Don't Judge --- I'm a Fan

I'm a fanatic! Seriously I am. But I just don't admit it when I was younger because my friends will definitely tease me. I have different groups of friends from different backgrounds. Due to peer pressure from my smart and wealthy friends, even if I have butterflies in my stomach seeing a celebrity crush I have to contain it within myself because it will destroy our "sophisticated image".  Ooooopsss, don't mistaken me as a social climber. They are aware that I'm part within the poverty line family. So they know that I only buy what I need and what I can afford. I'm frugal in terms of money so most of the time I always tell them my budget. hahaha Luckily, they never belittle me because of my societal status. However, they are just against people who treats celebrity like a god. They said you can admire or be inspired but never go head over heels like a cheap stalker-ridiculous wannabe of a celebrity. They are humans like us so always maintain composure and observe the right etiquette. WELL NOTED! CHECK!

To cut the story short, in the first week of January (thanks to Twitter) this year, I saw the tweet from no other less than Mr. Jim Paredes announcing that he is selling his own album - Laro and take note he is in their house in Sydney. How cool is that dude? Of course, it is a question between -- it is now or never? But I was apprehensive of --- "How about my precious image? (duh!!! whatevah!!! precious precious ka dyan...magtigil ka...illusyonada ...hahaha) So I contacted him through his email account and I gave my mobile number. And *drum roll* he sent an SMS. I felt an overwhelming elation. I couldn't stop reading his message over and over and over again. You know what he message me, "Hi Marinelle, what do you prefer to send it through post or you can pick it up in my house?" I was literally squeezing my pillow because I couldn't believe a celebrity is texting me. Dude and dudettes, obviously I want to meet him in person. I grew up with APO music in which he is a member and I don't want to let this chance to slip away. 

Last January 18, 2012, with all courage Ate Maria and I went to his house in Greenmeadows. It was 1 1/2 hours from my place but I simply don't care. hahaha We pressed the door bell and **ding dong**, "Hi!", it was a woman (his wife). I shyly responded, "Good morning! We have an appointment with Sir Jim about the CD." Then his wife ushered us towards their living room to wait. Then 5..4...3...2...1, a manly voice said "Hi! Ano nga ulit name nyo?" **starstruck mode, lunok laway** Then we introduced ourselves. Eureka...he remembered my name. We stayed in his place for about 15 minutes with a bit of a chat. He was very accommodating and he never runs out of what to say. Galing ng charisma!!! Panalo chong!!!!!

So let me share my pix with the Legend -- Jim Paredes.

 di masyadong obvious na kinikilig --- sya!!! hahaha

abot tengang ngiti --- 5 seconds of fame ;)

~*~manelle~*~

Chillin' at Lake Monger

It was one of the many ordinary afternoons when my dearest Paowee invited me go somewhere. When I asked him where is our destination, he casually replied, "Surprise! Basta...pag-ilis na dira!" Just split of a second, I'm all ready. 

Lake Monger is found in Leederville, WA. It has a beautiful landscape with various flora and fauna. Most locals come here for jogging, picnic and strolling. So check this out:

 The view of South Perth

I'm so in love with the greens ;)

The serenity of the place is a perfect place for relaxation. 

 Paowee strutting his America's Next Top Model pose

Bridge, wharf, dock and the like will always remind me of any romantic movies ;)

~*~manelle~*~

For the Love of Ice Cream

Everybody loves ice cream. Hardly you will find someone who has a distaste against ice cream. This is one of the top favourite refreshments especially during the summer season. Summer won't be complete without eating either a cone or a cup of ice cream. In this entry, let me share to you the story behind my fascination towards ice cream.

