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 On October 8, 2007 my father left me...
It took me all this time to even write and blog my thoughts as those days following his passing were a muck. I had too many ideas that I wanted to flesh out. There was just too many things all cramming in the pea size of a brain I had in such a short time; not to mention my emotional state.
Dad had been suffering for the last 5 years now and perhaps it's even selfish of me to hang on to him; to that sense of assurance, security and surety in this world by clinging on to him for just one more day knowing that for every day that passes, another day is added to his suffering. But Dad has always been the strong one. He has always been the sure one whereas I, the youngest in a family of 3 would always be the one who would look up and ask in order to make sure I got it right. At the same time when I would want to have my way, I would also be the brat and give dad a piece of my mind...ah yes, the arrogance of youth.
But I've mellowed down since then and grown a little more patient and wiser I think. And it's just bittersweet that Dad won't be with us this Christmas; that I wasn't able to finish the book that I am still writing, of which the 1st draft I gave to him last year as his birthday present. Heck, I wasn't even there when he left us during a recent family trip in Hong Kong as I had to come back to Manila to prepare his medicine to be sent back and also accompany my nephew and niece and family back home.
He knew that I loved music. He knew how I am a changed person when I'm singing on stage and giving in to my passion. But what he didn't know was, that I am now part of a new vocal group that just finished recording its first Christmas single and slated for a November release. We were planning to have special launch for just family and friends and are gearing up to do that once the album is finished. And it was supposed to be my Christmas surprise for him.
But alas, I was the one who was surprised...or rather the family was the one who got surprised when dad relinquished his hold on this world and departed for the next. I know now that he knows everything and that even my plans that were dormant are now revealed to him and so perhaps it doesn't matter as much.
But wherever you are Dad, I thank you.
I thank you for taking me in. I thank you for the money you spent on my education. I thank you for assuring me that all will be well; for telling me not to be afraid to make a decision; to hold on to the good times; to never compromise my values; to never be wasteful and to never give up.
I thank you for appreciating in your own way the creativity that I have and even pushed me to share it with others. I thank you that early on you validated that creative spark in me when I didn't even know it was there. And because of that here I am, able to do what I do today.
So many things more that I wanted to say and thank you for. But I know that I should not mourn your passing too much. Instead as your son, let me celebrate instead the life that you led; by giving credence and validation to the good values that you have taught us. And the only way to do that is to live our lives as fruitful and meaningful as we can.
I know now that my work lies ahead of me. I also know that I have an extra guardian angel watching over me and that should I need your strength, assurance, guidance, wisdom and love; all I need to ask you and remember the times that we had together.
I know I shall meet him again and perhaps when I do, he'd even be able to dictate and read back this blog to me word for word. 
I shall finish the book in your name and continue to do my little bit of good in this world for you have done so much good as well. And you already started that by being my Dad.
I Love you Dad.
Irronmith D'ethenedren
your son, Casey
 This started from a conversation I had with Nick about movies and missing the recent Pirates flick; of which I added that I should be in a "right" frame of mind watching the movie for I slept through the latter part of the 2nd movie. Was just too tired then. I was out like a light in the cinema. The word I used to describe me then was.."BORLOG!!!" That started it all. (we were both laughing like crazy and prompt people to ask what we both were on...gee, crack and saccharine?)
So for a week, I had funny images and situtations of our beloved creature in my head. And these are the result... Happy Reading! - CAZ/Greyhame ps. For the non Middle Earth denizen, Balrog is the creature that Gandalf fought in Fellowship of the Ring, hence the pic. And no...we don't look alike but if sleepy, sluggish and pissed I can probably be its twin.  BALRUGAN - Isang uri ng pagkatha ng mga salitang nauukol sa katangian ng isang BALROG. BALROG - Isang nilalalang na ubod ng kasamaan na nababalot sa apoy, may pakpak, sungay at may hawak na latigo. Nakatira sa ilalim ng Moria. (di sya cute) BORLOG - Sleeping BALROG in the Cinema BUANG - BALROG na natawa at nawala sa sarili BUGAK (1) - Ang paghalakhak ng BALROG na Katawag pansin BARLA - ang BALROG na nangwawarla BARLUSH - BALROG na Bading (minsan may shades of Purple) BAR - Kung Saan sila nagtitipon BING - ang pagtatawag ng 2 bading na BARLOG BOKYA - Barlog na nabuko sa kakapanggap BONNGA - Balrog na tanga! BAKTOL - Balrog na tumira ng katol BANTHA - Isang nilalang na walang kinalaman sa Barlog. (dahil Star Wars yun, engot!) BARLOW - Apelyidong pangtao na gamit ng isang Balrog pag nasa mundo ng tao. (naging Boy Band at