Oh-Wheezers: March 2011

Labyrinth

>> 30 March, 2011

This blog entry is a part of my previous post, Thrift Store Galore.

I was minding my own business until my eyes were drawn to a wooden board game-like box. Curious enough, I went in and saw this...

It's "Labyrinth," a wooden puzzle toy manufactured by Fundex.

Honestly, this I have to say was what pulled me into the thrift store in the first place. The moment I saw this, I was like, "This looks rad!!!"

I scrutinized the structure, no damages nor pest infiltration. The controls turns smoothly, and precise, one for moving the inner board from north to south and vice-versa, and the other from west to east and vice-versa.

"This is like a take-home mini crystal maze challenge... cool!!!"

Everything was great. I don't care if it will cost me P300.00 for a beautifully, well-made masterpiece designed by a genius. I was tempted to own this! My hands were itching to try it out as soon as possible!

Unfortunately, there was minor problem. The stainless metal ball was missing. A marble may be a nice substitute but it was too heavy. It easily clogs the hole.

My spirit was torn down to shreds... I didn't bought the Labyrinth 'cause it would just be displayed in my room :'(

Anyway, watch a Labyrinth puzzle in action. This here is manufactured by Brio.

Geez, hope to have this soon :'(

Thrift Store Galore

>> 29 March, 2011

"Used things" is automatically implanted in our minds when we see thrift stores but even though they are labeled as such, we'll be amazed to see some antique, historic, weird, and unique stuff.

Trust me, not everything inside is considered junk. We may not need them but others would do anything to get them. Even sacrifice their lives!!! (Okay that was too silly to imagine lols) Thus, I believe in the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

There are tons of interesting things to see inside the store. It's like a blast from the past! Did I just bumped into Alexander Hartdegen?! Wait! You mean Marty McFly?!

Anyway, aside from the usual things we see in a thrift store such as clothes, shoes, computer parts, books, and CD's to name a few, what surprised me the most was the shelves of toys.

Remember the Snoopy Toy Collection we get from a McDonald's Happy Meal?

I know some of you would want to collect these :)

Whoa this toy robot is huge!

What I bought

A. Toys

These official mascots called Fuwa is a collector's item from the Beijing Olympics 2008 which you'll get from a McDonald's Happy Meal. Their colors represent the Olympic Rings.

Beibei (is the Fish - the water - blessing of prosperity)

Jingjing (is the Panda - the forest - blessing of happiness)

Huanhuan (represents Olympic Flame - the fire - blessing of passion)

Yingying (is the Tibetan Antelope - the earth - blessing of health)

Nini (is the Swallow - the sky - blessing of good luck)

Put their names together -- "Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni" -- they say "Welcome to Beijing". (Note: not the order of how I photographed them in group" lols)

My sister told me we already have had collected them. Oh well at least we have two sets :p

Meanwhile, this is a Tigger toy which as far as I remember, is part of a set of Winnie the Pooh collection from a cereal box.

The toy has a button underneath, when pressed, Tigger collapses.

Remarks: Stained a bit. Cleaning required (3 for P100.00)

B. Compact Disc (CD)

Orchestral music is nice especially when watching a ballet or a group of performers which is why I bought this "101 Great Orchestral Classics Volume 4". I can tell it's original because of its weight, and the CD itself because my dad also has CD's like this.

Here is the list of songs included in the CD, namely: 1. Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 - Allegro con brio, 2. Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A Major - Adagio, 3. Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night's Dream - Scherzo, 4. Grieg: Piano Concerto Op. 16 - Allegro molto moderato, 5. Debussy: Clair de lune, 6. Handel: Fireworks Music - Réjouissance, 7. Delibes: Coppéia - Slav Theme and Variations, 8. Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 5 - Tempo di Menuetto, 9. Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake - Valse, and 10. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.

Although I would want to keep this CD, I'll give it to a friend 'cause he is more into this :)

Remarks: Good condition, unbelievably without scratches except for the CD case (P20.00)

C. Book

I don't have a clue to what the title of this book is because it's written in Japanese. All I know is it's about a little girl who received a hamster. Besides, the drawings are uberly cute :p

I gave this book to my sister because she has a pet hamster :)

Remarks: Good condition, unbelievably without stains (P30.00)

Yep! That's all the stuff I bought from the thrift store. Really had a great time digging around. How about you? Do you have any exciting adventures at the thrift store?

Earth Hour 2011

>> 26 March, 2011

Earth Hour is a campaign dedicated for the awareness of Global Warming.

Today marks it's fourth year as we switch off our lights for one-full hour from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening - to signify a response to the call and a vote to work together to create a better future for our planet.

Join us in Earth Hour 2011 and have your friends, family, and relatives be part as well.

