purplethoughts

keeping afloat

2011-12-23T15:01:00.002+08:00

I was still in Manila that Saturday morning at around 2am when i read a facebook post from a friend abroad asking for prayers as our city in Iligan is supposedly flooded. i sent my niece a text message, their residence is known to experience floods when rains get too heavy. true enough, their home is now flooded up to the second floor! they managed to cross to the other side towards their neighbor which has more rooms on their third floor. rain abated a bit but they could still hear the rush of water around them as if the river is just nearby.

they somehow managed to leave the place and transfer to my mom's home in Noria which thankfully was untouched by flood waters. that was already around 11am.

that is the wooden plank which they used to cross through to the other house. "they" included my sister and her 2 daughters, 2 sons, grandchildren ages 3 years old and one month old, and my 5 year old son.

when i saw the news the morning after and the extent of the damage to properties and to the staggering number of casualties i just could not help but be grateful that they all survived.

i went home to Iligan that Sunday and these are my aerial photos of Cagayan de Oro. debris are still floating in the rivers towards the seas. and i later learned that these are actually houses carried away by the rushing waters. in it were lives lost as well.

1000 lives perished, and still counting...

thousands of families displaced.

a lot more are still missing.

millions of infrastructure destroyed.

it's been several days, people are still trying hard to rebuild their lives while bodies are still about to be recovered and be laid to rest.

what does one do really? we try hard to keep afloat especially when Christmas time is about to come, supposedly the merriest time of the year.

and since we are still one of the lucky ones, we try to do our share in helping each other out. nature has it's own way of shaking us off our own stupor of apathy and neglect, hopefully we all learn from all this and live each of our precious lives more meaningfully now.

this is our littlest boy survivor oblivious to the perils in this world. let's all hope and pray for a better tomorrow for them.

a blessed Christmas to all.

missing my patronus

2011-12-01T01:05:00.001+08:00

one difficulty with LDRs is when you have those moments when you are feeling emo. those times when you just want a hug or a peck or someone to scratch your restless fingernails on.

i remember last summer when he was still here and i was feeling this same sh1t i posted on my fb wall that "i need my patronus". i didn't really specify anything or anyone but i got a call from him telling me that he's gonna come and see me and we'll have dinner even if it's just fom Jollibee. i asked him why, we didn't have any sked that day since we've been seeing each other too often the past days and we were spending way too much as well. anyway, he just said he read my status and that he wanted to see me and give me a hug and be my patronus while he's in town. aww.

well anyway, i had that same moment tonight. i was feeling down and restless and sad and depressed and desperately needed a pick upper. i couldn't bother him because of different time zones, sucks yeah. and i know he is so busy these days and i can't just bother him with my whimsical woes.

so i left the office early and thought of something significant to do. i went to NBS to buy book ends for my comic books and er, books. then i was hungry and wanted to eat something special but i felt like wanting to cook just so i could distract myself. i went to the supermarket but on the way there i changed my mind thinking i'll just go to Mom and Tina's instead. i went there, sat down and pored on the menu, didn't like anything and left. i went to Pancake House, sat down checked the menu again, and this waiter kept on asking if i was with somebody. after sitting there for several minutes i stood up and left again. then walked some more. waah, i felt lost, i felt like i needed to do something with my life and must start with having a significant night but i dunno where to go and people at the resto would keep on asking me if i wanted a table for two!!

then i went to Cafe Sweet Inspirations and ogled on the cakes, oh that's more like it. so i got meself a slice and wolfed it down. then i skipped on home happily.

sorry magulo. PMS lang ito. bukas niyan okay na ako uli.

my point is, yes, it's never easy and yes i do go through those moments of helplessness and yes distance is definitely a b1tch but it should not deter you from keeping on loving the person that you love just because they are far away.

STK, ta bai!!

2011-11-17T20:43:00.001+08:00

Cebu, Philippines

I know I have been fed with mostly seafood from my previous trip in Iloilo but I could not help not checking out this place. STK means sugba (grill), tula (broth), kilaw (raw/ceviche), it's a typical fish serving in Cebu and most Visayan cities in which a fish is cut and prepared in three different ways as grilled, soup and raw or dipped in vinegar like ceviche as appetizers. But apart from fish they also serve other fares us crabs, squid, scallops, and meat and poultry dishes even goats meat.

What adds charm to this place is their interesting showcase of antique wares and furniture. The restaurant is located in the ancestral house of the Alcovers. From all over the cozy interiors you can find memorabilia and stuff used and kept by their grandparents. This is actually the house where they grew up and still resides and we even saw one of the owners' children running around the restaurant in house clothes, cute!

We had a great time taking snapshots as they allowed us to check out their mini museum with displays of more stuff from the olden times. It's like being transported to a scene in Somewhere in Time or that local movie, Moments of Love. :p

We tried out their fish kinilaw, raw fish in vinegar, several spices and coconut milk as some dressing.

The baked scallops at 130 pesos per order was divine as well.

This crab dish costs 195, good enough to feed 2-4 persons, such a treat!

I loved the place so much i went there twice in my 4 days stay in Cebu, teehee!

STK, ta bai! is at # 6 Orchid St., Capitol Site. Most taxi drivers know about this place though, in fact i first discovered this place through the recommendation of one. Kaon na! ;)

Feasting in Iloilo

2011-10-31T14:16:00.000+08:00

(Oct. 19-23, 2011)

I am a regular visitor in Iloilo because of my work assignment. Sometimes i'd merely let the time pass while i do my business and leave. Sometimes I would do something special like that one time i went church-hopping. This time though i went restaurant hopping, dear, food in Iloilo is always good especially if you check out the best places.

Home as always is at Century 21 Hotel along Quezon St. It's a short walk from SM Delgado and St. Paul's Hospital and public jeepneys ply the nearby streets and taxis are always around making it reall accessible. Best of all, they had a promo that time offering a much affordable price of 750 per night!

(

But going back to the main agenda, foodies, our first stop was at Bauhinia in Smallville.

I've heard about Bauhinia from this blog. I've seen this restaurant in Smallville but I have never tried it before till i read about its rather tasty reviews. They serve Filipino/Spanish food but in stylish platings and presentations. For starters, we ordered the fish kinilaw (ceviche) with side salad and a few slices of what looked like salted smoked salmon. The salmon was pretty salty complimenting the sour-sweetish taste of the kinilaw, yum! It was artistically served in shot glasses.

For soup, we had the pink salmon in sour broth (sinigang). The salmon was pan fried and the broth was served to us just right before eating leaving the fish still a bit crispy and not all too soaked by the soup. Very interesting indeed.

We also tried the pork roulade, it was deep fried making it really crispy like lechon kawali. And i like it that there's the right combo of crunchy skin, a bit of succulent fat and well marbled meat.

The star of the table though was the shrimp slathered with what seemed like crab fat with coconut milk, sinfully creamy and delectable!

Everything was a winner and i so love their fancy presentations without sacrificing the taste a bit. It was quite a memorable experience I would definitely love to go back there once I am in the area.

The following day we were brought to Breakthrough for lunch. Breakthrough has to be the fastest growing seafood restaurant in the area. The first time i was there they only have a few tables, when I got back however they have already extended their property up to several more long tables accommodating more groups and families who are the usual diners.

We feasted on their native lechon manok, sizzling crabmeat, crispy crablets among other seafood fares. Namit guid! Breakthrough is located in Villa Beach and is accessible via taxi or jeeps to Villa.

I met up with a college friend who is now based in Iloilo and she brought us to this place which is known for serving what they proclaim as the "best baked talaba in town!"

Allan's Talabahan is in Oton, the place looks simple and very unassuming but indeed, the baked talaba with powdered cheese is amazing!

I was going to post about Esca, a garden restaurant located is some subdivision there but I was underwhelmed with the place. Or maybe i expected going to a nicely landscaped and decorated place but instead a saw a quite shabby place with stacked up monobloc chairs. I learned that they just wrapped up an event thus the disarray. And there's supposedly buffet lunches and dinners during weekends and we went there on a wrong timing, oh well, next time perhaps.

And it is always nice to cap a great meal with a variety of desserts like the one offered in Nothing But Desserts in Smallville. This could be any sweet tooth's heaven on earth, pastries, cakes and gelatos of different varieties, and they have flavored coffees for your caffeine fix too. ;)

Anyway, I'm leaving you here with a photo of this bunch of kids i chanced upon outside Molo Church, i asked one of them to take my photo and they gladly posed for me in return. I'm tagging this to one of them via facebook.

Viva, Iloilo! I shall be back!

Discovering Daraitan

2011-10-18T18:13:00.002+08:00

Mang Mario said his hometown in Daraitan, Rizal is just about 2 hours from Antipolo, Rizal. He initially wanted us to meet near the Antipolo Church at 6AM and we could all just go to Daraitan together. But it was a Sunday and I'd still be coming from Katipunan and my colleague is from Montalban so 6AM was just too early, eek!

So we met at Starbucks in Antipolo though i had my breakfast meal of longganisa at McDonalds, yey! From Antipolo we hailed a tricycle to take us to the sakayan ng jeep to Gate 2 in Cogeo. We got on the jeep and the ride of our life was about to start. And apparently that ride took us two hours! But it was a smooth ride and the scenery was just breath-taking.

I spotted a few cyclists and bikers, the air was cold and fresh. It's my first time there and as time passed and we went farther I felt like Baguio was just within reach, lol.

After about two hours we finally reached Sampaloc in Tanay, Rizal. The town of Daraitan is still much farther ahead and we could opt to get on another jeep which happens to be alas-puno. Or we could ride a habal-habal which accomodates only two persons per bike (in Mindanao, habal-habals could accommodate 6 persons per ride hehe), or we could ride on a tricycle which i felt was much, much safer. I have once met an accident somewhere in the mountains of Leyte aboard a habal-habal, nah, I'd get on a different mode of transportation if I could help it. At last we were able to negotiate with a tricycle driver who gave us a good enough deal. We first dropped by a gas station for him to fill-up, and a vulcanizing shop for his tires to be checked. Looked like we were in for another adventurous ride, eh!

Mang Mario said the tricycle ride could take about twenty minutes, the driver said it would take us an hour, naku!

It was a good thing that it did not rain. The road towards Daraitan was pretty rough it made me feel like we were actually traversing on a dry riverbed. I realized why the driver said it was gonna take us an hour, he had to inch slowly on the road I felt like we were almost tiptoeing on rocks and soil.

After almost an hour, a few photos and video shots, and a lot of murmured prayers we finally, finally reached Daraitan.

And what a sight indeed! There was a cool blue-green pool, okay it was a river. A few people were frolicking in it I felt like i wanted to dive in as well. It was hot and the waters seem cool and very inviting.

Ahh, but we had work to do and and we need to get across the river.

After about a couple of minutes, we saw ourselves setting foot on Daraitan soil. And what actually greeted us was a well-kept community with paved roads, a church, a barangay hall and a multi-purpose hall where people in the community could gather and even spend time for recreation.

I tried googling more about the area and found out that it is actually trekking destination and I saw more inviting photos about the place. Too bad we were there to work.

After quick interviews and taking a few video shots of the area and the people we had to head back home. Because home was still several miles away...

Mang Mario invited us to go back hopefully in summertime so we could go around more and finally get to dip in their cool blue rivers, nice thought, nice thought indeed. Kahit malayo, salamat talaga, Mang Mario! :)

Baguio in a Heartbeat

2011-10-17T20:53:00.000+08:00

Went up to Baguio for a work assignment, the initial plan was to make it a Baguio-Banaue trip but the rest of Ifugao was still in a state of calamity after the recent typhoons that most roads were still impassable.

For some quick description, my job is to look for individuals, groups, families in the different parts of the country who exhibit heroic qualities. This is mainly the reason why I've been to most provinces in the country and even around Asia Pacific. We get to meet and interview these good people scattered within our reach, yey!

Travel by bus took almost 7 hours since most areas were still flooded that some detours were implemented. Good thing that there is now wi-fi on the bus at Victory Liner, yes and it's free. I just hope that they install power outlets next time in case we need to charge our batteries. ;)

It was already cold when we finally arrived in Baguio at about 5pm. We checked in at Benguet Pine Tourist Inn which is conveniently located near the Orchidarium at Burnham Park. I like this place, a room costs 850 pesos and already includes continental breakfast. There is hot water in the shower at a scheduled time. And i love it's proximity to the city center the most. Bayanihan, where there's so many cheap ukay outlets is just a stone's throw away. And there's a quick shortcut towards Burnham Park.

After some preliminary interviews of our subjects, we brought them to Botanical Gardens to continue with our shoot. It's really for a more Baguio feel of our videos, and we get to go around as well hehe.

After our shoot, we went to the Philippine Military Academy. This is actually my first time there even if I've been to Baguio so many times already. It was nearing noon time and it was really hot and sunny. It's like Baguio in summer when it could feel as warm as Manila, yikes.

But I enjoyed touring the place and taking photos. A cadet was even game enough have a photo taken with us. And it was more than enough to cap my first PMA visit. ;)

Our second day was spent wrapping up our shoot and interviews, and we went to this place where we can see rows and rows of houses atop the hills around the city. I remember way back, there used to be trees in lieu of these houses, what happened???

I always say that Baguio is no longer that cool, refreshing place that i once knew. There's just so many people and cars everywhere that one has to carefully look for a spot to enjoy nature and one's solitude. And we can never go wrong with Burnham Park.

I always love it here, the flowers and plants are always very calming like some nice balm soothing our souls now weary of urban distractions. And i enjoy the play of lights and colors in the water as the sun sets and the air becomes too biting. And the lovers, yes, it's nice spying and eyeing on lovers taking their own sweet time and oblivious to the world around them, noh? hehe

After sitting and walking around Burnham, i went to Session Road, ahh the happiest street in the world for me. That is of course before I've experienced the night markets of Hongkong, the crowded lanes in Shibuya and Shinjuku and the forever busy streets of Times Square in New York. But Baguio's Session Road remains to be the coolest, busiest, happiest street for me in the country. :)

It is so easy to get lost in the crowd here and i find it more exciting when there are hawkers everywhere peddling those pirated goods which makes you feel like you are committing a crime even at just by looking at their wares hehe...

I walked around the streets enjoying the sights and sounds, relishing the cool weather and saying a little prayer of good bye. It was a short visit and I was gonna leave again that night, back to the chaotic, temperate air of Manila.

The quick trip have been a bit meaningful and other than the sights that I enjoyed, I have also savored some awesome dishes in my short food trips, uhm, I should write about it too. :)

Benguet Pine Tourist Inn

Chanum Street

Tel. No. (074) 442-7325

OMG, Chicken Charlie!

2011-10-14T18:25:00.000+08:00

I first tried Chicken Charlie via a take out order of drumsticks and wings in soy garlic sauce which i shared with my office mates. We all enjoyed it and even deemed it better than Bon Chon's. I went back a second time this time for a dine-in experience. I always believe that new establishments should be given at least a second try before judging its quality. And it is almost always best to try the food at once while it's still piping hot and freshly served.

