Anukayayun

Nice + Cannes

2012-02-10T13:58:00.000+08:00

The French Riviera conjures up images of sunshine, glamour, beautiful people, sand, super cars, turquoise waters, perfumeries, casinos, cafes and expensive beach clubs. The Riviera won't dissapoint you.

Also known as the "Cote d' Azur". Main destinations include Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Monaco.

Nice "Queen of the Riviera"

She is the largest of the cities on the Cote d' Azur. Stroll from the famous Promenade or even roller blade if your keen. Hire blades from the "roller station" on the beach front. The beach is pebbly! So be warned you've got to work your way in to get comfy.

The beach as with the others on the Riviera is home to several beach clubs. These are set up on the beach with restaurants, beach chairs, umbrellas and waiter service. You pay for the privilege but if you're only here once why not!

Flash clubs can cost around 40 euros to hire a chair and umbrella for the day with half day rates available also. Cheaper alternatives can come as low as 6 -8 euros for a chair. There are free sections scattered along the beach where you can set up your towel for the day!

Buy a baguette and crape and have yourself a picnic! Loads of women go topless so to all perverts, watch out! Lol.(have to warn you it's not always young attractive Frenchies!) There are some men on speedos also!

The old town toward the eastern end of town (left when you're looking at the sea) is amazing. There are winding cobblestone streets with all sorts of shops, markets, restaurants and cafes. Climb the stairs to Le Chateau/Fortress at the eastern end of the beach for post card photos across the city, and beachfront. Shopping along Avenue Jean Medecin runs inland from the promenade to the train station. You'll find departments stores, some designer labels and some reasonably priced shop as well.

Cannes (pronounced can as in "can of coke")

Home of the Cannes International Film Festival which takes place in mid-May. Smaller and with a more intimate atmosphere than Nice, Cannes truly does ooze the wealth you'd expect from the Riviera.

Cannes is the place to see and be seen. The beach is better here since it's sandy compared to the pebbly beach of Nice. The palm tree lined Promenade is another place to strut your stuff or drop some serious cash in the many designer stores and hotels along the main road.

Coldie's Tip: When travelling to or from Nice and Cannes make sure you get on the right train. Trains going towards Cannes leave from the seaside platform. Trains for Nice and Monaco leave from the inland side of the platform.

You must validate your ticket before getting on the train. It's very handy to have coins on you for the train otherwise you might have to wait a while to buy from the ticket booth.

Always bring your passport, police officials ramdomly check ID's especially at the train station.

Monaco

2012-01-28T11:16:00.000+08:00

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. The streets are impeccably clean( with ferraris everywhere!)and the crime is minimal (CCTV cameras in every street).

Monaco is located on the Mediterranean coast near the French Italian border, but the Principality is circled by France and is usually considered as part of the French Riviera, yet it is it's own country.

There are no airports in Monaco. Most of the people who live in Monaco arrive by car from France or Italy, or by plane at Nice Airport (30 minutes away in the French city of Nice) and then transfer.

From Nice airport you can transfer to Monaco either by car, bus, or helicopter (10 minutes flight for the price of a taxi ride and the helicopter company has a van which can drop you off in town). Another option is to arrive by train directly at the underground Monaco train station

From the well-renowned Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix and the luxurious Monte-Carlo Casino complex, Monaco intrigues one by its glamour and the different way of living.

Had to go into the Grand Casino and see what's the view inside (cameras were not allowed) You have to pay 10 euros for the entrance and have your passport or driving licence ready. Minimum bet 10 euros at tables and they have slot machines too.

If you've been to any US casino, this is a different one. The public area is very calm and serene. Masyadong seryoso ang mga tao dito. There are only about 15 gaming tables open to "public" play. All of the action goes on in the private salons.

If you're in Monte Carlo you have to go to the casino and please don't show up in jeans and a t-shirt magmumukha kang pulubi as in literal na pulubi. Hahaha! The place oozes class and history, so dress up well, para kunyaring mayaman. lol

Interesting Facts about Monaco

It takes only 56 minutes for the average person to walk the width of the entire country!

Monaco is known as a ‘city-state’. This means that it is a country with all the population living in one city.

Only 33,000 people live in Monaco.

Most people who live in Monaco are wealthy foreigners as Monaco does not tax individuals.

The Monaco Gran Prix has been held in Monaco since 1929. It takes six weeks to set up the circuit and three weeks to remove it!

The official currency is the euro. It was introduced in 2002.

The official religion is Roman Catholic.

The flag is identical to the Indonesian flag.

Monaco has no navy or air force.

They have a small military with just over 100 people.

Monaco has the highest number of police per person than any country (just over 500 police for 33,000 people).

Monaco is the world’s smallest French speaking country.

France is responsible for defending Monaco if it is attacked by another nation.

Kwentong Monaco

Habang nakapila ako sa ticketing booth para bumili ng ticket ng train papuntang Cannes, biglang may tumapik sa sa likod ko at sinabing "Kuya pwedeng pauna muna kasi mali yung binigay na ticket sa akin ng train". Isang pinoy ang nasa likod ko, na pawis na pawis na halatang tumakbo. "Oo ba!" sabi ko at nagpasalamat naman siya pagkatapos.

Tinanong niya kung saan ako pupunta, sabi ko sa Cannes at siya naman sa Antibes at umalis na siya. Nasa kabilang side ako ng train, ng bigla niyang tinaas ang kamay niya at sinabing nasa mali akong direksyon. Kaya nagmadali akong lumipat sa kabila.

At dahil masaya akong nakakakita ng Pinoy, nakipagkwentuhan na lang ako sa kanya sa train. Tinanong ko sa kanya kung matagal na ba siya sa Monaco. Sabi niya, hindi raw siya taga doon, naghahanap lang siya ng trabaho. Si Joel ay isang seaman na tumalon ng barko upang magbakasaling makahanap ng trabaho. Sabi niya, ang hirap ng trabaho nila sa barko, parang halos 24- hour silang gising at ang baba pa ng sahod. Hindi raw niya matagalan yung ganung sistema.

Sabi ko naman, asan na ang gamit mo? Yun lang palang nasa backpack niya ang gamit niya at sa kung sino sinong pinoy na lang siya nakikitulog. Bilang kapalit nagiging utusan o di kaya tagalinis siya ng apartment nila at kung susuwertihin, may nakukuha raw siyang extrang trabaho sa mga yate. Pero ang nakakalungkot, walang permanente.

Hindi ka ba natatakot at baka mahuli ka? Sabi ko. Lakasan na lang daw ng loob kesa bumalik siya sa Pilipinas at magutom ang pamilya niya. Wala daw trabaho dun. Si Joel ay galing Bicol at may dalawang anak, siguro nasa late 20's or early 30's na siya. Nagulat lang ako, at tinawag niya akong kuya, feeling ko kasi mas matanda siya sa akin. Hahaha!

Nararamdaman ko na sobrang lungkot at gipit sa pera si Joel. Base sa istorya niya, kanino- kanino na lang siyang humihingi ng tulong. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng awa. Bilang isang taong galing sa hirap, alam ko kung ano ang pinag-daraanan niya.

Bago siya bumaba, nag-abot ng konting tulong ang kuya niyo. Bahala na kung naloko ako sa kwento niya pero wala na akong pakialam. Kesa naman gastusin ko lang yun kung saan, kay Joel malaking bagay na yun para sa kanya.

Florence + Pisa

2012-01-18T23:32:00.000+08:00

Set on the River Arno, Florence is the capital and principal city of Italy’s Tuscany's region. Florence is a Renaissance city famous for its art and architecture. You'll find history and culture in every corner, tucked among the city's many piazzas, beautiful churches and fascinating museums.

If you’re a history and art buffs you should save a major portion of your trip in Florence.

In this post, I’ll try to give you a little guide and tips based on my experience and my handy guide book.

Duomo and Campanile- open 7 days but 1:30pm to 4:45pm on Sundays.

This giant cathedral dominates the skyline of Florence. Completed in the early 1400’s you’ll be amazed at the intricate detail and painting like contrast of the various types of marble used to complete the facade. The imposing domed designed by Brunelleschi is arguably the third largest in the world (only St. Pauls in London and St. Peters in Rome are larger) You can climb the 400+ stairs to the top of the dome for fantastic views of the terracotta buildings making up Florence. You can also climb the bell tower (Campanile) standing next to the Duomo.

Galleria dell’ Academia- closed Mondays

This gallery is a must see for one reason and one reason only. Michelangelo’s “David” is the Mona Lisa of the sculpture world. David certainly holds the title of the most recognizable statue in the history of art and has become regarded as a symbol both of strength and youthful human beauty. The marble statue portrays David at the moment that he decides to do battle with Goliath. I just have the chance to photograph the replica of David, it’s all over the city. Expect long lines at the gallery.

Piazza Della Signoria

Picturesque square full of statues. The Palazzo Vecchio (old palace) is the backdrop of this tourist focal point in Florence. The former home to the ruling Medici Family, the palace and its apartments can be visited at the balcony also featured in the movie Hannibal.

Ponte Vecchio

The entire atmosphere around Ponte Vecchio is so buzzing. The jewerly shops are amazing but expensive. Though the area is a little crowded, but how many times do you get to walk on bridge that was originally built in 1300's.

Remember that restaurants have separate prices for food to go (take out) versus sit down service, don't try to sit at a table after paying for food or coffee from the restaurant's to go booth. Also ask always beforehand for the price if you want to sit at a table. Otherwise you might be uncomfortably surprised. Cappuccino on standing up might cost €3-4, but at a table it's €5.

The best lunch places don't always turn out to be the best dinner places. Dinner in Florence really starts sometime between 7PM and 9PM. If a place looks like they're preparing to close before 8PM, it might not be the best option for dinner. Reheated pasta is not very tasty.

Shopping in Florence is excellent but the city closes down on Sundays. If it’s Sunday, go to museums! Weekdays, go shopping! You’ll get a lot to see just by walking around. Try a Florentine steak when you’re hungry or hit up at least 3 scoops of gelato!

Learn Basic Italian:

Hello ----Buon giorno/ Ciao------Bwon joarno/ chow

Goodbye-----Arrivederci/Ciao-----Ahrreevaydeechee/chow

Yes/No------Si/No------ over, obvious na to! Lol

Please-------Per favour------pair fahvoaray

Do you speak English?----Parla inglese?----pahlah eenglaysay?

How are you?-----Come sta?------ koamay stah?

Fine thanks------Bene grazie------bainay graatseeay

How much?-----Quanto?-------kwahntoa?

Thank you----Grazie-----graatseeay

Leaning tower of Pisa

The construction of the tower started in the year 1173 and was a bell tower for the cathedral right next to it. But what has made it famous is that it is...well, leaning. According to the guidebook the tower started leaning over soon after the construction. In the end it was leaning over so much that they had to close it for several years for safety reasons.

When we walked into the area known as Campo dei Miracoli I was surprised to see that the tower was only a small part of the complex. There are hundreds of small souvenir shops selling t-shirts, small models of the leaning towers etc. We just walked around for a while, took some pictures of the tower and the other buildings and OK, I admit it, I also took some goofy and naughty pictures of me. That’s the beauty of being a tourist right?

We will be in Monaco on my next post!

The Vatican

2012-01-06T10:40:00.001+08:00

One of the things I was looking forward to was the visit to the Vatican. No, I’m not very religious but who has not heard about the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Church and the Pope. I guess it has all become much more “famous” after Dan Brown’s book “The Da Vinci Code” (yes, I have read it but that was long before I knew I was going to the Vatican).

As the smallest independent state in the world, it’s easy to pretend that a visit to Vatican City during your stay in Rome doesn’t involve leaving the country of Italy.The Catholic Church is the whole reason for the existence of Vatican City whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome.

We got up early to get to the museum on a guided tour. The line outside the Vatican museum was already starting to grow. The museum entrance is located on the right hand side of St. Peter’s. Before I forget, remember that there is a dress code when going inside no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed.

For me, the highlight of the entire tour is the Sistine Chapel. There are works of arts on the walls and every ceiling of the museum but Michelangelo’s works beat them all. When we got in, I was surprised that it was really small.The chapel was crowded and there was a buzzing sound caused by all the people talking to each other about the frescos.

Photography was not allowed. The guards will approach you when they found people taking pictures or filming. And since your kuya coldie is likas na matigas ang ulo, I stole a quick couple of shots. Sorry po. But even if there were a few distractions it is still safe to say that the Sistine chapel is quite breathtaking. Sobrang iba talaga yung feeling. You have to see it to experience it.

According to wikipedia, the ceiling is made up of many small frescos that show stories from the bible and was made around 1512. The Last Judgement on the one wall is also quite amazing and Michelangelo worked on this piece between 1508 and 1512.

By this point we were a bit exhausted as we had seen treasures like nowhere else. But we were not done with the tour yet. The last building we were going to visit was the St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s biggest church.The church was built on the site of St. Peter’s tomb.

One of the unique pieces you will find here is The Pieta, the famous marble statue by Michelangelo. I had a hard time taking photos on the statue due to the crowds, the light and the fact that it is kept behind a glass wall.

It was a bit difficult to keep up with our tour guide and as my eyes constantly glided towards the huge dome (also by Michelangelo) and the rays of light that came in through the windows created an almost divine effect. It is hard to really understand the size of the dome until you see the people that are walking around up there.

After the tour, we decided to go up and see the Dome (entrance is not free, but it's worth it) The elevator brings you to the bottom of the dome from where a small, long and mostly spiraling staircase brings you to the top of the dome.

From there you have a magnificent view of Rome and St. Peter's Square in particular, which is called the key hole square.

In the Vatican you’re a bound to notice the Swiss guards. These are the protectors of the Vatican and the Pope. Today there are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to join this force: you have to be Swiss, catholic (of course), have attended military school in Switzerland, at least 5'8 tall, single etc. I find it fascinating that someone volunteers to join a force where you have to dress up like a clown.

I’m sorry, but I can’t help think that their colorful outfits must make it difficult to get respect from visitors. We saw quite a number of people posing with the guards and some of them didn’t look that pleased with being a side show for tourists.

Unfortunately, the Pope was in Germany when we were there.

