My 2014 - Part 3

Yes, I am determined to keep this going.  I will still try to blog about my 2014 even if its already April 2015.

AUGUST (PART 1)

To continue, my August 2014 was awesome.  And it would probably deserve a whole blog post on its own.  Please bear with me as this will be a long blog post.

I really had a good start in August when I went to Cebu, together with family, to support my baby brother as he joined his first Ironman Competition.  I was also pretty much excited as it was my first time to stay at Shangri-la Mactan :)

We were off to a good start as we were in a plane with a whole bunch of participants, with their supporters.  We had a warm welcome arriving at Cebu.

And so off we went to Shangri-la.  We were impressed by the resort itself.  Although the room itself was not so amazing, the resort was quite impressive

First-timers!

After we had lunch, we went to the Expo area.  JJ stayed while my sister and I went around.  We went to the beach area and who did we see?

Yes, Matteo and Ryan!  My sister and I were just sitting when we heard some people talking about whether to approach someone and have a picture taken with them.  I heard one of them say "yung asawa ni Juday".  And a lightbulb in my head went on!

I am a big fan of Ryan Agoncillo since his Penshoppe days.  I was bummed when the Penshoppe models went to our school (Paolo Bediones' batch) way back in 1996 I guess, but Ryan was not around.  I saw Ryan at Bonifacio High Street from afar sometime in 2008 I think.  But not this up close and personal.  And so we approached Ryan and then, we noticed Matteo as well.  So, picture time!

Ako na jud ang na-happy!

May similarity ba kami ni Sarah?

My sister and I then gleefully went back to our room and who did we encounter near the elevator area?  It's Piolo!  Pagkagwapo na lang jud niya :)  He and his company were walking towards us and I just immediately grabbed my camera and asked if we could have a picture with him. Wala nang hiya-hiya! Yahoo!

Sino lang ang gi-kilig? Haha!

I also had a picture taken with the Pangilinan spouses.  We also saw other celebrities like Gretchen Fullido, Jennylyn Mercado, Kim Atienza, Paul Jake Castillo, Sen. Pia Cayetano, among other.  First day was a success indeed!  We even joked that we could now go home .. haha!

 Parang anak lang din nila ako .. haha!

The next day was the race itself.  I was so proud of my brother, being the youngest triathlete. Maka-inspire magtriathlon when you see all these people giving all their best.  It made me think what if I try?  So far, hanggang think lang .. haha!

Bike mo dira!

 At napicturan uli kita!

My baby brother in action

An article which featured by brother as youngest Ironman triathlete! So proud!

Team JJ 

Together with my sister and JJ, my mom and dad were also in full support as well as JJ's Ninang Grace.  And yes, I had the t-shirts printed to show our support!  JJ saw it on the day of the event! I kept it as a surprise from JJ, aside from the fact that I had it made the day before we left for Cebu as I really had no time before that.  Success!

Another icing on the cake was seeing some familiar faces I haven't seen years.  I saw Joy, who was a participant herself and who was part of our Kalaag group way back in 2005 when we had the time of our lives going around Luzon.  I also saw Jen, a former Accenture employee, who was there cheering for her husband.

Before the race with Joy!

Waiting at the finish line with Jen!

And this was just the start of my August 2014!

My 2013 - Part 2

My amazing 2013 journey continued ...

JULY

I still continued to study for the New York State Bar Exam. I wasn't able to finish all the materials I had at hand.  That made me nervous.  But I had to persevere.

So, off I went to the land of the US of A by myself 10 days before the exam.  From LA, I went straight to Albany. It was my first time to visit the capital city of the New York State and also my first time to travel to the US by myself.  Albany is a simple and quiet city, but very nice.  My mom followed just 2 days after the exam for my much needed moral support.

The experience is quite surreal as I took the exam not in a classroom but in a stadium.  Test areas are at the center court and the pathway near food stalls.

I find the New York State Bar Exam less hard than the Philippine Bar since it has lesser coverage and it is just a 2-day exam, unlike the 4 Sundays of the Philippine Bar Exam.

But you could not blame me if I was still nervous.  I had to make it worth it.

AUGUST

The day after the New York State Bar Exam, my mom and I went to New York City - concrete jungle where dreams are made of.  We watched Mamma Mia, went around the streets of New York, visited Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the MET, and walked around Central Park.  I also met Zachary Levi.

And that was just during the first 2 days of August.  Off we went to LA to spend time with my sister and her adorable daughter, Ally.

I then went to visit my aunt and her family at San Diego.  I also went there to take the Multi-Professional Responsibility Exam.  I reviewed for it for a week.  I decided to take it in San Diego since I figured I could study more there than with Ally, because I know I will play with her often .. haha.  But I truly had a great time with my cousins at San Diego.  And I am pretty sure I gained a lot of weight as well :)

SEPTEMBER

And so I went back to my beloved Philippines.  I went to my daily grind of reporting to our office.  While I was away, our office had a renovation.  I am really proud of my mom for her knack in designing everything.

