Yahoo! Travel - Airline tickets, cheap hotels, cruises, vacations & honeymoon travel

http://travel.yahoo.com/
Link I used during my last travel to the US wherein I searched for reasonable ticket airfare from one state to another.

A good tip I got was to double check the amount you chose against the airline's website fares.

New York: Dining @ Chef Yu

Chef Yu, a restaurant which of course (evident from the name) specializes in Chinese food - a mix of Szechuan and Cantonese dishes -  was the venue for the dinner that Gowri, Bong and I were to be having on November 25, 2008.

The three of us were classmates at AIM for batch 2005 of MM students and its been quite a while too since I last saw Gowri. I think it was in front of McDonalds across our school at that time


I had some fun trying to locate the restaurant by just walking around, as I had just visited all the floors of Macy's and had aching feet. Phew! staying away from all the lovely items on sale sure is hard work!

While waiting for Bong to join us,  Gowri said to try the plum wine, and I did, which made me appreciate it more since I had only tasted plum sake. Before I finished it, our supposed-to-be third dinner companion for that night told us he had to take a rain check as work was not letting him off lightly by the time dinnertime rolled around.

Since it was Chinese food, I must confess that I did not take note of what was ordered...as it looked and sounded familiar to me, just like eating back home in Cebu. I could only remember the shrimp dumplings in Szechuan style if I am not mistaken, which is by far my favorite style of Chinese cooking!

I did succumb to my preference for having dessert after meals...and liked the lychees and ice cream. Was it pistachio or was it green tea flavor? Oh well..maybe both..*slurp*

During dinner, Gowri called up some of our classmates who were scattered all around from US to the Philippines (for example I got to talk to John R who was sort of asking what I was doing in that neck of woods - my words and interpretation of course ).

Gowri had wanted to have us visit him at his home in New Jersey. However due to time constraints I had to regretfully say no. Too bad as I wanted to see how his wife Nalz (as I fondly call her) was doing with their new baby and with this guy. Well, I hope there is a next time.

Although I got a dinner treat from Gowri, I was sure the prices were reasonable enough for me not to feel too guilty ....and since my old hometown in the Philippines has lots of Chinese restaurants, I can to some fair degree of expertise, give Chef Yu a of  "good chow, reasonable prices, value for money". Drinks were not that late in arriving at the table and the waiters were amiable and rushing about with buckets of beer. The place was packed upon our arrival and still doing quite well when we left.

It was a good place to spend a reunion dinner with a friend who came all the way from NJ that night (well at least an hour of travel one way?).

Thank you Gowri!


Chef Yu is located at 520 8th Avenue (between 36th and 37th Street) in New York City.
Phone # (212) 736-6150
You can check out their website: www.chefyu-nyc.com


A competition this time (or looks like it now that I review these photos):
















And since we were still in the mood to pose, here's another shot of us by the long-suffering waiter since we apparently could not be content with our smiles in the first photo.

Have you seen AIKO?

The nephew of a friend I made here in Multiply is missing.

My friend Val had to fly to the Philippines to be faced with the news that not only was his beloved brother to be buried but at the same time his nephew Aiko has been missing since December 4, 2008.

It is a poignant Christmas for Val and his family.

Maybe through the power of networking, somebody, somehow can offer news which may lead to discovery of Aiko or at the very least, help in finding out the truth.

Please check out the link below which contains the details and picture about Aiko and spread the news:

http://ladyairbus.multiply.com/journal/item/51/MISSING_AIKO_LUDOVICO


If you have leads or information which may help resolve this situation -
you can use this number to contact them: +63 915 4853265

Thank you very much for taking the time to check out this post.

Let 'em eat cake

Cure for tonsilitis this time of December.

Step 1:
Acquire and consume the following -

One fresh strawberry cake (like the one in the picture somewhere on this blog).
One pot of hot green tea (leave the pot behind so you can re-use it again)
One pot of irish breakfast tea
One pot of english breakfast tea
One pitcher of salabat/ginger tea
Lots of water, as much as you can stand
Vitamin C tablet
One Apple pie
One macha roll

Step 2:
Gargle with Betadine oral antiseptic twice a day

Decision tree: did it work?

If yes, congratulate yourself and eat more cake if you have it on hand.
if no, repeat step 1 and 2 till it does work.

I am here, where am I?

The camera and tv was mounted on the area surrounding Fountain Square in Cincinnati, Ohio.

I looked up and found it amusing to see myself on the screen, albeit only a very tiny image in the grand design of the square.

Nov 2008: @ Macaroni Grill

November 15, 2008
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
USA


I left Sanfo in the morning and I arrived in the evening in wet, cold and freezing (at least to someone like me who comes from the tropics) airport.

First priority: pull on coat, pull on beret, pull on scarf.

Second thing to do: get luggage and struggle with the second bag - a heavy bag of books which had no wheels.

I was happily and pleasantly surprised to see my manager Calvin coming towards me as I emerged from a long line of escalators after some hasty remapping of the place in my memory. 

While I had told him my itinerary, I had also said I could manage to go to my hotel since I was already familiar with it. I didn't want to bother him on a wet weekend night by driving all the way from his house to CVG. I was thankful though as I was sure it was going to get so busy that we would hardly see each other or have a meal together the rest of my stay in Cinci. I was right!
 
After giving me a hug and a wide grin and amidst conversation of how his dad was sick and in the hospital, he first presented me with a flourish his wife Susie's hats, scarves and gloves and had the gall to take a picture of me (with matching snickers) when I was swaddled completely in his balaclava/ski mask and the aforementioned accessories.

I knew I shouldn't have gotten out of the car when he went out for gas. But can you blame me for wanting to test the attire in the blowing wind? I felt snug as a bug in bed.

Since he also knows I am usually hungry in cold weather, he accommodated my request for dinner instead of going straight to the hotel.

I had already tasted Mexican food in Chipotle, their usual chilis at Skyline and the other brand and I was somewhat embarrassed to ask to be taken to Hooters..so I settled for saying I wanted Italian.

He took me to Macaroni Grill.

Bread and olive oil for both of us and a couple of drinks like iced tea and red wine.

I ordered a yummy-looking ravioli which I've not had for a long, long time.

He had spaghetti with meatballs but asked them to hold back on the meatballs.

When I asked him why, he said the meatballs were so big (probably like golf balls or bigger) he wasn't really happy with how it could play havoc with his diet.

I blinked.

