Raissa's Site

Raissa's Site http://rayzajv.multiply.com/ Be patient towards all that is unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. - Rainier Maria Rilke Thu, 8 May 2008 20:50:17 -0000 Fri, 2 May 2008 06:12:00 -0000 Raissa's Site http://images.rayzajv.multiply.com/logo http://rayzajv.multiply.com 100 100 The Empress' New Clothes No..I have no plans of walking around in my birthday suit in my search for clothes to wear in my side of the kingdom.  But today, I was amused with myself because I have become a semi-smart shopper.  I bought two cardigans (same style, different colors) a week ago but it seemed I got a size smaller than what I usually wear.  I have this aversion of trying on clothes at the store unless I really have to which explains the getting the wrong size part.  Usually, I would go back to exchange these to the right size and if I see something else, I will buy it along with what I exchanged.  But today, I let go of the cardigans and got two items that I know I will wear more often and more worthy of my money.  For the two cardigans, I was able to get a really cool jacket and a dress that my mind couldn't stop from coming up with creative ways to wear it.  I only added a small amount to the one I previously paid for the two cardigans.  I still got two ite... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/79/The_Empress_New_Clothes Fri, 2 May 2008 06:12:00 -0000 Coming up roses Two weekends ago I had an opportunity to take these photos while the participants for the Agta presentation were having their practice. I played around with the many functions of my camera. I am very happy with what I was able to photograph. http://rayzajv.multiply.com/photos/album/15/Coming_up_roses Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:22:58 -0000 About time <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/SBIydwoKCpoAABiDN8U1"></a><a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/SBIydwoKCpoAABiDN8U1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.rayzajv.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SBIydwoKCpoAABiDN8U1/target%20bags.jpg?et=m7puPY7mXGmqI7xan%2ClfRQ&nmid=" border="0"></a>I heard that there is a <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/04/california-plastic-bags.php">California bill to impose a 25 cent fee for using plastic bags</a>.  I welcome this because ever since I bought my reusable bag from Target I didn't really feel that I was making a mark because there wasn't much difference between using the reusable bags and their plastic bags other than personal choice.   I actually liked using the reusable bags because the baggers tend to fix the items more so it will fit in the bag rather than just stashing whatever into bags and bags and bags.  This way, I tend to carry just one bag rather than lugging so many bags with me.  Its very convenient.  But I thought when I first brought it that there should be some incentive to those who actually use these bags.  But there is none.  We still pay the same amount so I think its not at all motivating people to use these instead of plastic bags.  Sure, plastic bags are reusable too in some sense since we use them to line our garbage cans but it als... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/78/About_time Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:28:00 -0000 Weekend with my best girl friends post birthday celebration with long time friends Rhyna - since kindergarten Chary & Xsty - since Grade 1 Hazel - since Grade 3 Its been awhile since we have all seen each other so it was a great time to meet up. When is the next one? Saturday dinner and drinks at Maitai Bar with Chary, Xsty, Rick, Tana & Rhyna. Got so drunk - 2 Tokyo Teas and 2 Chocolate cake Shots. (Pictures to follow) Sunday - picked up Hazel from Ontario, late lunch at Max's, walking around Old Town Pasadena, bowling with borrowed socks and malfunctioning machine, late dinner at Sweetee Thai, Monday - Hazel's makeover courtesy of Rhyna and Raissa, dimsum in Chinatown, Pinkberry and Sprinkles in Beverly Hills, dinner at Tantalum Tuesday - facial day for them and last day. till the next one! very soon I hope Sonoma?? http://rayzajv.multiply.com/photos/album/14/Weekend_with_my_best_girl_friends Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:12:18 -0000 My 32nd Birthday Lucky Strikes Lane, The Block Ate Angie and I celebrated our birthdays together with some bowling and booze. http://rayzajv.multiply.com/photos/album/13/My_32nd_Birthday Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:56:38 -0000 Jaojoco Cousins http://rayzajv.multiply.com/photos/album/12/Jaojoco_Cousins Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:51:22 -0000 Officially out! Well okay not yet.  Not until the end of this week at least. By the end of this week I will be officially out of the calendar. <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/wink.png"> What do I feel about it? Nada..Zero..Nothing...Zilch.  It was never an issue with me as it is with some people.  I even say it out loud when people ask how old I am.  18...21...25...30... these are all the same to me.  No big changes at least the obvious ones. I am not as conscious this time around compared to last year.  