the busy indolent

Me Visit Hong Kong

2009-06-04T02:21:00.000-07:00

My mobility and activities were slowly being hampered by injuries in sports or otherwise (due to gout, hehe). So I decided to visit and explore more places before I become totally immoblilized. I chose HongKong because it is the most accessible foreign land to go to. It only took me 2 weeks to plan the trip, and I was not able to avail of the promotional airfares offered by our local airlines. Anyway, I took the first Cebu Pacific flight to Hongkong on June 21, 2008 and returned on the red eye flight on June 23.

"Why is it taking so long..must be a security breach"

P.A. system goes - "WILL THE MAN IN YELLOW PLEASE STEP OUTSIDE OF THE PLANE!"

"Where can I buy those fake Rolex watches?"

"Should I take a dip? Good thing I'm always wearing my Speedo trunks"

"How much do you thinks this thing costs in Ongpin?"

"It's no secret I'm on Victoria Peak, but where's the Court?

"What? The Olympics will not start until August?"

With my Highschool buddy Jay de Leon.

"Are we in Mexico?"

Jay - "No you %$#@! We're in Agave Bar!

"This hat makes the Tsing Tao taste better."

"For me? Why Thank you". hehe, free beer!

"Decisions, decisions..which on to choose."
Pareho ko na lang kaya inumin

"Where are the drinks?"
Jay - "It's HKD 80 per bottle"
"Waiter, can i have a glass of tap water."

"Balalaika Bar..hmmm. The room has a -20 C temperature."

"Brrr..freezing in here. The Vodka sure helped."

"5 more hours in this -20 degree room and my hair will turn blonde."

"I'm lost. Which way to Lan Kwai Fong again?"

"I'm out of beer...Hey lady, can I borrow some money?"

"Hehe, drinking in the middle of the street. Now where to do my business?"

"So tired. Guess time to go home. Hope the MTR stops in San Juan."

My Colt 45 Moments

2009-04-24T00:38:00.000-07:00

A series of TV Commercials currently running in the airwaves sure gained my attention. The Ad shows 4 men drinking their favorite beer (Colt 45 I suppose, hehe). If any of the men behaves or acts “unmanly” or against the stereotype Machismo, he gets splattered by a giant bottle of Colt 45. I’m no Jock, just an average Joe like the most of us, but here are my own contributions to those men who must be splattered….by the giant bottle.

Men who put lemon slices in their beers – they might as well order a nice cold, sweet lemonade. Include those men that order alcopops.

Men who make the “gumuguhit” expression while drinking San Mig Light – C’mon now, with San Mig Light? I can’t fault them if it's already their habbit, even when drinking plain water.

The guy that invites his pals for a night of drinking, but after only a bottle of beer, suddenly tells his buddies that he has to leave because of an urgent text from "someone". Be sure to buy them 6 rounds of beer and a pulutan before you leave, lest you want a big whomp on your face.

Men should limit, if not refrain from saying “Promise!” (with the right hand raised), "HELLO" after stressing a point, "As in" and “Thank you Thank you!”. Makes me want to order yakisoba and tempura. One thank you is enough.

If your speaking to another guy on the phone, don’t say “Bye-bye” to end the conversation. Sounds like you're saying Good Bye to your mother. “Sige” will do, better yet, just hang up. Guys will understand.

Men should never be too much of a sleek dresser. People will know you spend a great deal of your time reading fashion magazines. Wearing your clothes with a degree of sloppiness is permissible.

This I really hate. Shirts with collars raised. I can understand if you're trying to shade your nape from the harmful effects of UV. Please don't pretend to be an Eastern European Count from the Middle Ages.

Men who hum, lipsync, or sing while a love song or power ballad is being played in the presence of others. Worse is if they know the whole lyrics to the song. Though singing in the showers may be allowed.

Men who bob their heads to any Justin Timberlake song.

In a Bar, those who force themselves to sing in the "Audience Participation" segment of the performing band just to impress their dates or be a show off to their inebriated pals. Please, save us the agony, unless you're an "IDOL" caliber. I for one don't want to be paying for that expensive beer just to hear them sing. In other countries, they are pelted with bottles to try that kind of stunt.

Those who get into syncronized dancing.

Men who customize their Facebook and Friendster pages. Just use the default settings.

Men should only comb their hair not more that 3 times a day; before going to work, during lunch break, and before going home. If one can’t resist the urge to fix his hair constantly, at least don’t keep the comb in your pant’s back pocket, where it will be visible to others. We are not in the 1950’s.

Men should never be caught watching a Judy Ann Santos or Kris Aquino Movie, unless forced by their girlfriends or wives. Men should also learn the art of sleeping with their eyes open. Lest they want to get the cold shoulder.

No stuffed toys (Garfield, Hello Kitty, Songebob, and the likes) should be seen in men’s cars. Bobble heads of your favorite NBA Player or WWE Wrestler are preferred

Men who allow another person to cut his finger and toe nails. Worse is when a shade of pink is still visible in that man’s nails.

