THAT INFERNO IS A NO-NO!

As I approach our house that's the only time that I was convinced that the fire wasn't in our area. By not much--about five miles across the river. But, if you look at these pictures, you would think that it's our backyard already. Everything is still standing around our house. No dark clouds, no smoke dusts, no bad smelling air to spoil the rather cool weather. We're lucky the wind  carried them into the ocean way, just like it did last year during the county-wide 5-fires that lasted for almost one week. There's no way to predict these from occurring, no way we can say we won't be hit. All we can do is pray and be a little prepared. God bless those who help themselves. If you do good things that He says, you will be save and good hands. Are you in good Hands? I hope so. So, don't worry as I do. We get to live another day. Good deed as good deed does, as Forrest Gump would say.

It is now 11 pm, the fire have scorched 1,200 acres and more than 1,000 persons evacuated from the Juliet area inside  Camp Pendleton. Update on the fire will be posted next.

I'M ON THE WAY HOME, HONEY!

It was about 5:15 pm when I heading for home driving past Highway 78 that I saw the thick smoke billowing into the sky. As I drive nearer to the house I could see it become bigger and bigger. I thought, I hope the fire wasn't IN our neighborhood. One mile away from the house, I realized that the fire indeed was far and our house is safe. From the new Ceasar Chavez Middle School and the new public park at the back, I could see the wide extend of the brush fire that was raging inside Camp Pendleton fanned by the high humidity and Santa Ana wind which was predicted to happen in the Inland Area. I guess the meteorologists were wrong again. The fire was just near the coastal boundary and it's cause is officially known yet. But, it would spread through the night and hoping the winds die down. If not, a lot of people we'll have to evacuate and thus have a long night ahead. I hope they're safe.

IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?

Only last August, Kuya, Ate liz, Nette and I went to hear Mass at this Mission and we were all in awe with the place. It was serene, quiet and quite an amazing place to visit. The background were perfect then, but came today, it was like a surreal feeling of what was really happening. In fact the fire was about 8 miles away up north. And the fire was spreading fast into the night. But the church is safe, thank God, for it sits across the San Luis Rey River. And if you can see, the Mission is still the King. Towering over the fire and undisturbed with the flags showing the westerly wind that prevented the church to be enveloped by the dark, big smoke. Can that be called, "Holy Smoke"? Pardon the pun. It's really a blessing for us that fire is far away from our house. That we can thank God for.

THE FIRE, THE SUN AND THE MOON

Last Thursday at 3 in the afternoon, a wildfire started in the Camp Pendleton training area, as shown near the intersection of Highway 76 and Frazee Road. That's the streets we take in going home. Then, we were not worried because it was contolled as the evening came and contained the next day. That was good I said to myself, but, I was wrong because today at just about 3 pm, another fire started at the same area and this time it was bigger and spread farther into Bonsall and houses were evacuated and relocated into the El Camino High School relocation center. I was driving home when these shots were taken. What's unique about the situation is when I saw the fire in the north, the sun in the west and the moon in the east. How can this be? Is Mother Nature telling us something?

Paradise Will be Lost (Temporarily)

In the twenty-one years we've been living in North County, San Diego, we have seen and felt what it is supposed to be like in paradise, if there's really a place. From the north, there's Oceanside and going south, there's Carlsbad, then Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Carmel Valley. Weatherwise, locationwise, there's no shortage of beautiful places to go like in the pictures shown here. These were taken in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, the southern part of Encinitas, that stretches in part of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) 101.

Taken on a cliff overlooking the ocean, last Septmber,
these houses in the background are worth millions each, while a railroad bridge crosses the lagoon in the foreground. The Chart House, below, is a favorite seafood restaurant, so much so that even when there's a storm and flooding around the building, there are still many guest dining, just to see the ocean waves splashing into the tempered window glass. And if I have dream house, this lovely house is just the perfect one in just the perfect place. (I could already see myself looking into the ocean with the sunset with a pina colada in my hand. If that ever happens, I can consider myself like Adam and my wife, like Eve, before they lost it all. But, sometimes paradise can be lost, even temporarily, as you will see in my next post entry.