And please keep in mind that switching our lights for 1 hour is not enough to help our planet so please remember to do a daily routine of green, eco-friendly tasks in our house or community to save our Mother Earth :)

A Shot of Wheatgrass Juice

>> 25 March, 2011

At the mall, my sister was buying a beverage at Zing Juice. I have no interest of buying until I saw an interesting advertisement.

It's about Wheatgrass Juice and it's benefits. Honestly, it was tempting to drink.

A shot of is equal to:

√ 1.5 kg of Vegetables

√ 70% Chlorophyll

√ 11x more Calcium than Milk

√ 6.5x more Carotene than Spinach

√ 30x more Vitamin B than Fresh Milk

√ 5x more Iron than Spinach

I was skeptical because I haven't been introduced to Wheatgrass Juice before. I jokingly thought I might faint after the shot because even though I knew what the benefits were, I didn't know how my body would take it.

Nevertheless, I kicked my doubt, paid P85.00 and took the shot.

The saleslady told me it tastes like guava but to me, it tastes like Nori Seaweed - the edible, black sushi wrapper.

Just like fruits, I drank the Wheatgrass Juice on an empty stomach because my body would absorb the nutrients more (I recommend you do the same).

At home, I did my research and was amazed to read the benefits of the Wheatgrass Juice. I would love to take another shot or maybe a gallon or two :p

More Information:

Wheatgrass Juice - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Wheatgrass Nurtition

Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice

Viliam by Veronika Obertova

I found an awesome animation created by Veronika Obertova called 'Viliam', a born artist with a different take in life.

The storyline is interesting because it shows Viliam's development as an artist while building his own box of comfort. The animation also shows man's desire to create things.

I somehow relate to how Viliam is. Not in an obsessive manner but in a way of creating my own world where I feel free, and safe. I won't go to the point where I hide myself from public view.

Dance Central on Xbox 360 Kinect

>> 21 March, 2011

We all know what an Xbox 360 is - a gaming console competing with Playstation and Wii. But attach the 'Kinect' to the Xbox and it's a whole new world of gaming possibilities. This rectangle black-box shaped device, originally code named Project Natal, made by Microsoft, can detect body movements. It lets users interact with their games for a controller-free gaming experience.

Dance Central, developed by Harmonix, creators of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band. is a game that uses this technology. Happily, I got to experience this all thanks to Gilbert :)

Dance Central is an awesome game to play... I mean to dance with :p Sometimes, I feel embarrassed to dance because I'm clueless whether I'm doing the steps correctly. The game says it's 'flawless' but I need a mirror in-front of me or someone recording my movements just to clear my head from doubting. Come on, I can't be called a dancer if I can't finish the steps smoothly, sharp, and clean :p

Anyway, I'm in-love with three songs with their respective dance moves from the game. I haven't got to see the rest so these are my current faves...

Down by Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne

Don't Sweat the Technique by Eric B. & Rakim

I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) by Pitbull

Woooooooo!!! Will somebody gift Xbox 360 Kinect and Dance Central to me even without any occasion at all. Would really like to get into the dancing action right now :p

Alexandra Wallace from UCLA rants about Asians

I guess everybody knows a UCLA student named Alexandra Wallace where she ranted against Asians. All I can say is, it's really racist. She shouldn't be ranting how we live our lives. If she just wants people to keep quiet inside the library then that's all she could've said, nothing else.

Watch her rant

Anyway, from Youtube, this is the best Vlog about this matter.

By DavidSoComedy

And this is the best parody :)

By: TheAngelieVaudeville

HAHAHA!!! Kudos to both of them :)

Uniquely Singapore (Part 3 of 3) : The best way to go downhill!

>> 17 March, 2011

The following day, we went sightseeing at Siloso Beach. While we were walking, a sports event was held at the beach. It's like a school's sports fest. I admire them.

Later, we went swimming at the swimming pool.

On our last day at Singapore, we tried the Luge which is like kart racing but without the engine. You can choose either one of the provided tracks, namely: Dragon Trail or Jungle Trail. I chose the former because it was more challenging than the latter. It was hella fun!

But wait! The starting point is atop the hill, near the Sky Tiger Tower.

We were to take the Sky Ride. This ride was scarier no matter how high the Cable Car nor the Sky Tiger Tower was because we sat and held on tight to the metal bar fastened on us. Our feet were dangling and it was really windy. Yikes!

Thankfully, it all went well.

We went back to the hotel, bid farewell to some of the Filipino staff, thanked them and set off back home.

I really love Singapore. There's always something new to try, see, taste, discover, and explore. I won't get bored in a country like this. I would love to come back, but this time, in the heart of the city.

