Daria Werbowy is one of the first "new millenium" supermodels. Very likeable symmetric face. What I like most about her is off-duty, she's very laid back and real. Very UN-Agyness Deyn (who annoys the hell out of me).

1. Absolutely no makeup:


2. Moderately bronzed and naturally made-up:


3. Definitely upping the ante (and volume)


4. Just wicked:

I think I may have found another Holy Grail moisturizer. I’m the queen bee of moisture (both body and face) and turn into a queen biatch when i feel dry. So i’m quite particular about body moisturizers / lotions and facial mositurizers. (and I get appalled when I hear from a friend that they do not moisturize)

So I thought I’d chronicle the moisturizers I’ve used in the past:

1. The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Moisture Cream

I think I started using this back in 2003. And had a love-hate relationship with it until mid 2005.

Pros: I loved the clean , light smell of it. It “smells” fragrance-free and does a good job at moisturizing. Creamy and light.

Cons: It gave me occassional acne. More so when I started wearing makeup. (this was the time I was working as a cabin crew so makeup was imperative) I used to think it was the makeup that made me break out, but on hindsight I realized it was this moisturizer. No SPF or anti-ageing/anti-oxidant properties. Purely for moisture.

2.) Garnier Nutritionist Daily Regenerating Moisturizer

Now this was back in the day when I didn’t care that much about cosmetics. Yes, I really wasn’t a vain kid. I think I’m growing up backwards. Anyway, this was an accidental discovery. I was in London 2005 for a layover and I forgot to take with me the Vitamin E moisturizer (Body Shop). So I just walked inside a Boots Pharmacy in Oxford St and picked this nice smelling tub of cream (and its Green, my then-favorite color). This became my HG moisturizer for the next 2 or so years.

Pros: It totally cleared my skin! I called this the miracle moisturizer. Best of all–it’s cheap. I loved the smell too, very fruity and clean. Not only did it clear my skin, it made my skin tone even and brighter (rosy and ‘young’)

Cons: No SPF, No anti-ageing properties. And the fragrance, though very pleasant, was too overpowering at times. (for moisturizers, less or zero fragrance is best)

3.) Olay Total Effects (both Normal/Combination Skin and Touch of Foundation variants)

Satisfied as I was with Garnier’s Nurtitionist moisturizer, I felt like I needed somehting with anti-ageing properties, (one needs to start using anti-ageing products after the age of 25) and so looked out for another moisturizer.

I rode the wave of massive marketing/testimonials when this first came out. And Olay and I–we just don’t mix together well at all. I gave it a second go (just weeks ago for variety) and it still disappoints.

Pros: for my skin type, honestly none. Other than that, it’s reasonably priced.

Cons: It made my skin break out, it was too rich/oily. I didn’t really like the fragrance. It felt quite heavy, and not very emollient. It feels like it just sits on my skin –and not getting deep, or being absorbed by the skin despite gently rubbing it in for a long time.

I went back to Garnier’s Nurtitionist again after this short stint with Olay.

4.) Pond’s Age Miracle Cream

When this was launched last year mid-2008, I was in Manila so I got about 2 50 Ml bottle-pumps of it. It did brighten my skin and moderately moisturized it. BUT. –see, this is what I don’t like about Asian cosmetics–they think everybody wants to have a fairer complexion. This one, it claims to make your skin brighter in 7 days…and oh, I tell you, you WILL be brighter after ONE usage. Because the product has SPARKLY, HIGHLIGHT  PIGMENTS on it! I find that abit foul, honestly (as in foul-play).

And because of the pigments, and the color of the cream (rosy pink), it will make your skin look fairer as well. It’s like putting on  light foundation actually.

And I mainly stayed long enough to use this because it was great as a makeup base.

Pros: WILL make you Bright indeed. So skin does ‘look young’ but I believe this is more because of the ‘physical masking’ it has (pigments and color) than its real anti-ageing properties.

Cons: I think I said it already. Oh, and it doesn’t really give ample moisture.

5.) Cetaphil Moisturising Cream

 

I was just fed up with all the fancy packaging, frgrance, and anti-ageing hype that mainstream brands had. So I turned to Cetaphil. All time, no fail tried and tested brand.

