Off to Japan!

We are off to Japan tomorrow and hopefully, I'll be able to continue blogging once there. I will try to catch up on my posts and upload some photos from the trip.


Until then...

The Real Man on the Mirror

A touching story about the King of Pop. I read this article from Chuvaness. It's about Manila Hotel's former PR Officer Gwen Carino's close encounter with hotel guest Michael Jackson in December 1996.


MANILA, Philippines - When I was a PR officer at Manila Hotel, I was assigned to head the annual Orphan's Christmas Party where 300 children from different orphanages around Metro Manila were treated to a day of fun and suprises. It was one of the biggest projects on my plate and it was such a challenge to focus on work the day before the big event, knowing Michael Jackson was billeted in the hotel.

Two nights before, I had been fortunate to be part of his welcoming line at the hotel lobby together with the rest of the PR and sales staff but was content enough to see him walk by.

The day before, a guy claiming to be Michael Jackson's aide from Mamarao Productions came to the office. I couldn't recall his name but he looked for the "Person in charge" and said his boss had read the announcement about the event in the Dear Guest flyers we had circulated to all the rooms a week before. Michael wanted to know how he could help. His aide went up to the Penthouse and down to the PR office several times after we gave our suggestions.

Michael offered to fill up the 300 loot bags with goodies and toys, candies and chocolates. But after getting close to 50 sponsors, it was actually a problem for us to dispose of everything. So I thought hard... how can the King of Pop meaningfully join the affair? I couldn't possibly have him be with the kids in the palayok game or the pabitin as he might end up being mobbed! And since the annual event was really all about giving, I mustered all my courage and told the Mamarao guy that the best thing I could think of was for Michael to literally be present to help distribute the loot bags, sign autographs and pose with the children for photos. "Wow, that may not be easy. You're talking about handling goodie bags to 300 children and I can just imagine the chaos. We'll see, Ms. Jacinto. I'll get back to you." he said.

Lunch break came and it was the most hurried one I ever took in my entire life. It wasn't until after 5 p.m that Michael's aide came back and said, "Michael is more than happy to do whatever you suggest. How do we go about it tomorrow?"... I wanted to scream. I had to calm myself and regain composure as the Lizzie Maguire in me said, "Get real, get back into focus."

We agreed that Michael would join after the games, musical program and snacks, and at the last part to give out the loot bags. My colleague Annette Africano and boss Dulce Agnir requested for additional security around the gardena and the stage area as this was where we decided to distribute the gifts. We made sure the children would form an orderly line.

Then the moment arrived. It was at the Champagne Gardens on Dec. 7, 1996. I was suprised to see him walking towards us, guided by his aide. Michael came up to me as I had to brief him.

"Hi, how are you? Thanks so much for letting me in, I know I'm early coz I didn't want to miss the program." I said, "Are you kidding? Thanks so much for volunteering! Here's what Michael, why don't you just sit here and watch the musical numbers before we get into the gift giving. I will have to tweak the program a bit." He replied, "Sure, anything you say... (pausing to look at my name tag) Gwen!" I was stunned at how incredibly sweet and modest he was. And in my mind it was, "Oh my God, this is really happening!"

Amazing how he patiently sat through the whole program. Carol Banawa, then an Ang TV mainstay couldn't believe MJ was watching her perform. She had her red blouse signed by him right after her number. Then followed Stefano Mori's dance number. Later, his back up dancers came up on stage followed by select kids from different orphanages who danced to the beat of Billie Jean. Oh, the smile on Michael's face was just amazing.


Then we announced that Michael will be distributing gifts onstage. I explained that there's a loot bag for the younger kids and another for the older ones and he nodded. The thrill and excitement he gave those children was incredibly touching. It was in between the gift bag distribution that I caught a glimpse of MJ, not as a performer but as a person.

It was one in the afternoon. Santa Claus (David Endriga, a friend of fellow PR officer Francis Capistrano) was with us. The heat was scourging and I was worried that Michael felt so hot with his black long-sleeved signature attire and hat.

"Are you alright Michael? We can let you take a break," I asked. He said, "I'm cool Gwen. Just imagine how Santa feels inside his velvet suit and beard. We'll be fine." I never heard him complain or say a word about how hot it was or how long the line was. He had the most beautiful manners. he didn't even ask for a drink or a towel to wipe his sweat but one of our banquet staff made sure he got a glass of fresh orange juice.

An hour passed and we were halfway through gift-giving when we noticed that the garden was getting filed up. Suddenly, there were people from media, politicians, officials and hotel guests including thise in a wedding reception at the nearby Champagne Room who deserted the newly-weds just to get a glimpse of the King of Pop.

