Watching The Wanders

We had the opportunity to watch the Wanders at PACGOR Casino last Wednesday night. We didn't expect a lot of people for the show but a long queue had already formed by 8pm. All the seats were occupied and people were already sitting in the middle aisles just to watch. The show started promptly at 8:30.

Kuya and Kowi were excited to see acrobats. And they weren't disappointed. It was really a feast for the senses. Kowi fell asleep halfway through the program. But she got to see La Vie En Rose and loved it. Kuya was rolling with laughter at the Wander's rendition of Stomp. A bunch of guys in black and neon masks beating the drums under black light was his favorite part of the program.

Cameras aren't allowed inside the casino. So we had the official photographer take our picture as a souvenir. This was around 10 pm, after the show. My eyes look a bit puffy. It was almost past my bedtime, too.

You can still catch the Wanders every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the PAGCOR Grand Theater, Airport Casino. Apparently they'll be performing until the end of the year. Tickets are available at Ticket World.

This is not a sponsored post. Too bad. Haha. Hopefully, Hubby can watch this when he returns next month. His sister is an understudy for one of the singers. But she wasn't there last Wednesday.

And She's Off

My sister is flying in an airplane and jetting off as I am typing. She finally got her Norwegian visa two weeks ago and now she is off to Norway via Amsterdam.

For the past few weekends, we have been going around town buying things for her trip. We scoured the local vintage shops for bubble jackets, long-sleeved shirts, anything thick to keep her warm for the coming winter months. We hit the jackpot after only two weeks of hunting with a soft brown bubble jacket with faux fur trim hood which we got for a steal at Php 150.00!

Of course, with every mall hit, we'd eat like crazy. Takuyaki balls, siomai, rice toppings, baked zitti. She has also been eating grilled bangus consistently. My budget has been somewhat strained because of our escapades since I have two kids in tow. And Kuya eats a full meal on his own, sometimes with mandatory dessert.

A couple of months ago my sister was at the crossroads of either going to the U.S. or Norway. Although it was the road less traveled, I suggested that she try it out in Norway. She can always opt to go to the U.S. any time she wishes. My reason was that Tina, her best friend, and her family are there to take good care of her. Yes, we do have relatives in the States, but I've seen how Tina and her family treats my sister. She will be staying with her second family, so it's still home away from here.

The sad part is, aside from her being gone for a few years, is that we won't be able to go to Norway whenever we feel like it unlike in the States. One good thing, though, is that I might be able to lose a couple of pounds with her gone.

I'll miss you, little sister. No more weekend food trips and storming the buy 1-take 1 vintage shops. I know you're in good hands, but yes, I'm still crying. See you in the little box soon.

I Smell Like Grass--And I Likey

The first time I used cologne was in high school. I was very fond of using JBC regular scent (Johnson's Baby Cologne) and I thought that there was no other smell quite like it. Very light and quite nice for every day use. Then I discovered Angel's Breath. I love that scent. Although other "Angel's" have sprouted, I think that Angel's Breath is still the best smelling of all.

In high school senior year, I was using Denenes and used to buy it in really big bottles. I would just transfer small amounts into my atomizer for my bag. I remember my Ninang Mildred even took home my atomizer becasue she loved that smell so much. There were also times when I used Nenuco and Para Mi Bebe, but I would always return to JBC after a while.

I discovered Gap Grass in the mid 1990s when a friend gave me a little metal canister as a gift for my birthday. I sooo love the smell. Not "matronly" floral and not "sweet sixteen sweet." It was just right for any occasion. But somehow I never got a refill. Apparently I was the only one who wanted to smell like my mom's lawn.

And now Bench has it's own version, Grass Cucumber Cedarwood. I am sooo loving it. Just bought my second bottle and I'm not getting tired the scent at all. I absolutely love smelling like freshly cut, wet grass. And the fact that it's only Php 160.00 ($3.50) doesn't hurt a bit.

iLASIK Is Life Changing

My family has a history of bad eyesight. Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism -- you name it and a family member has it. In fact, even Hubby had to wear corrective prescription eyeglasses at one point. Good thing he still got into the naval pilot training program.

I've heard about LASIK technology and how it has changed lives with its success. A good family friend recently had LASIK surgery and is raving about how he can now read the fine print each and every time. I was surprised to know that there is an upgrade to this procedure that now uses two lasers instead of one to treat vision problems.