Chicken Charlie is the third new chicken place here in Katipunan that opened fairly recently next to BonChon and Manang's Chicken. I've long heard about this being the better but more expensive one and i was actually expecting for a more posh store interiors. But being in its soft opening just yet I am quite okay with their simple yet tasteful design fit mostly for kids.

They say it's best to pair the chicken with their Bundaberg so i tried it. Uhm, nothing special really except for its novelty. Though it reminds me of the gourmet soda, Boylan which i loved much in New York. But at 90 pesos i find it pretty expensive. It tastes more like your regular root beer. I'll definitely have local sodas next time.

The yam fries are good, sweet and crispy. And are they supposed to be healthier than the potato fries? I don't know and I didn't care anymore as i went on munching while i waited for my chicken.

My only problem with Chicken Charlie is that they don't serve two-piece drumsticks. The minimum order is 4 pieces drumstick which is too much for me. They do serve 4-piece chicken wings for 99 pesos but I'm not much of a fan of chicken wings. Well, i ordered it anyway.

Dum-du-bi-dum while waiting for my 4 piece chicken wings in sweet and spicy sauce...

I waited and thought that it's okay, Bon Chon is more accessible anyway and their 2-piece drumstick costs merely 145 pesos and I would already be happy with that.

And then came my order....

Oh wow! it was hot and steaming, and crispy, and tasty...it was spicy alright but not too spicy that it could drown all the other flavors. It was really good, i forgot all i thoughts about BonChon and them not serving 2-piece drumsticks. OMG, this is Chicken Charlie, the best fried chicken indeed!

i heard about people separating the crispy skin from the flesh, meticulously picking them off the bones and setting them aside, carefully biting onto the chicken part chewing them well and picking unto the pile of chicken skin set aside and slowly biting and relishing the crunch, the crisp, the flavors, wow!

before i knew it everything was gone and i was slowly licking my fingers off with leftover sauces and savoring each taste. the battle is over, lol.

Addicting indeed! :p

Chicken Charlie in Katipunan is located at the second floor of the Oracle Building along Katipunan Ave. They also have branches in Banawe, San Juan, Malate and in Paranaque. I'm just really happy they added Katipunan in their list. ;)

The 4-peat Bonfire!

2011-10-09T03:18:00.003+08:00

I was going to wear my Ateneo shirt for the day but I had to go to La Salle Greenhills for work/interviews so I decided against it. It kinda felt different being in La Salle grounds but well, that's another story hehe...

I rushed off towards the Ateneo just before 5pm hoping to be there for the Thanksgiving Mass at the Gesu but traffic was really bad from Greenhills to Katipunan starting at the C5 flyover. I alighted at the Gate 2 overpass and walked/ran towards the Gesu. And thankfully, I managed to get there at least before the Eucharist celebration, yay!

There's something so serene, almost magical with Jesuit songs and prayers it's almost making me heady. I dunno, maybe it's the feeling of peacefulness, of familiarity, of home.

After the mass we all walked towards the grade school parking lot for the bonfire celebration. There was the usual throng of people mostly in blue. There were families and moms and dads and even lolos and lolas and kids running around. It was a truly festive celebration. There were people who brought food and some even had catered meals aside from the various food stalls offering different sorts of foodies and even t-shirts and souvenir items.

And it was such a delight being greeted by the hosts a warm "welcome to the annual bonfire celebration!" LOL!

And yes, even if it drizzled a bit we didn't have to trod on muddy soil anymore just like what we experienced during the very first bonfire celebration in the putikan back in 2008.

I wasn't able to queue up this time for autographs since they scheduled the autograph signing earlier that day but hey, look who's got the longest queue of them all!

Happy Lemon milk tea was a sure hit to the Atenistas, I am pretty hoping that Chris Tiu will put up a stall somewhere here as well, yey!

I didn't wait for the actual lighting of the bonfire anymore since I was already tired and I still have an early trip the following day. And the rain started falling heavily I don't how things went anymore. Although i heard the concert went on till almost midnight and there was even a fireworks display that I could hear from my place. Well anyway, there is always next year, 5-PEAT naman?!!!!

Katipunan is Milk Tea Heaven!

2011-10-08T03:21:00.000+08:00

Yes, yes ooh yes!

So after that first time when i had my first taste of milk tea i started looking around my own neighborhood for my cravings, and boy was i never disappointed! Apparently Katipunan is home to several milk tea shops, there's just too many of them that I lost count already. Here's what I've tried so far...

tea.logy

tea.logy, i heard started out in Mercato and has another branch at Il Terrazo in Tomas Morato. I barely noticed this tiny shop when i pass by katipunan since it is located way inside Xanland just beside the Sun Shop. It was then filled with students hanging out and enjoying their pica-pica which they also serve other than the usual varieties of milk tea. I somehow managed to plop myself in some cozy sofa in a corner while deciding what typ of tea to drink this time. This is my usual problem with varieties, choosing what might be the best tasting ones could be hard to do. I somehow played it safe and chose their Honey Cinnamon Milk Tea with grass jelly and 50% sugar. As I've said it tasted safe and sweet and creamy enough. And i love their really cozy interiors i could stay there a long time and read a book or magazines.

Cha dao

The first tea i ordered at Cha Dao was their Kopiko variant since i found it totally intriguing. "Kopiko" is really just red tea, brown sugar and milk. I am a fan of the Kopiko coffee and brown sugar for drinks so this is a hit for me. I like it too that I could also customize its level of sweetness and as to whether i'd want it on the rocks or shaken with ice. I have also tried their wintermelon and their assam. I could always go back there and try out their other varieties especially with that popping bobba sinker, interesting eh!

Cha Dao is located at the MQI Building along Rosa Alvero St. just beside Fruit Magic.

The Tea Shop

The Tea Shop is located at the second floor of that building beside Bo's Coffee. The place is actually a cozy hang out place for students as it shares the floor with I Heart Froyo and Wich Craft, a place which i thought sells different kinds of sandwiches only to find out that they only have schubligs and frankfurters, but that's another story altogether.

I tried their Muscovado milk and yes, it's good. They have other interesting variants as Chocnut Milk Tea and even their own version of Happy Lemon's rock salt and cheese.

Aside from milk teas and their schubligs you may also want to try out their potato chips and fries to go with your drink.

Moonleaf

I heard that Moonleaf's first store is at Maginhawa and I'm just glad that they were kind enough to open shop here in my area. It's just a small stall right in front of Crave Burger which is also but a short walk from Cha dao. Before I learned to appreciate milk tea I have already noticed the long queues they would always have making me think that their drink must really be good. My first order was their wintermelon and i liked it since it is light and fruity. and for just 70 bucks you can already get a tall cup with your choice of sinkers.

And just recently they opened their second branch already. It's located just beside the Bat Cave along Dela Rosa St. (behind KFC).

My other favorites in the store is their Caramel milk tea and the Hakka milk tea. I heard their pearls are really good with its chewy, tasty flavor. Curiously though I am not a fan of pearls so my choice of sinkers is just the pudding and the nata or the grass jelly.

Tea Ninja

Tea Ninja is another new kid on the block, I think. This one's located along Xavierville Avenue inside the Quickbites convenience store. Their bestsellers they say are the Yasashii, Cocoa and the Pandas, whatever they are. I only tried their taro milk which is my usual order when I'm craving for something really creamy. They gave me a loyalty card so I am seeing myself going back every now and then and try out their other varieties.

Saint's Alp

Saint's Alp has to be the most upscale of them all. This store is actually a franchise from New York and Hongkong. They also serve meals and snacks aside from their teas. As usual, i ordered their regular sized taro milk this time with black pearls. I love that it is taro rich and creamy yet you could actually taste the brewed tea leaves, very good indeed. But it has to be since a small sized drink cost me more than a hundred bucks already eek!

Saint's Alp is located at the second floor of the new Regis Center just across gate 3.5. And oh, they also serve good kaya toasts. ;)

Aah, I'm really just waiting for this new guy to open. I haven't really tried their drinks but the hype is just killing me I can't wait to try it for myself. Serenitea is set to open soon at the Oracle Building just beside the newly opened Chicken Charlie.

Meanwhile, there's a lot of tea places to choose from anyway so I sure know I won't ever go milk tea thirsty in my side of the metro, teehee!

My First Milk Tea

2011-10-04T18:17:00.003+08:00

I know it may sound cheesy talking about my first time but yeah, here it goes hihi.

My first milk tea experience this year was when we chanced by Chatime in Pioneer on the way to the Ace Water Spa in Pasig. Un/fortunately, our tricycle driver was restricted to pass by the main road where Ace is so he dropped us at this arcade in Pioneer and told us Ace is just across the street. It was beginning to rain and we wanted to protest vehemently but lo and behold, there's a Chatime store in the area! So we skipped happily to the store after paying the driver and even thanked him profusely hehehe...

After finally deciding on which drink to choose (boy there's just too many varieties to choose from and you can still personalize it!) we were given this UFO-like thing. It sounded so strange yet valuable that we held on to it like some precious toy.

Chatime is said to be founded in Taiwan and already has branches in the different parts of the world. It pretty much excites me that they now have placed our country in their milk tea map, ayt!

Oh lookie, may UFO-thingie finally lit up, it's time to claim my drink!

I got their taro milk with pudding, because I have always loved taro and since it's a first i preferred trying out a safer variant for me. And hey, i loooved it! It's sweet and milky and really creamy! My friend said it almost tasted like coconut milk, teehee. I tried her roasted milk tea, supposedly their bestseller and i didn't quite like it. I was just happy with my drink and I'll surely dream about it every now and then since we don't have a branch yet here in Katipunan.

Chatime has branches in Robinson's Galeria Supermarket, the bridgeway at the Landmark Mall in Makati, One Archer's Place in taft and SM Mall of Asia.

So how was your first,? And have you had your milk tea fix lately? :)

Burger cravings on a stormy day...

2011-10-02T14:57:00.001+08:00

Once you've tasted manna from heaven, why bother with bread from the baker. - (Quickmelt)

I've been craving for a mean burger for the past couple days now but since it has been rainy even stormy and I am currently down with flu i just can't get out of the house. McDonald's delivery service at 24/7 comes to mind but i don't like their burgers anymore. Especially now that i have tried this much more desirable and delectable burgers from Boulevard Diner here in Xavierville.

It is really just a tiny space with a modern minimalist look. It is cozy and pretty cool to hang out in with your friends. And since i always dine in solo i don't mind plopping myself in a corner and enjoy my burger.

Just me and my burger.

My first visit there was a couple of weeks back and the taste of the burger i had there is making me sleepless, listless. This is the Gorgonzola burger, it has a 1/3 lb. beef patty, lettuce, tomato, white cheese, sauteed oyster mushrooms topped with their special Gorgonzola sauce in a poppy seed bun, phew! I had it sliced into two knowing fully well that i could not consume a whole burger in one sitting.

The beef is truly juicy, the veggies fresh and crisp and the Gorgonzola sauce that could sloppily slide off your chin is just too good to let slip off. Ahh, i just can't stop dreaming about it now!

They have other interesting burger creations that are worth trying like the Crazy Cajun, Larry Lanai, etc..

And you may want to challenge and rate yourself with the spice level of their wingerangs aka buffalo chicken wings. ;)

Boulevard Diner is located at 91 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, QC. And their front door sign says they could deliver around Katipunan area if you call them at 504-5634, hmmm maybe i could just try that. ;)

EDIT: They deliver for a minimum of 500-peso order, oh well...:)

another manang is in the neighborhood

2011-09-27T01:28:00.001+08:00

Manang, no, not the Manang we have in the Ateneo campus who serves great pork chop, is also now here in Katipunan just as eager to feed us this time with her own chicken recipe. I have heard about this from fellow food hunters and the reviews have been nothing but awesome. Imagine my excitement when i saw a signage weeks ago.

Their tiny place opened today, Monday and even the rains brought about by Typhoon Pedring did not deter the flock that wanted a taste of Manang's Chicken. And oh, everyone of us got a free sundae cone as their opening day promo!

I ordered their two-piece choice cuts for take out and it costs P154.00 which already includes a regular drink. They will let you choose what type of sauce you want for your chicken that is, regular, mild, spicy, extra spicy. i wanted to play it safe so i chose the mild sauce. I shared my meal with my office mates and they all like the chicken. i like it's crunchy skin and the size of its cuts are satisfying enough. but the meat seems to be tasteless, uh-oh.

An extra order of their regular potato chips costs P30.00. I am quite used to having fries but this one's addicting, it is crunchy and crisp and it seemed liked they were baked since it is not too oily.

I'm not too sold on this just yet but I'd definitely like to give them a chance.

And contrary to popular complains, this branch uses real plates for their dine-in customers (I got this photo on the counter while waiting for my order hehe)

Manang's Chicken Katipunan is located at the ground floor of the Burgundy Plaza just beside 7-11. They also deliver around the area with their number 9215907.

good morning!

2011-09-25T21:26:00.000+08:00

it was just about 9am on a Sunday morning, i was still sleepy since i had a late night gimmick the previous night but i had to head off to Antipolo to work. yes, work on a Sunday morning. I was running late (as usual) and could not think of anything but my bed and catching more zzzzs

then my officemate sent me a text message,

"hintayin ka namin dito sa Starbucks".

ahh, that just jolted me up.

Starbucks.

in Antipolo.

WOW!

Starbucks in Antipolo opened a few weeks ago and is located at this new mall right in front of the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or simply known as the Antipolo Church.

My current favorite drink- a hot cup of creme brulee macchiato...what a good morning indeed!

So what is a winter melon?

2011-09-23T18:37:00.000+08:00

i first encountered winter melon as drink when i went to mercato last summer. it was served as winter melon iced tea with its chunks of ice and sweet flavor thereby reminding me of, er winter.

a quick search on google tells me that winter melon is also called the white gourd or more popularly known as kundol here in our country. yes, that sweet candy you love when it is sugared and dried.

winter melon is also a current favorite flavor among milk tea patrons, ahh there, i believe it's time i compose my milk tea blog post soon. teehee!

Il Mercanti

2011-09-23T16:10:00.001+08:00

Similar, i guess to the Banchettos that have sprouted in the different areas in the metro, Il Mercanti offers the same concept of showcasing a lot of different varieties of food stuff. I have never been to any Banchetto site so i can't really compare, I have been to Mercato and although i prefer their food line up there, Il Mercanto is more airy and spacious not to mention more accessible since it is located just right inside Metrowalk.

spacious halls

a short walk from the main establishments of Metrowalk towards the parking lot will lead you to this...

roast pork loin, pastas, potatoes

just follow your nose, the waft of the different aromas of food will definitely entice you.

there are different varieties of food to choose from, there's rice and viands combo, or meats and potatoes and pasta, there's different kids of pizzas...

the Korean food stall

there's a Mongolian stall somewhere, and this Korean food stall which i personally love, and some Japanese sushi and rolls too.

street food all-you-want

street food abounds as well, i must have seen two or three stalls in there somewhere. there are also different varieties of seafoods and even lechon!!

desserts table

there is also a wide selection of dessert items for your sweet tooth.

the spacious dining area

I'm not quite sure if it was just a slow night or word still hasn't gotten around much but there were but a few people when we got there that we never had any problem getting a table. and several helps were around to clear the tables at once when the guests leave. we must have spent a considerable amount of time checking out each stall, taking photos and deciding what to sample. we wanted to try different varieties and here's what we finally got:

some Korean dumpling soup--spicy!

i don't know what it's called, it's sold for 99 pesos per order. it's like a kimchy soup, spicy and sour with some rice/ flour dumplings. it tasted like rice balls hehe...good enough for me.

chap chae noodles (80.00)

this noodles is part of a combo meal which you could pair with rice and chicken or pork dish which costs 99 pesos. we didn't want any rice so i merely ordered this dish. it is cold but very tasty, i like it.

baked lasagna

this baked lasagna is so-so...

