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Broken: Reblogged from my Multiply account.

*This is a reblog of an entry I made a little over 2 years ago in my Multiply site.

Everything can be broken.

bones
skin
tissue
nerves
nails
windows
plates
vases
plastic
wood
metal
and even alloys.

But the easiest thing to break is a heart.  Hearts are very fragile.  I've had mine broken.  I thought that I wouldn't get back from it, but I eventually did, with the help of a lot of time and a lot of friends.  That is why I try my best to take care of someone's heart.  I do my best to not break a heart.

The problem with me is that I love too much.  I give everything, and I don't hold back.  That just sets me up for a much harder fall.  I guess I just find it unfair to love halfheartedly.  I love with all my heart because I want her to feel what it's like to be loved entirely, without holding back.  I love with all my heart because I know deep inside that it's how I want to be loved.  I love with all my heart because she's worth it.  I love with all my heart because it's what the heart was made for.  I love with all my heart because it's the only way I know how.

Roxy's Rebirth, Part I: Slowly But Surely

Kicker 12" L5 Subwoofer

Roxy will be undergoing a slow transformation.  Since I've decided not to sell her, I'll do all I can to get her in tip-top form.  Slowly but surely, she'll reach show car quality.  As a baby step to her upgrade/transformation, I've enlisted the help of my good friend, King and installed a kick-ass Kicker subwoofer.  12" of bass goodness!  I drove over to King's house Monday night and we got to installing eh subwoofer straightaway.  When King saw the sorry state of my previous wiring though, we decided on rewiring the power supply, routing the beefier cable from the battery, through the firewall, down into the driver's side kick-panel, along the scuff plates, under the rear seat, and into the trunk.  We also installed a fuse near the battery for safety.  It took us around 2 hours for the install, and we were excited to hear the low frequencies from the speaker.  I turned on the engine, switched on the head unit, and KRRKK KRRRRKKKK KRRRRK... something was WRONG!!!  We thought we had the RCA cables installed wrong, but when we checked, it was perfect.  We had to retrace all the steps and were stumped.  We tried every which way and setting on the radio, to no avail.  After around an hour of adjusting and experimenting, King (with his sheer genius) finally found the culprit.  My head unit's RCA out was grounded!  He did something (I've no idea what he did), and THUMP, THUMP, BOOOOM!  I had bass!!!  We finished around 11:30 pm and I headed home happy and thumping. 

On the way home, I noticed that my speakers inside (a mishmash of different speakers accumulated and swapped in over the years) were busted.  They still played, but they were garbly and were nearing death.  So Tuesday night, the night after installing the subs, I was back at King's place, installing a hand-me-down set of midrange speakers in the front doors of my ride.  I got there at around 8pm, and we set to work.  I took out both the door panels and we proceeded to take out the old speakers.  The new speakers were about to go in when... they didn't fit!!!  Argh!!!  We tried many different configurations and after around 2 hours of fiddling, we were finally able to coax in the speakers and reinstall the door panels.  I turned on the radio and... voila!  Subs, midbass, and voice!  It actually sounded halfway decent!  And it was LOUD.  King and I were both amazed that the stock speakers off of a Toyota Revo could sound so good! 

So after 2 consecutive nights of getting our hands dirty, our creativity flowing, and our backs hurting, Roxy's initial phase of rebirth was complete.  I'll have a better system professionally installed eventually, but for now, this do-it-yourself install is definitely worlds better than my previous sound system!  There's something about setting up your ride with your own hands that really feels awesome.  And there's nothing like seeing your car having that little extra something above the rest.  I can just imagine the feeling of owning a show-quality car.  Slowly but surely, Roxy will get there.

Cinematica 2011

Hundred One Events & Exhibits...

presents

One of the Best Photography, Lighting & Post Processing Workshop

CINEMATICA 2011
by Ku Manahan & Parc Cruz

Date: January 23, 2011 (Sunday)
Time: 9am to 5pm
Venue: UP Bahay ng Alumni - William M. Valdez Room
Workshop Fee: Php2.5k (includes lunch, snacks & workshop materials)

COURSE OUTLINE:
- hands on workshop on basic ambient and controlled lighting
- basic guide on production shoots and model shoots
- tips on selection and output of best work
- post processing techniques

