Closet Conundrums

Something to cheer me up

Well no, I'm not talking about the boys...they are there everyday anyway, not that they don't serve their purpose to me and to the rest of you, but you know what I mean...hehehehe

My brother's friend calls me a Damier Girl...okay that sounds weird...but I've always loved Damier Canvas line and although I have some other pieces, most of my Louis Vuittons are Damier. I always found it a classic piece, unlike most pieces which would go out of date after a season or two, like the Monogram, the Damier transcends time, besides if you are investing on an expensive bag, you don't want to just use it for a year and chuck it out.

This is a photo taken by a friend of mine at the Airport last year on the way to Shanghai.

Well LV's Fall/Winter 2008 introduced a new color on the Damier and I totally love it. It's called Damier Graphite and among all Damier colors this one is the best (for me that is). How can you go wrong with a black and grey? Plus the white handle on those bags makes it look more..hmmmm likable? Well I don't know about you guys, but I really really really like this collection. So if there's someone out there who really wants to cheer me up....you know what to get me. LOL

Well if anyone feels more generous, I would worship the ground you walk on if you give me this:

Now I wasn't a total Hermes (make it sound like Air-MESzzz...sound more snobby that way LOL) Fan until my brother's friend (yep same guy) pointed me to a photo of Roger Federer carrying an Hermes Birkin/HAC (okay any Hermes expert out there? I really don't know the difference between the two. But someone told me that he must be using a 50cm as an overnighter by the looks of the photo.)

Anyway since I already have a Damier keepall and I plan on getting a Damier Graphite, I think an everyday office bag would be nice. That way when I get to buy my new MacBook Air (Doctor's orders ;-) can't carry a heavy back because of my back...yeah right!) I could match it with a 40cm Hermes Birkin/HAC. Actually my current 15" MacBook Pro could fit in it already since its only about 14.1 wide or about 35cm. But the Macbook Air at 32.5 cm would fit easily and have enough space for my other stuff.

So if anybody out there wants to cheer me up...you know what to do. LOL Now back to work for me...because I need to start saving up for these bags, and they aren't cheap you know! I know people would think I'm too frivolous and my taste in things are way too expensive. But that's why I work almost 20 hours a day so I can afford it. It's not like I'm depending on a huge trust fund or ask my parents to buy it.

P.S. I'm almost back to my old self I guess...I'm more happy now...thanks for all your support and prayers. I just wish J could move on too.

Uninspired...

Well I guess I would just have to force myself back to the habit. Like the habit of posting and the habit of working...and working out and going out with people.

I'm really glad that I've met Bill and Eli, I just got back to the office after bringing Bill to the airport. By now he would be on board his plane, getting comfy in his first class seat (lucky chap). Anyway we had a very nice chat on the way to the airport. And I'm just really thankful that I've found two new friends (I would have brought Eli to the airport for his flight too if it weren't at 6am). I know Bill will read this when he lands later tonight (and maybe Eli too), just want to let you guys know that I'm gonna be here for you guys just like you were here for me.

So enough of that mushy stuff...like I've mentioned yesterday...I am going through a tough time (I'm not saying J is not, but I can no longer speak for him). And I'm thankful for all of the readers who have sent words of encouragement and comfort. I am thankful for this blog too, because if weren't for this blog I might have been institutionalized.

Anyway I got an email yesterday from the famous Mr. Trey of Treycruz.com about this hot underwear from Australia...now some of you might know that Australia is not my favorite country lately...hehehehe...No I haven't been denied entry or anything and it's not anything political either...but I will not deny the fact that Teamm8 has some hot undies. Check out what I mean.

Anyway you can vote for your favorite on their website...so hurry...I wish the prize is a night with the hottie of your choice! LOL

Oh and here's a behind the scenes video:

Oh speaking of videos, last night I was watching the evening news, while waiting for Bill and Eli to text me where to meet them I saw a news segment about doctors in Cebu being investigated for posting a video of an operation on Youtube. Now I'm all for free speech and all, but that video they uploaded was just totally unacceptable.