"You diet?," I asked with a twitching right eyebrow.

He blinked back and said yes.


While looking him over surreptitiously, he intercepted my gaze knowingly and said with a laugh that the results were not obvious. I grinned back.

We resumed eating and talking desultorily more about the same topics.

He picked up the tab afterwards, which was lucky as I had plunked my dollar bills somewhere deep in the luggage in the car, along with my camera (hence the pics here are from my cellphone).

After offering to take me around on Sunday as he said he would just be in the hospital with his family watching over his dad, he escorted me to the Westin and I settled down happily for the night.

I had ravioli dreams that night. And since I had no dessert, I dreamt of tiramisu too.

ALTANGHAP @ Via Mare

December 5, 2008
Makati City, Philippines
5:30 pm


I was so busy, that as is my wont during Fridays, I forgot to eat lunch.

Yes Virginia, it does happen to me..more often than you might think. My stomach is empty but I pay it no mind in the thrill of answering emails and talking on the phone. Truly.

So...stomach grumbling and feeling dizzy... and remembering I had to pick up a gift for a christening tomorrow wherein I would also be a ninang/godmother to a hapless and innocent child (who will have no clue what kind of ninang she is going to be saddled with , she can blame her dad for that), I dashed madly out of my home and ran to GB1 (Greenbelt 1).

Lo and behold, I passed by National Bookstore, and Via Mare.

Didn't I say I would check out also if it was "lugaw" or "congee" that I had eaten and talked about in my post "Hankering for Congee" (http://cuh888.multiply.com/journal/item/62/Hankering_for_Congee).

So checked it, got bamboozled into checking out more of their menu..and under Altanghap, finally selected spicy tuyo flakes and a glass of cold, cold sago.

The only complaint I have relates to the rice in this dish. It was puffy, somewhat wet and certainly not the kind of fried rice I liked - which leans to fried and somewhat dried out rice - all the the better to pour sikwate (thick, rich, hot chocolate) in, my dear!

Its called "Altanghap" because its ALmusal (Breakfast) - TANGhali (Lunch) - HAPunan (Dinner) due to the fact that the meals under this heading can be served any time.

Enjoy!

Hankering for Congee

             That is what got me out of my home one Sunday afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passed by David's...nah! Passed by Chowking....nah!

I finally settled in at Via Mare, Greenbelt 1.

Rap-sa..with hot salabat pa!

I ate here a few times before when I was still a student at AIM...the last one which I remember very well was a treat by Sir B and Ms G coz I think it was somebody's birthday..and Bong was there...*sigh* my happy memories seem to be always connected with food :-)

Via Mare at Greenbelt 1 Cafe & Oyster Bar
Paseo de Roxas Makati City
Tel. No. +63-2 815-1918
Telefax No. +63-2 893-2306

Check it out: http://www.viamare.com.ph

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Postscript: 5th of December 2008

I went again to visit this afternoon, checked the menu and ate some altanghap. Re this congee business, here's a picture of the menu, with a description of the ingredients.

Nov 2008: Funny, Fine Flight

November 14, 2008

I fly PAL, but its usually economy and I sometimes I wish I could afford to go business class especially on long-haul flights such as those from the Philippines to the US of A.

Great was my surprise when things turned out very well for this particular flight of mine.

One of my best buds from college works as a pilot for PAL, unfortunately he doesn't do the US trips though but those in Asia. He did text me that while he would not be handling the flight (hmmmph, he could have taken the one I was on to Japan though...grrrr) he would be wishing me well. Let's call this buddy of mine as Mr. N.

I had just sat down and ruefully thought that I should really try to either check in early or reserve through the phone for an early check-in so I could have one of the exit seats and have more leg room. Long legs wasn't that great on long flights!

I was nonplussed when a pretty stewardess with a warm smile asked me if I was Cat Herrera and if Mr. R was my cousin. I had met Mr. R but had no idea why he would be claiming me as his cousin.  So I just dazedly said the complete name of Mr. R and remarked that I knew he wasn't on this flight.

Lo and behold, the stewardess remarked to another steward passing by that I was Mr. R's cousin!  As I was about to open my mouth to say we were really not cousins (btw, Mr. R is actually Mr. N's cousin and I daresay if I had married into Mr. N's clan, I would be probably Mr. R's cousin hehehe...) I got pushed towards an empty 3-seats. I couldn't believe my good fortune! This is a first time for me and a far cry from how I was situated on my flight to Sanfo in 2007!

Wow, I could finally curl and sleep at last. I was so thankful for that, that it was enough for me if nothing else happened and I thanked her profusely if quietly. And I didn't correct her anymore about Mr. R being my cousin *grin*

My next favorite part of flights arrived - they served meals. I got extra attention from the steward earlier who asked if I was okay. I asked for more water. I got a whole  big bottle, and a wink and a "sssshhh!" ....Hmmm...strange but satisfying as I love to drink water during trips like this.

I finally curled up with one of my heavy tomes when the stewardess earlier dropped by and passed me a tray which was full of cheeses and fruits and crackers and what have you. Hmm..probably from business class, eh? I gave her a big smile and said thank you so much, I will really enjoy this..and promptly went to munching on it while all the others around me slept.

Before the next meal though, another stewardess passed by. She was older and though quite hospitable, I had noticed her earlier in the business class section and she looked quite strict. I got a shock of my life when she suddenly stopped by and asked if I was Cat Herrera. What the? Was this more of Mr. R's doing?

Well, I wanted to hear what it was all about before I could say yes, but then she said she was looking for me row to row (since I had apparently transferred seats). Breathing more easily I hesitantly admitted my identity.

So now the steward from earlier and this older stewardess were bunked by my seat. And while I blinked rapidly, the latter was smiling naughtily and said she was asked to pass on a message from the pilot, who got contacted by an air traffic controller who said to greet me.

When she asked if I knew who the guy was, I said I had a friend who was an ATC (I was still thinking of Che, its impossible it would be Loo, her also wacky half,  who would be handling this flight). I didn't voice out my surprise when she grinned and remarked in such a way that meant she thought I had a secret admirer.  EH??

I thought - well, maybe Che asked one of her male co-workers to do the greeting, that is why they said a guy was greeting me. I smiled and didn't elaborate anymore but made a mental note to thank Che and tell her to thank her co-worker.

Before we disembarked, a couple of more things happened.