WHAT TO BRING:
camera with full manual controls (DSLR)
laptop with at least photoshop CS3
notepad and pen
extra shirt

for reservations, please call or text 0927.250.71.60

I Can't Do It

ALkuHOLIC with Roxy

I said that I put my car up for sale because I wanted a more "mature" car.  I can't do it.  I just can't bring myself to sell Roxy.  I posted ads in November, and there have been inquiries.  Lots of them, but only over the phone.  I tell them the truth - really nothing to fix, except for the fuel gauge and maybe a new paint job.  But in otherwise perfect condition.  No one was coming over to look.  Then one day my brother asked me "how come you're not putting a FOR SALE sign on your car?"  And that's when it hit me.  I can't.  I just can't.  I love Roxy too much.  She and I are one, really.  Partners in crime, through thick and thin. 



I had my sights set on a 1990 BMW 520 that's been fully restored to perfect working condition by the seller.  I've been in the car, examined it, and it's beautiful. Truly.  I could see myself driving that car everyday, in and around the metro and even out of town.  But the problem is, I can see myself in Roxy too.  And I can't see myself WITHOUT her.  :(  She's my baby car.  Not once has Roxy let me down.  Not once has she needed any major repairs.  Airconditioning is still perfect.  Electricals are A-ok.  The engine, oh the engine!  At 1400cc, it has the perfect balance of fuel economy and power.  It actually has more power than some 1600cc cars.  Just a few nights ago, my friend who was riding shotgun remarked "This isn't a 1.4!"  What he meant was that Roxy was way too powerful for a 1400cc engined car.  That comment made me very very proud.  I've looked after her for the past 11 years, and she's looked after me.  And I want to look after her for the next 11 years and more.  I was ready to sell her, but really... I can't do it.

Cinematica Workshop Tour 2011

CINEMATICA WORKSHOP TOUR by KU MANAHAN & PARC CRUZ (Photography/Lighting/Post Processing) ...Coming to your place this 2011.

We bring the information, tools, and expertise to your doorstep.

expect to see us at the following places...

BAGUIO
BATANGAS
BACOLOD
KALIBO/BORACAY
PAGADIAN
CEBU
ZAMBOANGA
LEGASPI
LAGUNA
DAVAO
GENERAL SANTOS
SUBIC
TARLAC
LA UNION/VIGAN
and CAVITE

For booking & inquiries , please call or text Dexter De Guia 0927.250.71.60

I Broke It

I think I broke Facebook o_O

Roxy : Almost Perfect

Roxy at the wheel hospital

Roxy's driver's side front tire had been leaking air for a while now.  Little by little, the air would leak out, but not to the point of it being dangerous.  I would have to refill it every other day, but that was fine with me. After a few weeks of this though, it got a little irritating, so I decided to bring her to the vulcanizing shop.  Lo and behold, the wheel had a dent and a small crack!  No wonder the air was escaping!  I had to use Roxy's spare wheel (which is the original 14" wheel) while all the other wheels were 17" in diameter!  Talk about stupid looking!

I was using that setup for a few days while I was looking for a place that would repair my rim for a decent price.  One day, while I was biking the backroads near our village, I came across a tire center that offered wheel alignment, balancing, tire mounting, and wheel repairs! :D  So I went home and got Roxy.  I brought her to the wheel repair shop and they quoted me Php1000 for the repair.  After around an hour and a half of soldering and massaging, my wheel was good as new!  :)  Good thing it's near my place, because as soon as I got home, I realized that the center cap was missing.  I got back on my bike and went over to the place, and the center cap was promptly found and handed over. 

So there you have it, Roxy's good as new again!  The only thing I would do is give her a good paint job, and she'll be back to perfect condition.  But I don't want to give her a so-so paint job just to sell her.  I'd rather sell her as is and have the buyer give her a nice paint job OR I could have her painted good and sell her at a higher price.  Hmmmm...  I'll think about it.

UPCAT Passer

Oh yes!

I finally got my UPCAT PASSER baller IDs!  Thank you thank you Nadine Narciso for getting them for me! :D  I bought 5 of them because I wanted to give them away to some of my older friends who are loud and proud UP students!  Woot!  I'll be keeping one on to show how proud I am of PEYUPS.  Now if only AF were to make some... :D

2011 Year Planning and Pigout Session

Our Spread

Last Saturday, Hundred One Events and Exhibits had its first pigout planning session at my house.  I got home at around 7pm from an afternoon spent in UP with old friends.  By around 8pm, our manager/organizer Dexter and his wife (and our very own mamabear) Chelle arrived.  They brought food, and I mean FOOD.  Inihaw na Liempo, Pancit Canton, Lechon Manok, Atsara, and two One-pound Burgers!  It was a FEAST!  The funny part is, they were only feeding four people!