Coldie's Tip: Discreetly exit the Sistine Chapel through the "group exit" (with your back to the altar and the "The Last Judgement" exit via the right door) to gain immediate access to St. Peters cathedral. This will avoid a long walk back and huge queues.

On Metro: Ride Line A "Ottaviano-S. Pietro. Follow signs along "via Ottaviano" until you see Vatican walls. Keep the perimeter wall on your right for St. Peters Square and your left for the Vatican Museum entrance.

Arrive early to avoid long lines. Also beware of your security on the metro and crowded tourist areas, pick pockets and scammers alert!

I've been busy these past holidays, so allow me to greet you all a very Happy New Year!

When In Rome

2011-12-23T10:01:00.003+08:00

Rome is one classical destinations along with places like Paris, Venice and New York City in my opinion. Getting around in Rome was not that difficult. The inner city of Rome is not that big so it is possible to cover a lot of the city on foot. Rome has an organized Metro system, taking the metro is just as easy as metros in New York and Hong Kong if you know how to read maps.

It is easy to get from one places to anothe like Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) and Colosseum. Just be sure to catch the train in the right direction.

There is a lot of talk about Roman (and Italian) drivers being a bit agressive.But we didn’t have that much trouble when walking around in Rome. In bigger intersections there are traffic lights but remember the green light doesn’t last very long so better keep and eye on the traffic lights because the pedestrians are not the boss around the streets of Rome.

I think most people have heard about the Colosseum (also known as Colosseo) through history lessons or movies (like Gladiator). The “real” name is actually Flavian Amphitheater (due to the Flavian emperors at the time) but it was later called Colosseo due to a colossal statue of Nero which was located at the amphitheater in ancient times. Well, the rest is history I guess.

As most of you know the Colosseum became home to gladiator fights, exotic animals fighting etc. But over the years this beautiful building declined due to earthquakes.

Some say that it is a bit of an anti-climax to come inside the Colosseum. Sure, if you expect to see interior like in “Gladiator”. But we knew that there were more ruins waiting for us inside but I still found it spectacular.

Remember to find the stairs and get to the higher lever and enjoy the view.

We started to walk with the Arch of Constantine which is located right next to the Colosseum then walked again to the Forum which is the heart of ancient Rome. I will not go into details about the ruins that you find in the Forum because I know you'll get bored.

It didn’t take us long to get on the track of the Pantheon.The area around the Pantheon is buzzing with life.Along the edges of the piazza there are restaurants and coffee shops.

Rome has an amazing amount of fountains and one of the most famous one is the Trevi fountain. If you've seen the crappy movie When in Rome, this is where Kristine Bell stole the coin. I think most people will understand why it is so popular when they get there because it is huge and beautiful.

The only problem is of course that every other tourist in Rome seems to be there and it was too crowded The legend has it that if you throw a coin into this fountain it guarantees your return to Rome…hmmm, I have to admit that I never got around to that but I do hope that I will return to Rome one day. The Trevi fountain is well worth a visit but remember that it will probably be quite crowded so it is hard to take good pictures of the place.

Piazza Navona...the shape of the piazza is long and thin and this is due to the fact that it is built on the ground of an old circus…Circus Domitianus.

The piazza was very lively as it has lots of restaurants along the edges and there were lots of people trying to sell everything from blinking flying saucers to fake brand name hand bags.

In the middle of the piazza you will find the most spectacular of the fountains in the piazza: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (fountain of the 4 rivers) designed by Bernini. According to the guidebook the 4 giants represents the great rivers of the time (Ganges, Danube, Nile and River Plate).

Piazza di Spagna or the Spanish Steps is so crowded. After walking through some of Rome it was nice to sit down on the steps (even if the stone was quite warm from the blazing sun) and relax and look at all the people. I’m not sure if I would call the Spanish steps a disappointment but if you are only in Rome for a short period of time then it shouldn’t be at the top of the list. As with the other main attractions in Rome it was of course quite crowded and it was even hard to see the fountain at the bottom of the steps as there were so many people resting on it.

If you want to get some shopping done you can try the area around the Spanish steps but I guess you have to be prepared to cough up a bit of money beacuse shops here were tad expensive.

I have heard some horror stories from others that have gone to Rome. Pick-pockets, credit card fraud etc are just some of the keywords. So I was of course a bit sceptical before walking in the streets. Actually, I always put my wallet in my front pocket. Like elsewhere, keep an eye on your valuables in crowded places and you should be fine.

Obviously Rome has some world known attractions that had to be visited. I had an amazing stay in the Eternal City and there was so much to see and do. After you have seen all the well known monuments, churches, fountain, piazzas etc there is still a lot more to see.

And if you get tired along the way there are plenty of places where you can relax, enjoy the fantastic Italian cuisine, the excellent Italian gelato or drink some good coffee.

Have a meaningful Christmas everyone! Be thankful and grateful for all your blessings!

Venice, Italy

2011-12-09T10:35:00.000+08:00

Isa sa mga pinapangarap kung puntahan bukod sa Paris, ay ang Venice. Sobra akong namangha sa lugar matapos kong mapanood ang The Italian Job at The Tourist (kung saan naging instant crush ko sa Angelina Jolie, sobrang ganda niya kasi dito).

Sabi nila ibaba ko raw ang expectation ko pag pumunta ako dito para di ako ma- disappoint. Madumi. Madaming Tao. Mabaho. Mahal ang mga bilihin. Pero sa totoo lang, wala akong reklamo. Hindi naman ako disappointed, kasi matagal akong naghintay na makarating dito. Maganda pa rin ang Venice. May kakaibang aura yung lugar. Para bang magic! Visually charming! Kaya sobra akong nag-enjoy sa pagkuha ng mga litrato.

Pagbaba ng Italy, kinailangan naming sumakay sa isang water taxi o di kaya water bus, ito yung parang super cat kung nakapunta na kayo sa Puerto Galera alam niyo ang sinasabi ko. Ang Venice kasi ay parang island, parang Boracay lang pero technically, maraming maliliit na island ang Venice at isa sa mga island na yun ay connected sa isang bridge papuntang mainland Italy. Pero ang the best way na papunta dun ay mga sasakyang pandagat. Ang gulo lang ng explanation ko! Hahaha!

Isa lang ang naging problema ko sa lugar na ito, madali kang maligaw. Kahit na may mapa ako, hindi ko ito nagamit kasi ang daming narrow streets, alleys at footbridges. Malilito ka lang.

Pero simple lang ang solusyon dito, may tatlong key spots para di ka maligaw. Ito ang San Marco, Accademia at Rialto. Kung pabalik ka ng St. Mark Square, i- follow mo lang yung sign na San Marco. Halos lahat kasi ng sign sa alley ay yung tatlong yan. Di mo yan mami- miss kasi may yellow arrow na nakapinta sa mga walls ng building.

So pag pumunta kayo ng Venice, ito ang kailangan na gawin niyo: kumain ng gelato, sumakay sa gondola at kumain ulit ng pizza at pasta!

Interesting facts about Venice:

Venice really is built on water

Standard hours for shops are 9am to 12:30pm and 3 to 7:30pm Monday to Saturday. In winter, shops are closed on Monday morning, while in summer it's usually Saturday afternoon.

Restaurants are required to close at least 1 day a week and it's called il giorno di riposo.

Venice's patron saint, San Marco (St. Mark), is honored on April 25.

Over 15 million tourists visit Venice each year.

May, June, September, and early October are the best months with respect to weather to visit (and the most crowded). July and August are hot -- at times, unbearably so. April and late October/early November are hit-or-miss; it can be either glorious or cool and rainy.

Venice has around 150 canals connected by 409 bridges, and over 3000 alleyways on the 117 islands. Basically every time you see a bridge it is connecting two islands.

The city is packed full of little stores in every corner and crevice. The most common local specialties are Carnival masks, glass and marbled paper.

Venice has no sewer system; household waste flows into the canals and is washed out into the ocean twice a day with the tides.

Gondolas are hand made using 8 different types of wood (fir, oak, cherry, walnut, elm, mahogany, larch and lime) and are composed of 280 pieces. The oars are made of beech wood and the left side of the gondola is made longer than the right side to counterbalance the weight of the gondolier.

A “calle” is a street, a “compo” is a square and there is only one compo large enough to be called a piazza in Venice – San Marco Piazza.

The canals are the roads of this city. Either you walk to where you need to go or you ride on the water.

There is a railway line and an automobile passage but not directly in the city itself. It is the one place in Europe that can be considered to be free of cars and the most environmentally friendly town.

Not many of us might know that Venice is slowly sinking. Reports say that the city has sunk by about seven centimeters a century for the past 1000 years, and has subsided over 24 centimeters in the past century alone.

The Venetian buildings are constructed on closely spaced wood piles. The wood piles penetrate the soft layer of sand/mud, and rest upon the solid compressed clay that underlied the lagoon islands. The foundation lies on the piles, and buildings of brick or stone sit above these.

Famous people associated with Venice include Titian, Tintoretto, Marco Polo and Vivaldi.

The word ciao, originally from Venetian language, was adopted by Italians and later entered the English vocabulary where it is mostly used as goodbye.

The famous Venice Carnival starts around 2 weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday. During the carnival, Venetians and visitors alike dress up in the oddest of ways. Some of the highlights include mask parade in St.Marks Square, gondola/boat parades along Grand Canal and grand fireworks show on the final day.

Venice Film festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. Started in 1932, the festival has since taken place every year in the Venetian island Lido, during late August or early September. The main awards are Golden Lion for the best film and Volpi cup for the best actor.

Venice is safe, while there is not much night life, some watering holes do stay open till late at night. But take care, noise nuisance is something the locals take very seriously.

A 40-minute gondola ride should cost 80 euros for a maximum of 6 people. For each additional 20 minutes it costs 40 euros on top of that. Evening gondola rides after 7pm cost 100 euros for 40 minutes and 50 euros for every additional 20 minutes.

Many Venice residents need a boat to work. 1 in 2 families possess a pleasure boat.

Venice is the only European city (and one of the few in the world) to have its public transport entirely on the water.

The historic city centre of Venice is divided into six quarters (sestieri) – Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Marco, San Polo and Santa Croce.

If you want to travel to Venice, there are several options: By car, plane, boat and train.

If by car, Venice can be reached from Germany, Austria or Switzerland via the Tauern motorway or the St. Gotthard tunnel. The motorways in Austria, Switzerland and Italy, however, are subject to a fee. In Austria and Switzerland you need a vignette; in Italy the fee is paid directly at the motorway toll stations. In the summer months you should plan a much longer journey timeas the motorways are heavily congested due to the many tourists, especially on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Generally speaking, travelling to Venice by car is not advisable as Venice is car free and you have to pay a lot of money when parking in one of the many car parks outside the city.

If by plain, Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is about 13 miles northeast of Venice; it is connected by regular flights with most European cities. Yellow line buses and blue airport buses run regularly between the airport and Venice. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a water taxi and line boats to reach the lagoon city. The journey lasts a little longer but leads directly to Saint Mark’s Square, or indeed wherever you want to go should you take an expensive water taxi.

If by train, The Santa Lucia train station is situated at the northern end of the Canale Grande. From here you can get to anywhere in the city both on foot and with the different boat operators. By the way, at the station there is a luggage storage service – transport to the hotel can be organised by a private carrier service at fixed prices. You can also purchase tickets for the boats directly at the train station.

and if by boat,Venice is connected to all major ports of the Adriatic Sea. Cruise ships and liners also enter the port of Venice.

Crime, especially violent crime, is virtually non-existent in Venice.

Many of Venice’s grand buildings are vacant or run down – they are simply too expensive to maintain. There are also strict laws as to what redecoration and restoration can be carried out to the buildings, especially those fronting the Grand Canal.

UNESCO has listed Venice and its lagoon as world heritage sites.

According to some estimates, there are more pigeons in Venice than people as is evident from the view at St. Mark's Square.

Gondolas are painted black in Venice, as there had previously been a law, stating them to be specifically painted in that color.

The amount of effort the gondolier uses to row the gondola with passengers is just as much as it takes while walking at the same speed.

Of course, pang finale yung request ni Kuya Bob at Gillboard. Sorry hindi ko kayang i-post yung walang takip, kasi wholesome yung blog ko. Hahaha! PM na lang. Joke!

Innsbruck, Austria

2011-11-28T14:10:00.001+08:00

Located in the heart of Tyrol Mountains, Innsbruck is an important crossroads between Germany and Italy. A compact city of that offers the best of both worlds, that is the gateway to some of the best ski centers in the Alps which is very popular during the winter, and many activities like white water rafting to enjoy during the summer months.

The Winter Olympics were held Innsbruck twice, first in 1964 and then in 1976 when the Denver, Colorado, voters rejected referendum bonds to finance matches.Innsbruck is the center of picturesque medieval city in Austria with many monuments and buildings, and a surprising selection of restaurants and bars as a mountain backdrop. Awesome city!

Some interesting facts about Austria:

Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria.

Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of 'Porsche' company, was an Austrian.

Many world famous composers, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Liszt, J. Strauss, Mahler and Bruckner, were Austrian.

The sewing machine was invented by Josef Madersperger, an Austrian.

Vienna became the capital in the twelfth century

The Sound of Music is based on the true story of the Von Trapp family and their escape from Nazi Austria.

Gregor Johann Mendel (1822-1884), the biologist and botanist, established the basis of modern genetics. Mendel was born in Hyncice in the present-day Czech Republic; at the time of Mendel's birth Hyncice was within the Austrian Empire.

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), the famous psychologist and the forefather of modern-day psychology and psychoanalysis, became professor at the University of Vienna in 1902.

Marie-Antoinette, the wife of France's King Louis XVI, was the daughter of Marie Theresa the Habsburg ruler of Austria.

Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein (1889-1951) was an Austrian philosopher who taught at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famous Hollywood actor, was born in Thal in Austria, close to Graz. In 2003 Schwarzenegger became the thirty-eighth Governor of California in the USA.

The German name for Austria is Osterreich which means Eastern Empire. This refers to the time when Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire.

When driving in Austria, pay attention to the speed limits. 130 km/hour on highways, 100 km/hour on A-roads and 50 km/hour in the cities and villages.

