LOST IN CHAOS

SJ, Unboatlivable, LA Folks, Sister’s Wedding, and Family fun…….

2011-10-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

Mr. Jobs said “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” And I bow, hands down to Steve Jobs. Thank you for making my life cooler than the PC!

The last three weekends have been eventful. Went to the woods in Poconos, PA with almost a dozen friends in a 15-seater van. It was supposed to be camping. Although camping is a bit of stretch when you have a nice cottage with a full kitchen, a hot tub, and the music blaring at all times. I’m not going to bore you with the details of the trip. It was one of those “you have to be there” to appreciate kind of story. Unboatlivable as we refer to that weekend getaway.

Three days after the so called camping in the woods, I flew back to Los Angeles. It was a very short trip, and time was a constraint. My cousin Marie picked me up at Burbank airport and we drove directly to meet friends at Harvard and Stone on Hollywood Boulevard. As we grow older, friends started to have a family with kids or are expecting, everyone started to focus in their chosen professions and have an 8AM meetings blah blah blah. My point is, now it is hard to get everyone together especially in Los Angeles where no one seems go out anymore. I was truly surprised on a Wednesday night that friends made it out, hang out, had a drink, and gave me a hug and a high five. It’s nice to know when RJ the Great is in town people put some effort. Being facetious aside, I always put the effort to see them as much as possible either in LA or NYC.

I am pleased to announce that my sister Love Mimilanie got married to her new husband David Lee on a gorgeous southern California day on October 1, 2011. Congratulations and Good luck! May your marriage be fruitful, healthy, prosperous, and everlasting. Besides from the beautiful wedding ceremony, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing me the venue to get totally hammered at the wedding reception! Fun times. I cannot wait for them to have kids and I become Uncle RJ once again.

After the wedding, my parents, my sister Dear Hershey and her family including my beautiful niece Amanda, and the guy one day will break the ladies heart, my nephew Aeden, and my aunts from the Philippines, Daisy and Nila came to NYC for a visit and to explore parts of the east coast. After eating in Chinatown at one of my favorite spots called Sanur, Amanda ordered me by saying “you better come and meet us on Saturday (in Washington, DC)!” So I did. Uncle RJ took the Chinatown bus from NYC to DC just to satisfy her. While Mimi was telling Amanda not to listen to me, Amanda said “But I love Uncle RJ” which made the 5-hr bus ride even more worthwhile. I was overjoyed with what she said so I grabbed her, and I tickled her as she laughed hysterically outside Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, PA.

I wish I live closer to my family. But then again, the move to NY was a personal choice, and I must stick to it. However, it would be nice to watch my niece and nephew grow up as my aunts and uncles did. I guess it is not that simple. Trying to be with them when needed, and to pursue something on my own is a balancing act as time becomes very limited, and given the long distance. My Mom asked when I will go back to LA, I said Christmas, and she followed “promise?” I replied “yes!” as I proceeded to the Airtrain terminal to leave JFK airport to go back to Manhattan.

The weather in NYC has been phenomenal. The sun was out, not too hot, with a breeze, and very little humidity. The weather was just right. So what to do? Enjoy it while it last. After accomplishing my to do list on a free-work Monday thanks to Columbus, I met up with a few friends in the afternoon, had early dinner, happy hour, and continued on until the early evening. Ah, I wish I didn’t have that 9AM meeting that ended my night prematurely. But hey, I still went out on a Monday night, unlike some people in LA :-)

Short Trip to Mexico….

2011-08-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

It was July 2007 when I told myself ‘I will be back in Tulum.’ Back then I fell in love with the place – the warm Caribbean water, the ruins, the food, people, cenote, and the weather….

Fast-forward 4-years – no longer a dirty backpacker, aged and hopefully wiser, no longer living in Los Angeles but now in the center of the universe called New York City.. things have definitely changed. But the dream to revisit Tulum remained…

It boggled me how tough of a sell it was to travel to Mexico…. The idea was to rent a villa with its own private beach, and a private pool (yes, I have evolved as a traveler), gather enough friends to party and enjoy the experience with, explore the ruins and the biosphere, indulge in Yucatan cuisine, relax, be Zen and be thankful. Seven of us were able to make it to Mexico – Belinda, Chester, Jen (Fong), Jenn (Oh), Jet, Ken, myself. It was just right.

Most of us arrived in Cancun by mid-day on July 18, 2011. Chester, Jet, and I took a flight together from New York City. We met Belinda outside Terminal 2, and Jen subsequently met us at the rental car office. Once we picked up our mid-size car, we proceeded to highway 307 towards Playa del Carmen. At this time, the sun was shining, everyone was happy – Viva Mexico!!

It was approximately 60 kilometers from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. We exited the highway on Constituyentes Avenue and headed east. We parked our car where we can see the turquoise blue water of the Caribbean from afar. Excitement definitely is apparent in all our faces. We found a joint that offered us our first Mexican food experience in Mexico, or shall I just call it food. I ordered four steak tacos, and some cerveza which hit the spot. There we had our first salud. After we had lunch, we drove towards Sams Club to pick up supplies we will need for the upcoming days. We had a little trouble paying, four different credit cards denied, but it all worked out at the end.

