double R

twelve years.

2010-02-01T11:12:00.003-08:00

I miss you, mom. You're always in my mind and in my heart.

bullish.

2010-01-04T08:03:00.012-08:00

I have always said that travelling is an extension of my education. Seeing how people live their lives in different cities, getting around their neighbourhoods, where they live, the food they eat, the taste of the tap water -- I love having these experiences when I visit a different place. I've been lucky enough to get to travel for work, and more recently to do some major travel for fun.

I've generally been a grass is always greener person. For me, that emerald green, perfectly manicured lawn has been next door or across the street. After university I did a bit of travel, mostly in and around North America. I also was lucky enough to visit the Philippines, twice, but I still envied those that had that big European "find yourself" trip after university. I chose to work right away, but wished that I could continue my education backpacking in my idea of "the world", the one that I read in my art history text books. I told myself that it would have to wait until later, though looking back, I'm not sure exactly why.

So thirty-five hit, and the realization that I could have already lived half a life. I made it a priority, and visited Paris, Prague, and this past year more of the UK and Spain, making my way to Barcelona and San Sebastian, secretly hoping that I'd find my own Rafael Nadal and that I would never come back. It's been a combination of the best experiences, and not so good ones, of highs and lows, of enlightening and special moments -- things that I dreamed about even though I didn't know what they were.

Part of the reason Europe called me was because I felt as if there was something missing in my life in Vancouver. That travelling there would reveal some truth, something that I could not and was not finding here in Vancouver. That the grass would be in fact greener and there would be that perfectly manicured lawn with my name on it and a white picket fence to go along with it. But what I did learn is that Vancouver is my home. It is my home base, where I am surrounded by my family and friends. It is where I can continue to imagine and dream, and realize my potential. It is where I can grow and be pushed, just as long as I have the drive to reach those new heights. It is where I can find love for myself, and the romantic love that will one day soon be on my door step. It is where I can dance, love my art, and soar.

I do feel bullish about 2010, and I hope that you do too -- thank you for reading. I've realized that my past doesn't have to be my future. If I'm looking next door, I'm simply not living my life. My happy ending, with chapters still to be written, is both here and waiting to be uncovered.

tu me manques.

2009-06-07T09:52:00.006-07:00

It was a year ago that I was in Paris. There is really no place like it for me, a perfect city, the template city -- a combination of food, culture, art, style that makes it like no other that I have visited.

Below is a picture of my little studio in Paris.

One day, I'll make it back for sure.

mom.

2009-05-10T22:13:00.005-07:00

i am missing you
wishing that you could see me now
hoping that you would be proud
for i feel that i have done my best
and i know that no matter what
i will always love you
guide me
watch over me
and i will never lose my way
love always
your son

random thoughts.

2009-03-24T09:08:00.003-07:00

Home renovation channels like HGTV are responsible for misrepresentation because they make everything look so easy!
When buying gifts, even if a gay boy wears a size "large", you always get him a size "medium". Let him exchange it discretely.

random thoughts.

2009-03-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

Why do gay asian boys (including this one) go through a phase where they wear coloured contact lenses?
"The thing is people like us think about things, while other people just go for coffee. In the end, it's just a coffee."

quote of the day.

2009-03-13T15:23:00.002-07:00

You already know how to be the best friend -- you're already a master at that.
Now you need to learn how to be a lover, to be in love, to love and to be loved.

random thoughts.

2009-02-24T16:16:00.003-08:00

Not to be a hater, but why is Taylor Swift famous? She's relatively sweet (not as annoying as Miley), but she sounds off key to me. I just don't get it.
If this was her 27th Oscar Special, how old exactly is Barbara Walters?
Did anyone catch Sophia Lauren at the Oscars? She was perfectly posed the entire time when announcing the nominee for best actress. Question is was her hand on her hip or on her waist?

Ok, I'm done.

quote.

2009-02-14T11:09:00.005-08:00

Stop telling the universe that you will never find anyone.
Start believing that you will fall in love with someone who will love you one day.
Continue to be as open as you are, with your heart on your sleeve.
Trust that the path you have chosen will lead you to where you are.

You're ready.

old town - chicago.

2008-12-25T15:18:00.002-08:00

san diego lifeguard station.

2008-11-28T12:33:00.006-08:00

On a day like today, I miss summer.

Why The M Word Matters To Me.

2008-11-16T21:27:00.003-08:00

This article by Andrew Sullivan, pretty much sums up how I also feel about the "M" word.

Even though I'm not there yet, I'm so lucky that I live in Canada.

three six.

