Ode To The Chicken

This little chicken is for me the cutest thing in the whole wide world! ...er, for the next couple of days, at least... and er, second to my cat, of course....but I digress. Don't you think Chicken Little is the littlest cutesiest thing????? AWWWWWWW.... just look at that picture!! oh, and here's one more...










he's sooooo cute! gigiiiiil! i'm afraid if pinanggigilan ko tong sisiw na to madudurog na lang bigla mga bones nya in my arms. the danger of fawning over a chicken this cute is that after seeing this movie i may not be able to eat chicken again.













anyway, the movie will be showing in the states on november 4... i have no idea when it's coming out here although i've seen the posters around and the trailer on TV. i know next to nothing about the movie's plot except that it's a disney-take on the story of the boy who cried wolf, or something like that. but who cares what this movie's plot is? im watching it for the "cute-chicken" factor, hehe.

the posters ain't bad too. check this one out...


















and this one...


















...the last time i watched out for a cartoon character with such high expectations was with Puss-In-Boots in Shrek 2. speaking with antonio banderas' voice and staring with that hold-me-please-dont-you-want-to-hug-me look he gave the soldiers chasing him in the ending fight scene, that cat definitely did not disappoint. i hope this chicken won't either.

See the Chicken Little Movie site here.

My Stariray na Inaanak

this is my ever so cute god-daughter, kyle stephanie, in glamour mode en route to cruzada just this afternoon from MBS. we call her kyle but her dad would rather call her ste-funny. nyeknyek funny. the glasses are mine but THAT smile is uniquely hers.

kyle the top model 

wa-poise moment with a McDo meal give-away 

pacute on the church pews while watching the Praise Theme practice 

with kyle's mommy and my best friend, mwehehehe... ako din best friend nya, mwehehehe... ate abbie 

PT girls and a baby... labang surf daw ang damit ni ayen kaya naggo-glow sa bandang left ng picture 

Butt-Crushed

Not mine but my car’s. Was caught in a three-vehicle mishap yesterday morning at the south superhighway, right in front of the Asia Pacific College near the Magallanes flyover going to EDSA. A jeepney was speeding down the skyway exit towards the highway when it crashed into a Nissan Terrano, which then crashed into the butt of our Honda Civic, crushing it beyond recognition. I already heard the jeepney hitting the terrano and the screeching as the terrano tried to brake to avoid slamming into us. Obviously though, the brakes didn’t catch soon enough and the grill-headed Nissan managed to hit us from behind. Fortunately, our car wasn’t closely tailing any other vehicle and so the front of the car was not damaged. Manong also didn’t need to step on the brakes like the driver of the terrano did, otherwise we would have skidded in circles on the highway which would have been an even more dangerous thing.

The terrano had already skidded to the left from the impact, for some miraculous reason though it avoided hitting the other vehicles in the highway. The jeep on the other hand slammed into the wall at the side of the highway, its right wheel tilted up against the barrier. The passengers ran out of the jeep but the driver wasn’t able to move because apparently his arm and lower body were trapped inside against the steering wheel.

It only took a few more moments when highway patrol policemen came, there were around four or five. They were quite efficient and quick-moving, I am pleased to note. In a few minutes, an ambulance already whizzed past us carrying the driver and the passengers of the jeepney, all of whom reportedly had cuts and/or bruises. In less than twenty minutes the place was cleared, the jeep was towed, and manong with our civic and the other party with the Nissan terrano already started heading back to the police station at bicutan (where we came from, incidentally).

Until today, the police hasn’t gotten a statement yet from the driver. I was told he was generally okay, and only his arm was broken. We don’t know yet how much the wreck is gonna set us back—the way it looks, manong says it might be better if we just bought a new car, and what are the chances of that happening, huh? We can’t have the car fixed until the jeepney driver is able to make a statement and a proper estimate of the damages is made. Until then, I am car-less. Hello MRT! Hello FX! Hello endless taxicabs! Time to re-learn how to commute in Metro Manila—a skill I’ve forgotten since second year college.

