Benny's Birthday Bash

Though I felt sick, I knew I couldn't miss Benny's Birthday party. She invited me to show up a good two weeks before the actual event. In many ways I owe Benny a lot. She was actually the first person I ever spoke to about my Egg, although she wasn't aware back then that I was interested in Egg.

So yeah, even with the telltale signs of a flu, I drove off to Eastwood area to join Benny and other friends. The night was one of good food and free beer. Of course, adding to the fun was the chance to humiliate myself with a few more videoke songs. Happy Birthday Benny!

Holly Bolly Wood Ween

Halloween has always been a very special part of my life.

There was a time when every single year, I would be hosting a Halloween party back at my parents' house. I'd create invites and send them out to friends and schoolmates, then I would spend hours decorating the house and nearby garden - using everything from newspapers, to latex paints, to crepe paper and black cartolina - to transform them into haunting venues of nightmare and seductive darkness.

Oh how I loved Halloween. There was a guilty pleasure in being able to transform yourself for one single night into any ghastly, disturbing, thought-provoking thing you could imagine. [To my recollection, my favorite costumes were my H.R. Giger's Alien costume made using black plastic backs and paper mache, an Alien Chestburster victim with a Face hugger headpiece (again using paper mache, an old torn shirt, and lots of blood), and the Silent Hill deadly nurse (with deadly pipe and distorted face).] Anyone notice a pattern there?


This year, we were informed by friends at O bar that the theme was Bollywood!

Ironically, my family had a family thing that had a Bollywood theme in the past. If one traces the Abad clan's lineage, one will find the presence of British Indian blood in our tree. Unfortunately, all the possible costumes I had access to are all the way back at Paranaque.

Read the whole blog post at:
http://garapata.blogspot.com/2009/11/halloween-has-always-been-very-special.html

Also in this post: 
Week 01 - Question of the Week! 

2009 Oct 23 Mon's Birthday Bash!

Met up with friends to celebrate Mon's birthday last Saturday night! With a surprise show from the O Divas! and lots of laughs with friends, the gang celebrated another blessed year of having Mon as part of our lives. While there were monkeys a plenty at the bar that night, it was great seeing a lot of old friends again.

Happy Birthday Mon!

(Oh and certain pictures not included in this album are available upon request! Bwahaha!)

*wondering if I should caption these. Hmm...

Talk Like a Pirate Day iphone pics 2009

Just took a bunch of photos for Talk Like a Pirate Day this 2009, which was also the birthday party for Mark and Ian. Happy Arrrrr!!!!

Lynn's Red Light District Birthday

Was able to take a few pictures during Lynn's birthday bash. Might as well add them to my multiply for everyone else to check out.

Belated Happy Birthday Lynn!

OH MY GUL:AY

The time is now 5:30pm and I am still toiling away at work.  Haven't slept since around 4:00pm yesterday and I still got some errands to run before I can escape away to attend Lynn's costumed birthday bash, which is really worrying me because I might either fall asleep after work only to awaken hours later with the party already over OR I do show up at the party, then promptly lie down and sleep.

And I still don't HAVE a costume.

Although I have FIGHT! ready as per Lynn's request, I was not able to borrow the outfit I wore in the Tom Birthday Bash performance last Feb 25.  Nor have I hit the gym recently so coming in blue body paint and a black thong as Dr. Manhattan ain't gonna cut it either.

Crap crap crap... I hate this.  I hate not being able to have fun with my friends and go all the way in making it fun.

But I guess one just has to focus on the small joys and tiny miracles in life.  Going to drag Rocky with me to the party and get him to finally meet more NWA people face-to-face again.  Like me, he's been absent in many geek-foolery and its about time he started being present again.  Highly considering escaping to the gym to at least puff myself up a tad and try to claim I'm Johnny Bravo or something, but that's very unlikely given my state of strength and remaining stamina.  But still, at least my paunch hasn't returned with a vengeance.   And lastly, business, while overwhelming, is very very good.  One cannot really complain if the business makes money. 

But there you go.  Here's hoping I can Extra Joss myself up some energy to have a wild party with the geekfolks tonight.  Happy Birthday to you, Lynn!  Aminin mo na kasi, sister, mahilig ka na rin sa mga fag hag anthems!   I distinctly recall sending you some!