one point in the 90's) BULKAN - Isang typo na nangyayari sa pagmamadali ng pag-type ng isang Balrog sa makinilya. Ibang nilalang kasi. (Star Trek reference: Di maarok ang matalas na tenga) - Balrog shakes head. BELAT - Ang stretch marks sa puson ng isang Balrog na nanganak. BLAG - Isang nadapa na Balrog BLABAG - Ang nadapang Balrog na may nadaganan. (Maari kapwa Balrog din) BLAGABAG - Ang pagbagsak ng mga gamit tulad ng Ref, malaking Plasma TV, Aircon, Tall Bookshelves, at anumang malapit o katabing gusali mula sa BLAG o BLABAG ng isang Balrog. (Hayop!) BALABAL - Scarf ng Balrog (di magamit, laging sunog) BAYOT - Balrog na mahilig sa iyot. (Halay!) BALWA - Balrog na nakatingin sa KAWALAN BALURA - Balrog na nagmumura BAKTONG - Balrog na bakat ang utong. (Ouch, maapoy!) BALUWA - Balrog na luwa ang dibdib (wow laki) BALIKO - Balrog na mahilig maglaro ng piko. BALTIK - Balrog na may alagang Itik. BANTOG - Balrog na nauntog. (laki kasi) BATIK - Balrog na Adik BATING - Balrog na nakalulon ng kuting. (uy si ALF!) BANLAG - Balrog na nalaglag. (sa puno?) BALMANG - Balrog na Timang BORAT - Balrog na maarat. (Huh? May lahing Hapon) BUGAK (2) - Balrog na namutla sa pagputi ng Uwak
Greetings fellow Vamps, Witches, Taltoses, Rowans, Julien and Mona Mayfairs.... It's our 2nd year anniversary today and I cannot help but be happy, thankful not to mention grateful for all the love and support that I have received from our group. I remember thinking back then why there seems to be no local representation for Anne and her works here in the country as I was sure that most of us were in hiding. The thought lingered until the 3rd Fantasy/Sci-Fi Convention which was a 2-day event held at the Glorietta activity area. Coming into contact with fellow lovers of the genre and other members (including leaders) of fan based groups, brought out the epiphany and propelled me to start the group via yahoo groups as most of the other organizations have done so. With my fingers pulsing with excitement and enthusiasm I quickly set up the yahoo account for the group and started texting people I knew and also some of my trainees about the group and how my love for Anne led me to what I did. Some would respond and said it they would join, others quickly snatched up the opportunity to be one of the first to sign up while others hovered indecisively and wanted to know more about Anne before doing so. But regardless of the journey and although some would protest that its much more important that the intended destination, our 2 year anniversary is a testament to how much Anne's works are loved, cherished, thought-of, studied and talked about. In time, we became the living embodiment of her words, her characters and how each and every one of them has touched upon our psyche and allowed us to respond and even identify with their quirks and fancies. 2 years after...I wouldn't have thought to sustain it thus far and I have each and ever one of you to thank for it. From listening to my rants...my ideas...my site designs....to how a lot of you came to our defense when we were attacked and then moved on knowing that we are far better than most who choose to detract rather than to contribute. So much and still more will happen in the next year or even next set of 2 years as we mark our anniversary with the accomplishments that we have done and the friends and brethren groups that we have aligned with and come to consider family, like the New Worlds Alliance, Powerbooks. For that and more, I thank you for fuelling my dream and yours. Here's to our 2nd year and more to come.... Raise thy glasses in celebration and in recognition.... Vamps and Witches, WE rule this day and this night..... Love, Blood & Blessings, CAZ aka. David Talbot Scribe of the Coven
What If the Lord of The Rings" were a Pinoy Movie?  1. There would be a Lord of The Rings... The Reunion (Happily Ever After).
2. The actor playing Aragorn would run for presidency and win in a major landslide. 3. The Hobbits would be played by the likes of Dagul, Mahal, Mura, & certain people from Malacanang and the Senate. 4. A scene would go like: Sam: Itahpon moh nah ang singsing!!!!! Frodo: Hindeh!!! Akhin itoh!!! Sam: Ngunit...Datapwat...Subalit...Bagkus....  5. The trailers would run for 30 minutes and reveal the whole plot of the movies (sinabi na lahat). 6. There would be a close-up shot of Aragorn and Eowyn, and in the background; a song by the Air Supply. ("I can see the pain living in your eyes...") 7. Everyone would cry in buckets including Sauron (for FAMAS moments).
8. Arwen: Itay, i-reforge mo ang Narsil (hikbi). Elrond: Hindi pwede... Mas magastos, bili na lang tayo ng bago. 9. In order to promote the movie, the actors would be seen singing and shaking their booties in noontime variety shows, which makes you wonder about the meaning of "talent".
Host: Why don't you invite everyone to watch your movie, pala? Actor 1: Oo nga pala, I'd like to invite everyone to watch my movie, The Lord of The Rings. I play an orc here... Actor 2: I play an Uruk-hai naman and please don't forget we have a promotional tour sa ESEM Bacolor, ESEM Pampanga, ESEM Basilan, ESEM Timbuktu... The cast members will have promo in the different noon time shows - sasayaw, kakanta at sasali sa mga games ng show! Di pa natuwa sa noon time show, may mall tour pa!  10. Sa talk show naman, sasabihin ng bida: "Actually ako ang gumanap sa lahat ng action scenes. Wala nag akong ka-double e. Nahirapan talaga ako. Kaya nga magandang-maganda itong palabas na ito!"
