The fearless Elfins met at the holiday safe house in Gleane Street for the 2007 Elfin Christmas Party. Immediately after dessert, the singing commenced and it appeared that the no-end-in-sight eating, well, had no end.
Every Elfin had a chance to belt out a song, and in end, the videoke carrier Tess, the unstoppable Ada, “Proud Mary” Adel, and indefatigable Aida pressed on. Their voices were lifted up to the storm clouds and caused what the New York Times Weather reported as “…Snow overnight gave way to rain on Sunday in the New York City area, even as much of the Northeast was hit by snowstorms that delayed air travel ...The day was mostly gray and drizzly with on-again, off-again rain and sleet in the city...”
Ref: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/us/16cnd-storm.html?ref=us&pagewanted=print
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Singing Elfins caused havoc in New York City area weather
Elfins hit the 20-year mark!
Come 2008, all Elfins are officially 20 years old – able to drink, make merry and yes, make decisions on our own, but not yet able to drive or vote. Seriously, we have been friends for such a long time, like a prison term where we will never be on parole (did I say that?). In spite of all the beauty secrets shared, infectious laughter, and the health issues raised, these pictures prove that we are NOT GETTING OLDER at all. Denial is very strong and if we all keep at it, we will soon believe it ourselves. Here’s to the gorgeous chicks!
Don't forget to click on the picture for an enlarged view of the photos!
2007 Elfin Kris Kringle
Disclaimer to the 2007 Elfin Kris Kringle Genealogy: The PocoNews is an equal opportunity / affirmative action publication. We also do not encourage animal testing, cloning of animals or the cloning of other Elfins. Therefore, these next pictures which highlight the genealogy of the Kris Kringle will NOT identify who is the “mother Elfin” or the “Elfin child” for fear of age discrimination. The publisher would like to leave it to the imagination of the viewer.
Zeny C lobbies for Kris Kringle / Secret Santa reform and wins!
Excitement and a strong sense of mystery are what drove Zeny to push for Secret Santa reform in the 2008 Elfin Christmas Party already being planned at the 2007 Elfin Christmas Party. Her suggestions, as well as Aida’s, when combined will raise every Elfin’s expectations at the 2008 Kris Kringle but not their budget.
The reforms are:
1. Gift cards and cash, checks, gold bars, or any representation of money - are excluded from the wish list.
2. Only “tangible” gifts are allowed and the gift(s) will come from a Wish List.
3. The Wish List of every recipient is now expanded to a list of 5 items. This will give the recipient the gift that he/she wants PLUS that excitement and strong sense of mystery I mentioned earlier. Sounds exciting and mysterious……………
4. The giver will now have to shop for presents keeping within the Wish List and the budget to be determined by the Elfin Board of Directors and KPMG. Now that really sounds exciting, mysterious and official….
5. All gifts will be wrapped please, so that we can heighten to the excitement and mystery. Please see Aida’s level of excitement rise...(picture above)
Schedule of 2008 Winter / Spring Elfin Activities
Mark your calendars, please:
January 26, 2007 (Sat) – 2nd Elfin Digital Literati Class to be held at Deanna’s crib from 1:00 – 7:00 pm. Please confirm by email or call Deanna at 212-662-5486. This is serious stuff. Please email your “wish list” of topics to cover at the class. No singing, please.
May 17, 2007 (Sat) – Spring get-together at Ada’s Taj Mahal palace. Lunch at 1:00 pm. Singing is allowed. Please ask Ada for your song availability or to confirm your attendance.
Isda Best, Pusit to the Limit, Hipon Coming Back...
PINOY SIGNS
Posted outside a house in Jaro, Iloilo:
HOURSE FOR RENT, FULLY FURNACED
(Boy, it must really be hot in there.)
On a glass window of a photography shop in Cabanatuan:
WE SHOOT YOU WHILE YOU WAIT
Posted at a construction site in Mandaluyong:
BAWAL OMEHI DITO, ANG MAHULI, BOG-BOG!
On the fence of a makeshift parking lot in Pasay:
PARKING PEE: P10
Printed on a streamer in front of a gym in Lucena City:
We Almost Have Complete Set of Gym Equipments
(Now, how's that for truth in advertising?)