THE BEST OF TIMES, THE WORST OF TIMES

On September 11, 2008 we remembered the victims of the single most tragic event in American history. Many lives were broken, many pains were suffered by this very unnecessary and evil act perpetuated allegedly by one evil person (Muslim or otherwise). I can't fathom how the families of those who died are coping now. But, in this worst of time come out the heroes--cops, firemen, medics and plain office mates. These brave and hardworking men and women who toiled to right this wrong. Still, it's a very painful feeling when August finally ends and comes September.

In all of these sadness comes joy, at least for me, also to Nette and our friends, Nanie, Agnes and Carrie. And that is when I got the call from Arnel, on September 26, that we would really was going to see him and the Journey perform live in concert. To think that last August, I gave up of ever going to see one of their concerts this year. But, that month was saved by the excitement of my niece's wedding and seeing my family again, also. I'll treasure those happy moments with them.

And when October 1st came and having seen the Journey sing their songs of hope, encouragement and just plain corny feelings expressed in, of all media, rock and rock style, I couldn't ask for anything more. Because the memories--sounds and sights of them, especially, of course, our Idol--still lingers in my thoughts. Tanong nga ni Aggie kung high pa raw ako hanggang ngayon, when we chatted tonight. And I answered without hesitation:"Yes!" But, their US concert tour ended October 5. So that was it, I just have to wait for the Summer of 2009. And indeed I will wait to continue the journey.

But after October 1st came the collapse of Wall Street triggered by the greed and false sense of being of some to what Americans should really be. The excesses of some citizens of this great country--the urge to keep up with the Joneses, as they say. And by their recklessness and foolishness to have it all, to know it all, it ultimately comes to all of us, globally, who will pay and suffer for it. The US government will not be able to solve this problem as one knowledgeable source I talked to said. And to think it started to grow slowly six years ago and nobody was payin attention. All of them wanted some of the goodies of course. Some believe Uncle Sam can fix this mess, but, I believe only the GOD-father and the SON can do the job. All we have to do is pray FAITHFULLY, DON'T STOP BELIEVING IN HIM, BE GOOD TO YOURSELVES AND CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

And what do we do about those careless Chinese who allowed this "Got (Tainted) Milk! hysteria grow to such monstrosity. Should Uncle Sam do some spanking to his favorite or most favored nation. It's interesting to see how the Eagle battles the Tiger. To wit:"The eagle can fly, but, the tiger cannot eagle." All the tiger can do is crouch! And what does that do? So, does that mean the Eagle will win. Abangan Ang Pagdapo ni Juan "Journior! HOHOHO! I mean: Hehehe! Or maybe Someone's (or Something's) Good Waiting For Me (Us)? And make me feel good again. Winning the lotto wouldn't be bad! I just have to work more on my "The Secret" formulate! LOL. I hope I have lighten up your life.

JOY AND PAIN IN MY HEART (At The Concert)

After having our tickets checked by the attendant we walked inside the showroom lobby where the concertgoers were happily talking to each other, comparing notes about latest in their idols' happenings and some were looking into many Journey souvenir items like t-shirts, posters, CD albums, canvas bags and even key chains. If you noticed Nette and I wore black attire, sabi nga kasi ni Nette pang-rock ang mga ito. And she was right, there were many wearing black, some of them even with the Revelation CD graphics which I have one having given two of them to two my friends in Manila together with the CDs of which I had bought 10 already. Still waiting for us to enter thru the main door, we saw the group of 20 persons as part of the "Meet And Greet 5 Star/4 Star" ticket holders. These fans paid $350 and 250 each just to see, meet and pose for pictures with the Journey members in a room just besides the hall, before the show started. In fact, a wall to our left only divided Arnel and us and still we cannot give him our thank you card. We felt hopeless about it. Hopeless more so because in front of the door was burly and well-muscled security guard, i think he's Indian, who looks like the very tall villain in the James Bond movie, guarding against any neurotic or hyper-ecstatic or just plain drunk fans who might enter and hurt any of the band members or even Arnel. I said this because there are Steve Perry fans who believe nobody, even if he's better than SP, has the right to be the lead singer. Arnel (AP) have proven he can on the many European and US concerts and tonight he'll sure prove it again. Even if both singers have P (for Power) in their names, A is first to S's voice. Finally, we were ushered to our seats. And we couldn't believe we were to be so near Arnel and yet so far, but, that where we were was more good enough for us.