11. The theme song would be "It Might Be You" (in tagalog version) or "I'll Be" (also in tagalog version).
12. Siyempre kailangan din may scene na kakanta at sasayaw ang mga hobbits o ang Fellowship complete with back-up dancers to the tune of "Sumayaw, Sumunod"! A Pinoy film wouldn't be complete without a musical interlude. So, true to its original form, the Pinoy LOTR would have a big musical interlude right at the very end of the film, where everyone -- including the orcs and Sauron -- would have a musical number, complete with dancing.  13. After the awards season, some sort of anomaly will occur regarding the undeserving actor/actress/film who won the award, complete with crying in Sunday afternoon talk shows, and getting other stars' opinions on the matter, and of course, another teary-eyed public reconciliation. 14. The usual heavy breathing scenes in pinoy films; Like when Elrond & Aragorn are talking in the Rohan encampment, their breaths could be heard even in the popcorn stand. 15. There would be sampalan moments in the film. Oh, yes. They would alter the storyline so that Arwen would meet up with Eowyn and they'd have a sampalan scene while Aragorn looks on, looking quite smug. 
 No matter how many people we know from either family or friends who have passed away and moved on to better, greener and peaceful pastures, it doesn't make it any easier when the person is someone you know and someone whom much good times and laughter were attributed to. Such is our mommy, as our batch-mate in the call center industry call her..Mommy Ellen. She never made any qualms about who she is, being a single mother, where she came from and what she must do to earn her keep and support herself and her family. When asked she would lay it to you straight and unblemished. One who calls a spade a spade; one who would not sugarcoat things for you. That was how she was a friend and perhaps one who as a mother bore the burden of either to shield her child from the harsh realities of this world and let him discover things on his own or just simply lay it to him straight and head on. The training sessions were always a hoot for jokes that someone cracked would either be met with full opposition from her as being to risque even for her liberal sensibilities, or added with a touch of her own that would send the occupants of the entire room rolling on the floor and in stitches. She, for us, used the word "Chenelyn" profusely when everyone was just discovering the word to themselves. Her adeptness with gay linggo was just uncanny which makes one marvel at the extent of the kinds of people she meets along the way; imbibe it and makes their quirks as her own. I also remember telling her about my project at embarking or attempting to write a Fantasy novel. And having shown her my draft, hounded me to no end to finish it. As I am still in the process of finishing it, her presence at being one of the very first people who read and supported my work will always be with me. She will be dearly missed but fondly remembered. Mommy Ellen...fellow Life Traveller....Travel the new roads with love, sense of accomplishment and knowledge that we who are left behind were at one point in our lives graced with your presence; your zest for life; your laughter; your smile; your criticism; your support and your acceptance. We love you and miss you...Till we embark on the same roads again... Blessed Be!
Some people say
that artists are a dime a dozen. But if you are lucky some dimes just shine
more brightly than others. Such is the case for me when I recently interviewed
Julianne on my shift at Dream FM, 106.7
She came in towards my 2nd hour and having
to both interview her and prepare for the materials for the next day’s segment
show, “Soul Candy”, my nerves were frazzled. But being the trooper that I am, I
rose to the occasion and met with her.
What immediately drew me to Julianne is her immediate
and truthful sense of self; from her early days of singing in bands, doing
session work for artists like Gary Valenciano, Jay-R to traveling to Japan to perform for fellow Filipinos and Japanese
nationals alike. Julianne is one person who didn’t have any airs and comes from
the space of simply an artist who wanted to share her views and music to the
world.
Among her musical influences she cites are Jill Scott,
India Arie, Eryka Badu, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Incognito. There are more artists that have truly caught her musical ear but this has only
contributed to the richness of her own music.
She also shares the same views as I did about how the
local music industry as thriving as it is, still needed new blood and new
singer/songwriters, for the scene seemed to be dominated by bands once more and
some times a single, solitary voice espousing their own form of realization of
truth through music can be heard as effectively or even much more loudly than a rock
band.
There is a fine line that an artist treads in
addressing both what they feel from the wellspring of themselves and what they
see around them as a member of society. Julianne is also incongruence to this
fine line and hopes that thru her music, she would be able to do just that.
Truly a breath of fresh air, not to mention, soul coming to breathe anew in the
local music scene. One artist we would want to see evolve as she goes on
perfecting her craft.
2-21-07
And lo and behold there were 3.
3 for the standard number of meals a day an average human consumes; 3 for the Divine Trinity espoused by Catholicism and other religious dogmas; 3 for the sides of an Isosceles triangle; 3 for the fictitious and yet interesting bond of magically gifted siblings destined to protect and world. But in our case, 3 for the very successful 3rd Gathering we had recently on February 3, 2007 at the activity center of Powerbooks Megamall which featured the 3rd book in the Vampire Chronicles, Queen of the Damned.
There were of course more than 3 Vampires in attendance, which accounted for its success. I arrived close to the designated time of 6pm at the central activity area with Rubymae, my colleague at DWIZ in tow. Having come from the talk show we do together, we were rushing and fearing at the same time that we wouldn’t have ample time to have the tables set and the mandatory props all in place before other members arrive.