Not to say that I don't plan to celebrate because I am.  Two celebrations in fact and that's what I am looking forward to. Some people around me are getting worried that I am reaching this age...not married, not even in a relationship. But I am not worried at all.  If its going to come, its going to come.  I am not going to force something that isn't bound to happen just yet.  "Mapait ang hinog sa pilit" hahaha  No need to worry about me. <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/wink.png"> Yes..I am turning 32 this Friday. http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/73/Officially_out Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:52:00 -0000 Here comes the bill To split or not to split I don't know about other people but when I eat out with my family and friends, we usually don't split the bill.  Splitting the bill means paying with two or three modes of payment for one bill.  Either we divide up the entire bill on how many we are then put in that money or one pays first then divide it up later.  It doesn't matter if its cash or credit card.  I don't know about when we order our own because frankly its been awhile since we have done that.  We eat "family style" a lot of times.  We order one of each - appetizer, salad and entree then put it in the middle for everyone to share.  This works for us.  Or on very rare occasions that we order individually, we put in the same amount to cover for the entire bill and tips. Or inform the server ahead of time to make it separate bills.  I don't know, its just easier that way both for us and for our server. This came to mind when I saw this big group and I mean ... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/70/Here_comes_the_bill Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:18:00 -0000 Where art thou... Good Friday? Its Good Friday and I am at work.  There is no such thing as Holy Week here unlike in the Philippines where its really felt.  No shows on tv, no newspapers, no radio.  Majority of the stores are closed.  Here, its business as usual so we try to make one of our own.  We will be closing early today though which helps.  I miss going to Calvary Hill to do the Stations of the Cross with my family.  Calvary Hill has big-sized statues of the Stations of the Cross.  Its almost like our personal reenactment of Christ's passion.  We literally go up the hill as we do the stations ending up at the very top where an even bigger statue of the risen Jesus Christ is.  Its quite a climb.  Its used to be more treacherous when the way was just paved.  Now I believe it has steps.  But there are loads of people and not to mention the weather.  Good Friday for some strange reasons falls on the hottest day of the year, at leas... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/69/Where_art_thou... Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:43:00 -0000 Zen Habits I have a new favorite site. Thanks to Kaytee for sharing this link. I have used a big part of my morning browsing through articles and printing those that appeal to me. I think in this crazy world that we all now live in, it is essential to find something that will keep us sane, plant our feet on the ground and make sense of everything that is going on in our lives. http://rayzajv.multiply.com/links/item/11/Zen_Habits Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:37:08 -0000 Papaya: the New Macarena Thanks to Isy for informing me about it.  Apparently, the dance craze that started in "Game Ka Na Ba? has now reached US soils.  <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/">Good Morning America</a> featured the "Papaya" on today's show.  They referred to it as the new Macarena.  A bit late for them because for sure the entire Philippines and Filipinos all over the world have been dancing to this since last year or the year prior.  Late or not, its so nice to see this being featured on a widely watched show on a big network.  It was so nice seeing the likes of Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, Chris Cuomo and Sam Champion trying to learn the dance. For now, I have this link to the video.  I will look for a video of it later.  YT is blocked at my office.  Actually I gave my access to the OM since only one of us can have access to it.  The rest of the staff do not.  <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4495371&affil=kabc">Watch it here!</a>   http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/68/Papaya_the_New_Macarena Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:54:00 -0000 Feng shoo My boss is a big believer of Feng shui.  He actually hired someone to check our office and did what was recommended.  This feng shui expert even asked me about my birthday.  I guess I am not a bad omen since I am still here. <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/wink.png">  My office is huge - its me and 3 other staff all with desks, computers and the like.  Our layout has been changed quite a few times.  We used to all face the door with the windows behind us.  This was changed since according to the feng shui expert supposedly we shouldn't face the door. Also, that our backs shouldn't be in front of any electronics.  