Thanks to my parents and sister for a very exciting adventure at Singapore :)

Uniquely Singapore (Part 1 of 3) : Singapura, here we come!

Uniquely Singapore (Part 2 of 3) : The Merlion and the Taste of Superb Architecture

Uniquely Singapore (Part 3 of 3) : The best way to go downhill!

Uniquely Singapore (Part 2 of 3) : The Merlion and the Taste of Superb Architecture

On our second day, we get to explore more of Sentosa Island. Take note, we're just exploring the Island, what more amazing stuff can we see at the city? :)

We took the monorail and got off at Imbiah Station. On the background, you can see a gargantuan replica of the Merlion.

The Merlion (Malay: Singa-Laut). The fish body comes from Singapore's ancient name back when it was a fishing village — Temasek — meaning "sea town" in Javanese. The lion head represents Singapore's original name — Singapura — meaning "lion city" or "kota singa". [Source : Wikipedia]

We later ride the Tiger Sky Tower, the tallest viewing platform about 100 meters high. The air-conditioned cabin we got on will rise from the ground all the way to it's peak, gradually revolving 360 degrees. Again, seeing how beautiful Singapore is.

Lake of Dreams is near Waterfront Station, Hard Rock Hotel, and Universal Studios Singapore.

Tip: Always charge your camera's battery, there's a wide range of interesting spots to capture :)

We went to Vivo City, a mall outside Sentosa Island, and ate at Thai Express 'cause we wanted to try something new for our taste buds and boy was it a blast! Oh and well lookie here, a Filipino waiter. Happy for you too :)

I ordered the Kaeng Kari Mangsawirat (Vegetables with tofu in mild yellow curry) and Khao Neua Phat Krapow (Spicy minced beef stir-fried with Thai basil). I liked the latter 'cause the curry is a lot of getting used to. Both were uber spicy! XD I don't know how many glasses of water I drank, all I know is my mouth is on fire! lols

Later that afternoon, we hired a taxi and went to Esplanade. There by the Singapore river, we can see the Marina Bay Sands, the Dome-shaped Esplanade Theater, Helix Bridge, Art Science Museum, and tons of amazing architectures.

We were supposed to see the original 8.6 metre-tall Merlion spitting water to the river but sadly, it was still under renovation. The small replica was there to entertain us lols

The plywood container box behind me is where the original Merlion is.

But I find this very puzzling because it has been a year and the Merlion hasn't been fixed yet? Here's a flashback news. Back in February 28, 2009, The Merlion statue was hit by lighting during a thunderstorm between 4 and 5 pm local time.

Hope they fix it asap :)

Uniquely Singapore (Part 1 of 3) : Singapura, here we come!

Uniquely Singapore (Part 2 of 3) : The Merlion and the Taste of Superb Architecture

Uniquely Singapore (Part 3 of 3) : The best way to go downhill!

Uniquely Singapore (Part 1 of 3) : Singapura, here we come!

Singapore, or 'Singapura', is a Malay name derived from the Sanskrit words Singa (or Lion) and Pura (City). It is the world's fourth leading financial centre and a cosmopolitan world city, playing a key role in international trade and finance. The port of Singapore is one of the five busiest ports in the world.

There are slightly over 5 million people in Singapore of which 2.91 million are born locally. Forty-three percent of the population in Singapore are foreign-born. Singapore has a diverse population made up mainly of Asians (mostly Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Asians of various other descents) and some Caucasians. [Source : Wikipedia]

Yep! We had a family trip at Singapore. I suggested this country to my parents because it is multicultural, innovative, and diverse and we haven't been here.

En route to the hotel, we were greeted by superb architectures of different shapes and sizes surpassing imagination, big cargo ships scattered across the Singapore Strait and more on the horizon, and right-wheeled vehicles - a left world which is bloody wicked!!! :)

We stayed at the Siloso Beach Resort at Resorts World, Sentosa Island. It's amazing to see a bunch of Filipinos working there. I'm happy for them. After checking-in, we were picked-up for our scheduled day tour.

Our tourist guide was an Indian man named Bob, you just gotta love their accent. Anyway, our first stop was a cable car ride from Mount Faber (Singapore's third highest hill, originally named Telok Blangah Hill) all the way to Sentosa Island. The view was quite entertaining, also quite frightening. Got this mild Acrophobia thingie :p

At Sentosa Island, we embarked a chartered bus going to Underwater World Singapore. Honestly, I'm not interested to see animals in aquariums or cages. I feel sorry for them. I'm more comfortable of people who just study, breed, and have experts to take care of them. I wonder what Harry Potter would do lols

Still at the premises, we went to see a dolphin show but ended earlier than expected due to the rain. The staff didn't tell the audience but I figured the dolphins were confused to which 'tapping of the water' is their trainers.