We were pleased however, and much to our delight and surprise, to find that upon arriving, the center table was already laid with a basic white cloth on it and a similarly red cloth for accent and contrast. Anne’s books on loan from Powerbooks that day were also placed on the table. We quickly started putting on the additional props that I brought, from votive candles to incense to my Vampire Companion book along with my Athame and Vampire goblet, which became the objects of covetousness for the entire duration of the Gathering.
Jermaine, better known on the boards as Jestat was the first to arrive along with his girlfriend Marilyn. Almost immediately he quickly shared his impassioned declaration about Anne and his association with a local group that unfortunately had disbanded called The Talamasca, named after Anne’s fictional Order of Psychic Detectives that figure prominently in the Lives of the Mayfair Witches. In the midst of sharing, a girl strolled along the table and looked at the books quizzically and politely inquired about the purpose of this assembly. I told her that it was a gathering of our group and we were expecting the others to arrive. I invited her to join and like Jestat, Maria quickly expressed her gladness at having come to the bookstore and merely browse and chanced upon our Gathering.
Maria already saw the arrangements earlier and was curious to see what the fuss was all about and simply returned when she saw people seated. She was a UP graduate of Creative writing and started reading Anne when she saw a copy of The Vampire Lestat in the school library. She added that it was recommended to her by friends earlier but didn’t want to be pushed to reading recommended books up until she felt she was ready for it. Shortly, our Vampire Bianca in the person of Lynn arrived in pure Vampiric fashion with laced white blouse and a trench coat at that. She equally shared that she didn’t read the Vampire Chronicles in their written order but started with the 5th Chronicle, Memnoch the Devil, and after that was hooked and devoured the Chronicles as a hungry Immortal would at the sight of blood. Her hardcover of Queen was equally worthy of attention.
Abby, a fellow member from the resident Megamall Powerbooks Book club also happened to stroll along the area and subsequently joined us. Boots, our Vampire Jesse, soon came afterward and I felt that slowly the Gathering of Immortals was starting to take shape as each member took turns introducing themselves and how they began with Anne. The same cycle continued when Beng, Boots sister came shortly afterwards.
I remember that as more and more people joined, I would have to ask the store personnel to add more chairs to our growing assembly. I found this rather amusing and lost count as to how many times I had to do that. Soon thereafter more members from Lynn’s group, Talamasca started to arrive. There was Rich, our Louis Pointe duLac, a tall and dark brooding figure replete with the Brad Pitt hair and mysterious but alluring charm; Earl, a television segment producer for Studio 23 came; and Art who according to Lynn was the fledgling of another fledgling. I couldn’t be happier at the thought as I was growing ever more ecstatic seeing the gradual increase in our numbers.
Soon the discussion took place and everyone on hand pretty much agreed that the Third Chronicle was a quick read and that at the time of its publication and reading, most of the members felt an affirmation for kinship as the Immortals grouped in Maharet’s Sonoma compound as they await and prepare for the cataclysmic confrontation between Akasha & Lestat. Akasha’s plan of eradicating the male species just to liberate the females and to have them rule the world was certainly not agreeable to all. I pointed out that Akasha seem to embody traits of a Nihilist and that she was only acting upon a knee-jerk reaction. In fact most of the vampires in Anne’s books do.
Maria added and pointed out, that Akasha being a unique embodiment of that could not find any reason to see the world otherwise, as being uncivilized and deserving to be punished for she was not of this world. She slept for centuries with only Marius taking care of her and so didn’t know how to participate and be existent in the modern times. She was not given the chance to adapt nor did she seek that option out.
It was never decided whether it was either an option that Akasha felt she didn’t have or simply the desperation to cling to any form of truth was so dire in the presence of its absence for her and therefore clouded her mind to everything else. And having deemed also of her purpose as her true calling, men to her were regarded as lesser beings. This then allowed Rubymae, our newly christened, Mona Mayfair to quip her famous line for the night, “Men are Dogs.” And she would repeatedly drop her famous line at strategic points in the conversation, which had every vampire at the table laugh to their hearts content and quickly endear her to the group evermore. Truly, Mona in all her glory and precocity.
Akasha like the vampires in Anne’s books are a metaphor for outsiders; for those who felt estranged from life and see no worthy purpose for it. How many of us at one point in our lives felt distant towards a person; a situation; one that clearly defines our participation and yet all we see is our need for detachment. Could it perhaps be an automatic trigger mechanism built in the human psyche that man distances himself almost automatically from situations that he feels he cannot control or simply unpalatable to what he has been predisposed to? If that was the case, then Anne clearly understood perfectly how it meant to be on the outside; for to be on the outside meant, objectivity. It meant seeing the situation for what it can be and not merely for what it is.
Lestat, in his own impetuosity and charm, sees his situation for what he wants and any regrets to be made or analysis of the consequences are made after the deed is done. Not before. He wanted to be a shining symbol of evil out to do good in the modern world. It is indeed no surprise why he is called the Brat Prince. And in his impulsiveness to make a name for himself in the public amidst warning from the Elders, clearly demonstrates how much of a human trait that is; to which the group readily and equally agreed. It is a trait that we at one point in our lives exhibited. And more often than not, it has gotten us into trouble. No different than the Brat Prince himself.
