Elektra, Electra. Whatever.

Having named my blog Elektra doesn't have anything to do to with the fictional character Elektra or the classical story of Electra. I was drawn to Elektra because my real name starts with the letter E. And the sound Elektra in my thought is synonymous with strength. Physical strength in my case might be imaginary but I would vouch for my emotional strength in reality.

Anyway. Let's educate ourselves briefly with the Elektra with a K. According to Wikipedia, she is one of the fictional characters in one of the Marvel Comics publications. There was even a movie produced about her existence as Elektra Natchios and her journey in this universe. Played by Jennifer Garner, lead character in Alias -- this beauteous actress who can transform her looks in myriad ways in that series. I have not watched nor even read the story of Elektra Natchios so I would take note of that for future readings.

Electra with a C on the other hand is a classical Greek mythology character. There was something tragic in the story and so many characters involve that I would rather not tell you the story. It's a good read. Let me just strike your curiosity a bit so you'll hit google in no time to find out.

Home massage, anyone?

Last night my sister and I indulged in a well needed massage at home. It was dirt cheap compared to what I shell out to pamper myself on commercialized massage spas.

There's a difference though. The ambiance. In massage salons, you really get what you pay for and more. Soft music playing while your tired muscles and stiff joints kneaded by a professional in a massage bed. Not to mention the familiar aromatic smell of citronella or lavender soothing your senses. You feel like falling asleep and wake up the next day, refreshed, recharged, rejuvenated and all that re-(s). But you can't do that. After the nearly one hour or so of overindulgence  you have to dress up and go home.

At home, you have the option to play the music, light up a scented candle to at least poorly duplicate the original ambiance. But what the heck, you just want a massage. The end being the same.

A Day in Tagaytay

We went to Tagaytay in mid-July. There's no planned itinerary. The place to get off to was decided along the way. Cool.

First stop was Monte Maria, which evidently is a shrine for Mama Mary. Our friendly neighbor driver that day mentioned about it and my sister suggested that we should drop by. It was a vast area of vacant lot which I supposed a new church location will soon be built. There is a huge makeshift chapel where I thought a number of Sunday masses were already held.  Hundreds of monobloc chairs are lined up neatly in the open air site.  I wasn't able to take a picture of the place so I could post it here. Too bad. Had I took a photo, I would have shown you something like a before and after image of the soon to be risen Sacred Heart of Mary Shrine.

Then we headed to Caleruega. I was already thinking that it's not even near Holy Week yet and here we are visiting churches. There are lots to see and some good subject for photographs that we stayed there until we heard our stomach grumbling violently.

Caleruega Church in my eyes

 Tangkad, our lanky household assistant, doing her ecstatic version of  'Jump for Joy'



We drove to Mahogany Market for late lunch. Although I have gone a lot of times to Tagaytay, it was my first time to dine in that place where I heard (whether it is true or not) is the home for the best bulalo. I am not much of a bulalo fan so I would say that the grub we had was just a basic need for my empty stomach.

It rained after the cholesterol-laden lunch. The rain poured  heartily as if it would want to wash down the residues of fats that my companions ingested from those fatty bone marrows.

Mahogany Market (I wonder where the mahogany trees are)

After the rain we headed to the Palace in the Sky. Not much to see. I didn't see any semblance of a palace though. Just a ruined place that has the breath taking view of the whole Tagaytay. Maybe. For me, the only thing that saved the place was the presence of the fruit stalls not far from the gate entrance. Bananas, avocados, papayas, jackfruit were so cheap that we ended up buying  more than we can handle for the whole week. The purchase was just a sheer display of our inclination for hoarding. My sister ended up giving most of the fruit finds to neighbors and friends. Our family love to share.

View atop the Palace in the Sky

Guess where our last stop was?

Here are some photo clues. Just pretend you haven't been there if you already knew, though.

Yes! You're right!

The Holy Adoration Chapel better known as the

Pink Sisters' Convent



What a prayerful day! I guess God made a way for us to spend a day with Him. He really makes things happen. Amen!



Eyeing the iPad 3

Shakespeare once said, "To be or not to be, that is the question," to which in my mind will run most likely "To buy or not to buy, that's my lullaby." See, I can even whip up a spontaneous rhyme because of this irresistible toy.

My niece already got one. She showed me some of the features. When reading an e-book, it's  as if you are turning the pages real time. That's a big come-on for me. Not to mention other things that you can do with it. Surf the net, listen to music, taking photographs, as well as passing your idle times with games. My word games! Simply amazing.

Her iPad is protectively covered with an eye-salivating orange in leather or so it seems. Somehow I am seeing green. Or, is it because I am green with envy?

I got to have one, too.

But that's just wishful thinking.

Empty promises

Hahaha! Did I just say that Elektraphile is resurrected last month? And you never heard from her again days after that. Writing depends on my mood. I do write a lot. In my mind, that is. I am a mental writer, should there be one (huge laughs).

In person, especially around new people, I may look dumb and stupid. Never the person who talks a lot. Sometimes, I do get chatty. Only with my chosen audience. But don't be deceived. I've got lots of opinion imprisoned in my brain and am  just keeping things to myself. Selfish, right?

From now on, I really promise to jot down my musings and babblings (sensible or otherwise). Let's wait and see.

Wait.

And then see if it does not end up as one of my empty promises.

Elektraphile lives on!

Today is Saturday, second day of June, year 2012. I just went through my old files and remembered one of my numerous blogs which I started feverishly but (for lack of time and loss of interest) abruptly terminated  in cyberspace.  No promises will be made. This demented blogger will take at least a couple of hours a day, a few times a week or at least share my thoughts once a month to make this blog run. Even if it takes my blood. I am kidding, of course.