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Name: Rony Location: Hong Kong My life is a musical and I love applause... if even just from the both of you. Current Posts
Nowadays
street singersuccess out of reach... chasing pavements... Impossible We can be kind Jamming with the NOAH cast... the climb... All things just keep getting better... Letting things just happen
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Some People's Lives
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Sunday, October 22, 2006
Don't know why, but before leaving for Bangkok, I loaded some "new" music into Elphie, including the 10th anniversary Les Miz Concert. It is an amazing piece of work, I just got sick of it at one point in time, but now listening to it again, finding all the small things I never noticed before, appreciating it anew, it's my musical of the moment...ANYWAY, back to Bangkok. So, for Josh's 30th birthday, he invited a few friends to a dinner in Bangkok. This is the first time I've ever done something like this, go to another country for a friend's birthday. It was a blast! And, as you can tell from my pics, I went really for the company, not so much the cultural experience (you've seen one Buddha...). So it all began in the stunning new Bangkok airport.  A quick hour long trip into the city, I landed in the Westin Sukhumvit. I would be sharing a room with Josh, who wasn't arriving for another 2 hours. Josh's sister Jonna, who could not be in Bangkok cause she works in New York, had coordinated with the duty manager to prepare flowers, cake, and wine in the room so that when Josh entered, it'd be there. He was touched... I thought it'd be really neat if suddenly his sister arrived in person also...  Our first night there was the birthday dinner which would be in Sirocco, this open air restaurant atop the State Tower. The view was breathtaking and in some points of the restaurant, apparently copyrighted. Haha... They stopped me from taking video and I couldn't take shots from the best view point of the restaurant. SHOTS OF THE VIEW?!!?! Anyway, Josh's friends who had all flown in that day trickled in and we eventually had the small dinner party going on. What a way to turn 30...    We capped the night in a bar, Hu-u. Anecdote, getting there, we split into 3 cabs. Now cab drivers don't speak English very well, like Hong Kong. So it's quite necessary to ask concierge or anyone to write out the address on a card to show to the driver. Josh and Katrina were able to get their cab driver to go this bar easy. I was in a cab with Jane and Vanessa, ladies. The 3rd cab had the 4 straight men of the group. Our cabs got lost but at least our two cabs were together. Funny though, in our cab, we were trying to figure out how to find this bar by calling our hotels to look it up in the directory, calling Josh who was already at the bar to ask a local to talk to our driver and give directions, etc. Very practical problem solvers. What were the men trying to do in their cab? Talk to the driver in Thai. And no, none of them speak it. *hay* Well, we got there. I was glowing red from half a glass of cranberry vodka and none of the pictures from the bar are for public viewing. We had so much fun, that's all I can say. The next day, I got a Thai massage (or there it's just called a massage... pa dum pum). Interesting. It was okay. Or maybe just not done well. Anyhoo, then we flea marketed for pasalubong. Josh bought plates galore for his restaurant. I bought things indicative of Thai culture. Check this tea set out...  Cute noh? Anyhoo, Sirocco was some sort of a Mediterannean something. So tonight it would be authentic Thai, but with a smaller group. We're a good lookin' bunch aren't we? I love that I get along with Josh's friends. We established that I have a calming effect on people. Do I?  After dinner, we checked out another night bazaar and after we were all bazaared out, we transferred to another bar atop the Hilton. It was my last night and I was determined to stay ot. Anyway, it was a lounge called Three Sixty with an breathtaking 360 degree view of Bangkok. Weird thing about the curfew here, by 1 am, lights go on and everyone is sent home. We moved to another bar, 1:30, lights on. Then found an underground bar with lights on at 3. Strange country. I left today, everybody else stayed an extra night. Bangkok felt like Manila in another language, they have something that resembles the MRT, traffic like anything, crazy drivers, dirty roads, street kids... So I'm not that anxious to revisit. It's a heaven for shoppers, which I'm not really. But as I said, it was all about the company. Keeping one of my oldest friends on the planet company as he turned 30. I do the same in a couple months, I'll be in Manila though. Can't wait. Oooh, and Andrei flies in tomorrow night. How lucky can you get? Oh and why A Little Fall of Rain? Right after dinner, both in Sirocco and the authentic Thai one, it rained. But luckily AFTER we ate and only for a bit. Cool. Happy Birthday Josh!!!
