Out Sick

"Mommy, I feel hot."

"You ARE hot!"


BRB.

Urashii!

Mga kababawan ng isang anime otaku.

Urashi!!!

Ipapalabas na ang Cowboy Bebop sa Animax! Yess! Ibig sabihin pwede ko na uli ilabas yun Faye Valentine costume ko sa Animax Carnival!

Grabe that costume is a reminder of my "Cosplay-zilla" moment. Imagine, I spent P 5,000 because I was obsessed to get the character and costume exactly. I think I should revamp the costume. Watchathink? Should I re-do it in pleather or stretch leather na?

Yehey! Magagamit ko na sha uli! Yehey! Cowboy Bebop! One of the coolest anime ever!

Urashii!

Tapos, tapos, first time ko napanood yun Sayuki Reload: Gunlock sa Animax. Grabe, I know not watching it is blasphemy for someone who calls herself a Saiyuki fan, . Pero as in crush ko pa rin si Cho Hakkai!



Which Saiyuki character would sleep with you?

Bishie!!!

isa pa!

bishie uli!

Genjo Sanzo


Which Saiyuki Character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


Genjo Sanzo--Work can get in the way sometimes, but
be patient and he will never leave you,
although he may be overly-short tempered.


Who is your Saiyuki boyfriend?
brought to you by Quizilla


CHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII~!!

Why I'm Not Sold on the 'Yan ang Pinay' Movement

Some people may find it strange that I'm not all rah-rah about the "Yan ang Pinay" movement, since I'm usually a rabid supporter of causes on women, and I'm proud of being Filipino.
However, I don't--and I can't--subscribe to a cause that I feel is a quick reaction, a palliative, to yet another thing that happened to offend our prickly national pride, no matter how noble the intention is. I've seen this before in my line of work. Congressmen would quiclkly jump to the defense of the Filipino at the first report that we are being slighted by foreigners without verifying reports, often making a mountain out of a molehill.

First of all, what is the "negative" perception of Pinays? That we are sex objects? Mail Order brides? Domestic help? Sweetheart, Pinoy Pride aside, our country's sad economic reality has forced our people to migrate wholesale, much like the Irish during the turn of the 19th and 20th century. The world knows this. Sex object? What woman isn't a sex object, either willing or unwilling? Italian women don't mind their wholesale reputations as bombshells, do they? Bottom line, YAP will not solve this "negative" perception, nor is a step toward a solution. We cannot convince foreigners who have preconceptions of what a Pinay is even if he or she meets a Pinay who isn't a sex object, a domestic help, or a mail-order bride, even if he reads article after article on the virtues of the Filipina. Blogging about the Pinay will merely flood the web with more chatter.

Second, changing the definition of the label "Pinay" is merely the different side of the same coin. This still promotes the same "herd" mentality that promoted the "hostile" image in the first place. Intellectually, we know that not all the French are rude, Not all Englishmen have bad teeth, not all Japanese have a driven work ethic. Good or bad, a label is a label. I don't think all foreigners are stupid enough to judge an entire race of women because of the decisions of a few. To assume so is demeaning intellectually, depriving people of the thought process to actually judge for themselves and form their own opinion. Aren't we also perpetuating the same prejudice, casting the same judgmental eye, on our Pinay sisters who decided to sell themselves because of their own will or for economic reasons? Maybe we should try saving those who were truly exploited by white slavery rings. Besides, shouldn't we consider people as individuals rather than attach a reputation to them, deserved or undeserved?

Lastly, are we, as a people, so insecure and have no self-esteem so as to be offended by the fact that some Pinays have chosen to be prostitutes, Domestic Help, or Mail-Order brides? I feel that the YAP movement has more to do with ego than with patriotism. In Cebu, onions are called "Bumbays." I don't hear protests from the Indian community. People poke fun at the French's reported snobiness and they take it in stride. The English make jokes at their own reputation of being hygenically-challenged. These Pinays may have given Filipinos a bad name so it needs to be "changed." Unless we, as a people, stop complaining, get some discipline, follow laws, and become kind people, Pinoys will always get a bad rap.

I'd like to talk about the woman I admire the most. My aunt, Marietta,put herself through college, has been the breadwinner of our family, has been my mother figure, and survived cancer. Could her attributes have something to do with being a Filipina? Partly. But it has more to do with the fact that she's an amazing human being.