Almost 90% of the population speak German, which is also the official language.

Austria has a strong economy with machinery, metallurgical products and textiles being of particular importance. The country's most important industry, however is tourism.

Austria is located in a temperate climatic zone with a Central European climate influenced by the Atlantic climate. The four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter) each have typical temperature and climatic characters.

73.6 percent of all Austrians are Catholic, 12 percent follow no religion, 4.7 percent are Protestants, 4.2 percent Muslims, and 4.2 percent follow other religions.

My buwis-buhay white water rafting experience.

and Coldie the Lesbo!

The Italian Job and The Tourist on my next post. :)

10 smallest countries in the world

2011-11-18T12:20:00.041+08:00

1.Vatican City - 0.2 square miles - The world's smallest state, the Vatican has a population of 770, none of whom are permanent residents. The tiny country which surrounds St. Peter's Basilica is the spiritual center for the world's Roman Catholics (over 1 billion strong). Also known as the Holy See, Vatican City is surrounded by Rome, Italy.

2.Monaco - 0.7 square miles - The tiny state of Monaco lies along the French Riviera on the French Mediterranean coast near Nice. An impressive 32,000 people live in this state known for its Monte Carlo casinos and Princess Grace. It has been independent off-and-on since the 13th century.

3.Nauru - 8.5 square miles - The 13,000 residents of the Pacific island Nauru rely on diminishing phosphate deposits. The state became independent in 1968 and was formerly known as Pleasant Island.

4.Tuvalu - 9 square miles - Tuvalu is composed of 9 coral atolls along a 360 mile chain in Polynesia. They gained independence in 1978. The former Ellice Islands are home to 12,000.

5.San Marino - 24 square miles - Located on Mt. Titano in north central Italy, San Marino has 29,000 residents. The country claims to be the oldest state in Europe, having been founded in the fourth century.

6.Liechtenstein - 62 square miles - This microstate of 34,000 is located on the Rhine River between Switzerland and Austria in the Alps.

7.Marshall Islands - 70 square miles - The atolls (including the world's largest, Kwajalein), reefs, and 34 islands (population 58,000) gained independence in 1986; they were formerly part of the Trust Territory of Pacific Islands (and administered by the United States).

8.Saint Kitts and Nevis - 104 square miles - This Caribbean country of 39,000 gained independence in 1983. Nevis is the smaller island of the two and is guaranteed the right to secede.

9.Seychelles - 107 square miles - The 81,000 residents of this Indian Ocean island group have been independent of the United Kingdom since 1976.

10. Maldives - 115 square miles - Only 200 of the 2000 Indian Ocean islands which make up this country are occupied by 340,000 residents. The islands gained independence from the U.K. in 1965.

-source: about.com

Coldie had the chance to visit 3 of the most smallest countries on the lists and I will blog it soon! But first, let's start the tour with Liechtenstein.

Honestly, I don't even know that this country is existed until I researched it online prior to my travel.

Liechtenstein is the nation with the highest GDP per capita in the world and has the world's lowest external debt. It has the second lowest unemployment rate in the world at 1.5% (Monaco is first).It has swagger and high living standards.Liechtenstein is known as a principality as it is a constitutional monarchy headed by a prince. The official language is German.

I only spent 40 minutes on this country eating breakfast so there wasn't much time for me to explore and take photos.

Will be going to Austria on my next post!

Danke.

St. Goar, Germany

2011-11-14T03:05:00.000+08:00

The Rhine River is Germany's longest river, and one of the most scenic all over the country. It is known for its medieval architecture, castles and for the wine that is produced in the nearby vineyards. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I spent a night in St. Goar which is a beautiful one-street town. After wrestling my luggage up two flights of stairs, I went to a barrel tasting at a local winery. This area in Germany produces a phenomenal "ice wine" which is wine harvested from frozen grapes. The wine maker said that ice wine is significantly more expensive because up to 8 times the amount of grapes are needed to produce the wine.

More travel pics coming up! :)

Lucerne, Switzerland

2011-11-04T11:22:00.003+08:00

Interesting facts about this country:

- Switzerland’s climate is ideal, with no excessive heat, cold or humidity.

- the area is slightly less than twice the size of the state of New Jersey and California is almost 10 times bigger.

- also known as Confoederatio Helvetica, which explains the abbreviation CH.

- Bern City is the capital of Switzerland.

- Victorinox, the manufacturer of the famous Swiss army knife, was founded in 1884.

- Nestlé, founded by Swiss Henri Nestle, is the biggest food company in the world.

- Albert Einstein published his Theory of Relativity in 1905, when he was working as a patent clerk in Bern.

- Swiss Guards protect the Pope at the Vatican.

- The flag of Vatican, is the only other square flag, apart from Switzerland's.

- The flag of the Red Cross is the flag of Switzerland with the colours inverted.

- The famous pharmaceutical companies Roche and Novartis are based in Switzerland.

- The Swiss are world-wide leaders in private banking or asset management for individuals. UBS and Credit Suisse are among the leading banks.

- Housing is expensive, only about one-third of Swiss population live in their own house.

- The Swiss franc is among the world's most stable currencies.

- Switzerland is one of the world's largest watch manufacturers.

- Apart from luxury brands, Switzerland is also known for the world's best selling plastic watch, the Swatch.

- Switzerland has the second highest life expectancy, after Sweden.

- 60% of Switzerland's electricity is produced by hydroelectric power.

- Swiss women were the last in Europe to get the vote (apart from Liechtenstein). It was only in 1971 that the male electorate agreed to allow them voting rights at federal level.

- Switzerland is a multi-cultural country with four official languages. They are German, French, Italian and Rumantsch

- Switzerland leads the world in chocolate consumption. It is said that an average Swiss eats 23lbs of chocolate annually.

Para sa akin ang Switzerland ang isa sa pinakamagandang bansa na napuntahan ko. Para ka lang naglalakad sa loob ng isang post card. Napakalinis, sariwa ang hangin at disiplinado ang mga tao.

Pero, may isang problema. Ginto ang bilihin dito. Siguro kung magtatagal pa ako dito ng isang linggo, mamumulubi na ako. Hahaha! Kung sa Amsterdam nasa 8 Euros ang isang meal sa Mcdo, dito nasa 12-15 Euros. Actually Swiss Francs ang currrency nila pero tumatanggap rin sila ng Euros.

So pag may time kayo para pumunta ng Europe. Kailangan niyong dumaan dito, mahal ang bilihin pero sulit naman ang bakasyon.

Enjoy the pics!

Scotland, Oxford and Stonehenge

2011-10-28T12:20:00.002+08:00

Scotland is in north-west Europe and is part of Great Britain. It's about 45 minutes from London via train. (with free wifi!) It is famous for its fresh water lochs (lakes) – there are over 600 square miles of them. One of the most famous is Loch Ness where a mysterious monster is said to lurk in the depths of the water. It is also famous for its clans, kilts, medieval castles, theatre festival, as well as poetry and songs of Robert Burns.

Famous Scots include Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, David Hume and the actor Sean Connery. Famous musicians of Scotland include Annie Lennox, Wet Wet Wet, Travis and Simple Minds.

Oxford is also known as the City of Dreaming Spires based on the architecture of the world famous University buildings.Hitler was intending to use Oxford as his capital if he conquered England which is one of the reasons it was not bombed.The Great Hall at Christ Church College was used as inspiration for the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter films. The staircase leading up to the hall was actually used in several scenes in the films.

Of all the monuments in the world, Stonehenge is considered to be the most ancient. It is believed to have been built in 2500 BC. The exact purpose of Stonehenge is unknown. Some consider Stonehenge to be an altar for sacrifices, whereas others consider it as a tool for astronomy.

How about a big Thai cuisine treat after a long day walk!

London, UK

2011-10-21T12:06:00.004+08:00

As I touched down at the Heathrow Airport and hearing those English accent while waiting for the immigration officer, I know that this trip will be fun. London is just amazing. I have never seen so many gorgeous buildings in my life not even comparable to Chicago skyscrapers. To get around, we took the what they call the tube (underground subway). It's easy to navigate around the city, if you know how to read maps and not too shy to ask. I took tons of photos in almost major attraction of the city. Anyway, I have always this problem uploading photos in blogspot. But hope you enjoy the photos.

P.S. Free wifi is not so common in London, although some cafes and fastfoods offer it the problem is you have to register your mobile number first.

Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace

Tower Bridge

The Houses of Parliament

London Eye

Big Ben

The red double decker bus

Trafalgar Square

The red telephone box (with extra!)

Buckingham Palace

The Underground

New London Theatre

At King Cross Station trying to get to Hogwarts

Amsterdam, Netherlands

2011-10-14T11:20:00.004+08:00

Yes, totoo ang balita. May live sex show sa Amsterdam. Haha! Iwanan muna natin ang Paris. Dahil mas marami akong kuwento dito. Ngayon alam ko na kung bakit gustong pumunta ni Harold at Kumar sa Amsterdam.

Tulad ng sinabi ko, magiging photoblog muna ako, at ayan na ang daming pictures. Isang blog post sa Amsterdam!

Madaming turista dito, tulad ng inaasahan. Siguro mga 80% ng bumibisita dito ay mga kabataan.

Well, di ko sila masisisi saan ka ba naman nakakita ng bansa kung saan legal ang prostitusyon at marijuana. Kaya buhay na buhay ang nightlife dito.

Kilala ang Amsterdam, hindi lang dahil sa Red Light District pero dahil sa sandamukal na bisekleta sa kalye, kung sa Cagayan madaming tricycle, dito halos lahat yata ng tao nagbibisekleta.

Siyempre, ang Canal na siyang major attraction din dito. Bukod dito maraming magandang museums (bukod sa sex museum) tulad ng kay kuya Van Gogh at ate Anne Frank.

At kung shopping ang hanap niyo, mag-eenjoy kayo. Ngayon lang ako nakapunta sa isang lugar na halos lahat ng kanto ay may H&M.

Isa rin sa mga highlights ng pagbisita ko dito ay ang pagpunta sa Cheese and Clogs Factory, Hmmm.. kilala niyo ba ang Edam, Gouda at Leiden? Ako kasi hindi. Hahaha! Eden cheese lang ang alam ko. At hindi ako mahilig sa keso pero aamin akong makeso akong tao.

Clogs. Ito ay yung sapatos gawa sa kahoy tulad ng Narra. Joke. Sa totoo lang nag-try ang kuya niyo pero sa atin-atin lang to ah pero ang sakit niya sa paa. Hahaha! Parang any moment, gusto kung mag tap dance. Parang bakya lang sa atin. Anyway, hindi na to masyadong ginagamit ngayon. Ginagawa na lang tong souvenir.

And speaking of souvenir, kung gaano kahalay ang maiisip niyo meron dito sa Amsterdam.

Tulips. Pumunta ako ng flower market para makakita ng maraming tulips. Sa kasamaang palad di pala niya kabuwanan ngayon. In short, wala akong nakita. Hahaha!

At least may nakita akong sunflower, rose ,yung bulaklak na di ko alam na nasa pic at mga butil ng kung anumang flowers na mukhang sibuyas pag bubot pa.

Anubayan puro flowers ang sinasabi ko. So gay! Hahaha!

Coffeeshops, not to be confused with coffeehouses or cafes. In short, ang tawag sa mga nagtitinda ng totoong kape tulad ng Starbucks ay coffeehouse pero yung may tindang cannabis and hash ang tawag ay coffeeshops.

Kung may green na ilaw or green and white sticker ang isang shop, ibig sabihin may bilihan dito ng ampalaya at saluyot. Hahaha! Sa maniwala kayo o hindi first time kung humithit ng marijuana at kumain ng "space cake".

Tutal nasa Amsterdam na ako, sumubok na ako. Pero wala namang epekto sa akin, yung parang beginners joint lang naman ang kinuha ko at yung space cake, wala lang parang brownies lang din. Parang lemon square lang. Haha! Sa mga di nakakaalam, may limit use lang ang paggamit ng joint dito, should not be more than 5 grams per person.

Presyo? mga 8-10 Euros per gram. Most coffeeshops are more than happy to recommend varieties and prepare your joint for you. Merong inhaler, vaporizer para sa mga taong ayaw mag-yosi. So soft drugs lang ang pwedeng bilhin dito, all other drugs are illegal. Baka kasi may magtanong ng shabu,cocaine o kaya hallucinogenic mushroom pag dating niyo dito.

Balik tayo sa Red Light District. Medyo nagulat ako kasi may portion ng lugar na ito kung saan yung window ng isang prostitute ay tapat lang ng simbahan at yung nasa gilid niya ay kindergarden school. Ang liberating lang. Don't try to take photos of prostitutes even from the streets, or you might lose your camera without any warning. Pero since natural na matigas ang ulo ko, nakanakaw ako ng konting pics. Feeling ko kasi puro turista yung mga kasalubong ko.

May dalawang alley ang red light district. Yung maluwang (parang ordinaryong street lang), tapos yung skinny alley kung saan parang dalawa lang kayo tatagos sa makipot na daanan na yun. Base sa aking obserbasyon, yung mga hammer-hammer na nasa skinny lane, yun yung mga bata, sariwa at mga mukhang barbie. Yung nasa ordinaryong street naman, mga matatanda, may katabaan at medyo chaka khan. Magkano? 50 Euros for fuck and blowjob. Uy! sinabi lang yan sa akin. Haha!

Live sex show. Ito talaga aamin ako, kasi nanuod talaga ako. First time, kasi di naman ako nakapanood ng toro sa Pinas (sa movie ko lang napanood yun, yung Live Show ni Klaudia Koronel!) At alam ko to. Haha! Anyway, para akong nanunood ng porn sa internet pero nasa harap mo sila. At kitang kita mo talaga pati pawis nila. Para ngang robotic at acrobatic- different sex positions, oral sex, sex...sex and more sex.... magsasawa ka at hindi lang isa ang performer, marami sila, parang variety show lang. Magkano? 30 Euros, with free admission drinks. In fairness, nung nanuod ako ang daming matandang hapones sa audience at isa pa may audience participation. I'll leave the rest to your imagination. Siyanga pala, bawal gumawa ng kabalbalan sa loob, kasi madaming security guards a.k.a malalaking bouncer.