No matter… I’m just STILL thankful that nobody was really hurt from this accident. And that our car wasn't the one sandwiched and that the terrano happened to be a sturdy vehicle. If it was our civic in the middle, who knows what would have happened to our car… and to us?! The Nissan Terrano with its heavy build, grills and all that jazz was already hit badly—what more my relatively frail Honda Civic sedan?

the butt that was crushed

ang ayaw nang mabuksan na trunk

gusto nang matanggal magisa ng bumper

parang niyuping lata

In This House... the Cruzada Choir in Concert

Yesterday, the Cruzada Church Choir held a concert in the two services of our church, in the 10AM and the 6PM services. Just a bit of background (pictures follow this post, by the way):

the Cruzada Church Choir was founded by my grandfather, Lolo Aping Alava, in 1923. It was through this choir that my lolo met my lola. This choir saw how my dad and his siblings went from "kortos" (is that what they called shorts then?) at 12 years of age to wedding finery as the choir sang at their nuptials.

The Cruzada Church Choir in the 60's. Tito Poly is conducting. My dad is fifth guy from the left, third row.

When my lolo died of a heart attack (while conducting one Sunday morning and no, this is not a telenovela episode) he passed the proverbial baton to his children: Tito Poly, then Tita Feia, then Tito Robert Natividad (who was my aunt Tita Cely's husband) then Tito Poly again, who remained Choir Conductor until present time. My dad and his siblings were also part of the choir, Tito Piding (the eldest) was the choir's pianist and arranger until his death in 1993, Tita Cely is a pianist for the choir, too and sometime conductor, Tito Ignie is a tenor, and my dad was choir president and sometimes plays drums for the choir.

For me, this choir is not just a thing I do on Sundays. Every Sunday I practice or sing with the choir is a Sunday I spend living my family's legacy. Seeing as I never knew my grandfather (who is remembered fondly by old choir alumni, even reverently by some) being part of this choir is somehow the only way I can get to know him as he lived because this was his life. And now it's ours.

ANYWAY... enough of the drama...

This concert, "In This House" (the name of the concert from the title song, which incidentally had Chrizelle doing the solo) was planned in June I think to raise funds for scholarships for some of the choir's young members. Many things have happend since June, and yesterday, there was no longer any asking for donations. What was intended as a fund-raising concert became a thanksgiving offering because:

1. a number of young members of the choir have already been given scholarships we were going to raise funds for; the church officers already gave the approval to sponsor their enrollment in the music extension programs (for voice or piano) of UST or UP (I still don't know which one they're going to take);
2. we have new choir gowns!!! these were donated by a group of Cruzada choir alumni excepting Ate Ahvie who was not only part of the donors but also managed the whole thing who came back to the choir this year. (Ship, nasaan ka man sa Dubai, naghihintay sa yo ang choir gown mo sa choir room! Feel mo ba ang design? As always, pinagbotohan yan. Buti na lang hindi na pasaway ngayon ang mga boys natin--remember the pink and yellow episode?? Argh. Ethnic ang choir ngayon di ba? Next project, bumili ng earrings to go with the gown, what do you think??? Hehehe.)
3. we have a new karaoke for the choir's sole use! for many years we have been essentially making do with the old karaoke with the crackling mic and nasty feedback. this next Sunday, we shall "make do" no more kasi we have a new karaoke na!
4. the church has a new multi-media projector! sabi ni Bro. Mel, secret donor daw ang nagbigay. Well whoever that person is, thank God for you! For years we have been praying for a projector for the worship service.

And on a personal note... this is also a thanksgiving service for me, because, well in the first place, i was there to help Tata Poly with the choir, playing the piano and doing some conducting. Another reason for MAJOR thanksgiving is the fact that my parents--most importantly, my DAD--were there, at Cruzada Church, too, after such a long, long time. The last time they attended at Cruzada was April, I think.

