Red backpacker

Juicy Burgers with great value at BBB Victoria Towers

2010-05-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

Burgers have come a long way from the overpriced and tiny burger sizes served up by huge fastfood chains.
So the advent of thicker beef patties and fresh veggie slices in burger portions, not only of Brothers burgers(which are exceptionally pricey) but mushrooming big burger stalls, kiosks and full restaurants are a welcome change to the westernized PInoy taste buds.
After a hard workout, instead of heading for healthy fruit juices, I changed my mind and opted for this all red, and appetizing looking outlet of Big Better Burgers located at the second floor.
What sets this apart is , as i mentioned the inviting red interiors, but aside from that, it's the menu of mouthwatering creations. Burgers in value meals to the premium burgers were available.
I chose their best value burger, which at less than a hundred pesos, was a real treat.
the burger patties were well done in cooking, juicy, tasty and no extenders were evident. The tomator and lettuce portions were big, and pairing this burger with ketchup was bliss.
Though I have not seen their other outlets in the malls, they are visible in SM supermalls, and worth checking out for their other menu offerings.
So pardon my greedy looks here, I simply cant resist this chompworthy addition to the food tripping area of Victoria Towers.
Nesxt trip, I would try other offering and post an update here.

I heart Greenwich

2010-04-28T01:29:00.001-07:00

Summer time is a good opportunity to eat and pig out. And I took that chance to satisfy my late lunch cravings at Megamall's Greenwich.
I have already had my teeth half sunk into their pizza while I was ordering their much touted American Idol pizza, but I discovered there is so much more they are offering.

Greenwich has a promotion where premium AI items such as speakers shaped into the classic retro microphone, 4 t shirts of various AI designs (And I like the design with the dog tag and vest worth by Lloydie.:D ) and a color changing glass.

Ok, going back to the scrumptious pizza, it does live up to its mouth watering images as I saw each time I drove down Edsa and gaze at their billboard. It has crunchy bacon and crispy warm potato strings, tasty thin sausages,juicy beef chunks, mushrooms, bell peppers and lots of cheese, mmm, 7 toppings!

Each bite was crunchy and it satisfied my hunger pangs!! MMM! Its hype lived up to its name as the pizza really rocks. So this is four stars for me.
But apart from the pizza, pasta is part of the combo I ordered.

The carbonara sauce topped lasagna was of a medium one person serving (for a person of my size it is single, for some it might be for sharing). Its cream sauce and the pasta is ok, nothing outstanding, and I ate it warm and hungry, so that is why nevertheless I devoured it. Three stars for this one.
As I stayed on at Greenwich reading and taking time to think, I almost fell asleep reading. Is it the comfortable couch I sat on, the corner seat I took had this cozy feeling, and the mint green tables reminded me of the same colored walls at home, this must be the reason!
OK enough of my corny quip. After an hour, I got stomach curious about the other menu items that caught my eye, so I decided to splurge on a few more items. And here they are with my comments on each one:
1. American Idol blue soda
Pepsi was the pioneer in bringing a blue colored soda some years ago, and while another fast food chain brought in colored soda sundae floats as part of their gimmick. Greenwich decided to mix in some mint flavor with Sprite and created an American Idol signature drink. Sprite is a very good base for flavors, so, instead of a boring dark cola, plus the psychological feeling of being able to belt like a contestant on stage after sipping this drink, it is a winner in taste and in style.
Though of course, I would love for this drink be presented with a premium price of having the color changing glass together with every purchase, but then that option is only available in purchasing a higher volume food combo.

2. The dessert sampler

Sweet tooth that I am, the orange chocolate truffle slice and the brazo de Mercedes portion are sweet with their own individual signatures.
The brazo loaf, exteriorly is fluffy and soft, and its sticky sweet leche flan like filling oozes out, so its like eating yema de pastillas in a chewy liquid form.
The chocolate cake is not nakakasawa in sweetness for it does not irritate the palate, but just gives a right dose of exciting tastiness of cocoa, without being mushy, the cake itself is firm and has a moist chewiness that does not stick to the teeth. So even if you have a gorgeous to impress date with you, you wouldn’t have to be conscious of any brown tinga on your teeth.

3. Pizza fries
If I had been less generous, I would have not ordered this at all, but katakawan can have the better of me at times, so these warm potato crisps arrived on my table paired with a saucer of tomato catsup.

My cynical potato bias (reminders of potato corner and run of the mill potato fries with cheap powdery flavoring lingered) crumbled as my mind registered the exquisite and delightful mouth feel of the crispy crackling potato fries full of pepperoni flavor and heavenly when dipped in processed tomato sauce.

As I wrote this, I was still chewing away on these fries. Whether it was the MSG in the powder or the satisfaction of a meal overall, it really helped me complete my blog.

All in all, instead of heading for the gym, my afternoon cravings were fully satisfied, my diet was wrecked (as if I ever went on one), and I have something new to post for all my food trip friends!

So Greenwich, thank you, for your nice waiters also who unfailingly cleared my tables and allowed me to occupy your premium space to write and relax!

JEJEMONISM? What is that???

2010-04-26T02:43:00.000-07:00

can anyone have such language that will be as degrading as this language?

I wonder how one can adequately communicate with this in the oral form .

If you received any of these in text form, post them up and let's dissect what they mean.

My first bazaar for the Pasko

2009-11-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

When I got Harvard's text, I knew that it must be a good place to go to the bazaar he endorses. This particular MArche bazaar held last SAturday and Sunday at the MAkati Sports Club along L.P.Leviste St.
For the weekend's browsing, I had my picks already and some comments along with it.
1. Yogurt would be the last thing I would expect, but it proved to be a heavensent yummy, it has lychee flavor which I sampled and enjoyed so much I got two take home tubs. It should be a great breakfast treat!
2. And Beside healthy food, would be comfort food, and that would be these sausages and barbeque, topped with rice, the bbq combi costs only 40 bucks, while sausage sandwiches just around 65 pesos! Yum!
3. Instant noodles! More expensive than the brand endorsed by the megastar, i decided to give this imported Singaporean origin mami a try. On the other hand, the aggressive and winsome team of KoKA girls did help pull in some customers, that includes me!
4. Recycled handbags and desk furnishings are so thumbs up for me! Not only do you get some nicely woven items, you get to help promote eco waste friendly cooperatives like this! See the items made from woven newspapers, yellow page directories and magazines. Creative huh?
5. Antiques welcome one into the bazaar, is this like saying the past DOES catch up with you? heheh. Love the gramophone and the coke collection. To think these would be throwaways, like the phones and the typewriter, now sold at a good price!
6. Of course, no respectable bazaar this Christmas would be without SAnta and The Nativity characters with our beloved PArol hanging around there.
7. Lighting up your life can be wholesome and make a statement! WEaring these shirts, caps and keychains with self lighting animated signs would indeed make you stand out, specially on a cool night out during the holiday season!
8. Comfort, warmth and healing scents of herbal seeds from this pillow. Just heat it in a microwave for a minute or two, and lay it on the aching part of the body. I like how it has different cloth choices for the pouch and it smells really nice. I hope my mom and dad gets to use it, as they are not feeling well lately.
9.Memory foam pillows! a local and creative colorfuil alternative to the more costly and imported Tempur brand, priced at 300 to 2 k PLus for the bigger models.I love how they are ingenious with such useful products.
10. Customize pillows and shirts with your face and a friends on the spot!
11. PLanners and more planners and folios, that's files for you!
12. Cutie stuff must still get more customers, especially these large ice cream tub purses and other cutesy things like cup holders and purses.
13. LAcoste shirts at around 30 dollars? hmmm, now that got me thinking if they are authentic.
14. Food oh man! They got lots of food here . I have got to try the instant cooking risotto, as it says here, it can serve 4 people already with this packet as explained by the chef himself.
15. Cebu origin GAYUMA pastries. hmm , the name says it all, gingerbread cookies, angel food cake and the bTs cake, Better than Sex is what she calls it, ahhhhh. I will just smile and stay quiet lest i say something unsmart..:D
16.Bro. Raphael, a genial priest in a casual polo shirt and jeans enthused about his Guimaras origin Mango biscocho and pies, I sampled the jam and I instantly got wooed by the CAlamansi. Yum yum.
17. CAkes cakes and more sweets, the mango thingy and the choco cookies did get me in. I would have loved to take home the creme brulee i sampled. But, gotta watch the tummy!
18. Italian jewelry for men and women. ah vanity!
19. Christmas decors in the form of crystal balls filled with glitter confetti. Tempting but not for clumsy people like me. I prefer non sand derived pieces.
20. There was this lady who just shocked me when I was supposed to take a shot of her innovatively cartoonish backpacks when she curtly asked what I was doing and if what the photos are for. After I said it was for personal use, she said "next time ask permission ha, and she planted herself at the front of her booth. Too bad, my sis got turned off by this lady and didnt buy anything from her. That's what cross teenage looking old ladies get for being taray.....
21. Organizers are fanciful, like these layered jewelry keepsakers, and the mallard duck design remote control holders.
22. Turkey, ham, relleno, delectable christmas treats!!! ahhhh.

Glass skydome of Greenbelt 3

2009-11-12T23:56:00.000-08:00

Before Trinoma and SKy Garden, the Ayala developers had a vision for an environment friendly and in-touch-with-nature kind of feel to its malls.

