Sunday, March 11, 2012

A Great Start

This week is gonna be one heck of a ride.

Business is looking great; and my personal creative pursuits are picking up again. It appears that doors (yes, fanastically plural!) are leading me back to my passions...Which makes me think, "Why did I even deviate from my path, to begin with? What was I thinking?!"

My reading for this week goes:

"March's high energy keeps going strong through the middle of the month, bringing you consecutive days of great fortune and positive energy!

Of course, the stars don't want things to be too easy, so before all the good luck kicks in, you'll first have to deal with Mercury's upcoming retrograde cycle, which begins on March 12. The messenger planet won't revert to forward motion until April 4, so for the next three-plus weeks, you'll just have to live with the glitches and communication delays that inevitably come with any Mercury retrograde.

But enough about obstacles! The real excitement starts on March 13, when Jupiter and Pluto join to bring you happy news about money and/or work. Don't worry if your good fortune doesn't simply appear -- you can make it yourself!

The excitement only grows on March 14 as Venus gets busy by seducing Pluto, socializing with Jupiter and getting passionate with Mars. Indeed, it'll be hard to focus on work with all these fun distractions surrounding you! In fact, the level of energy on this day will be so high that if something doesn't give you instant gratification, it probably isn't worth pursuing.

Also on March 14, Mars and Jupiter join together to give you at least a little motivation to get your work done ... but only if it's idealistic in some way. Then, on March 15, Mars aligns itself with Pluto in an effort to remind you that hard work does pay off! Indeed, this is a cosmic combination with the potential to move mountains, although you'll need perseverance, determination and strategy to see it through."

Not bad. Not bad at all.

Now, back to work!

Have a splendid week, everyone!

Affiche_pdp_2012_copy_low_res_for_the_website

For the 14th Spring of Poets, I will be performing with Gentle Universe.

 

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Cesare AX Syjuco's upcoming exhibit. Looking forward to see everyone again.

 

Chapel_grounds
One of my new playgrounds...Updates coming soon!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Week That Was...

I don't know what it is about Wednesdays that makes it feel like a perfect day to update my posts...

So...The past week has been awesome. Mi Amor treated me out to the best ever margaritas I've tried so far. Agave's bottomless margarita is simply heavenly! They have different flavors for each day, and Friday is Strawberry Day - which is hands-down just my favorite!

Pictory-2012-02-25-07-48

 

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Then we gathered with friends and family on Feb19 to remember our dearest Io for his 14th birthday. Lots of munchies, mostly his favorites are in the menu. And of course, a music jam!

Feb 22nd was our friend, Brad's fantastic exhibit opening @ 1951 Adriatico. This is the second leg of his exhibit "Untitled", which showcases his woven works on photopaper. It'll be up until March 21 so if you haven't seen it yet, go check it out... The next stop of the exhibit tour is a surprise! So watch out for that.

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It was a week of reunions and get-togethers. And it's just absolutely great to see old friends again, and meeting new ones...A perfect jumpstart to another great week! 

 

 

 

Monday, December 5, 2011

A 10-YEAR AFFAIR





Fact: All humans have an innate sense of romanticism. A natural affinity to thrive soul-deep, in being passionately immersed in our deepest emotions and aspirations. Being naturally sentimental, nostalgic, and passionate are major indicators of how we perceive and connect to things that revolve in our everyday dealings-with. We cherish each and every milestone in our lives as we see fit: We treat friends out to dinner and drinks after passing examinations with flying colors (or failing one horridly, all the same). We give thoughtful tokens to dear ones who helped us through certain pivotal points (mind the plural form) in our lives. The mourning of a loss. We share tears (and a bottle of vodka) with a cherished friend who mends a broken heart. We go out and enjoy a day to ourselves as a treat…just because.

