Between a Rock and a Hard Place

There is no force on earth more powerful than the will to live.

There may have been a lot of scenes that this (docu) film can do without but I believe they rather became essential parts and contributed to the general outcome of the film which is BEAUTIFUL.

As for the gory part, it wasn't that bad. Really. What was bad was almost feeling what he was feeling while cutting away the tendon and the nerve ohgodiwillneverbeabletodothatitlooksreallyREALLYpainful. And yes, in many of his interviews he revealed that "Overall, it was 100 times worse than any pain I’ve felt before.”

My favorite part? That climax/rescue scene with the Sigur Rós song playing on the background. Because then you know that everything's gonna be better again for a guy that you're rooting to live.

Aron Ralston's story is so inspiring I'm gonna forgive him for not telling anyone where he's going. I'm sure he learned a simple yet huge lesson out of that experience and glad that he's spreading the importance of it during his talks.

Had I been on his place, I would've definitely die and rot in the place and no one will ever knew.

The real Aron Ralston at the end of the movie

The Green Hornet

Britt Reid AKA The Green Hornet just so happened to be rich but he's nothing compared to his nameless sidekick Kato, who's the brain of everything.

The film was entertaining though some scenes that shouldn't be too long are excruciatingly long and Seth's voice, it's too distracting. Oftentimes I can't understand what he's saying cos it's like he's eating up the words. Too bad :(

I could think of other actors well suited to be the Green Hornet but hey, Seth Rogen got the role and I'm sure he did his best to bring justice to the role.

Exploring Mercato Centrale

Last Saturday, the Cheese and I set off to BGC to experience Mercato Centrale for the first time and boy it turned out to be such an awesome experience mainly for the various foods and goods you'll find there and of course, the freebies!

Some of freebies I had the courage to take (yes I really was too shy to take on more freebies so I chose carefully what intrigues me, what perks up my interest and of course, what I simply want) : various cakes (walnut, chocolate, even zucchini cake!), carrot & pumpkin chips, paella (the regular paella and the black paella!), homemade yogurt, candied bacon icecream, escargot, WAGYU (darn it was so soooooft and easy to chew!), lemon tea juice, chicken wings and Moroccan bread.

The Cheese and I tried Tea-ology, taclings (little tacos on egg holders so kyoot) and Pan de Bagnet which seems to be such a hit and crowd favorite.

Thumbs up to all the organizers (I saw two of them, RJ Ledesma and Anton Diaz)!

"Uuwi ka sa yakap ko.."

Wala akong matinong pictures from last night's gig, konti lang din naman kasi kinuha ko dahil mas nagfocus ako sa pagkuha ng videos since second to the last Guijo gig na yun ng Sugarfree before Ebe officially leaves the band.

Ito na lang ang ipinost ko dito dahil achievement din ng gabing yun na nakumpleto ko nang papirmahan sa kanila ang Sa Wakas CD ko (sa wakas!). Nauna si Ebeng pumirma dyan 17 months ago pa at kagabi lang tuluyang nakumpleto.

Malungkot na masaya na sobrang malungkot na sobrang masaya ang mga emosyong naghari kagabi. Kahit sobrang init at siksikan, ito na ata ang best gig na napuntahan ko ever sa Sugarfree. Ramdam ng lahat that there's a looming sadness pero mas pinili na lang na mag-enjoy.

Bilang na bilang na ang araw ng lahat ng fans ng banda, noon at ngayon, na makakapiling, maririnig at makikitang magkakasama ang tatlo sa entablado. Masakit man tanggapin pero ganun talaga siguro. Nahihirapan man akong tanggapin ng maluwag sa damdamin ang gagawing paglisan ni Ebe, e ano namang magagawa ko? Gusto nyang magsolo eh. He must have his own reasons.

Pero sorry kung di ko maiwasan maging emosyonal sa desisyon nyang yun. Parang feeling ko may nakipag-break sakin. In a way, parang nakikipag-break na rin sya sa mga fans nya. Lahat ng mga kantang isinulat nya na dati ay madalas tungkol sa buhay pag-ibig lang inirerelate, parang nairerelate ko na sa gagawin nya.

Magkaganun pa man, alam kong balang araw makakapag-move on din ako, tayong lahat na fans. It may take a while pero at least meron tayong mga alaalang pwedeng panghawakan isa, lima, sampung taon mula ngayon. Marinig man natin ang Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak o Burnout 20 years from now, I think it will still trigger the same warm feelings and strong pull in our hearts, that once upon a time, naging theme song sila ng buhay natin.

