CLUB RIO

Rich and I decided to hit-up Club Rio because Kris Kut was spinning there. We were kind of bummed out about missing Vodoo Lounge last night where she was, but we just couldn't get things going.

We got to Club Rio pretty early and there wasn't much of a line. It started to grow though, so we got in line just not to get screwed. The girls in line weren't very impressive, but as we waited, more and more attractive woment started to come along. Still, my thoughts kept drifting to Brenda. Why do I like her so much?

Although the space was huge, much of it was closed off and there was no place to sit because all the seats were reserved for groups. There were a lot of Pinays working as cocktail servers, but we never asked them if we could sit.

The half got into Rich's system and he was down to dance. Me, on the other hand, me felt fucked-up like caveman. I felt wasted and could hardly get up to even stand. I got lazy and ended up on my ass on a table. The night started dragging on and we left without talking to a soul.

SINIGANG IN VEGAS

Went to Albertsons to buy some sinigang mix and veggies for it. Cooked it up. Rich got home. He was exhausted of course and after a little session, we were toast. We're fuckin' old.

VEGAS (AGAIN!)

Headed off to Vegas once again to spend New Year's with Rich (and of course, hopefully, the ladies). Got to MGM on time for their $60 tourney, but there's already an alternate list. I'd be in the tourney as soon as the 19th person went out. Forget that!

Went to Costco instead to buy some Red Bull, Hennessey, pork spareribs and some water.

We decided to hit up Mist at Treasure Island. Black guy Suave hooked us up with Hen all night. Tried to hook up with Brenda but she was at Ellis Island with Lynie.

IS BLOOD ALWAYS THICKER THAN H20?

Each year, in memory of my father passing away, I always try to play golf during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. My brother Paul started the tradition but ever since he started a family, he hasn't really been able to participate consistently. Also, since last year's Christmas time blow-up between he and my oldest brother Noel (they argued about how serious to treat golf when playing with our nephew Jared), I have felt personally responsible to keep the tradition alive.

This year, we played at Spring Valley in San Jose. It's a short course near the foothills and Jared was six strokes ahead of my as we made the turn. Poor Paul was never in contention mumbling to himself that it was "one of those days." By the end of the round, I came back to beat Jared by two strokes 83 to 85 (Paul shot a 90). I know Jared will be so good in the future that I always keep teasing him that he will never defeat me. I guess it's something Tiger Woods' dad did when he was younger, so I thought I might try it to teach Jared about mental toughness.

When we returned, my uncle Tito Danny and his wife Tita Nette were at Paul's house finishing their lunch. Tito Danny had a few drinks already in him and when that happens, I notice he tends to love to talk about serious issues. This time, it was regarding Noel. As I finished off the Dungenees crab in front of me, he made the point that we must support Noel during this troubled time because he is a Nepomuceno.

Noel is faced with an impending divorce. He didn't even bother to come up with us this Christmas because he was apparently so tired of Kimi and her insults, he decided to spend the holiday in Loughlin, NV. Tito Danny was quite adament that we support him because there is no one else he can turn to at this time. And because we're Nepomucenos, we should have undying support for him.

I replied that I have unconditional love for the guy, but that it would be difficult to support him and his actions. "All I'm saying is that we must hear both sides of the story before we make a judgement. And right now, all we have heard is his wife and her sob stories," he said. "But should we not judge based on people's actions?" I replied. "I have seen the things he has done and the attitude he has. How can I support such a thing?"

We went back and forth for awhile, talking in the dining room quietly even though we knew there were other ears in the house. I wished that we had some privacy so we could talk more openly, but perhaps there was a reason we had to do it this way. Lately, I've begun to wonder if we have free will and that everything that happens to us is due to Fate and/or Destiny. Finally, Tito Danny revealed that he made my brother promise that he would come to the Bay with me to wish he and his wife off to the Philippines. Tita Nette has cancer and it may be the last time we see her before she leaves. It is their wish to return to the Philippines for her final days so she can see her family.

I was quite surprised to hear that Noel would make such a promise. I actually doubted it because he's never been the kind of sentimental brother that Paul has always been. I know Noel keeps a lot of things inside, but when we reach out to him during tough times, he never opens up. Maybe he wants to seem strong or maybe he feels the most responsible for the family now that our father is gone. But I doubt it.

When Paul came back from driving my aunt and uncle back to Milpitas, he asked me about the return trip. I told him that we were supposed to come back sometime in January, not for New Year's as he thought. "Yeah, I talked to Tito Danny about it, but I basically told him not to hold his breath."