"Oh oh, this isn't supposed to be, I'm so sorry." I said. "It's alright we'll get through it." Michael said smiling. As we finished giving out the last loot bag to an 11 year old orphan, a new line of more kids and adults formed. Michael's bodyguard, Wayne said, "We can leave now."

Michael replied camly, "We can't leave when there are still people in line. It's Christmas, dude." I felt my heart beat faster and the hair on my arms and the back of my neck stood up. He wasn't just the most electrifying performer, but the most generous person.

One of the most memorable moments was when a lady came up to him for an autograph. Laughing and holding his tummy, he said "Hey Gwen, you've gotta check this out." He whispered, "It's a blank check.The lady is making me sign on a blank check." We laughed and little did we know that it wasn't even half of the comedy.

He later showed me and Wayne other stuff people would use or pick up on the ground when they couldn't find paper for him to sign on. One lady made him sign at the back of her elegant, designer Filipiniana gown. One teenage came up to him holding a dead leaf and another one, a popped balloon. Imagine how our laughter ballooned as well.

It was amazing, genuine experience. At one point he asked if I was going to catch his History concert and I said "tomorrow night," "Oh, you'll have a blast!", Michael told me.

At this point he became concerned about the stage as adults outnumbered the kids. His face had nervousness written all over it but he still didn't complain. He tapped the wooden floor with his foot several time making sure it was sturdy enough not to fall apart. "I've experience the stage collapse and I just want to make sure we're all safe here," he explained.

Half of me wanted to line to finish because we were literally melting and worried about our safety, but half of me didn't, knowing that once the line ended, Michael will leave. At some point it did end. I manage to get an autograph for my sisters and me before our general manager, Clem Pablo, requested him to sing Give Love on Christmas Day.

Cesar Sarino, one of the hotel's officials, addressed his thank you note to the King of Pop. Then I saw his guards and aides whisking Michael off stage. I said in my mind, "Oh man, I didn't even have the chance to say goodbye." Suddenly, I saw Michael return on stage and say, "Thanks so much to you and your team, Gwen. This really means a lot." Then he held me beside him and said, "I'll see you at the concert."

As Michael Jackson is laid to rest and returned to pristine condition in the afterlife, there two incredible acts of the King of Pop - volunteering for charity and unselfishly spending time with the less fortunate, will forever be the was I will remember this man.


Via: Philippine Star

The King of Pop is dead

I grew up listening to Madonna and Michael Jackson's music. I still remember the time when my parents bought my older sister a cassette tape of Michael Jackson's Bad Album. My sister played it almost everyday and we danced to the tune of the song.

Then all of a sudden, in a blink of an eye, Micheal Jackson is dead. This news is so unreal to me. Is he really gone? or is it just a joke? ... It's like the world stood suddenly still.


For me, Michael Jackson will always remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. His music will be remembered forever.

Goodbye Michael. May you rest in peace.


Image: Unknown source

Lebenskunstmarkt in Remagen

Today it was Lebenskunstmarkt in Remagen *"Life's Art" in english*. Remagen is a small village across the river from our apartment. Since my hubby and I are in a "flea market mood", we decided to go over and take a look.

In order to go to Remagen, we used the ferry. This ferry goes over the river between Erpel and Remagen. The ride costed only 50 cents *one way*. Very cheap.

There were only a few people, when we got there. My hubby was very pleased because he doesn't really like crowds. So we were able to take our time and get a good look of the goods on the market.

still half-full...

a painter

a do-it-yourself t-shirt stand


shabby chic knick-knacks


colorful blouses, hats and berets

fresh herbs and plants

artistic things

a basket weaver

What's a german fest without the infamous Wurst stand? *sausage*


Although the weather was bad *it rained a lot*, the mood was still festive. They invited some musicians from France. I love the way they played the accordion and saxophone. Reminds me of Paris in summer. Thankfully there was no mime. *I hate mimes, they're so annoying, gusto ko silang patayin hahaha!*

Not too far from the main center, I saw this cute house, adorned with colorful metal birds. I don't know whether the owner made the birds himself or whether he's just showing off his "artistic side".

And this is me, going thru a bunch of hand-painted cards. *or how do you call it?*

Here's what I've got: 3 beautifully hand-painted cards.


The old lady who did it was so nice that I wanted to buy more. But then hubby asked me, "what are you going to do with it?"... I said, "Instead of using it as a card, i'm going to frame it and display it at home". Hubby again, "you can't do that, we have so many pictures hanging on the wall already". Then I thought ok ok, just 3 and then we left.