Celebrations are – quite undeniably – very much a part of our lives and are well worth welcoming in all its forms: Birthdays, being the most proverbial, of course…and Anniversaries (Heck, even “monthsaries” have been invented!) to celebrate and be grateful for all the blessings that are experienced together in a relationship, come hail or hellfire! Even ancient history and tradition has come up with a table of correspondences to all these years together. There’s gold for 50 years, diamond for 60…the entire drill. Why this has become an age-old tradition is beyond us. But we adopt it all the same. Because. We value. Relationships.

And there is one such love affair that is celebrated right here, right now…

Ten years ago, one woman had a vision. One that she carries with her so fervently to this day; that it manifested into the top-selling, service-oriented company that offers no other else than beauty that is unbound by expense.

Initially intended to be a spa in the lush landscapes of Tagaytay, Flawless Face & Body Clinic opened on December 8, 2001 through the passionate pursuance of company CEO Rubby Coyiuto; realizing the need for high-quality yet affordable skin and body care for the Filipino. Rubby shares, “Back when Flawless began, nobody spoke about their skincare secrets. It was so taboo to discuss (it) in public. Yet we saw Filipinos and Filipinas come to Flawless regardless – they really cared about their appearance.” So, Filipinos broke the mold while Flawless gave them the avenue to do so. Many people ask Rubby why she named her clinic “Flawless” – she explains, “The word “flawless” is synonymous with faultless, unblemished, even perfect – and perfection is the promise that we hold to our patients. Perfection in the products, services, solutions, skincare, customer service – for a perfectly flawless experience.” True to word and through years of perseverance, this credo did not go unnoticed. In 2009, the clinic won the Philippine Retailer Association’s Outstanding Retailer of the Year, following up 2010 with the same award for the second year in a row, guaranteeing Flawless a position in the PRA’s Hall of Fame. 

As a Flawless tradition, National Flawless Day has become a beauty enthusiast’s red-carpet day – the  company’s anniversary, and a way to give back to its loyal patrons by way of splendid, pampering promos. Now on its tenth year, Flawless painted the town pink yet again with ten weeks of fabulous promos for its loyal and diversifying clientele. Each week, clients were treated to special promotions to help them become more radiant, sexier, whiter, younger-looking, and be the best self they want to be. As a glorious culmination, from December 5 to 11, clients will be treated to discounts of up to 40% off on the most favorite Flawless products and services - including the Nano Power Peel, electrocautery warts removal, Laser Hair Removal, the Flawless Nutraceuticals, and Flawless’ revolutionary body slimming technology – the Shape & Sculpt program. To cap the celebration, Flawless  launches  the Forever Gift Set – all carried by Forever, Flawless’ first ever scent. Coming in a delightfully feminine and vibrant scent for women and a sexy, stable and mysterious scent for men, Flawless ushers in its next ten years with this revolutionary product, a first for the clinic. Since Flawless is an aesthetic clinic that promises excellent skincare, the gift set also contains a sheer powder, a lotion, the deCrease line eraser, and a brightening soap.
                
By tradition, the tenth anniversary is symbolized by the daffodil, symbolic of rebirth and new beginnings. And by tin - An element that can be bent…but never broken. Through all of its ten-year journey, Flawless is looking forward to 2012 and promises to maintain its fervent vow; and continue to provide excellent, modern skincare at affordable prices.

Here’s to ten Flawless years! A promise, an affair for all to cherish and take to heart. 



Thursday, September 15, 2011



Moonrise


For our beloved Io...


I.
Once upon a dream
You came to me.
Heavens filled your eyes with the stars.
Divine as rain,
 you came.
(Instrumental)

II.
Far beyond the world,
we sailed away.
Cradled me with warmth in your arms.
Against the tide,
we stand.
Far beyond the tide…

Chorus1:Ooh…
The moon smiles tonight
Hearing m pray’r.
Singing in amber light.
Ooh…
My soul takes to flight.
In my heart
You burn, forever bright.