Seeing my dad and mom yesterday at their usual places at the pews? Now that is a prayer answered.

The Cruzada Church Choir in October 2005 with Tito Poly conducting.
Tito Poly is my dad's eldest living brother (the eldest, Tito Piding, a jazz pianist, already passed away some years ago.) He is walang kapagod-pagod, walang kakupas-kupas, at walang kasawa-sawang conductor, director, and the all-around INSPIRATION of all Cruzada Choir members, and I believe, our church members as well. Here he conducts the last song, "When We All Get To Heaven", with a small praise team (these nine people in front) and the choir, which is something Tito Poly likes to do. What he doesn't like is hearing people sing off-key, and believe me, he does. He may not hear you when you talk beside him, but he will definitely hear you if you sing off-key even from as far away as the third row, or fourth row!!! Buti na lang wala na syang baton ngayon, kundi, lilipad yun!

Tata Polo at the helm of "Shine Down".
Ehehehe, "Tata Polo" is actually Paolo, who conducts here. Paolo, like me, is a second-slash-third-generation choir member. His mom sang alto in the choir, and his siblings are part of the choir, too, except his oldest brother who is MIA (joke!)... I am thankful that Paolo has always been there to help Tata Poly in leading the choir. Paolo's presence is significant, to say the least. Other people may misunderstand him or think him too strict or mataray but his patience, his insistence on excellence, and his discipline is an example to us all.

Another prayer answered... Ate Abbie in a Cruzada Choir gown!!!!!
Syempre singing with the choir as a member of the choir and not just visitor--sorry for pointing out the obvious baka kasi may pilosopo dyan eh. Eto ang return of the comeback solo nya, ang "Friend of a Wounded Heart". She first sang this when was in high school I think (ate abbie, correct me if I'm wrong), then she left Cruzada, and then came back this year (thank God, praise God!!!) as our Musical Director!!! woohoooo!!!

The Altos.
I would just like to draw attention to our "super alto" section: 1st row -- me, tita elvie, ate ruthie; 2nd row -- ate abbie, jocelyn, hmmmm si ate eva ata; 3rd row -- tita lettie, tita eva... sayang wala si tita arcing, ate malou, ate beth daquiwag, and ate ruth baladjay... kung andun sila, "super MEGA alto" section na kami sorry nagbubuhat ako ng sariling bangko ha, pagbigyan nyo na ko, blog ko naman to e ;-p

That's me conducting. Yes, I'm wearing a sash.
Had to do a costume change to conduct "great God and King". actually, i just donned a "magic alampay" so i would look like i'm part of the choir. they wanted me to wear this large strip of tela. was planning to do a maria clara kind of thing but it kind of made it difficult for me to move my arms--which i might need to do when i conduct of course. also thought of making it into an "obi" (japanese belt-thingie worn on top of kimonos) pero buti na lang thought the better of it kasi nung sinabi ko kay ephs: "bakit kag magbe-belt e hindi ka pa naman nagcha-champion?" yukyukyuk. ang ending? straight out of a bb. pilipinas nightmare. it looked great from the back, though, i was told. talikogenic.

Paolo and me on a contemporary song made antique the Cruzada Choir way.
This song is "Burdens Rolled Away" -- the newest Cruzada Choir "antique" song. Antik kasi inuulit-ulit, nagiging "anthem". This song, still brand new last 2003 at the Rizal Convention, is now a Cruzada Choir anthem, pretty soon going the way of "I Walk Free" and "Undeserving". That's moi on the left mic, Paolo on the other end, and since soloist kami pareho... tito poly had no choice but to conduct... unless si ate abbie magco-conduct na din. hmmm, THATS an idea.... hehe, peace ate abbie! ;-p