In a supermarket in Baguio:
FRESH FROZEN CHICKEN SOLD HERE
Outside a flower shop along Avenida Rizal:
WE SELL ARTIFICIAL FRESH FLOWERS
In a bowling center in Congressional:
PARKING FOR COSTUMERS ONLY
In a restaurant in Cebu:
WE HAB SOP-DRINK IN CAN AN IN BATOL
On the glass wall of an eatery in Panay Avenue near National Bookstore (but this was a long time ago):
WANTED: WAITER, CASHIER, WASHIER
In San Andres, Manila:
NO URINATION ON THE OVER WALLS
In a classified ads section:
WANTED SALESLADY, 20-25 YEARS OLD, PROBABLY SINGLE
Outside a sari-sari store in front of Green Valley in Baguio:
NO CRIDET
In a building in Cubao:
NONE ID, NOTHING ENTRY
Outside a videoke bar in Pampanga:
WE MAKE MODERN ANTIQUE FURNITURE
The name of a laundry shop in Bo. Kapitolyo in Pasig:
CINNAVON
On the gate of a house in Tarlac:
COLD ICED BUKO 4 SALE
Posted outside a beauty shop in Laguna:
WE ALSO DO FULL BODY MESSAGE
In Tiaong, Quezon:
ROAN'S CONTRACTION SUPPLIES
Outside a shoe store in Pangasinan:
WE SELL IMPORTED ROBBER SHOES
In a restaurant in Baguio:
WANTED: BOY WAITRESS
Names of Philippine business establishments
If you still speak some Filipinos, you might enjoy the humor;
otherwise, pass it on to your Filipino-speaking friends.
The humor gets lost in the translation…
Bread Pitt is a a bakery.
Maruya Carey is a a fast-food place selling turon and maruya in Greenbelt, Makati
Caintacky Fried Chicken is a an eatery in Cainta, Rizal.
Mang Donald's is a a burger joint at the Naga City plaza.
Candies Be Love? Can anything be sweeter than this?
Doris Day and Night is a a 24-hour eatery.
Babalik Karinderia is obvious.
Holland Hopia is owned by Mr. Ho.
and next-door neighbor Poland Hopia is owned by Mr. Po. in Chinatown
Miki Mao is a a noodle house.
Tapsi Turbi is a a tapa house.
Cleopata's is a a manukan and bakahan.
Goto Heaven is obvious.
The Fried of Marikina is a a fried chicken house.
Wrap and Roll is a a lumpia outlet at the Quad, Makati.
Pansit ng taga-Malaboni is a a panciteria on Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong.
Side-saki is a a side street eatery beside Mandarin Oriental in Makati.
Let's Goat-Together is a kambingan-cum-beer garden.
Meating Place is a a meat shop.
Meatropolis is a another meat shop.
Isda best,
Pusit to the limit,
and Hipon coming back
are entrees on the menu of a seafood restaurant.
Cinna Von is a laundromat.
Pier Carding is a a tailoring shop in Pier, Manila.
The Way We Wear is a boutique.
Curl Up and Dye is a a beauty salon.
Goldilooks is a barber shop.
Bote Nga Sa 'Yo is a used bottle shop.
Goldirocks is a gravel and sand shop.
Fernando Pe's Box Office Hits
is a video rental shop in Palawan.
Leon King is a Video Rental in Las Piñas.
Memory Drug is a clone of Mercury Drug.
Petal Attraction is a flower shop near UP Diliman.
Susan's Roses is a flower shop, but of course!
Maid to Order is a maid-placement agency.
Singalong Sing-along is a karaoke bar in Singalong (where else?).
Signs seen on jeepneys:
A commuter is a jeepsetter
Pull string to stop driver.
God knows Hudas not pay.
Don't get close to me, get close to God.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Joyeux Noel! Merry Christmas!
This is a local Nativity Scene - Arles version taken from our trip to "Vincent Van Gogh land" (Arles, south of France) in January 2007. Take note of the local Arlesian woman (with the three kings), some school boys and milk maids in the horizon. Come one, come all!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thank You to One and All!
We wish to thank everyone for coming to the Christmas gathering, bringing their treats and more importantly their presence.
- Tess and Beck-Beck for bringing the videoke. They take this apparatus with them wherever they go, making them the de facto life of the party.
- The patience of Job exemplified by the quiet presence of Gus. He stayed on, and on, and on while not really leaving the dining table at any point of time. Does your ankle bracelet limit you to within 5 feet of the dining table?
- To Liz who remained dignified all throughout the party and avoided wrestling with Proud Mary Adel and other aspiring signers when it comes to singing with not one, folks but TWO microphones. When I grow up, I want to be like Liz.