Marami pa sana akong pics na ilalagay pero ang sakit sa ulo gamitin ang blogger, laging may error. Ang hirap mag post dito sa blogspot ang gulo ng spacing :( . So many stories to tell in one country in one post.

Next post ibang lugar ulit hanggang sa magsawa na kayo sa kwento ko. Haha! Syempre, hindi kumpleto ang trip kung wala akong pic na nakatalon sa I amsterdam.

Tot ziens!

How to Reach Orgasm in 10 seconds

2011-10-09T11:10:00.005+08:00

Hello blog world!

I’ve been away from blogging for quite a while. So here I am trying to tell no brainer stories again. Well, my intentions are to be back at least. That seems to be a natural tendency for anyone who is busy –busyhan for the past few months.

Anyway, walang kinalaman ang title ng post ko sa aking matagal na pagkakawala. Siyempre dapat may kabog factor kasi ngayon lang ulit ako nagparamdam. Naisip ko talaga ang word na orgasm. Pero di ko alam kung bakit. Hahaha! Matagal akong nawala, matagal akong naglakbay. For the mean time magiging photo and travel blog muna ang mga post dito.

So hang tight and let’s see where this goes I am not even sure there’s anyone reading this blog anymore. But if you still are, let me say “thank you old friend!” and if you’re new, stay a while! This place doesn’t suck that bad.

Merci.

First Love

2011-04-12T21:04:00.001+08:00

Rarely do I watch a movie where I expect little and get a very special treat. I feel like a grown up kid watching these movies last weekend and yes, Coldie still refuse to grow up and I'm still a little kid at heart. So if you're bored and looking for a real feel good movie, watch either of them and you will find yourself smiling from ear-to-ear. If you long to go back to the innocent days of puppy love, then Coldie highly recommends it! Enjoy!

How did I come out to my parents

2011-04-06T21:48:00.000+08:00

I'm gay.

Biglang umiyak si Nanay at ang kapatid ko.

Nang makita kong umiyak ang Nanay ko, bigla na ring tumulo ang luha ko. Mama's boy kasi ang kuya niyo, first time kong nakitang umiyak si Nanay ng ganun at parang dinudurog ang puso ko.

Ayaw ko ng magsinungaling pa sa inyo, kayo ng bahala kung tatanggapin niyo ako.

Bakit anak? sabi ng nanay ko.

Hindi ko rin alam. Alam ng Diyos kung paano ko pinigilan, All these years, pinilit ko talaga, pero hindi ako masaya.

Akala niyo ba masaya ako? Alam niyo ba kung gaano kalungkot ang buhay ko? Napakalungkot ng buhay ko, kung alam niyo lang ang pinagdadaanan ko. Ang hirap mag-isa doon. Minsan sinisi ko ang Diyos, kung bakit ako nagkaganito, kung bakit ako pa, sana nagkaroon na lang ako ng normal na pamumuhay.

Patuloy pa rin ang pag-iyak ni Nanay at kapatid ko, pero si Tatay walang imik nakatingin lang siya sa akin.

Kaya nga lahat ginawa ko para maging proud kayo sa akin, kasi alam kong big dissapointment ito para sa inyo. Sorry... sorry po talaga.. habang patuloy akong humahagulhol

Okay lang sa akin kuya, sabi ng kapatid ko.

Kung saan ka masaya anak, magiging masaya na rin kami para sa iyo, sabi ng Tatay ko.

Hindi na ako nagulat sa reaksyon ni Tatay kasi alam kong open-minded siyang mag-isip.(at nasuhulan ko siya ng kotse. joke) Pero si Nanay parang gripo yung pag-agos ng luha niya.

Kung ganyan ang magiging buhay mo anak,natatakot akong tumanda kang mag-isa. Baka ipa-salvage ka o kaya perahan ka lang ng mga lalake.

Hala?! Ba't naman ipapa-salvage si kuya?

Oo nga naman ba't naman ako ipapa-salvage?

Bigla kaming natawang magkapatid sa banat ng nanay ko.

Nakakatakot naman ang mga iniisip niyo, masyado kayong advanced! sabi ng kapatid ko .

Nay, hindi niyo ako pinalaki para maging tanga....parang di niyo naman ako kilala...

May boyfriend ka na ba? sabi ulit ng Nanay ko.

Wala, pero bayaan niyo kung may magugustuhan man ako, pipili ako ng matino, yung mamahalin ako, yung aalagaan ako, yung hindi ako lolokohin, yung hindi ako peperahan gaya ng sinabi niyo at pwede kong ipakilala sa inyo, O sige na nga yung hindi rin ako ipapa-salvage

Sabay sabi ng Nanay ko sa kapatid ko ulit.. O, alagaan mo yung kuya mo, baka tumandang mag-isa yan! Dalawa na nga lang kayo...alam mo namang lahat binibigay sa yo ng kuya mo..

Oo naman, kahit di niyo sabihin yan, aalagaan ko si Kuya, sabay iyak yung kapatid ko. Umiyak ulit ako.

O masyado na tayong madrama, sabi ko.

Buti pa si Tatay, relax lang, parang wala lang... sabi ng kapatid ko.

Biglang bumanat si Tatay ng... Di ko man lang nahalata anak....

Biglang banat ulit yung kapatid ko.. naku 'Tay nagoyo tayo ni kuya, sayang ang magandang lahi!

Akala ko pa naman magpapakasal ka na.. sabi ulit ng Nanay ko, ngumiti lang ako sa kanya.

Buti na lang di ako nag-out sa resto kanina kundi agaw eksena tayong lahat..

Oo nga kuya, ang drama pa naman ni Nanay, siya na ang best actress!

Naku baka di siya makapag drama dun kasi maraming tao.. sabay tawa kaming magkapatid ulit.

Don't worry, I'll be okay, tumayo ako at isa-isa ko silang niyakap.

O. okay na tayo ah?! Wala ng drama? Wala namang nagbabago, ako pa rin yung anak niyo at least alam niyo na ngayon.

Okay na ba kayo Nay?

Okay na ako anak, salamat sa lahat ng ginawa mo sa amin, basta kahit anong mangyari proud ako sayo at mahal na mahal ka namin.

Uy, pero mamaya magda drama na naman yan... biro ko.

Siguro, naging madali na lang sa akin na sabihin sa kanila dahil natanggap ko na sa sarili ko na ganito talaga ako. Pero, meron pa rin akong konting duda kung tama ba talaga ang ginawa ko, magiging okay ba talaga ako?

Sa ngayon hindi ko pa alam ang sagot pero alam kong magaan sa pakiramdam ang pagsasabi ng totoo.

How did I come out to my parents

2011-03-24T20:58:00.004+08:00

Location: Marriott Hotel, RW Manila Room 506
Date: Jan 20, 2011, 2 hours before leaving Manila

Sa totoo lang,wala talaga akong planong mag-out sa magulang ko kasi hindi ko maamin sa sarili ko na ganito ako. Ni hindi ko nga mabangggit ang salitang "bakla" kasi nandidiri akong bigkasin yun. Gusto kong magkapamilya at magka-anak. Bago ako pumunta dito sa US, buo sa loob ko na baguhin ang buhay ko. Maghanap ulit ng girlfriend, magpakasal at magbuo ng pamilya. Pero hindi nangyari yun kasi alam kong niloloko ko lang ang sarili ko. Habang patanda ako ng patanda, parang sumisikip ang mundo ko.

Hanggang sa matanggap ko na rin sa sarili ko na ganito talaga ako, paikot- ikutin ko man ang mundo, ilang beses ko mang labanan, alam ko sa sarili ko na lalake ang gusto ko. Tama na ang pagpapanggap. Tama na ang pagkukunwari. Tigilan na ang kasinungalingan.

Ilang beses ko itong pinag-isipan,magiging masaya ba ako sa gagawin ko? matatanggap ba nila ako? ano na ang mangyayari sa buhay ko? magtatago na lang ba ako lagi? handa ba akong makarinig ng mga pangungutya sa mga tao? ano na lang sasabihin ng mga kamag-anak ko? ng mga kaibigan ko? tatanda ba ako mag-isa?

Basta ang dami kong tanong. Hanggang dumating ang araw na wala na akong pakialam. Parang naging manhid na ako. Buhay ko ito. Ayaw ko ng mabuhay na iniisip kung anong sasabihin ng iba. Hindi nila ako pinapakain, hindi nila ako binubuhay. Hindi na ako magpapa-apekto sa kanila. Wala akong sinasaktan at alam kong di ako masamang tao. Maiksi lang ang pakikipagsapalaran natin sa mundo at ayokong punuin ito ng kasinungalingan.

Sawa na ako.

Ayaw ko ng magtago.

Ayaw ko ng isakripisyo ang kaligayahan ko.

Wala na akong pakialam.

Bago pa ako umuwi ng Pilipinas, naisip ko ng mag-out sa magulang ko. Kung tatanungin nila kung bakit di pa ako ako nag-aasawa, di na ako magsisinungaling. Aamin na ako. Nakapagtataka, sa halos tatlo't kalahating linggong bakasyon ko, hindi man lang nila ako tinanong tungkol doon. Alam kasi nilang "inis" ako pag yun lagi ang pinag-uusapan, mabuti na ring hindi naungkat baka masira ang buong bakasyon namin.

Hindi ko alam kung anong nakain ko sa araw na yun pero alam kung buo na ang loob ko para sabihin sa kanila ang totoo. Sabi ko sa sarli ko, kung hindi ko masasabi sa kanila ngayon, kailan pa? Mahal na mahal ko sila at ayaw kong nagsisinungaling sa kanila. Pero alam kung magiging pasakit ito para sa magulang ko, parang iiwan ko silang sobrang lungkot- una, paalis na naman ako, pangalawa, ang pag-amin ko.

Nasa kabilang kama si Tatay at Nanay abalang nanood sa isang cooking show sa TV, si bunsong kapatid naman nasa isang kama hawak ang laptop. Ako nakaupo lang, malapit sa bintana naghihintay ng magandang tiyempo.

Isang malaking buntong hininga.

May sasabihin akong importante sa inyo, sabay tingin sila sa akin.

I'm gay.

Biglang umiyak si Nanay at ang kapatid ko.

Itutuloy...

Realizations

2011-03-16T03:13:00.000+08:00

These random thoughts has been on my head over the past few days, thinking about my realizations and somehow observations in life. I know, I'm getting old. Honestly, there is no specific purpose of putting these here. Trip-trip lang kung baga.

Don't expect too much.

You can always reinvent yourself.

It's the thought that counts.

You can't please everybody.

It's okay to say "No". Learn to say it sometimes.

Revenge is not the ultimate payback, it's forgiveness

The world would be a lot better if people would say "Thank You" and "Sorry" with sincerity more often.

Money really matters.

If you do not go after what you want, you'll never have it.

Happiness is a choice.

You will only realize the importance of a person once that person is gone or has found love with someone else.

Envy is good when it pushes you to achieve more.

Learn to love yourself more.

Time heals.

Nagbabago ang tao, pag-in love.

Walang mangyayari sayo, pag mahiyain ka.

Mas lalong walang mangyayari sayo kung reklamador ka.

At huwag kang ring papatol sa taong walang ambisyon. Hihilain ka niya pababa.

If you're in a relationship, make room to grow individually. Personal space is important.

Talking to a close minded person is tough and a waste of time.

Never invest any emotions if you knew in the first place that the feeling is not mutual.

Kung may tiyaga, may nilaga. Minsan kailangan paghirapan mo ang isang bagay.

Sa isang relasyon, hindi pwedeng isa lang ang nag-eeffort.

Everything happens for a reason.

Learn to share your blessings.

Everybody deserves a second chance.

Hindi lahat ng matalino, madiskarte.

It's never too late to try something new.

Enjoy your money, especially if you work hard for it. Of course, you have to save and invest too.

Hindi porket nagpapakatotoo ka, tama ka na.

If you're not happy, quit.

Travel and explore more, you're only young once.

If you do not ask, the answer will always be a "no".

Learn to accept your mistakes and listen to criticism wag masyadong mataas ang ego.

Life will never be perfect. However, it is imperfections that make life beautiful.

And lastly, hindi masarap kumain ng dalandan pag bagong toothbrush ka.

----------

To realize......

To realize the value of a sister/brother:
Ask someone who doesn't have one.

To realize the value of ten years:
Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize the value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year:
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize the value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one-second:
Ask a person who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have.You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

Remember, hold on tight to the ones you love.

Seoul

2011-03-08T06:46:00.000+08:00

The Darkness
by Christinia

If only it were so simple,
to cruise through life smelling roses;
but the obstacles blacken the countryside,
and we unwittingly crush them beneath our boots.

Dreams sustain us through the madness;
goals give a finish line to our race.
Yet they change with every turn, around every wall,
and remain elusive throughout the quest.

Mistakes are made, and regrets are our luggage;
we will drag them with us to slow us down.
The victories are flashes of light, sudden and unlasting, which allow us
to glimpse the road ahead before darkness descends.

Love is bitter, yet it is the bread that keeps us.
Over and over it fills us up, only to starve us.
The people whom we love shape our destinies and our strengths,
yet leave us cold and alone in the darkness.

There are others trying to race to the end;
occasionally, we bump into one or two.
The bonds we form help us down the path less lonely
but eventually, we lose each other in the darkness.

Alone is not a bad way to be;
it clears your head and focuses you on the journey.
Cherish the short intervals during the quest you have with others,
but be prepared to walk alone in the darkness.

Macau

2011-02-25T18:35:00.001+08:00

Alas-tres na ng umaga at di na naman ako makatulog. Zombie na naman ako bukas.

Wala lang. Wala 'tong kinalaman sa post ko ngayon. Ayaw lang akong dalawin ng antok.

So anong meron sa Macau?

Kaya mong libutin ng isang araw.

May mga libreng shuttle ang mga casino hotels from the ferry terminal.

Madaming free taste from egg tarts to beef jerky. Kaya sulitin kung nagtitipid ka. (Parang Costco lang)

Pumunta sa Venetian at mag- Casino

Manood ng libre ng Bubble show sa City of Dreams ( tabi lang ng Venetian)

Mag bungee jumping sa Macau Tower kung malakas ang loob mo.