These ideas and more were at the heart of the discussion as the flow of topics would digress every so now and then but not before finding itself falling into place once more as the Gathering soon reached its climax.
In celebration of our recent induction into the New Worlds Alliance, I decided to raffle off some items for the group. Most of the members got the groups newly designed button pins but the luckier ones like Earl got a copy of Anne’s documentary, Birth of the Vampire and Rich, a copy of the audiobook of Interview With The Vampire which incidentally was the book that started his devotion to Anne. After that the group soon knew that the time had come to wrap up the Gathering as Powerbooks started to announce that it would be closing soon for the day. And so a quick Photo op was put together before we concluded the night’s Gathering.
It was a success by past standards and by sheer attendance of the Coven members, which totaled 12. But it was also a success from the point of all members giving their time freely by attending, discussing and simply sharing the effect that Anne had on them when they began reading her.
This incidentally also coincides with the very purpose on which the group was formed and that is to create and foster awareness for Anne and also for the value of reading, per se. All members of the Coven agree that reading at an early age enriches one’s vocabulary and also one’s sense of self. And if each member is able to embody that, be an unspoken role model for that cause and in turn affect one another and create the very same ripple effect on the next person within radius then we will have been truly successful. Not just for readers of Anne’s work but as individuals striving to create a difference in one’s life and in the lives of other people, through the personification of Anne’s myriad of reflective and flawed characters; the very reflection of the complex human being.
CAZ
Aka. DAVID TALBOT
Scribe of the Coven
 When I heard last year that there would be a reader’s convention this year, I was ecstatic. I was told that it was going to be the first and therefore for bibliophiles like me it was going to be an “event”. Together with that, I was also in the midst of getting “accreditation” with my own book club, “Anne Rice Philippines”. I didn’t think much of it and so these two situations were moving simultaneously as the 2006 was nearing its end.
Fast forward to now, my group has finally gotten the accreditation that I was working on with its recent induction into the New World Alliance and the Reader’s conference was scheduled on the same day as my vampiric gathering at Powerbooks. I was torn between rescheduling the gathering in order to be there. But crestfallen as I was, I was quickly relieved to know that the Read or Die Convention was a two-day event. This meant that I get to my have my cake and eat it two; which is more than most we at times get to have in this life.
Going with 3 members of my Coven on the 2nd day, the function room of the Intercon in Makati became a room of readers, publishers, enthusiasts and hopefuls. Some were there to rake on possible discounted finds. Some were there to attend and listen to the insightful words of wisdom if not inspiration and harsh realism from several keynote speakers. Some like me just felt they had to be there regardless what the day’s stay would yield and be present for what the event is. Lucky for me, that worked because I got to listen to Filipino author, F.Sionil Jose talk about the value of Literature, as its presence must once more be felt in the educational system and in local society. I got to boost the presence of my group, by setting up Anne’s books in the Alliance table and had two 2 newbies interested to sign-up. Along with that I got some vindication for my group, just the day after our successful gathering, by answering a question about Anne and her works during a Q& A portion and win a free book as well. And when the host announced over the PA system, “Oh, the Anne Rice people are here”, all fatigue and exhaustion from the day before simply evaporated from my system and I was dazed all day long.
Immediately I forgot my earlier complaint of not having enough sleep the week before (then again, when did I ever) but being in the room with like-minded people whose own level of interest, devotion and fanaticism equals your own just made everything complete for me that Sunday and made me care less about what I was whining about earlier and what would non-enthusiasts say about the time I spend in events like these. (I get my share of those as well)
But for what its worth, I’m glad that I was there. Not just for the group but also for the purpose I have in creating my group in the first place. That is to foster awareness for the benefits of reading. If you had known me growing up, I was never the person who couldn’t leave the house or go out without a book in tow. Heck, I couldn’t even finish a chapter then. When I would carry one back then it was for show. I knew that I liked having a book in my hands but that’s just about it. It was only after being a given a book on my birthday and committing myself to it, did I find it a surprising and rewarding venture.
So is this a mission that I have now; a quest to silence the crying of lambs in the cold winter’s night like detective Clarice Starling as each cry of a lamb represents the unsatisfied hunger of a literature-deprived individual? Or is it also because of being a Trainer, I saw and heard with own eyes and ears the startling result of a compromised education compounded with a lack of confidence and surety?
I know that there are equally many out there who feels the same way as I do. That if children these days were given the opportunities that our parents gave us, perhaps the next generation of thinkers would become do-ers. That the principles that they espouse be that which both defines and exemplifies their lives which in turn helps and spurns on others to do the same. Henceforth, a ripple effect is thus established.
And being thus characterized, who is to say where it begins and where it ends and in what form does it come and go?
And so having come to terms with that and with this event having ended, I’m bracing myself for another whirlwind of focused devotion and attention as the Alliance works its butt off for the upcoming 5th Annual Sci-Fi & Fantasy Convention this coming July.
The cycle has been finished only to yield another one to complete and take its place, pretty much like the ripples in the water.
In short, the work has not ended as it has only begun.