I got a bag full of chocolate cake slices in a Duty Free bag from the stewardess earlier (this was a blessing as I had to be up really early to walk to the office in Cinci and didn't have time to get breakfast). I had also talked to the steward who gave me tips on where to go in Sanfo and other places.

Lastly, when I stepped out of the plane into the tube...the older stewardess grinned at me again and remarked on the ATC who was my friend, making it more obvious she really thought I had either an admirer or was dating an ATC. EH???

Before I came back to the Philippines, I continued my PM with Che. I thanked her and told her the tale, and all the while I thought she had asked a co-worker to do the greeting. We laughed heartily over it when she said it was her wacky self who talked to the pilot. She was mistaken for a guy! Tsk--tsk..she really needs to work on her bedroom voice then *wink*

And here I am now, trying to ask Mr. N to give me the number of his cousin Mr. R (who I met before, along with his wife in the birthday party of one of Mr. N's daughters) so I could tell him thank you and to tell the three stewards on that flight that they made me happy I had flown PAL that day. I had noted down their names...but my buddy is not responding..so I'm writing this blog instead. *yawn*

Yup, that was one of my memorable long-haul flights to grin over.

www.yelp.com

http://www.yelp.com/
Find, review and talk about what is great - and not so great.

or so it says in the blurb.

try it out if you like eating out (amongst other things) and talking about the experience you had...

Holy Week 2009 -> CC is home

Start:	Apr 4, '09 10:00a
End:	Apr 12, '09

YEHEY! or on second thought...should I just go to Cebu City for a sleep-athon?

choices:
- trip to Osaka
- trip to Cebu
- trip to Macau
- no trip coz nag-recession..

before I used to moan how I wanted to go on a trip but could not due to work or not being allowed to be on leaves during holidays..but with this change of having forced shutdowns, its now a case of having time off and not deciding where to go or maybe not having enough dough ...(wow, it rhymes!)

A flurry of snow in Cinci

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

I did mention to some friends that upon my arrival in Cincinnati, Ohio my manager thoughtfully presented me with borrowed stuff from his wife - coat, gloves, scarves, hats...enough that I could make a fashion statement every day of my stay here.

One thing which amused me though was the mask-like thing he also had me borrow..this time it was his hat/mask - it could cover the ears, and at the same time, protect the mouth area as it had some anti-bacterial cloth one could pull up to cover one's mouth and nose. His daughters gave it to him when he had to dig through goodness knows how much of snow in this year's blizzard.

The drawback? It reminds me of a robber about to hijack a convenience store :-)

I don't have pictures of myself wearing the other stuff, but earlier this afternoon, I did go walking around Cinci in the cold and snow as I wanted to take pictures of the buildings I had seen. Unfortunately, it was a bit difficult to maneuver and juggle my camera and bags due to the gloves I had on.

I was particularly thankful though that I had chosen my manager's hat to use today as snow suddenly came down, then a gust of wind every now and then completed the afternoon's weather offering.

As a mad thought, I took out my cell and took quick pics of myself, covered face and all...don't I look warm and toasty?

Last picture here was taken where I usually get my bagels and  milk for breakfast...at least last year that is what I did (I survived on this diet) - umandar yung pagka-thrifty ko and I used the balance of the money for food, buying something else....like...books...I want to go to Newport on the Levy all in a sudden din...tsk!

The temperature ranges (in Fahrenheit now) I experienced were approximately from 23 to 38 degrees. Brrrrrrr.

No wonder most people seems to be obsessed about weather here...it can make life pretty difficult - you just don't worry about food, but about the cold which could freeze you to death. At least I can now say I've experienced fall/autumn and winter-like weather...wheeeee!

Amorsolo's Women Concealed and Revealed

Start:	Nov 14, '08 6:30p
End:	Nov 14, '08 7:30p
Location:	Ayala Museum, Makati City

I am going to miss this, because I will be on my way to the airport..and too bad too..as it would have been free of admission for the employees of the company I work for. *sigh*

On November 7 and 14, 2008 (hey, why didn't they tell us earlier?)
at this hour, with P200 admission fee.

follow this link: http://www.ayalamuseum.org/amorsolo2.html

Ayala Museum is located at the corner of Makati Ave and De la Rosa streets.
A stone's throw away from M Cafe.
you can also visit www.ayalamuseum.org

NYC -> Sanfo -> Manila

Start:	Nov 27, '08 03:00a
End:	Dec 1, '08
Location:	New York City, San Francisco, Manila

Plan to meet up with Kaiyen & Steve, Israel, Roehl and other Sara Lee friends such as Jerry and Louie...

hopefully Jojo will also be here (from NYC) ...
maybe I will even get to meet Sir B's sister...

last year I met Choie and Glenn in Sanfo..this year wala na...*sigh*
then there is one other classmate Wes..but he is a bit far off...ah.bahala na!

if not, kakain na lang ako ng Thanksgiving turkey...

balik Pinas and work on Dec 2..straight from the airport..

Cinci -> NYC

Start:	Nov 22, '08 03:00a
End:	Nov 27, '08
Location:	Cincinnati, New York City

Big Apple, I hope to see you.

Plan to meet up with Bong, Jojo and Gowri..however Jojo has planed out of NYC to Sanfo on the day I leave for NYC.

Plan to also see my aunt Tita Caring, who has been living in NYC for ages...

Plan to see at least one Broadway play..or see snow..or at least have pictures taken while I am in this city which never sleeps...

Can somebody recommend a good Italian, Japanese or Greek restaurant which I can sample while I am here?

Cat Herrera - Philippines | Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/people/Cat_Herrera/1597957297
I very recently had to sign up for Facebook because I wanted to find out a bit more about a friend of Kaiyen who I will also be meeting in Sanfo when I go there this year.

Ok naman sya.......but I can' t even keep up with my Friendster account...so I will still be a Multiplier as long as its here.

Besides I got to make new friends and better yet, even I met them in person through Multiply - so much so that I've got a soft spot for it :-)

Facebook is easy to use and it certainly is the "in" thing in the US right now. It was also easier to see the network of people I knew both in school and at work as there seemed to be a lot of them hanging out here too.

Ayakashi series

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

I've only been able to see bits and pieces (maybe its a hint that its a horror train I am on)...but so far I like it even though its in English-dub. The style of animation is different for each of the stories (2 are similar though), the music is funky, somewhat J-popish but with undertones of the traditional Japanese...oh who am I kidding...I just liked the beat!

*spoilers alert*
..
..
..
..