At higit sa lahat tumakbo ng tumakbo hanggang sa mapagod!

Palimos ng Pag-ibig

2011-02-14T07:08:00.000+08:00

Araw na naman ng mga puso
As usual, mag-isa na naman ako
Kailan ka ba darating?
Darating ka pa ba?
O naligaw ka lang?
Sabihan mo naman ako oh?!
Ang tagal mo kasi.
Ang tagal ko ng naghihintay.
Minsan iniisip ko kung may magmamahal pa sa akin.
Gusto na kitang mahalin.

Basta nandito lang ako.
Nasaan ka ba?

Nasaaaaaaahhhhn? Hahaha!

Emo lang.
Pero ayoko ng gawin ito.

Sa may mga ka-date diyan, limusan niyo na lang ako ng pag-ibig.
Kahit konti lang. Masaya na ako.

To all my readers:
If you're single, happy singles awareness day!
and if you're in love, I hope you choke on a chocolate! Haha!
I love you all and I hope you all love me too.
-Coldie

Love doesn't come in a minute

Sometimes it doesn't come at all

Hong Kong

2011-02-09T22:20:00.005+08:00

This was my first trip together with my family to Hong Kong and I have to say it’s quite an amazing city. Crowded and intense, yet so orderly. Its public transportation system is so efficient and extensive, that it's no problem at all zipping from Tsim Sha Tsui to Causeway Bay or vice versa for a meal or some shopping. Even the novice traveler should have no problem getting around. Yeah! There are signs everywhere! Mind the gap please.

Our hotel is located at Tsuen Wan. Doesn’t ring a bell? I won’t blame you. Tsuen Wan is part of the New Territories, and it is at the extreme east of Hong Kong mainland, facing Lantau Island (where Disneyland and the airport are located at) and it’s far away in the town area (such as Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok). Actually, it’s not that far away since our hotel is located near the MTR station (their MRT), maybe it’s just 15 minutes away from the Central area.

I would not go to all the “touristy” details because that would be boring and I know most of you are not interested reading long post. All I know is I enjoyed taking them with me since I could hardly remember the last time we bond as family.

By the way, I memorized 4 Chinese words when I was there, Sheh- sheh, Ni hao, Haw- haw and Pandi.

Ong goling ko!

Enjoy the pics!

Sheh sheh!

Anong problema 'teh?!

Ganito dapat magpa-pic kung ikaw ay mahiyain.

Hope floats

2011-02-04T16:56:00.008+08:00

A day after I posted my vacation pics in fb, nag message na naman sa akin si ex. As promised, nilabas ko siya for dinner. It's been 4 years na di kami nagkita, noong bumisita naman siya sa US last year, wala kaming chance para magkita ulit. I was curious kung ganoon pa rin ang mararamdaman ko pag nagkita kami. Kinabahan ang kuya niyo, ng papalapit siya sa akin. She's still pretty. Niyakap ko siya. Niyakap din niya ako.

Masaya ang usapan namin habang nakatitig siya sa akin. Alam kong meron pa siyang sasabihin. At ako meron din sana akong sasabihin, pero umurong ang dila ko. Hindi ko pa kayang mag-out sa kanya. Ayokong sirain yung masayang sandali na yun.

After dinner, hinatid ko siya sa kotse niya. Niyakap ko ulit siya, as if di na ako magpapakita ulit sa kanya. Ayoko na siyang umasa pa sa akin.

Habang sakay pauwi nag text siya sa akin, sabi niya Na miss daw niya ako at kung pwede kaming manood ng "Little Fockers" next week, treat naman daw niya.

I replied: Tignan natin.. marami kasi akong pupuntahan.. Salamat sa pagpunta. Na miss din kita

Sana nag-out na lang talaga ako sa kanya.

Pero di ko kayang saktan ulit siya.

Sorry talaga.

Sorry.

Boracay Kay Ganda

2011-01-30T16:31:00.010+08:00

Tired of Being Cold

2011-01-25T22:10:00.003+08:00

I’m sad that I’m back here in the US. A month vacation is so short that I tried to squeeze every hour out of it meeting friends and going places to another places. Net result, I did not have the time to relax and unwind from my return trip. But despite the tiring vacation, I’m very happy to see my family and be reconnected with my old pals, the big bonus is I made a lot of new awesome friends.

And now I’m back to reality. Although, life is pleasant, there is always the danger of boredom here. Life becomes routine and I may start to look elsewhere just to feel alive.

I think I'm suffering from post-vacation depression.

I’ll try to upload some photos on my next post.

New Year

2011-01-01T06:00:00.003+08:00

It feels good to be home and reunited with my loved ones. Iba pa rin talaga ang Pinas. Ang saya kaya dito! Ang gondoh! Tomorrow the whole family is going to Hong Kong then Macau. Yey! I'm still undecided if I'll do the bungee jumping in Macau Tower. Bahala na si batman! 60% No, 40% Yes.

And at the end of the week, Coldie is meeting some of the most awesome bloggers! Can't wait!

Be there coz I'll be there! Nananana..nana...nana....lol

Happy New Year guys!

Love and Peace!

Here we go again

2010-12-21T21:45:00.005+08:00

Got this message from her last night

Alam kong mahal pa rin niya ako hanggang ngayon. Siya ang last girlfriend ko bago ako pumunta dito sa US. Kung tutuusin, wala na akong hahanapin pa sa kanya- Atenista, Maganda, Mayaman at Mabait. Jackpot talaga ako sa kanya. I was a proud boyfriend. We are the perfect couple sabi nga ng mga kaibigan namin, kaya lang.. alam niyo na ang dahilan.

Single pa rin siya. Single pa rin ako. Alam kong may plano siyang mag-migrate dito sa US.

Ang gulo na naman ng isip ko ngayon.

Should I see her?

*Sigh*

Pagbabalik

2010-12-17T19:26:00.008+08:00

Alas- kuwatro na ng madaling araw, pero di pa rin ako makatulog. Alam ko kung bakit. Excited ang kuya niyo. Pagkatapos ng mahabang taon, sa wakas uuwi na ako.

Na- miss ko ang

1. Ang luto ng Nanay ko
2. Ang luto ng Tatay ko
3. Kakulitan ng kapatid ko
4. Ang kuwarto ko
5. Ang simoy ng sariwang hangin sa probinsiya
6. Gimik ng mga kaibigan ko
7. Mall
8. Traffic
9. Palabok sa Jollibee
10. Init ng panahon
11. Ingay ng madaming tao
12. Madaming tao sa MRT
13. Basta madaming tao pa rin

wala na akong maiisip. I'm brain dead, 4:30 am na e.

Basta, I'll be home for Christmas! At least mainit ang Pasko ko ngayon.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The Untold Story of Coldman

2010-12-06T21:53:00.004+08:00

Unang bahagi

Laki ako sa hirap.

Kung tutuusin, wala ako sa kinalalagyan ko ngayon kung di ko babalikan ang mga pinagdaanan ko na nagbigay sa akin ng lakas ng loob para magsumikap sa buhay.

Parehong magulang ko ang di nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Nagtanan kasi sila. Ang Tatay, umeextra lang sa pagsasaka sa bukid at ang Nanay, nagtitinda ng gulay sa palengke. Iniiwan lang ako sa kapitbahay namin para bantayan pag sila ay naghahanap-buhay. Naalala ko noong bata pa ako, sinabihan ako ng kalaro ko na hipan lang daw yung bahay namin, matutumba na. Oo, ganun kami kahirap. At naiingit ako sa kanya, dahil hotdog at pork chop ang ulam nila, ni hindi ko man lang yung natikman kahit birthday ko noong bata pa ako. Ang laruan niya ay robot, samantalang ako nakuntento na ako sa dahon ng saging na ginawa kong elise. Masaya na ako kung may ulam kaming isda at gulay, pero minsan balik sa toyo at kanin lang ang nasa mesa.

Noong pagpasok ko sa elementarya, kailangan kong mag-tinda ng ice candy para makatulong at magkaroon ng baon. Grade 2 hanggang Grade 6 kong ginawa yun. Ang pinaka di ko makakalimutan na nangyari sa akin ay noong nasagi ako ng bisekleta at tumilapon ang tinda kong ice candy sa kalye. Tumulo talaga ang luha ko habang pinupulot kong isa-isa ang mga ito, naiiyak ako kasi iaawas yun sa pagbebentahan ko. Ang pinakamasakit sa lahat wala man lang tumulong sa akin para pulutin ang mga ito.Humihikbi-hikbi pa ako habang naglalakad hawak ang ice box pauwi sa bahay. Awang-awa ako sa sarili ko ng mga panahong yun.

Nagsimula akong magbenta ng balut sa gabi, noong high school. Pati pagbebenta ng barbecue at samalamig tuwing piyesta sa amin,ginawa ko rin para makatulong. Naalala ko dati, uso ang mga pasayawan sa probinsiya, halos lahat ng kaklase mo ay nandoon at nakikipagsayawan, samantalang ikaw nandoon sa sulok at nagtitinda ng balut at mani. Si Miss Piggy, ang kaklase kong di ko makakalimutan, habang nasa PE class kami, tinanong ako ng kaklase ko kung bakit di daw ako bumili ng bagong sapatos. Butas na kasi ang swelas ng sapatos ko pero sinusuot ko pa rin, at sumagot naman si Miss Piggy "mahirap lang kasi sila" sabay tingin sa akin mula ulo hanggang paa. Tinitigan ko lang siya, pero nanliit ako sa sinabi niya. Tumatak talaga sa isip ko yung katagang yun. Pero mabait pa rin ang Diyos, kahit salat kami sa pera, biniyaaan niya ako ng talino.

Sabi ko sa sarili ko, paglaki ko hindi ako maghihirap.

Hinding-hindi ako maghihirap.

Itutuloy......

Some are destined to succeed, some are determined to succeed
-H. H. Swami Tejomayananda

Would you hate me if this is my bed?

2010-11-28T08:35:00.003+08:00

Alamat

2010-11-18T22:00:00.002+08:00

Last month I had the esteemed pleasure of shooting a wedding in Chicago. It was simple and fun yet so tiring. Nakakapagod kasing tumakbo ng naka-high heels (joke) at ang pinakamatindi sa lahat masyadong mainit pag naka- coat and tie ka.(wala pang isang oras nagtanggal na ako ng tie) Hahaha! Anyway, yesterday the bride sent me an intriguing message on my facebook.

"
_____, special request lang yung na suggest ko sa yo, si ellen _____ fan mo yan hahaha! siya yung na- 'po-opo effect' mo na sinigawan mo after she told you to drop it! anyway, gusto ka niya i-friend kaso nahihiya siya, plz accept her as a friend, it's like giving a little girl a balloon (wag mong putukin ha !!) hehehe iba ka na...isa ka nang ALAMAT! lakas ng PR mo ...daming gustong mag friend sa yo! "

Akalain mo kahit sobrang wasted ako sa araw na yun, kanasa-nasa pa rin pala ako sa mga babae. Joke. Gumagana pa rin pala ang charm ko at may nakakapansin pa rin sa dimple ko (mag-isa lang kasi) lol.

Pero eto na naman tayo, balik na naman tayo sa reto, nawala na nga si Meg baka may pumalit na naman sa kanya.

Para di agad umasa, dapat ganito na lang ang message ko sa kanya

Hi Ellen! It was fun meeting and talking to you at the wedding, by the way kumusta na pala ang kuya mo? wala kasi siyang fb eh? Hahaha!

Ewan ko na lang pag di siya mag-tumbling!

Seryoso, crush ko yung kuya niya. Ong londe londe long ni Coldie!

WOW Philippines

2010-11-17T22:25:00.010+08:00

Ang gunduh gunduh!

Kudos to Ricky Reyes!

Not more than the usual.

Amazing Thailand
Malaysia: Truly Asia
Incredible India
Uniquely Singapore
Vietnam, The Hidden Charm
Macau: a World of Difference, the Difference is Macau

at siyempre.... Pilipinas Kay Ganda! (parang bagong morning show lang)

WTF talaga.

What?!

2010-11-16T06:00:00.002+08:00

Updates lang muna kung bakit hindi ako masyado active sa blogging ngayon. Madaming trabaho si Coldie and to add insult to injury, na virus pa yung pinakamamahal kong laptop. Limang araw siya sa computer shop (ang tindi ng virus!) natambakan tuloy ako ng trabaho.

Dyuskopo, buti na lang na -retrieved lahat ng files ko, kung hindi magwawala talaga ako (actually nag-panic ako) Anyway, may back-up na external hard drive naman ako, pero yung mga last edit ko, di ko pa nata- transfer sa external drive. Ang sakit kaya sa ulo mag edit, ilang gabi ko ring pinagpuyatan yun tapos uulitin ko na naman. Hinahabol ko pa naman yung deadline. Buti na lang magaling si Mr. Computer Guy! (at pogi siya) . Lumalandi lang. lol.

Promise, di ako ako dadaan sa mga porn sites. Joke.

Mag-ingat.
Mag-back up.
Yes to Trusted Antivirus!
No to Porn!
Yes to Safe Sex!

If I were a boy

2010-11-02T04:22:00.000+08:00

(I know, supergay yung title)

Warning: some images are not suitable for very young readers.

Straight friend: Alam mo naiiingit ako sa trabaho mo?
Coldie: Bakit naman?
Straight friend: Because you're surrounded with almost naked women.
Coldie: I know!
Straight friend: Pare, you're the luckiest man alive!

How I wish. If he only knew.

And to the 3 awesome bloggers who have seen my website, thank you for keeping Coldie's true identity. Thank you for keeping your promise. You guys are the best!

And to the new readers- good things come to those who wait. =)

Mag-ingat sa comment baka mabuko kayo. lol

The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him
- Henry L. Stimson

Keeping the Promise

2010-10-28T04:00:00.001+08:00

10 years ago:

Coldie: Paano ba yan Tay, graduate na ako pwede na kitang bilhan ng kotse!
Tatay: Baka kotselyo?! E wala ka pa namang trabaho.
Codie: Sige na nga VTEK na lang ang bibilhin ko!
Tatay: Anong VTEK?
Coldie: VTEKleta! Hahaha!