Smore's bar at Med's 59.00

this smores bar is really good, it's like a moist chocolate bar with burnt marshmallow toppings. too bad we were so full when we got this that we didn't finish everything. i took this home along with other revel bars we bought for 3 kinds for 100 pesos but i ended up giving them to the taxi driver who took me home. i felt too stuffed already and i didn't want more temptations teehee! i hope mamang driver liked it.

steak sandwich, a bit mediocre for 135.00

the steak sandwich was one of the first stuff that i bought, it's supposed to be beef steak cut into strips and garnished with onions and bell peppers topped with cheddar or blue cheese. i let them take out the onions and pepper because i don't eat them and chose blue cheese as condiment, ahhh it tasted blah. the beef was bubble gummy, the blue cheese tasted different, the bun is mediocre. it's too expensive for me for 135.00. maybe i should just have tried their pulled pork sandwich.

wintermelon milk tea, quite expensive for 90.00

milk tea!!! i've been on a milk tea frenzy the past days, this was actually my second cup for the day. it tasted alright but i find it expensive compared to Moonleaf which only costs 70.00.

this is a winner, taro ice cream for 25.00, yum!

we capped the night, er morning with this yummy taro ice cream. and it's a steal for 25.00 per small cup. it's so creamy and delicious indeed. we were there from 10:30pm to about 12:30am stuffing ourselves crazy and digesting all the food sights and smells and some sightings of a few celebrities. Reporter, TV personality Connie Sison was there and i just learned that she's one of the organizers for this event.

OH WAIT!

this was our STAR OF THE NIGHT...

The Juicy Lucy stuffed cheeseburger...

uhm, it's got fried mozzarella cheese hugging the enormous beef patty which has more melted cheese stuffed in it. cardiac delight indeed but it was really yummy! ;)

I'm not sure when we are going back to Il Mercanti, i guess we need more time to digest everything that we ate there that night (till morning). teehee!

Il Mercanti is located at the parking lot of Metrowalk in Ortigas and is open Wednesday to Friday nights at 10pm onwards.

the fuss on Jollibee's hash brown burger

2011-09-21T15:37:00.000+08:00

i've been hearing so much noise and raves about it that i just have to try and see it for myself. i love hash browns but i am not a fan of jollibee's patties, i find it a bit smelly and it has this overpowering taste and smell that could stick to you palate, and even your hands and clothes LOL! but i love their burger steak, weird, i know but it's only because of their mushroom gravy.

so i trooped to Jollibee anyway and tasted it for myself merely to satisfy my curiosity and see what the fuss is all about.

indeed it is baked but i find it oily just the same. the patty is still the same patty that i don't like and i don't like their cheese too. it's a bit dry and tasteless. i merely slathered it with lots of catsup, and yum, there it tasted okay.

i still prefer mcdonald's hash browns, sorry. i like it when there's more texture, more solid bits that i could still bite on. here it's more like mashed potatoes shaped and fried, err baked.

maybe i could appreciate this more if they take away the cheese and add some lettuce and tomatoes perhaps?

or let it be and i'll just stay away from it hehe...it's still quite a steal though for P80.00 including a regular drink.

(my apologies for the quality of the photos, i merely used my phone)

Sambo Kojin

2011-09-20T23:36:00.000+08:00

After about 3 hours of enjoying the hydro-massages, hot pools, water jets at Ace Water Spa, we immediately set off to Eastwood, Libis where Sambo Kojin is. This is my first time at Sambo, we've been warned of the long wait for tables so we made sure to call in advance to reserve. The place was packed indeed when we got there but a table was already waiting for us, bliss!

Ahh, there is indeed an array of food stuff from sushi, sashimi, to fresh meats in different special sauces to cooked items like tempuras, beef stews, noodles, etc. It was food heaven to say the least. And grilling them ourselves is another interesting activity in itself. I am amazed that indeed it is smokeless that the smell of food won't stick to our clothes at all. I heard a vacuum-like contraption is being installed somewhere under our tables to suck in all the smoke and release it all somewhere else instead of inside the restaurant, how cool can that get!

i must have eaten a lot of their beef varieties and shrimp tempura, uhm, i ate a lot of everything indeed!

the dessert items which consists of pastries, fruits, ice cream didn't disappoint as well. they also have a chocolate fondue for marshmallows and diced fruits.

it would be great to come back and stuff ourselves silly again but i believe we need to run around the oval a few times or lift some more weights before we could dare go back. teehee!

the buffet meal costs P595 per person, a bit steep but hey, the quantity and quality of food and the entire experience is all worth it.

Sambo Kojin is at 207 EDSA Greenhills, Mandaluyong (726-4466) and at Eastwood City Walk, Quezon City (421-0145)

ACEd anew!

2011-09-20T22:22:00.001+08:00

i am no longer an Ace Water Spa virgin since i've been here twice already a couple of years back. this is however the first time that i was able to experience their Pasig-Pioneer branch, thanks to a groupon promo a friend got for us, yay!

Ace Water Spa is definitely a perfect venue where we could rejuvenate and at the same time bond with friends and family. This branch has exactly the same features as they have in their Banawe branch. And i appreciate it more that they are stricter as far as following the dress code is concerned. Everyone is in their swimsuits and trunks, although a few still get away with wearing shorts even on top of their what look like a pair of cycling shorts, duh!

Boasting of 25 massage systems, a lazy river, water falls, saunas, steam rooms and mint pools, a floor fountain, etc, etc...one is never left with nothing to do or explore in the facility. and since it is indoors we can all enjoy this rain or shine or stormy.

Regular rates for 4 hours of spa service is P550 for adults and P250 for kids. Check out their promos though who knows you might be able to get a good enough deal. ;)

Ace Water Spa is at:

399 Del Monte Avenue, SFDM, Quezon City

and at United Cor. Brizton Sts., (near Pioneer) Pasig City

A Boy's Baler Adventure

2011-09-17T01:30:00.000+08:00

this trip took place last summer making this post long overdue. but i miss my little boy and i miss traveling i just have to post this now.

it was rainy in Manila when we traveled to Baler. we left around 4 am aboard a luxurious Genesis bus with its lazy boy-like chairs. the trip took about 7 hours, arduous yes, but we slept the entire time.

ever since he was a baby, my boy has been so used to traveling long distance that i never had a problem taking him to different places. now at 5 years old, i could not count anymore the number of places he has been to. he's been to Davao, Dakak in Dapitan, Bantayan in Cebu, Baguio, Tagaytay, Zamboanga, even Vigan in Ilocos. i have a wanderlust of a son just like his mommy.

we checked in at Bay's Inn, Sabang around 11am, ate our lunch and rested till afternoon. by late afternoon, we got on a tricycle to take us to nearby spots we could check out.

Baler is actually a very idyllic town, quiet and charming with its very inviting beaches and other attractions. although this is also a surfing town, this little boy is afraid of rough seas he never bothered setting foot in the beach just across the hotel in Bay's Inn, in Sabang where we stayed. But he gladly waded on the sand and shallow waters at serene Digisit Beach a good 15 minute tricycle ride form Sabang.

Baler Church

On our second day, we started with a day tour around Baler and the nearby towns of Aurora, also aboard the tricycle. We first passed by the Baler Church near the town plaza.

In the Siege of Baler, this is the church where the remaining Spanish soldiers hid for months. I remember watching the local movie Baler when i got back home in Manila only to reminisce most of my trip there.

ayan na pala ang ating bida, parang naka snatch lang ng bag hehe...

this was the stage when the little boy is still in his Thomas the Train obsession. that is supposedly his school bag we just bought from Greenhills. he never wanted to part with it even as we toured around Baler. the get-up consisted of course of his Thomas shirt and flipflops. inside the bag is his toy train, a Thomas pencil case, among others.

while we looked around and took photos of the church, we left the little boy here playing with the local kids. i wonder how he got that empty seat, eh!

from the church we proceeded to this long expanse of pebbly beach near Maria in Aurora. It was almost 12 noon, the sun was glaring brightly and the little boy didn't really like it. and he detested walking on pebbles and bits of sand but mommy still wanted to check out the place and take photos!

after having lunch at some nearby carenderia, we proceeded to the big balete tree and i mean BIG! this 600 year old balete tree has been designated as the Millenium Tree.

the little boy's face lit up when he saw an ice cream vendor. he then gladly posed for photos.

i'm in Baler and i have ice cream, bleh!!

next stop was the Ditumabo Falls. i was hesitant at first upon learning that there will be a 15-20 minute trek passing through rivers and rocky, unpaved roads. but i remember this little boy has gone to Katibawasan Falls in Camiguin when he was about a year old and he walked along with us. without complaint as always.

it was not just a 15-20 minute walk for us though. we must have passed through three or four make-shift bamboo bridges. a few times we had to ask the little boy if he's tired and wanted to be carried but no, he kept on and ambled and was really enthusiastic. my, this 35 year old mommy indeed had a hard time keeping up with the agility and gait of her 5 year old, but of course! i guess he just got really excited when we told him we're going to swim!

the falls was breathtaking literally and figuratively, the water was ice cold but the little boy totally loved frolicking and splashing around. we stayed for an hour and he almost didn't want to go till we told we would still be swimming on the next stop. after the long walk back towards the main street, we let him wade for a short while on the nearby river until he finally bade goodbye to "swimming".

On the way home, while mommy shopped for souvenirs, the little boy had his eyes fixed on Pres. Manuel Quezon's vintage car which was on display. Aw, sorry, son, but we cannot take that home.

we left Baler and the town of Aurora the following day sun-kissed and sated. we had so much fun and the little boy enjoyed himself. now on to more destinations!

Pasta with Peanut Butter

2011-09-14T21:10:00.000+08:00

and because i could not get over how tasty that spaghetti i had at Peanut Butter and Co. was i decided to try and experiment cooking it on my own. it is fairly easy since i used pre-mixed pasta sauce. i chose the spicy variety thinking that it won't be nakakaumay with the addition of the white chocolate flavored peanut butter i picked up from the store.

it's definitely not a dish for anyone who is on a diet, LOL! i used smoked ham which i got from the deli section of the supermarket, sliced it into strips and fried it with butter. when it became brown and crispy, i took it from the pan and placed them on a plate with paper towels to drain out excess oil. i merely poured in the ready made sauce, added a bit of patis, some white pepper, oregano, basil and 3 teaspoons of peanut butter.

i tried googling for the suggested amount of peanut butter but could not find any similar recipe with the one i was making. i initially placed two teaspoonfuls but it wasn't peanut butter-y enough so i added one more. yum, i could not resist licking off the excess peanut butter from the teaspoon, hehe.

i mixed in the strips of fried ham, leaving some for toppings. poured it on the pasta (spirals), mixed and sprinkled more basil, pepper and parmesan cheese.

and here's the finished product-- it's creamy, not sweet at all but very tasty and the spicy kick is an added burst of goodness in the palate. yummmmm!

Bonchoned!

2011-09-12T23:54:00.001+08:00

Bonchon Chicken in Katipunan has been opened for about a couple of weeks now. I only had the chance to try it tonight since queues have been unbearable the past days. i passed by there tonight, took a peek and when i found a couple of empty tables immediately went inside to fall in line behind the counters.

My first Bonchon experience was in Ayala Triangle and their branch is a bit small compared to this branch. I can see that customers are of mixed backgrounds and ages, it was a school night and though majority of them are students, there are still a handful of families with kids.

My order of 2-pc drumstick with rice and a regular softdrink costs P145.00. i remember loving the crispy yet thin glazed skin i could almost compare it with some crunchy turon. i love the spicy variety, i find the regular ones a bit boring. the two drumsticks aren't too feeling though. or sadyang gutom o matakaw lang ako hehe. but i'm kinda wishing that just like the other more popular chicken houses, they would also offer bigger chicken parts like breast, thighs, keels. uhm, wishful thinking.

So the best chicken in America is made in Korea??? Nah, i still love Popeye's to bits! :p

i heard that Manang's Chicken, another chicken factory that is making waves lately is set to open here in a couple of weeks. I'd definitely try that and compare it with this Bonchon. ;)

peanut butter overload!

2011-09-11T20:51:00.011+08:00

" i love peanut butter but i don't want it in my roast beef!!"

i have just enthusiastically finished my classic spaghetti and was about to take a big bite off my PBB Burger when i heard an elderly woman exclaimed this. i wanted so much to poke her to tell her to go ahead and give it a try. i mean, we do add peanuts in our kare-kare, right? i guess we only have this notion as kids of having peanut butter for our desserts and snacks. it still is quite a strange idea adding it to our viands and meat dishes.

this Katipunan branch recently opened and like that elderly lady, i was hesitant at first in trying this out when i heard about their branch in SM MOA. after reading several reviews about the food however i could not wait to give it a try.

unlike their other branches, this branch is definitely bigger and encourages more dine-in costumers. it was a rainy afternoon when i went there and there weren't other guests yet at that time.

this stall displays several interesting peanut butter flavors, there's curry, chili, cardamon, green tea apart from the usual butter, white chocolate, creamy, etc. the smallest tub costs P55.00

i ordered their classic spaghetti thinking the additional peanut butter in it is adventurous enough already. the pasta was cooked al dente, the sauce extra creamy but not too sweet it was actually very good. i meant to eat half of it and take the rest home but nah, i finished all of it!

this half order costs P75.00.

i read somewhere that they are mostly for take out orders thus the use of disposable utensils, i really hope they could provide real plates and utensils next time for dine-in costumers.

i also ordered their PBB Burger which costs P180.00. i was pretty hoping that like their other sandwiches they have this in half orders too but they don't. i still had it halved thinking i could no longer finish all of it.

i love how juicy the patty is, and i imagine tasting real beefy goodness in every bite. i am not a fan of sesame but the sesame flavored peanut buttered is what's giving it it's more unique, exotic appeal.

i would definitely go back and try out their other fares. there's the fish diablo pasta, chicken curry spaghetti, butter fish steak sandwich, black forest sandwich, ahhh my list is endless! hehe...:p

memories of 9/11

2011-09-11T11:33:00.007+08:00

Sept. 11, 2001--we have just arrived in our hosts' house in Chiba, Tokyo when we saw them sitting in front of their TV enrapt. we just came from a long flight and another long drive from the airport to their home. it was past 10pm and we were weary lugging in our bags. the hosts were not able to greet us at once so we sat beside them and watched as an airplane crashed into this tall building and people screamed. i initially thought it was a scene straight from a Bruce Willis movie since we could not understand anything with the voice over in Nihonggo. then we were told it was the World Trade Center in New York and it was a news cover happening almost in real time. i was already tired yet i felt my knees got weaker.

most of the days we had in Tokyo was spent watching the news. even if we could barely understand it their graphics and illustrations were pretty impressive. we didn't have that kind of news reporting yet back then in the Philippines.

a few days later we were on the 48th floor of the Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku for a view of the city. our host told us that we must still be very careful since there might be some prank terrorists in Tokyo. By that he meant people who only wanted to mimic any celebrated crime just for the heck of it. weird people eh!

when i went back home to Manila a couple of weeks later i was able to talk to an old friend who was then lovelorn and depressed. she called me up and in between sobs told me about her realization on the said tragedy, that at least her heartbreak is nothing compared to the loss of all those people who were victims of 9/11. that at least she was still alive and her loved ones were still okay. something like that. such a realization indeed.

stories and powerful photos now abound once again as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks but i'd like the words of then New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani's "We will rebuild!' to reverberate most of all.

early this year i was able to visit Ground Zero, and yes on its site now is the rebuilding of the new towers which will include a memorial and a museum. it is a stark reminder that people's lives, like these buildings can still be rebuilt and rise from the ashes and tower once again. here's hoping that most if not all of the victims and their loved ones were able to rebuild their lives somehow.

