Kanlaon

Rained, Boo.

Saw movie Amazing Grace, about British abolitionist William Wilberforce. Thought it was a very earnest movie, and movie’s two-hour run time not unpleasant, only fell asleep in parts where actor playing William Pitt was talking.

Century Park 12 on Bayshore now looks decrepit, quaint, recommend preservation as a museum, always succumb to fond nostalgia when spying geometric circles on carpet, the Starcade where son spent hours and hours of time when he was in grade school and high school.

Other observations:

* Ioan Gruffudd is indeed cute, wish he would forebear from ridiculous forays into popcorn fare with Fantastic Four franchise.

* Toby Jones (last seen in The Painted Veil, which as loyal blog readers know is my favorite movie OF ALL TIME) wonderful as usual, as Duke of Clarence; and Rufus Sewell (last seen in The Illusionist, which as loyal blog readers know is my SECOND favorite movie of all time) wonderful, too, in colorful, scene-chewing performance as “Jacobite” (I forget the character’s name in the movie; was not a member of royalty, obviously, and had strange hair vaguely reminiscent of Johnny Depp’s do in Willie Wonka movie)

* Romola Garai displays commendable versatility by donning garb of different historical period (yes, indeed-y, it’s the same actress who plays wonderfully saucy wife of Octavian in Rome)

Anyway, hurried home, checked mail (Any more rejections today? Yesterday came letter from Yaddo, in wonderfully stiff language informing me that selection panel had just forwarded to program administrator names of artists recommended for residency, and “unfortunately your name was not on the list.” So, it’s like, you’re not really rejected? Because all it says is your name wasn’t on the list of recommended? Or does that mean you’re rejected? And I wonder why it took me 20 years to get up the nerve to apply? When this was the result? And I know it’s no use applying again? Because in self’s case, once I’m rejected once, I try again and again and again and it gets ridiculous because it’s always no no no — ? But, I digress)

In the mail was only this one thing: a flyer from Manila F.A.M.E. International. Flyer is addressed to “Mr. Simeori De”, which is half of my husband’s real name, minus the “ri” and replacing those with an “n”. It calls him the Sales Manager of Jimbo Corp. of Redwood City, California.

I am led to cast my mind back into mists of time. Vaguely recall that at one time, during period of extreme joblessness and restlessness, hubby hit on the idea of becoming importer of handmade goods from the Philippines. Which dear mother-in-law shipped to us in huge boxes that cost more than the items therein.

Said items, dear reader, are still in the trunk of hubby’s car. Have been there for the last three years. Yes, indeed-y, have often wondered why he was carting them around, unless he fancied taking a break from office duties and showing them to officemates, perhaps attempting to make quick buck on the side (See these lovely parols? Would look smashing in your garden! Only $15!)

So, anyway, flip open brochure, and apparently there is a big, and I mean BIG design show happening in Manila (“Asia’s Best Design Destination!”) on April 16 – 20. Hmm, exhibitors will be offered:

Welcome Reception Team at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport!

Complimentary Taxi Service from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to the Fair Venues!

A Secretariat Counter!

Manila is described, breathlessly, thus:

By day, it hums with the bustle of commerce, and by night, throbs with the excitement of varied, high-class entertainment.

Entry Regulations: Valid passport. Except for stateless persons and those from countries which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations with, all visitors may enter the country without visas, and stay for 21 days, provided they have tickets to onward journey. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports must have special permits.

(I wonder what a “stateless person” is? Because that sounds indeed very bad.)

A quick roundup of the most stylish places where Manilenos eat, drink, shop, and unwind up to the wee hours of the morning. These are for curious souls wanting to explore Manila . . . Afterhours.

MALATE

Ang Bistro sa Remedios: 1911 M. Adriatico Street, Remedios Circle

Ang Hang: 1900 M. Adriatico Street, Remedios Circle

Cafe Adriatico Premiere: 1790 M. Adriatico Street, Remedios Circle

Cafe Havana Malate: 1903 M. Adriatico Street, Remedios Circle

I’m pretty tired of typing Remedios Circle, so I think I’ll move on to a different part of the city . . .

GREENBELT

About Design: Ground Floor, Greenbelt 3

Ayala Museum: Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park

Firma: Ground Floor, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center

Wait a minute! These are not restaurants! Places in which the curious can explore . . . Afterhours!

Will have to stop here, dear blog reader. But best parts of brochure have already been imparted above. More later 🙂