Happy Birthday Tom!

It was a riot last night as me and the gang celebrated with Tom his birthday (and official entrance into the 30s) at O Bar.  Even with the hilarious freak out moments, panic phases, and bloopers, the night was still one major success.  A pity many other friends whom I tried to invite to come were unable to join the celebration.   But as far as the core group is concerned, the PGH table peeps were complete!

Some weeks ago, Tom, Nico and I were enjoying a post-gimmick breakfast when the topic regarding the date of Tom's birthday came up.  Nico and I traded jokes that we should have a special show for Tom, being the central hub of how many of us friends got to know one another.  The joke turned into a plan  and the plan was quickly forgotten... til barely a week from the party date itself.  Nico and I launched into action, recruiting two others to assist in the planning, and just two days before the party, I was able to recruit Jay to help us out.

Dance practice.  Choreography.  Dress rehearsals.   And Vodka.
By 4a.m. of the night of the party, we were ready, nervous, excitied and freaked.

February 24, the night of the party.  At the stroke of midnight, it would be Tom's birthday (which also means its been one year that I've been hitting O bar for dancing and beers.)

The night began with me, Nico, Sonny and Joemar arriving at the bar early to make preparations for the show and party to come.  As expected, Murphy's Law reared its ugly head when the two burned audio CDs I brought for the surprise show (the compilation, and a back-up copy) both were unable to be read by the machine at O bar.    Panic begins.  Sam and Ian are there on time, but everyone else isn't.   I call for beers.  Then I opt to call my sister, who was in my car at the time (due to coding, I had to borrow her car) to bring my car over.  I recalled my car had mp3 cds that had the songs we needed.

My sister arrives, the cds in hand, we rush to the DJ to test them, but before we could, we receive a call that Bagets, who was helping us with our show, needed us to meet her instead at some other place in Malate.  Leaving the CDs with Sonny and Lorrie and trusting them to speak to the DJ for us, we rushed off to meet with Bagets and began prepping for the show.

Sonny texts that the songs are not in the CDs.

I text back they should be.

They couldn't get my mp3 CDs to work.  I text Sonny to relax instead.  Bagets happens to have one of the FOUR songs we were planning to perform.  We will just borrow it from her and have just one number.   We calm down.

Sonny comes up with an idea.  He and Lorrie find a still open computer shop in the area.   They look for the tracks we needed and prep a CD we could use for the show.  Message arrives: we have all four songs.   Things are falling into place.

We head back to O bar, with the tension so high neither Nico and Joemar could breathe.  I suggest screaming.  We scream four times and by the fifth, attempt all is good.  We arrive.  Our friends are all there.   So are loads of other people we don't know.

The music plays.

The show begins.

"When I Grow Up" by the Pussycat Dolls

"Mercy" by Duffy

"Single Ladies" by Beyonce

"Dancing Queen" by ABBA

Too bad others missed it.

Happy Birthday Tom!

Here's to my best friend and the man who introduced me to O bar, which has lead my life to making so many new friends and acquaintances and has opened my ears to new kinds of music to enjoy.  We have gone a long, long way before we finally found that niche where we can be friends.  Many more birthdays to come, Tomato.

Many more to come, indeed. ;-)

Valentine's Day at the Faraon Place

Spent part of my Valentine's Day at Emman and Apple's place at Valle Verde. After submitting myself to become Apple's test dummy... este.. model (she gave me a haircut!) I dragged Rocky with me to their place for some wine, chocolate truffles, amareto sour, vodka with mountain dew and Yellow Cab pizza and potato halves.

Great nice of laughs, Ateneo bashing, belly dancing stories, vacation babies and lots of unexpected funny undertones!

Its so great having cool friends!

There goes my shirt...

Dito nagsumula ang lahat. The girls were attacking me (and no, I wasn't really complaining!)

edit: According to Duds, October daw ito.

Just decided to make a compilation of the times I lose my shirt in a party or gimmick.