Croonfest at Araneta

sigh sigh sigh... even if kasinglaki lang ng limang piso si michael buble sa paningin ko kagabi, i couldn't help sighing from way up my Php800-seat. pano ba naman, inumpisahan nya ang concert with "i'm feeling good"... a sashaying, hip-swaying song that's soooo sooo sooooo... er, sensual (was about to say hormonal but there might be kids reading this: "mommy, ano yung hormonal?". ooops, too late.) haaaayyy, sunud-sunod na sigh-inducing moments na pagkatapos nun. a rundown of the songs he did (as far as i can remember):

• Feeling Good (highest-registered screams in the araneta coliseum last night)
• Sway
• Save The Last Dance
• For Once In My Life
• You Don't Know Me (2nd highest)
• That's All (3nd highest)
• Fever (tied for highest)
• The More I See You
• Try A Little Tenderness
• I've Got You Under My Skin
• Home (before which the camera zoomed in on pianist Alan Chang's mug--at that moment, i said to dona: okay, sulit na ang bayad ko ;-p)
• You and I
• Moondance
• Come Fly With Me

the guy does not only have a great come-hither-to-my-abode voice. he's a stand-up comic, too. first off he apologized to the men who had no choice but to be there last night. he knows he's called "the bitch guy" (his words, not mine). and it's true. but then he demurs and says manila... you dont love me! oh sure, you say you love me, "i love you michael! i love you michael buble!"... sure sure you say that now... but i know two weeks from now you will say something else... "i love you, christian bautista!" hmmmm... the guy did his research--marunong. (although i'm not partial to christian bautista... i break for dennis trillo).

for laughs he also sang a Maroon 5 song. I honestly have no idea what it's called but it goes: this love has taken its toll on me, something-something... minus the tuxedo, plus the fancy rap and funky dance moves, he could pass for a slightly overaged boy band guy. he also did a Michael Jackson number, i forgot if it was beat it or bille jean, minus the glove, but with hefty servings of the gloved one's standard breathing, sliding and dancing. no, i don't think he could ever pass for michael jackson. and he himself knows that: "you all know that was just an excuse to grab my crotch" (again, his words, not mine). boy was i glad i didn't bring my sister along.

for his encore (of course pinoys would ask for an encore, in this doldrum economy, who wouldn't? sulitin ang bayad, i say) he did:

• How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You
• Crazy Little Thing Called Love
• Song For You

last night's "croonfest" with dona and pia was a blast! i told dona while michael buble was singing "say it's me that you'll adore now and forever more, that's all" (haaaaayyyy) that there's a cut from one of his cd's which he might sing and it goes "suhhhhhhmday.... when i'm feeling low..." (The Way You Look Tonight) and she goes: "ohmigawd! (sabay kampay ng kamay) masestress ako..." thank goodness he didn't sing that song anymore. mada-diabetes na kami nun sa kasweetan.

there should be a limit to the levels of "kilig" a single woman should be forced to bear (if "bear" is indeed the right word for it). buble's crooning is definitely way way way off this chart. more than sigh-inducing, ika nga ni dona, nakaka-stress na. ;-p

If I Were an LOTR Character...

Which Lord of the Rings character are you? (the questions are not obvious, and there are pictures)

Disappointment From A Fan

Review: The Jane Austen Book Club


Even JB seemed disappointed... awwwww

First off I have to clarify that my disappointment is primarily due to my own expectations and I do not wish to any way pass judgment on the writing prowess and brilliance of the ideas of the author of this book. I was disappointed because… well, I just expected that the book will be about Jane Austen’s books and not about the characters in this book that’s supposed to be about Jane Austen’s books… know what I’m saying?

The Jane Austen Book Club is about a group of friends who share a love for Jane Austen and her books as well as lives that intertwine with each other. The book is divided into five reading group discussions in which they discuss the following Austen books: Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice. I forgot if there was some logic as to the order of their discussions, but this is, I think, beside the point (unless someone corrects me, for which I shall be grateful).