Sabay tawa ng malakas ang Tatay ko,madali lang bumenta ang mga corny kong jokes sa tatay ko minsan nga para lang kaming magka-barkada kung magkulitan. Kung may pinagmanahan man ako ng kakulitan at kagwapuhan, alam niyo na kung saan galing.

10 years after:

Coldie: Tay, Happy Birthday!
Tatay: Salamat anak
Coldie: Ano bang gusto niyong regalo?
Tatay: Maging healthy ka lang diyan anak, masaya na kami ng Nanay mo. (buti na lang di humingi ng apo!)
Coldie: Ows? Ang drama niyo! (sabay tawa) Ano bang tipo niyong kotse ngayon?
Tatay: Aahh.. Gusto ko yung Crosswind...
Coldie: Ayaw niyo ng Sedan?
Tatay: Mas maganda mag SUV ngayon, mas safe..
Coldie: Naalala niyo ba yung promise ko noong bagong graduate ako na bibilhan ko kayo ng sasakyan?
Tatay: Oo bakit?
Coldie: Punta kayo bukas ni Nanay sa car dealer. Bili kayo ng Crosswind niyo, nag-usap na kami ni Nanay tungkol diyan, handa na lahat
Tatay: (natahimik)
Coldie: O? nandyan pa ba kayo?
Tatay: Salamat anak...
Coldie: Walang anuman Tay, kulang pa nga yan e sa lahat ng ginawa niyo Alam niyo namang tinutupad ko lahat ng sinasabi ko sa inyo. Sorry at medyo natagalan nga lang, ang mahal naman kasi ng regalo niyo! (sabay tawa). Basta 'Tay may utang kayong kare-kare sa akin, pagluto niyo na lang ako pag uwi ko. I love you Tay!
Tatay: (tahimik ulit)

Hindi ko kasi gawaing mag - I love you sa Tatay ko, ang awkward kasi. Nagulat siguro.

Tatay: I love you too anak. Kung alam mo lang kung gaano ako ka proud sayo. Salamat anak.

Akalain mong biglang tumulo ang luha ko nung sinabi ni Tatay yun. Iyakin talaga ako.Buti na lang di niya nahalata, baka nag-iyakan kaming mag-ama.

(Pero sabi ng Nanay ko umiyak daw si Tatay, pagkatapos kung tumawag)

Eto na yata ang pinakamagastos kong suhol bago mag- out! Joke.Hahaha!

Good fathers make good sons
-Author Unknown

Early Reservation

2010-10-26T03:46:00.001+08:00

"Coldie, pag 33 ka na at wala ka pa ring boyfriend at single pa rin ako pwede bang tayo na lang?"

Tumigil yata ng pitong segundo ang pagtibok ng puso nang sinabi niya yun. Alam kong seryoso siya. Akalain mo, may lihim na nagmamahal pala sa akin.

Kahit matagal na akong nag-iisa. Masuwerte pa rin ako.

At least di pala ako magiging old maid. Lol!

Coming Out

2010-10-22T08:20:00.001+08:00

Last week, I got the chance to reunite with my best buddy Matt and his ex-fiance Venus for a tiring trip. I'm happy that despite the fact that they're separated, they managed to become good friends. We rented a double queen size bedroom, Matt and I on the same bed and Venus sleeping alone on the other bed.

Cut the chase.

I was never intending to come out on the second day. I think I felt the pressure because Matt keep asking me about Meg.

Matt: Kayo na ba ni Meg?
Coldie: Hindi.
Matt: Ano ka ba naman Pare, yung babae na nga nanliligaw sa yo, nagpapakipot ka pa!
Venus: Baka di naman talaga gusto ni Coldie si Meg. Kaw naman?! Baka naman blonde ang type niya.
Coldie: Can I just be honest with you?
Matt: Oo naman.
Coldie: I'm gay.
Venus: Seryoso?
Matt: Gagu. Hindi nga?

Biglang lumapit si Venus sa akin sa bed.

Venus: Uy, seryoso nga siya Matt!
Coldie: I hate lying to people and I think it's about time for you to know
Matt: 'Alanghiya ka! Ginulat mo ako dun! So.... yung kay Liezel at Ann.. paano yun?!
Coldie: Naging kami naman talaga, but I was never happy during my relationship with them.
Matt: Baka confused ka lang..
Venus: Oo nga Coldie...
Coldie: Hindi. I've always known. I'm just supressing my feelings.
Matt: Salamat sa pagiging honest mo. Don't worry wala namang magbabago..
Venus: Alam mo namang nandito lang kami sa yo.

To make the conversation short, I cried. I am not sure if it was because I felt so vulnerable and naked after exposing my little secret "closet," or because I was "liberated" from this secret.

WTF! I just admitted that I'm gay and there's no turning back now.

To tell you all honestly, I don't like labels and at one point I thought about not having a sexuality at all. Like I really just think too much and over analyze things and be intellectually ignorant so I don't have to face the real problem . As a result of not accepting myself, I have become one of those people who need to always be cautious of how I act and how I come off. If somebody is playing around or "acting gay" I shove it off as if I am uncomfortable because I wouldn't wanna play along and get ideas going. I usually appear as a confident, strong-headed, no nonsense individual with a laid back, humorous side but deep down inside I am so scared and lonely and depressed.

You see the thing is that the hardest part to do was accepting the fact that I was gay, yet it seemed so hard because I wanted to be normal like all the others and build my own family but as time went on it's getting harder and sadder. I'm not being true to myself, it's like I have created a second person almost with hiding my true sexuality

I know how to have a good time and laugh but this is killing me throughout the years and I think this is one big major step.

I just hope I did not make a wrong decision.

Skydeck

2010-10-20T21:00:00.003+08:00

Magpaparamdam lang muna ako (parang kaluluwa lang) Sobrang busy lang ang kuya niyo ngayon, daming trabaho. Pero marami akong baon na kuwento next week.

Coldie and the Blonde Stripper

2010-10-06T21:30:00.000+08:00

Nagkayayaan ng boys night out ang mga barakong pinoy dito kagabi. Akalain mo, tinawagan ako?! Hahaha! Buti naman at night out ang naisipan nila at hindi ang paglalaro ng basketball (na hindi naman ako marunong) at least wala akong alibi ngayon para hindi sumama.

Tama ang kutob ko, sa strip bar kami pupunta. Kala ko kasi fine dining e. lol. Ang huling punta ko pa ng strip bar ay sa Vegas last year, siyempre kasama ko si Matt (mahilig kasi ang gagong yun). First time ko dito sa Denver, PT's ang pangalan at meron pang isa ang Shot Gun Willies. Ang PT's ay parang Pegasus at Classmate dun sa may Quezon Ave sa QC. Hahaha! Ba't alam ko 'to?! Gasul bukas pa ba ang mga to?(mukha kasing mas manyak sa akin si gasul) Hahaha!

Wow, it's been 4 years! Anyway, nagulat ako kasi mix ang crowd halos kalahati yata ng mga nandun babae. Kaya naman pala kasi may mga male stripper din kaya lang dalawa lang yung nagsasayaw, yung isa pa dun Asian. Rawr! Pero siyempre, mas maraming nagkalat na female stripper na half naked kaya nabusog talaga ang malaki kong mata.

Bumili muna ng beer ang kuya niyo, tapos palakad-lakad na hindi man lang tumingin dun sa male stripper. joke. nang biglang akong tinawag ni Eric.

Eric: Pare, dun tayo sa kabilang room

Coldie: Anong meron dun?

Eric: Totally nude. Mas enjoy dun

Coldie: Tara! (tomboy na tomboy ang dating!)

Pagpasok sa VIP room, hubot-hubad talaga, kaya pala mas mahal ang bayad. Upo naman ang kuya niyo sa couch then may isang seksing blonde stripper na kita na ang buong labia majora ang lumapit kaagad sa akin.

Tapos......

I'll be gone for a while, Coldie is flying to Detroit tomorrow. I'll be in Atlanta on Friday and Chicago on Sunday. So if you're in downtown area on this dates, drop me a note and I'll buy you a cup of coffee!

Run Coldie Run

2010-10-04T21:27:00.000+08:00

After 2 weeks of ignoring Meg, I finally answered her call last night.

Meg: Pinagtataguan mo ba ako?

Coldie: Hindi ah?! Ba't mo naman nasabi yun?

Meg: You don't return my calls, you don't even reply to my text messages!

Coldie: Sorry, alam mo namang busy sa work at ang dami kong deadlines

Meg: Don't you like me?

Coldie: Of course, I like you!

Meg: What's your problem then? Are you gay?

Boom!

Wow! Very straightforward ang ate niyo.

I was caught off guard with that question. Sorry Meg, but I have to lie. I'm not ready to out myself to a person that I barely know.

Alam kong magsusumbong siya kay Matt pag umamin ako. Kung meron mang unang makaalam sa mga kaibigan ko uunahin ko si Matt. Pero hindi ko alam kung kailan yun.

Things are getting complicated right now. I thought if i keep ignoring her call, she'll stop. But damn she's very persistent!

Now, she wanted to visit me here in my place and it's hard for me to find excuses. Juskopo!

How could I say to her that I'm not her Mr. Right?

Hindi ba niya napanood ang He's just not that into you?!

*sigh*

15 signs that he MIGHT be gay

2010-09-28T04:30:00.001+08:00

No offense meant para sa mga kapatid ko para sa post na ito.Alam ko kasi may magagalit sa akin. But I don't mean to stereotype, this is just a plain observation. Fine. Ba't ba ako nagpapaliwanag! Hahaha! Sige na nga, aamin na ako. I'm just describing myself. Joke.

1. Give away kung ang paborito niyang singer si Mariah Carey, Regine, Lady Gaga o kaya ilang beses niyang pinanood yung guesting ni Charice sa Glee sa YT.

2. Mahilig sa balitang showbiz. Now na.

3. Kapag may mga angle-angle ang shots ng pagmumukha niya sa facebook, bonus na lang pag may nakahubad din siyang pic.

4. May kasamang bata or pet sa mga photos niya sa fb.

5. Project Runway, ANTM, Glee, Gossip Girl, Beauty Pageants at Magkaribal. Alam na!

6. Kapag ang ring tone niya ay " A thousand Miles".. if I could fall into the sky....Hahaha!

7. Mahilig sa rom-com flicks... Uy manood naman tayo ng Going the Distance or Letters to Juliet!

8. 30 years old na! wala pa ring asawa or girlfriend?! Hmmm... there must be something!

9. Body fit t shirt, sleevelees, tsaliko, fitted jeans...Magbigay pugay sa Bench, Solo, Oxygen, F&H et al...

10.Hindi alam maglaro ng basketball (ako to!)

11.Ayaw niyang ipagamit ang kanyang cellphone (uy baka may grindr) or laptop.(tignan mo yung history)

12 Tignan mo ang mga male friends niya sa fb.

13. Mostly ang close friend niya ay babae.

14. Matagal sa restroom. May kikoy kit, facial wash...toner...pore minimizer....mosturizer....

15. At higit sa lahat alam ang kulay na magenta!

Girlfriend: Babe, parang ang pangit ng pagka violet ng stuff toy na to!
Coldie: Babe, di yan purple! Magenta yan... magenta!
Tumambling ang girlfriend! (Alam na!)

Baka may matamaan diyan, umilag muna kayo.

Pag may dalawang bruskong lalake ba na sabay nanood ng pelikulang Dear John, mapagkakamalan mo rin ba sila?

How to annoy Coldie in FB

2010-09-21T03:56:00.000+08:00

Pasensya na sa last post ko. Natamaan lang ng lungkot. Hindi ko talaga bagay maging dramatic actor katulad ni Leonardo DiCaprio, mas nakikita ko ang sarili ko bilang comedy actor tulad ni Ashton Kutcher o Joel McHale. Pakapalan oh?! Mas mahilig kasi akong magpatawa kesa magdrama.

Anyway, paano nga ba ako dapat inisin sa facebook.

1.Loser status updates about your mental state
Gasul is busy buying shellane.

Bob is looking for his shirt.

Gillboard was born with jaundice.

Soltero is at the clinic having facials.

Ced wants to drink moo chocolate and yakult.

Mia is cooking pancit canton.

Ex Jason is thinking why the earth is round.

Toffer thinks that his toothpaste is too minty.

Niq believes that success is a journey not a destination.

Goyo is out walking his pet fish.

Kotsengkuba sees trees of green and red roses too.

Lyka is still intact.

Coldie loves....(Oops, Joke lang. example lang ko ‘to sa mga mahal kong bloggers sa last post). Please give your status some thoughts. Refrain from making yourself look lonely and pathetic (like me)

2.Stop taking quizzes
If you are over 16 years old, please stop . I don’t care if you are 90% sad today or what Disney character or gaano ka kaarte movie star you're most like. Just stop littering my feed with the constant stupid quizzes you take. By the way, ako pala si Pocahontas dun sa Disney character quiz. Hahaha!

3.Tagged photos
Admit it. We have some ugly or the ugliest photos we would not want to share with the world. But some of your insensitive friends will still post them and tag you. As a golden rule please don’t tag your friends in unflattering photo, anyone not looking at the camera or better yet let them tag their own photos. Pagbukas mo ng fb mo, wala ka na palang dangal dahil sa parang ewan na pic na naka tag sayo. Tsk. tsk.

4.Tagged items for sale
Hindi po ako bumibili ng lingerie at lalong di po ako bumibili ng shoulder bag.(Pwera na lang kung pink) Para kikay! Hahaha!

5.Changing relationship status constantly
One word: Papansin.

6.The "i love you mahal" friend
Kumain ka ba mahal? I love you mahal! Ingat ka dyan mahal! Wow cheese feast! Oo, ikaw na ang in love ! At ako na ang single! Now, because of your status I will be the most depressing person on earth. Bitter lang. Hahaha!

7.The model aka camera whore
Wow, one album with different angle shots of your face. You must be so bored! Party! Party! If I start having nightmares about your pouty lips I’m going to shoot myself. Seriously.