One striking proof is the use of glass and wood awning to crown the ceiling of Greenbelt 3. So during the day, as one ascends the escalator, they are greeted by a bright skylight. As the sun sets, one can see how the sky changes from its light blue hues to a rich palette of red, green, and orange into grays and dark blues.

The use of glass allows light to come in and saves on electricity to light up the corridors of the mall, while it allows mall goers shelter at the same time from the harsh rays of the sun.

Overlooking the glass dome, one can gaze at office buildings at a distance. It seems to tell the mall goer "You are lucky to be taking a respite here in Greenbelt away from your workplace."

Chinese Fever Medicine

2009-11-12T23:13:00.000-08:00

I took this medicine when I got really sick back in March, I had persistent fever and cough that would not go away.
Then, after blisters of paracetamol wouldn't drive the stubborn 38 degree fever, I was given these.
These are pills, yes, in small bottles, that I had to gulp in 9 pieces each dose with water.
And..yes, they did work, my fever went away, and I recovered.
Unfortunately (or am I lucky) I did not drink any of those weird smelling Chinese herbal soups, they would have been Fear Factor material.
I guess you can get these at Chinese drugstores. But price wise, oh I cannot remember. I hope I do not have to find out, for then, I would have to get sick again to discover the answer.
Something interesting to note, in these modern times, Chinese medicine does still have its place.

Black and white puppy speakers

2009-11-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

Woofy and classy!
These are the cutest cosmopolitan desk accessories for your desktop, as it plugs directly into your computer's speaker port without need of an external power supply.
It can bark out tunes from your iPod as well as it can serve as quirky amplifiers for applause sounds to light up a snoozy office presentation.
I got this pair as a birthday gift for sister, and she loves it. Good thing, I didn't get the hot pink pair of doggies.
Setting you back at 795 bucks in Rustan's Makati, with free gift wrapping as well, it is a bargain for its cool style and for scoring points with the ladies, or for that stud who you want to get notice of. worth a try eh?

IN-house clubbing after dinner

2009-11-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

Makati and the nearby Fort is the hub for clubbing and chilling out after a long day's work right? But what if you can convert your home into a club like place?
That's exactly what happened when I dined with some friends in a house within the Makati business district.

We had a tasty supper of sliced crispy pata, sisig, adobong isaw and lengua with rice, and just when dinner was over, our friend asked us to temporarily vacate the room.
When he called us back, I was surprised to see the soft lights were turned off and replaced with a fantastic laser show pulsating all around the room. Rays of green and red, alternating with D-shapes hit its mark and bathed its occupants in a shower of christmas colors.
Here is how "Club 23" looked like:
Laser lights spouting of a machine hidden on the top cupboard.

Now, what's missing are the crowded people of clubbers and party goers.But for tonight, our group is enjoying the party.

You won't get blinded looking at the laser lights, it is actually a lilting feeling to gaze at it while being bombarded by the bass sounds of techno music.

It is no wonder if you are high on something, the lights will become extraordinarily brighter and make you feel lost in the music and the atmosphere.

Garment of laser wrapping fellow friend.

For a detailed video, check out my youtube uploaded videos, my username is bijoe87 . Search for it and look for the laser lights video. ENJOY everyone!

STATION ID of ABS CBN

2009-11-12T02:02:00.000-08:00

I so loved the station id for Christmas of ABS-CBN. When it first came out, I was glued to the TV and unconsciously started to bob my head and sway to the lilting, heartwarming rhythm of the song.
It feels like, a warm embrace and comfort, a reassurance that BRO, or what Santino (in May Bukas Pa Tv Series) calls Jesus..That He is the reason for the season and he has come as the LIGHT of the World.
Here are the lyrics and some things I lifted from blogs also scattered all over.

(credits go to:http://euts.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/star-ng-pasko-abs-cbn-christmas-station-id-lyrics-and-music-video/; http://www.neccel.com/trends/entertainment/abs-cbn-christmas-station-id-star-ng-pasko/

“Bro, Ikaw Ang Star ng Pasko.”
It is written by ABS-CBN Creative Communication Management Head, Robert Labayen
Music is composed by Marcus and Amber Davis.
The inspirational song “Star Ng Pasko” was sung by Sarah Geronimo, Piolo Pascual, KC Concepcion, Billy Crawford, Erik Santos, Mark bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, yeng Constantino, Jed Madela, Nina, Sitti, Aiza Seguerra, Richard Poon, Duncan Ramos and the Pinoy Dream Academy kids.

The music video was graced by the network’s brightest stars including Angel Locsin, John Lloyd Cruz, Zaijan Jaranilla, Toni Gonzaga, Ai Ai delas Alas, Coco Martin, Vhong Navarro, Helen Gamboa, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Aga Muhlach, Judy Ann Santos, Dolphy, Jake Cuenca, Gina Parreño, Ruffa Gutierrez, Sam Milby, Gloria Romera and ABS-CBN’s president Charo Santos Concio among others.

Download the mp3 song at this link:
http://www.plunder.com/Star-Ng-Pasko-ABS-CBN-2009-Christmas-Station-ID-mp3-download-e4629488e1.htm

Lyrics here:

Star ng Pasko.
Performed by: ABS-CBN Artists

Kung kailan pinakamadilim
Ang mga tala ay mas nagniningning
Gaano man kakapal ang ulap
Sa likod nito ay may liwanag

Ang liwanag na ito
Nasa ‘ting lahat
Mas sinag ang bawat pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Tayo ang ilaw sa madilim na daan
Pagkakapit bisig ngayon higpitan
Dumaan man sa malakas na alon
Lahat tayo’s makakaahon

Ang liwanag na ito
Nasa ‘ting lahat
Mas sinag ang bawat pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Kikislap ang pag-asa
Kahit kanino man
Dahil ikaw Bro, dahil ikaw Bro
Dahil ikaw Bro
Ang star ng pasko

Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Dahil ikaw Bro, dahil ikaw Bro
Dahil ikaw Bro
Ang star ng pasko!

LASANG lasa ang Linggo! - Taste Event III - Chibog to the Max talaga!

2009-11-07T23:20:00.000-08:00

TASTE test event on SUNDAY !!

I was so excited I couldn't sleep for excitement, ok ok, so I am exaggerating, but on this freakingly nice, and sunny SUNday morning, after church just a few blocks across, I drove over .
"Ohhh my, where is the line of hungry people...(line from email of Spanky....)? " I asked aloud to my tummy.

"Growl" it responded.

And I saw the the grail, este, the great line of people, or more accurately, of similary confused masses of people looking for parking. After rounding a series of road blocks, and parking atop this grassy lot ...

"Yeehah.free parking!!!"
"growl...."

My camera was still unassembled dammit, after I got it back from the shop, and it was a few moments before I got my weapon in order in that warm parking lot.

"TIME to shoot some CHOWWW..!!!

I sped down the hilly lot, and oh, damn the cordoned entrance, having to round the bend and get to the registration area.
Fortunately, tardiness wasn't a problem, I am registered! this last minute entrance was thanks to Spanky Enriquez, Anton Diaz and Rache of Awesome Planet.
OK, so Spanky and co host Ivan Man Dy (of oldmanilawalks tours fame) gave the lowdown what to do with our two pager survey forms.

We are to rate each foodie whether it tastes terribly awesome or otherwise with these cute red pencils...

Hmm, I have a funny feeling it will be a problem balancing my camera, and a flimsy survey form that will be splattered with food stains, crumbs and whatever comes out of my mouth. But, bahala na, as I sallied forth.

When I visited the foodies, I actually turned left first and made my way through the desserts first. Actually, my excitement is palpable as I struggled to take photos, then ask some questions about the food, then pencil in my comments, and eat the samples, all while dodging hungry samplers.
"Never cross paths with a hungry man." With this adage in mind, there were moments I just stood still and looked around, planning my next move.

In between my samplings, I had a hard time disposing the paper plates and utensils I accummulated, plus getting water to drink means having to step outside to the water dispenser. But water ran out in the main pavilion, and i had to scoot over to the lechon section to quench my thirst.

It was good also for the Kymco Jello ocmpany whose very colorful Jello drinks caught everyone's attention and where I hung on for a while downing cup after cup of the sweet teas and gulaman.
I wanted to comment on the good logistical arrangement, as everyone who joined were only those on the pre-registered list, and everyone was polite, the foodies were very patient, considerate, and GENEROUS with their sample servings!

Yes, it was crowded, and I can see people around me balancing their plates, while those seriously taking photos didnt even had the hands to eat and take notes. I did all. HA...kidding. I gave up writing on the paper (next time sana may clipboard kahit hiram lang for the duration of the event) and just took pictures and ate.

Here is my few centavos worth of thoughts on the foodies for the day (and my apologies to those I did not comment about, I cannot comment on those untasted food since I was so full!)
1. Pig Out Food Corp.
I am happy to finally see a foodie who offered such affordable viands for less than a hundred bucks. What's on display were soups like Manhattan Clam Chowder, and plastic bagged chicken and pork sisig.

I like the fact you can just get a pack of these viands, immerse these for like five minutes in boiling water inside the microwave oven or inside a kaldero on a stove top, and you have a delicious meal to be served with rice or noodles. And according to them, these are preservative-free! and lasts in the freezer up to SIX months.

I enjoyed munching on their CHRISTMAS MEATLOAF.

And it costs only Php 0.70 per gram! These are sold in 100 and 200 grams per pack, so doing the math, 200 g. of Christmas ham is 140 pesos only!