Updates on what the Garapata's been up to

Been a heck of a week last week with lots of laughs, dancing, drama and growing self-esteem.  Although I've been failing last week to keep my gym focus on target, I definitely am feeling the benefits of going as often as I do.

(Sunday to Saturday, Jan 18-Jan 24):
Gym - 3 Bar - 5

Total Tally so far:
Jan 2-Jan 24:
Gym - 12 Bar - 12

Animo Dugong Berde had a little get together at SM Mall of Asia last Saturday, which I decided to attend instead of having another round of Vampire: The Requiem.  No guilty feelings, after all, Seth and Sam were happilly setting a schedule to play Left 4 Dead in my absence (damn, that game really rocks!).   Though we failed to get to join the dinner at Cabalen, Migs and I opted to hit Fish and Company for some soft shell crab salad before heading on to Bed Scene for some beers and bonding time with the gang. 

Afterwards, with Bed Scene closing, we decided to make our way next to Malate to see if O bar was read for us.   Horribly far too many people to get to dance, and even worse, had these annoying fuckwits who kept jostling me and elbowing me.  Thankfully, I kept my cool.   Got a message that Joseph and his friends were nearby and dropped by to say hi.  RD showed up a bit later, which was a pleasant surprise.  Had some more drama.  But all in all, a great fun evening.

Now, I'm here at Fandom Cafe as I type this.  It is gonna be a show about Battlestar Galactica and Lost having come back, Marvel Comics' Dark Reign, and DC Comics' Batman, his death and the battle for his cowl.

Still hoping to catch Totoy Bibo at O bar later.
Cheers!

Saguijo, Government and the Babe

Today, Alvin was having a dinner and drinking party at his house.  Sadly, before he was able to inform me of it, I had already said yes to hanging out with two other friends of mine who wanted to hit Saguijo.

So, even with my body aching from the gym, I headed to Alvin's place and had a San Mig light para naman kahit pa paano I took part in the celebrations there.  After, I made my way to pick up Patrick, one of my friends, after quickly dropping by to get something I had accidentally left behind.  From there, we made our way to Makati.

Knowing Stan, Nico, Grace, RD and others were planning to hit O bar, I was torn.  Deep down I wanted to meet up with all of them again for another night of laughs and dancing, but I had to stick to my commitments.   Patrick informed me that Joseph and his friends were considering going to Malate after, so I decided we might as well go to Saguijo first.

It was an emotional moment for me.  Isha and I used to go to Saguijo every now and then.  While there, I couldn't help but give her a call and check on how she was.  Being there reminded me of those times we were there, watching bands such as Pumping Pluto and enjoying the food.  Bumped into Ebe, who was surprised to hear the "news" and then bumped into Miro who was happy to see me again.  It was a cool night, with me meeting new friends and enjoying laughs over Red Horses (omg, sayang ang gym!)

Around 2:00, the guys decided to move to a new locale, and sadly, the group decided to hit Government instead.  Two of them (Joseph included) had friends who were currently there.  So I decided, sige, minsan lang naman, I might as well join them.

Government was a bit sparce on people.  There were barely people dancing on the dance floor.  After having a glass of Orange Juice (Php100) I realized with the prices, I might as well get something I really wanted and got a San Mig Light (my fourth beer for the night).  Trading jokes and stories with some of Joseph and Patrick's friends, I got to know how much more cool they were and realized I was happy I was getting to know them.

Around 4:00, this well dressed attractive woman sat beside me and Mark, Joseph's friend, and started chatting with us.  She was perky in more ways than one, suggesting the presence of other... elements in her system.  And when she kissed me on the cheek, I teased her that a real kiss doesn't land there. 

So she kissed me on the lips.

It was a surprise.  Totally unexpected.  I guess I still have some charm after all.

She asked for my number.  I gave it, but did tell her that I was just here to enjoy the music and dance.  She told me, "Sige, next time I see you, let's dance ha."

Definitely, an unexpected kind of an evening for me.
Thanks again to Joseph and Patrick for entertaining me.'

(Sunday to Saturday, Jan 4-Jan 10):
Gym - 4 Bar - 4

I only hope hindi magtampo sa akin sina Jovan for not showing up sa Malaysia!
Off to bed! See you when I wake up!