Well I don't know if you guys would find it funny but according to news sources, this guy stuck a can of deodorant up his poop chute. (My friend says its a game couples do...LOL) anyway since its just a cylinder it got stuck up his ass and he had to go to the hospital to take it out. Now I would think he was knocked out and didn't know what was happening because if you've seen the video all the doctors and nurses were laughing and jeering at him, taking photos and video with their cellphones. They even laughed harder when they got the can out the poor guys ass, and someone even opened it and sprayed...talk about weird. Well I don't think you would be able to see it on youtube anymore. I actually saw a copy yesterday but it was immediately taken down.

Got my battery back

Finally got my battery, our team flew in this morning so I asked them to take the charger with them here, funny thing is I'm flying home this afternoon, and I'm actually at the airline lounge now.

Well the first ten photos for today came from International Jock. They have a bunch of nice undies, they even have Ginch Gonch although I'm still not over the fact that they seem to disintegrate after a few washings. Anyway they carry other brands like Aussiebum, Andrew Christian, 2xist, C-IN2, Diesel and loads more.

Anyway its finally Friday tomorrow and I can't wait for the weekend...oh and I'm meeting one of my blog readers this Saturday...and I'm taking him out for dinner with J and some friends.

Airing Your Dirty (Clean) Laundry

Okay first...for those readers in Manila or are familiar with what's been happening on the bloggersphere on this part of the world...I promise I won't go there. But before I end the subject, all I have to say is if its true...then its really sad.(I want to write more...but I should just shut my mouth on this one....well for a controversy that was described by a local broadsheet as making "Gossip Girl looked like a Disney musical" I really have to put a lot of effort to cut this paragraph short)

Anyway on to cleaner laundries...I'm posting photos of my Ginch Gonch. I'm not "totally" disappointed because like I've said they are very nice...nice to look at and nice to wear. Plus before buying them I've already read the comments online and was a bit prepare for it (if not expecting it already).

Oh here's my two new jeans which I got from Defacto. The one of the right has back flap pockets coming from the frustrating fiasco with Lucky Jeans. When I picked up my jeans I really liked the fit that I commissioned them to make the one on the left.

Well I better get this posted so I could finally rest and call it a day...tomorrows another day, I have my Chiropractor's appointment. I had to pay $600 for 6 sessions, it may be cheap for you guys in the US, but it sure costs a lot of us living here. The doctor told me that I must have had a bad fall some 10-15 years ago and that its "collecting" now, hence the pain. The only problem I have is I couldn't remember any incident 10-15 years ago that might have cause the injury I have on my lumbars...anyway I hope after these sessions things will improve my back pains...

Putting your dollars to good news

Okay I don't normally review websites...I don't even know if there is a format to do it or anything but if you are looking for a website with hot white guys you can check out Modelmen.net. It's paid though, so if you have some cash to spare, put your dollars into good use and get some nice jack off material. Hahahahaha

Oh by the way, I've started to use my new Ginch Gonch undies...they came back after washing looking a bit worn out, the rubber that makes up the garter came out of the fabric...I still like it, but just want you guys to know in case you buy a pair.

Happy Busy Day...

Its going to be a very busy day for me today...so I better get this out of the way. Oh I've picked up my custom made jeans and I'm wondering why I haven't had it made sooner. The fit is of course better and it looks great, and for a little over $60, its way cheaper than most jeans I have in my closet.

I finally saw my 1st batch of Ginch Gonch undies that I brought to Singapore, it usually takes a week for laundry to get back to the room (don't ask me why). Anyway it's true what some people have been saying, it gets a bit faded, and the elastic band doesn't hold that much. I mean at first washing you'd expect it to still look a bit new. Of course I don't know how it was washed and if the proper instructions were followed. But my new set of CK Steel undies still look new after a few months...so it really makes me wonder.

For now I'm happy with my 6 pairs, although I'm still not sure if I should buy next time, it looks great, designs are adorable, and the feel of the fabric is fantastic, but if I have to keep on buying every 3 months, it might be too much. I think its one of those things that I really recommend people to buy but would always say that they have to remember that its not as sturdy as other undies out there.

Cranky Tuesday

Had a whole day worth of meetings plus I had to pick up my sister from school (one of the disadvantages of having your own car). Was able to talk to J shortly tonight, he has been having a rough time at school so I'm forcing him to go to bed earlier.

Anyway another highlight of my day is my new Ginch Gonch had arrived from Malestromonline. They actually ran out of one of the undies that I ordered, so they replaced it with a nicer one for the same price.