To the CON, my brothers and sisters…
Greetings Fellow Vamps,
Good news!!! We're finally part of the New Worlds Alliance!!! This is
the alliance of fantasy and sci-fi groups in the country. Among the
known and veteran groups that we are proud to call brethren are Star
Wars Philippines, Philippine Tolkien Society, CharmedPinoy, Pinoy
Harry Potter, Philippine Order of Narnians, Star Trek Philippines,
CSI Phils, Philippine Highlander Society, among others.
This is great for visibility and accreditation for our coven.
As one of the goals that I ideally envision for our coven group is to
promote awareness not just for Anne and her works but also for
reading in general.
Sad to say that some of the newer generation feel that the only form
of media that should be catered to and holds the highest values of
education and sense of aesthetics are what they see in local
television. They have lost the appetite for knowledge and information
as most is spoonfed to the general populace these days.
Let's work together to not only foster that awareness but also be a
living example to those souls who are on the quest for self
development and improvement.
And what better guide than us, the Coven of the Articulate. :)
Will keep u all posted on further developments and plans for our
Coven to thrive and flourish.
Thank you for being patient.
Much love.
Blood & Blessings,
CAZ. aka. David Talbot :) www.annericephils.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/annericephils/
Time flies when your having fun as they say. But time flies the fastest when you're not lookin, I'd add in. The year just seem to have whizzed past me when everything was still new; from warming up to a new job from the previous year ahead, keeping up with correspondence with friends that where found and discovered previously, which of course means keeping my own multiply site up to date as others put more info in theirs and at the same time expanding one's ever growing network of friends and acquaintances.
But for what its worth 2006 has not also been short of its challenges and instances that would require more than just maintenance work. Friends rallied up behind me and gave me more than just moral support when I needed it the most and that for me would be the capping glory of 2006; that the good one does all throughout is manifested by the presence and equally helpful acts of friends and contacts nurtured through the years. I shall forever be grateful for them.
So in the eve of 2007, I hold my head up high, proudly and happily knowing that whatever Blessings I have had in 2006 will be carried over to 2007 for opportunities to share and bestow equally good deeds and good words will come to me in the coming year and in the process account for good karma and more abundance that our generous Universe is more than willing to give.
Happy New Year everyone!!! Let's celebrate 2007 with a bang, with open arms and an open heart.
VALIAH ENTERETH!
Love,
CAZ!
Now remember about my previous rant about being unprofessional? Well, here’s the next part. It’s the official “sequel” to that rant as the day of the event came I was totally unprepared for people trying to pull their own weight having had the previous and past successful experiences of doing that.
Anyway, I got to the event at the appointed time of 630pm having been told that it will start early. Then again, we’re here in the Philippines so I should know better than to expect any form of American value for punctuality to be incorporated into the system. Having worked with American bosses was a blast and forced me to be mindful of these habits that we as a people have allowed to creep into the Filipino psyche.
The minute I stepped into the venue I was looking for contact person that contracted me for the event and lo and behold came face to face with my co-host; an attorney at that. Perhaps I would account either for her age or for her usual way of barking at people considering her degree and all. She starts pulling me aside and talks about the program and details of a segment that was recently added into the program, in which I was to sing a Christmas song. I told her I knew of that but because of time constraints and was in contact with the coordinator, the band said they couldn’t perform it but I could sing it acapella.
Almost immediately she fumed and accosted me for not being able to “require” the band to learn the song when in fact it should have been the coordinators job to do that and not mine. She said that having been informed about it there was ample time. The mere fact that the band guy took a day and a half to respond back accounted for the time lost not to mention the late notification of this segments inclusion. And here I am taking the heat for their ineptitude.
Being the outsider I was recovering in shock and felt my narration of the circumstances as my defense was brought in weakly to stand in as evidence. With my facial expression, I let her know that I was peeved at her attitude and relented to be mature about the whole thing as regard it as her frayed nerves at having seeing no one yet at the event and milling about different parts of the floor and equally barking at people who seem to be in her own eyes, incapable and unprofessional. When in fact, it was her who was pegging herself to that classification. Before the event started I avoided her like the plague. And by the end of the event, she tried to warm up to me by saying she enjoyed my singing and that I should pursue a career in theatre.
Thank you but no thanks if that was her way in wanting to nullify the effect that she has caused. Perhaps she knew that she was out of line when she blamed me for whatever imperfections the program had and realized that no program really runs smoothly and as perfectly executed on paper. When asked to relax & smile, she even declared loudly that she couldn’t and there was no time for it.
When you think about it, the conditions in our life that gives us lack of sleep, tension, anxiety, are brought about by how we view them and react towards them accordingly. It’s our choice. She chose not to relax and enjoy the evening and considered to be bothered by the whole event. I chose to keep my cool. Rant about it in this blog and release it to the Universe. I’ve said my peace and ready to move along….
Although it would be nice to see her trip along the mall carrying her Christmas goodies…heheheh.
Earlier today my friend and fellow artist in rant, told me of her personal experience with working with people who are totally unprofessional or to put it more politically correct, have a different sense of professionalism and work ethic.