You can call them up at (02)721-1366 , 0922-899-3688.
EMAIL: pigoutfoods@gmail.com ; pigoutfoods.multiply.com
FACEBOOK: PIGOUTFoodCorp.

2.Veggie lovers would love "ang saWRAP". The winsome lady owner, MINNIE J. PUNO, whom I chatted with enthusiastically made the veggie wraps on the spot, and I love the freshly prepared foods.

Her products are Thai Chicken, crabstick mayo for the wraps, for fresh salad rolls: smoked fish, ground pork and prawns.
I didn't get the price, but you can check them out at minniepuno.multiply.com and call her at 0917-838-2559.

They can also be found at Legazpi Sunday Market, 730 am to 200 pm.

3.Bangga's

"It's not bagoong if it's not Bangga's", the bagoong is nice, not too salty, and it is as good as the bagoong you can taste out there. they also have their special laing , Bicol express and Adobo.

You can call them at : (02)6457768 ; 0917886-0706 email: cruz_patrick1@yahoo.com

4. Dulcelli Cakes
The sweet tooth in me savored the AVOCADO SANSRIVAL!

It tastes like melted avocado ice cream with just a mild sweetness,the avocado bits are not as detectable, but creamy in the icing. The cashew meringue blends harmoniously with the whole body. A must-order for occasions like the upcoming Christmas season. But i would not mind ordering a whole cake, and over coffee, bond together with loved ones while feasting on this delectable dessert.

The Choco Mallow fluff is very attractively presented, and it is gently sweet as well, I am reminded of the Choco Mallows of a popular local candy brand, but this one is devoid of the irritating sweet aftertaste.

The Avocado Sansrival is at 790, and the Choco Mallow Fluff is 700.
For orders : 02-7998010, and mobile at 0922-8162468, additional perk, free delivery within Makati area.

5. The Fruit Garden
I love to have quality fruits as part of my breakfast, and so it is a delight to taste good jam, in unique combinations as well.
The jams here come in the freshest way, with each 100 gram jam jar containing at least 60 gram fruit.
The colorful flier describes mango jam with seven variants:
1. Mango plain 2. mango lavender 3. mango vanilla 4. mango ginger 5. mango chocolate (intriguing for me. hmmm, she says white chocolate was used here) 6. Mango papaya 7. mango spices.

They did have pineapple and strawberry collection as well as shown in these photos.

But because I was kinda stuffed, i only tasted the mango choco. Oh, the packaging was in pastel colors with a filigree border.

I dont know why cooking jam in copper cauldrons in the French tradition made it special, but that's the recipe of Monsieur Marmonier, whose wife, a Bacolod native actively described her collection of fruit jams.

You can contact The Fruit Garden, through Andrea A. Marmonier at 09209653565 , andrea@thefruitgarden.net . www.thefruitgarden.net.

6. Chef Toby's Dips and salad dressings
Healthy snacks like toasted bread and wheat crackers can be perked up with these delectable world themed dips! Healthy living means eating right even in between meals.

Chef Toby offers Herb garlic dip called "The Green Goddess", Mediterranean chickpea dip "Hummus"(no, it's not the soil thingy you smart aleck. ), pesto with an Asian twist(i hope it's not painful..) Asian Pesto), East meets West salad dressing "Fusion Vinaigrette" and roasted sugar beets in all red "Roasted Beet dressing".

Yum Yum dips for those small parties and meriendas, paired with coffee and juice on relaxing evenings or weekend afternoon picnics.
contact : chettobys@yahoo.com, (02)7253993, mobile:09178170731,09209136543

7. MISS PIGGY would have been the perfect endorser
Erica Paredes simply wanted to try something peculiar, why not pair something crunchy with something sweet?
No she didn't come up with a gourmet cornflake, but she gave breakfast bacon a chocolate makeover and voila, it became "HAPPY BACON".
It was nice! I have weakness for crunchy stuff, but after taking a cautious bite of the chocolate covered bacon, it was surprisingly yummy!
Paredes in her first venture, offered two variations:

1. The Piggy Stardust (on the left)- 50 g at 150 php, 100 g. at Php 250 and 150 g. at Php 380 .
2. The PIg POPs- chocolate on lollipop sticks, 30 php for singles and 5 php discount if you get FOUR pieces at a time.

Too bad for Erica who lost her mobile phone yesterday, she does have her EMAIL for orders : happy_bacon143@yahoo.com. Your orders will help her purchase a new cellphone, order na mga kapatid!!!

8. Appetizer rules with CANAPE CHEF
Instead of bringing pansit or volunteering for the drinks in your next potluck party, why not show up with a tray of eye popping appetizers, or if you wanna sound sosyal..CANAPES, call up the CANAPES Chef at 0921-7878378, 09152259312.
Showcased this afternoon were her 5 delectable creations:
1. taquitos 2. beef and mushroom 3.chicken pastel.

The secret lay in the hard crust holders of the filling, which her recent client, the Australian embassy raved about and had her cater for their party in their office. And me not remembering the twisty term for it, just tasted the three canapes on display and I was floored at the taste, they are filling and so addictive.

Too bad, they didnt even show the Aubergine tapenade, the seafood thermidor, the cold canapes like banoffee tarlet, sunshine squares.
So if this sound like the answer for your weekend party or reunion, call them now na!

The owner is the lady at the right hand of the photo. Her NET link is canapeschef.multiply.com for the COMPLETE menu and email for questions (it's TWO thousand pesos only for a minimum order= FREE delivery in QC and Makati . canapeschef@gmail.com .

9. Something Extra became better with 8 TWIST

Oh yes, Almond Roca transformed into cookies, and yes, they are even individually packed. What a nice and professional touch for gift giving even for corporate presentations! This is at 185 php per box of 5 cookies, you do realize minimum order is 4 boxes, so better chance to give these cookies for your other bosses, or your real good colleagues and loved ones!
She also offered Royal Blueberry cheesecake at 650 per 9 inch size, and she has also oatmeal-chip cookies, in boxes of 10's with minimum order of 4 boxes.
For that special party or panliligaw to your date with a sweet tooth, call for order ASAP na, at (02) 9967935 and 0921-4976937 and email 8twists@gmail.com.

10. VEGGIE delight at the Y Bar
Being a Vegan is easier now with tasty and lovely food around. Yogi Bar offers cakes and spreads all free from any meat.CAkes looked good and the menu offerings on the flyer include Tofu Cheesecake, Sweet potato cakes, Tofu fudge cookies.
Ran by four sisters, two of them were present running the samples booth.

For orders, call Lali or Krista Balagtas (0915)8671999 , (0922)8865887

11. Divine Desserts, Inc.
The name says it all. I tasted their featured cakes, the chocolate double fudge cakes and caramel fudge cream cake.

The cakes' good points were its ability to be sweet without being annoying. I really like the chocolate for being so tempting in its presentation and it did not disappoint.
The caramel cream cake would taste better if chilled, but on its own, it was like hearing a symphony of Mozart when you roll the cream inside your mouth. Graphic. yes, that's me.
For more of their delightful offerings, they have :
Tiramisu, sugar free cheesecake, macadamia sans rival, peanut butter truffle cake, cookie caramel crunch cake and Christmas cakes for December.
ANd free delivery for orders 800 php above, not bad!
Contact 913-9875, 439-3069

12. Nuts about Walnuts
I can only speak for walnut tarts that i tasted here were perky, or that they livened up my sweet tooth experience!

Too bad with the repertoire of nut oriented cakes they have, such as sweet nuts lovers, pinoy nuts lovers which are actually boxes of nuts like peanuts, cashews, green peas, fried garlic, pecans, they didn't bring samples.
They even have cupcakes like Bailey's cupcakes, dark choco almond cookies and so much more.
They have a weblink: walnuttart.multiply.com, contact gerldn_c@yahoo.com and for orders call 09174326375.
I can only say, I wish they brought a bigger selection for sampling!

13. Cramly Cravings HAM and baked stuffies
Since PAsko is peeking already, HAM and HAM makes for a feasting tradition, but if you are tired of the commercial ham, then take a look at the ham I got to sample!

These two hams are chicken ham and pineapple honey ham, steeped in honey as sweetener, and oh so perfect for reunions, and holiday parties, and very good as well for breakfast with sandwich bread. yummy. They do have baked goodies like brownies, but i wished they had fruitcake samplings!

For orders they can be reached at : 09178109228 and 0922-8855562.

14. The Bravissimo Creative Kitchen
TURKEY and PORKLOIN for the holidays! 5 kilos of turkey at 4 thou, 3 kilos ot roast pork with trimmings of mushroom gravy and baked apples at 1,750. CALL Dori Soler at (02) 7243032, (02)7269015, (02)8903988, 09174984532 . Impressing your colleagues at work, or group potluck party share for those must go parties! And yes, I love the roast turkey!

15.POP CORN from Chicago

NICE red tins containing everyone's favorite comfort food and movie treat, POPCORN! Cheese and karamel krisp flavor! At 295 for the big red tin and the smaller tin at 140. The red tins looked very retro and collectible if you ask me. They are found at
the 2nd flr. entertainment mall at SM MOA.
visit chicagopopcornshops.com, and email them at chicagopopcorn@gmail.com, with tel no. (02)556-6625 , should you wish them to be present at your corporate event, personal event for your family like birthdays, and reunions.

16.Leonardo's Lechon
It is so unique to have chicken within a lechone cooked and to be smothered with lechon sauce for a happy meal for everyone!
call them for orders for your parties at (02)7243068, (02)7269828, (02)744-5172,(02)7256071, (02)7258618 . You can check them also for more foodies at www.leonardoslechon.com.