Well I better get this posted so I can rest too (a condition set by J)

Ode to my "unabashed materialism"

Okay I'm using the ode loosely here...do don't expect lyrical verses on this post...I actually tried...but I don't think I have the time, patience and talent to do it...at least I'm man enough to admit it.

Well, in the past few weeks I haven't actually wrote anything I bought other than the stupid jeans. By the way I tried sending an email to the founders of Lucky Brand Jeans and the CEO, the emails didn't bounce so I hope it gets to their inbox. Well speaking of jeans, last Friday after getting frustrated with my 2nd order of jeans, I took matters to my own hands...well actually someone else's skilled hands. There is a nice shop called Defacto not so far from the office that makes custom made jean and it so happens that I know the owners too. This is what I got them to make for me:

But we changed the fabric to blue denim and red stitching anyway I'm getting it next week and I'm really looking forward to it. I might get another one made, but I'll just have to see this one first.

About my PSP, actually I already bought a new one in Singapore. And don't think that I intentionally lost the other just to justify my new PSP. Actually I've been pinning on a Red PSP since I saw it a day after I got my black PSP. In Singapore I decided to get the new red one and give my old one to my 5 year old nephew. I didn't have the PSP modified in Singapore, because they started selling me all other stuff and charging me half the price of the unit for the program upgrades where I could get it here for just 500 pesos (US$12). So when I flew home, I left my new red PSP in my luggage while using the old one while I haven't upgraded the red PSP, anyway I don't know what the hurry was but when I got to Manila, I jumped off my seat got all my carry ons and forgot all about the PSP until later that night when I was about to give it to my nephew. OUCH.

I need to be attached to the internet 24/7, its the nature of my work. I need to be able to check emails on the go and I need to be able to go online with little effort. Manila is not like Singapore that has the whole island covered with hotspots. Hotspots in Manila are not that accessible and you have to buy access cards somewhere before you can log on to the net and they usually charge you 100pesos for 1 hour. My mobile carrier who offers wifi access through their hotspots however charge me 2 pesos every minute I log in...but the problem is I need to find a hotspot first.

When 3G hit the Philippines about 2 years ago the mobile carriers introduced internet through 3G but Globe's (my carrier) charging was too expensive to make it practical to log on the net using the network. I resisted going to Smart (the competitor) even though they only charge 10pesos every 30 mins because I didn't want to change number and go through all the process. Around sometime last year Smart introduced the wireless internet through 3G dongles. The charging was simple 799 for 40 hours and a 2 year contract. It look promising but when I started to think about it, I found out that I would be using less than 40 hours a month because I would still be connected through broadband or cable at home or at work.

Enter my Nokia 6500. I bought this my January trip to Singapore because I lost my Nokia 8800 (did I post about this?). Anyway I lost it and had to get a new phone. Anyway when I got home, a friend loaned me one of his 8800s so I had an extra phone which I just leave at home. The other day I decided to get a Smart Sim and try the 3G internet on my MacBook Pro through a bluetooth connection with my Nokia 6500. I was surprised at the speed of the internet. For one internet here in the Philippines is not generally fast...so at 360kbps I was totally impressed.

Here's the results:

Here's the one at home on cable internet:

This was at 12am so no one is using, on a regular night it would have about 4 laptops and 2 desktops sharing the bandwidth.

Here's the one on the office's DSL:

Actually the contract we signed was for 2Mbps. Today's a Sunday no one was at the office but it was still not at its optimal speed. On a regular day, we would be running 4 desktops and 4 notebooks on that router.

Anyway I've decided to keep a prepaid Smart sim just to access the internet, its still better than the 799 deal, because technically 40 hours on the current 10pesos for 30 mins deal would amount to 800pesos. So I'm just saving 1pesos since I already have the phone.

During my last trip to Singapore, I decided to shop for a new skin care regimen. For the past year and a half, I have been using Kiehl's which I also got in Singapore because at that time they still didn't have a store here. I would still have to get from Singapore hadn't I changed brands because the shop here in Manila was just way too expensive.

Like I said I went shopping for a new regimen because I started to feel the my Kiehl's routine was not working as I wanted it to be. In a small corner on the basement of Ngee Ann City, I found this small store which looked like an apothecary with brown bottles in shelves.