From Playa del Carmen, it was another 60 kilometers drive to Tulum. An hour later, alas we found ourselves in Tulum Pueblo. We continued on driving until the paved road ended as we entered the gate of Sian Ka’an where our beach house was located inside the biosphere. Sian Ka’an is a biosphere reserve that has been a Mexican National Park since 1986, and a year later in 1987 became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. How cool is that, we are staying inside a UNESCO site.

The drive from the gate to our house was itself an endeavor. Our first attempt driving the dirt road was painful to say the least with plenty of potholes and rocks. No stretch more than 10 meters with no potholes. It seemed as if a meteor shower just hit the road we were driving on. Two miles and fifteen minutes later, we saw a sign to Hotel Cesiak. According to our direction, we ought to check into the hotel and pick up our keys to the house. There we met Pepe, an unassuming man who welcomed us to our temporary home.

The villa was absolutely amazing – five bedrooms, stairs to our own private beach, and alternatively offered fresh water in its private pool. The balcony upstairs has two hammocks, and the roof offered a view of the whole biosphere. The living room was spacious and a full kitchen that kept all of us fed and hydrated at all times. We hurried to pick our beds, placed all the groceries in the fridge, made drinks, and soon enough we were all floating in the warm Caribbean Sea. At this time the sun was almost setting. The orange sun behind the blue and white sky produced an awe inspiring pink light blue sky – priceless, and the sound waves breaking, and our skin moist from the ocean breeze made it all so simple to be thankful.

For dinner, we all walked back to Hotel Cesiak. We all had our first seafood dinner. I don’t remember what we had, but what I remember was the music played at the restaurant. The music played were old school chill rock songs that everyone can sing along and pin point where they were when that song was a hit. Soon after, we went back to the house and enjoyed the scenery from the roof. It was magical – the moon reflected on the ocean, millions of starts above us, no ships in sight, no people or other noises besides the breaking waves. I can only wish that my camera could have captured it.

I woke up earlier than the rest of the group the following morning. I always love making breakfast, so I did. As the chill music played in the background, and the smell of omelets engulfed the house, everyone started to wake up. Buenos Dias! We all sat down together and enjoyed the ocean breeze while we ate breakfast. Each face wore a sense of calmness and excitement…..

The plan was simple.. to enjoy the white sand and blue sea, once we are done move to the pool, and perhaps later explore Tulum ruins and if were up for it visit Tulum Pueblo. As we did. Again, the seawater was warm and refreshing; the pool water was also as refreshing as the sea. Our fingers were constantly wrinkled, but what can we do. We later braved the drive through the dirt and challenging road to exit the reserve to visit El Castillo at Tulum (or Tulum Ruin). I have my share of ruins in my travels, but I thought we ought to see something cultural. Let’s just get this over with. The Mayan did a great job choosing the ruins location. What people perceive as beautiful doesn’t change in time. It doesn’t matter what period you live, but white sandy beach below, and above a hill with a blue turquoise sea as the view will forever be ‘beautiful’. All throughout the archeological site, iguanas roamed the yard. Once we had enough culture, we headed to Tulum Pueblo did some shopping and picked up some party supplies.

We returned to the house just before sunset. We saw another car parked at the yard which meant Jenn and Ken have arrived. I went outside and I saw the both of them enjoying the beach. It was really nice to see them in Mexico! We all proceeded to the sea once again, and hang out by the pool enjoying our cervezas after. Few of use walked towards Cesiak and ordered food to be delivered to our casa. It was expected to rain that night which was fine. We all hang out, drank loads of alcohol, and enjoyed… I cannot ask for anything more..

I was again the first to wake up the following morning. I made sausages, scrambled eggs with cheese, and satay vegetable for breakfast. It was almost a repeat of the first day, just few other friends joined. It may sound repetitive, but what do you do when there is a private beach? After breakfast we all went down the stairs and enjoyed the la playa. That day turned out to be a bit overcast. Yet, we cannot let the not so ideal weather ruin our fun. Later that day we decided to go outside the reserve and checked out Mystical Cenote. The cenote was mediocre, maybe because of the weather, but we managed to have fun. Soon enough, we were all hungry and decided to searched for some lobsters. We found a spot that offered 2-for-1 lobsters. Score! At the restaurant we met a couple from southern California. Ya, it seemed like people in Tulum are either from CA or NY. Ken managed to open a young coconut by hand – it was soft and refreshing. Then the lobsters came.. it was grilled and just delicious. Definitely hit the spot. After our late lunch, one car went back to the house, and the other went to Tulum Pueblo. Jenn did her shopping, and we got more party supplies. At this time, heavy rain was cooking. Mother nature dumped on us, but it was okay. We made it back to the house through two miles of not so friendly road plus the rain.

That night was the eve of Chester and my birthday. Once everyone was in the house, we all started to drink and party heavily. One drink, two drinks, three drinks… it continued on throughout the night. I don’t even remember having a proper dinner that night. We all just rocked and rolled. That night was extremely windy, but the pool offered an alternative to our water adventure. Aren’t we just privileged? At the strike of midnight, we all took Don Julio tequila shot, sang happy birthday, and continued on being merry! It was a memorable night. Thank you all.