17. San Roso LECHON
More crispy and tasty suckling pig, mmmm, yummy, and located just in Erod. cor. T. Morato in QC, numbers for delivery order is (02)5158253,(02)5158259 (02)3570659

18. MAMA V HOT meals to go
For affordable and tasty student meals, this foodie in the Malate area near Taft and Leon Guinto offers a variety of meals. During the sampling, it offered sliced beef steak with jasmine rice.
Priced at Php 75.00 for this and other rice packs such as , and you can call them at (02)6643263, (02)6649212, (02)5244714, (02)5261855

19.MEAL pies by Tina Raines
Crisp, warm, and filling,these meat pies are comforting, like a warm pillow you can pop into your mouth, in bite size pieces were they spread by Tita Raine, whose oh-so-adorable bulb necklace is as much conversation piece as her tummy fillers.
I tasted the callos pies she served piping hot, and indeed, they were so good, I am sure these pies would be an immense hit during family lunches and merienda tym. And you can reheat the pies when you buy them cold.

call Tina for orders at 0917-8310925, 09186367952,email at savourypies@gmail.com

20. High End Foodie? that's Dulcelin!
When I saw the Wagyu Beef and the lasagna on the chafing dishes of this foodie, I skipped it for the last few stops I would make. It was a MISTAKE! When I went around finally, these were almost gone, and I have the evidence to show it:

The beef was done medium rare and it is chewy and delicious! Published rate is at 2,700 per kg.And a full slab is around 5 to 6 kg. ( Ask them if you can get less than a full slab at dulcelingourmet@msn.com)
Other mouthwatering dishes on their menu include the featured Chicken relleno at 850 Pesos each roll.
OK, I am sure they have other dishes they can't wait to cater out, such as Lengua, Callos, Cochinillo Asado, Paella, gourmet Pate, Blacked Fish Fillet with Dirty Rice, Chap Chae, Angus Beef, POrchetta, and Bbaqued Pulled Pork(served with 12 pieces Ciabatta bread, caramelized onions and barbqued sauce.)
Enough and I'm getting hungry again!
They have SEVEN outlets to pick up stuff you order:
1. QC: 36 Times Street, West Triangle --> 374-2165(67) fax: 414-8568 Mobile:0917535-2592
2. Libis: Tiendesitas, Delicacies Village
3. Makati: Food Choices, Glorietta 4
4. Makati(2): Tea Republic, PAcific Star Bldg (848-0270)
5.The Fort Bonifacio: Pelican Fresh, Market! Market! (889-6696)
6. Greenhills : 11 Garfield St., Greenhills West, San Juan (584-2185, 0917-533-7778)
7. Alabang: 158 Pili Drive, Ayala Alabang Village (850-9890)

21. Better than yogurt, KEFIR CULTURE health drinks and health bars
This is a stand out from the foodies around as it is only one of three which offers liquid nourishment after all the heavy meals and desserts. And yes, it is cleansing and good for the tummy !
The ladies manning the booth were so enthusiastic about this drink, as I took sip after sip of the four flavors of this enzyme rich, probiotic drink. This means as i drank, I am putting good bacteria into my tummy to flush out the bad ones, and supplies me vitamin B complex and protein. Scientifically, Kefir is better than Yogurt. And more benefits on their flier and on the Net (yup just type kefir on google).
With flavors like Chocoberry, Mango, strawberry and Vanilla, it is so easy to get the habit to drink this everyday, without the sour aftertaste of plain yogurt. They do have plain water kefir and milk kefir as well. Salad dressing of kefir would be a perfect roundup for a healthy start of a meal.

Now, I was wondering what the attractively packaged cake was, it was actually fiber rich flapjacks, and said to be excellent for increasing your iber intake and tastes good enough for snacking in between meals!
A one liter bottle is a good deal for 200+ a bottle, enjoying your vitamins and taking care of your gut has never been so easy.
Drop by their store:
ArAma Cafe at SERENDRA Fort Boni.
Ordering a bottle or two: call Jeren at 0916-591-5359 ; (02) 345-3736

22. HAPPY Cream Puff!
The tall Christmas tree like tower of delectable, glistening cream puffs, and the pyramidal stack of luscious, candy sprinkled, chocolate pastries in white boxes, it was a great hit with the sweet toothies and the kids at the sampling event, as it sad smack center of all the foodies.

The bestseller and value for money would be the small cream puffs in assorted candy and chocolate toppings at 180 pesos per box of 10's. They have bigger sized puffs at 14's for 250 pesos.
I wished I could have tasted thier "Nama Choux" Series where elite cream puffs such as Ube, Strawberry, mango among the others were featured on their flier.
Nuff said, call them quick as they deliver for free in selected Makati areas at 7071263. for pickups:
1. THE ZONE, 7224 Malugay St. cor. Buendia.
2. 856-9447 --: Unit G-16, Rada Regency, Rada corner Dela Rosa.
check their tempting delights at www.happycreampuff.com

23. Cheesecake star of Sugarhouse

So, should I comment more? It's New York cheesecake!

Tawag na, 8 inch cake at 950, petite ones at 450 pesos, perfect for holiday feasting desserts, or your personal indulgence at home.
Sugarhouse outlets are all over: Ill put here their email: sugarhouse@sugarhouse.com.ph, and call at 718-4630.
SM, glorietta, Paseo Sta Rosa, Dela Rosa Carpark, Eastwood City, Alabang Town Center, Paseo Center Makati, MEzza Aurora Blvd. That's where you can find 'em!

24. Cookie Monster cake
I totally couldn't eat another bite and I am so sorry to pass this foodie, but still, their cute presentation and sesame street inspiration, Cookie Monster simply clicked to remind me of Big Choco Chip cookies, here are pictures I took:

25. Sa malamig sa malamig! KOKO and JELLY ready to drink gulaman
Having this foodie outside of the main hall is an oasis of delight, they served colorful and sweet tubs of jelly in apple, black currant flavors, and another product called Koko, in lychee and strawberry. Sweet tea, branded Mountea was also sampled out generously. when the water dispenser ran dry, people flocked to their booth, with me standing by and downing cup after cup.
I ended up ordering a box at 6 pesos per full cup, but they do sell these at the same low price at The Landmark supermarket. kaya bili na!!

ENJOY lifestyle card was there to lend their services to aid foodie happy people to enjoy the benefits of this all in one entertainment, lifestyle and food hopping card.

Aside from the munching and tasting, there was a raffle of gift certificates for lucky attendees; issues of Real living and Yummy magazine were given out as souvenirs. I bet if the leftovers were given out, then everyone would be very happy.

Again, I hope the next food event would have more exhibitors, bigger space and more freebies. After all, samplings and tastings will convert to orders if the taster is happy and his gatronomic, visual and olfactory senses were tickled in a good way.
Next time, more drink foodies I hope, there is so much more potential for drinks as they go well with pambara, dapat din may pantulak right?
Kudos to the organizers and every foodie who were there.

A personal computer to aspire for: MACBOOK PRO

2009-11-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

Why would I want a MAC?

It is because I am convinced, to be excellent, we need a good mind, a sound purpose..and the ultimate tool to achieve our goals.

THE MAC meets this criteria, I mean why would my church use Macbooks when there are many Windows based PCs, more affordable and more accessible available?

It must say something then about the choice of what gadget to use.

Excellent gadgets deserve to be utilized by people of excellence.

nuff said.

I hope the price is excellently within reach as well.

Updates to follow on this.

Steven

I got the following article and pictures from my NET research.

Actually, it is a secret research for someone I do care for.

hehe.

references:

apple website, sulit.com.ph and wikipedia

To build something truly different, you need to work in a truly different way. Apple designers and engineers work together through every stage of product development. It’s a partnership that makes innovation possible. And it’s exactly how the new MacBook Pro was created. With its breakthrough unibody enclosure, industry-first features, and environmentally sound design, it’s a revolution in the way notebooks are made.

Specifications:

• 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed

• 15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 1440-by-900 resolution

• 320GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive

• 4GB (two 2GB SO-DIMMs) of 1066MHz DDR3 memory; two SO-DIMM slots support up to 8GB• NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics processor; and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory

• 8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)

• Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors

• Built-in iSight camera

• Built-in full-size backlit keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys

• Multi-Touch trackpad for precise cursor control; supports two-finger scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities

• Mini DisplayPort

• Gigabit Ethernet port

• One FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps)

• Mini DisplayPort

• Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps)

• SD card slot

• Audio in/out

• Kensington lock slot

• Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking2 (based on IEEE 802.11n draft specification); IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible• Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)

• Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)

• Built-in stereo speakers

• Built-in omnidirectional microphone

• Height: 0.95 inch (2.41 cm)

• Width: 14.35 inches (36.4 cm)

• Depth: 9.82 inches (24.9 cm)

• Weight: 5.5 pounds (2.49 kg)

• Built-in 73-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery: lasts up to 7 hours and can be recharged up to 1000 times

• Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes iTunes, Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools)

• iLife ’09 (includes iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand

• 1 year Applecare warranty

What’s In The Box:

• MacBook Pro

• Display cleaning cloth

• 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug

• Power Cord

• Install/restore DVDs

• Printed and electronic documentation

It's my Sister's Birthday tomorrow!!!

