Let the magic rain with a blanket made of stars

This song. Daaaaamn.

Worlds Collide 

The Mostar Diving Club
(Waiting for Forever soundtrack)

Back when we were young
We ran into the sun
It's like we fell apart
Yes you stole my heart
I searched these wasted years
To wipe away the tears
As my heart began to crack
We can't go back
I can hardly speak
When you're in front of me
I can't breathe
Two paths that would not cross
You left me feeling lost
But I love you just the same
Let the magic rain
With a blanket made of stars
To wrap the both of us
As we fell into the light
Our worlds collide
Yes that's the way that our worlds collide
Here I am and here I stand
Our worlds collide
And I would wait for you
And I'd wait forever too
You're in, you're in my heart
It's true.

Just arrived - new online book order!

Arkitekturang Filipino: A History of Architecture and
Urbanism in the Philippines by Gerard Lico,
published by the UP Press.

There was a little delay, but, yey!, my new book - purchased online via the UP Press website and payments made through bank transfer - just arrived! Can't wait to, re--, err display it on my book shelf. Not. I actually have to read this one, and soon, because it's for my class. Yep.

Skurfin' Pandanon -- Bohol Wakefest 2012!

Bigger smile if I was able to try it out, skurfin! Pandanon!

We were invited as media people to the Bohol Wakefest 2012 Kick-off at Pandanon Island in Getafe, Bohol -- with the promise of a chance to try it out -- you know, experiential writing. Not a chance, after our day started out all wrong, almost no ride and all. Good thing, Pandanon Island never fails to amaze.

My straightforward account of the 2012 Bohol Wakefest/WakeJam I posted at Bohol Republic.

Happy Independence Day, Lupang Hinirang!

This is just too awesome. Makes me want to sing/play the national anthem at the start of each meeting/ gathering I'm in.

And created by my favorite local illustrator, too, Arnold Arre. Just wow!

----
Credits and note from the makers:


The National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Rock Ed Radio present this fully animated music video of the Philippine National Anthem.

ARNOLD ARRE directed and animated.
RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT performs.

This fully animated video of the Philippine National Anthem is NHCP and ROCK ED RADIO's gift to all Filipinos to mark the nation's 114th Independence Day.

Note from Rock Ed Radio: We allow use and downloading of this video especially for purposes of ceremony. Anyone can screen this video as accompaniment to a flag ceremony, a closing rite, etc. If your school, corporation, event, company, family, would like to use this video, we only request that you do so with the proper nod to the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines and that you acknowledge the artists involved in the production of this video. If user of this video is found not abiding by the Heraldic Law, kindly report to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for proper action.

Maraming Salamat po at maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan sa lahat. (2012)

Friday Salad Trio

Thinking about making, especially eating, salads galore the whole week (and actually the week before pa), I finally got to the produce section of Island City Mall to get my needed ingredients. Naturally, some of the ingredients weren't available, and of course, it had to be the most important -- natural yoghurt. So I had to do with the pint of mango-flavored yoghurt. 

So here they are - voila! Looks good, but tastes better!

Mango salsa ala-Marla. Made it less spicy

Mango salsa ala-Marla. And scrimped a little on the onions. ;)

Crunchy cucumber and yoghurt salad (raita).
I thought I put in too much cumin, but it may have been just
2/3 of the amount from the recipe.

Crunchy cucumber yogurt raita.
Yellow bits c/o the mango-flavored yoghurt.

Thai Crunchy Apple Yogurt Salad Fusion.
Apple substituted for green mango.

Thai Crunchy Apple Yoghurt Salad Fusion.

Life forever! Sir Ray Bradbury, Sir!

Wow. I was just thinkin about Mr. Ray Bradbury earlier, during the Transit of Venus newscast, thinkin: Transit of Venus - sounds like a Ray Bradbury short lang ah. And now, in my social media feeds, I read of his passing. Wow, what a way/day to go. Listen, to Mr. Electrico Sir. "Live forever!"

"Stuff your eyes with wonder. Live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream made up or paid for in factories." Ray Bradbury, (Fahrenheit 451)

Source

I love books, no question.

Powerbooks(?), I think. But, Trinoma, definitely.

And reading. I come to a good mall and the bookstore's gotta be one of my stops. I just can't help it. And if I got money, no way I'm walking out without a book purchase. What I'm on the lookout, really, are good fiction books, preferably by India and/or Arabic/Mid-Eastern  writers. But of the late, with me teaching university  Architecture classes and all -- it's about design books this time. Not your ordinary, design/architecture coffee table books -- which don't come cheap -- but the academic ones, really -- which don't come any cheaper! Of course, I can't really look away from any good literature books. Seemingly little-known books/writers don't go unnoticed, too. I usually browse through the first paragraphs and even the last -- and if I like what I read, I'm pretty much sold to it. A good cover art is a good come-on, too.

So, in my visit yesterday, I took pictures of some design books that goes into my wishlist.

The Bohol Spanish-era bridges should figure in this one. 

I flipped through the pages, so niiiice.

You had me at AUTHENTIC. Hah! These probably are not. Woops.

Who wouldn't want to read the WHOLE story of ART. Duh.

Good source book for design class.

This, too. 

But, of course. This book is all text, but the price  --  damn.

Best Vegetarian Burger Yet

I'm no vegetarian. I don't think I can be one - ever. But I've had my share of pure vegetarian food via my experimenting friends (veggie phase, whoops!) or Adventist pals - and their kind of chow is not for me. I had my share of (red) meatless days (shortest was 2 months; max was 2 years) - it was not easy - but with chicken and seafoods still on the list, I survived. Anyway this aversion to vegetarian food is mainly, too, because I'm not a vegetable person. Never was.

But this, Maria's vegetarian burger (patty from pre-made gluten, marinated ala Maria, stuffed with other goodness) - best 'gluten' food I've eaten. Really. And just looking back at this photograph right now, makes me want to knock on Maria's door again - for more. 

Earth Hour: We Have the Power to Make Change

Best Christmas Song Ever - Christmas In Our Hearts | By Jose Mari Chan

Probably not ever but still I think this Jose Mari Chan favorite is in the top ten of my list of best Christmas songs, local or foreign.

I used to fancy myself singing this at one of those neighborhood Christmas parties when I was younger - I even practiced! - that panned out, of course. I always chicken out at these things - public stages, blah-blah.

And one more Christmas song that gives me the tinglies is ""Kumukutikutitap". I think that song = happiness. Truly.

Anyway, the best things about Christmas are the cold weather!, the food!, to an extent, the movies! (eww! not the effin MMFF!) and of course, the presents! (bonus!) - but most of all, the songs! They're free, they're fun and they hug you all over!

Maayong Pasko ya'll!

Help Sendong Victims