New Year's Resolution #1

Catch up on reading.

Ever since I went back to work force I haven't lifted a book again except for the Harry Potter and Wicked e-books I read in my iTouch.

It is very unhealthy I know, especially since I still have loads of books I haven't read from long ago sales when I hoarded 'em like there's no tomorrow.

I'm starting with Neverwhere, Vertigo Comics' version. Yay!

Doodles

Inspired by my colleague who was having an exhibit in the Boston Public Library (submission via internet I think) who asked some of our other colleagues to contribute. So here it is, after many years, I tried drawing again. And by drawing I meant copying everything from various sources.

I'm still wishing like from many years ago that I be an artist in my next life. You see how my turtle got ruined!

How to Choose a Pipe Marker

Pipe markers are essential labels for any facility as it provide pipe contents, direction of the flow and potential hazards its contents may bring. However, choosing marking pipes is a crucial step towards achieving an efficient and safe facility. All visible pipes must be properly identified - contents, direction of flow, ownership, additional information if there are special hazards involved, etc. But where do you start? How will you know if you've chosen the right pipe markers? This guide will walk you through all the necessary details you need to learn before making that decision.

 First step to consider in choosing a pipe marker: find out what your needs are.

There are markers made specifically to cater to a particular type of environment. Do you need to label greasy and oily or dry and clean pipe surfaces? Is it for outdoor or indoor use? You might need to take into consideration the following types of pipe markers:

Snap-Around Markers are easy-to install labels ideal for oily, greasy or rough surfaces. They easily snaps into place with no adhesives necessary. Self-Adhesive Markers on other hand can be easily peeled and pressed into place. They are suitable for dry and clean pipes. Both Snap-Around and Self-Adhesive Markers are perfect for indoor and outdoor use.

 For extreme outdoor conditions, High Performance Markers are your best choice. Pre-coiled for easy wrap-around installation, it has overlaminated polyester that provides superior durability enabling it to withstand abrasion & chemicals, high-humidity and harsh environments. They are best suited for dirty, oily, greasy or rough surfaces including stainless steel.

After distinguishing where the pipe markers will be used, you may now proceed to the next step: choosing the right size.

All markers must comply with ASME (ANSI) Standard A13.1-2007. This is the standard for everything pipe marking and labeling related details. They provide a table that recommends proper letter size, length and height of color field for differently sized pipes.

Third step is choosing the right color. Pipe markers are color coded to easily identify the type of material and hazard the pipe is carrying. There are 3 hazard categories for above-ground piping system:

• High-Hazard Materials - uses black characters on a yellow background
• Low-Hazard Materials are divided into two color schemes based on physical state:

               a) Liquid materials use white characters on a green background

   b) Gaseous materials use white characters on a blue background

• Fire Suppression Materials - uses white letters on a red background

After choosing the right size and color, it is now time to choose your pipe wording. There are so many standard legends to choose from depending on what your needs are. Choose the wording that best suits your need. If you want to opt out for customization, there are suppliers that carry out custom wording.

Lastly, set the quantity based on proper label placement. Determine where your pipe markers should be located and at what intervals. ASME (ANSI) A13.1-2007 maintains that markers should be placed at entry points, adjacent to all valves and flanges, both sides of floor, ceiling or wall penetrations, adjacent to changes of piping direction and on intervals (markers on every 50' is acceptable).

Injuries and property damages can be prevented with proper identification hence, it is essential to be armed with the right knowledge on what to consider when choosing the right pipe markers.   

An Idiot Abroad - Jordan

The scene where the camel refused to walk was so hilarious. I like how he traveled to Petra by way of Israel and Palestine but I didn't really enjoyed the staged kidnapping. Petra, however, is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

1.11.11

Uhm. Same, same! Nothing out of the ordinary happened except that today I got the closest possible thing I could have in exchange for that fruitcake I've been waiting for Santa to give me: a rhum cake. Kewl!

FIFA Ballon d'Or 2010

...goes to my beloved #10: Lionel Andrés Messi! Felicidades!!!

PS:

Looking dapper with your black tux!

5 Centimeters Per Second

I cried because once upon a time I believe I was a Kanae Sumida too. I love how this film ended. Nante sutekina eiga!

An Idiot Abroad - India

The famous bench where Princess Diana was also once seated. Karl was also having his own photo although you can see that he's not really enjoying it haha.