III.
How we used to live
with such love…
How we lived in each moment so right.
Blessed as the sea
with thee.
IV.
Fate must have its way…
And through the night,
I could hear you sigh with the stars.
Just as a dream,
be free.
I could hear you sigh…

Chorus2:Ah…
The moon cries tonight
Hearing my pray’r
Bleeding in amber light.
Ah…
My soul takes to flight
Here in my heart
You shine, forever bright.

Ah…
The moon cries tonight
Hearing my pray’r
Bleeding in amber light.
Ah…
My soul takes to flight
Here in my heart
You shine, forever bright.

Friday, March 18, 2011

SUN SURGES INTO ARIES, FULL MOON IN VIRGO

My mother always told me to follow that inner voice.

Time and again, I've been in situations where I feel that this "inner voice," gut feel, instinct, whatever term works for one, has to be followed. At times, with reluctance, I tried "weighing" things and say to myself perhaps it is just me and I have to go against this bulong from within. It is in those moments that I know I made a wrong turn when repercussions manifest rather immediately after going against my guts. 

Even the stars confirm my mother's counsel. Especially with my sign (I'm a fire-snake Cancerian).

Now comes another fork on the road. The coming week is highly crucial and the inner voice is strongly advising a move yet again.

Alas - with heavy eyelids from a restless night, and a relentlessly strong dose of caffeine - I start the day as I always do...And this is what the stars, the cards, and the guide have to say: 

"March 20 marks the Astrological New Year as the Sun moves into Aries, a transit that always brings an exciting change of pace. But this year, March 19 to 21 are packed with some intense planetary action that will leave you feeling like you're shifting gears in the middle of a high-speed chase!

On March 19, the Sun ends its jaunt through Pisces with a tricky opposition to the full Moon in Virgo. Pisces likes to drift along, while Virgo is all about planning, planning and more planning. When combined, the two can leave you feeling pulled in opposite directions; if you can rise above the push-and-pull, however, you'll manage to find a solution that satisfies both your heart and your mind.

Then, on March 20, the Sun finally surges into Aries, where it will set up shop for the next four weeks. Any sensitivity you've felt recently will suddenly be replaced by a desire for competition and adventure. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries loves to be number one -- and you'll feel the same way!

As if settling into gung-ho Aries wasn't enough, the Sun will pair up with Uranus on March 21. Don't bother trying to compromise right now, because it won't happen. Rather, this is a time for radical change, and whether that change is good or bad will depend on you. If you volunteer yourself for something new and exciting, and you may be pleasantly surprised by what the stars hold for you!"

And so it is.The cards have spoken..

MUST. HONKER. DOWN. TO IT.

SANTIAGO!!! ONE MORE CUP, POR FAVOR.

Ready. Steady. GO!!!!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

THIS YEAR'S PARTICIPANTS @ Printemps des Poètes/Spring of Poets 2011



Printemps des Poètes/Spring of Poets 2011

Featuring

Part 1 

Abdon Balde - Dream of Skycrapers
Francisco Llaguno - Ang kalikasan at ang mga tao

Mikael de Lara Co - Permanence

Joel Salud - Faith

Christine Joy O. Castillo - Les paysages en moi

Beatrix Syjuco - Domino Nation

Asha Macam - Clouds

Jacques Chessex by Markus Ruckstuhl - Je regarde la chaîne des Alpes

Ed Maranan - Sailing on the Fourth of July

Vim Nadera - Epiko ko

Alfred A. Yuson - The beach, plus Pablo

Maxine Syjuco - Weeds and Rags

Ariana Pozzuoli - The joke is on you!


