Song Challenge 10: Song that Makes Me Fall Asleep

This doesn't only make me fall asleep. It also makes me go haaayyy <3 <3 <3

Song Challenge 9: Song that I Can Dance To

I don't dance and I'm not good at dancing. Since this song doesn't require complicated, acrobatic, "dancer" steps, eto lang (at favorite ko) ang tangi-tangi na nasasabayan ko ng dance... Let's do the L.A. Walk! Yeah!

Song Challenge 8: A Song I Know All the Words To

Mejo maraming songs ako in mind na alam ko ang lyrics. But this one's my super alam na alam. Ang iksi lang kasi and madali mamemorize =)

Song Challenge 7: Song that Reminds me of a Certain Event

Every time I hear this song, it just reminds me of the first wedding in our family.  My brother, Carlo and his then girlfriend (wife na ngayon) Noreen tied the knot in 08.09.10.  They asked me or rather I volunteered to make their AVP.  One of the songs they chose for their AVP was this one... Favorite ko na sya before pero nakalimutan ko na sya tapos nung narinig ko ulet, favorite ko na ulit sya and it really brings back memories of 08.09.10 =)

Song Challenge 6: A Song that Reminds Me of Somewhere

I bet my friends Angel, Ann, Achie and my cousin Zhari would all go "waaaahhhh!" when they see this entry.  This song really brings me back to our Ayala days when all we think of were how and where to spend the Summer, basketball league schedules, what to wear on our afternoon trips to the park and how to get our crushes notice us... Haaayyy... How I wish life was that always simple...

Song Challenge 5: Song that Reminds Me of Someone

Kung bakit ito ang napili ko... Basta... :)

Song Challenge 4: Song that Makes Me Sad

First song that popped in my mind...

 

Song Challenge 3: Song that Makes Me Happy

Every time I hear this song, I can't help but dance... And, feeling ko wala akong kaproble-problema pag pinapatugtog to.  It also reminds me of High School na sobra lang ang kaadikan namin sa EWF :)

Song Challenge 2: My Least Favorite Song

Ano ba ito pahirap ng pahirap naman! Bakit kasi "Least Favorite" ang nakalagay hindi na lang "Hatest", mas madali pa yun eh hehehe. This was my favorite song before but then nagagasgas na sya ng bonggang bongga so least favorite ko na sya...

Song Challenge 1: My Favorite Song

Here's another blog challenge to finish after the 30-Day Bloggie challenge my friends and I did in October of 2010. How fast time flies, mag-one year na pala yung challenge na yon. At eto namang topic namin ngayon eh mga songs, ang hirap nitong Day 1 ha, especially wala naman talaga akong super favorite na song. Eto lang talaga unang pumasok sa isip ko today... Enjoy! :-)

Kina-crisis na naman ako...

First entry after ilang months ini-emo ako... Asar much!

Eksena: Office, sinendan ko ng IM yung office friend ko.

Me: September na bukas bakla... Magpapasko na naman... Tatanda na naman ako... Haayyy kina-crisis na naman ako.

Meg: Ahahaha... Ayan na naman tayo.

Me: Pero alam mo ba, happy na rin ako kasi may binanggit si mama sa kin hehehehehe

Meg: Tungkol san?

---End of Conversation---

Naisip ko lang kasi, matatapos na naman ang taon, isa na naman ako sa mga taong walang kakwenta kwenta... Bakit kamo? Eh walang nangyayari sa buhay ko eh... I'm stuck in my 8-5 job doing same things for the past three years... Single pa rin ako (which is ok lang naman sa kin kahit papano)... Andito pa rin ako sa Pinas (pero sa totoo lang, ayoko na pumunta sa kahit saan... Naiinis lang ako sa pressure ng paligid, alam mo yon? *teary-eyed while writing this part).  Tanong ko sa self ko, ano bang goal ko sa buhay?  If I'm able to answer this, only then can I be at peace.

Eh simple lang naman ang gusto ko sa buhay eh: Magkapamilya period. Yung meron akong kids of my own at hindi nakikihiram ng anak ng may anak. Yung meron akong asawang inaalagaan. And, I'm my own boss at yung work ko is would require travel and yung first love ko (photography). Simple lang yan pero parang ang hirap abutin... Hay!

Lens atbp... (late post)

Happy na ko... I got a new lens! Ang lens na matagal ko ng gustong bilhin pero ngayon lang nagka-time pumunta sa Hidalgo.  Super excited ako gamitin ang lente kaya naman kumuha ako agad ng pictures using it.  Visit Shoot Happens to view the photos.
After going to Hidalgo, sa Rhapsody Music Store naman kami pumunta sa Platerias St. Gusto ko lang pumunta dun at makita yung store kasi it brings back memories of my childhood when I still play the piano.  Dito kasi kami bumibili ng pieces ng tita ko.  Aba at andun pa yung store, only it was smaller than the store before. I bought The Way We Were and Canon in D.  Then visited Lyric, it's a musical instrument store tapos nagtanong ako how much ang piano. Aba eh 90kyaw daw yung tinuro ko at ang pinakamura eh 70kyaw kamusta naman.  So lakad uli kami ni Margaret para pumunta sa Ilaya at bumili ng tela para sa uniform ko sa church.  Imagine, from Quiapo to Ilaya nilakad lang namin!!! Kaya naman ang dami na naman naming nilamon sa Dong Bei Dumplings.  Hehehe.  Nung pauwi na, narealize ko na wala na nga pala akong piano pero bumili pa rin ako ng piyesa... HAHA!
At eto ang aking bagong nifty fifty...

