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Monthly Archives: November 2013
Black Friday
Like what I’ve said on my previous post, Thanksgiving Day is not a legal holiday in the Philippines, nor is the Black Friday. We only know of the Holy Week’s Black Friday and not the Autumn’s (of course we don’t have autumn). But life is full of surprises. Like yesterday’s Thanksgiving Day, I experienced Black Friday shopping madness except for the stampedes.
The whole family traveled all the way to Manila to go to the annually held Noel Bazaar. It’s a Friday so I have to file an emergency leave in advance for this day. The bazaar is full of ready to wear garments, toys, Christmas items and of course, food. This is not new to me since 50% of my job includes organizing trade fair. On the other hand, I enjoyed the experience of being the spectator and not the secretariat…plus, I have my family with me.
Since Black Friday is officially the start of Christmas Shopping, I have officially started mine..
After Noel Bazaar in Pasay, we went to Greenhills Shopping Center for more bargains and cheap stuff. Unfortunately, we have spent almost 2 hours traffic before getting there.
Well that’s it. Who says you can only celebrate the Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday in America?
My Thanksgiving Day Story (150th Post)
I am a fan of New York themed TV Shows. Every season, they always have a Thanksgiving Special. I love How I Met Your Mother’s Thanksgiving Special. They really prepare for the turkey, the thanksgiving messages, the cornucopia and probably the slaps (if you know what I mean).
In the Philippines, we hardly celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s just an ordinary day. Nothing special. Malls usually offer Thanksgiving sales, but we Filipinos just see the word SALE. Our church was founded during the Thanksgiving Week 110 years ago, but we never connected it to the American Thanksgiving Day. We call it THE THANKSGIVING SERVICE though.
A couple of years ago, I have attended a Thanksgiving Party hosted by an old Filipino couple who went back to the Philippines from the States to spend their retirement years. They prepared the turkey, the meatloaf and the old scrabble set.
Up to this point, I still don’t know how Americans really treat the Thanksgiving Day. Some say you have to spend it with your family and friends. If that’s the case, I can probably say that this day can pass the “perfect thanksgiving day” test and a check to my bucket list item: Celebrate your 2nd Thanksgiving Day. The question now is, is this going to be a tradition for the years to come?
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My day started at work. My task today is to visit some factories and shops for a big exhibit next year. I saw this replica of Vincent Van Gogh’s (my favorite artist) Tournesols. I love this painting so even though it has no relation to the Thanksgiving story whatsoever, I still have a need to write this as if you are watching an American TV show with the nitty gritty details.
Anyway, after work, I went to visit Little Han and his mother Rachel for some quality thanksgiving time. We sang songs, mostly broadway, and did some catching up.
After my visit with the mother-son tandem, my college friends called me and invited me for a meetup to celebrate the birthday of our friend. Its been a while since I went out with them.
We ended the night with a cool “Coffee Toast” as we gave our birthday wishes to our dear friend.
My Thanksgiving Message: I thank God for all the gifts for the year, be it good or bad. I thank you for my loved ones, whether they are here with me physically or not. Thank you for my realizations lately, it made me enjoy you and your blessings more. This thanksgiving day, I pray for stronger relationships with my loved ones and with the divine. Amen.
My Lomo Journal (11.26-11.27)
November 26, 2013, Wednesday, I continued my search. This time, I went to the 2 Big Malls in the City of San Fernando. Unfortunately, they’re all developing digitally. Most of them are proud to say “Sorry sir, we are now Digital” with a bit of sarcasm.
November 27, Thursday, the search goes on. Every time I go to the gym, I usually pass this small vintage camera shop near the City Library. 2 weeks ago, I saw these pretty old cameras. The owner/photographer is actually an old family friend. He covered my 1st birthday.. Much to my surprise, my last resort, the only vintage cam shop in the city is now closed.Happy Thanksgiving Day (no sarcasm intended)..
Nostalgic Travel: Marina Bay, Singapore (2011)
Nostalgic Travel: Angkor Wat (2012)
For more travel pictures, check out www.notyouraveragestranger.weebly.com/gallery
Nostalgic Travel: Siem Reap (2012)
Nostalgic Travel: British Hong Kong (2011)
Nostalgic Travel: Little India, Singapore (2011)
Death Becomes Her
If you are a 90s kid, you’ll find this movie awesome! I re-watched this during my nostalgic mood last week and my 90s soul was reincarnated. Starring Goldie Hawn, Meryl Streep and Bruce Willis, Death Becomes Her is about two women’s obsession over their lover (Bruce Willis) and over the “fountain of youth” which will give them “A younger and eternal physique”.
This is a must watch for all ages! Spare an hour or two for this movie and you will never regret it! In fact, I’m gonna watch it again!
Since we are talking of the fountain of youth, I wonder if the actors of the movie got what they want.. What do you think? For our entertainment, I searched some of the aforementioned stars’ pictures during Death Becomes Her and their recent photos. Lets have a look.
Bruce Willis (1992)
Bruce Willis (2013 or recent) – Badass Bruce Willis still looks awesome
THE Meryl Streep (1992) – By the way, I have a huge crush on Meryl Streep!
The Meryl Streep after 21 years..
Goldie Hawn (1992)
Goldie Hawn (2013)
You be the judge!
Not Your Average Stranger 