KnitCrate membership subscription box - March 2018

I have always thought about getting a yarn subscription online. I have watched many YouTube unboxing videos. I finally signed up for the KnitCrate box last March 21, 2018. I got my package last March 24, 2018.

The regular membership box contains the following: two skeins of specially hand dyed yarn, the pattern links, promo codes and details of the yarns, which also includes the shipping fee from the US.

Each month there would be a theme, for March 2018 it was Sugar sugar. They think of something that ties the yarn and also the free patterns. Yes, you will get two patterns, one for knitting and another for crochet.

The KnitCrate March 2018 membership box uses Uruyarn's Sugared Sock. This is a special yarn that is exclusively made by KnitCrate. The yarn is 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon, and 10% Stellina. It is a fingering yarn.

The regular membership box is USD 24.99 (the actual value of the whole package is at USD 63.00). And because I live in the Philippines there would be an additional fee once you receive the package. I think it is around Php 112.00. Not that bad since you are getting all of these including the shipping fee.

There is also stash points that will give you discount and amazing deals at the site.

Of course there are other membership crates for you: Sock Crate for USD 19.95, the Artisan Crate for USD 39.99, or the Sock Artisan Crate for USD 27.99.

Here is a link if you want to subscribe: here

The hunt for Knitting books at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at World Trade Center

The event was held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. The event is held by Big Bad Wolf from February 16th until the 25th. They are open 24 hours. So you wont need to deal with people. Yes, those annoying people who keep blocking isles and is just standing there for no apparent reason.

I left my house at around 1 AM and was there in the venue really fast. There was no traffic and less people. The only problem is that it is late and the evil monsters of Manila are alive and just lurking. Especially that the place is in an area that is often dark. So be careful and be always active, especially with pick pockets and robbers. Do not flash your valuables. Dress simple.

But gladly I made it safe to the venue. The place is still open and I am glad they are really open. There were some people waiting in front. While some like me are still coming in.

Yes, not so many people. Half of the lights are on. Darker than usual

I made my way to the entrance fast, which might be long if I came in during the day.

Musing about and trying the Slicktight Bubblegum Bastard Pomade

Humans have been playing with their hair for a long time already. People have used many things and stuff to keep their hair looking the same. Some products giving the needed style to keep for a long time and while others can be changed at whim.



It was not an easy process. When I was smaller old people used pomade. In the Tagalog area where I was born, the elders called it "pamada." It has that shinny look that stays long. It works well with the polished look of the start of the 19th century even way up to the end of the war that destroyed what is fashionable Manila.

When I got younger people used gels and hair sprays. I was born in the 80s. Yes, those crazy big hairs that people laugh at when you look at graduation albums. They used tons of hair products like gels and hair sprays to keep those perms and big hairs in place.

I never tried any hair products except shampoo and the occasional conditioner. I never liked the look of gel because it always reminds me of nose mucus. I think I tried it once or twice but I never really liked the feel of it.

For some weird twist of fate the pomade has made a come back. Of course, like any fashion trends people started to favor the good old clean look of the past. Which always reminds me of Frank Sinatra and his hair.

The other thing I remember about pomades is how they smelled before. People often told that pomades smell like old people.

Today I am trying the Slicktight pomade. They have lots of products that won't disappoint you and make you smell something from the past.

I got a hold of the Slicktight Bubblegum Bastard. It has a really nice and tasty smell. So good you want to start chewing on it. I hope no kid touches this because we all know how children are becoming more and more stupid these days. They might eat it and die. Which is good for me. Less stupid children, less stupid adults. 

Sorry, I got distracted there. This is an oil-based pomade is made from natural products. The ingredients include: Beeswax, castor oil, microwax, coconut oil, and fragrance oil.

It has a heavy hold and will do well in the crazy weather and streets of Manila. Just make sure you stay away from too much of the pollution. It will also stick to your hair. the good thing is that the smell of this product will be able to hold off the dirty smell.

The best thing about pomades is that it allows you to style your hair again and again throughout the day. Unlike other hair products. If your grandfather uses pomade give him some hip pomade.

A pomade also does not dry like gels, lasts longer. So I say give this product a try. Something old and yet something good. So glad I can style my hair without using those gels. Sorry, I just don't like gels.