I had a lighter teaching load with just my Sales class in law school.

By middle of September, the MPRE results were out.  And I passed!  Thank you Lord :)

OCTOBER

October is the bar exam month in the Philippines.  As it were in the past years, I then went to Manila for Bar Operations to give support to our students.  This was my first batch of students who took the Bar Exams.  I really pray that they do well.  I also pray that my dear friends who took the same will also pass this time around.

And on the 30th day of this month, I found out that I passed the New York State Bar Exam!  Amazing talaga si Lord :)

NOVEMBER

November was not that much great for the Philippines for Yolanda struck.  The news was really disheartening.  I was relieved when I found out that a law school classmate of ours survived it.

But aside from the devastation, I think the bigger news was the help extended to the Philippines from across all nations.  I just hope and pray that their help would really be extended for such purpose.  May GOD bless the lives of all the concerned citizens all over the world.

It was also in November when I get to attend a wedding of a law school friend.  I was glad to meet up with my first year batch mates.

DECEMBER

'Tis the season to be jolly.

My aunt for Saudi was around from November until first week of December.

I was able to attend the IBP Palaro/Christmas Party and I had fun that night.  Next time, i-career ko na .. hehe

I did not get to attend a number of parties, though.  The reason is that by December 21st, we already left for Australia, where we spent our Christmas and New Year with my dear sisters, Johanna and Jessica.

I will try to post a separate blog for our Aussie trip.  But I hope these pictures will do for now.

Pretty amazing 2013 huh?  And I only have GOD to thank you for it.

Looking forward to a blessed 2014 :)

Sightings

If you know me really well, then you do know that I'm a big celebrity fan as I have personally handwritten a number of fan letters to celebrities across the globe.  And I have been lucky to get a number of replies as well.

I said to myself before that if I see my favorite local celebrities, I surely would get a picture with them.  If it's a Hollywood celebrity, an autograph would suffice. 

But I have to tell you that I'm immensely shy when they're right there in front of me.  Yes, I need back-up in times like that.

Anyhow, I had a number of celebrity encounters in my latest trip.  I guess I could say that among all my trips, I had quite a haul this time.

As I was lining up for immigration, I saw Venus Raj.  I realized later that we were taking the same flight and that she was just seated a few seats from me - I could see her as she reclined her chair, just 2 seats away from me.  Anyway, all I can say is that she is really tall and slim.  And as far as I can see, she does not seem that "maarte".

On the day I left Albany, 98 Degrees, New Kids on the Block and Boyz 2 Men were going to have their concert in the same venue where I took my exam.  Unfortunately, I did not see any of them.  I then had my hopes high as my mom and I made a side trip to New York City.  

And I sure had a close encounter with no other than Zachary Levi of the Chuck TV Series.  I watch it every now and then, and I really like him.  Anyhow, he was having his Broadway Show, First Date, right beside the hotel where we were staying.  On our last night, as we were going back to the hotel, there he was, having his picture taken with those who watched the show.  I immediately gave to my mom the camera so she could take the picture.  

I tried my luck and asked him if I could have a picture with him.  Oh, yes! I was truly nervous!  He asked if I watched the show and I answered "no" (honest ako!).  And he said it would be unfair to those who watched the show if I would have a picture with him. I said that I'm a big fan from the Philippines and he replied that I should watch the show tomorrow.  (Yes, we were really having a conversation!) I told him that we were already leaving the next day (which is true) and he said that I should be back to watch the show and said he was sorry.  Believe me - he seemed so genuinely apologetic and so kind.  I get his point.  Sayang lang jud!  

My hands were really cold and clammy and my heart was really beating fast that time.  I was one of the 2 or 3 people left.  And he said his goodbyes and left.  I explained it to my mom what just happened and asked her if she was able to take a picture nevertheless.  Apparently, she could not figure out how to make the camera work as it suddenly turned off.  This is the only picture I have ...

Yes, that's Zachary Levi in white shirt and that is me with that big arm and pink shirt.  Oh, well!  At least, I have this one.  And yes, Zachary Levi is tall and handsome and not geeky as I expected him to be (the Chuck effect).

We then flew to LA and then to San Diego.  Together with my Aunt's family, we went to Legoland, where there is also a water park.

While sitting and just waiting for my cousins to finish swimming, my aunt ran to me and said that Lou Diamond Phillips was just right there.  And yes, I saw him with shorts and no shirt on with his wife and daughter - yup, just like any ordinary family.  Some may have noticed him and he just seemed so normal there.

When I saw my uncle, who chaperoned his children by the kiddie pool, he told me that he was the one who noticed Lou Diamond Phillips.  Apparently, both of them were looking over their daughters at the swimming pool.  My cousin was even playing with Lou Diamond Phillip's daughter.  When my uncle noticed him, my uncle said "LDP" to him (they were just near each other), LDP acknowledged him and fist bumped with my uncle!

My uncle asked my aunt if she was able to take a picture of LDP.  My aunt said she forgot since she was totally nervous .. haha!