Now, another waiting starts. We were seated to the right side of the stage at around 7:15 pm for a show to begin at 8 pm. Well we thought that's a short time to wait, a short time to look around as fans continue to enter and take notice of the different and diverse kind of the new Journey band audience. And they range from the very young to the old, male and female gender (but I'm sure I'm right there many of the latter), and the sosyal and jolo crowd. But, everybody were finally getting along, except for some who found their seats a little nearer than what's printed on their tcikets. Kung makakalusot lang! (I know what you're thinking. They were not Pinoys!) Still no Journey but there lots of other rock group music coming out of the speakers as 15 minutes pass 8 pm and the hall wasn't filled and the concert was supposed to be sold-out. (with half of the seats empty?). But about 8:20 people started to fill in and some were whistling for the show to start. The stage and band hands came out making final sound, lights and equipment checks. The mikes, guitars and drums were ready.

The other rock music stopped and on the two big video screens the band members were shown giving high fives and walking from the backstage to the main stage and the audience made a wild roar, loud whistling and hand clapping all at the same time. It even became wilder and louder when the band started playing their first song and when Arnel hit the first note, the audience stood up, so we stood up also, and from then on we didn't seat down for more 5 minutes. So I said to myself, this is American Rock and Roll, not like the last R&R concert of Blood, Sweat and Tears at Araneta Coliseum during the 1970's. Where I would have thought nobody was watching because I was seated in the general admission, the seats almost empty and hardly no loud cheering I can feel my knees click! The band had to tell us to come down and seat nearer to the stage! But, Arnel Pineda had the audience in the palm of his hands and he could do whatever he wants to by the mere sound of his powerful voice. Into the third song the sound was awful--it was either too loud or under mixed that tended to drown out AP's voice. After more and continuous loud cheer from the audience did the sound got better, the sound man might have finally got over the pina colada he had or else not get paid after the concert! Hehehe! The band performed their Dirty Dozen hit songs and new songs and 3 or 4 songs from their other albums with the trademark Journey sound. And Arnel rendered his own version of what Neal Schon was looking for a lead singer, the legacy sound. Not the SP sound! (I'll add the set list when I find them). But I'm sure the we went nuts over songs like; After All These Years (AATY), OA (Open Arms), Faithfully (F), Don't Stop Believing (DSB), Separate Ways (SW), Wheels In The Sky (WITS) and Only The Young (OTY).

Arnel was in his usual self, bouncing around, jumping from the drum riser, doing his trademark microphone pumping action and running to the left side of the stage to the right side just so the audience can see his face which made them cheer even louder. The Pinoys best cheered when he said:"Mabuhay!" and "See You Again, Teme-cula!" at the end of the show. Well, as for the band, they performed and sung just like in their studio sound, only more LIVELIER and fuller. They were all pro together with Arnel. Neal Schon, the lead guitarist and ex-Santana co-founder, played it as if his hands were on fire, and the one most jammed along with Arnel. Just as Arnel has that souring tenor, Neal's guitar was equally soaring and even weeping at one time. Ross Valory, the 59 year old base guitarist, was perfectly on the spot that his duh, duh plucking is felt strongly as if it's the viewers' heart. Ross was funny to watch, he's always making faces with the audience and the second one whom Arnel also jams along. Jonathan Cain, on the keyboard and composer, plays like a classical pianist and a bluegrass harmonica player. Together with Neal and Ross playing their guitars was a sight to see and hear. Deen Castronovo, the drummer, was not to be left out. Because with his energetic and very timely playing and also with his higher than Pineda's already high solo voice, there wouldn't be the present Journey sound than is a lot better musically than the other versions.