NikkiAlfar
Tobie Abad
Gabby Lee
Andre Mischa Cleofe

Queers and Fears

From correspondent Ilyn Florese-Alanguilan, a report on Thom Filicia's visit to Manila.

Just covering all my bases people ;) Enjoy!

Gerry and I left San Pablo at around 7:30 am and reached Alabang at around 9:00 am yesterday. Had breakfast, got my stomach acting up again so I bought medicines then went to the activity center. We found out that we should have bought their book the day before for us to get 'tickets' to sit inside the cordoned area. We could've bought a copy, but the day before? Hmmm... I'm not like that, considering where I'll be coming from.

We tried to find a good place to stand and found one near the back. At around 10:15, there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Homezone to open an exhibit of the work he did for the US Pavilion at the World Expo in Aichio, Japan. Then he was led to the stage where he was introduced by Daphne Oseña-Paez (I didn't know until yesterday that she's pretty in person). He commented at every one of his credentials Daphne was enumerating. He's happy and proud of what he did without sounding that he's bragging about it.

Thom with Daphne

He told a story about having 17 meals until since arriving Friday morning. "Didn't we eat just awhile ago?" Thom and Kyan would say to each other. Well, I'd say, welcome to the Philippines! :) Then, yesterday at their hotel, they were supposed to eat breakfast and when they asked around, they were led to the restaurant where a long table with a lot of women were there. "Kyan, I think they are trying to convert us."

Anyway, he conducted a lecture about the US pavilion, about design, did a critique on the works done by the PSID students and answered questions... similar to seminars we've been attending during our conventions. His manager, who looks also like a bodyguard, was laughing hard because Thom was funny and yes, he is charming.


Thom in action

Book signing was next. But unlike what happened there at Greenbelt, the ladies had a grand time taking pics with him even during the opening of exhibits. And even after book signing ended, Thom stood up and signed more books along the way. Then it's done. We bought some stuff and went home.


Thom charms the ladies

It was fun. Thanks to my husband for coming with me, and who was not embarassed of taking Thom's pic in a sea of women.

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I think I've been partying waaay too much lately. I need a break.

As someone once told me, "Sleep is good. Sleep is your friend."

Indeed.

Fete de la Musique was somewhat of a disappointment for me. Didn't enjoy the heat, the crowds, and the unruly and unwashed youth, whose idea of teenage rebellion was to get drunk and pick fights. While I bumped into many old friends and acquaintances, the crowds made it impossible for me to locate and unite my disparate group of friends, scattered across the fair grounds.

Anyway, it got too overwhelming that my brother, his girlfriend, her sister and I motored over to Absinth. Turned put that the samba band that played at the Fete had also headed there, along with other Fete refugees.

So there I was, dancing by myself and minding my own business, as I was wont to do in these places, when a girl with a pixie haircut and in a funky skirt decided to join me. So I decided to jump on for the ride.

Things got pretty heavy between us, as she grabbed my hand and led me to the VIP section. Once there, she decided that she wanted to get funky, so I thought, cool, let's get funky.

Bumping and grinding, pelvis against pelvis, sweat against sweat. I did my best to follow her rhythm. It got pretty hot. I had to admit that I was a bit turned on by it all. She whispered in my ear that everybody in the room envied us. I didn't really care because I was lost in the music.

Truth be told, I know I had told you guys that I have never been attracted to women. Well, there was this one girl. Just one. I was 22. I thought I was going nuts when I was almost paralyzed by my massive crush on her, because I know that I'm not a lesbian. Anyway, I decided to keep my distance and my feelings for her went away.

She got tired, so we plopped down a couch and cuddled. As I stroked her leg, we shared information about each other. Her name was Marge, 21, and yes, she was gay. Duh! she exclaimed. Wasn't it obvious? I replied that I don't like to assume things about people. I've danced with other strangers before, some of them women, but just because we decided to get down and dirty doesn't make them gay, right?

She told me her girl was out of town,so I asked her, won't her friends think that you're cheating on her girlfriend? She told me that her girl is probably cheating on her with a guy. Besides, it's like we we're doing anything wrong. I asked her wasn't her GF gay, too? She said that she likes to go out with "straight" women.

Anyway, my cellphone beeped. It was my brother, who told me we had to go. So Marge and I left the VIP section. I thanked her with a peck on her cheek. I didn't ask for her number because a) I'm straight b) I figured that if she's realy interested, she'd ask for my number.