I've been hearing about Aesop for sometime now and in fact a friend of mine who used to use Kiehl's suggested I switch as well. At that time I was already thinking of changing but when he suggested I check out Aesop, I took his advice and gave the product a try. Today about a week from using the product I feel its better, I have to say that its a bit more expensive that Kiehl's but I always have a policy not to be too tight-fisted on stuff you put on your face.

Well I think I've written long enough, but before I end today's post I have one more left. I don't know about you guys but I'm sure most of your know about the Canadian brand Ginch Gonch, if ever at least the Ginch Gonch Boys. Okay I've always wanted to try a pair but can't seem to find any in Singapore or Hong Kong, so when I was shopping for books in Amazon, I decided to get two pair from one of their shopping partners called Malestromonline.

Anyway I got them through mail the day before I left for Singapore and it was great! I love the how it feels nice and the fit is great too...The fabric was thicker than your normal undies, but it was still fantastic. To be honest I'm a bit bothered at some comments online about the quality for the product, I've only used it once so I really can't say much about it.

On a parting note, since I have been preparing for this post for a few days now, I've been reading more and more about Ginch Gonch, and I found out that the Ginch Gonch Boys, the real life couple of ex-porn star Benjamin Bradley and blog superstar Ethan Reynolds have called it quits (since last November). I don't know a lot of famous hot gay couple out there, but Ben and Ethan would sure make it to the top of my list. Well there are a lot of rumors around the break up and what happened to Ethan's blog but I still don't have any clue as to what actually happened. Anyway here are their photos...its actually a photo of them as a couple, then alternately a picture of Ben and Ethan. It's my late tribute to the cutest underwear models in the world.

Oops I did it again...

Okay I'm not about to break into a Britney Spears medley just yet but I'm boarding on insanity right now. Oh and I think this is the first photo of a girl (apart from sophie on the blog).

Okay I wrote about reordering the same pair of Lucky Brand Jeans, I got the jeans today and I still got the wrong pair yet again. (I got a funny feeling last night this would happen) I gave up emailing and just decided to give them a call, because based on my last experience they will only get back to me in 3 days or so (My last email, was Feb 22,2008 and they haven't replied to it yet). So I did call, it was quite efficient, I managed to speak to someone after a minute or so. Okay so I told the guy, that they must have sent me the wrong pair again because this is the second time that I got the same pair of jeans which didn't match whatever the description on the website was. Well he wasn't the friendliest guy you will ever talk to that's for sure and he even raised his voice when I told him that there must be something wrong. He told me that the code on the tag attached to the jeans was right so he insists that I got the right pair. Anyway to cut the long story short, I managed to get him to agree to a pick up and to give me a refund for this pair, because I don't need a second pair of the same jeans. Unfortunately I already paid 80 dollars on duties here, which they will not pay at all, so its useless. I still lost about 80 dollars to a stupid mistake which they should have resolved when I sent my first complaint. Anyway there is no use to sulking about it.

But before our dear friend starts commenting about how unabashed my materialism is yet again, I'm announcing that I am donating the money both the refund and a they money that I paid in tax to an orphanage this afternoon. I have cut the check already and will be dropping it off tomorrow.

**P.S. I still find writing about my donations in bad taste... :-)

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I just got an "RMA" Return of Merchandise Authorization - It says that I still have to ship it back and pay for it. I really thought that they would have understood by now that none of this is my fault and that they should at least show some decency to offer a complimentary pick up.

I decided to write them a long email, I was never hostile about it until today...I'm actually pissed off right now at the company's inability to show some proper customer service. And before someone comments that I blew it and should have been more respectful or friendly or nice. Put yourself in my shoes first, I've spent over 250 dollars of my hard earned money, for the jeans, shipping and duties and they give me all this crap that they can't do anything because as far as they are concerned, they sent me the right pair because the tags were correct which was what the warehouse use as basis for shipping jeans.

Here's my email...

So I still have to pay for the shipping? I assumed that when Jerime told me that he will arrange for an RMA, it would at least include a pick up.

I don't get you guys, your company commits a mistake and the aggrieved party still has to pay for it? Did you know that I already had to pay 80 dollars worth of duties on this one? Will you guys refund me for that one too? Well you won't right? You will give me a full refund on the jeans but not even on the shipping? And I have to pay for the shipping back to the US as well? It doesn't matter if the website made a mistake, bottom line it is part of your organization who made the blunder so why do your customers have to pay for it?