Each slice is a quarter pounder, people!

Our meeting lasted til around 1am, and by that time, we were about halfway through the food.  At least we had leftovers to eat the next day!


It's been a while since 101 Events had a workshop, and it's about time that we got back into gear.  I can't tell you the exact schedule yet, but I know that 2011 is gonna be an awesome year! 

*BUUUURP!!!*

200Kms in a Week!

Mikaela

I did it!  201 grueling kilometers on my bike since last Thursday!  :D  My goal was to do 200Kms from last Thursday until this Friday (tomorrow).  What makes this goal extra challenging is that I don't have gears on my bike.  It's what's called a single speed, just like the BMX you had as a kid.  I've been riding single speed (SS) exclusively for a little over a year now.  On Thursday, I did 53Kms with my friend Bong, going to Makati and back (I live in Fairview).  Then Friday was New Year's eve, so Friday and Saturday were no bike days for me.  On Sunday, logged in 46Kms with my friend Ruelo, going to Greenhills and back.  On Monday, I did a solo bike ride to National Book Store along Congressional Avenue for a cool 15Kms.  Then I got sick... Monday night was horrible.  I was sneezing and blowing my nose and coughing.  Tuesday was worse.  I was bed ridden.  I couldn't get out of bed, and my whole body ached.  I thought my goal was done for.  Wednesday morning, I was feeling a little bit better, and I biked in the afternoon, just because I couldn't stand staying in bed for 2 whole days.  It was hard, but I managed to clock in 31Kms, going around Katipunan and Teacher's Village.  That ride made me feel a lot better.  That evening, I met up with a bunch of my photographer friends for a late Xmas get together.  I got home at around 3am and got to sleep at around 5am.  I woke up at 11, and had lunch with my brother and sister in law.  I was thinking that my goal was just a bit out of reach because Friday I would be busy with a one on one workshop.  But then my brother said "kaya yan, bike ka ngayon papuntang Makati and back." It was then I realized, yeah, no excuses.  I'll do it.

I got my gear ready, and I left the house around 2pm.  By around 3pm, I was along Gilmore.  3:45 I reached Makati.  I didn't have anywhere to go, so I just decided to visit Saguijo, one of my favorite haunts.  It's a bar with live bands along Guijo Street, and it's one of the places I feel most at home in.  I stopped to rest for about 5 minutes then started heading back.  By the time I reached Gilmore again, my back was starting to hurt.  So was my butt!  But I trudged on.  Tomas Morato, Kamuning, Kamias... Maginhawa... UP!  I stopped by Ate Vicky's (our favorite awesomest food cart outside Archi!) and ordered  a big bottle of C2 Iced Tea and a cheesy chicken burger.  I really needed that recharge!  I looked at my odometer and realized that I was still short 11Kms to reach my 200Km goal.  But the thing is, the distance from UP to my house is only around 6Kms!  So what I did was go around the academic oval (2.2Kms) twice and a half to fill in the needed mileage.  Then I started home.  By this time, my thighs were burning because of all the biking I've been doing, and partly because I had just recovered from a flu.  But of course, I HAD to get home.  So slowly but surely, I biked home.  By the time I got back (around 6:30pm), I had logged in 56.63 Kms, bringing my total to 201Kms! :D  I was stoked!  I AM stoked!  I set a goal, and I did it!  And that makes me realize that I can do so many things.  All I really have to do is put my mind to it.  Yeah, I really believe that.  Maybe I'll try for another 200Kms this coming week! :)