Later that night, I dreamt that I bumped into her while I was on holiday in Spain. We chatted for a bit, then she asked me why didn't we exchange numbers when we first met? Then she gave me her number.

Damn, I really should've asked for her number.

Her Story

Reading the conclusion of Jonas Diego's A Girl's Story was like putting down a very satisfying novel. The storytelling was sharp and lyrical, the art was very effective in moving the story along. It may not have had a happy ending, but the story was thought-provoking and resonated emotionally.

What appalled me more than the guy's lack of compassion for a fellow human was his refusal to take responsibility for his actions. This is on top of my list of pet peeves. Every action has a consequence, a principle that is oft repeated in religion and science.

This is what I don't get with society: People love to hear stories of sex and scandal, but refuse to acknowledge the flip side of the coin.

This morning, after a night of partying, my girlfriends Jewel, Leslie, and I got to talking about our lying friends and gynecological stories. The conversation rolled at how people only want to acknowledge the good part of themselves, and would go to great lengths to lie about their weaknesses. People like them don't care if they step on toes, as long as they look good to those who they think matter.

Leslie noted that people only want to hear her sex stories, but her friends felt uncomfortable when the conversation shifted to the not-so-pleasant side of being promiscuous. Leslie and I are well aware that being sexually active could get us diseases or pregnant, and we are responsible enough to take precautions and look after our health.

Personally, I, too, am trying to find balance between my good and bad sides. I am struggling to acknowledge and accept my undesirable traits and embrace these weaknesses.

The more people try to cover up weaknesses, the weaker a person's foundation becomes. Leslie had earlier spoken about why the Japanese economy faltered as spectacularly as it did. I couldn't help but notice the similarity.

Make-Up 101: Eyes

Alrighty people, let's hustle. Moving on to the eyes.

Now men, women may seem to be risking blindness when they put on eye make-up, but really it's all for your benefit. Why the heck would we go through all these lengths to be pretty? Now when the make-up people say they want to "make the eyes pop," it means to make the eyes more noticeable.

Girlies, DO NOT look for them fancy ways of creating the illusion of bigger eyes or what not: that's not what this series is for. All I'm teaching are the basics.

Oh, and another thing: One of my pet peeves is when women color both their eyes and lips too strongly. Pick one area. Choose. Make up your mind. What's your asset? What do you want to emphasize? The eyes or the lips? If you're not appearing on TV, there's no use getting over-painted. P.S., don't forget to shape yer brows people!

Now that that has been established, let's move on!

Step 1: Put on eyeshadow. Now, I'm not a big fan of eyeshadow because there's so much room for goof. So to minimize goof (and having to re-do your eye-makeup), choose neutral colors like browns and pinks, something close (but not too close!) to your skin tone. Choose 2-3 shades you really like that belong to the same color family. Make an imaginary line dividing your eyelid into two or three. The darkest shade will always go to the part nearest the lashes. The lightest shade near the brows. DO NOT over-shadow or you'll look like you have a shiner. Black eyes, in my book, are unattractive. Think of your brows as the border. DO NOT put shadow past the part of your eyelid under where your eyebrows end. This is the imaginary border. However, this is not a hard or fast rule so go ahead and experiment!



Note on shadows: I am not a fan of blue or green eyeshadow, because of the aforementioned margin of error. However, I've seen morena girls with green eyeshadow and look fab. So my tip, keep it sheer, and use shimmerry, not matte eyeshadow. Or else you'll look like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show.




Step 2: Apply eyeliner. My sister uses liquid eyeliner, but I prefer soft-tipped pencil eyeliner that smudges easily, because it doubles as eyeshadow when I am in a hurry. I just place my finger over the corner of my eye, gently drag, and voila! Line the part of your brows where skin meets the lashes. I don't put eyeliner under my eyes because a) that's so 80's! b) Philippine humidity quickly gives me raccoon eyes c) more risk of poking my eye out? No, thank you!




Step 3: Pencil in the brows. Just trace in the lines and follow the shape so your eyebrows. YOur eyebrows should looked "filled-in" and "groomed." Use just enough pressure to darken your brows just enough so skin won't peek through the brush.



Step 5: I know Kurl-lash looks like an implement of torture, but it really does make your eyes seem wider. I swear! So close your eyes and curl away, then apply mascara. My sister is using Ever Bilena Mascara gel, perfect for the daytime, and it also doubles as an eyebrow groomer when I'm too lazy to use eyeliner (why, yes, I'm a lazy oaf).