No matter how oily a man’s face gets, he should never put powder on his face. You will end up looking like an espasol.

Men who become very vocal about their choices on who should sing the national anthem at Manny Pacquiao's bouts.

Beers of the World

2009-04-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

There is a bar in Makati that serves 100 beers from all over the world. Needless to say that I am a beer lover, it got me thinking to try out every brand of beer that my tastebuds can find. My Rheumatologist will not be so amused though.

Kirin Beer, Japan's No. 1 Beer, was also a major investor of SMC. I found the quaint bitter taste quite delectable. Quite pricey though, costs P125 per 330ml bottle at supermarket prices.

Beck's Pale Lager of Germany. One of the better beers I've tasted. Smooth and goes down easy. Just hope it also comes in a 500ml bottle.

San Miguel Pale Pilsen - Of course, nothing beats our very own. Availabe in almost all bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and sari-sari stores. I like it ice-cold, rather than served in a glass with ice, which dilutes that taste of my Pale. When I'm in the mood for a night of boozing, I have to drink at least 4 of these babies, lest I want to suffer a slight headache. Though i doubt if can stop at 4, hehe. I enjoy Pale with my favorite Isaw and Tokwat Baboy, but I guess it goes well with any kind of pulutan.

San Mig Light. Not a big fan. I call this one my "NO CHOICE BEER". I only drink this one if the establishment doesn't serve San Miguel Pale Pilsen or if the host only offers SMLight. Can't seem to find the flavor and beer taste in it. If I want to get hammered, I want to taste the full beer flavor of all the bottles I downed; and not with a lame tasting beer. Good enough, though for a 3 bottle buzz.

Cerveza Negra, San Miguel's Caramel Flavored Dark Beer. I truely believe this beer is made only for the ladies. No man should be caught drinking this beer. Men who do drink Cerverza Negra are in the same league as those who put lemon slices in their beers . Felt quite emasculated when I downed a bottle.

Guinness of Ireland. Being a Celtic fan, just got to try this one. Malted Barley is roasted to give it its distinct flavor and dark ruby red color. The initial taste actually gave me an after-taste of soysauce, but got used to it after a few gulps.

EKU beer of Germany. Bought this one from Rustan's Supermarket. Tasted like San Miguel Super Dry.

Carlsberg of Denmark. I feel a little nostalgia everytime Carlsberg comes up. Still in College, bars will offer Carlsberg Draft, which was cheaper than San Miguel Draft. Though we saved money from Carlsberg, we had to bear the not so pleasant after taste. Well, as long as got hammered, that was good enough. The nastiest thing about it was my toilet explosions the morning after. Pizza Hut even served this beer for a while.

Corona Beer of Mexic0. Though I know not a few people raving about this beer, I can't seem to understand why. There is a "pakla" taste to it.

Edelweiss, brewed in the Austrian side of the Alps. You might remember the name from a song from "The Sound of Music". This gets my vote for THE BEST BEER I EVER HAD. The Brewery uses water pouring down the Alps. The fruity flavor blends perfectly with the full wheat beer taste. I can even drink Edelweiss without ordering Pulutan, hehe. I can't wait for the day that bars and supermarkets carry this Brand.

Heineken from The Netherlands. This is common in the shelves of your local supermarkets. The green bottle is the only thing that distinguishes itself from the other beers.

Warsteiner Beer - Warstein is an actual town in Germany. I tried this one in a cozy cafe along Katipunan Ave.

Blue Girl Beer - first brewed in Bremen, Germany. Readily available in Hong Kong and Taiwan. A little too bland for my taste, ala San Mig Light.

Erdinger, wheat beer from Bavaria. It has 8 different varieties. I believe you can find it in Robinson's Supermarket.

Kapuziner Beer from Germany. I bought this one also at Robinson's Supermarket. It's 5.4% alcohol in 500 ml can.

Tsingtao Beer (Ching-dow) - Brewed in the Quingdao province of China. First tasted it while in Hong Kong. I always try to order one in bars if they have it. Can't seem to find the bitter taste, though one can distinguish the lychee taste. Good for just chilling out, cause i don't expect to be hammered by this beer.

Bubba-Gump's Boys

2007-06-22T00:51:00.000-07:00

June 19, 2007.. We had a welcome lunch for Rick who just arrived from New York. Here we are at Bubba-Gump in Greenbelt "shrimping out".

"Good thing I'm wearing my necktie. I forgot to bring my bib."

"Bring in more shrimps!!"

-- They were all amazed with our appetite.. or were they totally grossed out.

-- As the check came..
"Not that I'm the only one wearing a tie means I have to pay for it."

The 3 Day Binge

2007-05-08T02:16:00.000-07:00

My liver suffered a beating from our 3 nights of drinking. Thanks to the 1 "Banig" of Liveraide, I was able to withstand the punishing effects of alcohol and sleep deprivation.

CHAPTER I
Thursday... Mint Bar, Fort

--- After taking 3 flights of stairs..