rhapsody [
10:46 PM ]
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1 comments
 
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
So on Lana's last night, I took out the rusty ol' keyboard, invited some friends over, and we had a jamming party... Lana cooked, I cleared the living room. Yup. Anyway, we had a blast. Good food. Excellent singing. Everything from Lily's Eyes by Noel and Franz to Tell Him by Shiela and Jinky to Kailan by Des/Shiela and everybody throwing in a "kailan" and "oooh" (I am forever fascinated at how some songs have incredibly memorable back up singing... That's Cayabyab for you... on the topic of Cayabyab - isn't Philippine Idol sad? Lord knows the winner isn't gonna be any good. Rich, but not very good.) ANYWAY, we sang the night away. A great idea on Lana's part... and it was great to hear Lana sing again. And I mean "Home," "Daddy's Son," and even "I Am Changing"... Just like old times... The food...  The friends...  The jamming...  Yup, Lana plays the piano. I was really the one playing all night, which was a blast except... no one took pictures of me playing. Darn. So today she left and once again, it's an empty apartment. Not for long though. And there will be many visits and visitors, all welcome (well... not all) to Casa Fortich. And I always look forward to the tiny ways friends say thank you. I was at work the day Liaa left, so I saw her only in the morning before I left for Disney. When I got home, there was my digital camera left on my dining table, on top of a greeting card. Sweet card. She had also though left a message in my digicam, using the video feature. Cute. Andrei did the same thing before, except he made a video while I was sleeping and I only found it after he left. Aww... Lana wrote a sweet note written on a restaurant GC I left on my dining table. Cute effort. She added, "Hey I left you chocolates in the fridge..." YEAH... Um...  Where's the rest of 'em?... Hehe. Joke. Thanks Lans. Till your next visit.  rhapsody [
10:08 PM ]
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4 comments
Monday, October 16, 2006
It's been whirlwind past couple of days. Liaa and her friend Rhina flew in and flew out. Monday, they arrived, we did a welcome to Hong Kong dinner at the Irish Pub at the Plaza (go figure), Rony Tours Inc took them around the park on Tuesday, the next day they did Macau, and the day after that Ocean Park. They're feet hurt like hell, but they had a blast... I had one day of rest then Sunday, Lana (who also brought a friend) moved into Casa Fortich. First thing she did, after video taping my apartment, was cook up a tiny meal using things in my kitchen I never knew existed (go figure, I had olives in the cabinet!?!). Without batting an eyelash, cooked a great lunch from all my unused canned goods, spices, and meats. We then spent most of the afternoon just reminiscing. She used to do theater and I was her biggest fan (I better keep that to myself, someone might get mad). We spoke about Dreamgirls, Rent, Hedwig, Lion King auditions... ah... good times. Today, I took her into the park.  So much fun! Tomorrow, we're having a jamming party at my place which should be a lot of fun. I love it when friends visit... Angel's recovering from something in the hospital. She'll be okay, but it got scary for a while. Prayers. Bangkok on Friday. Andrei on Monday. Life is good. Yet I'm pissed off at something today. Wish I could vent. Maybe I will.. somewhere else.
rhapsody [
10:00 PM ]
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1 comments
Thursday, October 12, 2006
 So life is gently rolling along here. Halloween is running like clockwork in the park. Am loving the colors of everything, and dig the band outfits! Classy... Liaa is in town with her friend Rina and are staying with me. They did the park on Tuesday, yesterday Macau, and today they are in Ocean Park. It's been a pleasant thrill having people in the apartment. I mean, I love that I live alone, needn't close doors, play music loud, dress down. But it's nice every now and then that the apartment must look tidy, that I wear presentable pambahay, and food in the fridge. And the plus, night capping by talking about their day, my day, and, as always with old friends, reminiscing. Liaa is an old friend, sort of. We were both in the DLSU Chorale, just at different times. She came a batch after me. We were both assistant conductors during our time. I quit after 2 years with the group, she held on for a while and is now part of the Philippine Madrigals. We spoke about being in the Chorale, having to teach really difficult scores during rehearsals (Messiah!), and how much we learned from the experience. I have to say, a lot of what I use now, I learned and developed from my 2 years with the group. Who would've thought. So stay in school folks, you never know. (?) Lana is in town on Friday to do an Eat Bulaga taping over the weekend. She's asked to stay a couple days longer so will be booking Casa Fortich from Sunday to Wednesday. We're gonna have a nice jamming session on Sunday with friends. Looking forward to it. Then Bangkok, Andrei, surprise weekend, Christmas, Home, New Years... YEAH! rhapsody [
10:36 AM ]
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3 comments
Saturday, October 07, 2006
I found an interesting article about long distance relationships on Yahoo! I find it amusing that there even exists a Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships. The writer of the article has included a list of Distance "Do's." Let's see if a year and 3 months later, Andrei and I are on the right track... Discuss ground rules. If you're not explicitly committed, it might be a good idea to set boundaries about interactions with other people that could pose a threat to the relationship. According to research by Greg Guldner of the Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships, only 30 percent of couples who discussed such rules broke up, regardless of whether or not they decided to date others -- but 70 percent of couples who didn't discuss the topic split. Oh we discussed the boundaries. He knows 'em. I know 'em. Crushes though are still totally okay. (and the forgivable list, right bu?) Check. Deal with conflict immediately. Particularly for newer couples, dealing with problems as they arise is key, even if it means spoiling the reunion weekend, Narayan Burtner says. And without the luxury of body language, you'll be forced to communicate well, a skill that can only help you down the road. Andrei is very good at this. I'm not. I'll let it boil and fix it in the morning. He'll ring me and ring me (I won't pick up) and when I do pick up, he'll scold me for not picking up, "you can't do that. it's not right. I can't go to you and fix things."