2008-11-02T17:04:00.008-08:00

i turn thirty-six today. and you know what? i'm pretty stoked about it -- really, i am. a friend asked me the other day how i feel about turning a year older, and i had nothing bad to say.

i used to be traumatized about getting older. more wrinkles, less hair, slower metabolism -- i guess i'm pretty vain. but it was more than that for me. each year meant i was sometimes farther from where i was, or not close enough to where i wanted to be. i was either stuck in thinking "if i only knew this when i was younger", or "when i'm X, i'll be able to do Y".

but when i turned 35, it finally hit me. i learned the value of being truly present, of living in the moment, experiencing the now, feeling the rain drops on my head, the warmth of the sun during a late august sunset, or the rush of experiencing the perfect patch of powder when i'm on my snowboard.

i really do have a lot of things to be thankful for. i have a family that loves me, a career that challenges me and i have built a wonderful home for myself. i have the opportunity to travel and learn about the world (and myself) by experiencing other cultures and different ways of living. i can run and jump, and express myself through dance. i have friends that reinforce and support me for who i am, challenge me to be a better person, and that let me be the most authentic me.

i turn thirty-six today. i don't know everything, but i do know that i'm finally getting it. and even though i know that things are only going to get better, the view is pretty fantastic from where i am, right here from where i'm standing.

i'm here, and i'm ready.

web 2.0

2008-08-13T10:52:00.001-07:00

This is funny (maybe only funny to those of you who work in IT).

The funnier thing is I have caught myself using one of these terms before.

The Web 2.0 Bullshit Generator�

Givenchy and YSL.

2008-06-05T09:59:00.001-07:00

I was told by my friends that I had to see the Eiffel Tower at night, so I made my way on one of those Seine boat tours. I got off near the Tower, and looked for a place to eat. I stumbled down some street and almost stopped in my tracks when I saw what looked to be more than just a storefront of Givenchy. A few feet down the block stood YSL. On this block of course there were fabulous restaurants with the obligatory patio, as well as a a very good looking "fashion" crowd (no "bo-bo's" here, i.e. bohemian bourgeosis, which seems to be the look here in Paris). I had to eat here. Maybe I would see Galliano.

However when I checked the menu prices, I decided to move on, because they didn't fit my "freedom 35" budget.

I settled on a fabulous Italian restaurant, just another block down a side street. I mean I must be on vacation, croissants everyday for breakfast and then pasta for dinner? I love this town. I love how civilized it is, even with suit wearing men riding scooters, parked anywhere on the sidewalk, wherever there is a open spot. I love how the women wearing heels have no trouble navigating the cobblestone streets, eating cheese and bread every day. I love how my seat on the patio is basically on the street, as the people passing by on the sidewalk can smell my food and someone almost hit me with a big Hermes bag. I love that everyone calls me Monsieur everytime I go to a restaurant. I love that this restaurant seems to be filled with regulars, as many of them are greeted by the owner with kisses on the cheek.

By the way, my meal was great. I don't think I've had a bad meal yet in Pairs. I also got some great night shots of the Eiffel Tower, I'll post them as soon as I get back to Vancouver. I think you'll love them too.

leather lace-ups.

2008-06-04T13:29:00.003-07:00

Random thoughts from Paris:

- I am seriously thinking of getting a scooter when I get back to Vancouver. If I ride around in a three piece suit with a bagguette peaking out of my leather backpack, will I be out of place? I wouldn't if I was here.
- All French men have the fullest, reddest lips.
- People LOVE scarves here.
- When did lace up oxfords with jeans come back in?
- I brought my running gear, but it'll have to wait until Prague. Let's eat!
- I am starting to miss Vancouver, but I'll just have another creme brule.

Bonjour!

2008-06-03T10:31:00.004-07:00

Picture this...checking myself in at YVR, and the woman at the flight desk asks me for my passport, and then asks me to confirm that my final destination is"Paris". I looked at her confused for a moment, because I didn't think she was talking about me.

I'm going to Paris. Yes, I'm going to Paris!

And so after a very long flight and a minor inconvenience of my luggage arriving a day late, I am finally here. This place is so beautiful, every time I turn the corner, I look like I'm in a post card. The style here is effortless, the food is tremendous, and even the birds wear scarves. The conversations on the street sounds like they are from old French movies. And usually I don't eat bread (it's a carb), I am sitting here full from bagguettes. I love this place.

Will post more later, but just wanted to check in to say I'm safe and I'm living a dream.

Yeah for "freedom 35"!

...so busy (sigh).

2008-02-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

I don't usually post links like this, but this is extremely funny (and so true).

ten years.

2008-02-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

I miss you.

once.