"Give me a bottle of beer, I'm so tired and thirsty!!"

The inventor of the hithit buga.
"It's been 30 years since my last cigarette."

Together with my cousins Rick, Dave, and Kim.

"I only smoke after doing it, and that was 5 years ago."

"When I give the signal, take cover.. I'm gonna blow."

Chapter II
Friday.... Copa Cabana, Kalayaan Ave.

"Got to catch up, they started without me."

"Ary is sleeping, its my chance, hehe."

"I'm ready for Cory's next rally."

"Dundee, Cha, Les, get in."
---They didn't know that Dondon was going to charge them for the ride

CHAPTER III - The Final
Saturday... Malate, Manila

--An intellectual conversation between friends

"And Bugs Bunny said to Elmer."

"Take our picture.. I'll hold your beer for ya... He he..... Sukcer, akin na to!!"

"Ahhh that's the spot.. Felt so relieved!!"

"Pre, don't help me. I can still walk on my own.. See, I'm still smiling!"

"Help me stand up.. Everything is spinning."

The last round of the night. I'm talking about the round of beer, not my belly.

Eat, Drink and Play

2007-05-03T03:26:00.000-07:00

A montage of eating, beer drinking, billiards and badminton. The best way to take care of your body - a nice balance of nutrition and sports.

"Araguy!!! It's Hot!! Nalapnos yata ngala ngala ko!"

"Right hand for the spoon... left hand for the fork. Hirap naman tandaan."

"Hehe, I'll get Karlo's portion while he's not looking."

And the crowd yells........ "Shoot already, its been 2 hours!!!"

"Dondon, malaming yung beer, hindi mainit. Hindi mo na kailangan hipan!!"

"Hey, is that a 1 Peso coin?"

"Hey Rick, is that my beer?!"

"Wait till they see my super jump smash.... followed by a loud thud."

"Eye of the Tiger."

---Hoy, wala ka ng kalaban. Umuwi ka na!!!

SJA Boys

2007-05-03T03:09:00.000-07:00

Friday night... St. John's Gym....A bunch of guys in their mid 30's playing basketball? That's us, we are also the biggest market for omega pain killer, alaxan, and LP braces.

The best player of the group was unable to play because of a nagging injury caused by years of hardcourt wars.

"We lost, yet we're still happy. Maganda siguro yung kumukuha ng picture."

PSE

2007-04-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

The Philippine Stock Exchange was very gracious in conducting an enlightening and educational seminar on investing in stocks. Our sessions were held last April 18 at the PSE Ayala and April 25 at the PSE Ortigas.

"As you can see in my ECG, my cholesterol level shot up by 20 points."

"Got to proctect my assest."

"I will not stop watching Spongebob!!"

"Nasan yung sorbetero?"

"Huh, I'm at PSE? I thought this was the mall. They told me we were going to the movies."

"It's hard to doze off with your eyes open."

"Wake me up kung uwian na."

Rick's Party

2007-04-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Bed Scene, Mall of Asia............. "Hehe, all to myself!"

1 hr. 14 min. 56 sec. and counting.

"Wala bang Cali?'

"Can you all please sit down! May pinanood ako eh."

While in Baywalk........... "Something's poking me from behind"

Spot the difference.

The Boatman

2007-04-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

The Banker (Ang Bangkero)

red box

2007-04-04T03:42:00.000-07:00

What am I going to sing?

Sila laashhing na, ako (hik) hindi pa (hik)

Back-up lang ako.

Mount Sea Resort, Cavite

2007-04-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

With Jen, our Team Building Facilitator. Picture daw kami, hehe.

"Hey Richard, I have something for you?"

It hurts in a good way.

Eating and Drinking

2007-03-27T01:43:00.000-07:00

"All Right!!! The Waiter is coming"

"Totoo pre, graduate ako ng High School."

I love to drink, especially if its free.

Hey, where are my drinking buddies.

Dondon the Wii Player

2007-03-27T01:34:00.000-07:00

Nintendo Wii Tennis, being played from a projector.

Rick was amazed at my Wii skills

Im playing Nintendo Wii Tennis, while the rest in the office are busy working.

the busy indolent: last year

2007-02-18T23:41:00.000-08:00

the busy indolent: last year

last year

2007-02-18T23:36:00.000-08:00

This is how I looked like before joining the show "The Biggest Loser"

the mind is willing

2007-02-18T21:22:00.000-08:00

As I did every morning, I started putting on my sneakers. This was the day that I will run 50 kms., instead of the usual 30. Somehow, I knew something was wrong. There was no "juice" in my legs. Maybe it was the hotdogs the night before or the 6 bottles of beer. Feeling frustrated, I listened to the Rocky Balboa theme to draw inspiration, but it only got me running up to a block. I tried everything: red bull, extra joss, even sarsi with raw egg. Maybe it is just one of those days that everything seems to go wrong. Well, just went back to bed, thinking that someday I will complete by 50 km run.