We had the time of our lives, with all the non-stop shouting, howling and singing-along with Arnel and the band. We waved our hands, swayed our hips (later on it didn't take long for Nette to be dancing along also). As for me, I was hitting my imaginary drum set just like Deen's and singing-along Arnel (only with a LOWER key)! Hehehe. The other older fans had a blast too when Journey sung 2 two songs which I don't know the titles and they seems like they were the ones singing them together the swaying of the hands and the full open mouths that says: "I know this song." There were poignant moments during the show. One of them was a couple in the front row kissing each other, also a couple to my right in a locked hug, while Arnel sung AATY with all the emotions only he or anybody who have felt what's in the beautiful lyrics and music score. Of course, one couple did the same when "Faithfully" was sung. And that couple was us. I gave Nette a kiss that she was surprise that I would do in public. Well, there's a;ways a first time. Even if it's in a rock concert. And true, this is our FIRST ROCK CONCERT! And as they say also, we will cherish the love--and togetherness and feeling of joy.

The band performed more solos, like that of Deen's 'Mother, Father", two by Neal Schon's and Ross Valory's and one by Jonathan. which I though was usual because in their other venues Arnel carried most of the belting. As the show neared the finally encore, we noticed that he was tired and his voice was flat in some of the songs and also the members particularly Deen who I heard missed a beat but was able to catch up. This maybe because they have 2 back to back shows at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles the nights before this. But, they always give their all and we weren't disappointed at all. And it was more than what they were advertised. It wasn't all You Tube hype. They were real and basically don't need front acts. I only wish the stage was bigger for more room for Arnel to do his thing. I do wish a lot, huh? You'd say "One wish at a time muna." The show ended at almost 10:30. And I believe they performed for two hours. By this time Nette and I were half deaf and whenever I tell her something she couldn't hear me because of the very loud sound coming from those enormous speakers just 10 feet to our left.

What wasn't advertised was that Arnel was sick with fever that night. And still was able to sound as if he was still singing three sets at Hard Rock Cafe Manila, at Bagaberde and the Gapo. It was confirmed for us that he wasn't his normal self during the final bow when he uttered hoarsely so:"Not bad for a sick boy!" Wow! Boy! If I were to get sick and sound and act like him, I'd wouldn't mind it at all. I'd rather be sick for a month than be at work five days a week. Then they bid goodbye, Neal and Jonathan throwing guitar picks at the audience and Deen throwing a couple pair of his drum sticks, too. And we gave them a standing, standing only ovation, clapping our hand that I can feel that my palm hardening that they were almost callous already. And they walked back towards the backstage. But, we wouldn't let them go and continue shouting, cheering and clapping for a good 90 seconds until they came back with an encore of SP's "Touchin, Squeezin' N Lovin' which was the most fun and sad part of the show. Fun, because the fans were really having a great time with Boys. Sad, because of me knowing that Arnel wasn't feeling well and I felt guilty to think what's with him why he didn't even bother to answer my messages and texts. And that it will take another two seasons till we get to see him, that time I hope, personally. All I can say is well done boys. You made me very happy not just for a night but for more days to come.

Note: I sorry I didn't have many pictures of the concert because cameras weren't allowed. But, I did get some videos and sounds for home viewing only. My posts are also subject to addition and/or omission as memory becomes clearer as time goes by. So check it back if you like. Thank you.

THE CONCERT OF THE YEAR

Last Saturday, September 26, we picked-up our tickets at Pechanga Resort and Casino glad that finally we have the proofs that we indeed was going to see Journey and Arnel Pineda. Because after having bought Lawn tickets (the fartest from the stage) for $135 last August 1 for their Harrah's Rincon Casino concert on October 3, only to be told the next day that the tickets were reserved and that I'll not be charge in my credit card anyway. I was really disappointed that there was really no chance for me watch them this year and that's bad. And who would know the bad who turn out for the better. I guess if you really wanted something very much, you just have to think hard that you have and you're there already. That they say is the "Secret" in life-the power of positive thinking. Lucky for me and Nette, it worked out. The only missing part to complete this event is that the promoter canceled the VIP Pass meeting. But this didn't dampened our excitement to see the J-Boys.

