I looked for his phone inside my bag, and it was gone! I was on the brink of having a heart attack when I asked him if he'd seen in and he said it was inside his pocket. Argh! I thought I'd have to go back to Hong Kong to look for his phone in their freakishly large airport. I could die there, but they've got showers. Cool. Now I'm here, ordering KFC because KFC in HK SUCKS. I mean, they've got no gravy and their chicken taste like lard. I swear. They gave us ketchup packets! Can you believe that?! Who the hell eats KFC with ketchup?! That just totally sucks. And their mashed potato had gravy in it, about 1 tablespoon of it, and their gravy sucks. I swear, if you try it, you'll just feel like you've eaten lard with potatoes. The only good thing there is they've got criss-crossed fries, and they taste wonderful! Hehehe! Anyway, that's all for now! A couple of pics coming up later!

Tired to my Bones

Hay... I'm soo soo tired. This computer has this thing called "Hard Disk Protection" software that doesn't allow anybody to save anything in Drive C. So whenever I download the Yahoo Messenger, it gets erased whenever I turn off the PC. Now, I'm too lazy to download it all over again. Never mind. Maybe tomorrow.

It was an exciting day. We left the hotel by 9:30, accompanied by the usual driver and the uber talkative tour guide. I hate him. Well, not really. When the day started, he was okay. Then he started laughing at me because I happened to like Harry Potter and Snoopy. He says I'm like a ten-year-old child. He said I'm a child. Well, technically, I still am a child because I'm not 18 yet, but come on! I've said this a million times and I'll say it again, HARRY POTTER IS NOT ONLY FOR CHILDREN, IT'S ALSO FOR ADULT! THAT'S WHY THEY PRINTED ADULT VERSIONS OF THE BOOKS! Just look at the damn blinkie at the sidebar.

I didn't say that to him because he'll probably not understand. As it is, we already have a hard time communicating both in English and Chinese. Minsan nga eh, sa sobrang frustration ko eh natatagalog ko na siya! Then he started calling me Stephanie Potter (hmm...not bad). I hate hate hate him. I mean, hello, he's only 23! Does't he like anything that's a bit childish? I know people way way older than him who likes HP and Snoopy! Maybe it's just their way here in China. I hate him for it.

Then we got this foot massage. It was supposed to be relaxing, and I'm not really looking forward to it because I didn't want anybody besides me touching my feet. There was a long long lecture before it started aout how the Chinese value health very much and how our feet are second to our heart and how the SARS epidemic went through here. Then the massage troupe came in. I was shocked when I learned a guy was going to massage my feet. Eugh. I mean, yeah, he's kinda cute but, EUGH. No one touches my feet but me. Oh well, couldn't do anything about it, could I? So I just sat there, flinching as he injured my feet. To tell you the truth, my feet felt a lot better before the massage. Then this freakishly talkative and ultimately antipatiko doctor who calls himself a scientist came in, started talking to my dad in Fukien as if they were long lost buddies and all he could say when he looked at me was that I'm fat. Maybe his motto is "Flattery gets you nowhere", if you know what I mean.

Then he started speed-talking in Fukien to my dad which I didn't listen to because it's hard for my brain to translate the information. But I pretended to listen because I didn't want to look at the guy massaging my feet because I'm so so embarrassed, I don't know why. Then my dad got into this jumble with the doctor and the cashier and his credit card. You see, the doc didn't tell my dad the price of the box of medicines, but he didn't ask in the first place. But then the doc should've said something. If I'm selling a bnch of medicine that cost as much as 30,000 yuan, I'd inform my client of the amount he/she is about to pay. BUT NO. Hey, everybody wants easy money right? Then my mum got mad so she asked the girl massaging her to stop but the guy continued to torture me. Then all of them got up and left and then there was this whole episode of my dad and the cashier and the doc with the lecture lady arguing about the credit card bill. Then to the rescue, our tour guide. He probably wonder what the heck was taking us so long so he went up. He knelt beside my mum and asked what's going on and my mum instantly rushed into this angry speed-English. I just stood there, half amused, half mad at the whole situation. So me and my mum just went to the washroom, which I didn't enter when I saw that their toilet bowls were again plastered on the floor. Squat? Me? No. (But I eventually had to when I couldn't help it anymore)

Then Mum and I got settled in the car. Dad and tour guide were still upstairs doing who knows what. Then the driver started talking to me in Mandarin and all I could say is "Yes". Hahaha! And he really thought I understood him! I can be an actress. Then all things got settled. Mr. Tour Guide got the money back for my dad. Right then, my hate for him ebbed away a bit. He still calls me a child, you know.