This is such an AMAZING moisturizer. Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. Its dirt cheap and it is great for those winter nights, or if you sleep with air-conditioning. I cannot say anything bad about this, except that when you are in tropical climate, this will tend to ’sweat’ and will make skin sweaty/oily. It is heavy but not pore-clogging. I give this all my thumbs up for its perfect moisturizing properties.

I still use it until now, from time to time.

Pros: CHEAP! Fragrance free, non-comedogenic, no allergic/bad reaction, moisturizes skin immensely.

Cons: No SPF or any other anti-ageing properties whatsoever. Purely for moisture.

6.) Estee Lauder Daywear Plus  Multi-Protection Anti Oxidant Creme with SPF 15

This is what I’ve been using for almost a month now and I love how my skin feels and looks. It gives the same effect as with the Garnier Nutritionist line (dewy, rosy young skin) but it has SPF protection and Anti Oxidants–basically all major things you need in an anti-ageing cream.

It’s light and creamy and you can feel your skin drinking it up when you apply it.  It has a very light cucumber scent, but you can pretty much smell the sunscreen in the cream.

Pros: Clears and gives my skin an even tone and glow. Great makeup base. Moisturizes adequately (but not as much as Cetaphil).  Doesn’t give an oily finish. Easily absorbed by skin.

Cons: Expensive (but thank God for strawberrynet), and only comes in a jar packaging. Sunscreen smell may put off some picky noses.

SO there goes my journey in the search for the perfect moisturizer.  The last 2–Cetaphil and Estee Lauder Daywear—are my Holy grail products.

Last Friday, we took the early morning bus from Canberra to Sydney. Left at 7 in the morning and arrived 10:30-ish. Managed to doze off for about 15 minutes but that's it. I was just too excited to be away from canberra. take note, it's not even that i'm excited to be IN SYDNEY. just the thought of getting out of canberra for the weekend is enough to give me the thrills, the jitters and shivers.
i vowed for so many times in the past, and try hard not to do this. to complain about where i am. it's a nice place to live, and to settle down. and like i mentioned so many times, i'm not ready to settle down just yet. i don't get it--i am defensive about canberra when people go on about how there's nothing to do in here, that its all blah. but then i find myself being uninspired by this place.
i'm being totally ungrateful i know. last night, the husband and i had a talk about where we are, and where we want to be. we both still don't want to settle down and would love to explore other places to live (NOT travel or tour). having wished that though, we're still not that nomadic and free-spirited to just drop everything , forego savings/financial security and go on working holidays in Europe doing retail and wait on tables, mix drinks, or become au-pairs. (like most people here do).
i mean, yes we are still young, but let's face it, we are not that young anymore. 6-7 years ago, our dreams were just to travel and explore as much as we can. now, it is to travel & explore AND also save to have comfortable-enough lives.

so going back to last week's sydney trip. when we got off the bus, i had a happy skip to my walk all the way from central station to the hotel. just being in a populated city gives me the buzz. seeing different people dressed in loud and mismatched colors and NOT weather, age, or size-appropriate... I LOVE IT.



i even love flyers, vandalism, graffitti--anything that signifies the city is ALIVE and bursting with human energy. I just need that around me. i'm not an ohm-i-need-quiet-kind of person. AT ALL.



i'm probably just saying this because im currently in a really quiet and underpopulated (in my opinion) place, but i really require BUZZ in the city/place where I live. i've heard this line before: "YOU create the buzz. You bring it wherever you go". but easier said than done. how can you be a buzzling person when your environment isn't inspiring you? 
i know i'm going to sound like such an immature teenager ranting again, but when you walk the streets where i am, you will get the feeling that all of canberra's residents are dressed by Marks & Spencer's 1996 conservative office wear line. Everything is tailored, ironed, matching..and black, grey, or white. Oh, and makeup by Bobbi Brown circa 1997 too. "Natural" look. And to this, someone can pretty much bonk me in the head with a toy hammer--'it's the capital, duh. government employees everywhere."

but i am just relieved that my partner is STILL in the same thought as i am..that we are going to work on 'The Dream' still. becuase his character is very steady and calm--i often mistake it for complacency. and that is my greatest fear. that he believes this will be as good as it gets, or just mellows with age and forget about the 'impossible dream'.

however...and this is a big However. I'm still very grateful to be living in this city, because it has ONE BIG requirement that i need in a place to live (with a spouse): INDEPENDENCE. we are not living with any of our families/relatives/parents. nor are any of our families in the same state/city/suburb.
I know a lot of people who live in a set-up like that, and I love my own family to death but that kind of dynamics is just NOT FOR ME.