That was evident, at least for me, when the day before the concert I was choosing what to wear and doing the checklist what to bring like: earplugs, binoculars, Journey's Revelation CD and T-shirt with black and silver ink Sharpie matker pens and Zoo's Gimik CD for autograph signing, digital camera with 3 batteries and a new memory card. And the Thank You card we were hoping we could give to Arnel personally. I wasn't a Boy Scout in grade school but I was a PMT cadet for four years! So, after that I've always like to have things prepared and covered, so to speak. So, on the day of the concert, October 1, 2008 we left home early to be at the casino before everybody else to avoid the traffic like what happened on their other concerts. We arrived at the casino well ahead of time that we still have time to eat a light snack and some slot machine playing and then at around 7 pm we walked in front of the showroom entrance area where we saw some die-hard fans are assembling already and excitedly telling stories about the concerts they've been to and how they met Arnel also. Nette was even given a reproduction pen/ink and crayon poster of Arnel singing created by one artist-fan of his. And that in part made up for that meeting with Arnel that would not take place.

TICKETS FOR A JOURNEY

Actually, I got the good news last Friday, September 26, 4:15 pm, when he himself called me in my cell phone. He asked in a soft and husky voice and simple as he does, I'm told: "Is this Jun? And I answered: "Yes." I couldn't make our conversation longer and make some tsika because I was in the middle of doing my duties at work. And my office mates were looking at me as if they were saying:"Nasa phone na naman si Pablo!" Well, I didn't mind them and kept the call going and they couldn't do anything about it. I've waited for this call for more than a month. And if they think I'll cut it short and tell me to go back to work, they can wait for Christmas!

He said:"This is Arnel. (Note: He didn't even say his last name. He's that humble and friendly.) Somebody from Pechanga will contact you about the tickets. These are two tickets." For a while I didn't know what to say and trying not to let him (or my co-workers) hear how excited I really was just to hear his voice. And the only question I could think of asking was: "When will they call? The whole day?" He said: "Just wait for the call." I said:"Okay. Thank you very much." I went back to work not knowing how to concentrate on doing it and thinking the call may not come that day for it was almost 5 pm and the Box Office will be closed. And that means I have to wait the next day-or even the whole day and I have work the next day, Saturday, when it tends to be busier that the weekdays. I said to myself:"Patay, baka di ko marinig ang ring!" I just thought: I waited this long, so what is a day. At least I know my good friend has made good on her promise for us to see Arnel and Journey in Concert LIVE.

Well, I went back to work when not three minutes passed when my phone rung and it was the gracious and polite Special Events Coordinator on the other end. And she said: "Jun, there are tickets here for you arranged by your friend with the Journey." And I answered: "Yes, yes, he's Arnel Pineda. How much are the tickets?" She replied: "$100 at the Gold-Right . The best I can do for you." I said to myself: "That's perfectly alright with me because I learned that tickets were sold-out in 18 minutes way back something like three months ago." Can I pick it up tomorrow?" (Cause I want to make sure that I would indeed have the tickets, in my hands and believe this is happening for real, to this much highly anticipated and recommended concert of the year.) She said: "Sure, any day or before the show starts." And after I dictated my plastic card information (as I knew before then they will not be free), she said I'm all set. (All set for a journey I thought would never take off.)

That Friday night I decided to keep it a secret from Nette and just surprise her the next day. Upon learning from her that she's got nowhere to go that next Saturday, I told her we would go to Pechanga, after getting home from work, and check out the place IF ever we get the tickets. And she said okay let's go, play slots a little and get something to eat at one of their restaurants. Mommy came with us cause we haven't gone out with her in a long time. I was leading them to the Box Office, pretending to look around, checking the showroom's line-up till I couldn't contain my excitement and went to one of the teller and showed her the confirmation number that was given to me. She went to the back of the office, check the computer and asked the number again, typed it in the computer, pulled opened another drawer and voila, she came back with an envelope and asked for my ID. All Nette and Mommy was looking at the whole scene with amazement that indeed we went there just to really pick-up the tickets. Nette said: "Ikaw talaga, Galing mong magtago ng secret!"

At last we have the tickets and we decided to call Arnel to thank him from the bottom of our hearts, but, it was only the voicemail that came on and we left messages right there and there. But because of the casino gamblers and slots noises, I wasn't able to answer his 5:09 call. It was only while eating at the Flaming Noodles that heard from my cell that he left a message telling me to text him my real name together with Nette's for he's arranging a VIP Pass for us. And that call is now locked-in my Message log forever. It doesn't get any better than this. We'll get to see him sing and get real close in meeting him at the same time. We went home very excited and eagerly chatted with our friends in Hongkong and Manila to tell them about the good news.