Synopsis taken from the Animax site:
© Ayakashi Committee

Ayakashi is a collection of three classic Japanese horror stories that are mystifying and scary: three classic Japanese horror stories, "Yotsuya Kaidan," "Tenshu Monogatari," and "Bakeneko".


"Yotsuya Kaidan" tells the story of Tamiya Iemon, a married samurai who is burdened by his poverty. Iemon promises to marry a rich man's daughter in return for a job, and conspires with them to murder his wife, Oiwa. When Oiwa learns of his betrayal, she commits suicide. However, her vengeful spirit is not appeased and she lays a curse on everyone involved in this treachery.

Comments:
This is an adaptation of the classic Japanese story and is also called "Yotsuya Ghost Story" and is written by 18th century kabuki playwright Tsuruya Nanboku.

I saw this in full, and it took a replay to make me understand the intricacies of the story, which is told in narrative style by the author of a play Tsuruya-san. The horrifying parts are not only the avarice of the samurai and utter cheek of murdering his father-in-law while telling his wife he would help her seek vengeance, nor how the desire for the young samurai turned the spoilt granddaughter of a rich man into a co-conspirator for poisoning the samurai's wife - this is just the tip of the dirty samurai's sword!

Kami-sama, it seems everybody except the wife turned out to be bad people (except probaly the one servant who tried to rape and kill her but who repented afterwards, although he was the one who gave her the poisoned drink...hmmm).

It gets complicated as only Japanese tales turn out to be, involving the half-sister of the Oiwa turning out to be the half-sister of the other murdering man who forced her to have sexual relations with him..ergh! and who killed (or thought he killed) the half-sister's fiance but who wasn't really killed because he had changed clothes with another guy and who did get to slay the ..oh well, never mind...even I had a headache following it...

It is an interesting story as it incorporates comments from the playwright through the years about the curse of this story imprinting on the lives of actors who took part in the play, but I bet its only scary to the philandering husbands :-)


"Tenshu Monogatari" is a story of a forbidden love between a human and a goddess. While attempting to retrieve a lost falcon for his feudal lord, bird handler Zushonosuke has a chance encounter with Tomihime, the goddess who inhabits a cursed castle. Amid the escalating chaos in the land caused by the presence of creatures who feed on humans, what will happen to their love?

Comments:
Also known as "Goddess of the Dark Tower", this is based on Tenshu Monogatari, a play by Kyoka Izumi.

I don't know if it had a conclusion or the pair riding off into town was the conclusion. Part of the story is familiar in the sense of a man coming upon a goddess bathing in a river/stream (hello Ayashi no Ceres fans!) but he has to go into the castle of the forbidden gods who eat human flesh to ease the pain of their regret. And of course, he falls in love the beautiful princess (this would have been better if he had not fallen in love and got eaten also bwahaha!).

Portrayal of the princess and the struggle she underwent because her mother also ran off with a human and got abandoned afterwards has the added twist of having the falcon the hero is taking care of as turning out to be the princess' mother. Argh....I told you its weird!

Can't say much else though the story and animation style is again different, and the monsters, demons and brigands in this tale are typical of old-Japan settings. This turned out to be my least favorite of the lot, but it could be because I was left hanging about as to where the climax of the story was to be found.


"Bakaneko" chronicles the happenings in an old village, where a young bride is mysteriously murdered before her wedding. An enigmatic medicine vendor determines that this is the work of the "Bakaneko" or cat-monster, and only he knows how to stop it. However, he must uncover the connection first between this creature and the family's hidden past, as members of the family die off one by one!

Comments:
This is known as also as "Goblin Cat".

I missed everything except the conclusion.

I had skipped this because I thought the animation was more in the style of Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo and although it is colorful I was bewildered by the story and characters shaking about so I left it after 5 seconds of seeing it.

Rats! I came back later and I saw enough of the conclusion to find out this might have been the most interesting of all the tales told and not because it involved a monster-cat. In fact, the cat in this was just seeking revenge for its mistress who was mistreated, a young bride who seemed to be imprisoned.

While the medicine seller has the means to destroy the bakeneko, he must find out not only the monster's form but the truth about what it wants and the reason for its appearance. That was when the family's dark secrets begin to surface.

So goes the tale of how the once powerful house crumbles into nothingness due to the cruelty of the Lord of the clan. As the scene fades away from the vanquished monster, one feels melancholy at the passing images and suffering of the young woman who only had the little cat to keep her sanity. Really, it kind of reminds me of my fave author Edgar Allan Poe's stories.

(note, I hate horror movies and tv shows, but I love Edgar Allan Poe and his tales! talk about irony eh?)


This may again be shown in full in the month of November 2008 and those who see it may check out the tales these are based upon. I assume that if there are film adaptations about these stories, they might turn out to be scarier versions.

Why Women Lie - Ludette's post

http://ludette.multiply.com/journal/item/18/Why_Women_Lie_
I can't describe how I felt earlier upon receiving some piece of news which threatens to upend all my plans and preparations for the last 2 weeks. So I pushed it to the back of my mind and re-read this hilarious post by my online buddy.

Ayan, I giggled all over again.

Sisters, shall we start lying...down? to roll on the floor laughing of course.

Basta..and to quote...
MORAL OF THE STORY: Whenever a woman lies, it is for a good and honorable reason, and in the best interest of others.

Foreign Cinema

http://www.foreigncinema.com
Maybe I will be able to try this out during a trip to Sanfo. If ever, I hope to discreetly take pictures :-)

Write-up from their site. Quote. Unqoute.
Open since 1999, Foreign Cinema restaurant has garnered local, national and international acclaim as a quintessentially San Francisco dining experience. We offer a daily changing California/Mediterranean-inspired menu in an industrial chic setting located in the heart of the bustling Mission district. Dinner is served nightly as well as weekend brunch both Saturday and Sunday. Foreign and independent films are screened in our covered outdoor courtyard. Seating is available indoors fireside as well as upstairs in our semi-private mezzanine overlooking the dining room. Guests may enjoy cocktails and our complete menu from the main bar or on the patio outside. Modernism West, an art gallery in collaboration with Martin Mueller and Modernism Inc, is open to the public most nights and is an ideal space for private dining. After dinner drinks with rotating DJ's completes the evening in our adjacent bar, Laszlo.

Thanks to Ish for sharing and telling me about it.

City Guides by Citysearch

http://www.citysearch.com
Things to do, so little time.