Gourmet breakfast on the streets, anyone?

2011-09-10T22:36:00.011+08:00

recently saw this stall featured on local TV, the meals just looked so yummy and the prices so affordable i just had to check it out myself. it so happened that my food trip group, yes there's such a group in my end lol, opted to go to a nearby establishment so i resolved to myself that i visit this place first before i go follow them.

Kanto Freestyle Breakfast is located in the inner streets of Mandaluyong, I am not familiar with the place so that's how i must say so myself. From Boni station of the MRT we looked for the tricycle stand to take us to San Joaquin St. where they are located. Riding a jeep towards Kalentong will also pass by near the location but as I've said I am not familiar with the place.

True enough, it's but a simple stall like some sari-sari store here in the country except that they don't have grocery items but a menu for breakfast fares served 24 hours a day. we chose to sit on their table for two with my friend Andy and started ordering to our hearts (and wallets) content.

i basically came here for the eggs benedict. i am an egg person, i could eat a piece or two each day. it's like my comfort food. and i've never tried having this yet i am just curious.

their eggs benedict only costs 60 pesos with a sidings of fried potato wedges. i love the slight sting of spice on the creamy and buttery hollandaise sauce, the ham is cooked just right, the egg is a bit runny. love it and definitely recommends it!

i also ordered their banana and peanut butter pancakes which costs 55 pesos. it's a bit crunchy on the sides and fluffy in the middle with generous amounts of peanut butter and some thinly sliced bananas as toppings. the maple and chocolate syrups drizzled all over gave it its more festive and rich taste. thumbs up!

our total bill cost 255 including fish and chips also for 55 pesos and crispy pork belly for 65 pesos. and 2 Coke sakto for the two of us. too bad they don't have any brewed coffee.

after having a couple of beers at the nearby Lime 88, we went back to Kanto with some of my food trip group. they also sampled the eggs benedict and this time i tried their tuyo flakes with kesong puti also for 55 pesos.

i love their staple garlic rice and pesto tomato for all their meals. it just compliment the viands perfectly. darn it, i dream about their food all the time too bad i live a bit far from them. kudos to the people behind this resto, i hope they don't jack their prices up just yet. i really want to go back there again and again.

Kanto Freestyle Breakfast is located at 549 San Joaquin St., Brgy. Plainview, Mandaluyong City and is open 24/7.

the blackberry story

2011-09-09T13:53:00.003+08:00

(photo credits to the owner)

i'd almost always come home via cab each time i have a night out with friends. last night was quite atypical though. a few minutes after i got in the cab, the driver asked me if a blackberry is expensive. not really knowing where the conversation could lead to, i merely said yes, but i'm not so sure since i don't have one. he then said it was because somebody left a blackberry in his cab and he does not know what to do with it. he hasn't been turning the radio on thinking he might miss a call in case it rings. i told him to take it to a radio station like the one where Papa Jack works since he's always onboard during the wee hours of the morning and i'm thinking he's a got a lot of listeners and fans. i could have told him to go the police station but i realize we might not be able to trust them (bad!)

then he showed me the phone and asked me to check how it could work. i saw that there were already several messages but since i never had a blackberry i didn't know how to operate it. i tried to compose a reply but i didn't know how to send it. i tried to call but i could not hear anything.

so i asked the driver if it is alright that i copy a number from the phone. one message there said that whoever found the phone will get a reward, or something like that. i copied the number and also asked for the driver's contact details.

when i reached home i just bid the driver adieu wishing him good luck with the phone and he also told me to try contacting the owner as well. i then tried to call the owner using my phone and sent him a message about a blackberry left in a cab.

the following morning i got call from the owner. i gave him the details and he said he's going to contact the cab driver.

a couple of hours later he said he finally got his phone and was thanking me profusely. i told him to thank and reward the driver instead

so to Mang Ben Martinez of Glowing Stone taxi with plate number UVH 133, good job!!!

Death by Chocolat

2011-09-06T23:34:00.013+08:00

for quite a while now i have been on the prowl for the best chocolate cakes in the metro. i love chocolate cakes and i love them soft and moist with a hint of bitterness. not too sweet at all but i prefer it with some bit of caramel or even yema filling too. yum!

i've heard of this tiny store in Xavierville called Chocolat. they say it has the bestest chocolatiest cake ever and since it's just in my neighborhood i'd definitely need to try it.

i instantly saw the freezers showcasing all those yummy treats and i got so excited i almost didn't notice their quaint interiors.

it looks homey and cozy alright but i don't think i could ever sit still and enjoy whatever i have on my plate without trying to check out the freezers again and find out what else i'd want to try eeek!!!

so anyway, i was there to just choose a slice for take out and run away as fast as i could before these tiny choco monsters would squeal out my name and beg me to take them too. i ended up buying two slices though hihi.

Chocolate Caramel (P75)

I love caramel...be it the caramel sundae of Mcdo or the caramel macchiato in Starbucks, or the banoffee pie at Banapple, argh!! So of course, I've gotta try this caramel cake. And it did not disappoint. I was given a slice which was already standing there for quite a while and i would have wanted a fresh slice thinking it could have been aired out a bit and have already lost its moisture. i let it go thinking i'll just have to give it a chance just the same. Yes, it's still moist but still has enough texture. The icing is a bit bitter which i love since the caramel is already sweet and creamy and buttery. I love how everything exploded in my mouth like bittersweet symphony.

Death by Tablea (P80)

The Death by Tablea is entirely different. It reminds me of a mother's love, sweet, traditional, very comforting. It's like those cold nights when we are soothed by a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows and quilted blankets. Okay enough of these dreams! If you are fond of the tablea, you know those bitter round chunk of goodness usually blended and mixed with hot milk using a batirol to give you that traditional chocolate drink? This is exactly like it. We call it sikwati or tsokolate in my hometown. It's really good with the same soft and moist cake that doesn't melt in your mouth but leaves some texture that could tickle your palate. I can't wait to get some more!

My other great chocolate cake finds are the ones at Cafe Sweet Inspirations in Katipunan and Cafe Xocolat in B. Gonzales. Hands down though to these chocolate slices too found in some stalls at the malls, Hungry Pac which deliciously sells for barely 50 bucks a slice, yumyumyum!!

Gayuma ni Maria

2011-09-02T17:49:00.014+08:00

this quite schmaltzy restaurant then simply called Gayuma is used to be located in 86 Abada St. in Loyola Heights. i remember it so well because i used to live in that very same apartment back in the late 90s. :)

We had a sort of reunion there with my then boardmates and how we marveled at how they turned the place into some cozy nook what with all the scented candles and linens and different knick-knacks and the food was just superb. We had out first taste of the chocolate called Better Than Sex and this dish called Ring of Fire, among others. Unfortunately the place burned down and they had to transfer to another place also along Abada.

It closed down again but to cut the story a lot shorter it IS now back again but along Sikatuna this time just near the cluster of interesting joints along Maginhawa St.

It still has the same ambiance and homey feel but i feel like the quality of food has watered-down. Did they change management? Their BTS is now Beats Sex Any Day and gone are some menu items we used to love. I ordered this chicken dish called I Love You, Cross My Heart. It's very filling with rice and a good enough portion of breaded chicken fillet with some asparagus and mushrooms for added drama.

a friend ordered I'm Wild For You but he said it didn't make him go wild at all. i tried it and it tasted like carbonara but a lot sweeter and creamier, well the exaggerated taste of cream it almost tasted like it was sprinkled with a lot of powdered milk.

the desserts were good though it's just that there were only a few cakes available when we got there. we sampled the Beat Sex Any Day, their best seller, Broken Promises which is also very good with it's chewy flaky chocolate crinkly taste, and this coffee cake called All Night Long.

Our group sampled other dishes like the following:

Lumpiang Barako (green peppers)

Rock Me Baby (Baby Back Ribs with corn and mashed potatoes)

Three's a Crowd, pork, beef and chicken barbecue

Exotic Lover, spaghetti with basil and dried fish in olive oil

and this one's their famous Beats Sex Any Day

people might want to go there with their dates but it would also be fun if you go there with your friends and hang out upstairs where you could play around with the different outfits on display.

and some stuff there might also be useful for a more fun bridal shower or get together with your female friends haha!

here comes the blog...

2011-08-10T01:50:00.005+08:00

and so i got engaged!

i know it's been more than a week since the proposal but i'm still a bit floating and dreaming as i continue hearing well-wishers and even suggestions for the yet undated wedding. i am grateful for everyone though and everything is still overwhelming.

so how did it happen?

no, there weren't any frills, no fanfare, but i have to say i was a bit surprised. it was a Sunday, July 31 to be exact, we just got home from a really heavy lunch with friends and after tinkering with my laptop for a while he turned the TV off (which i barely noticed), sat beside me, held my hands and started telling me about quite a long list of people who actually knew what he was gonna say to me that very moment. heck, i didn't even know these people were his confidantes! i was bewildered for a while that when he finally asked, "will you marry me?" i merely hugged him and cried and said "shit! ! shit! shit!" that he asked me "are you really saying shit?" so yes, he had to ask me a second time because i didn't know that just like what we see in the movies I have to actually say "yes!" instead of just nodding and hugging him.

wedding preparations are in the works but we are not in a hurry yet to plan out the details after all it's still but a year before he could finally graduate and come back home to us. the girl in me continues to daydream and fantasize about our big day though but most likely we'll just have a formal but fairly simple event with close friends and family. what matters most is that in those dreams there's us and my little boy in it. we will surely keep you posted.

suffice it to say i feel like i'm the happiest girl in the world!

oh hai there!

2011-08-04T15:34:00.001+08:00

i haven't really been blogging lately, hey i've been busy and facebook has taken over my internet life lol! but i do wish to come back soon, real soon...:)

SKOW, wow!

2011-05-31T16:43:00.004+08:00

we walked and walked around Marikina looking for this restaurant, turned out we were looking for it in a different church neighborhood. SKOW or Some Kind of Wonderful is actually located across St. Paul's Parish in Concepcion and not in Sta. Elena/San Roque, toinks! i was thinking it was just walking distance from the shoe trade fair in Marikina Sports Complex where we headed first. amidst rain, a bit of sunshine and rain again we walked and asked around but no one knew where it was i had to stop and google the exact location. there weren't any jeepneys in sight good thing a cab passed by.
i was half cursing and hoping the food better be great or it would have been a major letdown. Xan was already grouchy especially after having passed a Jollibee and a McDonalds while we walked and sweated profusely.We got there around 5pm and they were supposed to open not till 6pm but seeing our exasperation they let us in. My son was able to borrow the big Tonka truck to his great delight. we had bottomless iced tea for 55 pesos, and started ordering food! and yeah, they came fast and everything tasted good, no make that great!

Total bill was 605, i gave them 700 hoping they'd give me some change so i could give them a tip, but no, they returned my 100 saying quits na daw yun 5 pesos ko. yey, so i have to write this, give them a good review, go back soon and bring some more friends. punta tayo, punta kayo! the food, the ambience is really worth it.
My little boy had a field day, look at his pic! :))

2011-04-13T12:32:00.001+08:00

because i love this commercial and i don't really think there's anything wrong with it. aren't kids supposed to be shallow and cute? what's wrong with it? why does it have to be pulled out, why? pray tell!

winter in central park

2011-04-04T22:10:00.014+08:00

It is cold but everything just looks so magical walking around Central Park during winter time. ;)

so you won't entirely get lost, look for the signages and arrows.

This statue is located west of East drive and 67th St. He is Balto, the Siberian Husky the sled dog who led his team which transported the serum of the anti-diphtheria vaccine in Alaska back in the 20s. He is now one of the more popular statues in the park having stood there for the past 80 or so years.

The park is also a famous place for sledding. Many kids along with their parents will brave the cold and enjoy such popular and fun sport.

Alice in Wonderland: The sculpture was constructed in 1959 by José de Creeft under the commission of philanthropist George Delacorte so that children could visit and experience the wonder of Lewis Carroll’s classic story. Atypical of most sculptures, children are invited to climb, touch and crawl all over Alice and her friends. In fact, through the decades thousands of hands and feet have literally polished parts of the statue’s surface smooth.

This is located at East 74th St.

If you feel tired and thirsty, you may opt to grab some coffee or hot choco at the Sweet Cafe at east 74th St, sit down and relax on some umbrella protected table and chair.

Belvedere meaning "beautiful view" is at the mid park of 79th. Sitting atop a hill, the castle as the name suggests indeed gives a beautiful view of the Central Parks famous views and landmarks.

The Bethesda Fountain also known as the Angel of Waters is seen at the mid-park on 72nd St. I remember this fountain from the movie Enchanted and in Home Alone 2.

The Mall is the open walkway going towards the Bethesda Terrace and runs through the middle of 66th to 72 Streets. I gather now that this is a different mall from what we are most familiar with in the Philippines hehehe. I recall this in the movie My Sassy Girl.

after walking around the park, you may want to look for the subway and hop on the connections towards the 7th train and alight at 69th St. in Woodside to check out Krystal's for their piping hot arroz caldo. :)

Grand Central Station

2011-04-03T12:22:00.008+08:00

The Grand Central Station, the largest train station in the world is indeed an attraction on its own. It has more than a hundred tracks serving hundreds of thousands of people each day. Aside from the tracks the station also houses several restaurants, coffee shops, clothing store outlets.

The Main Concourse is the center of the Grand Central which is usually the meeting point of commuters. Here a four-faced clock can be seen sitting atop the information booth. Also known at New York's most famous clock, it is believed to have an estimated value of be between $10M and $20M.

Found at the Lower Level Dining Concourse is New York's famous and reportedly the best cheese cake in town, Junior's. They serve full meals and sandwiches but we went there merely for the cheese cakes! i am not fond of cheese cakes but this one is just so good. It has a sponge cake base and the cake itself is creamy and cheesy and insanely delicious. I wish we have something like it back home.