When we got to the jade museum (the guide there said that Gloria Arroyo and Lucio Tan bought some stuff there which were really really really expensive. Kaya naghihirap ang Pinas), I found out that he was really an ok guy. We were joking around trying to steal the glow in the dark globe thing. It's worth like, 10,000 pesos here or more. I really liked it! Pity I left my bag in the car...

Ok, that's all for now. For the last part, I bring you the current count of the fastfoods.

McDonald's -- 6

KFC -- 5

Starbucks -- 5 (I think)

Pizza Hut -- same as the previous count

*new* Mister Donut -- 1

*new* Hagen Daaz -- 2

I'm Addicted

Didn't you notice? I'm back to being addicted to blogging right now after a month of being inactive. Even though I'm really cold now, still, nothing can stop me from blogging all my latest escapades here in China! First off, we have my observations.

Fastfood Chains: Current count

McDonald's - 3

Pizza Hut - 3

Starbucks Coffee - 3

KFC - 4

I'm not really sure if Pizza Hut is a fastfood chain and of course Starbucks is a cafe, but what I mean is, these are restaurants I recognize. Get me? Hope so. Oh, and I saw Giordano, lots of Giordano stores.

Haven't spotted any 7-11 yet.

Today, we went to Suzhou. As the guide said, it's "yesterday's China". We saw people riding bikes. It doesn't sound unusual so let me explain it. They have this special lane on the road for the bikers, and there were LOTS of bikers. Their bikes have these basket thingy at the front, and some of the bikes are able to ride 2 persons. I saw mothers with their children riding at the back of their bikes. There were girls in mini skirts pedaling away! I mean, hello, they're not even wearing cycling shorts or anything! (naintriga na ba mga lalaki jan?) There were also businessmen in suits biking. How weird could that be? Only in China.

We went to a temple, I forgot the name, let me ask Mum later. We lit (actually, Mum n Dad did) 2 huge candles and stick them on nails at the "candle center" (dunno what it's called). Then we lit like, bundles of incense and the pai pai over the whatchamacallit. And then we went on, my mum and dad prayed and worshipped the several Buddahs and stuff; I stayed outside and photographed stuff, and the guide was also lurking outside and so he talked to me half in English half in Chinese. I didn't understand him when he spoke Chinese (I have limited Chinese vocabulary, you see) and when I spoke in English, he didn't quite get me because he had limited English vocabulary. So there, that's settled. I'm applying for and English teacher job here. I saw a place called SHANE English School awhile ago. Maybe I could apply there.

We went to Lion Garden, I think that's the name. There were stones that are naturally shaped like lions. The guide said that it was built by emperors a long time ago and the workers are only allowed to bring lion-shaped rocks into that garden. Then we went to another garden of which name I've also forgotten. I have a very very very short memory span, but it's just of those I'm not that interested in or those which I choose to forget on purpose. Hehehe! But the garden I'm talking about right now is very beautiful. It has lots of flowers, my idea of a garden. Then we fed gigantic goldfishes! I have footage of those very hungry fishes with their mouths agape and all. When I get home, be ready for a photofest. I ran around and photographed things. How pathetic am I? nah, I'm just an aspiring photographer.

Ok, I'm officially babbling now. Me and my dad have just been to Pizza hut. Yey! I actually read a menu without translation from my dad. Haha! We had dessert and a couple of shrimp. It's cold outside. It won't be long until I'm freezing. I have to get to bed now 'coz I gotta wake up early for bathtime and laundry time. Yes, I have to wash my clothes. Good night and more tomorrow!

I Found A PC Here...

Okay, I'm currently in Shanghai, China right now. I've made out a list of pros and cons of being here.

PROS

1. The weather is wonderful. Well, it's a bit rainy but heck, I'd take any weather that's a couple of degrees cooler than Manila this time of year.
2. I get to explore another country. I swear, hearing and reading the names of the places where we're at or where we're going brings back memories... memories of Chinese tests.
3. Our tour guide is wonderful. (Ann, naghahanap ako ng cute na bellboy dito!Bakit wala?) He's not old and grumpy and although his English is less than perfect, at least he knows how to speak the language!
4. There's a PC in the hotel room! And I checked, before anything else, if there's extra charges for the internet connections. I quote the brochure, "Extra expense would not be charged for the computer." I take it that the internet connection is FREE. If I'm wrong... then... Poor daddy.
5. There's HBO on TV.