OpenTable Restaurants and Restaurant Reservations

http://www.opentable.com
I was given this link sometime ago by a friend since I mentioned that if ever I go back to Sanfo or visit New York, it would be the food I'd go for first of all.

Use this for reservations.

Rant: Laying a big, fat egg..with melamine

30^th of October 2008

Makati City, Philippines

Mood: droopy-eyed tiredness

 

This is a rant. A short one though.

 

I am tired, irritated and wish I could just go on a slow boat to Hawaii. No kidding. It has been a long month and I am sort of losing steam already. It is not going to get better by November and in the midst of this I am treated to unsettling news.

 

I can’t remember when I first heard about eggs with melamine - probably it was last week. It has been a blur. *yawn* Can’t even go to a lovely party tonight. Darn.

What is this world getting into? WTH?

Did the chickens drink melamine-tainted milk?

Did the feed they were given originate from some animal or plant which had melamine poured over it?

Did the chickens reside near the milk or an industrial factory producing plastic with melamine? Were the eggs injected with melamine?

I just don’t get it. I’m just really dense today, probably.

Before I thought they’d blame the cows for the melamine-taint on the milk. Tcch! Blame the humans, who else would be good at altering the environment?

Next thing you know its steaks with melamine, softdrinks with melamine, melamine-flu?…

My gulay! Everything will be tainted with melamine except the leather and plastic it was supposed to reside in.

Darn again.

Chema Madoz Poética

Start:	Oct 17, '08 7:00p
Location:	Ermita, Manila, Philippines

El Instituto Cervantes de Manila just sent me an invitation (2 pax) to the to the opening of the photo exhibit: Chema Madoz Poética at the Gallery of Instituto Cervantes Manila.

The event will be graced by the presence of Catherine Coleman, Photography Curator of Reina Sofía National Art Museum as well as of this exhibit.

Fecha: Viernes, 17 de octubre, 2008
Hora: 7:00 pm
Lugar: 855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila

7pm: Lecture The Two Faces of Photography by Catherine Coleman
8 pm: Official opening and cocktails

Institute of Financial Science

http://www.jflennon.com/
I posted and hinted to selected friends that I was exploring something new, something which was somewhat "foreign" to me, and it all came about from a hasty-reunion with a college buddy of mine early this year.

I finally attended their first two-day session in the Antipolo City, Philippines last August 2008 because -

1) I was curious since trading was something I wanted to try but wasn't confident about

2) the venue looked inviting and it seemed a good change of pace

3) Fortune may be knocking on my door

4) I knew my college classmate and felt secure that it was worth trying it out

And so...although I may not get to be as involved in it as I would like to be these days, its something I would like to also share with you. As long as there are consequential fluctuations in exchange rates and intertwining and interconnection of diffferent countries, there will be a chance to make money out of foreign exchange trading.

Note though that this kind of trading is not suitable for everybody. Keep an open mind, but do research and learn as much as you can first.

Disclaimer: This post is a general commentary and is not meant as investment advice.

"I Kissed A Girl and I liked it"

If you were a girl, would you kiss another girl on the lips?

yes, if she was attractive, and didn't have bad breath and a celebrity too

 

 2

no, not for all the gold in King Solomon's mines

 

 2

I have to think about it, my boyfriend is strict

 

 0

definitely yes

 

 1

maybe, if I was drunk not to know what I was doing

 

 1

ask me in a decade

 

 2

Makati City....15th October 2008....Mood: MTV-ish

Well, I seem to be on a roll for uncomfortable things today...either I am uncomfortably hunched over my laptop, uncomfortably contemplating the tasks I still have to finish before 12 midnight, or posting subjects which might be bound to be uncomfortable to touch upon...

Early this morning I switched to the MTV channel and watched for the second time a girl named Katy Perry do the moves and sing a catchy tune/song. It was only after 2 seconds that my brain actually processed her words.

I wondered if I could do that kind of thing, even if drunk to the gills, with the sheet to the winds.

Here are the lyrics....doesn't it make you think? or maybe, and this is girl-to-girl thingie you know...you need to watch the tame video...still, some people will likely say "bi", some will say try it out, some say this song should never have been sung...

Lyrics:

This was never the way I planned
Not my intention
I got so brave, drink in hand
Lost my discretion
It's not what, I'm used to
Just wanna try you on
I'm curious for you
Caught my attention

I kissed a girl and I liked it
The taste of her cherry chapstick
I kissed a girl just to try it
I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong
It felt so right
Don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a girl and I liked it
I liked it

No, I don't even know your name
It doesn't matter
Your my experimental game
Just human nature
It's not what, good girls do
Not how they should behave
My head gets so confused
Hard to obey

I kissed a girl and I liked it
The taste of her cherry chapstick
I kissed a girl just to try it
I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong
It felt so right
Don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a girl and I liked it
I liked it

Us girls we are so magical
Soft skin, red lips, so kissable
Hard to resist so touchable
Too good to deny it
Ain't no big deal, it's innocent

I kissed a girl and I liked it
The taste of her cherry chapstick
I kissed a girl just to try it
I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong
It felt so right
Don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a girl and I liked it
I liked it

btw, I was hoping to add more to the poll selection above but I had inadvertently pressed a key to publish this and since I was too lazy to redo the whole post, I thought, at least I tried inserting a poll into a blog :-)

[Note: Once the journal entry has been published, you cannot change the poll questions or answers anymore].

Wednesday, and I am sadly reminded..

In the midst of my reading, studying, cooking, laundry, emails, phonecalls, eating and back to emails on this busy, busy Wednesday, I came across this one forwarded by a friend of mine and which I had earmarked for followup reading the other day. Maybe I had vaguely seen this before, or a variation of this topic, but still, since I've never posted or shared anything like this on this site, I will not only forward this, but also share it with everyone.   Sa Mga Kababayan kong OFW...Pinoys and Pinays Meron akong gustong ibahagi para sa ating lahat na mga PILIPINO. Simple pero parang mahirap gawin ng karamihan sa atin. Hindi ito makukuha sa puro daldalan lang or walang kabuluhang pagtatalo, kumilos tayo ngayon na. Sa ibang bansa: Pag nagkasala ang Pinoy, pinarusahan siya ayon sa batas. Sa PINAS: Pag nagkasala ang ang Pinoy, ayaw niyang maparusahan kasi sabi niya mali raw ang batas. Sa ibang bansa: Pinag-aaralan muna ng Pinoy ang mga batas bago siya pumunta roon, kasi takot siyang magkamali. Sa PINAS: Pag nagkamali ang Pinoy, sorry kasi hindi raw niya alam na labag sa batas iyon.