So at the end of the day, I'm still grateful.

i don’t know why people think im joking when i tell them i like lady gaga. i REALLY DO!

and please– she’s Not the next madonna/britney or que horror, christina aguilera !

she has a similar style of performing live as annie lennox.

When Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr was sentenced to life imprisonment  (and possibly face the firing squad) in 1975, he wrote this letter to his then 15-year old son Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

My own father is a hero in my eyes. Not a national hero, but he is the hero of My life. I wonder how a 15 year old son of a NATIONAL hero would have felt reading this sort of farewell letter?

After reading the letter, I began trying to put myself in Noy Aquino's 15-year old shoes. The selfish part of me would have been angry, hurt, and frustrated. "Why couldn't he just have been a normal regular employee? " "Does he love the country and his cause more than US, his children and family??" "Why couldn't we have had normal lives?"

Sen. Ninoy Aquino sacrificed his role as a father, husband, relative in the name of freedom. Was it irresponsible of him as a father and husband? (well his children turned out great and are continuing to fight for his legacy of democracy) Was it unfair of him to abandon his 15-year old son to be the man of the family?

I can imagine the painstaking thought process that was going on in his mind before making such a decision.









From the website of Noynoy Aquino

So it's 2 in the morning and I'm still up--so many thoughts and feelings to write down. Like most Filipinos today, I pretty much spent the whole day glued to the screen watching the live stream broadcast of former President Corazon Aquino's burial.
The feed was choppy and halted at times but I'm still impressed and thankful that I got to follow the event in 'real time' as we don't have subscription to the TFC.



A shaky freeze shot of the the coffin passing thousands of people. I was really moved to see how well-loved, respected, and cherished Tita Cory was. I think it took 8 hours for the cortege to reach Manila Memorial Park.



And then it rained real hard. As choppy as it was, i could clearly see the outpour. But people still stayed, undeterred. To give their last farewell and respect to our mother of Democracy.

I am proud every single day to be a Filipino, but more so today. To realize that we are grateful people, who appreciate the good given to us.  And it was a beautiful sight and feeling that we CAN be united.

And as I heard strains of  "Bayan Ko" and other nationalistic songs that were played in the 80's--it brought back snippets of memories and realizations. I won't overdramatize and overplay mine or my family's participation in the 1986 People Power. I was only FIVE when it happened, but I do remember my parents teaching me Both the "L" sign, Laban (opposition--Aquino/Laurel team) and "V" sign for Marcos and Tolentino. And the songs I remember being played over and over.

A mixture of homesickness, nostalgia, gratitude and marvel came over.

What other country has a heroic tandem of husband and wife as Ninoy and Cory Aquino? Their lives were truly devoted for the Filipino People. After the burial, my husband wanted to know the 'whole story'--he knows the who's, what's and when's but not the Hows or Whys. Now I may be an Asian Studies graduate but my knowledge in Phil. Politics is rusty and so we both watched a documentary on Youtube (series of 11 clips) called "Batas Militar". It's a very good, but old documentary. If you want a quick rundown on the Philippines under Martial Law and how it began and ended, it's a good one to watch. It's in Tagalog with English subtitles ( abit inaccurate and extremely loose translation though).

And I'm ever so grateful that people at that time (both politicians and civilian activists) have fought for democracy which we all enjoy now.
 