Just below the dining concourse is the "whispering gallery" located near the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant. They say that the acoustics of the low ceramic arches can cause a whisper to sound like a shout. We tested it out standing in opposite corners of the large arched entryway, faced the corner and whispered. And yes, I did hear the voice as if we were right next to each other and not whispering into a far-away corner. According to experts, this happens because the whisperer’s voice follows the curve of the domed ceiling.

There are still a lot of other secret passageways and alleys and interesting structures the Grand Central has. It is just shows how rich it is in culture and history that it would be great if we could explore it once more.

Oh, Chicago!

2011-03-24T17:48:00.014+08:00

Chicago, Illinois
(Dec. 13-14, 2010)

our trip started with an about 15 minute walk from the house towards the train station. it was about 6am and still dark and cold and snowy everywhere. i pretty much enjoyed the sights around me while trying hard not to slip and fall.
Amtrak was a bit delayed and took us almost 4 hours from West Lafayette to Chicago. but I couldn't sleep the entire time because i was excited.

the sun was shining brightly in Chicago when we arrived. we went to Chinatown after checking in at the hotel and had brunch/merienda. ee walked around and looked for cheap souvenirs but couldn't find any so we proceeded to Adler Planetarium which offered free entrance fees just for that day (Tuesday). ;)

temperature dropped later that day when we got to the Millennium Park. the scenery was breathtaking but it was just so darn cold and the biting crisp breeze didn't help much at all. one of the main attractions there was the "cloud gate" also known as "the bean" because of it's bean-like shape. it is made of stainless steel and has a polished exterior you could very well see your reflection in the surface.

moving around Chicago is fairly easy with their reliable and efficient transport system. a one day ride all you can ticket is priced at 5 USD. you can use this for all train lines including buses around the metro. and unlike New York subways, most of the stations are above ground albeit a bit rustic and classic-looking too.

Day 2 found us starting out early again to check out more parks and museums. We first went to Shedd Aquarium. I love aquariums and i really wanted to add this in the aquariums of the world that I have been to. It was indeed huge and i marveled at the many more sea creatures we saw there including some piranhas and beluga whales and otters. We also saw Polar Express on 4D.

From the aquarium we went to the nearby Fields Museum which again offered free entrance fees for that day. I'm not much of a fan of museums and ancient artifacts, i find it stuffy and a bit stifling i'd sometimes find it hard to breath when i'm around them. It still amazes me somehow that at least we still get to see and know about them.

Late lunch consisted of spaghetti and deep dish pizza from the famous Giordano's, at least I felt the experience more complete having trying out Chicago's famous pizza.

We set out for one last yet hurried walk around the city up to the river for more sightseeing and photo taking. I say hurried because it was so darn cold and my left knee started cracking and aching i could barely walk!

Anyway, we finally headed to the Union Station to catch our 545PM train back to West Lafayette.

West Lafayette

2011-03-24T15:31:00.007+08:00

my happy place

ghastly
snow surrounds them.
but here in the dead of winter
she felt his warmth all the more.

===

i got on the NY subways and the air train towards JFK. became fascinated (but felt more like an idiot) with the self-service kiosks of Delta. good thing i checked in online and printed my boarding passes beforehand that entry became quite a breeze. till they checked my luggage twice because of my cans of sisig and a jar of garlic chips, and the heat packs i brought all the way from Japan.

the flight to Detroit was about two hours and yes, there was wifi on board!

i rode the tram from gate A75 in Detroit towards gate 25 for my next flight to Indianapolis. the flight took about 40 minutes and T and his friends met me up at the airport and we then all headed to West Lafayette, about an hour's drive from the airport.

West Lafayette is a city Indiana, northwest of Indianapolis and is home to Purdue University.

it was definitely colder that NYC but it least there were no gusts of wind which was more chilling and unbearable. being a university town, it isn't as crowded and as busy as any metropolis. life here is simpler, quieter, more serene.

snow, snow everywhere!

2011-03-24T00:32:00.005+08:00

there wasn't any snow yet when i reached New York. it was cold alright and the wind could blow quite harshly but there wasn't any snow.

when i went to Indiana though it's an entirely different story. i couldn't quite contain myself with the excitement that yes, there's snow! i didn't waste any time for me to actually touch it with my bare hands.

and yes, i was finally able to make my very first snow angel, even if it was past midnight and freezing that time.

on subways

2011-03-23T20:36:00.010+08:00

the New York subways is generally not for the faint of heart. it could get daunting not just with it's quite intricate system but also with its dank, dark interiors. i was a bit shocked at first, i knew it was a bit old but i didn't expect it to be that old and seemingly rickety.

after having gotten used to it though, i somehow learned to appreciate its charm and character.

Brooklyn Bridge

a free "exhibition" of Van Gogh's Starry Night at a Fifth Ave station

just right out at Wall Street

Fifth Ave. and 53rd St. where MOMA could be found

"Can you see me now?"

and though the system could be quite tricky with all the many lines, stations and destinations to choose from there's a hopstop.com for that. with the said website it's but easy to determine our routes by merely inputting our locations and destinations.

and unlike our own MRT, people there are more organized. except maybe for a few isolated altercations with fellow passengers, some could get extra grouchy you know.

so hop on, hold on tight and enjoy the ride. and hey, say hi to some ratties in case yo see them scamper around huh! :p

My US Invasion

2011-03-16T21:20:00.003+08:00

How i would i even start to blog about everything that took place the last three months? whoa! anyway, here's a quick look at how my sched was:

Nov. 19- left for HKIA aboard Cathay Pacific just right before i watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows the day before.

Nov. 20- after a quick stop over at HKIA i had the first breath of American air at the JFK.

Nov. 25- my first Thanksgiving dinner with fellow Pinoys in NYC

Dec. 9- West Lafayette, Indiana

Dec. 16-17- overnight stay and sightseeing in Chicago, Illinois

Dec. 22- trip back to NYC

Dec. 26- First snow day in NYC which intensified into a blizzard!

-overnight trip to Stamford, Connecticut

Jan. 3-5 Washington, DC

Feb. 7-16 West Lafayete, Indiana

Feb. 25 Philippines, my Philippines!

in between those places i was just lazing, couch-potatoing in front of the TV or walking around, pigging out and exploring the streets of New York. Such a grand holiday indeed. I'll come up with more detailed stories soon, hang on tight. ;)

New York, New York!

2010-11-28T03:02:00.003+08:00

i got here a week ago, i'm still adjusting to everything, the weather, the timezone, the culture, everything. and it doesn't help much that it's getting really cold each day but hey it's going to be winter soon so what can i expect. ahh, there are so many things i want to do and so many places i want to check out and i hope to be able to tick each one out before it gets unbearably cold, weee!

anyway, i found this online:

Top 10 Things to Do in New York
10.) Take in the Customary Historical Landmarks.
While every proud American should visit the historical significance of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, The World Trade Center Memorial and the other national landmarks in New York, there are simply too many to detail on a list of ten. For that reason, the historical landmarks are combined into one section.

9.) Join the Argument for Best Pizza.
One of the longest running debates is not only New York vs. Chicago pizza, but who actually has the best pizza in New York. Tons of New York restaurants serving homemade pizza offer up a voice in the debate. You simply can't take a trip to NYC without adding your input on the matter, and fortunately, there's no tastier debate! Try the classic pies at Lombardi's Pizzeria on Spring Street for a taste of old NY and don't let the line at Grimaldi's Pizzeria in Brooklyn scare you, it moves pretty quickly!

8.) Take it to the Top of the Rock
The newly opened Top of the Rock Observation Deck on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza offers one of the most impressive views of one of the most impressive cities in the world. It's open until midnight for a romantic visage of the twinkling stars above mirroring the glittering lights from the city below.

7.) The Metropolitan Museum of Art
From the early 20th century portraits and sculptures to the steel mastery of Frank Stella, the Met is one of the foremost collections of fine art in the world. The museum is so expansive and visual; you should plan on spending an entire day here. If you've never been, get on a flight to New York City and go see some fine art. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes!

6.) Radio City Music Hall
Is there a more American theater than Radio City Music Hall? This timeless testament to entertainment has captivated visitors since the 1930s and no other dance troupe will ever hold the esteem in the hearts of Americans like the Rockettes.

5.) Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Where else in the world can you have a picture taken with Britney Spears, President Bush and Jack Sparrow? This world-famous wax museum is one of the most visited spots in New York and you shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit these stunningly accurate figures.

4.) Broadway
If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. And without a doubt, you should try to make it to a Broadway show! This is the most famous theater district in the world, and you can choose from timeless classic productions like “Chicago” at the Ambassador or a newer stage rendition of “Mary Poppins” at the New Amsterdam Theater. Either way, no trip to New York is complete without some singing and dancing.

3.) Times Square
It doesn't have to be New Year’s Eve to enjoy Times Square in New York City. As the heartbeat of NYC, Times Square signifies everything that the city represents. The excitement, the glamour, the independent free-spiritedness and artistic qualities of New York are all on display in this timeless spot. One of the best places to begin sampling true New York night life.

2.) Carnegie Hall
An entire trip can be dedicated to Carnegie Hall and its collection of delicious restaurants, its enticing gift shop and educational museum. As one of the premiere concert halls in the nation, Carnegie Hall is a national institution.

1.) Stroll through Central Park
Leave your New York hotel and enjoy a stroll or ride a bike through one of America's most famous parks. There are plenty of recreational activities and there's always something special going on in the park, like the Central Park Film Festival. Besides the natural splendor of the surroundings, the best part about Central Park is that it’s free!

http://travel.aol.com/articles/top-10-things-to-do-in-new-york

so help me, God.

Island-hopping at El Nido

2010-11-15T19:18:00.001+08:00

it rained the past days so i deem it such a blessing when we were greeted by warm sunshine that morning, just perfect for our scheduled island tour. it was Mang Sonny who introduced us to Mang Jun, a fellow Cebuano who became more enthusiastic upon learning we speak the same dialect.

we set off at around 9am and proceeded to our packaged tour A which supposedly include Payong-Payong Beach, Shimizu, Miniloc, Secret Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon and 7 Commando Beach.

our first stop was in Payong-Payong Beach, whoa! sand was so fine, waters azure blue and it was deserted we had it all to ourselves that we had a grand time clicking away and frolic in the sun.

after reminding everyone that it was only our first stop, we headed to our next destination. we anchored near Shimizu Beach for snorkeling and fish feeding. indeed, fishes abound in the area and they are as cam whores as we are too!

for our lunch, Mang Jun took us instead to Snake Is. which is supposedly part of Tour B. He said the sand bar would be more interesting and we could trek towards the view deck for a better view of the surroundings as well. we took more photos, took a dip while Mang Jun prepared our lunch.

lunch was composed of grilled fish and pork, crabs and some vegetable salad. yum! Mang Jun does know how to prepare an island feast!

and that is the breath-taking view from the view deck. the hues of greens and blues are totally relaxing even if the sun was shining down brightly on us.

from Snake island, our next destination was the Secret Lagoon.

and here's the entry to the secret

our final two stops were the Small Lagoon and the Big lagoon.

we finished with the tour at around 5PM totally exhausted but sated. El Nido is indeed gorgeous and everything there makes us feel we are truly in paradise.

(Tour cost is 500PhP including the snorkeling gear and meals.)

The Road To El Nido

2010-11-15T17:38:00.001+08:00

i can't sugarcoat it, the drive towards El Nido is indeed rough, though the first 4 hours or so ride is smooth it could get dizzying at times because the roads are winding.

it didn't help much that it was raining during our trip.

i took bonamine and though i fell asleep on the first few hours i was jolted off from sleep because of the sudden twist and turns.

on the last 2 hours of the trip that's when the roads became really bad. parang nangangabayo ka lang. especially for me who was seated on the rear most part of the van.

but i had great company, we slept, ate a lot, we had chips and hopia and asado, and pianonos bought from Baker's Hill. we'd sing, dance to 80's music playing in Mang Sonny's stereo.

and when we finally got to El Nido this is what we saw:

the beach looks so calm, serene, inviting. the trip is just worth it!

we left Puerto Princesa at around 11am, had lunch at Roxas and arrived El Nido at past 5pm. so yeah, the trip takes around 6 hours.

Please contact Mang Sonny: 0926-5732031 if in case you'd want to go there and need a van.

our roundtrip van rental was P12,000.00, when we got to PP airport, some ladies there are offering van rentals for 12k one way.
.

panic mode!

2010-11-07T18:28:00.001+08:00

i'm in a sort of panic mode as i write this. it is after all the final hour for NU 107, the radio station that rocked not just our country but my young life as well. yes, i was one of those who'd leave their radio on and tuned in to NU even as i sleep. it was a comforting companion as i battle homesickness being far away from home during my adolescent years.

and more than 10 years hence, and even if i have missed listening to the radio as i faced my more mature life i sort of rediscover listening to it again via their online live stream. and it felt like coming back home as i get to listen again to the songs i've grown up with. the songs from the cassette tapes i have accumulated through the years which remained kept and mildewed somewhere became fresher and more recent as we get to listen to them again on air.

argh, the final hour! it's like slowly saying goodbye to our youth! it's like saying goodbye to all the memories most especially during our grung-y years (now more currently known as emo c'mon, let's face it, guys! ):p

i guess we'll just have to face the fact that our golden generation has passed and it's now the younger ones turn to enjoy their slot of the airwaves perhaps?

ah, well...let me just relish this till all i hear is white noise by the time this day is over. farewell, NU.

free bag tags!

2010-10-20T17:17:00.000+08:00

got this from KLM, thanks! thanks!!!

travel tips

2010-10-09T21:37:00.002+08:00

read about this and i just want to share it all to you:

You’re not always going to stay at a five-star hotel or have first class accommodation at a highly rated resort. Sometimes, the best trips around the country are the ones off the beaten path. This is where your survival instincts should kick in. The best places are not necessarily the most expensive ones. Nor are they always the safest and most comfortable ones. There are things to consider when exploring the destinations that aren’t on the guidebooks.

1. Security, security, security.

The thing to remember the most is, you’re not in your comfort zone. So safety and security should be your utmost concern. Don’t bring important and valuable things just because. Pack only necessary stuff. Make sure people at home know where you’re going so just in case, they’ll know where to start looking for you. Before you leave, get the contact information of local authorities. Also, take your valuables with you when exploring and touring—don’t leave them in your hotel room.

2. Cash, please!

Your credit is good, but there are many establishments in the country, especially the most rural of areas, that don’t accept cards. You should have sufficient cash with you wherever you go. And have a little extra for emergencies, like being stranded and having to spend an extra night. You might also need to ask a local for favors, like running an errand for you or to help you with a flat tire or whatever. Tipping is recommended.

3. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Don’t expect the rest of the country to be as cosmopolitan as the capital city. There are some really backward communities with traditions and customs we have to respect. When going to these places and mingling with locals, be courteous, respectful and always be self-aware. You never know if you’re already offending someone with words, actions or appearances. If you’re speaking in Tagalog, the usual “po” and “opo” should be used to address the elderly.

4. Very superstitious.

Some communities have superstitions that are outrageous. However, you’re going to their turf and that’s another thing you need to respect. Just because something doesn’t make sense to you, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t make sense at all. In the provinces (and even some households in Metro Manila) believe in bad omens and whatnot. Don’t argue with their beliefs using scientific data or by proving them wrong. The same goes for religious beliefs.