The weather was terrible the following morning. We all planned on taking a boat trip around the biosphere. At first, I said “I’m not going in this weather…” After breakfast, the weather started to get a bit better. Jenn was right, good thing we went, otherwise we will be inside the house hangover and miserable all day. The tour around the biosphere was very interesting. Saw a bunch of different floras, and species of indigenous birds including a huge Heron. We went in and out of the mangroves and through the savannas. We also entered an island with a ruin. The best part was floating together along a fresh water canal. On the way back, we saw a huge crocodile! I highly suggest this tour, perhaps even look for Benjamin, our tour guide who says “say tequila” every time he took photos of us. After the tour, we all went back to Cesiak to enjoy lunch overlooking the sea as the sun started to break through the clouds.

Since I was a child, it has been customary for me to go to church on my birthday. And this day just happened to be my birthday. As the other played around the sea, few of us headed to town to look for a catholic church. We found the church near zocolo. I can honestly say that I’ve seen more beautiful, Spanish influenced churches throughout Mexico than this one. But this will do. What was cool about this church was the practicing choir. Although I don’t understand what they were singing, the hymns and melodies were enough for me to appreciate. After I prayed and gave my thanks for all the blessings, Chester, Jen, Jet and I walked towards zocolo and bought grilled corn. Oh man, I love street foods. We must’ve tried every single vendor we passed by. Had tacos, cheese rolled on crapes amongst others – all hit the spot. As we do this, we found a some chairs and just people watched. People watching are one of the few things that come free in this world. And I am going to take every opportunity. So we did.

That evening we expected to have a chef make Yucatan food for us in the casa. By the time we returned, the chef was already in preparation mode. We all gathered around the kitchen and watched. We were served traditional fish tikinxic wrapped in banana leaves, maxed potatoes with chaya, rice and beans, and crapes with bananas and chocolate. I’m not much of a food writer, but I love eating, and know what taste good – that tasted great!

The following day, Chester, Jet and I were off to do some cenote diving. The rest of the group decided to go to Playa del Carmen to enjoy XPLOR. Again, I made breakfast that morning. Soon after, the three of us drove to Tulum Pueblo to met Edwin the dive instructor. We got into Edwin’s van which was an early eighties model that needed to be started from underneath the car. Edwin was a chill guy like almost all divers. We drove to another dive shop to pick up some diving equipments and met another dive master. We all got fitted in our wet suit. Soon enough, we were on the road to the first cenote dive – Casa Cenote. Chester and Jet both didn’t have their diving certification. They first was instructed how to dive which I was thankful since I haven’t dove in a long time. I seriously don’t even remember how to use all the equipment. After they were done, we all jumped in the cenote, and I went around while they were doing some basic skills underwater. Few minutes later, we all dove and explored together…..

I’ve done many ocean dives before, but Casa Cenote was my first cave dive. Casa was nice – at one point we saw the opening towards the ocean. As we explored the cenote, we saw many different rock formations, and the bottom of the mangroves. The coolest thing was the sunlight reflecting on to the water underneath.

The second dive was almost strange, yet dreamlike. I was the only one able to dive Dos Ojos and Jet and Chester snorkeled. I wish both of them could have dove with me. Dos Ojos has two eyes. Edwin and I started in one of the opening, and ended on the other eye. The moment we made our initial decent, I somehow freaked out. The water was cold, and the first thing I saw underwater was the opening to the cave we will enter. Again, this was my first, well now my second time diving a cave. I ended up going back up, collected my self and told Edwin to hang on a minute. At this time, I seriously thought discontinue the dive, but what the hell… just do it! So I did. The dive took about an hour and twenty minutes. The deepest depth was 10 meters. But man, let me tell you, the site under and inside the underwater cave was A-amazing. It was just Edwin and I diving and no one else. The stalactite and the stalagmites were surreal. You can imagine many different things from all the weird and odd rock formations. There were no current, and the visibility, although only through the use of a flashlight was crisp. This dive definitely was one of the highlights of the trip.

After the dives, we went back to town and ate at one of the locale restaurants that served fantastic empanadas. I had one chicaron and beef empanadas – hit the spot! I also had melon juice with water. At this point I didn’t care what water I was drinking. Soon after, we drove back to the house. The group that went to XPLOR was not back. The sun was out, and as given, we headed down the playa. Once the rest of the gang returned, we all enjoyed the sunset at the roof. It was mesmerizing – to the west was the sun outlining the huge intimidating gray clouds, and to the east lies the calm Caribbean Sea.

That evening the ladies made dinner. It was pleasant to drink and hang out as the food was being prepared. We entertained ourselves as everyone took silly poses for the camera. Everyone became quiet once dinner was served. Jen prepared an amazing pasta! I got a little drunk early that night and passed out. It must’ve been the diving. I woke up in the middle of the night and realized that there was a black out. I used my phone to navigate down the stairs to find water. There was something dreamlike about that night. Everyone asleep, no lights, the moon reflected on to the sea, the sound of wind passing through the windows, the waves breaking – it was all…. nature…

That morning I woke up extremely early to see the sunrise. Sunset is beautiful, but the sunrise is always elusive. I walked up the stairs to the roof and there was Belinda, already snapping photos of the sunrise. Once the sunrise was over, everyone headed for the last time to the sea. The clock was ticking as most of us are returning home later that afternoon. It was a perfect sunny day and it was unfortunate the trip was nearing its end. But we enjoyed every last minute that was left. I felt the sun wrapped around my body, and for the last time, felt the cool ocean breeze.