2009-11-03T22:12:00.000-08:00

November 5 is my Shobe sister's birthday, I am cooking up something for her but all spur at the moment, I just finished texting people I know who knows her, but m thinking of sending out a viral text and email to greet her happy birthday!!!
Now, I have to hijack a bank or something to get her a coveted laptop Macbook Pro!!! gosh, at 100Thou!!! geez, where will I get the moolah for that???

Villa Escudero- return to childhood thrills

2009-10-27T00:35:00.001-07:00

Mid- October of this year, I was privileged to be the tour guide who yapped non stop with the hired grayline tour guide, for our company's Korean guests, two doctors and two lady managers from a large pharmaceutical company based in Seoul.

Ok, so this is not the most unflattering picture of me, but what is flattering is the place called Villa Escudero.

This coconut haven was a grand estate dating back to the Spanish times, where the Escudero family, planted coconuts to escape having their land parceled out to the masses. They employed hundreds of people to farm coconuts and to date, the plantation is now a tourist theme park of Philippine culture. Features of the park is the iconic carabao ride, with young native attired singers crooning kundimans and popular karaoke foreign tunes, depending on the visitors on the cart.

Apparently, our carabao is of Mexican descent by the name of a popular telenovela heroine!

The museum is contains collections of clothing, saints and religious icons, collections of jewelry, Filipiniana items, stuff animals, shells, botanical specimens and art are all crammed into this two story building, whose exterior is a pink and white chiffon cake facade of a church. The facade of the Escudero museum is decorated in pink and white, its design mimicking an authentic Spanish cathedral in Intramuros.

The native barong tagalog on a Filipino family during a formal event
Said to be the uniform of the first Philippine president, Emilio Aguinaldo

And the terno of the late Cory Aquino.

The Escuderos are fond of warrior garb as Japanese, Chinese and Koren warrior outfits are displayed here.
Medal plaque in honor of Gen. Douglas MacarthurA collection of Philippine knives, daggers and hand weapons
The hall of Filipino ethnic tribes

Philippine mollusks are archived in this showcase

The last stations of the Cross showing the death of Christ in the crucifixion is detailed wonderfullywith ornate robes on the grieving Mary and the lady disciples.A grand tableau of a silver altar, with life size images of the apostles and Christ during the Last Supper are at the center of the Escudero Museum.

A replica of a well-to-do Filipino home is depicted here, most presumable a mirror image of the home of the Escuderos.

The famed waterfall lunch experience is an integral part of the stay, a buffet of filipino delicacies, like adobo, chicken in gata, misua(wait that's chinese!), grilled tilapia, salad of green mango, kamatis, sitaw, tapa, and dessert of sago are among the selections. These are served on basket plates lined with banana leaf. Yes, the best part is to eat with one's hands, but etiquette now demands use of cutlery.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a rondalla and native dance cultural show. My batteries all got juiced out from taking videos and photos of the show.

If you ask me, I'd enjoy coming back to this place, each person must be prepared to fork out 1, 250 on a weekend to enjoy all the attractions, and have transportation ready to travel to and from Manila. Considering the photo opportunities, and the historical snapshots to be had, it's not a bad package.

Here are some of the highlights of my visit, included here are videos of dances which could fit here in my blog: For the other videos, you can check my youtube links. A mythical sarimanok fashioned in coconut frond on a stick given by dancing kids

Blog revival

2009-10-27T00:22:00.001-07:00

My friends right now are an eclectic mix of people all of whom I've met over food. And birthdays as well.

During this instance, we had a ball just celebrating the host's birthday, her dining table table was transformed into a Net cafe of sorts, with 5 laptops just on and whirring to the Net on her Wifi.

I realized too that to make friends is not as complicated, spending time, talking, opening up and sharing what you have are ingredients to friendships growing. Those who make this process complicated, or always finding excuses to just opt out of spending time, are not really worthwhile to be friends with at all.

Real friends do laugh, talk and don't mind the passing of time, even if everyone will be super busy during the week.

Kudos to you guys for carving a place in my heart. Luv ya.

for concerned individuals..must read

2009-08-06T02:59:00.001-07:00

Psychologists repudiate gay-to-straight therapy
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Delicious Digg Facebook Fark Newsvine Reddit StumbleUpon Technorati Yahoo! Bookmarks Print AP – FILE - In a Wednesday, July 20, 2005 file photo, Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International, answers … By DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer David Crary, Ap National Writer – Thu Aug 6, 1:45 am ET
NEW YORK – The American Psychological Association declared Wednesday that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments.

Instead, the APA urged therapists to consider multiple options — that could range from celibacy to switching churches — for helping clients whose sexual orientation and religious faith conflict.

In a resolution adopted on a 125-to-4 vote by the APA's governing council, and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research, the 150,000-member association put itself firmly on record in opposition of so-called "reparative therapy" which seeks to change sexual orientation.

No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the report, and some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies.

The APA had criticized reparative therapy in the past, but a six-member task force added weight to this position by examining 83 studies on sexual orientation change conducted since 1960. Its comprehensive report was endorsed by the APA's governing council in Toronto, where the association's annual meeting is being held this weekend.

The report breaks new ground in its detailed and nuanced assessment of how therapists should deal with gay clients struggling to remain loyal to a religious faith that disapproves of homosexuality.

Judith Glassgold, a Highland Park, N.J., psychologist who chaired the task force, said she hoped the document could help calm the polarized debate between religious conservatives who believe in the possibility of changing sexual orientation and the many mental health professionals who reject that option.

"Both sides have to educate themselves better," Glassgold said in an interview. "The religious psychotherapists have to open up their eyes to the potential positive aspects of being gay or lesbian. Secular therapists have to recognize that some people will choose their faith over their sexuality."

In dealing with gay clients from conservative faiths, says the report, therapists should be "very cautious" about suggesting treatments aimed at altering their same-sex attractions.

"Practitioners can assist clients through therapies that do not attempt to change sexual orientation, but rather involve acceptance, support and identity exploration and development without imposing a specific identity outcome," the report says.

"We have to challenge people to be creative," said Glassgold.

She suggested that devout clients could focus on overarching aspects of religion such as hope and forgiveness in order to transcend negative beliefs about homosexuality, and either remain part of their original faith within its limits — for example, by embracing celibacy — or find a faith that welcomes gays.

"There's no evidence to say that change therapies work, but these vulnerable people are tempted to try them, and when they don't work, they feel doubly terrified," Glassgold said. "You should be honest with people and say, 'This is not likely to change your sexual orientation, but we can help explore what options you have.'"

One of the largest organizations promoting the possibility of changing sexual orientation is Exodus International, a network of ministries whose core message is "Freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ."

Its president, Alan Chambers, describes himself as someone who "overcame unwanted same-sex attraction." He and other evangelicals met with APA representatives after the task force formed in 2007, and he expressed satisfaction with parts of the report that emerged.

"It's a positive step — simply respecting someone's faith is a huge leap in the right direction," Chambers said. "But I'd go further. Don't deny the possibility that someone's feelings might change."

An evangelical psychologist, Mark Yarhouse of Regent University, praised the APA report for urging a creative approach to gay clients' religious beliefs but — like Chambers — disagreed with its skepticism about changing sexual orientation.

Yarhouse and a colleague, Professor Stanton Jones of Wheaton College, will be releasing findings at the APA meeting Friday from their six-year study of people who went through Exodus programs. More than half of 61 subjects either converted to heterosexuality or "disidentified" with homosexuality while embracing chastity, their study said.

To Jones and Yarhouse, their findings prove change is possible for some people, and on average the attempt to change will not be harmful.

The APA task force took as a starting point the belief that homosexuality is a normal variant of human sexuality, not a disorder, and that it nonetheless remains stigmatized in ways that can have negative consequences.

The report said the subgroup of gays interested in changing their sexual orientation has evolved over the decades and now is comprised mostly of well-educated white men whose religion is an important part of their lives and who participate in conservative faiths that frown on homosexuality.

"Religious faith and psychology do not have to be seen as being opposed to each other," the report says, endorsing approaches "that integrate concepts from the psychology of religion and the modern psychology of sexual orientation."

Perry Halkitis, a New York University psychologist who chairs the APA committee dealing with gay and lesbian issues, praised the report for its balance.

"Anyone who makes decisions based on good science will be satisfied," he said. "As a clinician, you have to deal with the whole person, and for some people, faith is a very important aspect of who they are."

The report also addressed the issue of whether adolescents should be subjected to therapy aimed at altering their sexual orientation. Any such approach should "maximize self-determination" and be undertaken only with the youth's consent, the report said.

Wayne Besen, a gay-rights activist who has sought to discredit the so-called "ex-gay" movement, welcomed the APA findings.

"Ex-gay therapy is a profound travesty that has led to pointless tragedies, and we are pleased that the APA has addressed this psychological scourge," Besen said.

can you spell A-W-E-S-O-M-E ?