I feel for her situation and wonder if I were in her place, being at the forefront of a situation almost akin to harassment and insubordination at the same time, could I have still held my cool, albeit my tongue.
One thing I would be ranting here is my own experience at how some people can keep you waiting and standing on ceremony. You see, I’m to host a corporate event over the weekend with some tweaks in the program added at the last minute. Unfortunately, the segment required me to sing a holiday ditty whose musical instrumentation, or minus-one in the vernacular, proved to be elusive and likewise unavailable. I was tasked then of having to talk to the band guy to find out if they can accompany me during the number. Halfway through, I thought shouldn’t that be the job of the coordinator and not mine? But then again, that’s a different rant, so I shall not digress and stick to the issue at hand.
In the interest of wanting to have a smooth presentation, I took the task and began to contact the band guy. It took him a night before responding and it was only after I called him up following three of my texts did he respond. And said that it was on short notice and that they could not accommodate my request. And lo and behold, it became my request and not of the company who contracted me in the first place. What gall! And during the conversation he even wanted me to text him the details and not speak of it over the phone in order to be comprehended.
I didn’t want to pull whatever clout I thought I had but I figured after introducing myself over the phone and finally on the last and fourth repeated text by adding the name of the radio station that I’m affiliated with as credentials did he respond.
So now, if I were merely an “ordinary” host he would’ve just continually ignored my texts and only after attaching my name and thereby revealing my status or if not lineage was he shaken to the rafters and was prompted to respond?
Why should people not have the decency or sense of urgency even to respond accordingly and not have to make others wait in the service of their own folly? It is foolish and darn unprofessional. And to think that he and I can be touted as brothers in the business, and still carry on the way that he did? Well, if I had a brother like that, I’d take the nearest baseball bat and whack some sense into him. Or be the nasty kid brother and be the proverbial tattletale and rant on the parent of a company and let them handle him on their terms…
Which seems to be not a bad idea when you think about it.
…Note to self…rant to parents…hmmmm.
| You Are Storm |
 http://images.blogthings.com/whichofthexmenareyouquiz/storm.jpg" height="100" width="100">
Exotic and powerful, Storm descended from a line of African priestesses.
Emotions can effect your powers, but you are generally serene.
Powers: controlling weather, creating winds that lift you into flight, generating lightning |
How many times have we gone to public restrooms and found it reeking with the pungent smell of urine accumulating in the bowls and just left there to be added on by the next user who is equally delinquent if not indifferent about what they see?
Well, public or not. This is a bad habit that we as Filipinos, should start cultivating. It's 8am in the office and coming out of the restroom, i found that the maintenance people have not done their early morning sweep.
And then people started going in the rest room and on top of that a meeting is to start soon and some ex-pats just went in and did their bit.
I can only cringe at the thought of what went on in their minds as they were using the lavatories with its smelly and wet floors.
We who work in private companies certainly can do better than some who use the public restrooms wantonly and indifferently.
Let's try and do our little bit to make the environment clean and presentable at the very least for ourselves and for others.
Oh, and did I tell you that every single time I go into the restroom and see that the urinals are not flushed, I go out of my way to flush each and every single one....
Egads! Gadzooks! or simply just a breath of relief for rumors spinning about since the movie's planning stages but Robert Downey Jr, has finally bagged the title role of Tony Stark, millionaire playboy/superhero for the movie adaptation of Marvel's comics superhero, IRON MAN. No other casting news has been released but I am equally waiting in baited breath for the casting of Iron Man's arch nemesis, The MANDARIN, who is a Fu ManChu lookalike and wields rings of power in each finger. Take that, Sauron!
With Ghost Rider out and several sequels for previous hits out like Hulk, Fantastic Four and even (gasp), Daredevil, we can only wait and hope for the best. And by that time let's hope that Buffy creator, Joss Whedon has finally casted the role of another hero, or should I say heroine, who's been waiting for her movie for the longest time. Yupes, its Wonder Woman.
They say that great things come to those who wait and not just the good things.
Coming home from attending and hosting a Wedding reception, it is these words that the groom uttered that kept me thinking as I drove home. Seeing how happy he was when he was thanking everyone who came and attended and how he spoke of the circumstances that led to meeting his wife serendipitously.
He did believe that good things come. However it is the great things that really are worth the wait. His statement belied the old saying that it is the good thing that comes to those who exercise and conduct themselves in the delectation of upholding the virtues of patience and perseverance.
I say this for many a seeking soul, the reality of having to share someone their lives continue to be a constant battle if not a mystery.
I also say this for some people feel that marriage is a Choice. Some people feel that marriage on the other hand is fate; like the end result of the uniformed alignment of the planets to create a harmonious and pleasant not to mention a memorable experience.
Choice perhaps because one would have to choose the mundane task of setting a marriage date, the church where one wants to be married down to the pastor who would officiate the ceremony and eventually book the hotel where the nuptials will be celebrated and given validation by the many number of family members and friends who all will bear witness to that union and hence give it credence and significance.
Fate for some because out of the billion people in the world or in the part of the world where you live in, a beautiful soul comes into your life; knocking on your heart’s door or literally landing on your door step falling flat on their faces just hoping to vie for your attention in the hopes for a date or even another one just to get to know you better.