Mekeni sa Pampanga

June 18, yan ang napagusapan naming date ng YA (na nasa Pinas) para pumunta sa buntis naming friend na si Achie. Umuulan pa nga nung madaling araw pero kebs, alam kong titigil din yan. At syempre, tumigil nga sya at mejo umaraw na when I left Parañaque. Natotoxic din ako sa thought that I have to ride the jeep to Edsa MRT/LRT station para pumunta sa Doroteo Jose.  Buti na lang, naisip ko na meron nga palang Lawton na van pag Saturday para sa mga students na may pasok. Dun na lang ako sumakay, but only until Central station, then LRT to Doroteo Jose.  Yang D. Jose station na yan ang reason kaya di ako nagdala ng SLR, P&S lang ang dala ko.  Madami palang bus station sa D. Jose (Five Star, Genesis, etc) pero sa Philippine Rabbit daw kami sumakay.  Since di ko kabisado ang place, pumasok muna ako sa Tropical Hut para tawagan si Ann at sabihing di ko alam kung nasan ang Philippine Rabbit at natatakot ako maglakad lakad at magtanong kasi nga mag-isa lang ako at babae pa di ba. So, imeet na lang daw nila ako sa Tropical Hut which was only fifteen steps away from Philippine Rabbit hehehe... Malay ko ba! Ayun, after bumili ng ticket, akyat na kami sa Dau/Angeles na sign board.  One and a half hours lang ang biyahe akalain mo!  Ayun, di pa kami nagkaintindihan sa directions so mejo naligaw ligaw pa kami ni Ann, sinundo na lang kami sa kung saan kami bumaba tapos we went to K-Tronix. Bat ba di ko nakuhaan ng picture ang shop nila Achie, asar... Tapos punta kami sa SM Clark para puntahan si Ken (Achie's husband) at ang car show. Picture picture muna ako ng mga caru at meron na akong personal favorite.  Eto o...

This car won five awards during the show :)

So there, we had lunch at Luring's kasi may authentic sisig daw don only to find out that hindi na sya available. Ayos! So, we ordered yung isa na lang na authentic dish din nila na Crickets at Frogs... JOKE! Yes, they sell authentic foods like that but hanggang fried Quail lang kami. Si Ann ordered Papaitan and yung ginisang gulay with Quail eggs, ako naman Tokwa't Baboy and Chop Suey, sila Achie ordered meatballs, Quail, and yung gulay din.  Ang sarap ng Tokwa't Baboy grabe lang! Ayun simot ang pinggan namin, di naman kami masyadong gutom eh. Hahaha.

Papaitan, Ginisang Gulay, Pritong Quail and Tokwa't Baboy

After lunch, we headed to Marquee Mall na halatang Ayala Mall kasi yung design was like Trinoma and Greenbelt.  Tapos pinatikim sa min ni Achie yung Halo-halo na makakalimutan mo yung name mo.  Sa Kabigting's.  I don't eat Halo-halo, but when I tasted Kabigting's Halo-halo, I craved for more... Kaso busog na ko because we also ordered their Cheese Cake Galore.  Yum! Tapos walang humpay na kwentuhan syempre until someone has to go to the rest room... Di ata kinayanan ang dairy na pumasok sa tiyan nya. Goat's milk ata yung ginamit sa Halo-halo tapos may pastillas pa to tapos yung cheese cake pa. Good luck! Yung Halo-halo doesn't have leche flan or ube, ang lahok lang ay Pastillas, Beans at Kamote ata yon. Yun lang ang lahok pero ang sarap!

After Marquee, Achie and Ken dropped us off to Hotel Valentine Park.  Ang ganda ng hotel! Para kang nasa Victorian castle na parang nasa bahay ng mayaman sa isang Koreanovela! Ganun! Ayun, so punta na kami sa room 216, nagbukas ng TV at nag-channel surfing.  Nagbiro pa ko kay Ann na Korean channel lang ang meron sila, kaso masama magbiro kaya nagkatotoo sya.  Pagtawag ni Ann sa reception, sinabi sa kanya na ang channels lang ay Arirang at ESPN kamusta naman yon! Anong gagawin namin ni Ann, magtititigan magdamag?! Bumaba kami at nakipagusap si Ann sa receptionist.  Apparently, ang hotel ay for Koreans only.  Even their food daw eh Korean (so kung dito kami nagstay eh Korean food ang complimentary breakfast kinabukasan).  Tinanong ni Ann bakit di sinabi ng recep kay Achie na Korean Hotel pala yon, ang sagot eh "hindi po kasi sya nagtatanong" ABA! At syempre, uminit ang ulo ni Ann at sinabing "next time, be proactive, kahit hindi nagtatanong yung client sabihin mo".  Buset di ba, ang lumalabas, eh parang kumita lang sila eh hindi na nya sasabihin ang totoo na for Koreans lang yung hotel.  Tandaan nyo ang name ng hotel na yan, hindi yan Pinoy friendly... Eto na lang ang nakapagpatawa sa min ni Ann while paakyat kami sa room...



Yung Korean characters binasa ni Ann na "Watch Your Step" pero ang translation pala ay "Be Quiet!" Haha