Price: Php 350.00 (60 grams) < -- That is not expensive, just to look cool.

Also available are: All Skool Cola, Cool Mint, Strawberries and Cream, Vanilla Sandalwood, Sport, and Aqua. (Damn! I thought at first I was looking at an ice cream menu.)

They also have some awesome soaps, shampoo and combs.

Where can I get this? 
Slicktight website and store: https://www.slicktight.com/
Call: +63-917-820-7360
Email: slicktightpomade@gmail.com

They are also on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

World Architecture Day and World Post Day 2017 with the United Architects of the Philippines - Makati

My wish for a clear day didn't happen. It was rainy and I have lots of stuff on my bag. The rain came and went from time to time. But at least it was not raining really hard.

I went on my way to the Manila Central Post office and waited for the rest of the group. We have some bloggers and also the members of the United Architects of the Philippines - Makati Chapter (UAP - Makati Chapter).

The World Architecture Day 2017 fell on October 2nd with the theme "Climate Change Action." While, the World Post Day 2017 is celebrated with no theme falls on October 9th.

The program starts at with the people of the PhilPost meeting with the guests from the UAP - Makati and bloggers.

We are introduced to the long history of the PhilPost and its legacy as well as the wonderful building it is housed in. Ms. Arlene Labao-Project Officer for the Philately Collection & Museum Division started the program with some videos about the PhilPost and even how to write postcards.

President Rodrigo Duterte's SONA 2017: The battle cry for murder, hypocrisy, fake data, and the drug war

It is another year and the Poong Messiahd (a pun on the word Messiah and the tagalog word may sayad, which means crazy), the great overlord of death, Rodrigo Duterte, president of the Dutertards (Duterte fanatics) and the bobotantes (stupid voters) held his second SONA (State of the Nation Address) or hate speech because he thinks its cool to be bad-ass and idiots like the drama.

I will take everything into consideration and see what matters or what have you. I didn't listen to the actual speech because believe me it's very hard to understand the accent, enunciation of the Mahal na Nazeraan (a pun on the Black Nazareen and sira, wich also means crazy). 

Sumaatin nawa ang banal na putangina. (May the holy son of a bitch be with us.)

Following is a full transcript of that SONA, as delivered:

Kindly sit down. Thank you for your courtesy.

When I was a member of Congress, I… my seat was over there. The seat… the lady with a violent — not violent but rather violet dress… seated. But I was always absent, together with the Speaker and Tonyboy Floirendo, who is still absent until today. [LAUGHTER] And that started… Ay nandiyan ba? Sorry. But his propensity started almost 17 years ago when we were members of the 11th Congress.

Here he is proud to be always absent. He got paid for being absent. As if that is a skill similar to what Manny Pacquiao has been doing consistently since he became a politician. So being lazy is a virtue for Duterte. Also his joke is lame. Politicians have no sense of what a good joke is.

Cold Office Syndrome in the middle of a fucking Tropical country (an old musing)

Well nothing can be annoying when you feel like its winter at work and at the moment you step outside its "Welcome to the gates of Hell."

I have read of the idea on Buzzfeed about that problem. Again its very simple. You office just decided on itself that the temperature should be below freezing or something close.

I have tried the jacket approach but the fucking machine is just on top of me. I don't want to do the barung-barong thing because I believe an office should look like an office and not the shanties of Tondo or what have you.

Today my AM partner just decided to be her own architect and engineer and decided to do a make-over just because she thinks it must be done. She is the same asshole who decided to move my things without even asking. What a fucking jerk like most Pinoy are.

Well its no longer cold but I can't fucking see what I am typing.

Kiu Pat Long Shiao Taoist Temple

After many years of wondering I was able to see this place up close when a friend of mine invited me to look around. Weirdly enough we were told that the place is closing down and is giving away stuff. I felt sad also somewhat excited for the adventure.

The Taoist temple is just a short ride from Baclaran. It is located in an area called Don Galo, Paranaque.

THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL – THE WHITNEY HOUSTON SHOW

Starring Belinda Davids

This breathtaking production, featuring the impeccable vocal talents of South Africa’s Belinda Davids, is a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the world’s most revered singers. Accompanied by a full band and dancers, Davids performs over two hours of Whitney Houston’s best loved pop hits live on stage.

