~~ BADGERYS LOOKOUT - TALONG ~~

The Aswang has been ferreting around the Southern Highlands again, exploring new locations and getting as far out of the city as possible.

This lovely, and well well kept, secret is called Badgerys Lookout and it situated around 6 kilometres east of the small town of Talong.

Twas bloody freezing cold at the time, but well worth the discovery.

~~ DOWN THE FERAL HIGHWAY ~~

(Click on images for a bigger view)

CANBERRA - It ain't a name that conjures up images of endless action filled nights, heart racing entertainment and the first on everyones holiday listing, indeed unless you are into heaps of reasonably cheap porn and fireworks, or have some strange fetish for red headed prime ministers with weird voices, I suppose there is no real reason you would want to head there at all. Even then, it would probably have to be on the cheap, even a free holiday won, after an insane amount of luck (although that is a relative term), in some shop competition. Regardless of all this heart pounding action, and very real danger of falling asleep, I set forth south with MrX and littleones, in search of the famed Canberra model railway exhibition, held yearly at the Kayleen High School, or whatever that wanky new university name is. The exhibition was great, a large range of different layouts. Some terrific ideas for the layout I plan after our upcoming move of residence. The catering was, regretfully, deplorable at best. We got there at 1pm and had to pick from the vary scarce remains of items on sale. Not sure if it was a catering company with no experience, or they were just massively overwhelmed during the morning. I had to, and it pains me to admit it, settle for a Schweppes Lemonade for some sort of liquid refreshment. I mean, it was that or bloody Diet Coke, which we all know tastes like a cross between urine and mud - or so I am told. Finally, after a great day we started heading home. Much to my delight, MrX took the wrong road and we ended up on a 2 hour back road exploration to get back to the Federal Highway (only 26kms back out of Canberra). Arrival back home was at 11pm. Given my constant love of Manila's intensely busy atmosphere, and my growing up in the city, it surprises many that the country is where I want to be. I want nothing more than to move out bush and spend my life forever in complete silent relaxation.

BUT THEN I'M A BLOKE - SO WHAT SAY DO I HAVE.

Firstly I must point out that my delay in bringing this rant to you has been courtesy of a severe (actually a gross understatement) case of of the squirts, possibly brought on by the shit fed to me from people within the TFC company, but more likely from food poisoning or some type of bastard tummy bug.

That being concluded with, I do not wish to delay the conveying of my utter contempt, disgust, disgustofedness with ABS-CBN, or TFC (That Filipino Crap) in which they trade under in Australia, and quite possibly other unfortunate countries.

Now I have dealt with Telstra, Optus, OneTel, Foxtel, Citibank and the like, so I am no stranger to the crappiest of service that companies have decided fit to dish out. But at least these vile examples of customer service do not change the rules as things go along.

We know what we were told and we are not stupid enough to believe the constant changes were a simple case of misunderstanding. You may be dealing with a Filipino community here, but you are now bound by AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS STANDARDS.

I am so pissed off at this current moment in time that I hardly feel they deserve the pure honour with being the inaugeral recipient of the 'Aussie Aswang's' prestigious 'F*** You' award.

If their is a Tagalog word for bastard, please issue it to each other at your next business meeting.

There is an old saying that "Good things come to those who wait".

Now while it is a saying that usual fails to deliver, on the odd occasion it gets off it's arse parts and reveals itself in a truly spectacular way.

One of these rare occasions took place last Monday at Coogee when my dear mate Keith, after many years awaiting a GOOD thing, married someone truly great in Mjoy.

I had only met Mjoy once prior to the big event, but heard much of her from Keith prior to her arriving in Australia. The way Keith spoke, I knew he had finally found someone worthy of the wonderful person he is, while she was from Lucena (one of my favourite Philippine cities), which mean't she has to be terrific.

It was with considerable honour I was invited to the special event and the party following, to not only celebrating the wedding of a great mate, but also the welcoming of our new friend Mjoy.

I truly wish you all the very best for the future guys.

THE CEREMONY!

Having arrived a little late, I missed the start of the ceremony.

Not to mention my attracting some strange looks from those who didn't know me and were wondering why this Aussie decided to come photograph the wedding.

Interestingly - Also attending was someone from my former exhibition electrical life who also knew Keith.

Coogee was a beautiful choice of location!

THE SIGNING!

Keith managed to hide the fact he has so many maganda friends.

THE AFTER PARTY!

The G-Spot Barkada gather around the cake and celebrate Keith's big occasion.

Hmmmm another one Keith conveniently never mentioned earlier.

She was almost as tell as me :-)

Karaoke time.

Devone and a little hairy dog of some sort.

Tin Tin recieves karaoke lessons from Mjoy.

The young ones, wander aimlessly about, seemingly lost without a Nintendo or Playstation within easy reach. Rajin, in desperation, turns to the mobile for a tech fix.

CONGRATULATIONS

KEITH & MJOY

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~~ BROCK & SCOTT'S B'DAY BASH ~~

Twas just like the days of old, getting together for a party - food, drinkies and karaoke being the order of the day. The only difference was the following days without the gossiping ferals of old who chose to make the aftermath of every party a very miserable affair.

Some of the great people from the old days, mixed with a whole new selection of others. It was a day and evening to remember, and gave me a look back into why it can be sometimes be fun to be a part of a Filipino community, devoid of the rectal scum that penetrates where it is unwanted.

Highlight of the evening?
Well there was a few of these, but meeting Keith's new lady for the first time was certainly up there. As was catching up again wit Sonny Boy's family from all around the world.
Of course, copious amounts of Tanduay makes any evening extra special.

So sit bit, grab a box of tissues if you need, and enjoy all the sizzling antices of the biggest party of 2011 --- thus far.