Good thing though, we were able to refund the five hundred bucks na reservation ni Achie.  Tapos nagtanong tanong na kami sa guard at sa magpuprutas kung saan pa merong available na hotels.  Sakay daw kami ng jeep at magpababa sa check point so that's what we did.  Sa Sunlight Hotel kami pinapapunta nila manong guard pero may una kaming hotel na nakita, Tiger Hotel ang name. So lakad to Tiger hotel hanggang sa fully booked na daw sila, tapos lakad konti to Medgar hotel, fully booked din... yung last hotel na pinuntahan namin Executive Suite na lang ang available na out of our budget tapos sinabihan pa kami na sila na ang pinakamurang hotel at mga high end na daw yung sa malayo... Syempre di kami naniwala, mukha kasing manloloko yung recep.  So, lakad uli kami until we reached Sun Moon Hotel.  Ayun! Grabe, hulog ng langit! May available room pa sila at nakapromo sila na all rooms ay PhP999 lang! So there, we settled at that hotel, nagpahinga konti, naghilamos at sinundo nila Ash para magdinner.  Punta muna kami ulit sa SM Clark at, meron palang fireworks display. Inaasar ako ni Kenneth kung nasan daw ang aking SLR. Pang-inis lang! Hinayang na hinayang akong walang dalang SLR! Ang tagal ng display ha... mga ten minutes din yun. Tapos we went to B&D bar and grill para itry ang Ostrich. Na-curious ako so inorder ko ang Ostrich Dumplings... Na hindi available. At wag ka, hindi lang ang Ostrich ang di available, pati yung inorder nila Achie na Pork Bbq, yung inorder namin ni Ann na Chicken Strips at Coke!  So, we decided to just transfer to another bar para magdinner.  Mas tahimik pa sa nilapitan namin. I mean, may sounds pero di sing ingay ng sa B&D.  Name of the bar is V8 Baresto. We ordered Spicy Chicken, Sisig, Nachos and Cheese-stuffed Pusit.  Ang sarap ng inorder namin grabe!!! Kaso di ko naubos yung drink ko... Yung Nachos ang naubos ko hehe.

Ayun, pagod na kami at antok na. Pupunta pa kaming Subic the next day, so we decided to go back to the hotel, shower then sleep.  The next day, both Ann & I were craving for McDo breakfast so dial kami ng 8-MCDO pero di pala sya available sa Angeles kahit na City na sya. We asked na lang for the number ng store na malapit sa hotel namin only to find out that they don't deliver.  Urgh!!! Frustrated kami ni Ann... So, parang nafeel namin ang na-feel ni Achie nung hindi pwede magdeliver ng chicken joy sa house nila nung naglilihi pa sya.  Then nagtext si Achie, natatakpan daw ng clouds ang half ng Mt. Arayat so hindi na talaga kami makakapag-Subic. Also, parang ayoko na rin mag-beach so we went to SM Clark na lang for lunch. Lunch daw sa A La Turka Mediterranean resto but Annn & I ordered for Filipino breakfast. Hahaha!  Sa pagkafrustrate namin sa McDo, ayan ang inorder namin. Sayang di ko na-picturean yung food namin but it was really good! Bakit walang A La Turka sa Manila?!?! Then, since it was Father's Day, we bought gift for Tito Errol (Achie's dad) tapos pinuntahan sa work nya at Yats Restaurant.  Then, Tito Errol toured us around the restaurant and the wine cellar.  Yats has the largest wine cellar daw sa whole of Asia. Wow!   

Tito Errol showing us the Romanee-Conti. A 450K peso-wine!

After the tour and chikahan, we went na sa palengke para bilhin yung tapang kalabaw ni Ann, at kahit na gusto ko, hindi ako bumili ng longganisa at chicharon dahil naiisip ko ang cholesterol.  So, pastillas na lang binili ko and... Cheese Cake Galore!  Achie and Kenneth brought us na sa bus terminal after mamili ng pasalubong.  I can say na kulang ang one day sa pagpunta sa Pampanga pa lang... What more sa Subic di ba? Pinromise namin si Ann na babalik kami dito kasi di pa namin natatry ang iba pang food. Hehehe... I want to try the Fern Salad and the Ostrich Dumplings next time.  But kahit na bitin, enjoy naman kami... Next time, I'll bring na my SLR but I'll make sure na hindi sya takaw-magnanakaw :-)

I'm a Big Fan!

So, normal lang ang araw na ito I guess kasi busy-busyhan ever... Buti na lang may breaktime. I asked my friend Margaret to accompany me sa Mini Stop near the office to buy some snacks coz I'm getting hungry na and craving for junk food... Eto na, nasalubong namin yung isa kong agent...
Agent: Ma'am si Derek Ramsay anjan sa Starbucks.
Me: Weh? Di nga?!
Agent: Oo nga ma'am, ayun yung Audi nya o...
Syempre, nilingon namin ni Meg at nagdecide kaming mag-Starbucks... Sabi ko pa...
Me: pakbet Meg, wala na kong pera pero crush ko si Derek Ramsay... deadma na, mag-Starbucks tayo!
Ayan na kinikilig na ko grabe... Pagpasok namin ng Starbucks hinanap namin si Derek at di ko sya makita. Pagpunta namin sa counter bumubulong si Meg na asa likod na namin si Derek. Nilingon ko lang sya ng mga five seconds at nung nabili ko na ang Coffee Brownie, we decided to just go back sa office since di ko naman dala yung camera phone ko, ganun din si Meg. As in wala kaming kadala dalang camera... LOSER lang! Tsaka, Derek Ramsay was busy... I think ang kausap nya e business partner nya. Nakakahiya magpa-picture di ba kung busy yung tao, and, I can still remember what my friend Achie told us when we had our vacay in Boracay "bawal magpapicture sa artista"... And di naman talaga ako nagpapapicture sa artista eh... Pero eto... Iba to! Si Derek Ramsay to!!!  Tapos eto pa, nung palabas na kami eh sumasalubong sa kin ang aking favorite boss na si Sir Luis (one of MEDICard's owners). Natameme ako. Jackpot lang, Derek and Sir Luis. Hehehe... (wala naman sigurong taga office ang makakabasa nito... sana hehe).  Ayun, pag-akyat namin ni Meg, we told our receptionist (Girlie) na asa baba si Derek Ramsay, at ipinamalita nya na sa lahat ng babae at bading sa MEDICard... For a sec, nawala lahat ng babae at bakla sa MEDICard at bumaba... para MAGPAPICTURE kay Derek!!! Pakbet, inggit na inggit ako kasi di ako nakapagpapicture... Di ako mapakali, so sinabi ng mabait kong boss na "sige na Avee, go to Starbucks na ulit. And para makabalik ka, bili mo ko ng Choco Macadamia Cookie. Sige ka you will regret this day na chance mo na magpapicture sa crush mo tapos di mo ginawa".  Ayun, si Girlie na meron ng iniinom from Starbucks eh sinamahan ako para makapagpapicture. Lumalabas na ng Starbucks si Derek... Paalis na sya. OH NO. Talagang sabi ko kay Girlie, tumakbo at harangan ang mga tao. May narinig akong isang nagpapicture sabi "Hi Derek, last na, please"... So gumuguho na ang mundo ko talaga kasi last na pic na daw yon... Eto na... Sinigaw ko ang pangalan ni Derek...
Me: Derek! Derek!
At lumingon si Derek!!!! Lumingon sya!!!! Hindi sya suplado! Mabait sya! Sabay SMILE! :)
Derek: Hi!
Me: I'm sorry, I'm a big fan, can we have a picture together?
Derek: It's ok. Sure! (with his million dollar smile na makalaglag panty sabay akbay)