True that looking back now, the current  economic and political state of the Philippines isn't really any better than when Corazan Aquino brought us democracy. But can you all imagine what lives we'd be living if we were still under Martial Law?? Bloggers will be incarcerated! Curfews, and no more reasoning out with law enforcers. It's not really hard to imagine--just look at present day China where Google is tweaked to search selectively, and where twitter, facebook , and youtube are banned. Textbooks ammended, and practitioners of a rising movement are tortured and killed. And that's just a few of what the outside world knows.
Ok, we don't even have to go as extreme as China. Perhaps just look at Malaysia--though with their Parliamentary government, they have a much more 'civilized' politics (comparatively anyway)--the country is just riddled with censorship because of it's predominant religion (Islamic faith). National Geographic subscriptions are scanned for "nudity" ( African / Asian tribes where males and females have exposed asses and breasts), and Yoga is banned as well. And I hear bloggers have to be extra careful should they rant just a bit too much about their government.

So my point is:

I AM EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN OUR COUNTRY!

I love it. We are not just 'allowed' to have our say, but discussion is encouraged, different opinions are appreciated and gathered, and more importantly--people are not afraid to voice out.

I know that we've gone to the far end of having too much democracy hence the chaos and lack of discipline. And the ideal is to reach the point in between (balance). But honestly, I'd rather be living in the Philippines now than live in it 30 years ago.

I've always been proud to be a Filipino. I feel protective about our country. YET. what frustrates me, as I was discussing with my husband earlier, is here I am, singing out my enveloped ideas, but I haven't really DONE ANYTHING PRO-ACTIVE about it.

Anyway, the nationalisitc bit is one thing. Here's the main thing that had me crying non-stop:
 

I like Kris Aquino. She's very transparent and real. More so in this eulogy she had for her mom. I loved hearing how Cory Aquino was like as a mother. You can clearly see how she is loved by her children. No doubt about it, I can relate to how her children feel. And Kris said it perfectly in the end. (dang i just realized this clip is incomplete) but she said something along the lines of
" Saying ' i love you' is easy, showing love is not hard. But how do you say Goodbye when you feel that you haven't had enough time yet with them?"

When my dad passed away , It was I who spoke on behalf of my family during his funeral mass. And I admire people who can contain it, because I just broke down while trying to slur the words out. It's really , REALLY hard.

I hope Kris, her siblings, and the rest of their famillies find strength among each other in this time of great loss. And that we, as individual persons, be inspired to live life just as Cory Aquino did--with simplicity, humility, and prayers.

 

Let's talk music. It's not an end-all and be-all of judgement, but you can pretty much tell a lot about a person's character by what he/she listens to.
I used to have a vast collection of CD's ranging from Green Day to Roxette to Yanni. That was when I was about 14-17. Then I discovered Sarah McLachlan. And it was all Sarah, Tori Amos, the Lilith Fair gals, Natalie Merchant, etc from ages 18-23/24. Yes, a huge chunk of years for girl power.
Though I still enjoy them from time to time, I now like music that makes you feel good, alive and to just dance.
So now most of my Ipod playlist contains Pop-Dance /Hip-Hop. Regression? No way. Just a change in taste , is all. I realized that these songs put me in an upbeat mood. I've no more time for melancholy, sentimental drama.

Lady Gaga is one pop icon that I really like. A lot say she's the modern Madonna but to me she is more than that. She is Prince, Madonna, George Michael and David Bowie with a young Donatella Versace image. Not your usual pretty girl type, but her androgyny and flair for excess and quirkiness is alluring.
Yes, she almost tries too hard to be 'sexy' and goes overboard with it and the result is pure amusement.

Her videos just keep getting better. This particular one, "Paparazzi" has that unusualness to it but done in queer art and concept.
She canoodles with Alexsander Skarskard (in a sprawling mansion of course) and then she is pushed to her death by the very same guy she is making out with.
You would think she is dead but the next thing you know,  she is dancing and sashaying in golden crutches. Love it!
And of course, "I just killed my boyfriend" in the end is the cherry on top.




Lady Gaga will be performing an Asian tour with a concert in the Philippines this August 11 and in Hongkong August 15.

Former Philippine president Corazon Aquino passed away early this morning due to complications from colon cancer.
Though her death is not sudden nor shocking, I felt (and still do) sad and reflective about this woman who was the seventh, and first female president of the Philippines.