And there is no person better equipped to do so. In addition to having a voice described as “jaw-droppingly similar” to the pop diva, Davids openly acknowledges that Houston is her personal idol and was the original inspiration for her own career when she began singing at the age of 14.

“I want people to come and remember Whitney when she was at the top of her game and when she was fabulous”, says Davids.

And people all over the world have done exactly that, with South Africa, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada and the USA already hosting sold-out performances in the show’s first two years of touring.

The show includes 20 of Houston’s most popular tracks taken from the full span of her career, including ‘I Will Always Love You’, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, ‘Didn’t We Almost Have It All’, ‘I’m Every Woman’, ‘Exhale (Shoop Shoop)’, ‘Million Dollar Bill’ and more.

Davids is directed by Showtime Management Creative Director John Van Grinsven Snr. and joined on tour by the production team responsible for the worldwide hit tribute show Michael Jackson HIStory.

Belinda Davids

Belinda Davids was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and began performing professionally at the age of 14. She has never had vocal training and is blessed with a 4 octave vocal range, and hence the ability to sing any genre. Her musical heart has always been R&B; Belinda's inspirations as a child were Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson and the one artist whom she still, to this day, honours in every show she performs – Whitney Houston.

As a young girl one of the very first LP’s Davids ever owned was a song called “Hold Me” by Teddy Pendergrass and Whitney Houston. The quality and style Whitney portrayed in this song struck a cord and Davids’ fascination with the icon grew. She sang Whitney’s music at every chance: at family gatherings, talent competitions and to friends whilst playing on the street. Like many young girls at that time her bedroom walls were plastered with posters and magazine cut-outs of the icon. Whitney’s influence was so strong it inspired everything from her dress sense to her hairstyles.

As a young woman Belinda had the burning desire to live out her dreams and follow in her idols footsteps. She took on the club circuit and her performances left many people amazed at how similar she sounded to the icon.

In the mid 90’s Belinda caught the eye of record executives at Tusk Records, which spawned the album “Belinda Davids”. Three of the songs on this album, which Belinda wrote, were released as singles: “This I Swear”, “This Is My Life” and “We Go Together”. The latter was number one for six weeks in South Africa.

Davids promoted her album all over South Africa for a number of years at various hotels, clubs & cabarets. She opened shows for many international acts when they visited South Africa including Michael Jackson’s History Tour, The Manhattans, The Temptations and Peaches and Herbs. Years after her debut album Davids decided to travel abroad to expand her musical career, which took her to Dubai, London and Hong Kong to perform in major hotels and clubs, with renowned success.

Whilst performing “I Will Always Love You” at a hotel in Hong Kong she was requested by the audience to sing acapella as they thought she was lip-syncing to the original Whitney Houston song, after which she received a standing ovation.

After many years on the road she finally settled in Los Angeles where she started to focus on getting her solo career back on track. In L.A she collaborated with R&B singer/producer Sam Salter who worked on a couple of her promotional tracks. She also caught the attention of many R&B artists who asked her to perform and tour with them, such as Keyshia Cole, Monica, Johnny Gill, Kelly Price and Keri Hilson. She appeared on The Jay Leno Show and The George Lopez Show as a back-up vocalist for Monica.

In 2015 Belinda Davids will once again showcase her exquisite voice as she takes on the lead role in the Showtime Management production, The Greatest Love of All – The Whitney Houston Show, a show dedicated to keeping alive the music and spirit of the late, great and incomparable Whitney Houston.

---

“The soul of Whitney Houston is not only alive on the Mandela Stage but its effortless, mesmerizing and in full voice. Don't believe me? You will.”

- Rave Review

“If you had walked into the iZulu Theatre blindfolded and listened to the opening song, you would be forgiven for thinking you were listening to Houston herself, Davids is that good.”

- ToNight

“The iconic Egyptian-like shake of the head, the smile, the clicking fingers and open arms that accompany the countless high notes, all attest to David’s knowledge of the character is she portraying.”

- DestinyConnect.com

“I saw Whitney live in concert twice. Belinda Davids’ show featuring her songs was, dare I say, better.”

-       Kay Sexwale

May Vacation

My company just gave me one month vacation because they cannot say they are on a tight budget as usual. Anyways this gives me freedom from the latest bullshit and shallow lives of my co-workers, I wonder why they always need to talk about their boring lives. Maybe most of the time no one cares about them.