Ayun!!! Pinicturean kami ni Girlie!!!!!!!! I'm just sooo happy!!! Edi nag-thank you na ko tapos... Derek shook my hand and said "Have a nice day!" and I said "Thank you, you too!" At nangingilabot ako hanggang ngayon na malapit na ko matulog...

First INC Unity Games

The first ever unity games of the Iglesia ni Cristo would be on for two Saturdays (May 21 & 28, 2011) and it was and will be held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. When I first learned about the event and knew that there would be a marathon, I decided to participate.  After all, this was what I was preparing for when I visited my doctor last Tuesday.  Since my foot was already ok to run, then might as well give it a "break in". 
My brothers and I woke up at 3:30am and had a hearty breakfast since we're aware that we need the energy for the 3km run.  We were picked up by my friend, Ian who will (supposed to) be the "unofficial" photographer for the day; I brought my camera too of course just in case I don't want to finish the 3km run =D
We waited for few minutes at the church before we proceed to Manila, then our convoy left at exactly 5:30am.  When we arrived at the venue, the bad weather was already starting to show... Now, how can we run???  I don't wanna run soaking wet!  Anyway, it's a good thing that the rain poured when we were already at the covered part of the complex.  The rain poured hard and it lasted for about 30 minutes, and... You guessed it right!  No one from me and my brothers were able to join the marathon... LOSER!  Nevertheless, we enjoyed watching the opening program--pep rally, presentation of the Velasco Brothers, entrance of the athletes, torch lighting, etc... Ian and I didn't finish the program for the day and before the track & field events were done, we already left the complex.  Too bad, we were'nt able to watch the volleyball game which a lot of my church friends were players.  We were already tired and hungry so we went to the weekend market at Salcedo to have our lunch.  It's a very sumptuous lunch of Creamy Shrimp and rice! Yum! We bought desserts pa of sugar-free leche flan (for Ian) and mocha cake (for me). And because we were already full, we brought our desserts home, took a nap then had the desserts for our merienda... Paired with my not so famous coffee :-) Anyway, here are two of my likey shots from the event...

Day of the "Arts"

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011 my manager invited me to her kids' recital which was held at the Teatro ng GSIS. I was excited because I'd be able to sort of practice my skills again... and with my favorite subject, I know this "shoot" would be fun! The show started on time (3:30 PM) and it lasted for just about an hour.  My manager's kids, Ianna and Caela were apart on stage, Ianna was on the left side, Caela was on the right so, being the "unofficial" photographer, I'd have to take a lot of photos even if it meant switching from one side to the other.  For the duration of the show, my shutter count was about 180... A lot huh?!  But only few photos are nice... It's ok, I was just practicing anyway. :-) 

After the show, we checked out the Arts (paintings and sculptures) at the theater lobby.  They're all nice and apparently, the artworks were being sold by GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) so that they would be able to pay their debts (please click for more info).  Some of the paintings were abstract and it looks like it was painted by a kid :-D

The last stop of my "Art Day" was at the Mall of Asia where we watched The Priest in 3D! I won't go into details about the movie but I enjoyed it... With my jumbo Nachos from Nacho King :-)  Oh, by the way, this day also was my first time to run in seven months! I needed to run because it was already raining outside the mall... So, what am I doing outside the Mall of Asia (San Miguel by the Bay side)??? I was actually looking for Nacho King, which at first, we thought was at the other side of the road... Hehe, all in the name of Nachos!

Here are some of my favorite shots of the day...

See the giant peeping?



Just one of Ianna and Caela's classmates happy with her certificate :)




Cheerleader Caela



Ianna The Artisan


















Two Down, Ten to Go

Two of the items in my wishlist were already granted...
I visited my ortho-surgeon at Asian Hospital this morning to have my post-op foot checked.  Good thing I didn't have that super lazy ass to postpone the visit and weather today was fine so nothing can stop me from my doc visit.  Anyway, when I arrived the clinic, the secretary told me to get my xray film first from the Radiology Department because only the official reading was forwarded to the doctor.  When I came back (to the clinic), I read the official reading and felt that everything was already normal.  I waited about forty-five minutes before my name was called (I was already the 13th patient considering I arrived early).  AAnd then it was my turn... I was happy seeing my doctor again hehehe... My handsome doctor hehe... Anyway, I asked him if I can already run because I signed up for a marathon this Saturday.  And he said "Yes! Ok na yung foot mo o, no lesions or fracture whatsoever.  Wag mo lang biglain.  Run-Walk-Run ka na lang" and I felt ecstatic!  He even told me that he'll recommend my Vibram to his future buniectomy patients.  At, eto pa isang comment from him "ok na yung paa mo, pwede ka na mag-asawa". HAHAHA! Buset na doctor!  Ok lang, at least ngayon, I'm confident that I can walk, run, jog, go hip hop class or do capoeira normally :-)