While the Book Club was in certain parts so wonderfully astute about the Austen books, it also had other parts, i.e. Alegra’s on-again-off-again lesbian relationships, the will-they or wont-they puzzle that seems to be the only thing going for Grigg and Jocelyn, and Bernadette’s stories, etc., that I have to admit I just gave a dismissive glance-through in my hurry to get to the goods. I know I know… I probably wasted four-fifths of what I paid for this quite-expensive book by not reading these subplots. But frankly, the 20th century drama was definitely not what I paid for.

I really naively thought that this book would be filled with funny, witty, “woman-ly” conversations about Austen’s big five (Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Mansfield Park), with possibly a gay man appearing between a dozen or so pages to provide some comic humor, sparingly interrupted (so as to tease and tempt and not to annoy the reader in a cmon-lets-get-over-with-it-na way) with some short anecdote about the life of any of the protagonists that kind of mimic the Austen plot they were discussing. By “short anecdote” I mean a little something to give us a glimpse of the personality of the character making the shrewd comment that just so-nailed-it for you or that guy who just didn’t seem to get it and whom you think does not deserve to be part of any Jane Austen book club… just these little somethings to make you feel part of the conversation, part of the club.

What this book gave instead was too much of the post-Sex-and-the-City theatrics (complete with the de rigueur dash of controversy with politically-correctly-casted lesbian and divorcee), and too little of either Jane Austen’s life or ideas (even if both of these are as equally replete with theatrics and controversy). Here lies the reason this book has left me wanting. I didn’t want the 20th-century, Carrie-Bradshaw drama to obscure 18th-century Austen’s. If I wanted problematic Manhattanites bi*&hing about being single at thirty or getting divorced at 42, I would’ve just bought Lipstick Jungle (which I just have, by the way ;-p).

Even if I think the Austen insights were not enough to make this book a mainstay on my bedside table (as Pride and Prejudice and Sophie’s World have become), I believe they provide seasoning enough to tempt me to take this book for a second or even third spin. There were quite a few insights I myself have missed after reading Pride and Prejudice for the umpteenth time, and still other points that make me want to pick up Persuasion or Mansfield Park again. It may still be a great buy for any Jane Austen fan... if only to finally hear other people talk about Jane (call Ms. Austen by her first name?!! Horrors!) with such regard and passion.

Huggies and Pampers

Hindi magkawari ang entire household ko these days. And it's all because of two kittens... they looked more like rats than kittens to me kasi ang liit pa nila. My mom named them Huggies and Pampers. Si Huggies ata yung white, si Pampers yung gray. I'm more excited about Pampers kasi it's been a long time since I had a cat that's not orange. Not that I don't like orange... shhh quiet lang baka marinig ni Bituin ko, magalit sa kin. Hehehe. The last time we had a grey cat in the house was when I was high school pa yata... oo na, many years ago na yun, hmph.

Anyway I feel a bit happy about this new addition to our household but a bit sad din. Syempre any new kuting is always a source of joy and gigil to me so I'm happy. Pero, I kind of feel sorry for our mainstays, Bituin and JB. Ibig sabihin, mawawala na ang limelight sa kanila. Awwww... eh mga KSP pa naman ang mga yun. Lalo na si Bituin. Nagtatampo pag hindi pinansin. At ayaw ng walang kasamang tao. Lalong iinit ulo nun pag may bagong kitten sa bahay. Think Garfield hating Nermal... hahahaha, perfect! Bituin is orange, masungit and fat like Garfield, and Pampers naman is grey, cute and small like Nermal! Hehehe... will post pictures later so you'll see.

my cat, bituin... all 20 pounds of him

pampers (or huggies??) nyar nakalimutan ko na ata.

sweet dreams ni bituin on my bed... care nya kung may bagong kuting? zzzzzzzzz

ehehehe nagising kasi napagtripan... it was dianne's idea by the way, to make bituin wear my glasses ;-p