After packing, and settled the bills at Cesiak, we said our farewell to Jenn and Ken since they were staying a few more days. We exited the gate of our house and drove for the last time through the dirt road. At this time we were almost accustomed to the potholes, and the bumpy ride. Then, there it was, the gate and the paved road. Good bye Sian Ka’an, until next time. We kept driving and the gate disappeared from behind… off and back on highway 307 towards Cancun. An hour and a half later, we dropped off Belinda and Chester by Terminal 2, and we returned the car. The trip was done.

I’ve always love traveling, who doesn’t. Traveling for a short time like this one is okay. Some people may say “why go so far for such a short trip?” I say – because I want to and because it is fun! And why do you care, it’s my trip! Jet titled his photo album “Not a Single Fuck Was Given that Day.” That just summed up this whole trip to Mexico in its entirety. We were Zen, and were thankful, not a worry in the world. I know I said this before, but “a place where you can easily forget your name” and Tulum and Sian Ka’an definitely be included. I wish you could have been there with us, but I say you discover the place we called home for a short time yourself. It won’t disappoint!

well hello there....

2011-05-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I last blogged, but what can you do?

Just had a conversation with a few friends finishing grad school, and preparing to go into counseling as a profession. I'm not much of a therapy kind of person. But I could be open to the idea. I just don't want to pay an outrageous amount of cash to speak to someone about my issues. I am told there are free therapy sessions with NYU grad students. My biggest concern is, what if we run into each other at some bar in the Lower East Side, and my therapist is all wasted, being obnoxious, and ended up throwing up in the corner. Do I help and give her water, or do I take a picture, laughing, and post it on facebook with a caption "this is my therapist"? Knowing me, I'll probably do the latter.

I find myself constantly bitching about the weather here in New York. It's too cold, to much rain, too damn humid. But right now, I can say it is perfect. A little breeze, sun shining, and a touch of humidity; just right. But then again, summer is coming in three weeks. Maybe I spoke too soon. I'm probably going to be bitching how it's awfully humid, and my apartment smells like peeking duck from the restaurant downstairs.

A friend of mine just texted me to watch a movie. It's nice to get an invitation that doesn't involve drinking alcohol. Majority of the texts, calls or emails I get from friends here in the city never fail to include the word "drinks." Am I that uninteresting and a bore for us to hang out some sort of alcoholic beverage needs to be in the presence? But what the hell, I guess it's called "common interest." Well, maybe I can bring my flask inside the theater.

I went to Brooklyn Botanical to see the beautiful cherry blossoms. Yes it was gorgeous blah blah blah, but dude, I felt like the allergy God's put a spell on me. I thought I was going to die by the time we left. I think it's a good idea that the snack bar at the botanic sells Claritin. I think they will make a killing. Now that's the line worth queuing for.

Happy Mother’s day to my Nanay!! That’s if she pick up my calls. Yes, calls. I sometimes think she screens my calls. I guess it goes both ways. Love you!

I guess I should keep this up.... maybe..

Cleaning Up..Party/Dimsum...Muffler..It'll be fine

2010-01-24T20:21:00.000-08:00

It’s true that we all must make a choice in what is important to us. It’s like cleaning your drawer, you throw away what’s not needed and you keep what you think is useful. Even with friends. It doesn’t make sense to keep those that don’t put importance in what you have. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been friends. Sometimes it’s better off living a separate path.

You can say I’m a rat pack. I tend to keep things that I don’t even use or need. Bags of unopened mails, old correspondences, statements, non-working speaker, three of the same battery chargers (I only need one!), name it and I probably kept it. I spent all of Friday night going through things in my room while I sip on some whiskey. Next thing I know I had three garbage bag full of things that I threw away.

I had a little party on Saturday night. I want to say thank you to everyone that made an effort to see me and to party one last time before I leave. It was a success – I was trashed by the end of the night. And thank you to all that was able to make it for dim sum. Everyone knows RJ heart dim sum. It’s such a great sunny day to be in Chinatown having dim sum with great friends.

On the way to dim sum, as we were already running late, the muffler came off my friend Jon’s car that Krack is borrowing while Jon travels. It’s probably one of the funniest moments that I have been part of lately. First, Krack tried to ignore the noise that’s becoming more apparent as we drove by turning the music louder. After the creaking noise got even louder especially in the back seat where Matt and I were, Krack decided to exit the 101 and parked at the residential neighborhood. We all got out of the car and the muffler was hanging by a thread. We all thought that the muffler is going to be hot. Krack got half a bottle water inside the car as if it’s going to make the muffler less hot. He then opened the trunk and found dirty underwear that Hang used to hold the muffler. The muffler was not hot. It hasn’t been connected to anything for a long time. It’s just there for looks for which it finally came off. That’s why the car is making a noise as if it was a “racer” car. Let me tell you it’s not.