Part 2

 
Jacques Brel by Tata Poblador accompanied by Pr. Lester Demetillo- Ne me quitte pas

 
Mookie Katigbak - As far as Cho-Fu-Sa

 

Cesare A.X. Syjuco - The world turns
 

Yanna Verbo Acosta - Dreamscaping
 

Noel del Prado - Hardin sa Ibawaw ng Davao
 

Gémino H. Abad - Casaroro Falls
 

Marne L. Kilates - Bangaan
 

Victor Peñaranda - At the Buddhist Garden
 

Alma anonas Carpio - Mountain song
 

Virgilio S. Almario by Marivic Rufino & Marne L. Kilates - Halimuyak ng Pulo
 

Johanna Fernandez - Currents
 

Ramon C. Sunico - Mindoro
 

Andrea Levinge - The deepening sea
 

Anne Abad - Fern
 

Gian Paolo Lao - In my country

 



Wednesday, March 9, 2011

NOLI ME TANGERE: THE MUSICAL AUDITIONS EXTENDED!!!

 
Something ROCKIN's brewing between the pages. Soon... You'll be all ears to HISTORY like never before!

NOLI ME TANGERE: THE MUSICAL Auditions is extended! March 18 (fri) 6-10pm bulwagang amado hernandez, ccp to accommodate the growing number of applicants.

Mark your calendars.

Libretto: Bien Lumbera
Music: Ryan Cayabyab
Direction: Audie Gemora
 Call TANGHALANG PILIPINO @ 832 1125 loc 1620 and look for Ms YANNA ACOSTA or LORELEI CELESTINO. 

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Printemps des Poètes (Spring of Poets) 2011




It's that time of the year again! 

Alliance Francaise de Manille brings you the Annual Printemps des Poètes (Spring of Poets). 

This year's theme is...

D'INFINIS PAYSAGES – INFINITE LANDSCAPES
"Expressing the deep links that unite man and nature, celebrating or questioning them, is one of the most constant features of universal poetry.
Seas and mountains, islands and shores, forests and rivers, skies, winds, suns, deserts and hills, like a hinterland, most poems carry the memory of landscapes crossed and lived in.
Recognizing oneself as dependent on the infinite faces of the world, this is undoubtedly how Holderlin wanted a poet to live on earth.”

See you all on 17 March 2011, 7pm at Alliance Francaise de Manille, 209 Nicanor Garcia St. (formerly Reposo), Makati.

Cheers!



Thursday, August 12, 2010

WITHERED MOON

           Stars fill the silver skies.
                                    In my dream
                                    of the sea,
                                    you came to me.

                                    Calling through the tides.
                                    Restless breeze,
                                    hear my plea.
                                    I yearn to be…

              Refrain:
                                    Free…
                                    In your arms
                                    tonight, baby.
                                    Cast away this lonely battle.
                                    Tell me that it’s you
                                    and set me
                                    Free…


                                    Cold fire in the night.
                                    Touched my tears
                                    as you walk
                                    away from me.

                                    Now we say goodbye.
                                    Withered moon
                                    waves in blue.
                                    If I only knew…

                                   
                       


Oct 16, 2007
4:32am
Base
Y.V. A.

THE SECRET LITANY


                        It is that first drop
                                    Of rain
                                    That kisses my skin
                                    Making me steam…
                                    Hear me scream
                                    Thy name from within.
                                    Boasting wind
                                    That blows from sea,
                                    Setting me free…
                                    Your deep, eager fingers
                                    I fervently dream.

                        Showers of fire
                                    From thy ardent lips
                                    Run me over…
                                    Shivers down my hips.
                                    Kisses wild I give
                                    Upon thy tips
                                    Crystalline…
                                    And what famished,
                                    Fervid licks.

                        And thoughts of you begin
                                    To precipitate
                                    Ever so slowly,
                                    Unabashedly flowing…
                                    Conjuring the mad
                                    Blue moons of the restless,
                                    Roused in the secret litany.


YVA
1:29AM
07 Aug 2008
Mt. Makiling
                                    

THE PHOENIX MEMORANDA


                                  And now the same old flame
                                                From this meager candle
                                                That listens to my sorrows,
                                                My grief;
                                                Is the exact, same
                                                Flame that stands
                                                Witness to my freedom.
                                                It sits right with me,
                blessing me
                                                In celebration of my
                                                Rebirth, filling my
                                                Chalice with its
                                                Its silent jubilation,
                                                Whispering
                                                There is hope yet.
                                                Its molten wax no longer
                                                Resembles pungent tears
                                                For so long, flooding
                                                My spirit.
                                                Now taking shape
                                                of great fervor,
                                                Victory…
                                                Peace…

                                    With this flame
                                                I have died a thousand deaths.
                                    From this fire,
                                                I shall rise yet again.