Sa ibang bansa: Kahit gaano kataas ang bilihin at tax sa USA okey lang, katuwiran natin doble kayod na lang.

Sa PINAS: mahilig ka sa last day para magbayad ng tax minsan dinadaya mo pa o kaya hindi ka nagbabayad. Rally ka kaagad kapag tumaas ang pasahe at bilihin sa halip na magsipag mas gusto natin ang nagkukwentuhan lang sa munisipyo o kahit sa alinmang tanggapan.

Sa Singapore : Kapag nahuli kang nagkalat or nagtapon ng basura sa hindi tamang lugar, magbabayad ka na 500 Singapore dollars. Sabi ng Pinoy, okey lang kasi lumabag ako sa batas.

Sa Pinas: Kapag nagkamali ang Pinoy katulad nang ganito, Sabi ng Pinoy, ang lupit naman ni Bayani Fernando , mali naman ang pinaiiral niyang batas eh akala mo kung sino. Ayun nag-rally na ang Pinoy, gustong patalsikin si Bayani Fernando kahit na alam niyang mali siya.

Mga igan, ilan pa lang iyan baka may iba pa kayong alam.

Bakit ang PINOY, pwedeng maging 'law abiding citizen sa ibang bansa ng walang angal' pero sa sarili nating bayang PILIPINAS na sinasabi ninyong mahal natin, eh hindi natin magawa, BAKIIITTTTT?????????


ETO PA, 'Ang Pilipino NOON at NGAYON':
NOON: Wow ang sarap ng kamote (kahit nakaka-utot)

NGAYON: Ayaw ko ng kamote gusto ko French Fries (imported eh)
NOON: Wow ang sarap ng kapeng barako

NGAYON: Ayaw ko niyan gusto kong kape sa STARBUCKS (imported coffee 100 pesos per cup)
NOON: Bili ka ng tela para magpatahi ng pantalon like maong

NGAYON: Gusto ko LEVI'S, WRANGLER, LEE (Tapos rally tayo 'GMA tuta ng KANO ') Di ba tuta ka rin naman.
NOON: Sabon na Perla OK ng pampaligo

NGAYON: Gusto mo DOVE, HENO DE PRAVIA, IVORY, etc. may matching shampoo pa
NOON: Pag naglaba ka batya at palopalo ok na, minsan banlaw lang sa batis pwede na

NGAYON: Naka-washing machine ka na plus ARIEL powder soap with matching DOWNY pa para mabango. Alam ko mas marami pa ang alam ninyo tungkol dito, pero mangilan-ngilan lang iyan para bigyan ng pansin.

Mga Pilipino nga ba tayo? O baka sa salita lang at E-Mail pero wala naman sa gawa.


My Fellow Filipinos,

When I was small, the Philippine peso was P7 to the $dollar. The president was Diosdado Macapagal. Life was simple. Life was easy. My father was a farmer. My mother kept a small sari-sari store where our neighbors bought sang-perang asin, sang-perang bagoong, sang-perang suka, sang-perang toyo at pahinging isang butil na bawang. Our backyard had kamatis, kalabasa, talong, ampalaya, upo, batao, and okra. Our silong had chicken¡­ We had a pig, dog & cat. And of course, we lived on the farm. During rainy season, my father caught frogs at night which my mother made into batute (stuffed frog), or just plain fried.. During the day, he caught hito and dalag from his rice paddies, which he would usually inihaw. During dry season, we relied on the chickens, vegetables, bangus, tuyo, and tinapa. Every now and then, there was pork and beef from the town market.

Life was so peaceful, so quiet, no electricity, no TV. Just the radio for Tia Dely, Roman Rapido, Tawag ng Tanghalan and Tang-tarang-tang.. And who can forget Leila Benitez on Darigold Jamboree? On weekends, I played with my neighbours (who were all my cousins). Tumbang-preso, taguan, piko, luksong lubid, patintero, at iba pa. I don't know about you, but I miss those days.

These days, we face the TV, Internet, e-mail, newspaper, magazine, grocery catalog, or drive around. The peso is a staggering and incredible P47 to the $dollar. Most people can't have fun anymore. Life has become a battle. We live to work. Work to live. Life is not easy. I was in Saudi Arabia in 1983.. It was lonely, difficult, & scary. It didn't matter if you were a man or a woman. You were a target for rape. The salary was cheap & the vacation far between. If the boss didn't want you to go on holiday, you didn't. They had your passport. Oh, and the agency charged you almost 4 months of your salary (which, if you had to borrow on a '20% per month arrangement' meant your first year's
pay was all gone before you even earned it).

The Philippines used to be one of the most important countries in Asia. Before & during my college days, many students from neighboring Asian countries like Malaysia , Indonesia , Japan and China went to the Philippines to get their diplomas. Until 1972, like President Macapagal, President Marcos was one of the most admired presidents of the world. The Peso had kept its value of P7 to the $dollar until I finished college.

Today, the Philippines is famous as the 'housemaid' capital of the world. It ranks very high as the 'cheapest labor' capital of the world, too. We have maids in Hong Kong, laborers in Saudi Arabia , dancers in Japan , migrants and TNTs in Australia and the US , and all sorts of other 'tricky' jobs in other parts of the globe.

Quo Vadis, Pinoy? Is that a wonder or a worry? Are you proud to be a Filipino, or does it even matter anymore? When you see the Filipino flag and hear the Pambansang Awit, do you feel a sense of pride or a sense of defeat & uncertainty? If only things could change for the better....... Hang on for this is a job for Superman. Or whom do you call? Ghostbusters. Joke. Right?

This is one of our problems.
We say 'I love the Philippines ¡­ I am proud to be a Filipino.'

When I send you a joke, you send it to everyone in your address book even if it kills the Internet. But when I send you a note on how to save our country & ask you to forward it, what do you do?

You chuck it in the bin.

I want to help the maids in Hong Kong ... I want to help the laborers in Saudi Arabia ... I want to help the dancers in Japan ... I want to help the TNTs in America and Australia ...

I want to save the people of the Philippines ... But I cannot do it alone. I need your help and everyone else's.

So please forward this e-mail to your friends. If you say you love the Philippines , prove it. And if you don't agree with me, say something anyway. Indifference is a crime on its own.