One afternoon when social networking site was not yet known, I was peacefully taking my nap in the lanai of my aunt's place. When all of a sudden, my lost and grumpy friend tried with all his might to wake me up. Let's call him -- PEPOPE. Then he said with a troubled aura, "Hey, get up and get dressed. We are eating ice cream. Hurry!" At the back of my mind I said, "Dude, I'm still in Everland with my Peter Pan and then you spoiled my fantasy".  Honestly, I would like to give him a Manny Pacquiao's punch for cutting off my dream. Nonetheless, for the sake of friendship, I granted the favour he asked. He took me to a convenience store and asked me to pick an ice cream. Without second thought, I picked the yummy Drumstick while he had the Magnolia Pinipig Crunch. So we head back home while enjoying our ice cream he began to say, "When you have problems next time, simply eat an ice cream to cool you down then you will be ok." I thought his statement was totally eccentric at that time, however, when I was in Uni every time I am under stressful situation I find myself walking towards Julie's Bakeshop, Ice Castle or Dessert Factory to buy ice cream. Since then, eating ice cream became my non-pharmacological treatment against anxiety and depression. So I called it ICE CREAM Therapy.

~*~manelle~*~

Bucket List: JETBOAT THRILL

             Dragged Ate Maria to join me in this jet boat ride at Circular Quay. Dressed in our purple ponchos, our adrenaline started to kick in when we sat in the jet boat while listening to the instructions. Luckily, our seat was in the front that gave us more thrills for 30 minutes. On the other hand, it is not only the ride that makes it exciting but the chance also to do sightseeing of Watson's Bay, Ruschcutter's Bay, and Double Bay. The jet boat operator was excellent in adding humour while doing his work. He also gave us signals if he is going to spin, power stop, hop and slide. We were given second shower when the jet boat do the power stop. Water started to splash to us but we couldn't help but laugh at each other. You can smell the salty and yucky sea water of the harbour. I highly recommend that you try this wonderful experience.

Celebrating Friendship in Happy Land

I have tons of overdue posts because of two things: (1) I forgot the password of my hotmail account and (2) LAZINESS. The latter is the most obvious reason I would say. Anyway, let me make up for those months I didn't post anything. So, let me share to you my fun-loving adventure with my dearest Paowee.

It was a long planning before this trip happened. We were considering our availability (he lives west coast while I'm in east coast) and our MOhNey. However, our eagerness and restless soul are very keen to push through the trip no matter what it takes (naks!) Finally, March 2012 (for 4 days) we explored the lovely place of GOLD COAST.

We stayed in the 23rd floor of Crowne Plaza (yikes...*boasting!!!*haha) that overlooks the beach and the surrounding suburbs. We felt that we are the children of business tycoons who can afford to finance this luxurious trip (*ehem*).

The view from our hotel room....Undoubtedly serene!

 Paowee mesmerise by the hotel swimming pool

 Because we are "adventurous", we decided to use public transport to go in every destination. Thanks to WWW for guiding us throughout the trip.

Our first stop was SEA WORLD. This is a 3 in 1 place -- marine mammal park, oceanarium and theme park. We enjoyed watching the jet ski hunks in their exhibitions. Nothing compares to the heartwarming dolphin show. And lastly, we ventured into the rides of the theme park. We are confirmed cowards but we tried to prove that in the deepest of our heart is brave warrior...haha!

The photo in the left side shows the way we conquer the pressures of other riders giving us...haha







For the love of SEAFOOD Basket with chips ;) 

This is INFINITY. It is a maze with futuristic themes, music and illusions. Each part of the maze will give you a different experience. The crew said that it will only take 20 minutes to go around but it took us 30-45 minutes before we could go out. There was a part that I couldn't help but scream like in a horror-suspense-thriller movie. I even shouted "Please tell them to stop, Paowee. Please. Please. Let's go out now." Then after a while, we both ended laughing at our experience.

The second stop: MOVIEWORLD. A place to meet the Warner Bros. characters.

Strolling the beach of Gold Coast. Walking distance from our hotel.











Third stop: WET n' WILD WATERWORLD. Water park with lots of rides and the exciting wave pool.

One of the highlights of this trip is our dinner date at Hilton Hotel. This is not the dinner that I will likely to have every month but it is good to experience First Class service once in my life. 

We enjoyed the trip so much. Until the next destination: Adelaide, Australia. Will post next time ;)

~*~manelle~*~