She was pretty much unknown until the assasination of her husband, Senator Benigno Aquino. The Edsa Revolution (People Power) of 1986 ended the Marcos regime and the people thrusted a very reluctant Corazon Aquino to become the next president of the Philippines.

Being a housewife, Aquino was a reluctant leader at the start, entering politics only after her husband was killed at Manila airport on his return from political exile in the United States.

I have to confess I don't know much about her political programs during her reign from 1986-1992, but what I know is this.

She inspired the Filipino people to be even more spiritual and embrace their Catholicsm. Bringing democracy to the country, she renewed and awakened hope in the hearts of the Filipinos.
And although this democracy has been very much abused and misused in so many ways, I am very proud that every Filipino has the unlimited power of speech, thought, and opinion. No oppression or censorship gets in the way and everyone should know that this is a privilege.


I personally noticed that in her later years, Corazon Aquino developed a very serene, calm, and positive demeanor that always brought a feeling of comfort and security to me whenever I see her on TV interviews, articles, etc. She is one solid proof that not all politicians resemble bulldogs (both in character and looks).
And yellow is also a color that I love. Now it will have more meaning to me.

I hear that yellow ribbons are tied everywhere now in the Philippines in honor of her. It must be a sight to see. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered a 10-day mourning in honor of her.

Though fortune favors the bold, a prayerful heart always wins.

I just spent a ridiculous amount of time at the clinic today, waiting for test results ( just a regular check due, nothing serious or out of the ordinary thank goodness).
I normally don't mind waiting. But not in a bacteria hatchery please. People and children sneezing and wheezing and coughing--ok ok, I should stop complaining.

When the book I was reading started to get really boring and my husband was dozing off in the seat next to me-I started rummaging my handbag to see if I happened to have anything interesting or tinker-worthy in it.

Camera, phones, tissues, lip balm, Moleskine...



This is my Moleskine Journal. Ordinary black,  and perfectly fits inside all my handbags. It easily fits in most pockets too. It's been with me for about 3 years now and it hasn't really been filled.

I know how historical the Moleskine is, and because of its novelty, most people use it as a journal-journal. A place to write their thoughts, poetry, artwork, prose, love letters..

As much as I love to blog and write, I find that I'm not much of an artsy scribbler. I don't even like handwriting my thoughts down (unless it's a letter to somebody).

So I flipped through my Moleskine and (in random order),  found scribblings of



hastily written recipes ,



grocery shopping list ( I was trying to remember why I had items crossed. Changed my mind? Already in the cart? )



Ukulele notes to a popular love song (figure it out).
I remember writing this, back in Cairns late last year. We didn't have access to the internet. I was at an internet shop, quickly wanting to find chords for the song. And because I didn't want to pay for printing, I scribbled it down.



Very specific walking directions. This was from my hotel to the company head office where I did a training more than a year ago.

And more notes and writings. Scribbled details on a phone conversation, flight and travel itineraries,  price lists,etc. All for practical everyday purposes. Not one word, phrase or scribbling done from a creatively inspired mind.

And I love it. I love that my Moleskine's been with me for 3 years and when I flick through it, it gives me the feeling that I've had a long-time companion that was literally with me 24/7 --overseas, interstate, and in hurried/harassed modes of myself which you can tell by my handwriting.

It's a little reminder of the everyday help that it has been, and will be.

What about you? What can a nosy stranger find in your Moleskine?

** By posting these photos, I have just bared my handwriting. Yes I write in PRINT. Large, almost fatty prints. I can still write in cursive but it feels weird. Big fat prints. I wonder what the analysis behind that is?)**

The Nintendo Wii Sports Resort made its debut in the Australian market last July 23.
Retailing at $ 79 AUD, the pack includes the CD game, and a Wii Motion Plus.

**Note to those in OZ: EB-Games and JB Hi-Fi are currently doing a swap promotion. If you trade in 2 qualified games, you get this whole lot for free.**



The Wii Motion Plus, roughly 5cm long, is an attachment to the WiiMote that increases sensitivity to movement and Wii sensor signal.



it makes playing the Wii extra fun/harder as your movements are more emphasized. For instance, with the previous Wii Sports, you can practically throw a ball (tennis/bowling) by merely flicking your wrist.