Ah, it hit me today that I’m leaving. Yes, in two days! I’m going to miss all my friends and family. But I’m sure I’ll see them again. Either I see them in NY or when I come back to LA (I don’t know when that will be). I actually started getting a bit nervous. It’s normal I think. All I know is whatever I’m feeling, I’m sure I will be fine.

2010....it's my trip...

2010-01-11T20:32:00.000-08:00

2010 will be a rockin’ year. I ended 2009 with a bang and gave my employer my notice of resignation. For a week now, I have been living as a civilian released from the corporate world. It’s all about making choices. I prefer to pursue happiness instead of living in misery. If that means doing nothing at all for the meantime, so be it; at least I am happy.

We all must take a leap or else we will never know. A friend told me that sometimes we have to refrain from taking unnecessary leaps. I suppose that’s true, but how do we know when to or when not to take such leaps? I guess we will never know. Call me crazy, but my most recent leap to the unknown is necessary. It’s almost obligatory.

So where to, and what is next? I’ve lived in a small town of Morong, Rizal in the Philippines, I’ve lived in a big city like Los Angeles, traveled quite a bit, (over thirty countries to be exact), have done the round the world thing, have joined the rat race - WHO KNOWS? Maybe live in New York temporarily? Maybe make a trip to the Far East? Maybe try the love thing in hopes to settle down? Or maybe give another shot having a career, and work for the man? Maybe even start my own business? Or, if all else fail, maybe time to go back to school?

I love living and not knowing. Well, that’s not completely true. I always have a plan in the back of my head. But longing for an adventure and finding what’s ahead for the most part is truly satisfying. We only live once, so might as well make the most out of it.

So now I say again as I truly, and optimistically, and whole-heartedly believe that 2010 will be a wonderful year. It’s how I would want it to be! It’s my trip.

Road Trip......

2009-09-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Besides from people watching, I find an interest not in eavesdropping, but rather over hearing other people’s conversations. At times, we hear the most ridiculous, and at times we here the most sublime. At Yellowstone, I over heard a twelve year old girl said to her Mom “I DON’T LIKE NATURE.” Subsequently, Marilyn heard the same girl tell her mom while they go into a river hot spring “THIS IS BORING.” I would have slapped that child instantly if she was mine. I can only imagine what kind of trouble her parents did to get her to Wyoming. Perhaps they drove thousands of miles like we did, or they paid an outrageous amount for an airfare. Bottom line, that child needs to learn how to appreciate what her parents are doing for her.

Our road trip seems so long time ago now. I’m going to try not telling into full details how Hang fell off a log while crossing a creek and Marilyn busted out laughing. Or, how Hang and I played the ultimate gas game driving through the I-70’s 110-miles stretch with no gas station. Not even the fact that I almost got arrested for urinating in public in front of the police. But what I wanted to share is the sheer beauty of the places we’ve visited, and, how fun a true road trip with couple good friends can be!

Going backcountry at Yellowstone is clearly a must do. Trekking along, we saw few thermal baths and geysers. We even bathed in a creek where its cold water is mixed with the thermal bath’s 170-degree Fahrenheit water. It’s almost surreal to hike through miles after miles into a dense forest of dying trees. At the first night, we camped by the banks of the glorious Heart Lake. No can be found within 10-mile radius. Well then, we party. We finished a bottle of Jack I carried in my backpack for 12-miles. As it poured rain all night, we got wasted in our tent scaring off the bears. This debauchery continued on night after night. Nature eh?

After our backcountry experience, we explored Yellowstone by car. Witnessing the Old Faithful erupts was pretty darn cool. But after a while, all the geysers and hot thermals all started to look the same. Yes, I know the thermals are hot, and we are indeed walking on a live volcano - hip hip horay. We then drove to Bozeman, Montana. There is something lovely about Bozeman. The people perhaps? The people in Montana are probably the friendliest amongst the states I’ve visited.

We fled Jackson Hole, Wyoming from being arrested after yet another night of consuming an excess amount of alcohol. After a night of heavy drinking, we made Marilyn drive us from Jackson Hole to Salt Lake non-stop. She was pissed off and irritated that we not once offered to drive. Hang said he was dizzy, and I was in the back seat passed out. I suppose “I’m sorry” is due. We opted not to stay in Salt Lake since the place we originally booked a room was a piece of crap, but we managed to see a few things such as the Mormon church, the Mormon Village, and the states Capital building. After dropping off Marilyn at the airport, Hang and I drove to Moab, UT to see the Arches.

Starting of our exploration in Utah at the Arches National Park was just right. Why not start with a bang eh? I know I should never compare places I’ve visited, but it’s so hard not to compare the Arches to the sights I’ve seen in the Middle East. The weather, the landscape, and my scarf - it’s so easy to reminisce. Take note - visiting and paying $20 to go into Dead Horse National Park was a scam! You dive up a mile to go to a view point and nothing more. After that, we got scared to go into Canyonlands because it’s probably the same sh$t. Yes, we were park-OUT! The next day we visited Bryce Canyon. I didn’t care for Bryce that much. Again, maybe I was just park-out, or tired. But seriously, after a while, all these canyons started to look the same.