2009-07-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

It was early, around 730 pm when I arrived at the Carlos P. Romulo auditorium.
I had the idea that the spelling bee would be filled with dialogue and kind of get boring, but I was wrong.
The stage was arranged in a sparse style, chairs in front, and a banner that spelled out "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" .
This review is not meant to be very detailed as you can read better reviews in my previous blog post about it. So I assume my dear readers already have a background about it.
I will just comment on the production night.
Sounds= ok and clearly heard
Lights= cool, it focused on stage on the performers, as well as when the actors had to go down stage after they lost their turn.
Participation of the audience= There were three guest spellers that evening, two were lucky bloggers who won through the website, the other is the statuesque, and hot Angel Aquino. All three gamely joined in the spelling, and rode along with the antics as they were pulled, danced around and played around by the actors. It was funny because when there was the time the guest speller had spelled a difficult word right, the examiner had to deliberately give a hard word to be easily misspelled.
Each speller who lost their turn got a fruit juice drink as a token. For the guests, especially the non celebs, they got their 15 minutes (and more) of fame for that evening. ONe of them, wore exceptionally high, 3 inch purple heels.And was dolled up for the evening.
I like the clever way each guest speller was described on the spot.
The quips and the descriptions of the words to be spelled were totally hilarious and bursting to the seams with inanity, puns and amusement.
The way spelling bees are conducted is, each contestant goes to the front, is given the word to spell, then they can ask about the word origin, and have the word used in a sentence. Afterwards, they have to spell the word. Each speller in the show had their own eccentricities and peculiar ways to get the words spelled correctly.One wrote in on her arm, another spelled it with his foot, then another spelled it as if possessed and robot-like.
All in all, the show ended ten pm, and started promptly at 8pm, no intermissions, no problem, and lots of fun!
It will have its run still on the suceeding weekend before it flies to Singapore:
JUL 10 8pm, contact Johnsy Reyes at 09175342326 ;Ken Espinosa: 09164939311
Jul 11 2pm : BEL Pacheco-09156216512
JUL 11 8pm: PHEONA baranda: 09064372869
JUL 12 3pm: Theody DEmaisip-09209326067 ; Oliver San Juan: 09218030360
JUL 12 8pm Mae Castro: 0906-3414559

MANG INASAL- Ayala Ave. food review

2009-07-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

I have always been faithful in my conquests.

chicken inasal is ONE of them.

Now, I venture on my Friday lunch out towards the Mang Inasal resto at the white Romanesque-style building along Ayala beside RSC where the Hyundai office is. Located on the second floor, M.I. shares the floor with Karate Kid, Binalot and other eateries.

It mainly caters to the working denizens along Ayala, and so the lunch hour was packed, with queues everywhere.

My goal was to redeem one of my free meals from a popular credit card company, and I was prepared to be inconvenience. Going to a fast food restaurant isn't a breeze during the noon time, so I endured a waiting in line time of ten minutes, before I flashed my charge slip and ordered camote fries and beef sinigang ( it isn't obvious I am hungry no?)

Thumbs up for :
1. The order taking was quick.
2. Each diner was given a number on a long bbq stick, so waiters can quickly give orders to diners as needed.
3. Food was piping hot, and meets the expectation of saucy, juicy chicken barbeque.
4. A tall pitcher of H2O satisfied diners' thirst.
5. Unlimited Rice!
6. The takeout of my camote fries was wrapped in foil and quickly served.

thumbs down:
1. food servers looked harried and toxic.
2. Witnessed a food server slam the stock room door at her colleague for unknown reasons and it was unpleasant.
3. One food server almost slipped as she stepped on an oil slick.
4. Orders were queued long and many diners were unhappy.
5. There was inadequate food delivery as my order was not complete when my number was carried off.
6. There was lack of coordination of the servers and the dispatcher, making for long delays.
7. Only one cleaner cleared tables, and three food servers going around, one griller also for many diners.
8. Only one cashier taking all the orders.

Overall, if you are willing to wait, the inasal is really worth waiting for, but the service is wanting for improvement.

Improvements can be done by all servers exercising extra courtesy and meeting customer needs on time.

Food wise, I comment on the sinigang, it tastes good, there were a total of 3 bite sized beef cubes in the sour broth. The chicken was again, sweet and tangy in its bbq sauce, while the meat was tender and addicting to eat . Dipping the white meat in a combination of calamansi, soy sauce, vinegar and chili drops made the experience quite satisfying though one has to truly wash hands afterwards.

I rate this restaurant, on a scale of 1to 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest, it merits a 2, because it took me an hour to finish my meal there and in the lunch hour, services and attention has to be improved to better customer repeat visits.

Gonna watch Spelling Bee tonight,RCBC plaza 8pm

2009-07-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

While browsing throught the morning papers at the office lounge, I was astounded to see that there it is, PUTNAM COUNTY spelling bee is tonight at RCBC!
I dialed the number and reserved two tickets for me and my date, we initially just wanted to dinner at QC, but since it's her birthday and she let me just plan what to do, this would be a great thing to do. Besides, I think this is the first time I am gonna watch a musical with her as of late.
Pricey and tickets ah..I won't disclose it but front seats it is.
I hope I can get chosen as guest speller....(crosses fingers)

Will post a review of the musical later....
DARN I did not anticipate I will be watching and I wanna get pics with the actors like i used to do reviews..but ill find a way..heheh..

Can you spell A-N-T-I-C-I-P-A-T-I-O-N?

For more information about spelling bee , check this out:
site of spelling bee producer:
http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com/
site of reviews of spelling bee philippine production:
http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2009/04/spelling-bee-review.html
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=450175&publicationSubCategoryId=70

plugging for spelling bee from a musical lover:
The last show of the first run of Spelling Bee is tonight. There will be a re-run starting July 3:

July 3, 2009 (Friday)
8 PM, RCBC Plaza , Makati
Minnie Fong Show for Charity
Spelling Bee Updated Seat Plan
For Inquiries and reservations email minnie.fong@gmail.com or call her +63917-8676332.

I usually watch either the opening or the ending show. Please let Minnie know if you're an OAP friend.

July 4, 2009, Saturday,
8pm, RCBC Plaza , Makati
Geoffrey Yu Show
For Inquiries and reservations email yu.geoffrey@gmail.com or call him +63920-9287573

July 5, 2009 (Sunday)

3 PM, RCBC Plaza, Makati
Jessica Manalo Show
For inquiries and reservations e-mail jessicaxii@hotmail.com or call her +63918-9004995

Ticket Prices:
P 500 (Balcony)
P 700 (Loge Sides)
P 900 (Loge Center)
P 1,100 (Orchestra Sides)
P 1,300 (Orchestra Center)

2009-07-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

Top 10 List of Emerging Influential Blogs of 2009

It's a yearly writing project by Ms Janette Toral of Influential Blogger.

These are blogs that started anytime from May 1, 2008 to the present. They are gradually gaining a considerable amount of readership and influence. They also blog for various reasons such as expression of thoughts, sharing of knowledge and insights, events reporting or coverage, and some for profit.

I present to you my top ten nominees!

1. Zorlone by Doc Z
2. The Struggling Blogger by Roy
3. Father Blogger by Angel
4. Writing to Exhale by Jan
5. Tales from the Mom Side by Dee
6. Dear Bloggery by Snow
7. Home Buddies by Fehdz
8. Dare to Speak Out by Silver
9. Lifelots by Irene
10. Jed Chan by Jed

For more information about this contest, please visit Ms. Janette Toral's page.

This event will not be possible without thanking our sponsors:

Absolute Traders, My Brute Cheats, Business Summaries, Fitness Advantage Club, Events and Corporate Video, Events at Work, Dominguez Marketing Communications, Red Mobile, and Blog4Reviews.com.

Reflection from Henri Nouwen

2009-07-02T20:37:00.001-07:00

I have asked that question and posed this theory, that if I can live for myself, I would, because I am ultimately the master of my life.
Yet my statement has backfired when I made decisions which did not work very well and almost wrecked my life.
I then went to the Word today and read this passage by catholic theologian Henri Nouwen, he said that unless a person "has totally withdrawn from the world, our life will be a window for other people."
He also said that "[one person's faithfulness [is another person's] hope."
I was challenged in my belief, I thought for a long time, that as long as I don't harm anyone as I do my thing, I'll be fine, and if others find it a problem, who cares?
But in reality, I am deceived, my words and actions, no matter how small it seems, does make a ripple.
If I become sour in my face when I react to an officemates' remark, it is my right to express, but it creates a dent in my personality and character. And though my trap is shut, the other person has already read my expression quite well. If I don't say something good, encouraging , comforting and uplifting to someone who needs it, because I was preoccupied, it might not be a sin, and I have every right to ignore the other person, but it doesnt give credence to Christian compassion and sensitivity.
My very existence in church, in work and at home, how I move, how I eat, drink and rest, already says a lot to the people I am with, positive and negative.
Now, as I reflected, I realized, I am so guilty of many inappropriate actions and words carelessly thrown out, and if people look into my windows, do they see good breeding, a good family name, and a Christian, or is it "he is just like the rest of the hypocrites I see..."

Jesus preached about the be-attitudes and one of them is "Blessed are those who hunder and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

I have become complacent and assume, since I am a nice guy, I am ok with everybody, and if someone opposes it, then s___ them. I am not really so nice after all, because I tend to do what I insist, and how I feel I show it even to someone I am supposed to love and care about a lot.

I have been a dirty window and a showcase of shame a lot of times.

the reflection ends saying "those who live for peace and righteousness, while they may not achieve a better world, at least live as windows of the fact that such a world ought to be."

7 Eleven Hotdog challenge

2009-06-26T02:26:00.000-07:00

Should I or should I not join this challenge. The game mechanics are:
1. To register for the promo at any 7-eleven store, all participants should sign a form.
2. After signing the form, buy a 5 hotdog plus one slurpee drink for 150 php.
3. Have a companion serve as the witness.
4. 7- eleven personnel will record the time of start and the time when all hotdogs and drink have been completely consumed.
5. The time will be recorded and placed in the record of the 7 eleven store.