5. One with Gaia.

In the countryside, it’s all about nature. Try your very best not to spoil it. When you’re at a secluded beach or trekking or simply out in the wild, don’t contribute to the pollution with your plastic bottles and cigarette butts. “Secret” places don’t usually have maintenance people to clean after you. Clean as you go.

6. Walk, fashion, baby!

Dress appropriately. It’s a tropical country so being in light fabrics is the best way to go. Wear sensible shoes. You’re not in a fashion show, so leave your couture for your Friday night outs in the city. Also, it’s very tempting to wear revealing clothes since it’s mostly hot and humid. But you have to cover up a little when entering conservative places like churches. And you really don’t want male bystanders whistling as you walk by, so don’t show too much skin.

7. “So dami naman the insekto!”

Another thing to leave at home is your colegiala accent. Not only is it irritating, it also gives the impression that you’re a high-maintenance person. In the countryside, that’s interpreted as a spoiled rich brat that can be taken advantage of. Speaking in your “you think it’s cute” affectation will make people charge you higher for services, like boat rentals. And if bad people are around, let’s just say your parents will have to come up with that multimillion peso ransom.

8. Driving ‘round the mountain.

When going on road trips, it’s important to be all gassed up. You don’t really know where the next gas station’s going to be and you don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a bottle of water. Always be prepared.

9. I’m a survivor!

If you’re visiting exotic places and you really want to experience what the destination has to offer, rough it out and really experience it—even if it means you have to eat local delicacies that you normally wouldn't’t. It’s also a good way to conquer your fears by braving it all—worms for dinner, the rapids, heights, the list goes on. Also, if you’re going trekking, quit complaining about every steep climb or bump. It’s all part of it.. You’ll only really start having fun when you stop being such a big whiner. Just go with the flow and enjoy every minute of the trip.

10. Strike a pose.

The best thing about the countryside experience is the memory of it when you get back home. It’s best if you have remembrances of the trip like souvenirs that you can buy at the destination. And it’s even better if you have the pictures to prove that you were there. Every backdrop is a chance for a photo-op. The Philippines has a lot of magnificent scenery that you simply have to capture. Take lots and lots of pictures and show them all off on Facebook!

by Ed Biado
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com

Chicken Barbecue

2010-09-17T12:21:00.000+08:00

Prepared this dish for my sister's birthday:

2 kilos chicken (1 kilo drumstick, 1 kilo breast, cut into serving pieces)
brown sugar
catsup
1 small bottle of beer
soy sauce
chopped garlic
salt
ground pepper
calamansi

1. Marinate chicken overnight in mixture of sugar, beer, soy sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and calamansi.

2. When ready to cook, boil chicken in marinade mixture until about half-cooked. Remove chicken from marinade.

3. Coat chicken with catsup and Del Monte barbecue sauce. Bake chicken for about 30 minutes.

It's a bit sweet for my taste, perfect for kids. i'm preparing a second batch this time with lots of chili flakes though. :D

Japanese Food-ography

2010-09-05T17:28:00.001+08:00

this is why i have become fatter

fried meal from 7-11

Mos' wasabi burger

unagi with rice, cold noodles and all those sauces and condiments

some roasted pork dish with potatoes from Wolfgang Puck

yakitori with fresh and crisp shredded cabbage

gyudon which i bought from this vendo machine:

juicy katsudon

meal fit for a queen *burp!*

in fashion

2010-09-03T20:06:00.000+08:00

they say that one has to be properly dressed when going out in the streets of Japan. i have learned to observe and fancy their get up and most of their shoes never mind if it's summer and heat is almost unbearable, yay!

here's some doll i found on the train station. beat that?

shoes must always be in fashion...

even if you are just walking around the park at noontime...

weird looking ones are always welcome...

sometimes the weirder the better too

and hey, even dogs got their own outfits

Japan Tales 2

2010-09-03T19:22:00.001+08:00

Japan 2010

I don't think I'll ever get tired of this country. I love the vibrance, the electricity of modernization, the mystery of its ancient culture that is still evident till now...

Osaka
July 17-20, 2010

It was a scorching 32C when i arrived in Osaka, it was past 7pm yet warm air blew in the surroundings. this was the first time that i ever traveled abroad by myself and i felt really excited.

Kaiyukan

the highlight of this Osaka trip was a visit to their kaiyukan or aquarium. this kaiyukan is located near the Osaka Bay and is composed of 27 tanks and about 16 walk thru exhibits where one gets to see different species of marine and non-aquatic animals.

it was my first time to see live penguins frolicking in some simulated winter environment. they all looked adorably wobbly as they walk, cuddle, and swim around.

It was a national holiday when i went there that there were just so many people around. i found the kids as entertaining though.

Just outside the aquarium is the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, i noticed that they are pretty fond of ferris wheels that you could find one in major areas in the country.

rate to the kaiyukan is 2000 yen or roughly 1000 PhP for adults.

this is a few minutes walk from the Osakako Station and as this is just beside the ferris wheel you won't really miss finding this place.

summer fun 2010

2010-06-16T21:41:00.001+08:00

(Bacolod-Guimaras- Iloilo)
June 11-14, 2010 with a bunch of great personalities

i've been to these places several times but i never thought i could still get to discover more places and enjoy it even more. this is one trip we plan out each year and everything seemed to have worked out as planned.

for one, we managed to secure promo flights from air philippines express at just around 2333 roundtrip.

Day 1:

we touched down Bacolod-Silay airport at around 7am where our previously arranged chartered van waited and proceeded immediately to our Silay tour after breakfast at El Ideal, one of Silay's oldest restaurant where we also got to try their famous guapple pie.

from El Ideal we visited Balay Negrense, San Diego Cathedral and the Hofilena Ancestral Home where we stayed almost 2 hours having been entertained by the owner/curator Ramon Hofilena.

A descendant to one prominent family in Negros, Mon came home from New York and tried hard to restore their ancestral home. their home eventually became the first ever ancestral home in Silay which was opened to the public, and yes, he still lives in the same house thus visiting the place is taking a peek on his private life. we got to see his rare collection of paintings even his portraits and old quite revealing photos.

he beguiled us with his knowledge of Negrense and Philippine culture in general peppered with anecdotes and trivia which entertained us to no end. never mind if he called us dumb at one time for not recognizing his favorite artists from the days of yore hehehe...

he could have invited us to stay the night but we were not really in the mood for an orgy wehehe...

from Silay we proceeded to Bacolod City and checked in at Saltimboca (not Salbakuta, stupid!)

from the hotel, we walked quite a short distance to have lunch at the nearby Chicken Deli for our first taste of authentic chicken inasal.

at around 5pm we went out to the capitol for fish feeding, playing and more photo ops. Bacolod's capitol has to be the most relaxing landmark i've ever went to. i remember taking Xan there and enjoying running around, feeding the fishes, and squealing at the sight of the swings, slide and seesaws at their park.

and it kinda reminds me of the monument in Washington DC, not that i've ever been there hehehe...

from the capitol we went Pala-pala for dinner consisting of fresh seafoods (dampa style).

after dinner, we took a dip at the pool in Saltimboca to hopefully burn some calories before we went out for some Bacolod nightlife! we had a few round of drinks at the billiards bar with May and hubby, then went up the rooftop of L Fisher Hotel for a glimpse of Bacolod skyline.

from there we walked towards Cafe Bob but it was closed already (around 2am) so we had no choice but to go to Starbucks instead for our caffeine fix before finally calling it a night.

Day 2:

we woke up quite early the following morning to check out and to visit more places in Bacolod and its nearby towns. we first checked out the Chapel of Cartwheels and the Gaston House in Manapla which is a good 45 minutes from town.

the Chapel of Cartwheels as the name implies boasts mostly of cartwheels used as walls and decorated with broken glass for its windows. shaped more like a salakot, it's high ceiling gives it a more airy and bigger feel.

on the same compound is the Gaston mansion which i remember more as the house where they shot the classic movie Oro, Plata, Mata.

from Manapla we dropped by at Victorias for the Church of the Angry Christ also known us The Church of St. Joseph the Worker. Sir Mon Hofilena would definitely disagree that the mural portrays that of an Angry Christ but rather Christ showing intense passion.

as per Sir Mon's suggestion, we also went around the chapel and checked the mural at the back which reportedly uses imported paint that could withstand rain and heat and the harsh outdoor weather.

from Victorias, we dropped by Talisay to see the Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson Ancestral Home which is now more known as the Ruins. Built in the 1900s the house is made by the sugar baron, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson for his first wife, Maria Braga. It boasts of Italian architecture with belvederes and renaissance-type balustrades. The high grade cement is said to be mixed with egg whites thus giving it a more lustrous finish? I don't know, i didn't bother actually tasting it.

the house was burned down by the Americans just so the Japanese cannot use it as their headquarters. it burned down continuously for three days destroying its wood work but its strong enough pillars and walls stayed standing tall.

after lunch and quick pasalubong shopping of Victoria sardines in Robinsons we rushed towards the port to head off to Iloilo and later to Guimaras Island.

it was almost 6pm when we got to Guimaras so we caught a glimpse of the sunset just before we got to the resort.

checked in at Villa Igang at almost 7pm and had pale pilsen after dinner kasi yun lang ang available. haay, there isn't much to say about Villa Igang, we felt we were way too secluded in the island that last orders for food was at 7pm and there isn't much to buy in their store. our room was further up some hill and we didn't get to wake up early enough to check out the caves and the rock formations around the resort.

Day 3:

we went island hopping early the following day and was so amazed with the marine sanctuary at SEAFDEC.

the most awesome creature for me will have to be their giant lapu lapu at about 10 kilos each and they are all carnivorous, EEEEK!

from there we moved to another sanctuary where we got to interact with live turtles. ;)

our last stop was this pristine white beach at an islet in Ave Maria where we finally got to dip and frolic in the sun.

just before 12 noon, we headed back to the resort, checked out and transferred to Raymen's for lunch and more beaching and stayed there till late afternoon.

went back to Iloilo late that afternoon stopping at the Trappist Monastery, the smallest plaza and the municipal hall in Guimaras before heading to the port. we checked in at Ong Bun in Iloilo, rested and checked out the night scene. after dinner at Ted's we went to Smallville and spent a couple of hours at some ktv bar, had cocktails at O2 and coffee at Coffee Break.

Day 4:

we started out with an early breakfast trip at the public market consisting of fresh mangoes, native delicacies and rice meals at some carenderia.

we later went to Breakthrough for lunch and stayed there a while pigging out on seafood and lechon.

we checked out at Ong Bun and went for a quickie visita iglesia starting with the prominent and breathtaking Miag ao Church, around 45 minutes from Iloilo proper.

after visiting several more churches namely Tigbauan, Guimbal, Molo, Jaro and dropping by Biscocho house for pasalubongs, we headed to the airport for our 9pm flight.

sunkissed, sated and full we could not help but say how much fun we had from this trip.
phew!

want some french?

2010-06-04T19:27:00.001+08:00

extreme food trip (Bicol 2010)

2010-06-03T14:36:00.000+08:00

this is how i torture myself, reminisce on the foods i once pigged out on during my travels and hope it will motivate me to go on diet so i can indulge once more when i am out of town again.

The extreme burger from Bigg's, i love this more than McDonald's Big Mac burger.

Ice Blink's cheesy halo-halo, they say that the secret to it's unique creamy taste aside from the cheese topping is the buco ice water. i heard there's an Ice Blink now at SM North? *teehee*

kinunot, we bought this from some sidewalk carenderia which costs just about 25 pesos. it is made of shark's meat but sometimes it is made of sting ray's meat, i forgot to ask what this is. baka ordinary isda lang. :p

Bicol Express consists of minced meat, shrimp paste, some coconut milk and a lot of chili for that extreme kick.

Cena Una- One of our interviewees owns this place. It's an ancestral home which they have converted into some fine dining resto. Proceeds to the restaurant goes to their foundation which sponsors feeding programs to the nearby towns around Bicol.

whatta feast!

fish fillet in creamy mushroom sauce

chicken rosemary

ahhhh, i miss this! Laing pasta, fetuccine noodles with gabi leaves, coconut cream and a lot of spice, yum!

Dessert: opera cake...i could'n quite describe it. it's some cake with a little bit of crunch and a lot of cream and subtle sweetness.

squid in coconut milk from Sibid-sibid...this order took forever to arrive but it was all worth it.

and here's saving the best for last, chili ice cream from Colonial Grill at Gaisano Pacific Mall in Legazpi City. it's sweet and cold and creamy till you'd feel the burst of its spiciness down your throat. it's some kinda experience indeed! hehehehe....

okay, chow! i'll have more in my next trips!

extreme bicol!

2010-05-29T05:14:00.001+08:00

May 21-27, 2010

Day 1:

work somehow led me to this exotic province and i never thought i could truly enjoy it once more, after all it's been 5 years or so when i last visited the place.

our first stop was in Naga where i was already psyched up with their gastronomic delights. thus after a quick visit to the Penafrancia Basilica, we took off to Ice Blink for their much talked about cheesy halo-halo.

Day 2:

the following day, we went early towards CWC or the Camsur Watersports Complex. although it is specifically designed for wakeboarding and waterskiing, we were not really able to try it out since there were just so many people queuing for the said activity that we contented ourselves with playing and hurdling the extra challenging flotation devices at the nearby Lago Del Ray and their kayak.

for the basics:

* taxi ride to and from the city center up to CWC is 250 per way
* we paid 200 pesos each for the half day (4 and 1/2 hours) at Lago del Ray
* tent is at 200 which can be shared by the group.
*kayak is at 100 pesos per hour.

Day 3:

had to work the entire day but we also managed to squeeze in food trips and ukay shopping in between. i actually got to buy 3 pairs of branded swimsuits at some sidewalk for 200 pesos a pair, and they are all brand new!

and yes, i finally, finally had a photo taken at Ateneo de Naga!

Day 4:

went to Daet to do some more business but also gave time to check out Bagasbas Beach. Daet is about 2 hours off some winding road from Naga and Bagasbas Beach is just about a good 10-15 minutes from the town proper. we managed to finish our interviews and got to check out the beach.

it was a bit inviting alright but there wasn't any facilities for shower or even some make shift changing area so we didn't bother swimming there anymore. we went to take a dip at the nearby pool resort though if only to cool down a bit but from the sweltering Bicol sun.

Day 5:

our last stop was in Legazpi City which is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Naga. after resting for a while from the trip, we rented a tricycle for 400 pesos to take us to Cagsawa Ruins and Lingnon Hill. we were blessed with a real clear view of the majestic Mt. Mayon and had a great time taking photos with the help of kids offering their services with the many camera tricks that they have learned.

and i got to try the zipline too for 200!!

Day 6:

after wrapping up with work, we finally flew back home still bearing silly grins on our faces for having had so much fun.

granted!