Abnormal - A repost from my Multiply site

What can I say?  I've always been a little unhinged.  I sometimes find myself laughing for no reason, or smiling at people who aren't there.  I find humor in the most dire of situations.  I always thought it was normal.  I guess it's not.  My good friend Tseri told me once that she "thought she was normal, and everyone else was weird".  Hahaha!  I totally dig what she's saying.  What is normal anyway?  That which is dictated by society?  Pssssh.  Society wants everyone to go to school, learn to read and write, study, study some more, then study something that you want to do, graduate, then do whatever it is that you studied until you die.  Whoopee.  Sheesh.  Is life the be all and end all?  Are you successful if you become filthy rich and can afford 3 mansions, a couple of yachts and our own island?  Baaah.  I say that success can only be measured by how much FUN you get out of life.  As long as you're comfortable, you give your family a good life, you have FUN, and you don't hurt anyone in the process, you're successful.  You're successful if you love what you're doing to survive.   I mean, look at me.  I've tried the corporate world.  I've tried running a business that I found no interest in. I hated every minute of it.  Nowadays, I'm doing what I love, and I love what I'm doing.  I have less cash than I've ever had, but I'm happy.  I have FUN at my job.  That's what's important to me.  I still get to do the things I Iove doing, although a bit less frequently, but hey, that's life.  I LOVE my job and my life and I feel successful.  If anyone thinks otherwise, please do drop me a line.  Let's talk about it over a few beers.  Cheers!

Return of OSB - Putting Pressure On Myself

Me in 2007

Me in 2007

Me in 2010

Me in 2010

For those who know what OSB is, it's back.  Yes.  I've biked a little over a hundred kilometers since Thursday, and I plan to bike another hundred kilometers before Friday.  If I can keep it up, that will amount to around 600-800 Kms a month.  Now THAT's a good average.  Even if I just do 400Kms a month, that would be a phenomenal amount of road covered.  Since I've started biking, I've covered more than 5000Kms of combined geared and single speed riding.  On the single speed (which I've been riding exclusively for a little over a year), I've covered about 1900Kms.  To put things in perspective, a round trip from Manila to Baguio and back is around 500Kms.  I've planned (and scrapped my plans) to bike up to Baguio for two consecutive years now, but I've made it a point that THIS YEAR will be the year that I do it.  I need to get a geared bike.  Either I build a new one with gears or convert my one and only single speed bike to a geared one.  I know I will miss my single speed too much if I convert her, so if budget allows, I'll build a new geared bike from the ground up.  I'm blabbering.   Anyway, back to biking.

I started biking in 2008, when my brother and my dad gave me a bike for my birthday.  I say, it's the best birthday gift I've ever gotten.  Ever.  EVER.  Nothing has changed my life so drastically.  Before I started to bike, I was extremely overweight, out of shape, and short of breath.  I weighed in at a staggering 260lbs.  And I'm only 5'6", mind you.  I started biking and instantly fell in love with it.  I've tried running, I've tried going to the gym, and other sports.  None was as enjoyable as biking.   I couldn't run long distances because my weight put a shitload of strain on my feet (my joints, thankfully have never given out despite of all the excess baggage).  The gym was fun for a while (I particularly enjoyed sweating it out in the Saunas), but I quickly got bored of the repetitive nature of it all. Then came biking.  Oh yes, the one sport that I have truly come to love.  What I love about biking is that there is little to no strain on your joints and feet.  That was one thing.  Another thing is the unpredictability of biking.  I own a mountain bike and it's a cross-country set up (know as XC).  That means that the setup is more for light trail use and also ideal for the streets of Manila.  I was able to go to so many places that my car could not reach.  I was able to see sights not accessible by other means of transport.  Complete freedom!  What a rush it is to pass expensive automobiles and vans stuck in traffic!  Add to this the feeling that you're contributing to a smaller ecological footprint, and you have yourself a winner!

All that biking (plus some sort of dieting) helped me lose 50lbs in around 2 years.  I was down to 210lbs!  But then the biking stopped for one reason or another, and the dieting as well.  I started gaining...  a lot.  And again, I topped off at 223lbs.  I've started biking again, and I'm now at 220lbs.  My goal is that by April, I'll be down to less than 200.  Slow and steady.  Losing too much too quick will leave me with flaps of loose skin everywhere (ewwww!).  Slow and steady is a lot healthier.

The good thing about writing this all down is that I'm pressuring myself to do things.  Like the Baguio trip I took last week.  I wrote down that I'd go, whether I had company or not, and because I had it written down (and published), I had to do it.  No excuses.  And that's what I'm hoping to accomplish with this entry.  By writing down my goal, I've put myself in a position to not have excuses.  No excuses!

Wish me luck!

New Blog Entry on ALkuHOLIC

Ruelski's pad, Marikina

ALkuHOLIC New Year

http://alkuholic.tumblr.com/post/2550567545/blu-frog-ortigas-home-depot-happy-new-year