11:50pm
February 11, 2007
Vista Hills

THE OTHER END


            I couldn’t think of anything
                        To say. At the moment
                        Everything’s running in swirls.
                        In my head.
                        My blood.
                        This aching chest…
                        Garden of the morose.

            This is a blank verse.

            All I see is a restless
                        Ball and chain. An unhappy wheel.
                        Clanking and ticking aimlessly.
                        Cacophonic against the tide.
                        Unceasing.
                        Redundantly melancholic.

            I left you a note.
                        The ink stains won’t budge.
                        Even as you cry reading.
                        Every single night
                        It remains written…
                        And you hear it when
                        You face the mirror.

            Never a moment that I
                        Left you. You wouldn’t let go…
                        Even if you try, you stand still.
                        And embrace my presence.
                        And you cry weary.
                        Telling me to go,
                        Holding my hand.

            Never a dull moment…
                        Never a lull.
                        I am always with you.
                        You wouldn’t let me go.
                        Even as I sit on the
                        Other end.
                        Waiting.
                        Watching you watch me.
                        Tear you apart.
                        Because you let me.
                        Stay.

            This is a blank verse.


9:53PM
17 Dec 08
Nova

SALOME


Pilit mang ikubli
sa ‘yong dibdib,
larawan ng pait, iyong hinanakit;
langit ma’y tila nakapikit
at ang mundo’y mapanakit…

Sa saliw ng musikang malaya,
basbas ng apoy
iyong biyaya...

Wag alintanain ang karimlan
at ang agimat mong
mata’y buksan.

Sayaw, Salome, Sayaw…


Di mapipiglang mapaluha.
Hapong-hapo sa
pag-ibig mong dula.
Tila buwa’y nangungutya…
Punit-punit na kalul’wa

Sa saliw ng musikang malaya,
basbas ng apoy
iyong biyaya...

Wag alintanain ang karimlan
at ang agimat mong
mata’y buksan.

Sayaw, Salome, Sayaw…

REQUIEM


          The room fills up with smoke
                                    From the cigarette left burning.
                                    Leaving a suffocating haze.
                                    Nauseating my nerves like
                                    Moral anaesthetic…
                                    My consciousness halts.
                                    The dream takes over.
                                    And the lace begins to hurt…

                  I can tell by the way
                                    You cringe as I tighten
                                    The knot upon your wrists.
                                    And you sigh deeply, as if to beg
                                    For air after I let your lips
                                    Depart from mine
                                    In a torrid lock…I wipe off
                                    The mess left from my dripping.
                                    And you lick it dry, pleading.

                  Your mouth wide open, trying to let out
                                    What is to be a subtle moan, transposed
                                    Into a scream in between
                                    The realms of unrepentant pleasure
                                    And excruciating pain;
                                    Letting me tear up what is left
                                    Of your self-declared sanity.

                  Clutching your long, soft tresses I
                                    Bend over, ever so slowly to whisper
                                    And you close your eyes, tears
                                    Began to flood down your cheeks…
                                    Like an answered prayer in
                                    Your sleep.
                                    You scream further as I
                                    Take you over in strokes moving
                                    Deeper…as if another woman.
                                    Striking in cunning flames, consuming
                                    Every single inch of your
                                    Carnally reeking flesh.
                                    Until…
                                    You finally…
                                    Arrive.
                                    Your cries fill up the four corners.

                  I lifted the cigarette and
                                    Smoked up the last two drags.
                                    And finally put out the flame.

                  I left the light on…

                  But the dream
                                    Has now
                                    Ended.
                                   
8:16PM
28 Dec 08
Nova