On LSS

LSS for a lot (if not all Filipinos) mean "Last song syndrome." This is when you hear a song and you can't stop yourself from humming the tune. For the last few days, I have found myself singing and/or humming "L-O-V-E" by Hi-5. My niece loves them and I have to admit that their songs are pretty catchy. Now, "Hey, soul sister" by Train is in my head playing over and over.

Here is a cover of the song sang by an unknown youtuber:

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Tom Hiddleston is such a dream!

OK...I have been fan-girling about the lovely Tom Hiddleston for as long as I can remember. What is not to like about this man? He went to Eton then on to Cambridge earning a double first in Classics. To top it all off, he also studied in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and graduated in 2005.

He has gone on to act in various Shakespeare plays. The most notable so far was his portrayal of Prince Hal in Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 and eventually King Henry V in Henry V. These plays were produced by the BBC titling it "The Hollow Crown." He was pretty badass in Marvel's Thor, The Avengers and most recently Thor 2: The Dark World as Loki, the god of mischief. Call me biased but he pretty much outshined Chris Hemsworth who played Thor.

Below is one of my favorite videos of him, where he is teaching Cookie Monster about delayed gratification.

And if that super adorable and cute video isn't enough...here is another one. Warning: Ladies, mind your ovaries. Gents, tolerate us women.

That was hot! That man can surely dance! *ovaries exploding*

Forgive me, but Hiddles has this effect on me. ('o') Finally, to end this Hiddles post, here is his Shakespeare-ish performance as Loki at Comic Con 2013.

What the rain brings

We have been experiencing a big amount of rainfall since Sunday which resulted to flood in various places in Luzon. I was one of those who braved the bad weather and made it to work in one piece. My day (or night...since I work the night shift) would always end with an hour of communication skills training with four young ladies who have taken the roles of Associate Process Trainers. In one of our sessions I asked them (as an activity) "what memories, good or bad, does the rain bring you?" Majority of them said that the rain makes them feel sad. I'd have to agree, the gloomy weather does indeed affect one's mood.

Although, the rain brought me funny, good memories...which would later on result to me getting sad. One certain memory was when I was in my junior year in high school when I met this guy who would be my crush until I went to college. He was a senior from the all-boys school across the street from my school which happens to be exclusive for girls. I met him through a joint rehearsal for a concert that would feature the boys' glee club and our girls' glee club. He immediately caught my fancy and I made sure that when the day ends, he will know who I am. To cut the long story short, he introduced himself because I shared an umbrella with him because it rained that day. Now it's been eighteen years and I wonder where he is now. Well...Ericson dela Cruz, wherever you are...I hope you're doing well and you were my crush for four years. LOL

The happy memory that left me sad was when I would walk the streets of Aachen with my fiancè. It rained most of the time I was there and there was this particular time that after we visited the Aachener Dom we went to this quaint little Italian restaurant called Bella Italia (I think). Rain was splattering the windows and we got a corner table overlooking the busy cobble-stoned street. The restaurant was buzzing with people but we didn't mind because we stuffed ourselves with glorious food. I also realized that whenever we ate Italian food, it was almost always raining. We became  regulars in the Pizzeria Spaghetteria Atzori at Jakobstrasse which is a stone's throw away from my fiancè's flat. The place is usually packed with people so we would end up taking it back to the flat.

Remembering all that made me feel a wee-bit sad and I wish I am there right now. The two of us dropping by Atzori and ordering a box of pizza each with penne arrabiata.  (T.T)

 

The rain also brought me one of the most unforgettable days of my life. When he popped the question, it was drizzling. He later took me to the observatory which showed a spectacular view of Cologne and the Cologne Cathedral. We ended the day with coffee with our friends in a little coffee shop near the Rhine (Rhein in Deutsch).

 

The rain truly brings out different memories...happy, funny and sad. But it doesn't have to leave you feeling gloomy. Clichè as it may sound, but there is always a rainbow after the rain. That is something to look forward to, right? :)

The view from the observatory on a rainy afternoon.

Sealing the engagement with a lovelock with our initials (C & M) and throwing the keys into the Rhine.

Blogging Challenge

I have been following the blog of The Tudor Tutor and she shared a blogging challenge for the month of August. It's supposed to be a daily blogging activity, but since work has been keeping me busy I will be doing it on a weekly basis. For this week it's about my life in 250 words.

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I was born in Manila in 1979. My dad was a seafarer and my mum was a homemaaker. My dad was away most of the time so I'm especially close to my mum. Thanks to her, I got interested in books at an early age. Growing up she made me watch Sesame Street and English movies. That's when my love affair with English started.

 

 

My parents sent me to an all-girls' school from kindergarten to college. I often get asked if I had turned lesbian during my student years. My answer was always: "No, I'm into boys, thank you." After college I worked as a Production Assistant for a cable TV company for two years until deciding to become a teacher in 2004. Later on, I became a trainer in a BPO company.