On the way back to the ferry, my hubby and I went by to our favorite turkish restaurant. We thought we could have some take-outs so that I don't have to cook at home anymore *great idea! hehehe...* Like always we bought our favorite turkish food "Kisartma" - a turkish version of Macaroni salad. And then 2 slices of spinach cake. What?! Spinach cake?! Yes you've read it right. Spinach cake. It's so healthy and delicious, I could eat it everyday. *wag naman*

Kizartma *dunno the english translation sorry*

Spinach cake *yummy!*

As soon as we got home, I made tea and served the cake. Nothing beats a bad weather than a delicious cake, right?...

Hope you all had a nice day!

Summer Sale

Don't you just get nervous and excited everytime you see a sign like this?...


Yes folks, it's summer sale again! It's that time of the year when our wallet gets empty and drained - for some I guess. Isn't ironic that people buy lots of things in sales, thinking that they could save lots of money and end up spending too much? Do you get what I'm saying?


Like last year I bought clothes in Sale thinking, "Oh this was expensive last spring, now it's 50% off!" then I bought like 3 pairs and then as soon as I got home, I didn't know what to do with them. Silly isn't it? I keep making the same mistake over and over again. Now that I am wiser *wiser daw oh* and older *hindi naman masyado* everytime I have the urge to shop, I make a short list of what I really need. I try to think about it first before buying something *like 5x* whether it will match some of my clothes at home or whether it's wearable and practical. Pero kung pang one-time event lang, sorry balik sa rack. Don't wanna waste my money. Right now, I try to follow Tim Gunn's clothing advice. Invest in timeless pieces. Much better that you spend on a very expensive blouse that you can use for many years rather than buy a cheap one that gets ratty in 1 or 2 years. Mabuti na lang din I'm not the type who follow fashion trends. So another 1 point for me.

I've already made a list for this summer. This time I only have about 5 or 6 items *bites on fingernails* I'm hoping to find a nice light weight cardigan - in yellow or terracota, a white tunic *perfect for this summer!* summer sandals, light weight summer pant or shorts, one summer dress and a beige hobo bag.

Last week, I raided my closet and found to many unnecessary clothing. Now I have two boxes full of them *pouts* I don't know whether I should sell it on Ebay or just give it away. Some of them are completely unused and still with tags. Hay, kailangan na talagang magbagong buhay na - shopping wise!

How about you? do you have shopping-indulgence?...



Image: Unknown Source

Still Nursing a Flu...

It's been almost 4 days now and I still have the flu. Usually for me, it's over on the 5th day, but I guess "HE" plans on to stay much longer. I'm starting to get a bit anxious or shall I say "scared" due to the news I've heard yesterday...

"Swine flu at highest alert! The World Health Organization declares the first flu pandemic in 41 years"


Well I'm not saying that I have swine flu but in times like this, people start to get paranoid and tend to panic easily. Just like in Brazil, I read that there was a woman in a bus that has a flu. Nobody knows whether she has swine flu or not, but since the people were "scared" they threw stones at the woman and treated her as if she's a criminal. Very mean isn't?

Today, although my hubby insisted that I should stay at home, I went out to go to the grocery to buy something. As soon as I got out, I felt so scared. I was so worried that the people might think that I got "THE FLU". So what I did is, I tried to suppress my cough and tried not to sneeze as much as possible. Could you imagine just how hard that is? I just don't wanna end up like that woman in Brazil you know *looks who's paranoid* It was funny cos the moment I stepped in the store I went around like a tornado. I grabbed the things that I need, paid at the counter and went out as soon as possible. When I told my hubby about it, he could'nt stop laughing. He kept saying, "so fast? you did it soooo fast?!"

Now that I'm back at home, all I wanna do is sit down on the couch, wrap myself in a blanket, drink a hot coco and relax.


A piece of advice: Be careful when you go out. Protect yourself: wash your hands everytime and try not to touch anything that is not yours *glasses, bottles etc.* Any signs of flu, consult your doctor immediately.



Images: Unknown source

Rainy Summer

Is the rain getting you down this summer? Don't be. Just smile!



Image: Sir Cam via Flickr

Happy Mother's Day!

"A mother's love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible." - Marion C. Garretty

"Of all the rights of women,
the greatest is to be a mother." - Lin Yutang



my beautiful mother

I totally agree. My mom is like a neverending song in my heart, my comfort, my happiness and my being. She is my rock, my ever present source of love and understanding. All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my wonderful mother. Thank you Mama for everything. Without you, I am nothing. I Love you so much!

Happy Mother's Day!

Image: robbsouto via Flickr

Why?...

Let's just say I'm very sad right now and how I wish I could turn back the time. Well that's life. Who says good things last forever?...

Image: Alt Photos