I already excused it the first time and honestly it should have already been addressed and investigated weeks ago when I wrote my email complaining about the problem of wrong jeans. But it wasn't acted upon (it was only today that Jerime informed me that the website has been printed and sent to the supervisor), hence when I placed my order again three days ago, I got the wrong pair of jeans again. And when I say wrong I mean it is not what I ordered, it really doesn't matter if it is the right pair based on your warehouse but I was mislead (intentionally or not) by your website that what I am getting this the jeans with a back pocket flap.

I understand that based on the terms of use of the website, that "All features, content, specifications, products and prices of products and services described or depicted on this Web Site are subject to change at any time without notice. Certain weights, measures and similar descriptions are approximate and are provided for convenience purposes only." Your terms of use further says that you "make no representation as to the completeness, accuracy or currentness of any information on this Web Site. For example, products included on the Web Site may be unavailable, may have different attributes than those listed, or may actually carry a different price than that stated on the Web Site." However to fail to act upon an earlier complaint simply show your company's lack of concern for the holistic experience of your customers.

On a final note, I do not want to have to call my bank and inform them that I will contest the payment and for them to stop processing the payment for this pair of jeans because I don't think its proper to let this get away the second time. But I will apologize in advance in the event that I have to resort to this extreme action because I absolutely don't think it is not right for me to pay for the wrong pair of jeans twice.

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Okay some/most of you might have been turned off by that email, but I don't think I could convey my frustration any better than that. To cheer us up better since it's Friday here are today's hotties out of their jeans ;-)

Finally Home...

Well I'm finally home, I like Singapore, but sometimes it just gets boring...I suppose shopping is always good in Singapore but I honestly feel that Hong Kong might still give a better deal. Anyway this morning I went to the shop where I bought my new ODM watch, if you are not familiar about ODM watches visit my old posts about it. Anyway asides from the scrolling time and date, there is also a scrolling text. For the newer ODM watches, you may actually program the text using an ODM "machine" available in the stores (actually I would have bought one if it was for sale). Well for my first watch which was a white acrylic version of my metal ODM, I got them to put there "Make It Great in 2008" its our company theme for 2008, which we want to espouse to every team member. For the second watch I got them to program the title of the song J wrote for me around last year entitled "Forever's not too far."

Well by the time I got back to the hotel, I had to start packing and get to the airport to catch my 1:45pm flight. I've been to many airports but I have to say, the Changi Airport is one of the most efficient airports I've ever been, it a matter of 10 minutes, I was finished checking in (of course on business class you rarely have to queue) and the immigrations screening. I was at the gate about 45 minutes before the departure and was just waiting for the boarding call. When the call was finally made I switched off my PSP and boarded my flight. When I got to the plane I was surprised to see that the business class cabin was quite full (well an a320 only has 12 seats anyway) and the overhead bins are already full, and the flight attendant and flight purser were not helpful at all. They even had to ask me if I was in business class, I almost smacked the purser for being rude. Anyway I was eventually able to stow my stuff (which was just a portfolio bag and a small messenger bag) in the closet where they keep the jackets. Okay, why am I ranting like a spoiled brat again? Well for one, there is a better way of asking a passenger if he is on business class and that is by asking to see his boarding pass but in any case I don't think I would be stupid enough to sit on a seat that doesn't belong to me (but that's me, I don't know for the rest of the 150 passengers on today's flight). But the thing is I have been flying the A320 to Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore and other domestic flights of Philippine Airlines and this is actually the first time that I couldn't get my stuff in the overhead bin (even on a full flight). Half way through the flight, the purser opens the overhead bin and I found out that half of the stuff on it was for him and/or crew. This really pissed me off, the fact that they were rude and unhelpful was excusable since there were a lot of people boarding the plane at the same time and they just want to be as efficient as possible but to be unhelpful about a situation they themselves cause is totally unacceptable. They could have taken out their stuff or at least made it a point to stow my things immediately and not to be asked 3 times. Well this is what you pay for flying Philippine Airlines, its just a pity that I have always enjoyed flying Philippine Airlines before and infact this is the first time I was really upset about it. Flying to Singapore last Thursday was in fact very good, and so was my two flights last January.

Well guess nothing I could do about it now...just wanna share...oh and I left my PSP, I only discovered it tonight...I'm hoping its still there.