- To Zeny Calibag and Elvie, who cooked meals / desserts that reminded everyone that there is truly no place like being home in
- And most of all to Ceny Santiago, who allowed us to ransack her place.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Restuarant Review: Pistahan
On December 11, 2007 (T), Isabel and I met for lunch at Pistahan, a Filipino restuarant on 1st Avenue between 13th and 14th. Pistahan did not disappoint. The food, though it had a more continental twist to it, was delicious and fresh. I will try the tapsilogs and all the other "-silogs" that are served at all hours in the restaurant.
Above is New York Magazine's review of Pistahan. Click on the image to enlarge the review.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
A Little Levity: Questionable Website Names
This is from a comment on David Pogue's blog (ref: New York Times). It's funny, though! Check it out.
1. A site called 'Who Represents' where you can find the name of the agent
that represents a celebrity.
www.whorepresents.com
2. Experts Exchange, a knowledge base where programmers can exchange advice
and views at
www.expertsexchange.com
3. Looking for a pen?
www.penisland.net
4. Need a therapist?
www.therapistfinder.com
5. Italian Power Generator company
www.powergenitalia.com
6. Mole Station Native Nursery, based in New South Wales:
www.molestationnursery.com
7. Computer software, etc
www.ipanywhere.com
8. The First Cumming Methodist Church. www.cummingfirst.com
9. Art designers:
www.speedofart.com
10. Want to vacation at Lake Tahoe?
www.gotahoe.com
Me? Just concentrating on my mussels!Thursday, November 29, 2007
Elfin Christmas Wish List (and 2 weeks to go!)
I will need to collect the other's wish list after I feed this lamb. So expect a call from your editor!
Ada - $50 gift certificate Bed Bath and Beyond
Adel - $50 gift card/certificate from Boulder Creek Steakhouse or alternatively, a $50 gift card/ certificate from Target
Aida - $50 gift card/ certificate from TJMAX
Deanna - $50 gift card/ certificate from Target (forget the Levenger, I already got the bag - couldn't wait)
Liz - $50 gift card/ certificate from Target
Tess - $50 gift card / certificate from Macy's
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving to all Elfins
I know some of you will be out of town to some place far, far away while some of you will be busy preparing the turkey. Your editor will be taking a break as well, returning on the 26th, compiling the Elfin Wish List, but will be checking email and God willing posting to the PocoNews Blog. Until then, take care, don't eat too much and enjoy your turkey! Yay!
Time Travel: Charlie's Angels
Reluctantly disclosed by these parties is their shared secret - that while we were all made to think that they are no longer working full time, PocoNews caught these ladies in their new workplace, enjoying their work and in their actual uniforms. Time to call OSHA.
Surprise...An Email from Chito!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Nice to see that we are gathering again. I like the
pictures. I missed you guys. My wish list is that may everyone have a good time & have fun in life. Happy Holidays to my fellow Elfins.
Best,
Chito
----------------------------------------------
Here is Chito's contact information:
2550 E Riverside Drive #228
Cell no: 917-325-7975
Land line: 909-673-1319
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Wish list of Elfins (compiled this week)
Adel - $50 gift card/certificate from Boulder Creek Steakhouse or alternatively, a $50 gift card/ certificate from Target
Aida - $50 gift card/ certificate from TJMAX
Deanna - $50 gift card/ certificate from Target (forget the Levenger, I already got the bag - couldn't wait)
Liz - $50 gift card/ certificate from Target
Tess - $50 gift card/certificate from Macy's
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Learn About your DNA
DNA is a nucleic acid that is localized in cell nuclei and consists of two long chains of nucleotides twisted together into a double helix and joined by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine; it carries the cell's genetic information and hereditary characteristics via the sequence of its nucleotides. Thus, people are identified by their unique DNAs, such as:
Prostitute: DNAvirgin
Old Maid: DNAgamit
Bachelor: DNAkasal
Arab: DNAahit
Water Conservationist: DNAliligo
Bin Laden: DNAhanap at DNAhuli
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo: DNAaamin.
Town Fiesta: DNAyo
Loser: DNAya
Uncircumcised: DNAtuli
Pandak: DNAtumangkad
Not Good Looking: DNAbale
DNAtawa kayo!