Fear of Sleep*

A likes B but B, who does not necessarily dislike A in fact, at some point had a crush on A did not entertain A, moved on and forgot all about it. Now, A doesn't like B anymore but B is beginning to like A. End.

Moral of the story, as what my friend realized, timing is everything.

Indeed.

Funny how the world works.

Sorry suckers better luck next life.

*random title generator courtesy of playlist (The Strokes).

Ate Patty's Well Wishers

An Idiot Abroad - China

Karl has the funniest opinions about China and its people haha.

Rapid Hope Loss

"I WANT A BOY BEST FRIEND WHO WILL CALL ME BEAUTIFUL, AND LIKE MY PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK, COMMENTING THEM SAYING THINGS SUCH AS THE FACT HE’S PROUD TO HAVE ME AS A BESTFRIEND. ONE THAT I CAN CALL UP, CRYING ABOUT OTHER BOYS, AND HIM SAYING HE’LL BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF THEM FOR ME. A BOY BESTFRIEND WHO WILL DRIVE ME AROUND LIKE HE’S MY BIG BROTHER, AND KISS ME ON MY CHEEK/FOREHEAD WHEN HE KNOWS I’M UPSET. ONE WHO BECOMES FRIENDS WITH MY BOYFRIEND AND ONE WHO CALLS ME UP TO SEE WHAT I’M DOING. I WANT A BOY BEST FRIEND WHO WILL TELL ME WHEN I’M WRONG, AND FORCE ME INTO FIXING THINGS AND APOLOGIZING BECAUSE HE KNOWS THAT IT WILL MAKE THINGS BETTER FOR ME. I JUST WANT A PERFECT BOY BEST FRIEND, WHO WILL LOVE ME AND PROTECT ME FROM ALL THE OTHER BOYS. THE ONE I CAN REALLY CALL MY BESTFRIEND."

I remember having the exact same sentiments (except for the facebook part which we don't have the luxury of yet) when I was still in my loneliest of awkward teen years . I suppose I still am. But I can let go now of all the "I wants" and "I wish" to the "one I can really call my bestfriend".

An Idiot Abroad

At first, it would be hard to believe that Ricky Gervais is actually friends with the star of An Idiot Abroad - a chap from Manchester named Karl Pilkington. Ricky constantly making fun out of the bloke, with his ridicules and gaily laughter at the expense of the other guy, you wouldn't believe it at all.

But they are. Really.

After all, he personally asked the guy to star in a travel series (co-executive producers with his other mate, Stephen Merchant).

I find Mr. Pilkington a very unique person. His eccentricities are something that I, perhaps never could've imagine to be possessed by another human being. The man who seemed to be frowning most of the time, as if contemplating the deep science of the universe, faraway looks that compel you to ask yourself "what exactly is this man thinking at this moment?"

He might not know a lot of things and might often hold an odd opinion about what he sees, he really is a charming man. I enjoy watching him as he go to places a lot of people, including me, are dying to go only to blurt out funny and quirky remarks.

If you haven't seen An Idiot Abroad yet, I suggest you watch it. Now.

I Love Ben!

Ben Southall, aka The Island Caretaker, replying to my tweet to him was one of the happiest moments of my 2010 life YAY!

Welcome to DYO Land

Technically, NPI Team has about 2 weeks with nothing to do. Janitorial wave sheets are still on hold in the US so we are currently helping in the DYO (D0 Your Own) applications for customisation. It ain't easy but it's not so bad either. Although the thought of "there's no room for mistakes here" scares me. If I screw up, erm, gulp.

Oh How True!

I was reading a Chinese horoscope about people born under the year of the Rat and came upon this:

THE RAT VACATION

Travel delights the Rat personality and ignites his curiosity. Sunbathing is not the ideal way for a Rat to spend his vacation. Rats are adventurers. They want to explore, examine, visit and party during their time off. They want to try new foods, find new sights and experience the culture of the area they are visiting. And, of course, if they can come home with an exotic souvenir to add to their collection their vacation will have been an instant success.

The rest, erm, are forgettable and not true for me but I know some are true for these people I know...

Happy New Year!

The Year That Was

Pretty much how I'll sum up my 2010. Lots of food, travel and adventure. More of that please for 2011 and the coming years.

Maraming Salamat aking Bathala!

1.1.11

It's another year, another chance to happiness, another chance to make it better and another chance to make up for what's lost. I hope everyone around the world will have a smashing time. 2010: it was good while it lasted.
Cheers!