And for the next five days nothing can deplete my happy feeling, not even the bad news on Wall Street, the hot and cold weather and the feeling of helplessness of some of the people I've talked to. Those things can wait, a have a concert to watch and prepare. Solving the world's problem I am not prepared and equipped, but, I can give you the three titles of the Journey's songs: "Be Good To Yourself," Change For The Better and "Don't Stop Believing" and I believe every good things will follow from those lyrics.

DON'T STOP BELIEVING

My trip in following the Journey (most of them YouTube viewing!) this year is coming hopefully to a happy ending. But, there are only a few concerts remaining. And if I don't get to see Arnel LIVE, it's fine with me. After all there is next year. Meeting a good friend in Manila last month, I might be in for a pleasant surprise. And since I found out about the group's songs last March, I didn't stop believing that somehow, somewhere, sometime that I, and also Nette, would be very happy to see them even for just few hours. Sabi nga:"Tutukan ninyo ang susunod na poste!"

HIGH SCHOOL MATES

I always wonder what happened to my good old High School classmates. For reasons I can't recall now, after graduation I did not have contact with any of them. That might something to do with what happened to Gerome, whose face I still remember vividly to this day, who was stabbed and died ONE week before he was to graduate with us. Gerome, who's a wholesome and fine lad, who I was sure was going to have a great future. Gerome who was buying bond paper at his neighborhood store for his last term paper when he was accosted by one of those who have no reason to live in this world. One of those who wasted his life doing nothing good and by his terrible action, we, as his classmates, lost a valued friend. I was particularly close to Jerome together with Eugene Mercado where we hang out at his Morning Breeze Street house.

That's why our graduation was very solemn and subdued and very emotional, especially when his mother received Gerome's diploma from Father McGrath. That's why our graduation party was lacking in fun, at least for me. Maybe that's why after that time and the following years in college, I wasn't able to go back, even just once, to the campus where I've spent many happy moments and experiences, that in great part, shaped of who I am today. His passing away was very painful for me and I'm sure for many of my classmates which was touched by Jerome's smile, and by simpleness and humble demeanor. And I'm sorry to Eugene that I didn't get to continue our friendship. And to Dennis, another of my best friends in high school, whom I lost contact also, when a year or two after graduation had moved to Los Angeles. In all these years I have thought and wish I could see them again.

Now the good news. Last week Lynn mentioned to me that their High School classmates have a yahoogroup and did have a mini reunion last September 8, being Notre Dame of Manila's foundation day. And that my batch '72 class has a North America alumni association (NDMAANA). And Lynn told me how happy their meeting was for he himself haven't seen his classmates for 35 years! He advised to visit NDMAANA website to reconnect with classmates. I did so after a day or two, being skeptical that I wouldn't find anybody or any name that I can still remember in the officers and board of members lists. I sent an email and what a surprised when the President replied and mentioned that he was also from batch '72! He even remembers my Jay Ilagan hair style and that they used to call me, "Siopao", which I didn't like then, but now is a bit okay. It's a lot better than being called, "sunog" by the others who didn't like me. But that is okay also, because I didn't like them also or doesn't meet my standard for them to be called my friends. I guess even then I was choosy and the reason also I didn't have a single girl friend. The only guys that were courting me were those guys in sutanas. I didn't have a single clue that would change in college. I guess that would be natural if one spends his days with boys only for ten years. Some say high school days are the happiest. For me, college days are the greatest, for during those years I found true friends for life and most importantly my TRUE LOVE for life--my wife of 25 years.

Now, even my nights are better, as the song goes, or even busier, livelier and entertaining as I am always at my Apple, combing my Inbox and replying to the many emails I continue to get from my fans, I mean, from my long lost classmates. Who I'm finding out are our closer here than I thought. I'm not alone after all. They're just out there and might even be one of those Pinoys we saw at the Mall today. It very exciting to find out if indeed they are.