DNAkayo mabiro...galing kay DNA MEDINA
By Popular Demand: Only in the Philipines
"WE MAKE MODERN ANTIQUE FURNITURE"
On a self-service restaurant in Cebu :
"PLEASE HELP OUR COMFORT ROOM CLEAN"
In a Baguio grocery:
"FRESH FROZEN CHICKEN SOLD HERE"
In Cubao:
"NONE ID NOTHING ENTRY"
Along Luneta Boulevard :
"BAWAL TUMAE SA BULEVARD"
On Jeepney and Bus signs:
"BEFORE PAY, TELL WHERE GET THE ON BEFORE GET THE OFF"
On a flower shop in Rizal Avenue :
"WE SELL ARTIFICIAL FRESH FLOWERS"
On a delivery truck:
"NOT FOR HERE"
On a window of a restaurant in Baguio :
"WANTED: BOY WAITRESS"
On a street in San Juan :
"BAWAL MAGTAPON NG BINALOT NA TAE RITO"
A grafitti inside the cubicle of a ladies' C.R. in a university:
"PLEASE DON'T SIT LIKE A FROG, SIT LIKE A QUEEN."
At a men's comfort room, above a urinal:(maybe from UP Diliman dorm)
"HAWAK MO ANG KINABUKASAN NG BAYAN!!!"
At a construction site in Mandaluyong:
"BAWAL OMEHI DITO. ANG MAHOLI BOG-BOG"
Somewhere along San Andres:
"NO URINATING, ON THE OVER WALLS!"
Vacant lot near Makati Avenue :
"DON'T PARKING!!!"
At an eatery in Cebu :
"WE HAB SOPDRINK IN CAN AND IN BATOL!"
Sa pader ng Intramuros:
"MARUNONG KA BANG TUMAHOL? ASO LANG ANG UMI-IHI DITO!"
And this is the best of them all...para sa mga abugado ito....pinaka-matindi sa lahat (no offends ha?)
On a building somewhere in the Philippines :
"NOTARY PUBLIC, TUMATANGGAP DIN NG LABADA KUNG LINGGO"
First Elfin Adult Education Class - November 10, 2007
The first Elfin Adult Education class took place in Deanna and Mark’s apartment. A lot of things were demystified: Apple iTunes, playlists, email creation, Gmail and the exotic combination of siopao and blue corn tortilla chips. Ready for the second lesson?
Elfin Reunion Photo 08: La Vie en Rose
Mouth-watering desserts, smiling ladies without a care in the world and you're the only man at the Elfin get-together. What's there to complain about?
Elfin Reunion Photo 07: Tasty treats
Tasty treats abound. I was referring to those on the table, okay?
Elfin Reunion Photo 06: Picture perfect
Perfect! Just picture perfect.
Note: No animals were harmed when this photo was taken.
Elfin Reunion Photo 05: Nobody's perfect
Okay, we got everyone but someone just stuck her tongue out. Oh dear…
Elfin Reunion Photo 04: Wier sind schoen!
Hey, we’re still missing two but who cares? We all look good. Wier sind schoen!
Elfin Reunion Photo 03: MIA
Uh-oh, we're missing two here. It's past lunch time, do you know where your Elfins are?
Elfin Reunion Photo 01: Split second
This is what happens when you want to look your best in a split second. Kids, do not attempt to do this without parental supervision.
2007 Elfin Reunion - October 27, 2007
It was a rainy day but inside Elvie’s place it was warm, cozy and filled with laughter and of course, food. Everyone simply gravitated to the dining room to huddle around the goto, spare ribs, spinach lasagna, pancit (oh my, the pancit! – who can forget?). There was no room in the table and the desserts had to be relegated to the living room where it filled the entire living room. But only for a short time, of course.
Do You Remember?
I was flummoxed when I asked some of the Elfins who this popular Pinoy band was. They looked at me clueless. Uh-oh. Does anybody know who they are? I know. The first one who responds wins a prize from PocoNews. Post your response ASAP. If you know 2 songs by this group, you win 2 prizes. If you know the name of EACH member of the group…Wow, you've been around darling. Have fun!
From Dictaphone to iPhone
Welcome to the PocoNews on the web. As editor, I have been planning this for a long time but wanted to make sure that we Elfins have reached critical mass. Some of us are interested about "friendster" or downloading music for free (ahem). That's why I knew it was high time to start a blog.
My goal for this blog is not only to use it as a group communication tool but also as a way to chronicle the rich, varied and albeit interesting lives each one of us leads. The last printed issue of the PocoNews was about two years ago (even I lost track). The PocoNews was published solely because we had a group get-together and we have stories and tons of pictures to draw from. Well now, we still have get-togethers, we have stories and we wish to use the PocoNews on the web as a way to reach out and go beyond chronicling our get-togethers. It's about being together, reaching out and keeping in touch. And so, I say to all Elfins, "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night!"