Tip: Sometimes I apply black mascara at the outer part of my lashes, and clear mascara at the hairs closer to the corners of my eyes for a "Betty Boop" effect. Very dramatic.




I hope I haven't overloaded your brains with too much information, since you still have FOUR more people to visit! Hope you enjoyed this stop! Ta-ta!



Nikki
Alfar
Tobie
Abad
Gabby
Lee
Andre
Mischa Cleofe

He's here! He's Queer! and He's HOT!

The many faces of Kyan Douglas

HE'S HERE! HE'S HERE! My favorite gay guy is here! Kyan Douglas, the grooming guru of the fab show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy came to Manila to spread his message of positivity and self-improvement.

I've been popping pills like crazy since Thursday, determined that I be well enough to go meet Kyan on Saturday. Because of the damned weather the skin on my hands has broken out in rashes and I've been feeling feverish, and I got my period on Friday. I was a giant walking ache.

I staked out the place as early as 10:40 am. There were already a few stragglers there. I've been debating for the past couple of days whether or not I should buy his book, which I've already read thrice. But sensing that the only way I could get thisclose to Kyan was if I had a book signed, I decided to splurge. (bye-bye this week's budget!)

First one in, first one seated. I got the best seat I could, by the aisle in front of the stage. I dozed off in my seat as I waited, still feeling light-headed. Thank goodness I was wearing an unconstructed coat. When I woke up, the place was packed. All allotted seats were filled, and spectators and fans surrounded the cordoned area in the middle of the mall.

He arrived right on time. Girls started to scream, and he had a hard time getting the crowd to quiet down and hear what he really wanted to say. Poor Anton San Diego. He was the host, but nobody was listening to him.

Kyan spoke for the next thirty minutes about his life, how he got the Queer Eye gig, and his latest job as the first male spokesperson for L'Oreal cosmetics.

The reason why I like and identify with Kyan so much is because we have the same personal motto: To become the best person we can possibly be. He spoke about his life growing up, gay and Catholic in his hometown in Florida. He was a thin, shy, and awkward teenager, who disliked everything about himself. At age 15, he decided that he was sick of feeling that way and decided that he wanted to be fulfill his potential (lucky him! I reached that point at the age of 23). He studied Eastern philosophy, became active in yoga, watched his health and diet, and became a positive person.

He became involved in beautifying people by becoming a hair colorist. He excelled at his job and one day, one of his clients suggested that he audition for a show her friend was casting. We know the rest.

He encouraged everybody to "know thyself"--yes, it's unoriginal but it still rings true--to keep a journal, to become better on the inside. Feeling better inside, he said, will create ripples and affect how you look and feel outside. He also urged everybody to become the best at what they are doing, in whatever job or task.

For me, Kyan is the embodiment of how becoming the best you can be lead to success and other unexpected blessings. He is passionate about beauty. He worked as a salesclerk at cosmetic booths in department stores, before becoming a colorist for Arrojo Studios and a stylist for magazines and TV shows. He was perfectly happy and content and good at what he was doing and the world became his oyster.

He then answered questions submitted earlier about himself, his views on Manila and his stay here, and the show. One girl asked Kyan to marry her. Women screamed as Kyan slowly got down to one knee, then stood back up and said, "Sorry, maybe in another lifetime!"

As I lined up to get my book signed, the uber-strict handlers forbade me to have my pic taken with Kyan. He heard this and was kind enough to say "Oh okay, then you can take a picture of me while I sign your book!"


Kyan signs my book!

I told him that his message resonates. He seemed touched by what I said and thanked me.


Kyan signs more books

As I headed to the exit, I noticed that Kyan's car was parked near the entrance. So I decided to park myself right there and take more pictures. People multiplied as soon as word got out. Good thing I was in the middle of the landing, right behind the guards. People started to push when Kyan headed to the car, as I vainly tried to get a good picture. The poor girls who were near the stairs (it was only about 3-4 steps) tumbled down the pavement as they bore the brunt of the force of the "domino effect." I think one of the girls was the president of Pinoyslayers, the local Buffy fan club. I looked at them and tried to see if I could do anything, but other people had already helped them to their feet. Besides, I was no longer feeling too well, so no gatecrasher stories for you guys!

I slept until 8, and decided that I didn't want to be sick alone and went home to Parañaque.


Oh well, I have my book, I have his autograph, and I met Kyan. I am a happy munchkin.