Next on the list was 'Images of Singapore' which is a museum. Now this is more of my thing! Looking and reading around their culture, and heritage. But geez those mannequins give me the creeps!

The last part of the tour was to see a show called 'Songs of the Sea'. I don't want to spoil the fun. Just see this for yourself. It's a two-thumbs up! :)

Uniquely Singapore (Part 1 of 3) : Singapura, here we come!

Uniquely Singapore (Part 2 of 3) : The Merlion and the Taste of Superb Architecture

Uniquely Singapore (Part 3 of 3) : The best way to go downhill!

Mahou no Tobira (Space Maco's Theme) by a.s.a

I'm currently memorizing one of Pop'n Music 5 and Dance Dance Revolution Extreme's lovable song called Mahou no Tobira aka "Door of Magic". It's fun to sing along with although the lyrics I found may not be 100% correct...

Still, it's cute lols

Mahou no Tobira (Space Maco's Theme) by a.s.a.

Note: Scroll-down for the lyrics

Looking at it's stepchart (refer to the video below), it's easy to full combo the song but still hard for me to get a Triple AAA rating. Practice, practice, practice XD

Lyrics:

onna no ko wa mahou no tobira wo

tataite koi ga hajimeru no

donba toki mo mahou no chikara de

suteki na yume wo kanaeru kara

totsuzen "suki da yo" nante

yume no naka nara aeru

fushigi ne koi no romansu

haato wa ima ritoru adobencha

yureru omoi tokimeki wo utsuenakucha

onna no ko wa mahou no tobira wo

hiraite jumon tonaeru no

donna koto mo mahou no chikara de

Blogger Meet-ups

>> 16 March, 2011

I have never met any bloggers in my entire life even though I want to. Luckily, I met two of them :)

~~~

Gilbert from Gillboard

I met Gilbert last year when he held a contest for his blogoversary. I won third. We settled a meet-up at Timezone in Glorietta 4. I came early so I decided to play Dance Dance Revolution X2, after two games, there he was, caught me sweating it out.

He was never a fan of the arcades or maybe I thought he wasn't so I convinced him to play DJmax Technika, and Mozarc :p

Gilbert treated me at Sbarro and had quite a conversation about his recent blogger meet-ups, and his addiction to comic books (The Walking Dead). I did my share by showing him my sketch pad filled with doodles, and how cool art books are.

We then went to a comic book store at Glorietta 4 for some art books.

After two months, Gilbert and I met again together with his buddies and had a klatsch at his crib. There was drinking, Xbox 360, eating, HBO, and more drinking. Fun times :p

First Impressions: Friendly, Sociable, Gamer, and a Comics Geek.

Robbie from The Creative Dork

[Short intro]

Robbie and I were online blog friends since college. His aliases were Sushi-Boy, and Pyrotensive. His domain before was 'Kud0s' to which my Fondue (2nd personal blog) was hosted. Sadly, he had to close Kud0s making me find a new home for my blog to which I renamed as 'Deja Vu'.

But Deja Vu didn't sparked so I decided to stop blogging for about 2 years.

October 2008, my Oh-Wheezers (4th personal blog) came to life. As entry after entry went by, I got an unexpected visit from Robbie last year XD

Bloody Wicked! After 5 years we met again... online! All thanks to my blog :D

[/Short intro]

Here's how I met Robbie... The day before our Family went to Singapore, I met with my friend, played at Timezone in Glorietta 4, and did some grocery at SM Makati.

As we crossed the street (between SM Makati and Glorietta 4), my eyes met a familiar face walking my way. I said, "Robbie!" but he passed by, not hearing my voice because of the earphones he was wearing.

My friend insisted me to talk to the guy if he really was the Robbie I knew. I was honestly shy to have a conversation to whoever he may be but this is my chance, this might be him!

Just my luck, 'the guy' was standing at the edge of the street waiting for a green light for pedestrians. I stared at him from head to toe not knowing where he went but a clue of a Krispy Kreme box he held.

I'm having second thoughts 'til a green light flashed! Shit! I might blew my chance!

My friend and I ran and caught up with him. We were talking behind his back figuring a way to make him notice us. More like how not to make it look like an ambush lols

With all my guts, I poked his shoulder and hoped things will turn out well.

He stopped, glanced at the stalkers.

I waived and said, "Robbie?"

He was like, "Boris?"

It is Robbie! In the flesh!!!

I was ecstatic (literally) to finally meet him in person! Geez I was a total dork that time 'cause it's like I saw a celebrity! And I was flattered to realize he knew me XD

We talked for awhile oblivious of the people walking by.

I asked Robbie a favor. I was like, "I know you'll be famous someday. Can I have a picture with you?". He had second thoughts, later on, agreed.