I have joined my first challenge, for which the prize was to get the burger I ate for free at a burger restaurant in A.Venue, and I know till now, my picture has been posted there for all to witness. But there is no other perk.

This one, is already a nationwide thing, I had visions of me barfing after cramming those 5 hotdogs into me. Yet, who will I bring to this challege and record my attempt at setting a record?

I am still thinking about it.

LEGAZPI market June 21

2009-06-24T23:54:00.000-07:00

Sizzling bbq foods, turkish sandwiches, organic veggies, pasta, crafts. you name it, for sure you'll be filled.
This is the Sunday Legazpi market, located along the Legazpi Street corner Salcedo St., near Union church of Manila, the parking lot here is transformed to a chic flea market, whose sellers are quite the upper crust and its patrons are the same.
A plethora of dessert choices abound, organic, non transfat sugar free cookies, cakes and sweet fruit juices, paired with delicious wheat breads, paella, pasta, grilled or fried rice meals are great. Then after a sumptuous meal, take leisurely browsing stops at the collectibles, art prints, photo magnets, bamboo and wood crafts, Southern Philippine sun dresses and accessories and health foods.
YES health foods! They abound in number, from Himalayan sea salts, lamps, to organic vegetables, fresh wheatgrass ready to be taken home, to be ground with your very own juicer, various health drinks and nectars to sip from complement some beauty facial and body care products. At intervals during the day, a percussion combo playing Brazilian tunes fill this market with upbeat, delightful sounds.
there was much foods and treats to purchase to explore and to taste, but the earlymorning hour when i visited and the lunch hour was simply not enough. not to mention the money i all spent paying for the bamboo stand. My sister bought lengua and paella, at around 150 each. quite pricey if I may say. Well this sunday I can always explore more of the food stalls selling yummy complete meals, and me would wear something lighter and less formal.
I am particularly interested in the sea salt and the yogurt. But, i realized, just across the church, market market sells much of the same stuff, albeit in a more comfortable setting.
I then had this insight, that, sometimes, I have to just be more open and flexible, that there's always the possibility, same items can be had at different prices and names, but they all are the same, they are foods, they give health, what differentiates them? It's the venue, the ambience and the enjoyment while browsing, and even the neighboring stalls add to the charm.
That is what marketing is all about then, once your heart is set on getting an item at a particular place, the item gets sold due to the seller's and the venue's charm. And unless the other place where you may get similar items can surpass your expectations, that's where you would go, and would be willing to spend extra time and expend extra effort to acquire such.
So, my point is, i think i will again make another friendly visit to this market next weekend.

FRIDAY GReen day shopping AT ABS CBN HUB

2009-06-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

I didn't expect to spend, but I splurged.
it was for a good cause though.

I discovered that when you spend for something that benefits others and yourself, this two pronged objective justifies the money taken out.

In this case, I was going to gym, when I chanced upon this friday fair. All the products are eco friendly as they said. Offerings were varied. But I got the following:
1. Malunggay foodies- I didnt know what malunggay was like. .. until, I tasted malunggay shoestring chips at the Echo store. This stall, also had other malunggay snack variants, such as the shrimp kropek, sweet corn bits, banana chip malunggay, sesame seed cookies, fortune cookies as well. They set out samples of the food in front of the products to invite passersby to taste.
I bought two each of the foods and they were really tasty and inexpensive, they are perfect as small gifts and tokens, as their clear plastic packaging has printed designs that make it look very presentable.
2. Eco bag- made from sako, these beige bags came in body bad with strap, a carry all shoulder bag and a lady's style crumpler design open bag. I got a number of it to give as dad's day gifts. Plus they also gave me several green environment saving theme buttons for placing on the bags. I even had a picture with them.
3. Bamboo craft- it took me a while to decide, but I bought this foldable side table/laptop mini tablt from Ding Perez, the entrepreneur for 700 bucks, the bigger version, in maroon. He was selling a 580 peso version which was smaller, but i only got to pay today,and the price for the bigger piece was 700 since I had no smaller bills. So far, since Sunday I picked it up at Legaspi market, I had been using it as an alternate laptop stand beside my beb.
4. unique body washes and soaps- all variety of soaps on display along with some liquid and semi solid body scrubs. I got Barako coffee, dark chocolate and greentea/peppermint scrub. Very very good smelling!
5-7. I didnt get the leatherette covered organizers and small bric a bracs but they are quite elegant and understated. Herbal toothpaste, cheap but not yet .

seeking a reply

2009-06-05T03:30:00.000-07:00

I would like to send this message out to no one in particualr...to God maybe, because he is always here withme and around....
no not only God, but to those who may somehow, someway pick up this thread.
I am a person who deeply likes to be acknowledged. KSP in tagalog "kulang sa pansin"
SOmetimes I post something to someone , in my elementary days, and I get so thrilled to get a reply on my note.
When I grew a bit older, I would write more postal mails, getting replies is the highlight of my day.
Now, I have these tools, such as networking blogsites and instant messaging sites, SMS services, all these mean, I have more chances to get replies. It may be some forwarded message I got, or something I created, It could be a repost of some nice video, or email i composed, or a blog I created about some things i saw and liked (or disliked).
In whichever form, I want to be acknowledged, the need to be affirmed that what I did is not in vain. That it was not ignored nor my efforts wasted.
It does not seem to be the case I guess, Most of the time, I posted something really cool (for me), that made me laugh, that made me happy, and I just wanted to share it.
The problem is, I should not expected any response . the fact I shared it, is like me setting free a dove , to fly and be free to make its fleeting mark in the skies. Same as blogs and messages i sent out.
I have resolved from here on, if i post anything, as long as it comes from me, it has already been given effort and birthed with pride. I will not regret it if i get zero replies, it will be ok.
It is not the end , but the journey, ....it is not the applause nor the jeers...but the process of producing it, i should be content.
That is why, to all bloggers, writers and whoever had received comments about their creative works, kudos to all of them.
Then again, getting someone to comment and react on something in this time of multiple distractions, is an achievements, so I should not expect too much. The fact I can open a blogsite , my phone, my emails and see my work in full view, is like having my private bulletin board, sharing it to others is an opportunity, getting a star, a comment is a gift.
Nothing will stop me from blogging, nor writing, I will keep on.

celebrating Victory Christian Fellowship ANNIV on JULY 24, 2009

2009-06-05T03:10:00.000-07:00

YEHEY!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43RjyOq78uE

JULY 25 na ang anniv celeb at ARANETA Coliseum!!!

MCDO commercial

2009-06-05T02:57:00.000-07:00

It was only recently that I discovered how much I loved to watch commercials...more than the show itself . I discovered the motherlode of commercials old and new on youtube.
This particular Mcdo Commercial really really strikes an emo chord in me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VdG8eCxors
The nostalgia of first love to the reality is so heartrending but not OA, but spins in acceptance and sheer enjoyment, that Mcdonald's bridges the past to the present, and still is a happy place to be.
I also happen to know the lead guy as an adult in this TVC. isn't knowing someone in something you see in public so much more special?
cheers Mcdo(oh, my friend in the rival fastfood chain would berate me for this.....)

learning not to be pikon May 26

2009-05-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

May 26, 2009
Learning not to be pikon

I wrote this after a meeting last May 22, in a meeting between my boss and the national sales manager. I am sticking to the adage that the best way to right a wrong is to make the wrongdoing open and accountable so I would watch myself and not commit the same mistake again.

“ Joy told me, about the pikon June Adriatico felt when she edged him out during the picture taking after the fellowship night at Holiday Inn during our POA-1 . She was making a joke only then, June was asking her to take his picture, and Joy, with her trademark lait na pabiro , says no, June you can’t join us with your picture taken with my camera, it’s just for me and med rep name, med rep name. Jun then felt tampo afterwards, and Joy only found out about it the day after. The med rep named was also tampo at Joy for what happened that during the district meeting they felt awkward. The lesson I learned here is to know the whole scenario. And to stop thinking about myself and what I want for myself only. But what will benefit others. To also be transparent about what I feel. That is why there is a discrepancy between myself and my attitude.

MAy 26, Tuesday tale part 2

2009-05-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

May 26, 2009
TUESDAY tale Part 2:

When I thought about destruction of a life, I would imagine bloody and horrifying killings, such as the scenes in the movie “Kinatay” by Brillante Mendoza, who incidentally won the best director plum at the 2009 Cannes film Festival. Or of frenzied Abu sayyaf beheadings.
But death can be slow and painful as well, take someone who died from arsenic poisoning. History tells us that Napoleon Bonaparte, Van Gogh, Korean royalty and officials and other personalities succumbed to it because of its chronic use as a medicinal/beautifying/ and unsuspecting poison.
This is how a person can be who is poisoned with sin. Sinning becomes a cycle, where a person, trying to find significance, security, happiness, plunges headlong into decisions. Such decisions could be investing much money into questionable businesses, or those he is not prepared to handle but involve large monetary returns. Or it could be consorting with people who offer love, pleasure and companionship but are against their values and morals. Some others, on the extreme, deliberately feed themselves with addiction to hobbies, retail therapy at the malls, gambling, alcohol, sexual perversion, pornography, you name it.
After a while, when the results of the decisions done are now causing detriment, distress, and falling apart of the person’s life, he/she would shake their fists, blame themselves, blame other people (ie, their activity partners, lovers, sellers of the items they are addicted to , the Internet) and God, for ruining their life.
But after they are somewhat delivered from the poor state, they would launch into another form of destructive cycle.