THE MUMMY MADE ME SCREAM LIKE A BITCH

I took Stephanie to Universal Studios, Hollywood today. I keep wondering how a 23 year old girl who grew up in Southern California has never been to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, seen the Hollywood Walk of Fame or know what her astrological sign is. Then, when she revealed she was a Mormon, I began to wonder if that was the reason. Are Mormons really that strict? What is wrong with going to see the Walk of Fame or Universal Studios?

Universal Studios has such few attractions, it almost doesn't make sense to purchase the year-long pass. However, they have priced it so well, it almost doesn't make sense not to purchase a year-round pass. For $55, you can go the entire year with some blockout dates. Regular admission is about $20 less than the regular price so you just need to go twice to make it worth it. So I purchased the year round pass and gave it to Stephanie for Christmas.

The newest and probably best ride at Universal is the Revenge of the Mummy. It was my first time riding it and I didn't know what to expect. It was an indoor ride so I figured it would be similar to Disneyland's Indiana Jones. In fact, the setting was pretty much the same since it was supposed to be a mummy's tomb. But little did I realize that it was a high-speed roller coaster and that it would take my picture while I screamed like a little girl. The damn ride actually scared me!

We had an appetizer at Tony Roma's (Stephanie drank water) and watched the Cal vs. BYU game there. We finally got to talk about more serious things when she revealed that she was nearly married and had been with the same guy for four and a half years. "I know drinking is illegal," I said jokingly, "but is pre-marital sex also illegal." She smiled and said that they had chosen to keep that part of themselves until they got married.

Anytime a woman basically tells you she's a virgin, all kinds of weird thoughts creep into your head. First, you get a little excited because you have a chance to pop someone's cherry. No one ever forgets their first time and I haven't had a virgin since I was a virgin. Looking back, I realize that virgin sex sucks, but I now have enough experience to make it unforgettable to the fourth power. That's the little devil talking.

Then the little angel starts to say things. You begin to question whether it's worth it and whether it's moral. Could I deal with all the drama that surrounds having sex with a virgin? Imagine all the questions and all the emotions that would be tied up into this little monster you could create. Hell, she might even turn into a sex fiend! You never know. On top of that, she's a Mormon! Who knows what this monster could turn into! Then you start to wonder if it's even moral. Making love to a Mormon virgin could send you straight to hell. Then again, that's what the Catholic priests sort of instill in you in Sunday school. Heck, I may already be going to hell so what difference would it make?

What would her family think? Would she even say anything? Would she live with the guilt? Would she tell her future husband? Would I be her future husband? Would I be required to be her future husband? Would the Mormon mob go after me? Could I become a polygamist? Could I be a polygamist with her sisters? Would I need to become a Mormon? Would my Catholic faith shun me? Would I be viewed as a pimp or as an asshole?

Those are just a few of the questions that swirl around my head. In the end, I will let Fate answer these questions for me.

LET'S PACK

Rex Navarette has a comedy routine about "packin". It makes fun of the Filipino accent.

I helped Vanessa pack today but I hardly did anything but lay on her $1,000 bed. It is so damn comfortable you can fall asleep in minutes on that thing.

I finished my shopping at the Montclair Plaza by purchasing Mayah some Gap perfume oil. What do you buy someone who has a husband who provides everything she could possibly need? I found some jeans on sale so I finally purchased some new jeans.

HOT TUBBIN'

Did some x-mas shopping at Target and TJ Maxx. Also did some online shopping buying KEM cards.

Hot tubbin' with Stephanie's sister Janelle. Also met her other sister who was in college in Idaho.

KING KING

Vanessa is moving soon and we got into a dumb argument about who would be helping her move. Turns out she called her uncle to help her, so of course it made me feel bad because I promised to help her. She said she didn't want to put up with my bitching.

Anyway, she called and I told her I was on my way to King King in Hollywood. She sounded like she was down so I told her to go. We met up at the club, 1/2 rolled and danced the night away.

Vanessa is such a good dancer, you can't help but notice her when she's dancing. She gets so much attention even without a spotlight. She can rock it all night too. She seems to be in her element when she's dancing.

All of Tam's friends like Stephanie and Elaine were so impressed with Vanessa and kept urging me to dance with her. I dare not because I would only look foolish dancing with her. I told Vanessa that the girls loved her and she replied, "do they know I'm bisexual?" to which I replied, "not like that!"

The night wore down and we left Ray and Vanessa at the club and allowed them to close it out.