Our last stop in Utah was Zion National Park. Again, at this point we were done with the parks and just wanted to get to Vegas. We got to the east entrance of the park and we were so cheap to pay $25 to enter, and decided to leave. After contemplating for some time, we realized that going through Zion is the most direct way to get to Las Vegas. We succumbed and paid the fee, and it was worth every penny. I’ve seen many beautiful places in my travels. Let me tell you - Zion will rank to be one of the best. Driving through a narrow zigzag road at the base of 2,000+ feet ancient sand dunes was intimidating. The grandness of these hardened sand dunes in my book is incomparable, at least for now.

We finally made it to Vegas. Our friend Mike delivered and booked us a hotel room that opens up to the pool. Score! The funny part about being in Vegas was – we didn’t feel like partying. Maybe we were just exhausted after days of partying in the woods. The next day, after we had dim sum for lunch then proceeded to California to see Death Valley, the lowest point in Northern America. Ha! I can now say that I’ve been to the two lowest points on earth (Dead Sea and Death Valley). It was excruciatingly hot, but worth the visit. The highlight was the Sand Dunes. I again reverted back to my memories of the sand dunes in Quarzazate, Morrocco. I guess I can say: same same but different. The drive home from Death Valley was just unreal. It’s a place where silence can easily take a hold of you. The valley overlooking the mountain range is a work of art. I wish you could have been there with me.

The places I’ve visited for eleven days can be described with infinite superlatives. There were moments such as viewing the glorious sunset of pastel colors at Yellowstone Lake that will forever be painted in my mind; or the memories with Marilyn and Hang offending our two Californian neighbors in our campground that we can only reminisce amongst ourselves without offending anyone. We all travel with the purpose of satisfying ourselves. Yes, some prefer to go abroad, some local, some likes to be frugal, and some likes to be extravagant. But as long as you're having fun, that’s all that matters. And indeed, I had a blast!

the question.. my day.. vacation

2009-08-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, when I was asked “Where do you want to be ten years from now?” I don’t exactly remember what I said. But I can assure you I was a lot more ambitious then. I would have never answered my life as it is at the present. Stuck in a cube all day, going solo, I do the daily dreadful commute to work everyday from home, and the happy-meter is not really at its max. Oh well, it is what it is right.

It’s my day today. I can be very selfish when it comes to my birthday. It’s my birthday! As my niece says repeatedly “MINE! MINE! MINE!!!!” I’m so sick of celebrating it with someone else. I have seven friends on facebook who has the same birthday, plus the others who were born one day before or after August 21st. I mean, did our parents decide all at once to procreate in November so that we, my fellow birthday celebrants will be born on the same day? Really?! For me not to celebrate in Los Angeles, I’m leaving town!!!!

I am on vacation!!!! I first celebrated my freedom by the waters at the beach on a work-day. I miss those days when I don’t have to work and just hang. Now, I live in a trance. Everything is a routine. I do one thing after another. I started to not notice things as they became so dull. It’s such a bummer, but what can I do – IT IS WHAT IT IS!!! At the strike of midnight, I celebrated my birthday downing tequila shot into my throat.

I’m leaving today for a little road trip. We’re going all the way up to Yellowstone. You should be excited for me! I’ll let you know if we ever needed to use bear repellant. That’s if I live to write another blog. Who knows!

Have a fantastic day everyone!!!

parking... kid's question... life eh?

2009-07-19T01:44:00.001-07:00

I recently donated $60 to the city of Los Angeles for a parking violation. Seriously, $60? What a scam! So today, as I was parked under a sign that says 2-hour parking I played musical chairs with two of my friends in our cars. This continued on for the next eight hours until all day parking took effect at 6PM.

I heard a little girl asks “Mom, why the women and the men’s bathroom sign different: for the men, the legs are apart, and for the women they are together?” I’m always fascinated how curios children are. At times I’m in awe, or even uncomfortable with the questions they ask. I wish I remember all the questions I’ve asked when I was a kid. Knowing me, I’m sure I’ve asked a lot of really stupid and almost retarded questions that pissed my parents off for even thinking of such questions.

Life eh? You just don’t know when it will be taken away. Every nano-second that passes by becomes the past, and could easily be forgotten after the next minute. So might as well seize it, and try to live every second in our own accord. Who knows, you may never experience another second again. Live as if it’s your last! May my Nanay Aida rest in peace.

conversationalist... taxing mj...pursuit of happiness... my boss

2009-07-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

How can people not run out of things to say? And, how can people not say anything? I guess to be a great conversationalist we must find a happy medium. People get annoyed with both extremes. We can’t just keep rambling on things, or we can’t say nothing at all. We don’t have to say the most intelligent things all the time, but we must keep them interesting.

I read online that San Francisco Assemblyman has introduced a bill to legalize , tax and regulate mary-jane. Apparently, the thought is to use the tax proceeds to help solve the state’s debt. Wait, I thought for a while that it’s been legal. I guess only for people who are ill. A lot of people that I know already hold a valid medical use license. And they’re far from having life threatening illness such as cancer and or AIDS, or at least they seem healthy and in their twenties. Anyhow, I’m all for taxing the use of such substance. It legitimizes the legality of sale even if it’s just for the sick.