Jesus is sympathetic to the sinner, to one caught in the sins and follies, like what he was to the Samaritan woman, to Zaccheus, to the crucified robber at his side on Golgotha, yet he still hates and condemns the sin . He said Go and sin no more.

The principles, as outlined by J. M. Farro in the devotional “life on purpose” says the following to those, like me, like you, who may feel, “YES YES this is how I am” :
Put God first.
Trust God to bring the right partner for me at the right time.
Break the destructive patterns in me.
Use this period of waiting to nurture my relationships with people who will build me closer to my relationship with God.

I hope that with this reading, I will have the opportunity to strengthen my resolve, to break free from these destructive cycles I had been through, stop poisoning myself and get myself out of this rut.

Tuesday Tale Part 1

2009-05-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

May 26, 2009
TUESDAY tale Part 1:
The way to work today is lighter on a Tuesday morning, I left the house around 745 am. The reason being I woke up(or decided to wake up ) was already 725 am. I was up around 630 am, but decided to fall back into bed.
Last night, after talking to a friend and resolving some personal issues, I turned on my PC and waited to watch the screen light up. Then suddenly a great weariness descended on me, and I literally plopped down on the sofa and napped. Actually snored…then my mom went down, and wearily told me to pack to laptop and go back to my bed. Apparently she was freaking tired of reminding me and getting mad. Shame shame on me.
So, that’s what I did, I packed up my PC and…set it on the floor thinking I can still be awake enough to browse, this was 130 am. And ..nope, it was impossible, I woke up and put my feet down from my bed and almost stepped on the keyboard. What a dozer I am!
I guess improvement in my waking habits is essential. When I got here in the office parking, I got a spot on P6, as opposed to P9, yesterday. My car aircon was not working so well so I was perspiring when I arrived.
Getting into my office. I opened my bible and a devotional I grabbed before leaving my room earlier.
In my next blog….

2009-05-25T01:12:00.000-07:00

After a morning of two successive meetings and another in the afternoon, I felt quite bowled over by the topics. Not to mention I was getting dry eyes, and drowsiness forced me to take a nap in the car after a quick lunch inside the parking lot. And my car does not have a decent airconditioning, so it was a fairly warm nap for me, and I was forcibly reluctant to get up back to office to catch the meeting,....which I DIDNT know was in progress, about the performance evaluation parameters called the Ipad.

so back to my desk, I was thinking what I can do to boost my brand, and help it really sell.

Then I opened my email. And saw this article from the integrated marketingwebsite, and it talks about how the series "LOST" can give valuable lessons about marketing.

In a nutshell, these are the insights:

1. Make sure you share the story behind your brand so you can give people a reason to believe in it.
2. If you have something complicated to sell, get creative about how you can simplify it.

3. Don't ignore your critics, but don't change your strategy because of them either.

4. Having an ending is important - even if it's just a campaign that ends so you can start a new one.

http://rohitbhargava.typepad.com/weblog/2009/05/untangling-your-brand-4-marketing-lessons-from-lost.html

I will post some more insights about marketing soon.

GYm GYM again

2009-05-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

I can't help grumbling and muttering to myself as I sauntered into the machines area. I worked out this Sunday afternoon at ABS CBN, and I was really, not into lifting my muscles. Yet what is spinning in my head is "STEVIE, you gotta run and burn those excess flabs .."
gee, where did I get those "flabs"...
a. Saturday evening pig out at Wagamamu, retiro, oh yeah with cousin Jean and her family, i ate TWO burgers, with french fries and a side dish of carbonara.
b. Sunday lunch at Serendra Conti's, downed a plate of fried egg with garlic rice and corned beef with yummy fried chicken fingers in honey mustard sauce with three (or four?) lemonade glasses.
c. This week I chugged down half a litro bottle of Coke.

I did my routine as follows:
1. Pullup, chin up, lats machine, 12 reps at 25 lb handicap.
2. leg curl, 35 lbs. one set
3. leg extension 30-35-35
4. squats - (both plates) 30-40-60
5. abs machine with lower resistance (50-60)
6.Upper back row - 25
treadmill at 6.0 speed for 8 minutes

I could feel a pinch in my right sternum, bony part i guess, it was kinda tender. And palpating my legs and abs while I contracted those muscles, I made sure, I was jutting my chest out, my back was straight and I was inhaling on the positive and exhaling on the negative.

So, another gym afternoon, means more calories burned, well 35 kcal burned??? That's what the treadmill said...Ahhh, I just couldn't take it no more. So I showered and packed up.

The things I keep forgetting to bring at the gym..ahhh that will be the subject of another blog...I gotta get a bite to eat.

FACEBOOK addiction

2009-05-24T01:17:00.000-07:00

My addiction now to facebook is due to tending my farm in Farm Town, my restaurant in REstaurant City and My city as well. And to tend other people's stuff.
I guess I just want to be the best and earn lots of points...but for what? it doesnt add value to me, yet why do I keep doing things that do not really add much value?

Conti's Serendra

2009-05-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

I just enjoy eating at Conti's, finishing that Mango Bravo cake at the end of my filipino brunch meal of corned beef and rice with eggs was perfect. I was just advised, to eat slower as I tend to gobble up food instead of slowing down to chew on them.

Oh, to be rich!

2009-05-24T01:13:00.000-07:00

For me the true definition of rich , is to be able to buy books you want to read, and have the airconditioning in your home turned up and have your favorite cookies, chips, and juices all around. then be able to watch movies via your wide screen LCD tv, and relax in your lazy boy recliner.
That's the life.

Quest for glory

2009-05-22T01:11:00.000-07:00

"Hey , I saw what you wrote ha, it's on page 12!"
Hearing these words are music to my ears. I love writing. Before the age of blogs, the only way to see your writing in public is in print.
The first time I had my writing in print was when i was around the age of eight, actually it was insignificant, just something posted up the bulletin board.
Now, to a kid who has been a new transferee to a big school, classrooms are as big as they get, and the bulletin board is the equivalent of the discussion area, the IT thing, to have your works posted there is a bid achievement.
But it was not after a while when I was introduced into the world of journalism. Writing is a more serious business here actually. BUT, I didn't write, I worked as a copyreader. (Ironic considering I am so impatient with details). And that copyreading stint was what helped propel me in the world of newspapering.
Of course, my procrastinating spirit kep me from venturing into the nitty gritty of journalism, such as news, features or let alone editorials.
So, I stuck on, and it was only in my college days, again I joined the College of Science Journal, where I learned to write my first news story, my features on science, interviewing people for my articles, that I got to write once again.
The high time to be creative only stirred once more when I joined the Varsitarian. I contributed my bit to the inspirational compilation called Heaven's Kitchen. It was a short writing about struggles to do good.
Then again I ventured into science and technology . It can get tiring actually to write geeky stuff, so I dipped my brush into the literary section, I helped put together a tribute to a poetess/painter who took her life for art's sake.
The age of blogging opened new possibilities for me, The NET gave so many chances to write and be see.
That is why I have this blogspot to celebrate what I saw and put down my observations.

Init init pag walang aircon!

2009-05-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

The worst time to have the airconditioning break down is at the peak of the summer heat. I had driven my car for like so many kilometers, from Qc to Makati (my office) , and to our national conference and back to QC, and to places around the Metro, when I noticed that the airconditioning didnt seem to make a dent in cooling the car. I though that by moving at normal speed, the aircon would be perform better. Apparently, the compressor that had replaced the old one which had given me similar trouble earlier this year, had stopped working optimally, and I am distressed, that my office clothes were soaking wet with perspiration at my back.

I propose that cars should have those heat proof devices that can provide heat dissipation and cooling, without relying fully on airconditioning that can damage the ozone layer with freon chemicals. I don't know what they call it, but these look like spinning minaret tops. these can be attached atop cars and be powered by the car batttery. Therefore as the car moves these minarets will spin and provide cool air to the passengers, at the same time, lend new meaning to the "indian" look that has been popularized by the movie Slumdog M.

I guess, I have the whole afternoon to enjoy the cool office air before i head back to my car this evening and drive home in a heated car.

Tales of a Backpack

2009-05-20T20:16:00.001-07:00

Backpacking around is a western concept it so seems, but leafing through history books, the fancy colored backpacks have been an offshoot of many ways travelers carry their worldly possessions.
If a mother can carry her baby in a sling bag, I carry my baby, my organizer, my cellphones, snacks and my room basically inside my Adidas backpack. And is it heavy, nah, weighing just a ton, it is quite lightweight compared to the burdens that are invisible.
Yes, my backpack, has been a descendant of many years of practice. I did not carry backpacks in high school, I carried clunky shoulder book bags.
I started packing books in these bags in college. I often had to contend with no name bags, the ones where the English is misspelled, or those bought from the sidewalk vendors at a bargain. And later in the year of use, the backstrap gets ripped through and all my belongings just fall with a big splat to the ground.
That is why I so love this backpack now, it is an Adidas, in fiery hot red, with the trademark tri stripe decor and a rounded body. The sweet fact is I just won this in a raffle at the opening of a spa in QC.

My backpack is a symbol of all the things I carry through this lifetime, happy moments, challenging adrenaline surging situations, and foot dragging times, a bag is always there to accompany my melancholia, and to carry the fruits of my victory, from mundane items picked at a bargain sale, to books that secure my work focus and add to my knowledge.

And so, I go and I travel, and tell the tales of my ongoing travels.