CORNED BEEF

My nephew Jared will be a professional golfer someday. At least I hope he will. We played at Marshall Canyon today and walked instead of riding. I haven't exercised for about two weeks so walking was tougher than I thought. Jared will beat me someday, but for now, I like to tease him and let him know who's boss (though I just beat him by two strokes).

After golf, we drove to his Grammy's house in West Covina. I had a Corona, sat down and started watching Mr. and Mrs. Smith with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Then we had dinner which was comprised of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. It reminds me a lot of a Filipino dish called nilaga.

I left Grammy's with some dvd players she bought for them for Christmas. I put them together and started charging the batteries. Someday these players will cost less than $50 I'm certain.

Then I realized I borrowed one of Jansen's movies The Sea Inside. Amenabar also directed The Others and Open Your Eyes (which Vanilla Sky was based on) but this one was about a Spaniard who was paralyzed and fought for his right to die. I love these kinds of movies that make you contemplate life, love and the meaning of it all. Comparing this movie to Mr. and Mrs. Smith is like comparing wine and beer.

TWO AT THE SAME TIME?

Is it possible to like two people at the same time? I'm not talking about just liking people as friends, I'm talking about actually liking more than one person, more than a friend.

I left Las Vegas feeling the same feeling I had the first time I left Brenda - sad. I know I was going tomiss her yet I also knew the reality of the situation. I wish there was a way to quickly change things, but right now, I am just going to have to wait.

I got home about 2:30pm. I had three hours to get ready for my date with Stephanie. I hadn't seen her for weeks and I wasn't sure what to expect. I rested a little having only a few hours of sleep and having driven about four hours.

I washed my car and cleaned the interior. I was going to be late, so I called Stephanie and told her I was going to be tardy. She didn't seem to mind. When I was ready to pick her up, she gave me her address and I looked it up on Mapquest. She had something to add. "Just so you know, you'll probably meet my family when you pick me up." I replied, "I don't know if I'm ready for that." It was a joke because a few weeks ago, I suggested I meet up with her at her friend's softball game and she said the same exact thing. It seemed like she had upped the ante.

I was about an hour late and arrived in Chino Hills. Their driveway had three cars in it and I suspected there may be more in the three car garage. They had simple decorations up and a line of candy cane lights along the walkway.

Should I knock or should I ring the doorbell? I haven't felt like a high school kid since high school and now I started to feel like one again. Stephanie might be the whitest girl I have ever gone out with so I couldn't help but feel a little insecure. Although I was about as American as she was, my ethnic background began to reveal itself from the inside out.

I decided to knock and a few seconds later, a very attractive young lady answered the door. My first reaction was, "is this Stephanie?", but I realized it must have been one of her three sisters. Stephanie is the eldest and I was going to get a chance to see how beautiful her siblings were.

One after another, they all came out. The other sister emerged and then her parents came out. All of them were smiling and all eyes were on me. I am shy by nature so it was difficult to be myself with everyone staring at me. I felt most nervous around her father, but he seemed really cool and reminded me of the Croc Hunter.

Stephanie's mother was a full brunette. Her hair was so dark and so evenly colored, I wondered if she had dyed it. She wore glasses and had a simple look about her. I am a sucker for brunettes, especially white brunettes. I don't know why, but I am. I began to wonder how Stephanie would look if she were to get rid of her blonde highlights.

Stephanie finally emerged and walked down the stairs. She had a smile on her face and the scene reminded me of one of those teenage movies. I had to get out of there so I said my hellos and that was that. "Be sure to bring your jacket because it's going to be cold out there," her dad reminded her.

Stephanie apologized but I told her it was fine. I knew the drill and it's always a little embarassing to live at home and have to be picked up on dates. But I knew where she was coming from because I too experienced this at one time.

We left for Downtown Disney. I didn't realize it would be so crowded on Friday. Little did I know that thousands upon thousands of hungry parents and kids were already waiting in line for the restaurants in Downtown Disney. We finally settled on an Italian restaurant but they told us the wait was at least an hour.

No problem. Off we went to California Adventures to ride the Hollywood Tower of Terror. As we waited in line, Stephanie took off her long jacket and revealed what she was wearing. Low rise, form fitting jeans and a long sleeve white top with a red tank underneath. I never got a chance to really look at Stephanie's body when I first met her, but when I saw it, I was flabbergasted.