With the Wii Motion Plus on the Wii Sports Resort, larger body movement ("more lifelike") is needed if you don't want your Mii to look like a wuss.



The Wii Sports Resort  cannot be used without the Wii Motion Plus. I'm not sure if the bonus Wii Motion Plus pack is a limited offer, but it can be bought separately for about $ 34.95 AUD each.

Most games in the Wii Sports Resort can be played with just one Wii Motion Plus , you just pass the WiiMote from player to player. (unless you want to play against each other in games like Swordplay)



So there are 12 sports you can play with this CD. It includes bowling and golf--2 games that are already in the regular Wii Sports CD. The are pretty much the same except that it uses the Wii Motion Plus. (With the regular WiiMote, all it detects are major movements)

So strikes are harder to achieve in bowling, as the motion plus detects any slight movement that may veer the bowling ball off course .
With golf, it also detects any curve or arch in your swing.

Games that I personally like:




Basketball--where I kicked somebody's ass. *snigger snigger*



Swordplay--because its fun to poke someone with a sword until they fall into the depths of the ocean below. (its very Takeshi Castle-ish in this sense)
And later on, you get to unlock a game mode where you duel solo against a gang of sword-bearing computer mii's. Those who indulge in action hero fantasies of finishing an army all by your lonesome self will enjoy this. (and the 'enemies'  patiently fight against you one by one as opposed to ganging up)


And Archery. Its the game that most simulates real-life movement and its quite tricky.



Frisbee features cute pups that fetch your frisbee, but I find it to be the hardest. (Thats Mii, by the way)

Like the Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort also allows you to unlock "games within games" when you play or get high enough scores.

Overall initial verdict:

It is a very simple game, and I cannot forsee any addiction to it (like Mario Kart, etc). But the goal of Wii Sports Resort (like Wii Sports) is to bring more fun to gatherings with family and friends.
And it sure will.

A couple of months ago, I watched, talked, and walked everything Gossip Girl. I still like it, and will get Seasons 1 and 2 later on.
But lately, I've been hooked on this:


The Gosselin family (or non-family now) of Jon & Kate plus 8! Talk about getting a mega-dose of mellowing down to wholesome-ness!
Last night my husband and I did a marathon viewing of Season 4 (just 1/4 of it) and slept only at 3am.
We go on endless discussions about the sad Gosselin divorce and the kids. My my what nosy people we've become talking about other peoples family and lives. (thanks to the reality show mania). We even identify ourselves with some of the kids (funny not jon or kate). He is like (and sort of looks like) Collin and I with Mady (little miss boss).

I even have a favorite Gosselin kid!!! It's Aaden aka "The Philosopher" (small one with the glasses). He's just so fragile and very adorable.

Just watch this clip and fast forward to 5:05 when Aaden finds out that he will not be given the cupcake he has painfully decorated earlier on in the day (because he didnt finish his dinner).


"I'm not having my cupcake??? OHHHH NOOOOOoo!!!"
His expression and the way he said it is just PRICELESS!!! i don't tire watching it over and over. It's as if someone told him , "Our mission to Mars failed, Aaden." Pure heartbroken expresion over a cupcake.

Kate (the mother) later on said that the next day, the boys have forgotten all about it.
I don't really know why I like to follow this show. I think it's more of a relief to see that my life is not as chaotic as theirs. And that I can still relax anytime I want to!

I can't wait for the rest of Season 5. I hope they don't end the show right away.

Surprise, surprise.

8. Manila Airport

If visiting this “chaotic” airport be prepared for people wanting bribes, tourists warn.

"Everywhere everyone asks for bribes. Never offer them anything. Act as if you do not know what they are saying and just walk past them," Native Filipino said.

“There were no toilet seats or running water in the bathrooms. A big bucket with a dipper was by the front door and about four attendants hassled me for a tip,” Trustma said.

Full list  here.