Now, as I've said here before: I'm trying to get back to life- to my real life, to get back and deal with my past and finally connect and contact some of those I haven't done so before. As they also say in Pilipino:"Hindi ka makakarating sa iyong paroroonan kung di mo alam ang iyong pinanggalinan". At ang daan para ko magawa ito ay ang Internet Highway. And thanks to Al Gore, he, who said was the one who invented it. (The truth is probably in his lock box!!!). It will give a big chance to meet again people who I have shared memorable and unforgettable moments together. For that I would be very grateful.

THAT WAS REFRESHING

Lately Nette and I have walking Paris, our long-haired mixed Chihuahua, around our neighborhood. She does it in the morning after an early workout at the gym, but, before she goes to work. I am supposed to walk Paris in the afternoon upon arriving home from work. Well, I just did that and what a happy gal she was. At first, she was the one pulling the leash and me and in doing so she was panting heavily. But in a book I read before, I should be the one to be in control of her, so I tighten or shorten up the leash so that she was walking besides me not ahead of me. So, after we passed the swimming pool, she was getting used to the idea of walking besides and was even jumping at my legs gently. And that's how we went home, but on our way home I was thinking of the times Mabelle and family was here using the pool last July. And I said I'll have a dip at he pool on a nice Thursday afternoon.

And why not, I was tired after a long day at work and it was still sunny and it was only 6:15. So, I changed into my blue swimming trunk with my cellphone, keys and earplugs. When I got into the pool's gate, I look inside and there was nobody else using it. My lucky day, I said to myself, and I can do whatever I want to do if I want to, if not for a surveillance cameras on top of the roof. Well, I was going to do anything foolish, though. I got first into the round jacussi and the jets and bubbles was very soothing to my muscles and the warm water made for a relaxing massage. And I don't have to pay anybody to have one like I did at Tarawoods and at the Circle C THai Massage Clinic. Next, i got into the swimming pool which a little cold, but was bearable. I did short laps of backstroking and freestyle while imitating Michael Phelps. Wow, huh! Or si Dyesebel na lang.

In our almost five years in this community, I can count in my hands the number of times we have used the pool and mostly when we have visitors. Now, today, it was like it was about time we start getting our money's worth we pay in our HOA fee.
And I plan to do it more often next Monday Fall officially starts, but, till now it's been very humid lately in the afternoons like it's still summer. Well, indeed, this year our summer was cooler and a bit late. So, if you're in the neighborhood, join me and we might as well bring something to munch and drink while watching a red-orange perfectly round Oceanside sunset. Just what I was looking while showering at the pool's facility. Next time, I'll bring my camera and my I-pod. That would an ideal way as Californians do it.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN UFO'S?

Tonight I happen to watch ABC show, "Primetime UFO" To See is Believing. At Stephentown, Texas, several people narrated how they saw lights that they believe are UFOs. And the radar shows that indeed there was something out there. What do you make out of these? Hope you comment on this.

AND THEN THE BLOGGER RESTED

After almost a week of massive, as Gail would best describe, update of this blog, the blogger rested on Sunday night-just in time to watch "Eat Bulaga" or have a massage there!!!! In going back and choosing the copies and photos to post, I came to realize what a long and satisfying feeling that I had in the last two months. For one, I get to know Mabelle, Billy and Julius more. And what a fine son Julius is becoming and what fine family they are. I can only see a better and happy future for them. Or I can see a daughter down the line! Joke only. Second, I get closer to Da Kuya thru after daily small talks. And why is this? Maybe it's because we have grown up, mature and finally ready to hang our gloves ( for that matter, our egos). So much as Da Kuy is asking me already how and where we would retire, which is not too far away. I hope I won't be too far away from my him, Lynn and Mabelle. We'll need each others support.

The trip gave me a chance to be with Daddy again for which I've been thinking of doing for a long time. That's why till now it makes me tear up when I see him, in my mind, playing catch with the beach ball in Tarawoods. His smile reminds of our happy days here. His happiness is simple--to be with his family. But now he is alone with Mommy. But, Daddy, it wouldn't be long we'll see you again. I'll prove you wrong. The trip also gave me some time to share with Mommy. Especially when It came to karaokeing. She still has the voice. Although, she can't seem to forget that I forgot some items I promise to bring for her. Some time to treasure although Mommy can sometimes be to domineering. She has to be in control even if we have our own lives now. She just have to realize that it's alright to give way to other thinking.