Hence, our computers face each other too.  The photocopying machine and fax machine were also placed in a different room because we cannot have too many office equipment near us.  Bad for our health or something.  Good thing, both are just across the hall so its still accessible.  So now we all face each other, with our backs to the walls and the wind... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/67/Feng_shoo Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:24:00 -0000 "My Blueberry Nights" <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R@BNZQoKCooAAGH4QHE1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.rayzajv.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R@BNZQoKCooAAGH4QHE1/my-blueberry-nights-movie-poster.jpg?et=%2CUrWnYPXWfFt2n7EmeiomA&nmid=&nmid=86952802" border="0"></a> Having a strong woman role model around me in <a href="http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/65/Lessons_from_my_mother">Mama</a> needless to say I am also drawn to strong female characters as well in movies, tv, music and the like.  "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765120/">My Blueberry Nights</a>" has "girl power" written all over it and more.   The plot description of the movie says it all - "A young woman takes a soul-searching journey across America to resolve her questions about love while encountering a series of offbeat characters along the way."  It will open in limited release starting April 4.  I hope to catch this in theaters. Aside from the plot, others to love about this film... <ul><li>It is written and directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0939182/">Wong Kar Wai</a> of As Tears Go By, Chungking Express, In The Mood for Love, 2046 and others.  This is also his first English-language film </li><li>Natalie Portman, Norah Jones and Rachel Weisz (oh okay Jude Law too)</li><li>Nominated for a Golden Palm at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival</li></ul>Although based on the plot, it seems like my cup of tea, I prefer to not put high expectations on f... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/66/My_Blueberry_Nights Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:15:00 -0000 Lessons from my mother <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/R@AiXgoKCooAAGB8IWA1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.rayzajv.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R@AiXgoKCooAAGB8IWA1/Picture%20034.jpg?et=Cm%2Ba%2BYneFTvsQxkMwixNQg&nmid=&nmid=86950799" border="0"></a>Between my parents Mama is the quiet one but she is by no means a pushover.  No one would dare push her around.  I say quiet in terms of when they sit us down for a family meeting or something, its Papa who usually does if not all of the talking.  Mama is by his side, a silent message of saying "I agree with what Papa is saying." So any thoughts of going through Mama to lessen the blow forget about it because its not going to fly.  The only times we go through Mama is when we want something and isn't sure if Papa will be okay with it.  If it it is fine with Mama, you can count on her to be an ally.  My parents have always been a package deal.  What I mean with this is, there is no such thing as a house divided.  If we ask permission from Mama, count on her asking if we already asked from Papa and vice versa.  So if we think we are smart enough to think that we can bypass one of them, we are lying to ourselves.  Sure she nags once in ... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/65/Lessons_from_my_mother Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:05:00 -0000 LUPANG HINIRANG - Leyte Dance Theater Part 1 This is the beginning of the dance that I really love. Its an interpretation of how the Philippines and its pioneers struggled and fought to gain our http://rayzajv.multiply.com/video/item/3/LUPANG_HINIRANG_-_Leyte_Dance_Theater_Part_1 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:33:11 -0000 LUPANG HINIRANG - Leyte Dance Theater I first saw this performance when I watched their show. It made me teary-eyed and gave me goosebumps. You are already mesmerized by the dance but you are blown away towards the end. I have never seen a show end this way. Thanks to http://rayzajv.multiply.com/video/item/2/LUPANG_HINIRANG_-_Leyte_Dance_Theater Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:54:28 -0000 Speechless Literally. I have lost my voice and its not due to the fight last Saturday.  I may have laryngitis so I was put on antibiotics already.   My voice ranges from audible to almost whisper in the same sentence.  I have to refrain from talking which is tough.  On the positive side though, this means that I wont be able to take phone calls at work.  Yay!  I am really not doing much to do something about it.  I still put ice in my water and I am still eating ice cream.  <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/embarassed.png"> Its Haagen Dazs Green Tea.  Its only for a limited time.  I know excuses..excuses.  But its really good.  Its not too sweet and its so silky smooth.  I have finished a pint already in a span of a week and I am ready to get another one. ********** Anthony Bourdain is one of my favorite chefs/food show host.  