8. No Picture/Dog Picture
Kamown?! it isn’t called “face” book for no reason at all – give me a face not your dog.

9. Don't be too emo
I have a friend that is too miserable that she writes too much depressing status and flooding my news feed with her 10 favorite You Tube love songs. Feeling ko malapit na talaga siyang mag-suicide. Joke.

10.Liking your own status
Really? This is just so retarded. Yey! I like what I posted! And I will be the first to comment on my own status! Yey! I'm retarded. Please don’t do it.

Di naman ako ganun kasama, naka hide lang naman sila. Di pa naman sila deleted. So, kailan ba tayo magiging friends sa fb?

Pikit ka lang

2010-09-19T15:33:00.006+08:00

Nagising akong mabigat ang loob ko kaninang umaga. Mayroon talagang araw na sadyang inaatake ako ng lungkot. Ang bigat sa dibdib.
Parang nasayang ang isang araw ko sa kakaisip.
Alas dos na ng umaga, pero di pa rin ako dinadalaw ng antok.
Bakit ang dami kong iniisip?
Ano bang gusto kong gawin sa buhay ko?
Hanggang kailan ba ako ganito?
Ang dami kong tanong.
Gusto kong umiyak.
Natatakot ako.

Gusto ko ng matulog.

Coldie the Lesbo

2010-09-16T03:40:00.000+08:00

Gagong Matt 'to. Di ako tinitigilan hanggat di ko tinatawagan si Meg. Si Meg ang kaibigan niyang ni-rereto niya sa akin. Para matigil ang pangungulit, tinawagan ko siya kagabi.

Surprisingly, masarap siyang kausap.(compatible kasi zodiac sign namin) Would you believe na more than 2 hours kaming nag-usap?Ala- una dito sa lugar ko, alas tres naman sa lugar niya. She's really a good listener. Yan ang isa sa mga qualities na hinahanap ko sa isang tao.(preferably lalake) Joke. Kahit minsan walang kwenta usapan namin, buhay na buhay pa rin ang dugo niyang mag-kwento at makinig.

Sa pag-uusap namin, ramdam ko na gusto niyang magka boyfriend ulit. Siyempre, manhid-mahidan naman ang kuya niyo. It's been 2 years na wala siyang naging karelasyon (and it's been 4 years naman ang kuya niyo na walang gf, yung bf wag niyo ng tanungin).

Hindi naman sa pagmamayabang, pero I think she likes me. Seryoso. (Oops! Baka matapakan niyo buhok ko)

I have seen her photos already since we're friends in fb and she's pretty.(magaling talagang pumili si Matt!) So, hindi kami pwedeng maging puno o hayop kasi bagay kami. Bagay. Pogi at maganda. Kung tutuusin, di na rin ako lugi. Joke lang.

Just this morning, I received a good morning text from her.

Patay tayo diyan.

Shetness.

Pressured ka na nga sa magulang, pati kaibigan mo pressured ka na din.

Kailangan ko ng bumili ng pressure cooker.

Kumain ka na ba?

Nakakagago lang.

Makapagluto na nga.

Hello Bloggers!

2010-09-10T04:17:00.004+08:00

Dance with Coldie

2010-09-02T04:20:00.002+08:00

It has been 30 minutes, pero super awkward at stiff mag pose ang ate niyo, ang dami niyang sayang na frames. Bilang isa sa mga alagad ni Nigel Barker, kailangan kong gumawa ng paraan.

Coldie: Hey Jasmine, have you been in any clubs in the area?

Jasmine: Yeah

Coldie: So do you like to party?

Jasmine: Yeah, I love to dance!

Coldie: Wow, that's good! Now I need you to do something...

Jasmine: Do you want me to dance?

Coldie: Hahaha! Yeah! So just feel the music right now and dance like I'm not here. Okay?

Jasmine: Sure!

Sabay pasok ng kantang Barbie Girl/Boom Boom Boom Remix! (joke)

Viola!

After the dance, she was more comfortable in front of me and I have the best shots of her.

The editorial shots of this photo shoot are found in my website.

..........

I watched this movie last night and I could say it's one of the best film I've seen this year. A bit predictable but still entertaining. If you like Juno and Little Miss Sunshine, you should not miss this one (and Steven Strait is hot!) Rent it now!

Bonus Coldman Fact: I'm not a good dancer, parehong kaliwala ang paa ko.

Coldie Picks 20 Most Jologs Songs

2010-08-30T10:00:00.073+08:00

Siyempre, yung mga obvious tulad ng mga novelty songs ni Lito Camo na kinanta nina Willie, SexBomb, Viva Hotbabes , mga Tagalized songs, at mga kanta ni April Boy at Renz Verano di ko na isasali. (Yung Aegis, di ko isasali sa listahan kasi maraming Pinoy yun lagi kinakanta pag videoke dito- respeto na lang sa kanila) Hahaha!

Walang basagan ng trip. Pasensya kong trip niyo sila.

1. Dayang- Dayang (?): Papirit Po Papirit piririt..... ito na yata ang pinaka-jologs na kanta na narinig ko. Nandidiri ako sa kantang 'to. Seryoso. Kahit di ko maintindihan ang lyrics. Kung gusto niyong siraiin ang araw ko, alam niyo na ang gagawin niyo.

2. Yakap (LA Lopez): Ako ay nagbalik, at muli kang nasilayan.......Nakita niyo ba yung MTV nito with his red transparent shades? (dali sa youtube!) Hahaha! Emote na emote ang kuya niyo dun. Bakit ka pa bumalik, gusto ko pa naman yung kanta. Nasobrahan yata si Pareng LA ng iodized salt nung kinanta niya 'to. Pero maganda yung pagka- arranged ng harmony ng kanta (pwera boses). Yun lang.

3. Always (Atlantic Star): Girl you are to me, all that a woman should be, And I dedicate my life to you always.... Anubayun! Kesong-keso. Pero kinakanta ko 'to dati pag may ka duet ako. Dapat pala pag next time kong kakantahin ito ganito na- Boy you are to me... all that a ma-aaan should be... Ewan ko na lang kong di sila tumambling! Hahaha!

4. Barbie Girl (Aqua): Come on Barbie, Let's go party, Ha Ha Ha Yeah... Come on Barbie, Let's go party, Oooo..Oooo.. WTF?! Kapag ako naging DJ sa isang sikat na Dance Club, papatugtugin ko ito ng paulit-ulit! Para maiba lang.

5. Boom Boom Boom Boom (Vengaboys): Boom Boom Boom Boom... I want you in my room... Magsama sila ni Barbie Girl! Dance Remix na 'to! Hahaha!

6. You made me live again (Janet Basco): I was born in the dark... with my lonely broken heart..... May kaibigan akong babae kapag may videoke, ewan ko ba kung bakit lagi niyang kinakanta 'to, kaya lalo tuloy tumatak sa utak ko. Putragis. Masyado siyang emo. Nakakagago 'tong kantang 'to. Pag kinakanta niya to, nagsi- cr ako. Hahaha!

7. Knife (Rockwell): Knife...cuts like a knife.. How will I ever heal..I'm so deeply wounded....Knife.... Lecheng kutsilyo yan. The ultimate emo song! Kung gusto mong mag-laslas at wakasan ang buhay mo, wag kang mandamay! Hahaha!

8. Lumayo ka man sa akin (Rodel Naval): Pagkat saan
ka man naroroon..Pintig ng puso ko'y para sayo...
Wala lang, di ko lang trip yung kanta.

Period. (Baka kasi multuhin niya ako)

9. Always (Erasure): When it's cold outside am I here

in pain...Hold on to the night.....there will be no shame.Magbigay-pugay sa UMD! Bring back the high school
memories! May hati pa sa gitna ang buhok ko nun!

Shetness.

10. Mr. Dreamboy (Sheryl Cruz): Ang.........(pause)........(pause pa ulit)................ isip ko'y litong-lito....di ko alam ang gagawin...Hirap ako sa paghuli ng 'yong pansin.....Ha..ha..ha... Pwede bang saksakin niyo na lang
ako at ilibing ng buhay. Hahaha!

11.Never been to me (Charlene): Ooohh.. I've been to Georgia and California.. I've been to paradise..But I've never been to me... Uy! may narration 'to sa gitna na
song.
Parang adik lang. Theme song ng mga pokpok.
Hahaha!

12. Ulan (Cueshe): Lagi na lang umuulan...parang walang katapusan... Eeewwww! Cueshe?! Eeeeewww ulit! Cueshe?! Pang-asar lang! (Sorry, baka may mga die
hard fans sila dito, iligpit pa nila ako). Hahahaha!

13. Paint my love (MLTR): Paint my love...you should paint my love..It's the picture of thousand sunsets...
Naalala ko lagi ang pelikula ni Priscilla Almeda noong
araw,lahat yata ng Seiko Films ginamit lahat ng kanta ng
MLTR.

14. Bakit Ba (Siakol): Nag-aaliw sa usok at beer lang
ang kasama.. Mas okey pang ganito nalilimutan ka.... Aamin na ako, kinakanta ko to dati. Hahaha! Madali
lang kasi yung chords niya sa gitara (G-Em-C-D).
Tignan niyo, tanda ko pa, parang Line to Heaven
(Introvoyz) lang na madali lang ang chords (D-A-G-A). Eto yung mga ginigitara ko noong highschool.
Adik lang.

15. All by myself (Eric Carmen): When I was young...I never needed anyone..And making love was just for fun.Those days are gone.. Yeees! ang pambansang sayaw
ng mga macho dancer (with matching maong shorts!)
Ba't alam ko to?! Naririnig ko lang ito. Promise.

16. Makapiling ka Sana (Dingdong Avanzado):
Pag-ibig koy ikaw.. walang iba..di mo ba nadarama..
ang tawag ng puso koy laging ikaw.. hanap ng mata'y
lagi kang matanaw..makapiling ka sana at makaulayawSa totoo lang gusto ko yung mga kanta niya except
this one, lalo na yung word na makaulayaw. WTF?!
Ano ba ang makaulayaw? Ang lalim!

17. Island in the Stream (Kenny Rogers and Dolly
Parton): Island in the stream..that is what we are........Dapat
lahat ng pinoy kasama ito sa playslist sa
kanilang i
Pod. Nakakaindak kaya ito. Hahaha!

18. Pers Lab (Vina Morales): Dhi nah makahtulohggg...Dhi pah makahkainnn..Tahghiyawat sa ilong..
Patih na sa pisngih.. Sah kahkaisip sa yoh taghiyawat dumadameeeeeee! (mailong kasing kumanta si Vina
kaya maraming "H") Hahaha! Pinaka-cheesy na OPM
song.. puro kaartehan..puro taghiyawat ang naririnig
ko sa lyrics.
Dapat title nito Taghiyawat.

19. O lumapit ka (Gelli De Bellen): Oooh... lumapit ka.. kung gusto mo akong halikan..ba't kita sasayawin.
alam na alam mo namang ito'y gusto ko rin.... Akalain niyo, may album pala si Gelli De Bellen dati! Hahaha!
Ang nakakatawa sa kantang ito may rap in between.
Nakakagago lang. Hahaha!

20. Speed Babad (Piolo Pascual): You are so beautiful girl...ganyan pag relax ka lang.. dito lang sa speed babad...speed babad.. speed babad... hirap mo ay over.... Putragis! Putragis talaga! Putragis ulit! Bakit?! 1000
minus pogi points kay Papa P. Jologs kung jologs.
Hahaha!

Bonus Coldman Fact: For some weird reason, pag
akoy naimbitahan sa videoke , lagi kong kinakanta ang
Doon Lang ni Nonoy Zuniga. Kung natapos ang aking
pag-aaral... Disin sana'y mayroon na akong dangal....
Parang lasenggo lang! Beat that!

So, sino gustong magpa- burn ng CD?! Hahaha!

Yankees and Rockies : The Conclusion

2010-08-26T02:50:00.000+08:00

This is not an emo post. Weh?

James: Did you ever love me?

Coldie: Anong klaseng tanong yan? Hindi ako makikipag-relasyon sa yo kung di kita mahal. Remember humagulhol pa nga ako sayo?

James: Yeah right! Iniyakan mo lang ako noong nakikipaghihiwalay ka.

Coldie: (tahimik)

James: You know that I will never cheat on you but you never trusted me.

Coldie: (tahimik)

James: Basta iniwan mo na lang ako sa ere.

Coldie: Ano ka ba naman matagal na yun, ilang sorry pa ba ang kailangan kong sabihin. We both have moved on. Alam ko na papasayahin na lang kita!

James: (tahimik)

Coldie: Di ba gusto mong pumunta ng Alaska? Treat ko!

James: Hahaha! (sarcastic na tawa) Yeah right! Puro ka lang plano! Isa kang malaking drawing!

Coldie: Ako pa ngayon ang drawing? Ikaw kaya ang laging busy?

James: Talaga lang ah?!

Coldie: Sige na kahit isama mo pa yung cheater mong boyfriend! Para threesome tayo!

James: Hahaha! (totoong tawa na 'to)

Coldie: See? napatawa kita!

James: Yun nga ang na miss ko sa yo e. Palagi mo akong pinapatawa.

Coldie: So ano? Game?!

James: Wag na, mahirap na baka mahulog na naman ako sa patibong mo. Tapos aasa na naman ako. Joke. Seriously, loaded ako ngayon at kakabakasyon ko lang.

Coldie: Sabi mo e. So, kailangan mo ako iimbitahin diyan?

James: Anytime. Alam mo namang welcome ka lagi dito sa bahay. Just call me and I'll pick you up!

Coldie: Nakanaman! Parang call boy lang ah?! Malakas pa rin pala ako sa yo?!

James: Oo naman, ako lang naman ang mahina sayo e.

Coldie: Ang lakas mo nga e!

Who said that ex's could never be friends? Look at me and James. Of course, every relationship and breakup is different and there isn’t a one right way to navigate a post-breakup friendship. Depending on how serious the relationship was to begin with, or how easy the breakup was, it’s possible to immediately and seamlessly move into a friendship.

My relationship with James was cordial and the break up was mutually agreed. And for the record, I never cheated. Yeah, long distance never worked for me and the truth is I fell out of love for him.

Remember this post? Yes, I wrote it for James.

PS: Sing me this song, and Coldie will be yours forever.