I'd like to say that the claims were exagerrated, but it's unfortunately true. I've had the privilege (or otherwise) to work at the NAIA, and while I loved my time there, it really is in a deteriorating state (and has been for a long time).
It's really silly to be traveling in Cebu Pacific (domestic and its handful of short haul international flights) and using the humongous Terminal 3.
And as for the bribery part..it's just too frustrating seeing it every minute. Immigration officials have blatantly told me to get off their cases when I tried to prevent non-English/Tagaolg speakers (people I assist) from reaching into their thick wads of Peso. Colleagues have been fired from accepting or initiating bribery. Ive heard horrifying stories of officials wiping off other officials because of the inability to hand their SHARE of the bribe.
It's infuriating, disgusting, and at some low points, numbing.

-------------------------

One ex-colleague was just passing through the immigration line when an exasperated foreigner (who was lining up) stopped her and all of a sudden burst out, in front of everyone else in there:

"YOUR AIRPORT. IS. PATHETIC!!! GET THAT?? PATHETIC!!! IT'S! JUST! PATHETIC!!!"

And her reply:

"Thank you, Sir"

No bribery needed, Manila is hands down the World's Most Polite Airport!

How was your weekend? I had a very relaxing one. Mid week, we had the husband's best friend and his wife stay with us for a couple of days. It was a veerry relaxing time, we mainly spent it indoors playing video games (more about that later)
On the weekend, it was back to just the two of us, slowly settling in our usual rituals and routines. Mass Saturday evening, we had our Bible blessed, ate out (had the best "Lechon Macau" on Sunday), and did our usual household and grocery shopping.

My weekend wasn't out of the ordinary, and it was lovely.
But even if I had a crap one, I'd still be thankful.

One family in Sydney will never have the chance to have any weekends again--spectacular or crapocious.

Every morning, (except on weekends), the first thing my husband and i both do is to log on our computers. He checks the news, I check my mail.  I looked over his shoulder and saw what he was reading.
I did my own reading and felt really horrified.

I am crushed for the 15-year old daughter, who will return from overseas and find her ENTIRE family gone. Just like that.

Article swiped from the Telegraph.co.uk


(Clockwise) The newsagency owned by Min Lin, who was killed with his wife, two children and another woman, Henry Lin, 12...his sister flew home yesterday, Min Lin...beaten to death at home. Photo: Dean Sewell/Channel Nine

The Lin family were bludgeoned to death at their home in the northern Sydney suburb of North Epping on Friday night.

Such was the violence of the attack, that blood spatter experts were still examining the scene on Monday, trying to map out the order of the murders.

Min Lin, 45, and his wife Yun Lee "Lilly" Lin, 43, were found dead in their bed. The bodies of their sons - Henry, 12, and Terry, 9 - were found in another bedroom that they shared.

The fifth victim was Mrs Lin's sister Yun Bin Yin, 39, whose body was found in the bedroom where she had been staying.

All victims were hit repeatedly to the head and upper body with a blunt object.

The bodies were discovered on Saturday morning by Mrs Lin's sister and her husband.

Police are yet to find the murder weapon and have no suspects so far, although they said the attacks seemed targeted and "extremely personal". Murder-suicide has been ruled out and police sources believe the killer or killers gained entry to the house via the front door, which showed no sign of being forced.

Officers said the crime was the worst they had seen in years.

The Lins' 15-year-old daughter Brenda returned to Sydney on Sunday from a study trip in New Caledonia to face the fact her entire immediate family had been murdered.

"Certainly it is one of the most vicious murders I've seen for many years," homicide squad commander, Detective Superintendent Geoff Beresford told the Sydney Daily Telegraph.

"The ferocity of the attacks is certainly unusual to say the least and it's particularly tragic considering the ages of the children.

"It's hard to imagine a worse attack considering almost an entire family has been killed and police are doing everything in their power to bring this to a speedy resolution."

He told Sky News the attack was not random and the Lins may have known their attackers.

"It appears to be an extremely personal type of attack, given the level of violence but ... we're open-minded, we can't make any particular prediction this early in the inquiry," he said.

Police believe the attack occurred some time between midnight and 7am when the family was likely to have been asleep.

Police hope post-mortem examinations and continued forensic investigation of the Lins' Epping home will shed more light on how and why the horrific attacks occurred.