Juan Delacruz

Manila -> Sanfo -> Cinci (and Kentucky)

Start:	Nov 14, '08 3:00p
End:	Nov 22, '08
Location:	Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

no comment..I still feel queasy over it..

I will know by the end of this month if I should pursue this or not, maybe the decision will be taken out of my hands by the other organization :-)

Updates:
Nov 6, 2008 - well, it almost didn't push thru, I heard travel got put on hold although I've got the tickets and reservations already
Nov 7, 2008 - but now its back on track, so am again pressured..but I've left reading and studying behind to concentrate on things I want to do...

Itinerary:
Nov 14 - PAL; Manila to Sanfo

will stay in San Francisco overnight

Nov 15 - Delta Air; onwards to CVG

I hope to meet up with May, my schoolmate in CIT..who I did meet also last year and even spent her birthday with her...

Just When U Do Not Want It, U Get It. Got it?

11 pm Makati City, Philippines

Mood: Ornery and ready to fight a burglar with a rolling pin just to de-stress!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hell and damnation..Fire and Brimstone, Roses and Prickly Thorns.

I am torn between elation and despair.!!

Ok, so its partially my fault....ok, its all my fault. So what? Doesn't solve the dilemna.

But still.... *wails* I thought a trip to the US won't push thru because of cost-cutting from our company and some other stuff. I was thinking our team meeting also would not push through..so when my boss said last August that I was to cross my fingers so that if ever, F2F meeting or not, I could still go to the US this November 2008 for some other matters, I certainly didn't cross my fingers...I wanted the trip to be next year...next year!...Lady Fate and Lady Destiny, do you hear me?? Listen to me!

Why? don't ask..I won't tell, suffice to say I feel I am not ready...double drat and triple drat!

I have less than a month to prepare for something which usually takes 4 months! I wasn't interested in pursuing it anymore, I thought I could try other interests, and basically I thought even if I got the chance, in the long run in my current company its not as if it translates to big bucks. Why oh why did I get a call which would send other people into a swoon..of happiness but weirdly makes me want to drown myself in a bucket of brandy?

In my case, although I try to think positively, it only means I will now have 2 hours of sleep everyday if ever I hope catch up to compensate for my lack of preparedness and time...and there are so many other things I have to do too...*sobs* and its not even sure...and I have to do it all by myself...*sigh*

Can somebody find me my twin? clone me perhaps? provide me with another brain? and extra hands too while you are at it....

Sorry, I just needed to vent...

I don't feel like writing this down in my diary because I am growling and I am hungry and I feel like writing it down straight here with my fingers flying over the keyboard will lessen the stress. So there...call me an ungrateful child/spoiled woman/impetuous person..but by writing it here, I'm half-hoping something else will come up and maudlot yung trip (I'm a believer in that kind of thing).

Oh well, let me eat dinner and sleep on it. Maybe tomorrow things will look better even if it means a deduction of 24 hours again on my time to prepare.

After all, tomorrow is another day. And no I will not ever speak of it again. I just need to concentrate on how to get it done. So there.

Nocturna

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Animation

From October 1-12, 2008 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, (Makati City, Philippines) this film is one of the many offerings for the 7th Spanish Film Festival.

As a lover of animated films, I braved the howling winds and heavy downpour that Saturday to run to theater and pay PHP 65. It was such a bargain!

Compared to the film I saw and the enjoyment I had experienced upon viewing it, definitely I was quite contented already with how the afternoon turned out.

The Directors:
Adriá García and Victor Maldonado were born in Barcelona, Spain and studied fine arts at the University of Barcelona. They have both worked extensively in the field of animation including screenwriting, character development and storyboarding. They have designed visual identities for companies and characters for music videos and advertising. They were also the artistic directors of the animated feature El Cid: The Legend. This film is their directorial debut.

Screening Schedules:
October 5, 2008: 2 pm
October 11, 2008: 2 pm

Duration: 80 minutes

Awards:
Best Animation Film, Goya Awards, 2008
Best Animated Feature, Barcelona Film Awards, 2007

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fifteen minutes of the first part of the film had no English subtitles. Luckily, some of the conversation in Spanish were not that difficult to translate, and I was definitely beginning to enjoy listening to the Spanish words being uttered, when they reset it and set it to English instead, with Spanish subtitles.

*sigh* Why not the other way around? It was a bit distracting hearing the somewhat British-accented voices of the children...the kids sounded snotty instead of the lilting tones of the native Spanish I first heard. Hmm..dubbers fault perhaps?

I admit I have a fondness for Japanese animated films, and I would rate them higher than the Disney ones which I also see. This film though, gave me a different perspective on Spanish animation.

*WARNING!!*

MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD

read at your own risk





The tale is, well, not that new to me, in fact, I sort of guessed how in the end the character Tim would conquer his fear of the dark when I saw the scene of Tim being afraid of getting the ball he had lost from the dark, gloomy basement. Children -> afraid of the dark -> star -> sky -> evil monster/shadow..well, you know the drill.

I just didn't foresee all the details of the magical journey he would undertake.

Oh yes, our character Tim is a young boy.....
Who lives in an orphanage (fun scenes of Tim going around the labyrinthine place by the way)....
Who makes chalk drawings on the roof.....
Who is afraid of the dark, so much so that he drags his bed at night and opens the window (with a knob he hides) to look onto the sky and stars. A star, which he claims as his own, is one which he names as Adara. His mother had told him that he has a special one which watches over him.

One night, he is forced onto the roof due to his fear of the darkness and notices that his star, and many other stars, begin to disappear one by one. He panics, he falls, and...

Whoosh! A weird figure, which I don't really know if I should call "it" a man or a cat (henceforth named as the Cat Shepherd) rescues him.

Apparently there is a different world - the nighttime world named Nocturna and different magical denizens of this world oversee everything that happens during this time.

Getting to know, even in passing, the quirky, magical characters and the jobs they have in keeping Nocturna in its normal state is sure to please the children.

You thought your messy hair after a night's sleep was par for the course? Nope, you can thank the "Hair Messers" for that. Apparently they spend time "designing" your messy, clumpy, tangled hairstyle which you have to comb neatly in the morning.

The nighttime sounds such as the seeming strike of the branches on the window? Just part of the music played by an elaborate orchestra, complete with maestro.

Let's not forget Tobermory, Tim's "nighttime cat" whose job apparently is to lull Tim to sleep with his "miaos". I chuckled upon realizing that Tobermory slept more than his insomniac charge. Yes, the cats at night have the job of making sure the children sleep.