2010-05-09T19:25:00.000+08:00

mom and i had a sort of early mother's day gift when we were granted our US visa last May 3.

a few days before that i sort of panicked when Pres. Arroyo declared May 3 as a non-working holiday especially since my mom was already here in Manila and we have booked our plane tickets for the following day, she was to go back home to Iligan while i had my work assignment in Palawan.

that very early morning of May 3, we left the house and headed to the embassy at about 6am. our interview schedule was at 8am and we were instructed to be there at least an hour early. the cab driver even asked us if operations continue even with the declaration of the holiday, we told him we were going there para mamasyal lang. as we were nearing the embassy though we saw a lot people queuing already. i was both relieved and anxious at the same time.

for a little bit of background, i was already denied of a visa years back. i was granted a Guam-only visa back in 2002 but got denied when i applied again supposedly for a work assignment in 2004. i've never really tried applying again since i'm never really good at rejections.

early this year though, my sister suggested that i try it out again so i could visit her along with my mom. i kinda forgot about it till she reminded me about it again just a few weeks before the appointment. i didn't really get to prepare. my bank statements were requested that friday, my employment records were signed by my boss the night before the interview. my mom was more prepared though as she had a lot of documents with her. my sister was able to send us her supporting papers a week before.

anyway, we were interviewed by an an obviously pregnant african-american woman and this is how the interview went:

consul: is she your grandmother?

me: no, this is my mother.

c: oh, i'm so sorry!

my mom (in her Bisaya English): mother only not grandmother!

(awkward moment here hehehe)

c: so sorry again. what will you do in the US?

me: we'll be visiting my sister and her family.

c: (to my mom) have you ever traveled out of the country?

mom: yes, to Hongkong and China for an educational trip. i have a letter from my daughter.

c: no, i don't need to see anything. how long do you intend to stay in the US?

mom: 3-4 months. i have a letter from our bishop.

c: no, i don't need to see anything. i don't need to see anything.

(i had to nudge my mom, apparently hindi ko pala siya na brief na dapat isang tanong-isang sagot lang.

c turned to me and asked: what is your job?

me: i am the assistant project director of a non-government office, the ____ foundation.

c: how much is your salary?

me: around XX,000.00

c: what countries have you gone to?

me: I've been to Japan, Hongkong-Macau, Singapore, Guam, Thailand...

sumingit ang mom ko: Malaysia

nabitin pa ata sa interview si mama haha!

me: yes, Malaysia

c: you've been denied of a visa before?

me: yes, mam, that was for a work assignment.

c: what is it all about?

me: we are involved in gathering research materials for overseas Filipino workers.

c: are you still in the same kind of job?

me yes, mam.

c: do you intend to do this kind of work there?

me: no, not this time.

c: okay, you are both approved. please go to air21 at the pavilion for the delivery of your passports.

my mom and i slowly walked away in disbelief asking each other, "tapos na? yun na yun?"

sabi pa ng mom ko, naiihi ata yung buntis kaya nagmadali.

here are the many documents we brought with us, for documentation man lang at para may silbi kahit konti hehe...

i had some photos of Xan and the rest of the family just in case we'll be asked. my mom even brought receipts of our utility bills, etc..we rehearsed so many answers to whatever possible questions and just prayed...i guess this time luck was very much on our side.

i received our passports a couple of days ago and found out that we've been granted 10-year multiple entry visas.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T17:05:00.001+08:00

“Christ is risen; Christ is truly risen.”

and it's meat time too! :D

DIY Holy Week 2010: Black Saturday

2010-04-03T21:04:00.001+08:00

nothing much really...fed on corned tuna fried rice with mushrooms, baguio beans, and egg...slept...sufed the net...watched a bit of Brothers and Sisters on Studio 23 and Agua Bendita on Channel 2...ate instant noodles for dinner...and watched American Beauty.

back in the day, i remember how we siblings would sneak out of the house one by one once my mom leaves the house for her church service only to find ourselves meeting up again in our usual hang out area in the city. :p

=======

Black Saturday or Holy Saturday is actually the last day of Lent. this is when we start waiting for Christ's resurrection which is on Easter Sunday. as we wait in anticipation for that wondrous event it is but fitting that we thank Him for not having left us even in our darkest moments.

Thank You for the pains You took
in order to enter the dungeons of our lives.

Thank You for entering
the innermost, darkest chambers
of our dungeons.

Thanks to Your loving self-sacrifice,
now I know that no distance is too great,
no dungeon too dark,
and no sin is too great
for Your love and light.

Help me
to love You back as You deserve.

AMEN.

DIY Holy Week 2010: Good Friday

2010-04-03T03:22:00.003+08:00

Good Friday is generally the time for fasting and abstinence. I have somehow succeeded in abstaining from eating meat the past Fridays this Lent except for that one time when i had a meeting with my staff and not one of them observes abstinence anyway.

I have noticed though that the abstinence rule has kinda changed even at home. i remember us not having any meat for the entire week then starting Monday up to Saturday. imagine how much we'd be craving for meat come Easter Sunday, lechon anyone??? these days though, my mom says we only need to abstain on the Paschal Triduum or Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday. it's not really a mandatory thing. i just don't see anything wrong in sacrificing a little bit, besides it can be healthy too.

Good Friday is also that day commemorating Jesus Christ's crucifixion and death in order to save us from sins. quite mushy for kids nowadays but whenever you think hard about it you're supposed to feel extra special.

Faith is indeed a gift one has to receive (Robert Langdon, Angels and Demons). It's either you have it or you don't. or there will be times when you do question or even get angry. My faith has always been a more personal, more unorthodox one. it's like having a father, a brother, a confidante all in one. it's like having an enemy too. i'm not one who religiously follows rituals though i have been finding myself going back to church and attending mass each Sunday. and praying the rosary whenever i can. but there are more times when i would choose not to listen to him like some bratty kid. i guess this is the beauty of the Catholic faith really, we get to design our own faith, how we live our life, how we practice our faith. the basic tenet would really be to do what is basically and intrinsically good as a human being above all else. I don't know, maybe the elders and the more religious ones would frown at this practice. but for now i am at peace. i am loving the thought of being loved and basking in His glory.

i failed to attend church services today and have found myself listening to Jars of Clay almost the entire day...and here is my most favorite:

I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
and wipe away the crimson stains
and dull the nails that still remain
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
the battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
and wash the feet and cleanse my pride
take the selfish, take the weak,
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
the sin-soaked heart and make it yours
take my world all apart

this song never fails to rip my heart apart. it's just so meaningful and beautiful i couldn't help but cry or stop whatever it is i am doing and drink up each word, each melody of this song.

DIY Holy Week 2010

2010-04-02T18:41:00.002+08:00

Holy week and most special events make me miss my family more. I couldn't help but feel nostalgic at what we do together during those special times. I miss it when my mom would forever remind us to go to church, join the processions or at least light a candle and say our prayers as she serves us non-meat dish every meal. I long for her malagkit and ginataan dishes too which we would enjoy even if were supposed to fasting and abstaining from too much food.

this year I am not home for this event though. The last time that i didn't go home for the holy week i found myself shocked and bewildered in the island of Puerto Gay-lera. we all know what Galera is like during the holy week, ayt?! which is exactly why i chose to just stay home and try to recall our usual activities back home and at least have my own peace and quiet for the solemn observance for this year.

Holy Thursday's Visita Iglesia

Holy Thursday however was spent for Visita Iglesia. this is my first Visita Iglesia ever and i'm glad i have my friends i could join for this activity. Visita Iglesia or church visit is a Catholic tradition wherein 7 churches are being visited as we recall and reflect on the on the sufferings of Jesus Christ leading to his crucifixion. we initially listed down 11 churches around Quezon City and Manila areas though we actually made to just 8.

after having late lunches for some of us at Mc Donald's Quezon Ave., we hopped on a cab to take us to our first church which is at Sto. Domingo Church.

First Church: Sto. Domingo

Sto. Domingo also known as "Our Lady of the Rosary" or "Our Lady of La Naval" is built by the Dominicans in the 1600s. The main altar has a mosaic of St. Dominic designed by Architect Jose Zaragoza. Galo Ocampo designed the stained glass windows.

we bought our Stations of the Cross guide at the peddler in front of the church and agreed on 2 stations per church. From St. Domingo we then rode a jeepney to take us to the University of Sto. Tomas campus where the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church is.

Second Church: UST

here we prayed and reflected on the 3rd and 4th stations of the cross.

Third Church: San Sebastian

from UST, we took another jeepney to San Sebastian. San Sebastian church also known as the Basilica Minore de San Sebastian is the only all-steel church in Asia. Its interiors feature a Gothic architecture style with its high spires and columns.

from San Sebastian we hailed a tricycle to take us to our fourth stop which is Quiapo Church.

Fourth Church: Quiapo

Quiapo church is officially known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. every 9th of January, thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene would flock here for their yearly procession.

from this church we walked though Plaza Lacson and found Sta. Cruz church which is actually built by the Jesuits in the 1600s. this church is also home to Our Lady of Pilar.

Fifth Church: Sta. Cruz

farther down the street passing through Chinatown, we made our way towards Binondo to our 6th stop which is the Binondo church.

it was an added delight passing by the Fire Brigaide volunteers offering us free mochi and water from Eng Bee Tin.

we finally reached that end of the road where the Binondo church is.

Sixth Church: Binondo

Binondo is predominantly populated by Chinese settlers and used to be the business and finance district before Makati. Binondo church is officially known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz for this is where San Lorenzo Ruiz was born along with Mother Ignacia del Ispiritu Santo, founder of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary.

from Binondo we rode a tricycle to take to Intramuros which has our final two stops.

Seventh Church: Manila Cathedral

the Manila Cathedral is also known as the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and is the official seat of the Archbishop of Manila.

the late President Corazon C. Aquino had her wake and burial mass in this cathedral making her the first woman to permitted to lie in state here.

we finished up to the fourteenth station here before we headed to our final stop which is the San Agustin also in Intramuros since it was already getting too crowded.

Eighth Church: San Agustin

San Agustin Church is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines with its ornate carvings on the wooden doors.

its ceilings and walls have this trompe l'oeil or "trick of the eye" art technique creating an optical illusion in which objects appear as three-dimensional.

We finished at around 8pm, tired, hungry yet feeling blissed-out and sated. we then proceeded to Dampa in Macapagal for a much anticipated seafood feast. Kudos to us all.

Flavor (Tori Amos)

2010-03-13T19:36:00.003+08:00

i'm ecstatic the video is finally out!

Battle of the minds
cries Below cries Above
You must pick a side
Will you choose fear?
Will you choose love?

What does it look like,
this orbital ball from the fringes of The Milky Way?
What does it feel like,
this orbital ball on the fringes of The Milky Way?
Raining flavor
Icing flavor
flavor love

Whose God then is God?
They all want jurisdiction
In the Book of Earth
whose God spread fear?
Spread love?

And what does it look like,
this orbital ball from the fringes of The Milky Way?
What does it feel like,
this orbital ball from the fringes of The Milky Way?
Raining Flavor
Icing Flavor
flavor love
Turn up the frequency
What does it look like,
this orbital ball from the fringes of The Milky Way?
What does it feel like,
this orbital ball from the fringes of The Milky Way?
Raining flavor
Icing flavor
Spread that flavor
flavor flavor

****

i so love how the words seem to roll off my tongue every time i try to sing it. her voice is just deliciously lyrical and gorgeous.

The Underground River Tour

2010-02-23T20:36:00.001+08:00

Sabang, Palawan

i admit it, i am slightly claustrophobic. i have been left inside a freezer (it was turned off, don't worry) for hours as a kid when we were playing hide and seek. well, i was told to stay put no matter what and that's just what i did. masunuring bata. part of our childhood games with my siblings was crawling through a rolled mat (banig) but everytime i'd get to crawl through they would trap me inside and it's just so dark and i could hardly breathe! *shudders*

till now, thinking of being in an enclosed dark place still gives me the shivers. i'd most often find myself gasping for air when a room has no windows or the curtains are fully drawn.

this is one reason why i haven't really tried going inside caves or any more enclosed places.

this is one exception though. i've been to Puerto Princesa several times and though i have shunned the idea of braving the Underground River tour i knew i must have to try it out somehow. i'm not getting any younger after all.

located in Sabang, about 2 hours from the Puerto Princesa proper, the Underground River also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park has about 8 kilometers stretch of underground navigable river.

a paddle boat will take the tourists inside for a 40 minute round trip up to the designated stretch and back to the cave mouth.

it is totally dark inside save for the the spotlight provided by each boatman. nothing is heard but light splashes of water, the low murmurs of each tourist and the booming voice of the boatman who also serves as the guide.

i had to breathe more deeply and deliberately and tried to calm myself down as i listened to the guide. he would point to us different rock formations like the holy images, some vegetables and animal shapes. and he would constantly remind us not to raise our heads and open our mouths lest droppings from numerous bats on the ceiling would find it's way to it.

there is nothing but mystic serenity inside the cave. but i could not help but heave a big sigh of relief when we could finally see the mouth of the cave again. ahhh, open air!

we are once again greeted by the lush scenery of blue skies, deep blue and green waters and heavy forest.

at least i can finally say i've been to one majestic cave my entire life and a World Heritage Site at that!

next stop, Sumaguing Cave in Sagada???? Let me think about that a thousand times over hehehe....

splendid Coron!

2010-02-07T10:24:00.000+08:00

let each photo be a testament.

waiting for the sunset at La Sirenetta Bar and Restaurant.

finest white sand and the clearest blue waters at Banol Beach

from the Kayangan viewdeck, one can see this majestic view of limestone cliffs and deep greenish-blue waters.

the very clean and serene Kayangan Lake.

the marine park of Siete Pecados.

The Lambingan Bridge.

Darayonan Inn

2010-02-06T14:59:00.001+08:00

Coron, Palawan

i have stayed here years before which is why i looked this up at once when i knew i'm supposed to go back to Coron.

i stayed at their standard room accommodation which is located in the main house where the lobby, office and kitchen is. i guess the owners live there as well

rate is at 800 for two persons including breakfast. it has an aircon which i rarely use since it's a bit cold already and the electric fan could suffice. it has hot and cold shower too.

there's free wi-fi in the area which could reach up to my room as well. they also offer unlimited water and coffee refills.

there are newer rooms in the area. the compound also has a restaurant and a bar.

i love it here, it's so homey and comfortable and food is good enough even for the most discriminating palates.

contact info:

www.darayonan.com
dipulao@yahoo.com.ph
Phone (632)7105484
Fax (Manila): (632) 7004519
Contact Person: Francisco P. Fernandez Jr.
Mobile: 09178811151

rediscovering coron

2010-02-02T19:44:00.000+08:00

there is now a certain charm these small planes have for me. it gives me the promise of being able to explore un-popular, less developed destinations. it may feel a bit cramped inside the plane, i could almost hear its groans and whines as we slowly cruise towards unchartered territories.

Coron reminds me of Batanes, rustic yet heavenly, and i feel like hearing tribal beats resounding in the air as i face the prospect of more adventures.

this is the cheaper version though especially when the airfare that i got only costs around 2500 roundtrip from PAL Express. ;)

Coron beckons!

time whizzes by kinda quickly....

2010-01-14T12:58:00.001+08:00

no, it ZOOMS!!!!