My friend at work last day is today. I give props for people who seek personal happiness. If you’re not happy, what’s the point of doing it? I did exactly the same thing at my old job. I just wasn’t happy anymore. One fine Tuesday morning on June 17, 2007, as I was in the shower, I made a realization that I need to quit. I called my Mom, my two sisters for a reality check, and then gave my two weeks notice the same day. That was the most rewarding decision that I have made yet. We all must pursue what makes us happy. I’m all for that!

My boss came to my desk twenty million times today with the same question – any progress? Give me a break! It’s Friday for crying out loud. Everyone in my team seems to be on the same page as I am. I actually started to duck every time I see him coming. At one point I started to run away from my desk once I saw him talking to the person next to my cube. Anyway, I can’t believe people are still practicing micro-management. I’m sure he’s a very nice person, but you know, I need my space!!!!

you messed up in the head?.... getting too wasted... incubus..

2009-07-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Is everyone messed up in the head? I know my mind can be crazy and f-up at times. And, my mind goes a million miles an hour thinking of wild thoughts I care not to share with you. So if this happens to me, it must be happening to all. I wish to never have the ability to read people’s mind. That will just drive me insane. If I can be crazy in the head, you must be too!

I went to a friend’s birthday party this weekend out in Hollywood. I got a little carried away and got totally wasted. Not just wasted and I can still utter the words “I’m drunk, dude!” But rather to the point where I was such a mess I was crashing out. Why do I put myself through that? It’s not like I have no experience in things like this! I guess I just don’t know. It just happened. Let me tell you, if I could give a reason I would. The problem is I don’t remember the night. Thanks Moo for taking good care!

Ah! Earlier this week, I went to see one of my favorite bands of all time – INCUBUS!! And it was at one of the best places to see live shows in the summer time - the Hollywood Bowl. I saw them last year in Manila, Philippines as I was wrapping up my round the world. My funeral song still is “Drive.” I’ve already choreographed it. As they carry my casket from the altar after a mass, the song will be played acoustic live. I can honestly say, I know all the songs they played at the concert. Rock ‘n Roll!!

I remember!... On the Road... Traffic... MJ Memorial

2009-07-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

Newsflash: I now remember what I did 4th of July 2008! My buddy Krack called me to remind me what I did, and this was confirmed by my journal written July 8, 2008. I wasn’t getting wasted as originally thought. I was in Yosemite doing a 25-mile hike with Moo, Angie and Noah. Mystery solved!!

I went to Sedona and Grand Canyon for this years July 4th weekend with Hang (aka Ansel Adams), Karen and SJei. I’m not going to tell you how spectacular sunset at Sedona, or how grand the Grand Canyon truly is. But rather, I’m going to share how wonderful it is to be on the road again. I miss being on the road – whether it be on my own, or this time with great company. It definitely beats being in a cubicle punching away numbers all day. It’s been over a year since I’ve been back, and let me tell you, everything still reminds me of all the places I’ve been to, and all the people that I’ve met. I just love the freedom that comes along while traveling. Until next time! Insha’lla.

Throughout our road trip, we encountered multiple traffic jams. One time, a lady fell off a bike which was good enough reason to cause a jam. However, most of the time, even on a regular day, I encounter traffic jams due to – NOTHING! Seriously people, there’s no event here. So why is there traffic?!? I sometime wishes there better be someone dead at the end of this dreadful traffic jam.

Anyway, MJ’s memorial is over. I actually watched the whole thing today. Too bad I didn’t get tickets to go to Staple Center. Well, I didn’t try. Again, I wish I had a magic wand to get those tickets. When Paris Katherine spoke of her dad was the highlight for me. I can only imagine losing a parent at such a young age even how crazy they may be.

FB..cactus..trying. memory loss...

2009-07-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

My work recently blocked access on Facebook. Where am I? Iran, where you can’t even access Facebook without going around security? This place is turning into a sweatshop where I can’t even have interactions with people outside work. I suppose they don’t pay us to f-around during work hours. Who cares! I’m still mad, and going through Facebook withdrawal.

I bought this crazy looking cactus last week. I swear this plant is a trip on its own (I’ll post a photo soon). Study shows that plants on your desk increases productivity. Why did I buy this plant then? That just means one thing – it will turn me into doing something I really don’t want to do- doing more work! I should just give this plant the boot!

Is to “try you best” all that matters? I guess the answer really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. I caught myself saying this week “I’m trying here, it’s not like I’m sitting here doing nothing!” In a world where everything is not standardized and you are expected to produce, I can only wish I have a magic wand. How cool would it be to just strike that wand and make all my wishes come true!

It’s July 4th weekend! I was talking to my friend recently, and we tried to figure out what I did last year for July 4th. The fact that I can’t remember bothers me! Where was I on July 4, 2008? I know I wasn’t working since I was bumming around last summer. I don’t think I was at the beach. For sure didn’t stay home. But, where was I? Most likely, I was somewhere partying getting really trashed which led to memory loss. For now, that weekend in 2008 remains elusive……

drinking..mcd...micheal jackson

2009-06-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

I drove to work this morning hung-over, feeling like death, eating McDonalds while listening to Michael Jackson.