Never have I seen a white girl with the most perfect hips and an amazing tush to go with it. I was reminded of a Hispanic or even black girls bottom. The jeans barely covered her butt, but it covered it perfectly. She walked in front of me in line and it took all my strength not to burst out with a, "daaaaaaaaaayuuuuuuum" right there and then. My ghetto side was coming out and I had to bite my lip to keep it from getting out of control.

I laughed to myself and wondered why the gods have been good to me. The reality was, if it wasn't for Charlotte, I wouldn't have met either Brenda or Stephanie. In fact, my crushilitis from Brenda was gone, as Rich would say, "at the drop of a coat."

When we returned to the restaurant, there was still a long wait so off we went to Hook's Point at the Disneyland Hotel. It was quiet and it was very good. The rest of the evening was filled with a fireworks show and the Chronicles of Narnia.

So back to my first point. Is it possible to like more than one person at the same time? In this case, I would have to say, absolutely. Both of these women that I have seen are so very different yet I like both of them in so many different ways. I think it's possible to like more than one person, but the real question is, is it possible to like more than one person at the same time and not be a whore?

As I pondered the question, Jansen texted me for poker.

I'M GOING BACK TO VEGAS

I wanted to get up early this morning, but I lagged and left late as usual. I wanted to wait for my books to arrive because I'm giving Richie a book written by Neil Strauss called "The Game". In it, Strauss describes turning into a pick-up artist and hooking up with some of the most beautiful women he's seen. Any guy who reads this book will wonder if any of it is true, but ultimately, there's only one way to find out.

I made it to Jean, NV fairly quickly. I took a break there and stopped by Whiskey Pete's to join their rewards program. I'm on a mission to join every single awards program there is. It's cheaper than collecting casino chips and I might actually get something out of it. But really, it's just another stupid collection. One day, I'm hoping to create some kind of artwork with all the rewards cards I've collected. I do this with matchboxes too. I have some seriously old matchboxes from Vegas back in the day and I can't wait to frame them somehow.

I met up with Rich at his place. His cousin's little puppy was in the house and it came running up to me. I said, "oh my gosh, what happened to Sage!?" Of course, it wasn't Sage but the cutest little puppy dog that looked like a gremlin. Poor Sage was sick and Richie was keeping her outside because she was barfing too often. Even though I didn't like Sage's whippy tale and sharp claws when she jumped on me, I missed her doing that.

We got ready with a little yay and headed off to pick-up Brenda. When we arrived at her apartment complex, she had to get out to open the gate. She looked the same but with a coat on. Rich got out and gave her a little Christmas tree plan I had bought and told her it was from the two of us - our little Christmas present. She brought it back upstairs and they returned to the car.

I was hoping I'd get a hug, a nice hello or something like that, but as I suspected, there was nothing of the sort. She just got in the car and said, "hi". Jeez, I thought, she really knows how to make a guy feel special.

We drove off to Tao which is in the Venetian. We didn't get in last time, but this time, we were rollin' with some of Brenda's buddies. They were cool guys but Rich and I kept to ourselves. Tao has an Asian theme with lots of dark, red colors. As we walked inside, I saw Nick Cannon walking out with some hot ladies. Fame - what it can do.

There were a lot of brothers and sisters in the house tonight so I knew there was going to be hip-hop and some booty shakin'. We got to the bar and it was still early enough for some of the older business men to hang out. Two of them were staring Brenda down and I told her so. She finally got enough courage to walk up to them and they offered her a drink. She kindly accepted. What a drink slut!

The night passed along without much action. We saw Angel there and met Jasmine who Rich had already known from the Aloha Bar. At one point, I got a little jealous when Brenda was showing one of her friends Toma where the bathroom was because they were holding hands and were really close to each other. "I think I may be getting shafted," I told Richie. But it was more my insecurities than anything else because I later found out that DJ Toma is one of those guys that keeps an eye out for Brenda when she's wasted. "I once told Toma that he's more than a friend, but not like that, not like that," Brenda explained.

As the night wore down, I looked at Rich and wondered when he would say something. It was really late and I wondered how he would get to work. By 4am, he was saying, "let's go, I gotta go." I was glad to go and told Brenda that I would take him home. "I'll call you when I drop him off and meet you at your place," I said.

Poor Rich. He was knocked out on the way home and he stumbled across his driveway to get inside. Meanwhile, I took off to Brenda's and inside her apartment, Angel was grubbin' away on the couch watching TV. Brenda described what they were eating. "Have you ever had chilli and mayonaise?" she asked. Nope. Never had the pleasure, but it sure reminded me of chilli and sour cream. "Mayonaise is better."