2008-01-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen any of the films nominated for Best Picture at this Year's Oscars, but one of the best movies I've seen this year was one I saw on the plane on my way to Singapore (Singapore Airlines is the only way to fly if you're going to Asia, in my opinion). It's called Once, and it is a "modern day musical set on the streets of Dublin." The story is simple, yet the characters are so well drawn out. The music and performances by the two main characters were honest and vulnerable.

It's a must see.

2008.

2008-01-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

The beginning of every new year always seems to bring a sense of clarity. I had some time off after a crazy, busy year. During the holidays, I took stock, and what I gained was a renewed sense of purpose. I finally have a feeling that I am starting to figure things out, and where I need to go. I like that feeling.

I didn't make any resolutions this year, but instead I've made a list of goals and themes for 2008. The subtle difference is that there isn't as much pressure if I break a resolution. One of my themes, the commitment to "self-care", fits in nicely.

I'm proud to report that 2008 has started quite nicely. A new home, a list to guide me, and a view beyond the horizon.

Happy New Year, everyone...

on turning 35.

2007-11-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

So I turned 35 last week. For most of you that know me well, you would know that my "go-to" move is to ask anyone that doesn't know how old I am to guess my age.

But you know what? Turning 35 isn't so bad.

There are so many things that I want to do and see, and to tell you the truth, I've always felt like I'm running out of time. I want to go to Paris and spend all of my time at the Louvre, full of my amateur opinon, bagguettes and wine. I want to go to learn how to surf, go to Hawaii, hang out on the beach and surf all day. I want to take singing lessons. Learn more about wine, heck why not by spending time at a vineyard in Tuscany. Rediscover my interest in painting. Practice yoga more. Take a modern dance class. Choreograph an original dance piece forging modern, contemporary and folk influences.

To be quite honest, I've been in a rut lately. Actually, it's maybe been a bit longer than that, possibly caused by the the whole transition from twenty something to thirty something. It has been a bigger transition than I thought. But I think I dig turning 35. I'm more appreciative of what I've been able to accommplish so far. Instead of running out of time, I now feel that I only have time to do the things that I want to. Maybe it's because I'm more comfortable in my skin. Maybe it's because I don't care as much about what other people think. Or maybe it's because I've finally 'grown up' and learned that it takes more energy lamenting than actually going for it.

So "Happy Birthday" to me. I've already crossed off some of the items on my list above. I'm excited to see what's in store in the next few years -- stay tuned.

so you think you can dance?

2007-09-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

...Filipino style. My dance company is having its annual folk dance and music workshop at the Scotia Dance Centre, starting on October 7th. If you are interested in checking it out, please come. It's open to everyone, Filipino or not, and participants will have the chance to be invited to audition to be part of the 2007/2008 season, our 15th anniversary. Plus next year, we're scheduled to go on another European tour.

Hope to see you there!

Kababayang Pilipino presents a five week dance and music workshop beginning on Sunday October 7, 2007!! If you�ve ever been interested in Filipino cultural dance and music, this is the place for you!! Celebrating its fifteenth anniversary in 2008, KP has grown to become Canada�s premier Filipino folk dance and music company. It is recognized locally and abroad for its professionally staged performances and lavish costumes and props, and live musical accompaniment.

Led by Artistic Director Randy Romero and music directors Rodney Romero and Cristina Pernia, these five weeks will to cover the basics in Filipino dance and music. This workshop is open to EVERYONE! If you�re looking for something different, exciting and fun, give KP a try!!

Please read the attached poster for more information. Pre-register by emailing your name to workshop@kababayangpilipino.org . Remember, if you bring a friend, receive 50% off your first registration!

Dates:
October 7, 14, 21, 28, and November 4, 2007
2 to 3:30 pm

$45 for the 5 week workshop
1st class is free
50% off if bringing a friend

hipster olympics.

2007-09-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

I'm so over people that are so over themselves. Not to date me, but the term hipster is new to me (we called it 'alternative').

Watch it, it's so true. I guess I'm over me...:)

Thanks Tony for the link.

facebook.

2007-08-19T22:06:00.001-07:00

So, I'll admit it. I'm a Facebook addict. Even though I'm online most of the time, I have a little time to surf, to have some free time on the web. The free time that I do spend is on the web seems to be on Facebook. I'm not sure if it's good or bad, but one thing for certain is that I don't spend enough time updating my blog.

...and so comes a resolution -- to update my blog every time I have something to say. A blog is different from Facebook, because rather than posting photos or updating your status without context, a blog allows you to express a moment in time, a thought, an idea that you have circulating. And that is why I'll continue blogging. It helps me to remember stuff. It helps me capture what I'm feeling.

So read on. I'm going to recommit to posting. If you don't find out what's new about me by going to www.randyromero.com, my Facebook profile imports posts from my blog...:)