And to get to know life and in the process the mysterious force that is love is to know that these two principles operate at times within no realm of absolutes. It conducts itself in the realm of the gray, where things are hard to be given a fixed form or a constant answer to an ever evolving question. True, the metrics of love change from couple to couple and cannot be for the most part quantified but the mechanics on how it holds true for people in love continue to remain a mystery.
This is so for species like us that seeks to categorize everything that we see and do and having been accustomed to the scientific way of doing so, the answer continues to elude us and we end up debating if the marriage, the meeting and union of two souls, is bound by the force of fate or of choice.
And yet personally being in a domesticated partnership such as myself, I cannot say that I have found the answers much less affirm that I have delineated the borders that even come to define. Like most, I can only hope to rely on the combination of the two earlier debated forces of Fate & Choice that defined and created the conditions that I have in my life at the moment.
Fate for the most part stretches forth out her warm and nurturing touch and have two strangers meet; weaving both a scenery of circumstance and coincidences peopled by characters coming from both camps of the people involved. Fate sees this development and steps back and let the designated characters act out the part that she has drawn for them and if they are lucky, they get past the first act of dating and the getting-to-know-you-scenes before moving onto the second act of the performance which is the confirmation of the journey of the first act so far and seeking verify that through witnesses and ceremony. The performance thus ends with everyone being thanked for their participation and the rest of the evening is left for the hired band to usher everyone into merrymaking while songs are played and guests dance their cares away.
Choice enters the picture the day after as the two joined souls have signed the papers, made a vocal and written commitment to cherish one another; to have and to hold and to accept each others differences which marks any significant union and which makes each and every union dynamic and ever evolving. This choice also is present during the tough times when voices are raised in protest and over the differences in outlook and in personal persuasion and objects of possession are hurled across the room in the hopes that that message is heard and sent across.
Truly no one Force can ever be devoid of each other without recognizing the fact that both of them cannot truly function without the other; being complementary to each. The meeting of those two souls can easily be attributed to fate but the force of choice follows that up and defines the next step to follow and how the road is either smoothed out or roughened up.
So for those who feel that they have found someone worthy and willing to share their lives with, begin to thank your lucky stars that the Universe has indeed given you that person. What follows next is the Choice to uphold that recognition that this person is in your life for a reason just as you are in his life for one.
And in the journey together, you just may find your answers.
If in case along the road you may find even some more questions to answer. Then perhaps you may choose to do so or just skip them and just drive safely and content to work knowing that the person who chose you will be serving you a warm, cooked, loving meal when you get home at the end of the day.
And just when some thought it would not happen again, lo and behold, we
had our second meeting last Saturday at Powerbooks Megamall.
Admittedly, its been a long time coming, but as the old adage says, better late
than never.
First
off, I would like to thank those who went. I know how important most of
our Saturday nights are to each and every one of us, but you still came
and I’m so glad and thankful that you all were there. Those who were in
attendance were Pinky, my Rowan Mayfair for life; Boots, who missed out
the last time but whose enthusiasm for what we do is infectious as
always; Lynn, our Talamascan representative who
came in black and whose accessories stole the rest of the evening
(ehem!); Ruby Mae, who had to come after her curiosity was aroused
after much persuasion. She is also my colleague from “Echoes of the Heart”, the radio talk show I do every Saturday afternoon with our one and only Ms. World, Ms. Evangeline Pascual;
Eman, Boots’ friend and manager of Kenny Rogers Megamall; and a new
recruit named Letty, who along with her 11 year old son, Lester simply
sat in our area and didn’t think that a discussion was going on prior
to when we started.
Sadly
those who were not in attendance were missed namely Toby, Powerbooks
Megamall Book Club leader and facilitator, Babette and Marie, both dear
friends and fellow Powerbooks Book Club members. 3 members of
CharmedPinoy, Penny, Deks and Jo were also missed as they had their own
meeting to be at as well. Jonatz, a fellow Terry Brooks fan and finally
Beng, the sister of Boots responsible for our logo and hard at work
with our website too.
And
so we started as everyone was coming in and kicked off with the usual
introductions and updates. Ruby Mae, starting it by revealing that she
had to come and see for herself what transpires in Book Club
discussions like these. No doubt that after tonight, she would be
attending more and has become Anne-curious. Boots who was also a former
colleague from DWIZ, came with Eman and was so happy to be finally
attending.
She added that although her sister Beng, was absent from our gathering, she is nonetheless hard at work at our groups website. I just can’t wait.
In fact, she is also responsible for our “logo”. Before moving on to
Pinky who sat beside me, the turn fell to our new “recruit”, Letty.
She
was merely seated at our area to have a little reading time of her own
when our Vampire books laid for everyone to see on the low-rise center
table caught her attention; not to mention that we, beautiful Children
of the Millenia simply could not be anything but noticeable. Pardon my
indulgencies. If we don’t do that, then who better than ourselves lest
we wait for the promise of a compliment from others who cannot give it.
Ha, ha. Lestat speaking. Ah, Le Attention. Oui.
Little
did she know that she would be in for a treat and this automaticall |
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