Anyways that means I have more time to write so much about the things I have never written about. I have been so busy doing two jobs in a day. If only I don't need to sleep I would do that.

The hard work has paid off and I am going to Japan this month. Expect tons of pictures from me then.

It's time to send your body to the zone at The Footzone Spa at Greenhills

There are places that we always go to but then again we also tend to pass by something. I have been to Greenhills many times to buy something or just to go to meetups.

Well maybe because I don't really go to for a foot spa.

So I went to the zone. I mean the Foootzone.

The front seems to me very simple but what is inside is much better.

The front desk is a good place to start your day. You will be greeted by their professional staff as if you are in a hotel.

Emperor's Lunch Buffet and the Chinese New Year at Ramada Manila Central

It's my second time to dine for the Chinese New Year at Ramada Manila Central. It's always great to be in a place where service is good and you know you are paying for what you wanted. That is to be served lots of interesting food on a special holiday.

The hotel offers a great view of the Chinatown or Binondo skyline. You can also see below the Binondo Church. This alone is one of the great offers of the Hotel. With their friendly staff we were given a chance to take pictures and enjoy such a unique view.

It's 2016!

Last year was the time I lost interest in writing blogs. I felt so uninspired to write about anything. My friends left me at the company where we used to work for and moved to another company. I was supposed to apply there but their restrictions cannot have me there as well. Somehow I am glad I didn't move to that company. Something tells me weird about that company.

I took lots of pictures and yet I took long before to post them. I even rarely attended blog events and just went to the Buddhist meetup every weekend. I think that was one of the good things I have done last year.

Now I got some mojo back for writing and I will write those write ups from the past year. Sorry it took me a long time to really write. And yes don't expect writing for the mass media or what have you. This is my life. OK?

Anyways, Happy New Year bastards!

Blogapaloza 2015

It's another day to meet and see friends. And of course meet new friends.

Unlike last time, where I had to attended the Blogapaloza late. This time I was a little motivated to attend the event early despite I have other things to attend to in life. I made it an earlier appointment and signed up soon as my other friends signed up.

So the grumpy guy steps into the lion's den. BTW if you don't like honesty about my filthy language and narrow mind I tell you to stop and go to another blog who will talk about nice things and all.

First stop is the registration booth. I arrived way past 10 am to be greeted by registration people who are not caring enough to assist. I have to ask where to register and how to do it. It seems most of them are not in the mood to talk with me. Fine, I register on the tabled and were given some ID that I have to sign myself, some flyers I won't even read and a voucher that will never be used.

Then off to the booths. Everything was arranged into the so called four seasons. Cute. I think they made effort on how each of the booth will look fit for the season they are representing. Too bad it all starts with winter. I wish also there was a direction pointer on where to start but I guess anywhere is good.

It seems also that 10 am is still an early time since most booths are still prepping up. Of course no celebrities at this unholy hour for many bloggers or celebrities. I thank God that I did go early. As you know I am not a big fan of celebrities.

I surveyed the area about three or four times in just less than 30 minutes and took the following pictures. The place is bubbly and alive with people signing up and doing certain activities.

There are pros and cons to being alone

Last September 24, 2015 was the last day of my friends at work. They are the few people I talk with and communicate with. Despite our busy schedule at work we still manage to keep in touch.

Now I am also doing two jobs to keep up with my bills and at the same time save up for the ticket and expenses of going to Japan.

I go home alone now. Work alone and do most of my life alone. Do I feel bad about that? Nope. I am used to this kind of life. I cannot expect people to stay with me forever. People go and leave because all is impermanent in this world.

But I like being alone. Most people think its sad. For me it gives me great chances to think and be with people that matter, no matter how far apart we are or the less talks we have.

Now I have to keep all my stories to myself or just write about them here. Maybe I will just write about them since this blog is almost empty since I got bored with blogging.