I know this is a very late post for the newest addition in our family, but I'm very happy to say that my sister in law gave birth to a healthy (9 pound) baby girl and she was named Carleen.  At first, we thought that it was a boy... And we felt that the baby was a boy.  Then my brother told us that based on the ultrasound, the gyne was not sure if it's a boy or a girl.  Still we felt that it was a boy until the final ultrasound.  It's a girl.  And then I dreamed that my sister in law gave birth to a baby girl but she looks like my brother. HAHA.  Anyway, when I reviewed my wishlist, it was there, right in front of my face that I was wishing for a baby girl. Tee hee! :-)

Now, there's a lot of reasons to celebrate! Yey! After my follow-up check-up, I went to the mall for a little shopping and to eat at my favorite Italian restaurant here in our place-Gotti's.  I had Pasta Bolognese, Chicken Fingers, Pizza and Iced Tea for my main course and this was the first time I tried their Tartufo Nero for my dessert.  Tartufo Nero (English: Black Truffle) is a dark chocolate gelato with cherry in the middle.  At first, I thought, Gotti's' menu was just fooling me because I can't find the cherry after eating half of the Tartufo.  When I started eating the other half, the cherry showed up! :-D

And few of my captured memories from today...

Yummy lunch!

Tartufo Nero

I was surprised to see a marshmallow in the middle instead of the cherry.

Ok! There's the cherry!



Few of my finds from Body Shop



Plus a rewards card from Body Shop :)



My UST-Dong Bei Experience (03.04.11-super late post)

Wow I missed my blog! So many happy moments happened for the past weeks but then, our office blocked blogger.com; reason why this blog was not recently updated. Too tired to blog at home, sorry. But I promise, I'll try my very best to blog more often.
Anyway, why did I choose my Dong-Bei (or Dong Pei) experience over a lot of other experiences for the past few weeks? Mainly because it's about... FOOD! Yes, food. There's nothing so special about the place, but when we were there, I can feel the Chinese aura! :-D Last Friday, my "soul sister" Margaret decided to go on half day because both of us were uber late. But then, Friday sickness struck us and the next time we knew it, we were already at the Quadricentennial Photo Exhibit of University of Santo Tomas. Right, I was in UST. And, that was the first time I visited the place. I was amazed really, because the campus was so huge! They even have food complex with McDonald's, Jollibee, Hen Lin and other famous fast food places! I just felt bad because I did not have my camera with me to take photos! Well, I'm not ready because it was an "impromptu date" with my friend. Lesson learned: always bring your camera, even if it's just point and shoot :-) From the main gate of the school, we walked several steps to Beato Building (I guess this building is for Fine Arts students) and my cousin welcomed  and lead us to the exhibit. My cousin told us that it was a "mini" exhibit but when I asked her how many photos were posted, she answered "400". WOW! 400 nice, drool-worthy photos! Then I missed my camera... By the way, UST is a nice place for photo shoots :-) After too much ahs and oohs from us, I asked Meg and her boyfriend to bring me to a dumpling place. I told them that there's this must-go dumpling place in Binondo, I just forgot the name. Then they searched it from their iTouch and Dong-Pei (Dong Bei) was #1 in the search.  Before reaching Dong-Pei, we passed by St. Lorenzo Ruiz Basilica and Meg and I were just so happy because a wedding was being held at that time.  We witnessed the ceremonies and then we waited for the second wedding to take place... It was a Christianized Chinese wedding by the way.  After watching two weddings, we finally reached Dong-Pei.  It was just one of those hole in the wall places in Binondo. It was not a fancy place, actually it only has four tables. I was so excited to eat and taste their wonton noodles with dumplings!!! The noodles was "hand-stretched" (Handiwork noodles in their menu) and the dumplings were being made just across our table! We also had their version of "pancakes" and it was so good! Plus, their sawsawan of vinegar and soy sauce was a little bit sweet it compliments the pancakes.  We also had Wong Lo Kat Chinese herbal tea to add "authenticity" in our Chinese Dumpling lunch. After eating at Dong-Pei, we walked and walked and walked on the stretch of Ongpin St., unconscious of the pain on my right foot. We passed by Eng Bee Tin, Salazar Bakeshop and the shop that sells fried Siopao. But we didn't buy any of their goodies because I don't want Mom to know that I did not report to work :-D We also checked out the store that sells a lot of preserved fruits. That time, I was PMS-ing so I was craving for Kiamoy (red plum) and Haw Snow... However, they have it in large packs so I didn't purchase any of those... But I promised myself that if I'd go back to Binondo, I'll buy one bag of Kiamoy! Yum!
After all the walking we did the whole day, was a whole body massage at home! Too bad, I still can't let the masseuse touch my right foot even if it badly needed the massage.
Some of the photos captured by my trusty mobile phone:

The workers making the dumplings.  They're just at the table right after us.

The Menu written in English and Chinese

At the back of the menu was a newspaper clipping about the place

The menu posted on the wall

Yummy wonton-noodle soup!

Dong-Bei's version of pancakes

Chinese herbal tea (it tasted like leche flan's syrup or arnibal in tagalog)

Pa-rant lang no...

May 12, 2011. Thursday. Sweldo. Ang saya-saya! Even though toxic ang araw na ito sa work, d.e.a.d.m.a. Kasi sweldo... But NO!

