Photos Published

On my earlier blog entry, I mentioned that I went to an opening of an art exhibition at the V9 of Sofitel Silom. Well, Peter Smits (Christian Develter's agent) found it and liked the photos.

I am very delighted and proud that they have posted my photos on their website: http://www.develterart.com/Photos_Sofitel.html#grid

I never expected that anyone would like it because I was only doing it for myself. I hope you enjoy the shots as well.

Oral and Visual Stimulation

I am trying my best to be artistically stimulated here in Bangkok. I can sacrifice having less dates. I know some people are rolling their eyes now.

I go to painting exhibitions and theater group affairs. Now I am thinking of joining a theater production. Unfortunately, my schedule does not even allow me to attend auditions. Auditions are usually on the weekends and at work, we are always busy on the weekends.

I hope I get a chance to be in one production before I leave Thailand. I have not performed for seven years now. I hope I am not rusty.

1st Massage at the Babylon

I must admit that it was tempting to cruise but since I was on a date, I did not try to cruise at the Babylon. It was not difficult because it was my first paid massage.

It was different from what I expected. I thought Thai massage would be a lot of rubbing but it was more pulling and putting pressure on different points. It was painful in a few areas but relieving in most.

I almost fell asleep. Now I understand why some people find it addicting.

But that is half of the experience. I felt the whole session as very erotic. I could not hide my growing pleasure from the masseur and I felt he was enjoying it as well. It was nice to know that the feeling was mutual.

Thank you, DJ, for the wonderful experience. I owe you one. Actually, I owe you a lot.

Muriel's Wedding (Platinum Edition DVD)

Success is the best revenge.

I do not believe in this. I do not care anymore what people say or think. But I still love this movie.

There is one thing that I miss in Manila's gay discos--Abba! I have not heard any Abba song here in Bangkok. There are so many Western gay men here and yet the campiest of all singing groups are not played.

"Muriel's Wedding" is very Aussie and very funny. It is heartwarming to see people struggle but not in a very serious movie. The story is still appealing and the characters are still lovely.

The stars looked so young in this movie. I could not believe that Toni Collette was only 21 years old in that movie. Rachel Griffiths looked like a schoolgirl.

This DVD is loaded with nostalgic extras including a commentary track of the director and of the lead actress but it is not enough. I want audition tapes, out-takes and deleted scenes. Hollywood movies would actually have at least two discs for a 10-year anniversary release like this. I should check out the Region 1 version.

Thanks Peter for the DVD.

Bob's Surprise

First of all, thanks to all those who have sent me cards and those who have called me to greet me on my special day. But Bob really surprised me and impressed me with this gesture. Thanks a lot, Bob!

The Simpsons Movie (movie)

I am a huge fan of the Simpsons so naturally I had to see this movie and it did not disappoint.

I watched this on digital and now I know the difference and it is huge. It is free from scratches and the colours are very vivid. The sound is crisp and everything was in synch.

Now about the movie--I was laughing throughout the movie. Most of the jokes are still funny even if you do not know anything about the Simpsons but it is funnier if you do. The characters have really grown on me. I was so happy to see "Itchy & Scratchy". I miss them so much.

The plot and the theme were very good and very recent. They even showed a penguin that had a very miserable fate.

This is a very entertaining movie and I would love to own the DVD.

Walk the Line (2-disc DVD)

This film had the potential in becoming a great one because it had some of the best actors in the industry. But then the story is not that interesting. I have seen so many biopics of American celebrities and they are all about drugs, redemption and family problems. Like most of them, this movie does not present anything new.

The extras of the 2-disc edition are aplenty but then it is so tiring to hear the speakers praise June Carter and Johnny Cash. They sound like saints or martyrs.

As an independent movie, this movie looks very expensive. Maybe, they have scrimped on Reese Witherspoon's diet because she looked like a twig here. Her cheekbones are more prominent than Mt. Mayon.

I think this movie will be forgotten.

My 3-inch ego

On December 31, 1999, I was with Alex, a good friend of mine. We were on Ayala Avenue to celebrate the centennial new year. It was crowded and Alex and I were ecstatic. One tall handsome man kept following us and smiling at me. He offered me a cigarette and I declined. He offered me a sip of his beer and I declined. He told me that he was staying at the Shangri-la Hotel and I did not say anything.

Alex said, "I would slap you if you do not do anything. That man obviously likes you."

I said, "Come on. He is straight!" And then the man left.

It is just so funny how I make excuses when a beautiful guy hits on me. There are tons I can remember and I am sure there are lots more that I did not notice because of my insecurities.

Is it a blessing that I do not think of myself highly? Is this what they call humility? Or am I just messed up?

God, I am 29 years old and I still have the same insecurities that I had when I was still a teenager. Am I just missing tons of potential fucks? Or am I also missing tons of potential friendships and romantic relationships?

I wish I could cure myself.

Develter Art (exhibition)

I went to a nice painting exhibition last night at the Sofitel Silom. I was impressed with the paintings but I was surprised with the crowd.

It was full of young gay people! Many of them were not even looking at the paintings. I felt like I was in Bed Supper Club (a high-class disco in Bangkok) but then I have not been there.

The name of the artist is Christian Develter and his website is www.develterart.com

Hairspray (movie)

I do not know the history or the tradition of this musical but I find it too cute. I know it is supposed to be cute but I find many of the performances extra super duper cute.

The costumes are dazzling but the voices of many performers are too distracting. The only truly good voices are Queen Latifa's and the three black chorus ladies. The voice of the leading lady is very much average. Michelle Pfeiffer's acting is a stand out though.

The choreography is good, not that spectacular. John Travolta really knows how to dance but he cannot sing. He is not really convincing as a woman. His fat suit is too caricature-ish. It is so unreal. And those hands--they are like Godzilla's.

It is OK not to watch this musicale.

My Right Nostril is 29 years old

I looked in the mirror and saw two strands of grey nose hair. Two years ago, there was only one but I am not complaining. I just hope that they stay there. I do not want to have grey hair on my head.

Aaaah! I am turning 29! I want to be 17! Where is Peter Pan? Please take me to Never-land. Oh fuck--I am not asking for Michael Jackson.

Only my close friends can answer if I have grown wiser. Birthdays suck!

Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince (book)

This book may have a great ending but the process of getting there falls a bit short. I do not like the revelation of the Half-Blood Prince. I do not like how the concept of Horcruxes was handled. It was promising but it falls short.

I admit that the tone is getting darker and darker and I give Rowling credit for that. But then somehow it does not blend well with the puppy-love romance in the book. I am sure some people would find the contrast appealing but not me. It is like having the Tooth Fairy in a stag party.

It is a page-turner but I think I can wait a long time before I will read the last installment.