He has this quirky way of describing the food he tries and best of all he is really open to trying new things and immersing himself into the cultur... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/64/Speechless Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:01:00 -0000 Head in a fog That's what I feel today.  I feel like there's a ton of bricks on top of my head.  Its so heavy.  Its so heavy that I feel the strain at the back of my neck.  My neck is trying its darndest to keep me afloat today.  My BP was low yesterday.  Not that low but lower than what is considered normal.  I took 100mg of Tylenol which helped.   I know I should have listened to my boss' advice, who also happens to be a doctor that I should rest.  But nope, I am here at work, trying to be productive when I really don't feel good.  I don't think I will be rest anyway at home.  Either I will be online or watching tv.  That's still not resting. My head is so heavy.  My throat is dry and itchy.  My neck hurts.  My cough is back.  I am just waiting for the colds to come back and this is already an encore presentation. Geez! <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/sad.png">  I think that's why my head hurts because my cold is still trapped somewhere.  This ... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/63/Head_in_a_fog Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:30:00 -0000 Classic I was watching the <a href="http://jasonmagbanua.com/vanessa_rj.wmv">Onsite video</a> of the wedding of RJ Ledesma and Vanessa Pastor from <a href="http://jasonmagbanua.com/blog/2008/03/09/rj-ledesma-and-vanessa-pastor/">Jason Magbanua's site.</a>  He (Jason) posted the video of RJ's famous Royal Tru-Orange commercial in the late 80's and boy did it bring back memories.  If I know the exact year this was shown, I would know how many years it has been.  Vanessa, on the other hand was a model for Penshoppe and I think the very first batch.  I remember liking her before after seeing her photos from the print and tv ads of Penshoppe.  I may have even cut out her photos from newspapers and magazines.  <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/embarassed.png">  Yes, I was that into tv that I remember commercials and they were part of my viewing pleasure.  She was the girl with a hat on a boat with someone in one of the commercials.  I saw that particular clip again when I watched the photo montage that Jason Magbanua made for their wedding.  Wow!  It was nice seeing it again.  The RTO and the Penshoppe commercials are alread... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/62/Classic Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:43:00 -0000 Close-Up Classic TVC ( Closer You & I Theme ) This is a classic indeed. Close-Up has the most amazing commercials. Simple and yet they evoke so much emotions. This was one of those commercials that bring back so many memories. I was in high school then when this first came out. Cable was unheard of in Tacloban so we would rent tapes of TV shows from the local video store. I remember seeing this in one of the shows I was watching then. I loved it so much that I didnt return the tape anymore (shhhh) I dont know what happened to the tape. I wish to find a clearer copy. http://rayzajv.multiply.com/video/item/1/Close-Up_Classic_TVC_Closer_You_I_Theme_ Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:29:43 -0000 updates and more updates My lips are dry and chapped and a bit painful.  I hope it just badly needs some lip balm and not an indication of something hmmm like a fever. People at home are coughing and sneezing again.  Oh my!  Some people call it the "winter virus" because it never seems to go away.  Its like the waves in the ocean..it comes and goes..comes and goes..never really leaving. My throats is itchy again.  I really hope that I am not getting anything or coming down with anything again.  I know I need to rest and for some strange reason I only get to do that when I am about to get sick.  But I promise this time I will really take better care of myself.  Its my birthday month, I don't want to be sick on my birthday.  My head hurts  and it feels heavy too! ********** I think I may have unconsciously (and partially) given up tv watching for Lent.  Almost everyone I know has given up something for Lent except for my sister and myself.  We didn't give... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/61/updates_and_more_updates Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:50:00 -0000 Friday afternoon eclipse Why is it that most work-related problems appear on Fridays?  Why is it that I am busiest during Fridays? Grrr!  Today was no exception.  I had to put my "game face" on and its not helping that the OM (the same one) is stressing out.  Hmm hello I already answered pretty much all the questions of the inspector.  All she (OM) needs to do is prep the supporting documents needed.  Shouldn't I be the one stressing out? But anyway, my whole stressful Friday was overshadowed by this news... <a href="http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/02/22/daniel-henney-agent-zero/">Daniel Henney is Agent Zero in "Wolverine"</a>.  