http://matthewjamestaylor.com/art/angry-man

Kasi ganito yon... Nagpa-appointment na ako sa suki kong si Mang David's para magpa-foot spa, pedicure at threading. Pagdating ko sa salon... Ayun si Ate, may minamanicure. Hintayin ko na lang daw kasi matatapos na... Aba, I waited for 45 minutes at hindi pa tapos ang customer ni Ate. Yun pala, ipepedicure pa sya. Dapat maghihintay pa ko for another 15 minutes, kaso, after 2 minutes, tumayo na ako from the waiting area at pumunta sa branch head at sinabing "Ate, babalik na lang ako bukas. Pa-appointment ako mga 6pm. Gutom na kasi ako eh". Naka-smile pa ko non at humingi pa ng dispensa si suking manicurista sa akin... Pero ang totoo, asar na asar na asar na asar na ako... So yon, before I went to the salon pala, I had my photo taken (at Fujifilm) for my IELTS exam requirements at binalikan ko na lang sya from David's.  Eto na, sabi ni Ate'ng taga-Fuji after 30 minutes tapos na yung pic ko, aba eh 45 minutes na nakakalipas di pa napiprint yung picture ko! So ayun, sinabi ko babalikan ko na lang after dinner... Buti na lang gwapo yung photographer hehe :-D Ayun, so, I went to French Baker to have a quick bite. Dapat sa Gotti's eh, kaso ayoko na umakyat ng isa pang floor kasi same floor lang ang Fujifilm and French Baker, ayoko na lumayo pa... Eto na... Nagsisisi ako ng lubusan dahil sa hindi pag-kain sa Gotti's. Hindi masarap ang Lasagna sa French Baker!!! What happened to their Lasagna?! Hindi naman dati ganun yon... Masarap yun dati eh... Pero ngayon, ang lamig tapos ang asim! Hay! Kung hindi lang ako gutom, at kung wala lang taong nagugutom, hindi ko na inubos yung Lasagna na yon! C.h.a.k.a.! At wag ka (with matching wagayway ng pointer finger from side to side), to cap the night, pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko sa pinto ng house, yung tito ko na cousin ni mama na ngayon lang dumalaw sa amin at ngayon lang ulit ako nakita after more than 5 years eh sinalubong ako ng palong palo'ng pagbati na "kamusta na ang aking pamangki'ng matandang dalaga?!" GRRRRRRRRR....!!!

At Last!!!

Ok... At last! Nakapag-blog din.  Kasi naman I was just so busy with other stuff (translation: tinatamad mag-blog). Anyway, I just want to get in touch with my bloggie friends once again and, you know, just to update my very few readers of what I've been up to.
Anyhoo, I gained ten pounds in less than a month, I had a chance to practice my photography skills (my friend's son's 1st b-day and fun photoshoot ng kung ano anong occasions sometimes kahit walang occasion nagshushoot), bi-weekly eat-outs (reason for weight-gain) and activities at church. Yun lang naman.
Tapos, yesterday, my good friend Ian allowed me to "gatecrash" their family lunch at Melo's Alabang. I thought the invitation was hindi na tuloy due to some circumstances, but his brother called him up and told us that we shall proceed to Melo's na. But then, we already had lunch at home so hindi rin kami masyado nakakain ng steak (grade 7 Wagyu & Rib-eye). Well, to start with, I don't eat steak din naman... Uhmm, I eat steak but I'm not fond of it. I'm more veggie and fish person. Sayang, di ko tuloy mabigyan ng reviews ang Melo's but I tasted a teenie weenie bit of the steak and it was good :) Anyway, we still enjoyed our second lunch especially Miggy (Ian's nephew) was there to sort of give us entertainment. Teehee! :) Siya ang star of our afternoon :) Too bad though, yesterday was the first time I met Miggy and it would take maybe a year or two before I see him again. They already left for the States this morning. Awww... Sad.
Anyway, here are some of my favorite photos for the day...

Miggy... cutest! :)

Miggy & his wowa (the celebrator)

So I guess I'm the odd one here...??? :D

Fried Ice Cream, Dumplings atbp.

This post will be part Tagalog (my vernacular) and part English to express my feelings fully... Pardon to my readers who can't understand Tagalog. :-( (note: atbp. in the title is an abbrev. of at iba pa, it's the equivalent of etc. in English)

I was on leave yesterday (Tuesday, March 15) to fix some "papers" for migration. This day was also dedicated to find a supplier who can give us the lowest price for a table top name plate. It'll be our manager's birthday on Friday (March 18) and we want to give her the best gift we could think of.  After visiting about ten suppliers, we chose the cheapest but quality maker of table top name plate (the name is Tri-F just in case someone bumped into my blog and wanted a supplier for plaques and name plates).  My friend, Meg and I were still full from breakfast so we decided to go to Tutuban Mall (it is a place in the heart of Manila where you can buy anything and everything at the lowest possible price. So, you must be good in haggling for you to get what you want at the price you want) and look for drawstring pants.  Too bad though, we didn't find any but we found a nice top that we could wear on Fridays.  Meg was so used to this place so we got a hundred peso discount (from P250 to P150) haha! Isn't she just good?! And the blouse was just so nice! :-) 
After walking and walking along the aisles and aisles of goods, we found a nice bridal gown displayed in a window so we went inside the shop. We were just so lucky that we got two complimentary tickets to a Bridal Fair at The Fort Global City which will be held this Sunday. Woohoo!!! And the ticket came with quotation for a bridal entourage! :-) Our feet were already tired (especially mine!) so we decided to sit down on one of the benches but before that, each of us bought a large cup of Fried Ice Cream!!! That was a first for me so I took a photo of the store and our ice cream. Yum!  While we were busy devouring our ice cream, two old ladies approached us to tell us that the end of the world is near and that the world will be a new paradise... Sorry, I won't divulge their religion, I still respect them ;-)  After the old ladies, came a Real Estate agent who sells condo units in some Metro Manila suburbs... We just let her talk and talk then we said good bye... In a nice way of course! Too much for our adventure in Tutuban...
Our next stop was Binondo, the Chinese community in the Metro.  But, our Binondo trip would not be complete without witnessing a Chinese wedding at the San Lorenzo Basilica.  The last time we went there, there were two Chinese weddings and we just loved witnessing the mass!  Although, the rites were in English.  We were already hungry so we decided to go to our next stop--Dong Bei.  Actually, Binondo has a lot of nice place to eat but Dong Bei is our favorite!  It's just the hole-in-the-wall type of eatery that serves authentic Chinese dumplings!  Even the owner are "authentic" because they don't speak Tagalog, only Chinese.  :-) This was already our second time to be here but I didn't get to blog about the first time we were there... I'll just post photos. Hehehe... I just can't explain the taste of their dumplings, it's just so masarap and malasa!  Alam mo yung kahit ang tagal nang na-digest nung dumplings nalalasahan mo pa... Ay grabe!!!  And their soy sauce and vinegar dip was just right to the taste!!! Plus, the chili sauce with crunchy red chili and garlic adds flavor to the already delicious dumplings (I ate 19 dumplings total)!  And since this was the second time we visited the place, the waitresses were already at ease in telling some stories about their work :-) and from our little chitchats, we learned that Ate Jane, was the most tenured among the four waitresses, she was already there when Dong Bei started... that was seven years ago! The next was five years, and I forgot the others. Hehe. Ang tagal na nila don but hindi pa daw sila nagkaka-increase... Naawa kami ni Meg.  Our stay in Dong Bei was somehow relaxing because we get to know a part of the lives of the waitresses over our sumptuous kuchai, pork and shrimp dumplings (a plate of mixed dumplings which consists of 7 kuchai and 7 pork dumplings costs 100 pesos and a plate of shrimp dumplings (10 pcs.) costs 100 pesos as well) ! We didn't buy anything for our drink because after our meal, we went to ZenTea to buy our Chai Tea with Black Sago (Tapioca). This was also our second time to visit ZenTea so we already know the name of the vendor--Kuya Jake.  And he was actually startled when we called him by his name.  Sabi nya "huh?! kilala nyo ko?! Paano nyo ko nakilala?!" then we explained to him that we already bought ZenTea from him two weeks ago. And just to refresh his memory, I told him my infamous line "Chinese din ako kuya, hindi lang halata" that's when he laughed and said that he remembered us! :-) 
Our day ended at SM Manila, where we just sat and Facebook-ed and YouTube-d away at Cyber Internet Cafe.  I was so damned tired but I enjoyed this day so much!  Next time I go there, I'd bring a lot of shopping money to buy great stuff at low prices! ...and of  course visit Dong Bei again :-)