I don't wanna see you cry again
Missed the pot of gold at rainbows end
Cease the day you try to fly and fall
I just want to see you standing tall

I don't want to see you cry once more
Careful of the world by shutting doors
Not a bit affeted by the crowd
I only want to see you standing proud

Refrain:
Tell me where it hurts
And I will ease your pain
Through the stormy hurl
I'll shield you from the rain
I'm gonna find what's wrong
I'm gonna make it right
Hoping with my song
There'd be no need to cry

Chorus:
And though you've shed
A thousand tears before
I don't want to see
You cry once more
And though it's been a while
Since your last grin
I just want to see you smile again

Together dreaming dreams
Of a brighter tomorrow
With hopes from day to day
Rid ourselves of the sorrow
We'll make this world
A better place to live
I don't want to see you cry again

I don't want to see another tear
Knowing that it flows from pain and fear
Rather I will show you how to live
Even if it takes my life to give

Pinakapanalong comment

2010-08-22T21:00:00.003+08:00

Parang ang tagal ko nang di nakapang-alaska. Ito yata yung huling post ko tungkol sa kabalastugan. That was 2 years ago. Ibabalik ko lang ng konti yung dating Coldman, pagbigyan niyo na ako. Alam ko namang mas maraming masaya pag ganito lagi ang post ko. Hahaha!

FB guy 1: Kung gusto mu add kita, wag pangalan ng place gawin mung account..real name gawin mo...

Panalong comment ni FB girl: Ang suplado naman, akala mo naman kagwapuhan...

Tablado.Infairness, di talaga siya gwapo. lol

FB girl 1( Nagpalit ng profile pic) : pasosyal na pic habang nasa loob ng Starbucks

Pinakapanalong comment: Hey Girl, Kelan mo ako mababayaran?

(wall to wall post pa!) Panalo! Hahaha!

FB girl 2 (Halos every 2 hours nag u-update ng status): Feeling so sad today. =(

Pinakapanalong reply: 3 people like this

Kulang na lang sabihin nilang.. eh di ma sad ka! Hahaha!

FB girl 3: (Heartbroken): I'm bleeding. Ang sakit ng ginawa niya. Bakit iniwan niya ako?

Pinakapanalong comment: Bakit friend san ba kayo dapat pupunta?

Hahaha! Panira ng moment ampt.

FB guy 2: Look at his profile photo (from Wet and Wild Foam Party)

Natawa ako sa Bukake comment. Sorry mate!

After 15 minutes, nagpalit. (Lagot ako, anak pa naman ito ng kilalang politician, baka bigla akong ipaligpit) Hahaha!

Siyempre, save the best for last. Sa mga dating readers ng blog, alam kong kilalang-kilala niyo siya. It has been 3 years, kumusta na kaya siya. Ito pa rin kaya ang profile pic niya? Hahaha!

Payong kaibigan lang naman, kung mukha ka namang kagalang-galang, pwede bang wag kang magpakuha ng pic sa loob ng kwarto ng may kasamang malaking teddy bear at wag kayong mag terno. Infairness, pareho sila ng smile! Winner!

Pinakapanalong blogger comment:

Lumabas yung taquitos sa ilong ko dun sa mamang nakasandal sa oso! pero mukhang pag yun yung ka deyt mo mukhang magiging hindi kainip inip ang bawat saglit! wag lang niyang dalhinyung oso! xienah, sumakit tiyan ko sa katatawa dun sa komento mo "gagu yun adekk"

Judge 1: What is one big mistake you've made and what did you do to make it right?

Pinakapanalong sagot: Alam mo ser, sa edad kong ito wala pa akong bonggang- bonggang problemang kinakaharap!

Yankees and Rockies

2010-08-20T05:00:00.000+08:00

1:45 am

Got this text message

James: Are you up? Need to talk.

Si James ay aking ex. Kahit matagal na kaming wala, naging mabuti kaming magkaibigan.

(Yes! First time 'to, nagkukwento na ako ng love life ko ngayon)

Coldie: Bakit?

James: My boyfriend told me that he kissed someone.

Coldie: Oh, at least honest siya.

James: Paano magiging honest yun, kaya niya sinabi yun kasi nakita siya ni Kurt. Inunahan na lang niya, kasi malalaman ko rin yun.

Coldie: So, anong sabi mo?

James: I said we're over. I know he's always been a cheater.

Coldie: Are you okay?

James: No, I'm not.

Coldie: Where are you?

James: I'm driving home. Iniwanan ko sila dun sa club.

Coldie: Mag drive ka muna. Call me when you get home.

After 20 minutes

James: Ang gagong yun! Ilang ulit ko ng pinatawad pero di pa rin nagbabago.

Coldie: Eh tanga ka, alam mo ngang cheater,nagpa- uto ka naman.

James: Kasalanan mo lahat 'to.

Coldie: Ba't ako?

James: Kung di mo ako iniwan, e di sana di nangyayayari sa akin 'to.

Coldie: Ayan ka na naman, pagtatalunan na naman natin yan.. ang hilig mo talagang mang-ungkat...

James: Did you ever love me?

to be continued.....

Sunrise

2010-08-17T20:58:00.012+08:00

Owver! Bumalik ka lang dito para malaman yung sagot sa last post ko.

Asa.

Siyempre wala. Seryoso.

I'm hopeless (romantic)!

Maraming magwawala at malulungkot pag nagkaroon ako ng love life dito (joke!)

See, I can be a good boyfriend?!

Sige, smile ka na. Pwede ka ng matulog.

Hello Miami!

2010-08-11T21:11:00.034+08:00

Noong nagsabog yata ng kaseksihan at kagwapuhan ang Diyos sa mundo, gising na gising ang mga taga-Miami. Seryoso. Parang halos lahat ng tao dito artistahin, ultimo pulis, waiter, driver o kahit nakatambay lang. Parang normal lang ang magkaroon ng toned na katawan. Nahiya naman ako bigla. Naiwan yata ang pagka boy-next -door ko pagbaba ko ng eroplano. Shetness.

Ang Miami ay may kakaibang appeal para sa akin, it must be the crowd. Halo-halo kasi ang nationality lalo na sa bandang South Beach kung saan buhay na buhay ang night life, parang party animal lahat ng tao dito. Halos lahat yata ng masarap na resto nandito rin, syempre seafood galore ang kuya niyo, kaya lang seafood galore din ang presyo.

Ang problema nga lang, sobrang init. As in! Lalo na sa bandang tanghali, nakaka-migraine. Pero kung puro hubad na katawan naman ang nakikita mo, I think okay lang namang lumabas. Hindi ako ipokrito.Hahaha!

May isang part ng beach na matatagpuan sa 12th street para sa LGBT community. Madali mo lang siyang mapapansin kung maglalakad ka bukod sa namumukod tanging rainbow flag doon, lahat yata ng tao doon naka trunks. Piyesta! At syempre doon ako mismo tumambay. Hahaha! Wala lang para maiba lang. Ang maganda naman dun, walang pakialamanan. Hanggang tingin lang. Kaya lang di talaga kaya ng powers ko ang maghubad (at lalong-lalo na ang mag trunks!) Lech. Natabunan ako ng hiya. Akalain mo,mahiyain pala ako?! Kailangan ko na ulit mag-gym. Seryoso.

Bago ako pumunta dito, feeling ko haciendero ako, kaya lang pag-uwi ko mukha ng akong kargador sa sobrang pagka- nognog. Hindi yata effective yung nabili king sunblock. Lech. Pero alam kong babalik ulit ako dito.

So, may ka-date ba ako sa Miami?! Nagkaroon ba ako ng sex life sa Miami?! Nagkaroon ba ako ng love life after kung pumunta ng Miami?!

On my next post.

Coldie and Nicole Fox

2010-08-05T08:14:00.001+08:00

I was invited to cover a runway shoot for a talented designer.The problem is I never shoot a fashion show before and I’ve always felt it would be a real challenge for me. Actually it was really difficult since the light condition often changes during the show but I'm glad that everything went well.One of the good news also is that I have a VIP access backstage, so if I am a pervert, that would be Disneyland! But since I'm Asian and a Filipino with a very conservative background, I am not going to share what I've seen backstage. Hahaha!

Anyway, they said there were some celebrities during the show but I didn't recognize anyone. I think most of them were from reality shows like Wendy of PBB and Tara of SP.Lol!

So here is the main story....

Coldie: Who is she?

FP: That's Nicole Fox!

Coldie: I have not seen any of her movies!

FP: No, she's a model. She won the ANTM.

Coldie: Oh, she's short but gorgeous! Sorry I don't watch ANTM.

After 25 minutes:

Coldie: Hi Nicole! Wow, I'm a big fan. I have not missed a single episode of the show! (Hahaha! Sinungaling!)

Nicole: Oh, thank you!

Coldie: I really love what they have done to your hair! ( I know this is so gay!)

Nicole: Yeah, Matthew is amazing. I think he puts steroids on it.

Coldie: Hahaha! (feeling close)That is really cool! By the way I'm Coldie! Nice to meet you finally!

Nicole: Oh, your face is oily! (joke lang to)

So that's my 59-second conversation with Nicole. Infairness sa ate niyo, medyo mahiyain pero super smile naman pag nakikipag usap.

Coldie's Top 10 Awesome Photographers

2010-08-03T20:00:00.002+08:00

Before I got into photography, it has always been my hobby to browse magazines and websites just looking for good photos. I don't know but I get some sort of inspiration just by staring from their work.

Anyway, I want to introduce my personal pick on some of the greatest photographers around the globe and their awesome portfolios.

Be inspired.

1.www.mattstuart.com

perfect combination of simplicity + humor

2. www.davehillphoto.com

contrasty and "cartoonish" in nature (I think every photographer knows him)

3. www.jamesnachtwey.com

photojournalism at its finest

4. www.joeyl.com

great lighting + new aged post processed technique

5. www.parkeharrison.com

excellent fine art photography

6. www.adamburtonphotography.com

wow! see for yourself how he shoots landscape!

7. www.brookpifer.com

simple yet so edgy

8. www.lyndonwade.com

subjects in a kind of suspended animation

9. www.bagradbadalian.com

unique look for fashion photography

10. www.davidlindseywade.com

cinematic and provocative

I hope someday soon, I’ll be able to share also my website to all the readers of this blog. Actually I will, it comes with the invite.(See I'm serious!) I will not be the anonymous coldman anymore to some of you . No more bright yellow smiley on the face .=) I think after 4 years of blogging, I gained friendship and trust to these awesome bloggers! So, can't wait to meet you guys!

Coldie and the band after his first commissioned album cover shoot.

PS: I'll be flying to Miami tomorrow but I'll try to update some photos and stories on this trip. (and I'm not with Matt!) lol!

Best Buddies

2010-07-29T21:22:00.009+08:00

Kausap ko si Matt kagabi. Si Matt ang pinakamatalik kong kaibigan (pero straight), katulad ko magaling din siyang mang-alaska, mahilig din sa potograpiya at sa mga hindi nakakaalam siya ang lagi kong kasama kapag ako ay naglalakbay dito sa Estados Unidos. May isang buwan din kaming di nag-usap, pareho kasi kaming abala sa trabaho.

Kagabi, nagulat ako at tumawag siya

Matt: Pare, wala na kami ni Karen

Coldie: O, anong nangyari?

Matt: Blah..blah...Wala na talaga, ako na ang bumigay sa kanya. Hindi talaga siguro kami para sa isa't isa.

Coldie: O ano ka ngayon?

Matt: Eto, emotionally unstable.

Coldie: Gago, wag kang mag-suicide ah? Hahaha!

Matt: Gago! di naman ako ganung katanga.

Si Karen ang girlfriend ni Matt nang anim na taon. Dapat ay ikakasal sila ngayong Setyembre.

Coldie: Baka tampuhan lang yan, magkakabalikan din kayo.

Matt: Wala na talaga. Siya rin, ayaw na rin niya. Lumipat na rin siya sa Jersey.

Coldie: Iniyakan mo?

Matt: Oo pero, isang gabi lang.

Coldie: Ows? Hahaha!

Matt: Put*ng inang buhay yan, balik na naman ako sa pagbabati.

Coldie: Gago, ganyan talaga. Ayaw mo nun, pwede ka ng magdala ng kahit sino dyan sa bahay mo.

Matt: Tulad ng ginagawa mo?!

Coldie: (as if!) Gago!

Coldie: Ikakasal na si Bryan sa October, pupunta ako.

Matt: Yung mokong na yun, nauna pang ikasal sa atin.

Coldie: Strictly formal daw ang attire. Pinag-susuot ako ng tuxedo. Pero sabi ko, ayaw kong bumili, coat and tie na lang ako.

Matt: Ako nga rin e. Ang gagong yun di man lang manlibre ng hotel.

Coldie: Oo nga e, patawa yun. Bayaan mo na, baka maraming gastos.

Matt: Tayo na lang mag share sa room.

Coldie: Sige, mahal pa naman ng hotel sa downtown.

Matt: O,may girlfriend ka na?

Coldie: Wala.

Matt: Wala pa rin? Interesado ka ba talaga sa babae?

Coldie: Oo naman! (LIAR! LIAR!) Eh sa wala akong nakikita dito na gusto ko e. Magpapayaman muna ako.

Matt: Pare, hindi lahat puro pera.....blah..blah..

Coldie: Oo naman, alam ko naman yun...blah...blah...

Matt: Alam mo kung di lang kita kilala, pagduduhan na talaga kita.

Coldie: Gago!

Sa totoo lang, minsan gusto ko na ring mag-out sa kanya, pero alam ko, may magbabago. Siguro pag handa na ako, mga 30 years from now. Hahaha!

Naisip ko tuloy...

Coldie: Pare, you're right. I'm gay.

Matt: Gago ka! E, naghuhubad ako sa harap mo ah?

Coldie: Gago, di kita trip.

Matt: Baka may HD ka sa akin ah?

Coldie: Pare, wala talaga.

Infairness kay Matt, gwapo ang gago, pero tama ang sabi nila. Pag kaibigan, kaibigan. Walang taluhan.

Weh?

P.S. Gago is our tropa's favorite expression, no offense meant.