When I read the modern LASIK information, it was comforting to know that approximately 32 million LASIK procedures have been performed to date with at least 95% of U.S military personnel achieving 20/20 vision. It is the most common elective vision procedure in the U.S. So it virtually proven to be effective and safe.

It works by first using a software to evaluate the vision imperfection, making an individual blueprint of what has to be done. Then the first laser creates a thin flap around the cornea. Using your individual blueprint, the second laser makes the correction to your cornea. The procedure only takes 10 minutes for each eye and is virtually painless.

As with any medical procedure, the modern LASIK treatment comes with a few risks. It is better to talk to a medical professional to find out if you are a candidate for LASIK technology.

2008 Emmy Winners

The Emmy Awards were shown live here this morning. I missed it. We had a total of seven short brownouts today. Thank God for reruns. I'm definitely watching, just to see what the celebs wore at the red carpet. Haha.

So, the Emmy goes to...

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy: Jeremy Piven, Entourage
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy: Jean Smart, Samantha Who
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama: Zeljko Ivanek
Directing for a variety, music or comedy program: Louis J. Horvitz– 80th annual Academy Awards

Best supporting actress in a Drama: Diane Wiest, “In Treatment”

Best writing for a variety, music or comedy program: The Colbert Report
Best Comedy Writing: Tommy Smothers– Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
Best lead actress in a miniseries or movie: Laura Linney,” John Adams”
Best Variety, Music or Comedy Series: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Outstanding Guest Actor/Comedy Series: Tim Conway for “30 Rock”

Outstanding Guest Actress/Comedy Series: Kathryn Joosten for “Desperate Housewives”
Outstanding Director/Comedy Series: Barry Sonnenfield “Pushing Daises”
Outstanding Writer/Comedy Series: Tina Fey “30 Rock”
Outstanding ‘Made for Television’ Movie: Recount
Outstanding Supporting Actor/Mini-Series: Tom Wilkinson “John Adams”

Directing/Mini-Series, Movie or Dramatic Special: Jay Roach “Recount”

Writing/Mini-Series, Movie or Dramatic Special: Kirk Ellis “John Adams”
Supporting Actress/MiniSerires or Movie: Eileen Atkins “Cranford(Masterpiece)”
Outstanding Reality Show Competition: The Amazing Race
Oustanding Miniseries or Movie: “John Adams”

Individual Performance: Variety or Music Program: Don Rickles “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project”
Guest Actor/Drama Series: Glynn Turman “In Treatment”

Guest Actress/Drama Series: Cynthia Nixon “Law and Order”
Outstanding Director/Drama Series: Greg Yaitanes “House”
Outstanding Writing/Drama Series: Matthew Weiner “Mad Men”

Outstanding Lead Actor/Miniseries or Movie: Paul Giamatti “John Adams”
Outstanding Lead Actor/Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin “30 Rock”
Outstanding Lead Actress/Drama Series: Glenn Close “Damages”
Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series: Brian Cranston “Breaking Bad”
Outstanding Lead Actress/Comedy Series: Tina Fey “30 Rock”

Outstanding Reality TV Host: Jeff Probst “Survivor”
Outstanding Comedy Series: 30 Rock
Outstanding Drama Series: Mad Men

Overall, I was disappointed. My bets didn't win. I wanted Hugh Laurie to win so bad. I'm a big "House" fan. I was also rooting for Kristin Chenoweth of "Pushing Daisies." I find her sooo funny. Jeremy Piven won his third Emmy for playing agent Ari in Entourage. Good for him. "30 Rock" rocked the Emmy's by being the big winner. I find Tina Fey very funny. Paul Giamatti was no surprise. He's really quite a good actor. Loved him in "Sideways."

Getting Ready For Halloween

Kuya wants to dress up as Ben 10 for Halloween this year. But finding a Ben 10 costume (white shirt with black lining) is proving to be difficult. I've been surfing the Cartoon Network sites. So far, all of them cost around $24++ online. Good thing my Dad will be going to the States this October. I might ask him buy a costume for Kuya.

Or I'm thinking we might just make this into a little project. Ben 10 is fairly easy to do on our own. A little plain white shirt and a black fabric pen just might do the trick. Kuya does have his own Omnitrix Deluxe. Brown cargo pants and rubber shoes should complete the ensemble.

Kowi wants to go as a fairy princess (again) this year. I'm trying to convince her to change it up. Oh well, she's pretty headstrong. Hopefully, she can go as Bubbles from the Flintstones. That would be cute. I'm already imagining that little bone on her hair.

Hmmm, maybe I should go to Tabora.