This store in Tutuban just caught my attention because of the name! I was just laughing so hard seeing the name! Haha!

Fried Ice Cream stall. I forgot to ask the name of this attendant :D

My Strawberry Fried Ice Cream with Strawberry Syrup and White Choco Chips

 

After the Chinese Wedding



The Purple Engine firetruck outside the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Basilica

Fourteen dumplings: Kuchai and Pork. Was not able to take a photo of the ten pieces of Shrimp dumpling

Meg choosing her Zen Tea, while Kuya Jake was busy preparing my drink

It was drizzling but I still wanted a photo of me taken at this Filipino-Chinese Arch. See that tarpaulin beside me? That's the best Ube Hopia in town! When you visit Manila, you should bring with you some of these sort-of moon cake, Eng Bee Tin Hopia Ube flavor.

Liberating Saturday!

Last Saturday, my friends, Shawie and Keat invited me for a movie date.  We were debating on what to watch since there were a lot of nicey movies showing this week.  I like Yogi Bear, Keat likes Love and Other Drugs and Shawie likes Season of the Witch.  Shawie doesn't like Yogi Bear, Keat likes anything that we would like.  We agreed on Love and Other Drugs and we chose the second to the last screening.  We arrived at the movie house forty-five minutes before the screening time but we're not just so lucky because the tickets were sold out for that screening.  We didn't want to get the tix for the last screening but we still want to watch a movie.  The only flick that was within our "allowable time slot" was Yogi Bear... Now, I'm lucky! Haha! 

So what can I say about Yogi Bear... I enjoyed the movie (and my Margarita wrap) so much!  Aside from the fact that it was my favorite Hanna-Barbera cartoon, the movie was in full 3D!  I love 3D!  I love how the water seemed to splash on my face or how Yogi's picnic food float in the air as if I can touch those... 3D rocks!  After the movie, we settled for coffee at McCafe.  I also had a sugar boost with their Rocky Road Brownie, yum!

And why was my Saturday so liberating?  Because, after the movie then I realized this was the first time in three months that I went out with friends on a Saturday night.  I felt like I was set free after so many years of confinement!  Even if it was just a movie/coffee date, I felt happy and good just being able to go out with friends!

 

Happy Birthday Beystie!

I have promised my best friend Angel that I'll write a birthday blog for her, well, two birthdays ago. Haha!  But I know she fully understands the delay because writing is my waterloo and sometimes I feel lazy blogging.  Anyway, I guess this would come a surprise for her because when she asked me to do this, I just kept quiet. Hihi, sorry bestie! And sorry for this is not as long as the one you did for me :-) So here goes...

Angel and I have been best friends since God knows when.  We have been through a lot! And I mean a lot!  Thick, thin, hell, high waters, sickness, health, richer, poorer, when in love or loveless... A lot!  She's my sister and I'm thankful for that because I really don't have one... She's my counselor, my support, my shoulder and my ears.  She has influenced me in a lot of ways... Although I think she's clueless about it.  She has the best pieces of advice one could ever give, she reads my mind and can sense that I've something that I'm not telling her... She's my sisterfriend!  And just like the wedding vow that goes "to have and to hold, for better, for worse, until death do us part"... I would say You will be my best friend until we have our own children, our graying hair, our grand children and great great great grand children! Happy Birthday Bestie!  I pray that all your wishes would come true... I Love you!

My bestie Angel

One... Happy Birthday to ME!!!