The GYM Struggle

It is officially day two of going to the gym this year.

That's two days of gym compared to four days of going to O bar.

Gym is losing.
Had a major workout today however.  Body aches in places I will dare not mention online.

Gotta lay off on the Red Horsies for now.  At least I can still enjoy the Extra Joss to help me keep at the work out.

Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Ne-Yo, Duffy, Get Far and more keeping me to the beat.  While Tom, Stan, Sonny, Don, et al remind me I gotta sweat it out to look good enough to stand beside them in pictures :-P

Considering doing a makeover retreat.  Vanish from the social scene to tap my inner top model (Bwahahah! Mayroon kaya?) Get my former Swimmer bod back in shape.  Tone the tummy.  Tuck the manhandles back in. 

Camwhore training continues as well.  Evolution must not stop.  Who knows, maybe I'll go all the way and even actually quit some vices.  

I know I want to do this.
I know I need to do this.

Must work out.

Sweat.

Am at the high point of my catterpillar days.

Time to spin my coccoon.

Just got home... hungry...

Just got back from making sure bestfriend Tom got home safe.
Missed the Yale party, as well as Paul's return from India.
Missed the drinking and guitar hero moments with the geeks of the New Worlds Alliance.
Missed the laugh trips and smart antics of the gang.

But in return, got to hang at O bar, see some old ADB friends,
spend some time with dOor bitch Grace who imparted on me valuable
words of wisdom.

Hope you're out there enjoying the sweat and salt water.

I'm chugging down a C2 to rehyrate.
Only had 2 red horsies today.  Had a glass of OJ instead as my third drink.
Funny though.  I paid compared to when I get three brewskies!

Anyway, time to snag some breakfast.
Its Sunday!  I wonder who'll be going with me to O bar tonight.
Need sleep though.  Gym waits for me this afternoon.

Huling Hirit for 2008

Met up with the gang at O bar last night. The usual gang was there: Tom and RD, completing the Hogwarts Three with me. Nico in his usual high energy self. Stan showed up as well, originally to hang at Bed with his other friends. Carlo all the way from down south. Grace as beautiful as always. And Domz as imposing as always.

Sore from day one at the gym, I wasn't able to get the dance mood til much later in the night. A pity, considering.... things.

Met a lot of new faces too. Friends of friends. Had an impromptu celebration for Lorie who was celebrating her birthday too.

Nearly had a fight with an ugly faggot who hit Lorie on the head. Same bastard has been hitting on me for months. Matuwa siya Nico and friends where there to pacify me. Freak said "Sorry," and I snapped back, "Saying only when you fucking mean it."

Nico and Stan, on hindsight, seemed to have an unconscious camwhore competition going on. Nakakatuwa to see both appear in almost EVERY picture.
Kayo na lang magbilang as to who won.

Had a double dose of Mercy, which was really nice of DJ Stone. During the first run, was barely able to dance to it when certain people kinda stood between me and enjoying it. But on its second run, happiness went up to my corner, dragged me off my chair and got me to dance.

The night had its share of downs, however. But then again, they were not unexpected at all. Just didn't think tonight was the night it would happen. Ironically, it does give me a greater impetus now to break the routine and kick the new gym habit into gear.

"Even if it leads nowhere..."

MY NEW YEAR'S EVE

So, how was your New Year's Eve?

2008 - 2009 New Year Celebration at O Bar

Dragged Tom and Stan with me again for one final hurrah. Starting this January, I'm going to try to devote myself to a cleaner and healthier lifestyle, so in some ways this was a final party to kick of a newer me.

Though I still plan to hit O bar on Sundays, I think it would be for the best to start devoting more time to some gym time, swimming, comic creation and other things I've neglected in the past year.

Still, it was a fun time with friends! And boy, ang dami dumating. Although wala ang ibang close friends like sina Don, Sonny, Jenny and Lorie, lots of new friends were there. The O Divas were spectacular as always. And of course, the night was definitely fun. (Even if pinagkalaman ako ULIT na waiter ng isang guest.)

Happy New Year to you all!

Catch you soon again!

MY SUNDAY NIGHT

So, how about you?  How was your Sunday?