Blue Christmas

2009-12-25T14:27:00.002+08:00

a blue and white christmas for ateneo's back to back championship and my kinder to high school alma mater's school colors too haha! and yes, world peace! merry christmas to all!

baked parmesan crusted pork chops

2009-12-25T14:13:00.003+08:00

you may want to try this out for the new year or whenever.

• 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon dried rubbed sage
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 4 bone-in center-cut pork loin chops (each about 1 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Orange wedges (optional)

Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix breadcrumbs, cheese, sage and lemon peel in pie dish. Whisk eggs in medium bowl to blend. Place flour on plate; season generously with salt and pepper. Coat pork chops on both sides with flour; shake off excess. Dip chops into eggs, then coat on both sides with breadcrumb mixture.

Melt butter with oil in heavy large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops to skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer skillet with pork to oven. Bake until pork chops are crisp on the outside and meat thermometer inserted into pork registers 150°F, about 20 minutes.
Transfer pork chops to plates. Garnish with lemon wedges and orange wedges, if desired, and serve.

i'm not fond of religiously following recipes though especially as far as measurements are concerned. i just lumped them all and there it is. i love how the crust is flaky and tasty and crunchy and the meat so tender and yummy. sweet surprise, we all love it. happy eating!

Mga Napapanahong Bayani

2009-12-12T08:45:00.015+08:00

To launch our new search for the Bayaning Pilipino Awards 2010, we conducted a mini search for local heroes the typhoon Ondoy has produced. This was mainly inspired by the story of Muelmar Magallanes, the 18 year old construction worker who risked his life to save many. Upon careful research by our staff, we managed to name 14 personalities each exhibiting unique stories of selflessness and heroism. This once again proves that our country is indeed never in dearth of noble people. Below are our Top Ten personalities with their stories. They were given apt recognition last Dec. 8 at the Dolphy Theater of the ABSCBN Complex.

CARLITO PABON, 27

from Montalban, Rizal is a tricycle driver who with the aid of an empty mineral water bottle and rope managed to save almost 5o people including little kids who were already trapped on top of their roofs. Their house was already submerged in water and the streets all flooded. His neighbors eventually helped him out and they were able to help more.

ERIC BOQUIRON, 33

I am pretty sure that you have seen this much publicized video:

Eric and his family including his wife and 2 kids aged 3 and 6 were in that make shift raft. He unfortunately lost them when their raft collided with some debris. He also struggled to save and old woman with them but he lost her just the same. Eric is still on the process of accepting his loss and dealing with the trauma the family has encountered.

CATALINO MERCADO, JR., 44

Mr. Mercado saved a family trapped inside their hut by using a raft made of banana trunks which he propelled crossing to and from a flooded area about 50 meters away. He also had with him some empty mineral water bottles and rope to tie little children and brought them to safety.

He is already 44 years old and makes a living mainly by accepting lotto bets. This humble life didn't deter him from not thinking about his own safety and proceeding to help out others instead.

SALVARIA BROTHERS

In two different areas, Joel and Joseph Salvaria who are both electrical repairmen in their neighborhood proceeded to cut off electric lines in their areas after having sensed the danger of the fast rising waters.
They then went on to save their neighbors trapped on their rooftops using rowboats and life jackets. This they did until dawn and till most of their neighbors helped out too.

VICENTE ORDOYO, 43

works as an equipment manager at an ongoing construction of church building at the Holy Family Parish in Provident Village, Marikina City.
On September 26, 2009 at around 10:00 that morning, he was to go home to their residence in San Joaquin, Pasig. However something was stopping him
until he saw the water rose up. Meanwhile around 50 or so senior citizens were having religious activities when the waters rose trapping them inside the church.
Vincent climbed rooftop, made a hole on it and took as
many old folks as he could. Using a rope as life line, one by one they swam from one fence to the other until reaching a higher building for safety. His story was featured in ABS-CBN’s The Profile, Oct. 03,2009 segment.

ROSALYN ALBERTA, 46

trapped along with hordes of others in Robinson's Junction in Cainta due to highly impassable roads, Rosalyn waited it out and had to pass along her mobile phone to those who had to call or text their loved ones. Unmindful of who she passes her mobile phone to, she was able to help them out communicate with their families.
She didn't also hesitate to charge her phone inside her car if only to accommodate more callers. The following day, she went around their neighborhood to ask them what they need. She gave them extra clothes and food and even mineral water from her own filling station.

ROGER CABALIW, 38 (+RIP)

Mr. Cabaliw was a vegetable farmer who after relocating his wife and children went ahead to save more people by transporting them to safer areas. Their house was heavily ravaged by the floods but this did not stop him from going out and helping other people. A few weeks after, he succumbed to leptospirosis which he contracted after having waded in flood waters in spite of a wound he got while saving more people.

His family did not know about his heroism till they all went to his wake to pay their last respects and show their gratitude for having him saved their lives.

MATTHEW GALANG, 31

Matthew Galang first saved his family to higher grounds and went back to save more people in spite of the dangers the high waters posed.

Being a resident of a rather secluded area, rescuers had a hard time reaching their place but using an empty mineral water bottle and some rope, Mr. Galang went back to their place and was able to save at least 50 more from their neighborhood.

ALBERT ROMMEL MENDOZA, 41

Using some rope and life jacket, Rommel swam from house to house to save stranded residents in their area in San Mateo. Some people even offered to pay him but he refused such offers. The following day, he also went to Provident Village to help out more people in need even if their own house was also submerged in flood waters and he had to relocate his family.

MUELMAR MAGALLANES, 18 (+RIP)

known to people close to him as Toto, he is but an 18 year old kid who was full of dreams and aspirations for his family. On that fateful day when Ondoy raged, Toto helped out and saved almost 30 people mostly women and children from drowning. A fast swimmer, his lithe an agile body wasn't enough to save himself though when a part of a wall collapsed and buried him alive after saving one last person. His body was found a day after floating in flood waters. His heroic act made it into the front pages and became an inspiration to many. He was also given several posthumous recognitions the latest of which is from Time magazine.

going green

2009-11-27T15:35:00.001+08:00

i just have to share this.

i know my past blog entry was about a fish dish and here i am presenting you with another one *teehee*.

it's just simple fish and shrimps in green curry and although i thought the recipe at first was too daunting what with its numerous variety of spices and condiments and ingredients which i don't really know existed, i somehow manage to concoct something instant yet equally filling.

ingredients:

fish fillet (the lady at the supermarket tells me the variety that they had then was malapad na hasa-hasa, i don't know how it looks like when un-filleted so i didn't bother asking)

medium sized shrimps, shelled except for its tail (for effects i guess)

a tablespoon of green curry paste (which i merely picked up on the shelf)

ginger

green apple

chili leaves

green peas

a cup of coconut milk

soy sauce

chili flakes (optional)

steps?

saute ginger and curry paste
add fish and shrimps and saute it for about 5-10 minutes
add coconut milk let it simmer for 10 minutes
add in soy sauce, chili leaves and green apples
serve hot

and yes, when i mean hot it's really steaming hot and spicy. i must have eaten too much rice.

adding green apple was a technique i learned when we had this dish at Les Caraibes in Batangas. i'm not a fan of sayote nor cucumber and potatoes seem so ordinary. the crispiness of the apple was a refreshing contrast to the spicy kick of the curry and creaminess of the coconut milk. heavenly!

washing it down with Gilbey's Premium with green tea extract may also be a good idea. happy green friday!

something fishy

2009-11-23T17:20:00.000+08:00

the truth is, i'm not really that a big fan of fish dishes. i find it malangsa and tinik ng isda irritates me. i don't mind having grilled or fried fish once in a while though. but frying fish in my tiny home with poor ventilation just gives me headaches. i can't stand the smell. and i don't eat paksiw and only tries out sinigang or tinola once in a while.

but since i'm not really getting any younger, i am slowly cutting down on red meats and now prefer concentrating on fruits, veggies and white meat instead.

i am now on the look out for simple fish dishes. i know i can't just forever have fried fish after all. i am currently a fan of this website http://all-fish-seafood-recipes.com/ and hopes to be able to prepare varied recipes.

here's my first attempt, baked fish fillet with mushrooms:

a few slices of filleted maya-maya
sliced mushrooms
olive oil
salt and pepper
onion powder
basil

it is fairly simple, i seasoned the fish with salt, pepper,basil and onion powder (fresh onions may be used, i can't stand it's smell so i'm using powder instead hihi).
drizzle some olive oil on the pan and arrange the fish and mushrooms on it. bake for 15 minutes (well, i don't have a real oven so i merely plopped it in my oven toaster for 15 minutes).
and just like that, it is done!
you may want to add a zest of lemon and some butter for added flavor.
or some more seasoning, your choice.

if you have any other fish dishes please let me know, but nothing complicated please.

experiencing summer

2009-11-12T12:30:00.003+08:00

watching 500 Days of Summer made me realize that i am really not the pseudo-relationship type of girl. i could well relate with those free-willy, unlabeled, take-each-day-as-it-comes stuff but eventually both of you has to decide as to what the relationship should truly be about.

back in junior year, i learned this kinda big word from Fr. Dacanay for our Theo 131 class which is the "cathexis" from Scott Peck's the Road Less Traveled, it generally means "the collapse of one's ego boundaries". we let another person into our lives. we suddenly become bold and open, brutally frank and honest to this person. we are no longer coy in showing our true selves.

for a while i thought it so alien, so much more of a mystery to this rather proud self.

but you know what, time would come and you do find that person and have that eureka! moment.

you find yourself blushing and smiling by yourself. you would feel that icky, tingly sensations in your tummy. you might deem it as corny, cheesy, embarrassingly giggly but whether you admit it or not, being with the person and sharing yourself with them is just so freakishly wonderful.

but it doesn't end there. it should not end there. cathexis is not yet love.

one needs to decide to love.

love is not that bubble gum-my, strawberry scented feeling.

it involves a conscious act. an informed decision.

do you really want to go on waste each other's time playing and feeling giddy without really giving the other that security as to where it should lead to?

i once thought i could be that all-too modern girl who could feel all those wondrous feelings without having anything to hold on to.

to continue going on with the flow.

to merely allow it to take you wherever it is going to take you.

but labeling, boxing, putting words and tags in to what you have could actually make it feel so much better. you don't need to impose any more regulations, you only have to admit to both yourselves that "yes, i am with you, and i want you to stay with me",

and have that love story you have always wanted it to be.

otherwise, yeah, at some point in time you would have to let each other go and allow that person to find and be able to write the love story of their lives. and in the process, you open yourself up and get to find your own story too.

They made a statue of US!
The tourists come and stare at us
The sculptor's momma sends regards
They made a statue of us
and it's contagious
and it's contagious

Us (Regina Spektor)

Filipino Time

2009-11-10T02:03:00.005+08:00

i hate waiting. i know it's a seemingly simple act but i do find it excruciating. i am generally patient with life but i simply hate it when i have to wait for something or someone.

i remember a long time back when we had a staff meeting but we could not start yet since one of the staff has not arrived. we all sat uneasily inside my boss' office, sat in silence and waited. then my office mate came in panting and apologetic but my boss seethed and said, "you don't do that again! have you no respect for other peoples' time?"

that just struck me. and i would remember it each time i have to wait up for someone.

respect for someone else's time... in meetings with friends or even for business meetings, we don't really have an exact time schedule right? we don't say 8pm instead it's dinner time or 8ish or between 8-9. and yet some people would arrive at 10pm, lol!

did you know that a year ago, Pres. Arroyo actually came out with an order that says November should be the National Consciousness Month for Punctuality and Civility? yes, there is such an order. maybe it's really about time we try to be punctual and not have to make people wait up for us unless we give advance notices. what's the use of mobile phones anyway.

i don't know why it has be on November. must be because the days are extra colder and it becomes such added effort to get up earlier? or maybe because DST in other parts of the world starts to take effect. whatever.

i am a bit guilty of being late too especially during mornings which is exactly why i don't like making appointments in the wee hours when my senses are still asleep. otherwise we have alarm clocks to SuperPoke us silly just for us to get up, don't we?

anyway, here's something from Lourd De Veyra which i caught on the news weeks ago. by the way, i am also currently hooked on ABC 5's TEN, i find their news bits more interesting and their discussions and commentaries more engaging. ;)

finding our own piece of heaven

2009-11-07T08:59:00.004+08:00

i was browsing the net and asking people around for resort suggestions in the Batangas area for our staff retreat and felt stressed out after having been given so many, many choices. i had to draw a matrix, listed down the ideal resorts based on the location, price and amenities. i had to work on a low budget but i also didn't want to compromise quality. i finally chanced into one resort called Les Caraibes (pronounced as lei cara-ee-be) in San Juan, Batangas. it had the most competitive price, we had the option to cook or just order ala carte meals from their restaurant and it shares the same stretch of beach in Laiya with all the other resorts. i deemed it good enough and all i needed to do was hope their website and good reviews and the erratic weather work on our favor.

after about 4 hours of travel from QC passing through SLEX, Sto. Tomas, and finally San Juan in Batangas we reached the resort. we passed by Kabayan, Coco Grove, Blue Coral, Acuatico, Sabangan, Tivona and Tiramindu. farther down the beach stretch is La Luz Resort. it was drizzling a bit but the place looked calm and serene. we had a reservation in their cluster room which has 4 bunk beds and could accommodate 8 people but we saw the nearby kubos and just fell in love with its rustic, simple style. it was nearer the beach too. the kubo cost us 4000 for 2 nights and could accommodate 4 persons per room. it had a nice veranda too which served as a perfect venue for our retreat sessions.

i was initially apprehensive with the food because of the prices but it proved to be all worth it. their website after all boasts of their in house French Chef Philippe and so yes, each meal was an experience in itself. the food is delectable and truly well-prepared with all the flavors, spices, garnish and all.

these are some meals we had:

this is grilled blue marlin with lemon zest. it costs 800 but is good enough for 8 persons even more.

this pork sinigang costs 350 pesos and is said to be good for 3-4 pax but of course it was enjoyed by all 8 of us! it's not your usual maasim na sinigang sa sampaloc. we don't really know what the chef added their but it had a lot of pepper and some red spices and a lot of vegetables. it was perfect for my hangover!

this is called Moroccan chicken, it is grilled and added with orange slices, garnished with eggplant and bell pepper, parsley, etc. and added with flavored tortilla. they say it's an authentic Caribbean cuisine. it costs 800 for 8 people but we had a lot of left overs we were able to have it again for breakfast the following day.

meals cost us 1600 to 1800 for all 8 of us, it reached a whopping 2600 though on our final dinner when we had three main entrees and drinks and ice cream dessert. the price is all worth it though and we were all sated.

the sun shone brightly the following day that we were able to enjoy swimming and sunbathing. the water was cold but clear, the sand was fair, a bit coarse but not that rocky.

all in all we had a truly perfect experience. the sand may not be as powdery fine as Boracay and all those other white sand beaches but this one is good enough. and it is much nearer to Manila. the staff are all warm and accommodating, the basic amenities are well thought of and provided for. and their bar is open for 24 hours! they have great music selection too from rock, alternative, house and old blues and sounds.

given the chance, i would not mind going back and enjoying the place once more. their website is at www.lescaraibesresort.com and can be contacted at 0920-9706985.