My seven-day countdown to my birthday is over (I guess now you know why I put numbers as my title).  Today's my big day and it started by speaking with my aunt who is in Canada right now.  We "skyped" away from midnight till 1:30am!  And, I really waited for the very start of the 14th (12MN) because I wanted to "welcome" my birthday :-) My first well-wisher was Ann (my best friend's sister) who sent me an SMS at exactly 12MN, and she only had one wish for me... Love Life! Teehee! :-)  Then, since I was also chatting with Angel at the time, she was the second well-wisher via YM, plus she wrote a very nice birthday write up for me (because I kept on bugging her about it hehe) which made me go "awww..." Again, thank you so much bestie for that very touching write-up!  From midnight until the end of the day (as in 11:59pm), birthday wishes were coming in through different media--SMS, Facebook, Blogger, Skype, YM and Plurk.  My family and friends' common wish for me was...  A good man who will fight for me and my love; and (as Angel would say) real-life fairy tale happy ending :-)

Other than replying to the birthday greetings I received, nothing so fancy (e.g. party) happened in the day... Just a little pampering for myself at David's Salon and Spa.  I availed of their leg waxing, brow threading and pedicure... Now I feel so pretty! Haha!  After my salon visit, I went home and again "skyped" away (teehee!) until "my friend" had to sleep already.  I had my nap after skype-ing and when I woke up I cooked my own recipe of vegetable Carbonara... Yum!  And of course, like I always do since 2006, my birthday won't be complete without going to the church, thanking God and asking for a prayer from our Pastor.  It's funny too because the Pastor's wife invited me for dinner, isn't it supposed to be me who should invite them for a treat? :-D  After the nice dinner, I went to Pizza Hut and ordered two boxes of pizza which I shared with my mom and my brothers when I got home.  The day ended with (again) skype-ing with "my friend" until he had to leave for work.  It was only a simple celebration but I'm very thankful for my family and friends who remembered and who shared their time with me even in their simplest ways.

My birthday food!

The birthday girl

The birthday girl and her mom

The birthday girl and her crazy brother

Us! Papa was not around, he's at someone else's party hehe. My other two brothers were not around as well, one was in China and the other one was already sleeping.

 

Two

Aside from receiving two resignation letters from (whom I consider) assets of the team, I had a sort of h-to-h talk with someone I know today, which made my number two an interesting one! :-)
Because nothing too much special  happened today (except for the abovementioned), and it's only almost seven hours before my birthday, I would like to share with you my best friend's birthday blog for me in 2010...
I know this is long overdue, but like what they all say about this kind of stuff: It's better late than pregnant. I mean never. Wehehe.

My bestie celebrated her birthday more than a week ago, but I promised that I would dedicate a post to her as a birthday gift, no matter how long it took me to do it. I hope you forgive me if I wasn't able to do it right away. Things are just crazy lately and I haven't really had the time to blog and stuff. But, here it is. Enjoy! Whoopee!
Dear Bestie,
A few Sundays ago, I got the chance to sleep over at your house. It was unplanned but I'm so glad that I did. It had been ages since we last had a sleepover and finally having one again brought me back to our simple, happy teenage days. It felt just like old times. It was very comforting and very happy, even if all we did was giggle and talk about boys.
Being in your room, seeing all the things you have collected and accumulated throughout the years, made me realize the kind of woman you have become. It made me realize the kind of person you still are. Pictures of friends and family, keepsakes and mementos, photography books and photography equipment, stuffed animals, your spotless white church uniform --- these are really what you love and value most, and I'm happy that you come home everyday to these happy reminders. I'm happy that you do the things that make you happy.
I'm proud of how dedicated you are to honing your skills in photography, and I'm amazed with your dedication to your church work every single weekend. When you start talking about any of these two things, your whole face just lights up and I know that you really do love it. Keep it up!
We know the one thing that would make this equation complete, and you know that we wish this for you most ardently. I know you're getting impatient but don't worry, I know that it will come soon. Good things come to those who wait.
"Here's to lying, stealing, cheating and drinking. Lying in the arms of the one you love; stealing away from bad company; cheating death; and drinking in the moments that take your breath away."
Belated happy birthday, bestie! Love you!
The original post has my picture attached to it, check it out if you want :-)

Three

My number three was not as bad as my number four.  My foot was so swollen and uber aching but I had the privilege to avail my sick leave so I stayed at home and did nothing but eat, watch TV and of course go online and chat away...
I also had my regular (or daily) routine of talking to mom about anything and everything; you know just for some catching up (even if I was just at home resting).  That is either over coffee or while watching our favorite show.  Well, I told mom also that my payslip would reflect so much deductions for this cut off that even if I so wanted to have a little party at home on my birthday, I can't.  And guess what she told me.. "Ok then, I'll buy your pizza and cake on your birthday"... Isn't she the best mom in the world?! Love you mom! :)

My photo with mom two birthdays ago :)



Four

Receiving a text message from my subordinate that he/she can't report to work is the most dreadful thing for me in the morning.  Absenteeism means more busy hours for the center and failed service level requirement for me... This also means poor customer service.  Oh and just to add spice to my somehow ruined first day, our HR Manager called my desk to inform me of my never ending deductions.  Now, I just can imagine the numbers on my payslip.   What a way to start my week, eh?!
But, I don't want those things to ruin this day since it's already my birthday week! Ehem ehem, paging Angel for my birthday blog! :-D And just so those things won't affect me too much so that good vibrations would surround me, I posted my favorite photo of the day... :-)  Thank you, Kim Alexie Reyes for sharing this funny photo... Hehe :-)

Five

What happened to me today...

Woke up at 4am

Went to adult worship service at 5am

Was home by 8am

Breakfast at 8:45am

Children's Worship Service at 9:30am

Home by 11:00am

Made lunch of mashed potatoes and garlic spareribs

Skype with Alexie from 1:30-4:30pm

Upload Bridal Shower photos

Quick snack

Blog

More things to do today...

Cook dinner

Sleep early (maybe around 9pm)

Fix things for tomorrow's work (again?! weekend's so fast huh?!)

Things that I should have done but did not (due to some reasons)...

Girls' Party at 4pm

Church's office work and meeting

It's been a long #5...