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The more I read about it, the more I'm imagining how it could have happened. There's nothing more chilling than being attacked while you are asleep. You cannot do anything to defend yourself. Even if you were momentarily awakened by, say someone opening the door, a rustling, footsteps, or the sounds of your child/parent/sibling being bashed in the next room--your senses and reflexes won't be gathered enough for you to realize what's going on.

And as I pray for this family's justice, I will never cease to keep praying for mine, my family's and friends' safety.

"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep. For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety". --Psalm 4:8

Back in 2003 when I was studying Mandarin in China, our university had this weekly so-called "English Corner" thing going on. It's where all students--local and foreign, meet up every Tuesday night in this big tree and..no mandarin allowed, only english. It was a chance for local students to brush up on their English, and a chance for half-baked racketeers like me to score tutoring gigs.

As I am Asian and didn't really look that foreign, most people (chinese and foreigners alike) thought I was a ben di ren ( chinese local) at first glance. And so it happened one "English Corner night" that a group of American girls (missionaries) came up to me for a chat.

Them: Oh your english is so good!

Me: Thanks, its better than my mandarin.

Them: Haha! What's your name?

Me: XXXX.

Them: Really! How cute! So why did you choose XXXX? What's the story behind it? What's your original name?

Me: Um, that's the only name I've ever had. It's what my mom decided to call me.

Them: OH. SORRY. You're not from China, are you?

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It's not all surprising that they thought I had an "original" name. It was common for locals to adopt a "Western" name. This wasn't done legally, no papers are involved. It's just something that you *snap* suddenly decide on, depending on your mood, taste, and western influence.

So it was common to bump into "Britney", whose real name is Hong Li Xu, or "Brad" (Lin Jia Xie) or "Courtney" (Wei Min Xi).

Before you think that's confusing, wait till you encounter Singaporeans/Malaysians (so far these are nationalities I know with dual names).

Malaysians/Singaporeans are born with two LEGAL names. A "Western" one, and a Chinese one. And this makes it really really complicated. Believe me. I am married to a Malaysian born Aussie for 3 years now and I still get confused.

So I came across this article (belatedly) about Texan Rep. Betty Brown (almost like a fictitious name) suggesting Asians should adopt easier names.

I'm pretty sure this has caused yet another "RACISSSMMM!!!" blow up.

But as I've posted on my facebook status, I have to agree with the suggestion. It's just causing TOO. MUCH. CONFUSION.

Let's look at the bigger picture. Not everything is about racism.

AUSTIN — A North Texas legislator during House testimony on voter identification legislation said Asian-descent voters should adopt names that are “easier for Americans to deal with.”

The comments caused the Texas Democratic Party on Wednesday to demand an apology from state Rep. Betty Brown, R-Terrell. But a spokesman for Brown said her comments were only an attempt to overcome problems with identifying Asian names for voting purposes.

The exchange occurred late Tuesday as the House Elections Committee heard testimony from Ramey Ko, a representative of the Organization of Chinese Americans.

Ko told the committee that people of Chinese, Japanese and Korean descent often have problems voting and other forms of identification because they may have a legal transliterated name and then a common English name that is used on their driver’s license on school registrations.

Easier for voting?

Brown suggested that Asian-Americans should find a way to make their names more accessible.

“Rather than everyone here having to learn Chinese — I understand it’s a rather difficult language — do you think that it would behoove you and your citizens to adopt a name that we could deal with more readily here?” Brown said.

Brown later told Ko: “Can’t you see that this is something that would make it a lot easier for you and the people who are poll workers if you could adopt a name just for identification purposes that’s easier for Americans to deal with?”

Democratic Chairman Boyd Richie said Republicans are trying to suppress votes with a partisan identification bill and said Brown “is adding insult to injury with her disrespectful comments.”

Brown spokesman Jordan Berry said Brown was not making a racially motivated comment but was trying to resolve an identification problem.

Berry said Democrats are trying to blow Brown’s comments out of proportion because polls show most voters support requiring identification for voting. Berry said the Democrats are using racial rhetoric to inflame partisan feelings against the bill.

“They want this to just be about race,” Berry said.