... and you know what, he's right. Check. Share the details of your daily life. Guldner suggests emailing at least twice a day -- once in the morning to share what's on tap for the day ahead, and once in the evening to recount what happened. And be sure to send handwritten letters -- they help to foster intimacy, Narayan Burtner says, since they're concrete reminders of your loved one that can be carried around in a pocket or a purse. I'm lucky enough that calling only costs HK$1.2 a minute, HK$.80 over the weekends. So I call every night and we discuss what we did during the day and what our plans are for tomorrow. His day usually consists of his class and rehearsal schedule. Mine is work from 10-5, maybe a rehearsal, and what i'm doing for dinner. It's routine, but we still ask it. When we're inspired even more, email. The handwritten thing is an idea though. And of course the texting. At least one "I love you" everyday I think is healthy enough. I'll share about my random attempts at cooking. He'll talk about Bluerep stuff. Tiny details. Big details. As the article says, "You have to do things to try to create that interrelatedness." So that if anyone asks, what's Andrei up to today, I know. Check. Don't sweat the small stuff. Though dealing with conflict is important, couples should remember that they will be particularly sensitive just before and after a reunion. "If one person is picking a fight or acting cranky or finding fault, and it's inexplicable, just let it go -- it has more to do with the transitions than with anything real that's going on," Narayan Burtner advises. Easy. Check. Learn the art of long-distance sex. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of phone sex, Guldner suggests reading sexual fantasies over the phone (or even just to yourself, at first). If you can't do that without giggling, send an erotic email with the help of HoochyMail.com. No comment. *grin* Develop a strong network of friends and family. "Couples who have those kinds of networks tend to endure, and people report more satisfaction with the relationship and in life if they have this support," Narayan Burtner says. Obviously, since I am the one who left, I've had to build a network here. It took time, but I do got one. I have a stronger network in Manila, which I still keep in touch with. He's got a solid group of friends who I trust to take care of him. All's good. Check. Stay optimistic -- and forget the naysayers. A positive outlook is an LDR's best friend. "Studies show that the only coping style in long-distance relationships that seems to predict mental health as well as a satisfying relationship is when both people realize that it's a very reasonable option -- that it works just fine," Guldner says. "It has its own issues, just like anything else. But don't let people convince you that [LDRs] don't work." Where there's a will, there's a way. Check. So it does get easier. The situation can get better, but in this equation, there are givens which we can only adjust to for now. Important thing is, we decided to stay in love. Done. *grin*
rhapsody [
3:26 PM ]
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2 comments
Friday, October 06, 2006
Cause I'm working tomorrow, I decided to take today off and just chill at home. I watched Kinky Boots, a funny movie about a shoe factory taking risks to stay afloat. Funny. Sweet. I cleaned up the apartment a bit. A friend is staying over from Monday to Friday next week, then the week after that, LANA is coming over to stay for a couple days! Then just as Lana is leaving, the Bu flies in. YEAH! I can't wait. But it means cleanliness. Yikes. So bathroom and kitchen cleaning. Ugh. I have to buy a new shower curtain, my present one is kinda moldy. (Ikea!)Ooh, Angel sent me some pictures of Chloe and I taken on my last night in town... Isn't she just gorgeous?     And for anyone curious about the Cole... rhapsody [
5:52 PM ]
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2 comments
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Another wonderful month has passed of just-can't-wait-to-call-Bu every night, getting a spoonful-of-"I love you" everyday, and having something there to look forward to every minute that I'm away...
In just over 2 weeks, Bu is flying over and cause China has so many holidays in October, I'll be able to take him on a surprise 4 day weekend. I haven't told him where but it looks like it's all booked and ready to go. I'm gonna keep him guessing until we get there. Fun! Happy monthniv baby... see ya in a few weeks. I've also filed vacation leave for Decemeber. Hope it gets approved. Work hard, rest harder... With Halloween well on its feet, Christmas is shifting gears. Had a number of meetings this week alone. Busy. But it's a calm busy. Nice. If you blink, you might've missed this number... this is dedicated to the Bu...
Hmm... I've been a lazy blogger lately. Letting pictures and videos do all the talking. Now what have I been up to besides work. *tapping fingers on table* I'm halfway through Nip-Tuck season 3. I think it's fascinating how they ever so subtly link these plastic surgery cases to the real life of these doctors. A man who wants his leg amputated to feel whole. An old woman who wants to look the way she did 20 years ago so her Alzheimers stricken husband may recognize her. Intriguing... Hey! Look over there *points left* *gone* rhapsody [
11:54 PM ]
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3 comments
Sunday, October 01, 2006
10 cents to the person who can find the hidden mickey in that picture! So I'm back after a week stay in my gorgeous Disneyland Hotel room (think balcony overlooking the ocean). It was a week of late, late night rehearsals that went relatively smoothly. So Friday, we officially launched our very first Halloween season. The park looks amazing...
We even transformed the Opera house into the Villain's Lair, the first of its kind (no other park has this...)
And guess who was inside the day I went around...
At 7 pm, we launched the Halloween Mini Parade...
Yup, it's Halloween all throughout the month of October. And October means Andrei is coming to town! Yay! And I really should sleep now...
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