 

 

I met my fiancè here in Manila in 2009 while he was on holiday with friends. But we wouldn't be a couple until after two years. I could say that the two years of being friends strengthened the foundation of our relationship today. I flew to Germany last year to spend Christmas, New Year and second anniversary with him. He finally popped the question on 3 January 2013 by the Hohenzollernbridge near the love locks overlooking the Rhine. We plan to tie the knot late next year and after that I will fly to Germany and settle with him in Cologne. I'm studying Deutsch right now as part of my preparation. I'll miss my family and friends here in Manila but there's always Skype and air travel.

 

Scenic and Gorgeous Germany

Weihnachtsmarkt in Cologne

Finally, my dream of traveling to Europe came true. I took a 14-hour flight (not counting the 2-hour stopover in Abu Dahbi) from Manila to Düsseldorf in December of 2012. Having lived in a tropical country all my life, I was excited of spending a white Christmas so I prepared winter clothes since September. I was half an hour delayed in my arrival in Düsseldorf and a bit paranoid that my luggage might go missing (after my dad told me horror stories of luggage getting lost). Turns out, I won't have a white Christmas after all, as Germans said that 2012 was one of the warmest winters they have experienced. It was 12 degrees outside and they felt warm, whereas I was shivering. 

Lovelocks along the Hohenzollernbridge

My first stop was Cologne, so I dropped by the Cologne Cathedral. We walked along the River Rhine passing hundreds or even thousands of love locks lining the Hohenzollernbridge. Since it was Christmas, the cathedral square was packed with locals and tourists alike visiting the big Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). Christmas Markets go way back to the late Middle Ages in German-speaking countries in Europe. Popular stalls sell hot kakao, mulled wine, toys, books and the famous Aachener printen (pastries  from the city of Aachen, Germany). 

Inside the Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is one of the most beautiful structures I have ever seen. A statue of the blessed Virgin Mary can be seen in the entrance. Upon entering the impressive structure, you will see the medieval statue of St. Christopher welcoming visitors. On the south side of the cathedral, five beautiful stained glass windows can be seen. These were given by Ludwig I of Bavaria. It's a sight to behold when the sun's rays hit it, displaying different colors inside the cathedral.

Cologne Cathedral from the train station.

Kinder...one of the popular chocolate brands in Germany.

 A trip to the Imhoff Schokoladenmusuem is a must for chocoholics around the world. Visitors can try their hand in creating their own chocolate by signing up to the museum's chocolate-making sessions. My fiance and I bought a huge heart-shaped Lindt chocolate but we didn't have the heart to eat such a pretty thing. Also, visitors will be treated to wafers dipped in fresh molten chocolate in the room where chocolate production is shown. 

The Bahkauv

But my favorite German city so far is medieval Aachen. Considered as Emperor Charlemagne's seat of power, it has been the place of coronation of German kings and queens. Aachen is known as a spa town and for its many fountains. Each fountain has its own story. My favorite is the Bahkauv (maybe because I see it everyday when we explore the city). The Bahkauv is a mythical creature that is a cross-breed of a calf (or sometimes panther) and a dragon. It is said to pounce and attack drunk men coming out of pubs. 

A panorama of Aachen, on top of the viewing deck in the Netherlands.

The Shrine of Mary

A trip to Aachen is not complete without visiting the Aachen Cathedral. It is considered the oldest church in northern Europe and it houses the remains of Emperor Charlemagne and the Shrine of St. Mary which contains four of the important relics of the Christian world: the Virgin Mary's cloak,Christ's swaddling clothes, John the Baptist's beheading cloth and Christ's loincloth. As was the tradition since 1349, these relics are taken out of the shrine and put on display every seven years during the Great Aachen Pilgrimage. The relics were last put on display in 2007. 

 Although, I have only seen three cities in Germany (Cologne, Aachen and Essen), I am looking forward to coming back and see Schloss Neuschwanstein of King Ludwig II in Bavaria, the Benedictine convent in Tutzing and so much more. I also intend to visit other  countries in Europe like Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa), France (Paris, Provence), the UK, Austria, Spain and Portugal. 

Here are more photos from my trip.

A statue of Kaiser Wilhelm II along the Rhine

The quaint side of Cologne

The Nativity placed on display in the Weihnachtsmarkt in Cologne.

Yummy pastries displayed in an Aachen shop.

Inside the Imhoff Schokoladenmuseum...check out the huge bonbon!

The lobby of the Schokoladenmuseum

A display of a chocolate shop in the 1800s.

Breathtaking Bohol

Waves crashing along Alona Beach

This has post has been long overdue. Actually, I have forgotten to post about my trip to Bohol until I found time to clean up some space on my camera's memory card (I know,  it's been ages!). My trip was actually a rediscovery on how beautiful my country is. Amid the smog and pollution of Manila, there lies a little island in the Visayas that boasts of a beautiful and scenic countryside, quiet and pristine beaches and wonderful, friendly people.