I've gotten really hammered the last two nights. Why? I’m not sure. Clearly, I have to do a full day of work the next day. And I know I have to rely on my brains functionality. Work is not all pleasantries; I actually have to produce something. I guess figuring out why is almost ridiculous. Because ultimately, we all are in search of one thing - a good time! At least make it worthwhile.

A lot of people hate McDonalds. I heart McDonalds. While traveling, I made a habit to search for the nearest golden arches wherever I maybe. Maybe it feels like it’s the closest thing to home. People who run MCD are pretty good catering to different cultures. For example, McDonalds in the Philippines serves chicken and rice or in India where they have curry plate combos. Next time you’re somewhere far, check out what’s on the menu. It could surprise you.

Ah, Michael Jackson. Everyone is a fan. Don’t deny. I’m a huge fan. Who else can top Michael? Probably no one! I never got the opportunity to see the man perform. Before he died, I asked a few people – how much will you pay to see Michael Jackson perform? I would pay around $300 to see him. Now, that’s just not possible. RIP Michael! Rock it with Farah Faucet in heaven.

dreams and time...

2009-06-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

I always wonder - why don’t I have any dreams at night? Is there something wrong with me, or I just don’t remember my dreams. Someone once told me, if you dream of feces you will win money. I am just waiting for that dirty dream with shit all over me.

I’m still in pursuit to find answer who invented time. I myself don’t wear a watch. I’m not a fan. I prefer the old way s of seeing time where my shadow lies. We’re reminded everywhere what time it is. It’s in our computer screen, clock across my desk, our cell phone. We can never get away! I made an attempt to find answer to my question. And I quote “time was not invented… time does not exist at all..,” “time is relativity” Thanks Eisenstein! Why can’t we live in a motionless world where time is irrelevant? And where the world doesn’t rotate and everything is at a halt. We go our own pace. I hate the fact that we have to go to sleep at a certain time so we can wake up in time. Time – you should just go to hell!!!!

mondays and iran....

2009-06-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Monday SUCKS! I’ve been working for years now; less the 18-months frolicking around the world, but Monday’s never seem to get easier. It’s always a bummer waking up on Monday mornings. But what can we do right? It is what it is. We all have bills and lifestyle to keep. Anyway, instead of making my life more miserable, I decided to look forward to this week. I know it’s a lie, but I must look in the Brightside.

I’ve been watching a lot of news lately to follow all developments in Iran. Still, one of my favorite places in the middle-east is the city called Esfahan, Iran. My experience traveling in Iran was all positive. I met the kindest and the most wonderful people. I went and saw magnificent places such as Esfahan, Tehran, and Persepolis to list a few. However, it’s really unfortunate that first, the world see Iranian people as enemies, and second the instability that is happening internally. I hope for the best to Iran, and one day I will go there once again. I am one of the bigger advocates for people to see Iran for themselves before making judgments.

no sun.. but i got lucky

2009-06-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon, and the sun have yet to make its appearance. What a scam. I guess it’s not always sunny southern California. But it’s so easy to be spoiled by its perfect weather.

Before getting ahead of myself, I must narrate what happened to me last night. I had a few margaritas in Orange County before I went to LA. On my way to my friend’s place, I was stop at a random checkpoint. Checkpoint scares the hell out of me. I don’t know why, but maybe because I was buzzed or that I can be a hippie. The point is I hate cops and checkpoints even if I’m innocent. Anyway, I got off that quite easily. Funny thing is, right after the DUI checkpoint, I drove towards a liquor store to get some alcohol. The moment I started driving away from the liquor store, I saw red and blue blinking lights behind me. What the hell is going on? I pulled over to the side and the police started to walk towards me. I was a nervous wreck and asked what did I do? They claimed that I swerved and almost hit another car as I started driving. I call that bullshit! They made me do bunch of DUI crap while I was still in my car like following his fingers with my eyeballs. As always, I passed with flying colors. Good thing they didn’t check my car! Like the fortune teller once told me, I'm one lucky bastard.

Been running around LA all day. Was in Chinatown for some dim-sum. Then spent hours at the arts district assisting friends taking photos. It was fun, but the day just drag under this horrible weather.

I'm back in business....

2009-06-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

It’s Friday afternoon and I’m just about to lose it. Actually, let me set that straight, I was in a 2-hour meeting earlier and I was dying. Hence, I started to lose it five hours ago. I'm not overly motivated today to do major work. I worked to hard the last two weeks and I need a break while I’m getting paid. Give me a break, just today! Not sure what everyone in the office are doing, but I know some folks are still gungho about the new restructuring that is being implemented on Monday. Who cares! I know some people are playing games on their phone (ehm.. JW), and some folks are actually working. But me on the other hand is writing this blog. Call me whatever you want, but I just want to get the hell out of here.

Anyway, I decided to start blogging again. I missed blogging. If you are interested, my old address is http://blogs.bootsnall.com/rsanagustin/ If you find yourself in the same situation as I am right now on a Friday afternoon, be my guest! It will open your eyes about the world, and my journey circumnavigating the globe.

Ya, so I’m going to try to finish up work. Whatever it is I have to do end-of-day. Ah! I wish I don’t have to do any work. I still believe work is for suckers!!!!