Do you have writer's (/blogger's) itch?

This was my friend, Janet Bagnes', question just now. She was wondering what I was doing home at 9 on a Saturday night. My answer was "Scary."

Today's highlight was dinner at La Comida, Staunton St., Soho. I've been to this restaurant many, many times. Thrice, recently, in as many weeks. I like their paella (picture below), tapas (especially the chorizo), and sangria. Tonight was my Christmas dinner with Cousin Grace Exconde.

On the way home, we decided to walk up the Mid-levels escalator. I've been wondering what an important-looking brass plate by the side of the escalator was all about. Along Shelley between Caine and Mosque. I never stopped to check.. until tonight.

It's nice to know that a great Filipino once lived in my neighborhood. I wonder how the area looked then. This is how it looks now. Grace in front of the Orange Tree Restaurant:

I was reminded of the summer of 2002. I was in Barcelona with Doreen Rojo and Janet Bagnes. Tourists were as thick as flies. We (or at least, I was!) were getting claustrophobic inching our way through the Las Ramblas. Out of desperation, we turned into one of the alleys. And we had the pleasant surprise of stumbling upon this signage:
We excitedly took turns posing for pictures. First, Janet and me (me-looking a bit too "healthy"!):
Then, Doreen and Janet.

Today, I was reminded of Jose Rizal. Our National Hero. A man whose life, though quite short, had inspired and continues to inspire many Filipinos. One who had made a difference in this world.