CONS

1. People don't speak that much English. I mean, hello, they've become a thriving community but their economy and technology developed earlier than their society. Looking for hospitality? Hmm... Not the place to look.
2. I've not seen any 7-11 here at all. There's only a couple of bottles of water left here, and I'm getting dehydrated. I'm missing our water dispenser at home.
3. There's ONLY HBO on tv that I can understand. It comes with Chinese subtitles! Like I need it. I hate this tv. There's like, a thousand CCTV and only one English-speaking channel. WEHRE'S STAR WORLD?! Oh Bo, please wait for me to get back to American Idol-watching civilization before you go...
4. I have to share a bathroom with two other people. Okay, they're my parents, but please, there's only ONE bathroom. They should have a law stating that each person should have his/her own personal bathroom. Fine. Fine. Get another room? Not that rich. My sacrifices for the sake of experience.

i don't know, there's just something about this place... I wanna go home already at the same time I wanna stay. What will it be? Of course I'll stay. I have no choice! The money's gone! Argh! I gotta go, it's my turn on the bathroom. I miss my bathroom at home.

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

This is the last post I'm going to post today. Unless I come across a computer somewhere there. I'm going to the land of the Yao, then to Peking Duck Haven. Flight's in about four hours. It's 3 am, I'm supposed to wake up at three... I am awake. If I'm not making sense, it's because my mind is numb--->no sleep. I want a Snowy Owl. Ok, I'm going now. Going... Going... Still here. Okay okay.

Gone.

The Japanese Garden

From left to right: Mysh, Kurstin, Me and Porfirio

I look tanned. Nagmukha tuloy akong kape sa tabi ni Tin!

Last Thursday, we went to the Japanese Garden to celebrate Porman's birthday. Sinong kumukiha ng pic? Eh di si Porfi. Ayaw niya sa sarili niya hahaha! Anyway, it was my first time there, Mysh cooked everything we ate, except the salad, which nobody ate. Mysh, kinain mo nga ba talaga? She's a wonderful cook. Sinasabi ko yan dahil... hehehe... ako umubos ng lahat. *blush* Eh gutom ako eh!

We had two blankets... I brought them, and we had a picnic! Hmm... I've always wanted to have a picnic with my friends. This is the weirdest mix of barkadas don't you think? Hehehe! Anyway, we talked about stuff... Nagpromote nanaman ako ng Harry Potter... Kayo naman eh, di pa ba kayo sanay? Di mawawala iyan ever! Hehehe! Tapos pinagtripan namin yung bibe na nakatira sa pond. I mean, the lake looked filthy. Haha! It's a wonder that duck survived. it should've won the Survivor Duck Edition. It was the only duck in that pond. Then as we observed, we discovered why there aren't any other ducks there. There was a rock by the bank, and then the duck stood there, pecking itself. We were mesmerized. (yeah right) So we kept on looking at it. And then after like, forever, it just stood there. So we went on and packed our things. And then when we looked again, it swam into the water and... POOPED. And then it went right back to standing on that rock.

DISCOVERY OF THE CENTURY: Why there aren't any other ducks in the pond in the japanese garden in Rizal Park except for the one standing on the rock by the pond?

Conclusion: Because it uses the pond as its own private toilet. So the other ducks thought the rock duck's poops were worms or something and they ate them and died. We should have a new law passed. No to water pollution by ducks.

Carrie and Anthony

I'm still looking for clips, but for the AI fans out there, I think you know what I'm gonna talk about now. Last night's elimination was rather nakakakilig. (Well, it was Thursday's elimination, madaling araw na pala!) There were unexpected reactions from certain people. Whoever was the cameraman, heck, you're the king of all cameramen. If there were more than one, well, you're like, a kingdom already. Hahaha!

If you were paying attention to the background while Anthony was singing his farewell song, you'd see a certain pretty blonde girl crying her eyes out. Hmm, let me see, it struck me as unusual because none of the other two contestants were crying as hard as Carrie was.

While they were performing the group song, I was seeing some chemistry between Anthony and Carrie. I don't know, maybe it's just me but when they look at each other, it's not the way they look at the other two contestants. It's like, they hold each other's gazes longer. And when they (Ant n Carrie) held hands at the end of the song, it was like... I don't know, I can't explain. Sort of like the perfect ending pose.

