i remember the boy

I listened to some Lea Salonga songs on the iPod before traveling to the Philippines. There's a song called "I Remember the Boy" that I like, for the tune. The song is from her CD release oh about 7-ish years ago. I listen to the song several times in the span of several days.

I get here and the freakin song is practically everywhere: 1. When I tested a cell phone with radio, it played, but by another singer, 2. It's a theme song for a promo of a telenovela here. 3. It plays on the radio at department and grocery stores. 4. I hum or sing the chorus all the time so far.

Is this the soundtrack for my trip here?

celebrity sighting

At just one of Waikiki's ubiquitous ABC stores, I saw Scott Ian, guitarist for the metal band Anthrax. Too bad Roomie or I didn't bring a camera. Doesn't matter, I felt weird to ask him for a picture anyway. He was with his wife at the cash register. Seemed like they spent enough money ($100 = 1 gift, $300 = 2 gifts(?), $500 = etc.) at the ABC stores so they collected their free gift. See, all these famous celebrities are just regular peoples.

In my head, I kept referring to him as "Scott Weiland," but good thing all I said to him was, "hey you're from Anthrax, right?" because Scott Weiland is another person from another band. I discovered my mistake while looking for his picture to post on here.

I really haven't heard any Anthrax song. I only know him by watching VH1's "I Love the 70's/80's/90's" shows. He's really good on those shows too, very funny and amiable. His wife is also very pretty.

reverse sunset

mahalo, but no mahalao

This fourth trip to Hawaii made me realize a little more that Hawaii IS just a great place to visit. I don't think I could live here, or at least I don't see myself living here. My first visit, I was blown away by the laid back atmosphere and the sun and surf. Now I see past the tourist areas and don't feel like it's any more special.

Roomie and I did enjoy a great sunset by the beach. We were supposed to see the sun set from the top of Diamond Head, but we didn't quite make it even to the entrance due to tiredness from more walking and time running out. The sunset moments and an earlier swim with the fishies restored my love for Waikiki.





It's so much fun to vacation, ever!

**********

Yesterday, we ran into my cousin who apparently is staying at the same hotel we're staying in. I didn't even know she and her husband were coming here. Also, I found out a classmate also is staying at the same hotel! I knew he and a friend were coming here same time as us, but I didn't know anything else about their plans until they arrived. I wonder if I'll run into someone else!

aloha

We're on our second day here in Honolulu. To celebrate the 10 years, Roomie and I headed for Hawaii now, since I'll be in the Philippines during the actual date of the anniversary.

Lots of boring details about the flight, except for the part where Roomie wanted to pick a fight with the ticket agent for some stupid reason. It was early in the morning, and hunger struck, I guess.

The flight was so smooth. Nice to be back in Hawaii. I missed it since the last time, in December 2002 for the Honolulu Marathon. Although Hotwire.com dissed us by booking us in a hotel so far away from the beach (a fifteen-minute walk), and then there was a cockroach that managed to get away, the 37th floor sorta made up for the inconvenience. We have a pretty good view!

And we're right across from the Ambassador Hotel, the first hotel we stayed at during our first trip here, way back in 1999! It's kinda like we've gone full circle...so what does it all mean?


We've done lots of walking already, albeit all within Waikiki. The tourists here are a trip. My left big toe is hurting like crazy from all the walking, I hope it's nothing serious. We swam with some fish today at one of the beaches. It's so much better to swim among beautiful and colorful tropical fish, rather than just looking at them through a glass. I saw this one fish that reminded me of a drag queen — it looked like it had major eye shadow mascara makeup. I should've bought an underwater camera, even cooler if it's digital ;-)

happy 2007

It was a chill day. It was only my bro, cousin and me in American Canyon. The rest of the family went to San Bernardino for a mini reunion. "Complications" prevented me from joining them. Unnecessary "drama," you might say.

Anyhoo, here's to a wonderful 2007.

They say you should wear polka dots during new year, so here's my version. It was from last year, but I added seven new holes.

I can't believe it's 2007!