Lastly, our last trip, I was able to know more Gwen and John, Gail and Alej. But, I know it's not enough to fully appreciate them. But, I truly thank for all their help. The only persons I didn't get to know more are Lynn and Jon--and why not, I'm always chatting with Lynn almost every week. And Jon, I know even his whole life story by reading his blog. I only wish I could have spent time with my other relatives and find out what happened to some of my friends and loves.

Those were the best of times, those were times I wish would never end and those were the times I'll never forget. And later, after all these years I wish we could stay in touch (friends and family). For we had good times and nothing will erase those in my memory.

KEEPING UP WITH THE JOURNEY

Last November 2007, I saw a GMA PinoyTV segment of SOP (Sobrang Okay Party) where the host was interviewing a Filipino rock singer who was invited to audition for the 70's icon melodic Rock group called Journey who became popular back in the Philippines with the song, Open Arms, which I mistook as being sung by Air Supply. In the next Saturday's show the Pinoy singer got his wish and dream of being named as the lead singer of the American band and his name is Arnel Pineda.

Then, last March, I give credit to my good brother-in-law, Fletcher for emailing me a You Tube clip of Arnel's first concert with Journey in Chile. I became an instant fan and also a You Tuber and followed his own progress and wasn't disappointed that he's still getting better and better. And at the same time, stay the humble guy that one of our best friends and classmates know way back Arnel's Shakey's Pizza nights. I have since supported him by buying multiple quantities of their lastest CD/DVD album called Revelation, together with the Tour t-shirts which I gave away as gifts to my relatives and friends. And boy were my friends were estatic to receive them. So, naturally, what would follow was my wish that I see them live in concert as I keep tub of where they are with their European and US tours.

And my following stopped when we went to on a trip back to the Pinas. What I didn't know was it wasn't to stop there for into our second week there, we got to see Agnes and Carrie again. And with them this time was Nanie, also one of our longtime friend and a livelong Pinoy rock and roll fan from Kamuning. And who also comes from that place, you guess it, no other than Arnel Pineda. I was really happy to see them again just as such, but, what enliven our meeting, which lasted till 3 am and another night the next day, more was the stories about her knowing Arnel well. She also was telling us if Goya, another friend of us, can provide good security, Nanie can get Arnel to do a surprise appearance at Goya's new bar and that would surely get more customers to patronize it. Journey will surely have an Asian, including the Philippines, tour, so, I might, go back earlier than I intend to do. Wow,huh?

Now, I'm just happy to listen to his voice at you Tube, at my I-pod Nano and last Friday I discovered this palm-size Journey MP3 player. It was amazing for being a player with video lyrics, a voice recorder, an external speaker and earphone with surprisingly good quality sound. A ZVUE brand. it comes with a pre-loaded Journey's new Revelation 22 songs. Wow! There's northing else to do but charge that thing and listen, just as I do now as I post this.

Note:: After sleeping at 4 am this morning searching the You Tube and if you amazed at Arnel's voice, I found out these videos posted by EMKE and Puppyjlo and you will really be wow by these guys as you will also be proud and happy for Charice when she'll be guesting at Celine Dion's Madison Square Gardens in NY.

ALL GOOD TRIPS MUST END

Sadly, their U.S. trip must end. It was short and it was long in ways I could think now--was there places we we're not able to show, was there things we were not able to do. You bet we had lots. But what was important that we get to spend precious time with my good brother and his equally charming wife. Time that would be in our minds to reminiscence with longing and happy thoughts only. As they head back to their real life and us to ours, we wish them the best of health, away from physical and mental harm. Take care always and we will also for there will be other times like these that we are going to be looking forward to. I didn't have to wave long to them goodbye cause deep in my heart I still wish they wouldn't have to go. And they didn't have to look long to see us leave. And that was their journey. A journey that will continue. And another journey for me as I follow THE Journey again to pass the time here till I don't know where I'll end up. Please keep up with me as I do so.