Sinners and Saints

Enter the world of Sin City, where men are men, dames aren't all who they say and nobody plays by the rules. Everybody has a secret, and it's only a matter of time before it catches up to them.

I haven't read all of the seven-or-so graphic novels where the movie was based on, but I was thoroughly impressed by the ones I have. It reeks of sex, deception, crime, mental instability, and the agony of desire.

Because I had very definite ideas of the characters of the celebrated graphic novels, I was afraid that I was in for a disappointment. I wasn't.

The movie interweaves three of the novellas in the "Sin City" graphic novel series, where the characters from other novellas make an appearance. (The Babe Wore Red sequences were so brief, I didn't count it in).

To someone who has not read the novels, the connecting scenes of the movie may seem forced, stretched just to make the film appear as if it were one straight story. I also feel that the movie lumbers at parts because the directors wanted to be unerringly faithful to the comic. Reading "Sin City" then watching the movie "Sin City" for me was a jolting experience. The use eye-popping color in a sea of black and white was a visual treat. It was the novel, in the flesh. For the novel's fans, this should be a pleasant experience. I mouthed lines as they were being said. However, I felt that it wasn't wise to directly lift a lot of the dialogue from the comic. Some lines that worked for the novel seemed ludicrous when spoken out loud.

Robert Rodriguez cast the right people. Except for Brittany Murphy, who I felt didn't have the sass or the bravura of Shelly. Shelly was cheap, but undeniably sexy in an earthy way; she was ugly but she had a confidence about her that made her alluring. Murphy did get Shelly's cheap-ness, but I felt that her interpretation of Shelly was too jittery. While some actors didn't resemble their comic book counterparts, everyone had the mood and the menace down pat. I especially loved Elijah Wood as the sweet-faced cannibal Kevin. Look out for cameos by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez.

Among all the characters, I connected the most to Gail. I loved her costume, and I loved her gleeful bloodlust. Hm, what does that say about me? I guess I still have a lot of aggression to work out.

Would I recommend the Sin City graphic novels? Yes.
Sin City the movie is a film for fans by fans. I guess you just have to be a fan to thoroughly enjoy it.

Make-up 101

Okay folks we now begin our lesson on painting human faces. It's in time for the first week of classes and the inauguration of the Slinging Ink Writer's Web group!

If you have been a very good girl (or boy) and religiously follow the tenets of good skin care (enough sleep, water, cleanse/tone/moisturize), then you wouldn't need this tutorial. But not everybody could be a very good girl (or boy).
This is a practical guide on how to put on make-up on your face for everyday activities. I won't recommend painting your face all the time, since the skin needs a rest from all that gunk. But when you need to hide some blemishes here and there, my sister and my model, Grace demonstrate a quick fix.



1) On a clean and oil-free face, dab on a little concealer on blemishes, like Grace's zit. Focus on the bottom side of the pimple. Cover up under-eye circles, the sides of the nose, anything that's darker than your natural skin color. There are several colors of concealer that can be matched to skin tone or to counter-act the color of the blemish. Green concealer only works for fair-skinned people.



2) Dab a little foundation on a damp sponge (or your fingers)



3) Blend. Make sure any trace of concealer mixes in with the foundation. I like using liquid foundation best because it dries easily but doesn't leave my skin dry. I like Mary Kay medium coverage foundation, but use Nivea Natural Tinted moisturizer when I get lazy. I use Max Factor cake foundation in Tawny Beige when I know I will be photographed.



4) Don't forget the neck! You wouldn't want to look like you fell face-first into a bowl of flour. This will ensure that the color of your face matches your neck. Remember that your face will be more tan than the rest of your body. But you already know that.



5) Apply pressed powder to set. My sister and I use Godiva pressed powder. We like the consistency of the powder, and it blends well with make-up.

I hope I do Kyan proud!
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Dear boys who are boys.

The principle of this entire exercise is simple. Pretend the face is a wall with chinks and holes. You are about to paint this wall. Concealer is the masilya or putty used to smoothen everything out. Foundation is akin to the primer coat of paint, powder is the final coat of paint. Intiende?

In the immortal words of Jonas Diego, "Concealer before foundation makes you a sensation!"

Could that statement be any more gay?
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P.S. DOES ANYBODY KNOW OF A WAY I COULD GET INTO THE QUEER EYE PARTY 7 P.M. GREENBELT BAMBOO PARK WITHOUT GATE-CRASHING?

ONWARD HOY!