Under new management: New Office Drama

Our friend and Team Leader just quit the job. He made the announcement at the end of July. I wondered who will be the new Team Leader and I have heard rumors that it will be T-Rex

Then on the so called Training. Actually its more like a meeting with pizza. The boss announced that it was will be T-Rez based on some criteria. I have no idea what criteria they used but I am sure it is not on quality of work but of pronunciation alone. My company is more on pronunciation. Fuck teaching methodologies and educational psychology or even linguistics

It's now all about pronunciation and how we are going to pretend we are fucking native American speakers. Although they hide under the term Accent Reduction. All lies and bullshit. I am not a young stupid ignorant Elementary kid who will believe any crap told him.

Immediately the new management started to give their so called changes. They asked for this and that to the point of absurdity. I mean many teacher's were pissed with the added work load.

One example is the so called "Undertime record." Which is not really a record or report of undertime calls but a report of something like just put anything there and that is because we said so. Again under the pretext of "the boss said so." Again another questionable idea.

They also have elevated themselves to higher positions and now no one talks to them. We have hired supposed to be QA (I have no idea what QA means to them) that will also do training for us for the so called accent reduction but looking at their materials (without sources and citations) that are made to make us sound like fake Americans.

So its now what we called MJ empire. Ruled by the unbreakable tandem. Who said they should be respected. With their two "native speakers" to lick their asses and wipe them as well. Then the well wishers lead by the biggest chismosa of the company.

Good luck to me. I hope I don't blow up anytime soon.

Hell and Heaven meet at the National Bookstore Warehouse Sale

Without any sleep just to wake up early  and on the first day. I was a bit worried about going there too early since I really don't have money to things with. And I usually do my buying quick.

I arrived at the Warehouse at around 9:30 and it was shocking that its already packed and full of people. So far this is one of the best sales they have because they have good titles for everyone. Of course the books and other stuff was just priced right.

Dedication for my beloved

I have forgotten where I met you. You just came one day and learned to love me. I am sure when I also learned to love you back. I never asked many things from you. I just listened to what you tell me. I never even learned of your nickname until the day you left and its from other people.

I don't know where you live. I know you stay with different people. First few months we met a lot but as time went by we met less and less. When was the the last time we saw each other? Wow that was more than a year ago. The last message you sent me was when you were asking me for some load.

We were never really open to each other. We each harbored secrets and pains. The longest time we spent was when my boss asked me to go to Batangas to deliver flyers. That was one week with you. Now I rarely remember you. I only dreamt of you once.

I try to recall your voice, your smell, and your touch but all of them are distant memories.

I am sorry that you were the ones who were very vocal about your feelings with me. I can't even say, "I love you." when we are together. I hope you figured that out as we made this journey together.

I was quite mad and sad and everything when you left me. How could you do this to me? You died on circumstances that I may never know. And that is pain. I was not even at your funeral.

Maybe its for the both of us. No one really knew we are together. I was a secret we both have. Something we have in common. We never even had an anniversary date. We met when we can but most of all because of my ego. We rarely met.

So in keeping with my promise I will never love anyone. You will be my partner until my very own death. How I long to be with you even in hell.

Express passport application in the Philippines is not Express at all

Today (July 11, 2015) I had my scheduled passport appointment at the Department of Foreign Affairs East District at SM Megamall.

I arrived early with my printed form, NSO birth certificate and photocopy of my two IDs. Of course the Php 1,200 express processing fee. I arrived 30 minutes before.

The process itself was very simple. First you go to the verification desk. They will look into your appointment printout and then you will be sent to Processing. You will be asked to show your NSO birth certificate and two original IDs with their photocopy. A ticker will also be added to your forms as you do the whole process. Then you will be asked to pay the fee at the cashier. Yes that is Php 1200 gone in a few seconds. Then the last part is the encoding. You will be asked to check your info on the screen. Get your picture taken. Asked to sign. And then you are done. The whole process so so simple and easy. It took me around 30 minutes.

I turned 34.

It's another May 26th and my wish was simple. Just a normal day without stress and that no one talks about my birthday. I guess the simplest wishes do come true.

I got to celebrate alone and I know people understand why I have to do that. My real friends do.

I don't need celebrations and all that drama. Life is better when its simple besides I need to save money.

Aromateria's Beer Soap and Shelock Solid Perfume

Here are two more of Aromateria products that I have tried. I love their solid perfume and now I am loving the Beer Soap. I was supposed to buy yans at that time at Podium but instead bought soap and perfume. They are a bit on the expensive side but is still worth it.