Anyway, I was back in LA and my sister brought me to The Grove where Extra TV is shot daily.  And yes, we saw Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos.  I was not able to take a picture with them because they were quite busy.  I think I did not see them taking picture with any of the fans that day.

Yes, that's Mario Lopez.  He looks good but I think he looks better on TV

 (Maybe because he had too much make-up at that time for tv purposes)

And that's Maria Menounos - she is indeed pretty and sexy (very slim!)

We then went to Santa Monica Place and my sister mentioned she saw Shannen Doherty there one time.

As I was just sitting in the Promenade, I then saw this Beverly Hills 90210 guy right in front me (yes, he was really close).  I told my sister "si Beverly Hills 90210" repeatedly.  I forgot his name!  Haha!  My sister then called her husband and told him about the Beverly Hills 90210 guy (yes, complete name ng show jud!).  My sister then searched the net for his name and we realized he was Ian Ziering!  He was a bit old but still recognizable (to me at least!).  My brother-in-law mentioned that it was a good thing I noticed him because he looks old (But of course, the show was so long ago!)  He then asked if we want to have a picture with Ian Ziering.  My sister and I said it was not necessary.  My sister even said it's okay if we don't get to have a picture with him because he does not have a movie.  My brother-in-law then searched the net through his phone and mentioned that he was in Sharknado.  I said I'll let it pass since he was with family.  He had his little daughter with him, as well as his wife and some relatives.  I did not bother to take a picture of him from afar.  My brother-in-law did but I forgot to ask him to send it to me as well.

Yes, I guess I could say "naka-quota" ako.  Before this trip, the only close encounter I had with a Hollywood celebrity (outside of concerts) was the one with Geoffrey Rush when we saw him at Melboure Aquarium with his family.  He was in Australia at that time as he just promoted "Finding Nemo" sometime in 2003 or 2004.  But we did not have any picture with him.

Anyway, in my flight back to the Philippines, as I was talking my luggage from the overhead bin, Amanda Page was just right beside me.  I'm not sure if you still remember her.  But all I can say that she was really pretty and she did not seem that old.

That's it for now.  Hoping for more sightings in my next travel.

The Avengers

I know. We have all watched it! We all had a great time!

So, there we are on the 2nd day of showing and on the 2nd row.

I love the movie! It was fun and a true joy ride! I am not a comic book fan and all I did was watched the first few movies (except the Hulk ones).

I am a fan of ensembles, cameos and all-star cast. So, this was really great for me!

Let me just break it down for you:

IRON MAN - I'm pretty sure that no one will disagree with me that Robert Downey, Jr. fits this role to a T. I love his lines and how he says it - quick, funny and a lot of sense! In a normal world, he would probably one of the persons you'll hate for his ego. But in this movie, he is such a character. I'm not a big fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, but I have to give it to her for staying in the franchise and being part of all of these as Pepper Potts.

CAPTAIN AMERICA - He is a heartthrob! When I first found out that he was going to be Captain America, I was not totally sold out since he is already Johnny Storm / Human Torch in the Fantastic Four. Different characters! Anyway, I enjoyed Captain America. And I love his role, being the old one, in the Avengers!

THE HULK - I'm not a fan of the two previous Hulk movies. I haven't really watched those two. When I heard that Mark Ruffalo was going to play the Hulk, a number of people weren't really sold out. I can't really blame them since there were already two previous actors who played that part and Mark Ruffalo who? For many, he may not be familiar. But I adored him in Just Like Heaven and 13 Going on 30. And I continue to adore him the Avengers. I love his scenes!

THOR - I watched the Thor movie and it was okay, not really amazing. I just don't have the same emotions as some who go ga-ga over him. But you got to love the accent .. hehe. And Chris Hemsworth really has similarities with Brad Pitt. But I am not a fan of Brad Pitt.

HAWKEYE - Another character that I only knew because of this movie. I liked Jeremy Renner in Mission Impossible 4 : Ghost Protocol and I am so looking forward to his Bourne movie. And in the Avengers movie, he never runs out of arrows .. amazing! He must be an heir of Legolas!

BLACK WIDOW - I'm not a big fan of Scarlett Johansson, although I don't hate her. I like her role in the film, being the only girl in the Avengers. And she sure has the skills!

NICK FURY - Samuel L. Jackson fits the role. Enough said!

AGENT COULSON - Aside from Nick Fury, this was one of the ever present character. And I just love it that despite of being in a top secret agency, he is a fan of Captain America!

AGENT MARIA HILL - Robin, Robin, Robin! It was only while watching the movie when I learned that Robin is part of this cool flick. Robin as in Robin from How I Met My Mother! I try to catch some episodes every now and then. It is just so fun to see her in a different light. She's different but still the same Robin (the voice!)!

I can't wait for the Avengers 2!

Toy Story

President-elect Noynoy Aquino doll

If ever a doll is to be made inspired by me, I think it would look like this .. hehe.
This was may cake topper.

Admittedly, these two hardly look like the originals.
But do admit that both are you cute.

At least, I have something in common with PNoy.

Smile!