I was feeling sick on the way to the docks of Cebu but I wouldn't let that get in the way of seeing Bohol. I didn't have time to drop by Shamrock so I could let my boyfriend taste Cebu's famous otap but found some in the stalls of pier (only, it was quite expensive compared to buying it from the store).

Quiet and tranquil Alona Kew

Onboard supercat, I fell asleep and woke up to dark clouds and a little drizzle spattering the windows of the ferry boat. We met our driver Tatay Dodong at Tagbilaran port and he drove us to our accomodations at Alona Kew Beach Resort. On the way, he regaled us with stories about the island. That's when we decided that we will hire him as our tour guide for our countryside tour the next day. ^^



Furry beach bums

We didn't waste time in exploring the beach upon our arrival at Alona Kew. Even meeting a few beach dogs lounging and napping by the beach. Compared to the noise and parties of Boracay, the beaches of Bohol are quiet and ideal if you want to relax and enjoy some peace. Like on most beaches, you will find some ladies offering massages, manicure and pedicure right there on the beach.

Blood compact memorial

The next day we had our countryide tour. We visited the blood compact site and the actual place where the ship of Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez De Legazpi docked. Our guide even took us to another place where he said the ships were actually docked. He said it is not really open to the public because it is owned by the owner of Alone Kew Beach Resort.





 

Next, we were off to see the tarsier sanctuary. They don't charge any entrance fee but there is a box where they accept donations (they use it to buy food for the tarsiers, so if you visit, put in a lot! ^^, ). It was great to catch them before they doze off. Unfortunately, you're not allowed to touch them because they easily get stressed. One of the guides pointed to us some of the female pregnant tarsiers.  I also went to the gift shop to buy some tarsier headbands for my nieces, which I find really cute.

Chocolate Hills

Next stop are the world-famous Chocolate Hills. It was a bit sunny when we got there, and the climb can be very tiring. But the view when you reach the top was amazing! For first time visitors you have to ring the bell on top for luck. The climb down was a litle steep so it's important to be extra careful.









We had our lunch at one of the floating restos. They served a lot of seafood so boyfriend did not eat much(",). But he did eat the the pork and chicken. There was a singer onboard who sang songs from each country to the delight of guests who came from Japan, China, Korea, US and of course. It was nice sharing meal on a moving vessel and seeing pretty sights.




Our second to the last stop was the Baclayon church, the oldest in Bohol. You cannot come in the church if you're wearing a short skirt or shorts. But they have some shawls you can tie around your waist if you want to go inside. They also have a museum that houses priests' vestments that dates back to Spanish colonialism, old religious statues, old furniture and a lot more. The guide even took us to an area on the second floor where the rich and affluent families sit during masses. We felt we were transported back in time. Who knows, some plots were hatched within those very walls.





Our last stop was pasalubong shopping. We got those sugar-free coffee mixes as well as peanut kisses. Then back to Alona Kew and lounge at the beach with a good book.

We had dinner by the beach that evening. It wasn't crowded so the ambiance was really nice and relaxing. The next day we went back to Cebu. We will definitely come back and stay longer in Bohol. ^^

An evening with The Phantom of the Opera

The world's longest running musical The Phantom of the Opera by the great Andrew Lloyd Webber has finally come to Manila. I remembered getting excited seeing the great billboards lining SLEX and city buses advertising the show. I did not expect that I will watch the show because of my schedule but imagine my joy when it was extended until October 14! I consider it another great birthday gift that I will see the show after all.

The stage and the famous chandelier

We got to the CCP quite early so we took it as a chance to take photos and get our souvenirs. My friend Kit (she is officially my fellow Phan) and I were so thrilled to get good seats at orchestra level. It was truly a wonderful experience to see this masterpiece. The stage with all those impressive sets were jaw-dropping, the music enthralling and the amazing cast equals to an unforgettable night. 

I'm no professional theater critic but I felt Mr. Jonathan Roxmouth's portrayal of the Phantom brought intensity and passion. Absolutely loved how he sang Music of the Night and Point of no Return. It was a moving performance. The lovely Ms. Claire Lyon delivered a beautiful and effortless performance as well. Their final scene together moved us to tears (thank goodness tissues were handy!). 

Meeting the cast after the performance was icing to the cake. The two leads and the rest of the cast were so accommodating and gracious. It was madness at the stage door but they were still all-smiles as they signed souvenir programs and posed for photos. I even heard Head of Wardrobe Mr. Eugene Titus saying that the crowd is getting bigger every day. 

We went home with big smiles on our faces, thankful for having the chance to see this amazing musical. Here's hoping there will be more performances like this in years to come. ^.^



Here are some photos from October 12's performance. ^.^

Loved the seats we got! :)

The talented Mr. Jonathan Roxmouth

My operamate Kit with Mr. Roxmouth

A thrilled Kit with Ms. Lyon

With the beautiful Ms. Claire Lyon 

The dashing Mr. Anthony Downing with two "phans" ^^