And so, back to the wonderful works of the cameramen.

As Anthony was singing his heartfelt bye bye song, he looked at Carrie, or somewhere where she was sitting. And then when he was looking at her, poof! The big screen behind the ballad man focused on Carrie. And to my surprise surprise and utter delight, she mouthed the words "I LOVE YOU" to him! I was in shock for a few seconds and then started screaming!

Maybe what she said was brought on by emotions, maybe because she was nervous of getting eliminated or something, and maybe it was something else, I'm too lazy to think now, hehehe. But I think they look cute together!!!

BIG BUMMER: I just found out that Anthony has a girlfriend... hmm...

BO ALL THE WAY!!!

Evolution of Harry

Evolution of Hermione

Evolution of Ron

HErmy

The Goblet

Triwizard Cup

Merpeople

Cedric and Harry in uh...somewhere foggy

Durmstrang Students

Beauxbatons Students with Madame Maxime

Latest news on Goblet of Fire

Hmm... This blog is turning into a fan site don't you think? Hehehe! I'm wondering if I'll get into trouble... Anyhow, it brings me much pleasure to inform the world (which consists of the very few people who visit my blog) about the latest comings of the fourth installation of the Potter movies, entitled...

In this movie, Harry faces tougher tasks. It gets more physical in this, and in my opinion, more enchanting because the book showcased all the magical maneuvers that ever existed in my twisted imagination and even more. Whoever read the
fourth book doesn't need to hear (or in this case read) my ramblings on how great this movie is going to be. Hopefully it's better than what Cuaron did.

The teaser trailer of GoF was just released a few days ago and it can be viewed here.

For your viewing pleasure, and for those whose downloading capabilities are as swift as a turtle's, I uploaded some screencaps of the teaser trailer. Some of these images are already at the top of this page (if you took time to look at my wonderful header banner). Some are fresh looks.

BREAKING NEWS!!!

It has been confirmed that Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who played Harry in all four of the Potter movies (if you don't know this, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!), will indeed continue to bring joy to millions of people by portraying the wizard with an attitude until the fifth movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which will probably be showing in 2007.

The official site for this movie Goblet of Fire is already available. It has a humongous teaser poster with a really cool foggy mysterious look to it. Haha!

Know Me

discover your jack-o-lantern face @ quiz me


Discover your Zodiac Personality @ Quiz Me
Hmm... Gemini? Me? I'm supposed to be Leo... Damn, I was born the wrong month!

find your inner PIE @ stvlive.com


discover what candy you are @ quiz me

I'm A Brat!!!

ALAM KO NA!!!

P*cha, alam ko na kung sino ang may kagagawan kung bakit laging di naaalis si Scott! Meron daw "votefortheworst" na website na nag-eencourage sa mga tao na magvote para k Scott, kasi obviously siya yun worst. Argh! Sinong may virus jan?! Paki sendan nga yun webmaster ng website na yun!

And I just recieved in my mail reports about the show today. Walang kwenta naman yun "early" edition dito, live daw, or satellite feed daw, whatever, mas una pa rin doon haha! Guys 3pm today! Then after nun may 3 pang replays so there's no reason to miss it, except kung nasa bundok kayo at walang tv kasi meron din yan sa local channel ABC 5 that is channel 10! Mga 10 pm yun dun!

Anyway, sabi dun sa mail, na best week daw this week ni Scott, and baka si Anthony yun umuwi... Argh! Pero naisip ko, kung best week ito ni Scott, eh di yun worst si Anthony, eh di c Anthony yun iboboto ng mga "votefortheworst" so magiging safe siya and si Scott yun maaalis YEHEY! (a girl can dream...) But I musn't keep my hopes up...

Ang sabi pa doon, eh yung producer lang naman yun pumipili kung sino yun mananalo or not, hindi naman talaga yun mga votes ng America yun pinagbabasehan kung sino yun magiging AI. Wow, heavy. Nakakainis noh? Pero parang obv na na ewan eh. Hay. It's all a joke.

But I still want Scott Savol to be kicked out of that competition.

Bagay kami ni Bo!

You are a Rocker Girl! If you don't have musical talent, you've got a talent for picking out great CD's. Music rules your life - and you've got the best MP3 collection of anyone you know. Many guys find you intimidating, but a select few think you're the catch of a lifetime. Start hanging out in more used record stores, and you'll find love with a fellow rocker! What Kind of Girl Are You? Take This Quiz :-)