Okay, I am not going to pretend I know who "Agent Zero" is. I know "Wolverine" though from the X-Men cartoons and movies.   But I know nothing about "Agent Zero".  All I know is I like Daniel Henney enough to get to know "Agent Zero" <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/wink.png">  I have followed his career ever since he started on the Korean Drama "My Name Is Kim Sam Soon".  He has improved and has gotten good breaks.  Him, getting casted for ... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/57/Friday_afternoon_eclipse Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:33:00 -0000 Ang Waiter I am so excited to read that one of my favorite bloggers, <a href="http://www.waiterrant.net/">WaiterRant</a> is coming out with a book.  In fact, it is already about to be released - August 2008.  I am really excited to get a copy of this book.  I am sure like his posts, this book will be full of his sarcasm, cynicism and wit.  I have mentioned it before that since reading his blog, I have been more sensitive to the servers at restaurants.  I hope more people find humor and lessons from his stories through this book.  It would be a nice and subtle gift to those I know who are not so nice to waiters. <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/wink.png">  <img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.rayzajv.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R73uwAoKCooAAAbDraU1/BookPIC3sm.jpg?et=VUYqKrWoQcmda5DCQ%2CmZHQ&nmid=" border="0"> http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/56/Ang_Waiter Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:30:00 -0000 Sumalyay (Sommelier) I am not going to pretend that I know wines or that I am so fond of it when up until four years ago I have never had a glass of it.  When benefits of red wine to reducing cholesterol came to light, my relatives even my grandma, started drinking red wine.  I wasn't one of those who got all giddy and excited and I would usually just drink it when a glass is shoved at me.  I drink a few sips and pass it on to my uncle or cousin.  That is until I started getting the hang of it.  It is an acquired taste at first.  But now I do know sorta the types of wines and I do prefer white over red.  I like the smoothness of the white.  Some reds can be so tart.  But I guess it depends on who makes it.  I've tasted red that I like and the names escape me now. <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/smile.png"> I haven't really gone out to buy for one my own.  I usually depend on my uncle, cousin or friends.  But after reading <a href="http://burntlumpia.typepad.com/burnt_lumpia/2008/02/filipino-wine.html#comments">Marvin's blog</a> about the very first Filipino family owned and ... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/55/Sumalyay_Sommelier Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:47:00 -0000 Yojie Shabu Shabu I didn't have plans for Valentines Day other than wanting to try fixing up my room. Thursdays are usually the day that I am by myself since my aunts and uncle go to their charismatic thing. Then B told me if I wanted to eat at Yojies because Eugene, a friend of ours was inviting. I didn't have plans and I haven't tried this restaurant so yeah sure. There was a good hour wait. What do you expect it was Valentines Day. The space was really tiny and the dining place was just in the middle of the space. There were tables along the walls but it was more for waiting rather than dining. Finally we got our seats. I guess because it was busy and it seems like there were only 3 people going around what looks like a 25 seating capacity oblong table, it took some time before we got the menus. Well, its not as if they had a complicated menu to begin with. It was just either "Shabu-shabu" which is plain boiling water or "Sukiyaki" which was the sweet one. The difference was only in ... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/reviews/item/3 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:12:53 -0000 Near the shallow end I found an evening bag that is of the same fabric and color as my purple shoes for this weekend's debut of my niece.  I got it on sale too. <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/smile.png">  At first, I didn't think it would match but I was hoping that at least be close to the color of shoes.  Its really hard to find a perfect match of accessories unless they come as a set so I was really pleased that they matched.  Its a bit small for me but its okay.  I would just have to make do with what I have. ********** Sunday will be so hectic.  I was hoping that all I need to do was just show up.  Then, my cousin asked me to take care of the back-up videocam.  Okay as if I know how to work one or ever worked with one.  I am scared that it will look like the movies "The Blairwitch Project" or "Cloverfield" in terms of video quality.  I think the party being in a boat is already worthy of a dose of Bonamine, I dont want them to need another one when they watch the video.  Well, as long as... http://rayzajv.multiply.com/journal/item/54/Near_the_shallow_end Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:22:00 -0000