There is also Moka, who seems to be a coffee addict, and he oversees this nighttime realm. And, yes, a character named Mr. Pee...who...well, its not necessary to get into that. But you'll see how useful his talent is.

Its charming how they explained away how the moon worked, how the stars shined light on our world. Even the Luminos(who occupy the lampposts) are strangely cute too.

Of course, to provide some drama instead of just a run-through of all the Nocturna denizens and the realm, there's danger lurking, and guess who is supposed to stop the big bad Shadow?

Tim, of course!...ably helped by the North Star, the Cat Shepherd and one Luminos whose name I don't know. Tim conquers finally his fear of the dark and overpowers the Shadow, which in the first place, was his fault anyway. So, good for him!

As a film, I enjoyed it. The story is not something I would compare to "Howl's Moving Castle" or "Spirited Away", but has that touch of magic which is essential to children viewing this kind of films.

For me, it was the music paired with important scenes which made me enjoy the film. It sounded like a music box tinkling away sometimes...but it always was appropriate to how the scene played out.

The style of animation, I regret I cannot technically dissect, but the colors and set may be possibly reminiscent of some Spanish architect...like Antonio Gaudi perhaps?

By all means, go ahead and enjoy this film.
Maybe you once too were afraid of the dark as a child.
It is a story which will make you journey back to your childhood (if you are already a big carabao by now), give hurrahs for the triumph of good over evil, and see the night world through a child's wondering eyes. You might have a different view of the night after this...

Although I missed the Spanish nuances in the conversation because I had to listen to the mismatched English tones (I enjoyed Harry Potter movies so am not sure why the voices here bothered me)......

....well, at least the film wasn't making me wish I was in Nocturna too and had a cat who lulled me to sleep in order to avoid looking at the film...

Instead, instead

October 4, 2008
Makati and Ortigas, Philippines
Mood: dreamy

Baptism. Who? "My spanking brand new baby daughter" - according to Albert, one of my ex-software devs.  When? Saturday. Where? Batangas.  Ayayay!  A bit too far for me.

Instead, I went to the Open House of the Nihonggo Center.  Instead of our Saturday class, this was the event that we would be attending.

Arrived late after lunch. Didn't know a soul. Looked fun though. The kids certainly do know a good thing when they see one. I also queued up for the glitter tattoo even though I was the only "adult" one. I'd have gotten a seahorse one too if I wasn't in a hurry. The good luck character will just have to do instead of having two.

Missed the tea ceremony, origami sessions, amongst other things...

Instead of getting to watch those I was interested in, I stood witness to their sumo demonstration. Hmmm...I wonder if female sumo wrestlers would ever happen in my time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the past week, we have not been having the best weather. I was set to go to Ortigas for some educational-related stuff, as well as a chika-thon slash food trip schedule with my "tokayo'/namesake/classmate Catherine who I have not seen in a long time that October 1, which was also a holiday.

Instead, I had to reschedule for an October 4 slot in the afternoon

Earlier before I left my quarters, Marie (Ellaftiz) texted if I would like to join her when she would watch the 4:30 movie from the current Spanish film festival showing at Greenbelt. Regretfully, I instead texted back that I had to take a rain-check because I was going to Ortigas after my visit to the open house at Pasay Road (see event post earlier).

I had little time left to spare after leaving the Open House affair, but I was hungry. I felt lazy just thinking about going back home to cook and eat lunch. Instead, I stopped by Ole Spaghetti House in Glorietta.

I ordered the parma ham/walnut/cheese sandwich. The waiter came back after I was dreamily anticipating sinking my fangs into the sandwich. It was out of stock.

So instead I settled for tuna sandwich Italian-style. That and a rootbeer, and I felt half-human again :-)

I wanted to avoid irritating, boorish, and money-lusting taxi drivers.

Instead of that particular mode of transportation I took the MRT train, and arrived just in time to walk to the the corner of SMPC and Shangrila EDSA and to be soaked to the bone by the cold rain dumped by the dark, forbidding skies. I did not have a raincoat.

I had instead brought my umbrella, which wasn't really of much use under the circumstances. The wind was causing havoc with it and had ferociously lashed the water against my legs up to my shoulders. I swear the only part of me which was dryer than the rest of my body  was the inside of my nostrils. *Sniffles and flares nostrils like a horse*

I straggled into the building and dripped water on the pristine floor. I took occupancy of the comfort room, and wrung out a basin of water from my pants, t-shirt, socks, hanky and hair (my undergarments were the type to dry out quickly). Luckily the air-conditioner was out, so I settled down for some brain-usage time and slowly dried out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was told that two of my fellow AVPs at a previous company would be meeting me for dinner that night at the Fort or Serendra. I instead harrumphed and said I would believe it when it had already happened ...since I knew that one of the ladies concerned has a tendency to plan but not push through. I was hopeful but skeptical.

I ended up instead planning to have dinner before going home as my friend was dieting. I walked to Shangrila Mall with him and just when we were to go our separate ways, someone called my name.

It was Marie! Of all places and of all times! Just when I was super hungry too. So that means that instead of meeting in Makati, we still did end up meeting today.

Instead of going for the other restaurants at the higher level, we ate at Secret Recipes restaurant at the aforementioned mall. Intriguing name.

Instead of cheesecake (they were supposed to have rave reviews for their cheesecake), I got tiramisu. Instead of their stew, I ordered fish and chips. Since Marie had to stay away from sugar, I slurped her ice tea instead of ordering any drinks for myself.

We were looking at each other ruefully - instead of being happy that we got to try out the place, we thought of not coming back in the future. Ever. As in. Never.

Why? Now that would be telling, so instead, I will be keeping it a secret (in keeping with the restaurant's name).

Instead of hanging out, having a beer, or coffee or some other dessert, I thought maybe we could watch a movie tomorrow from the filmfest because we both were unable to watch it today. So I caught the last train back to Ayala and Marie went on her way too.

I came home and multiplied. I found out from Marie's given links that there was still a 12 midnight showing of one more film.

I went to sleep instead.
I think it was for the best as another day was almost beginning too.

So, instead, I will ask you -

were your "instead" days as ordinary but wacky, wet and fun too?

NY in Cebu

Start:	Dec 30, '08 09:00a
End:	Jan 13, '09 09:45a
Location:	Cebu, Philippines

well, thats the plan at least.....New Year in Cebu City, my hometown!

I've just bought the ticket today...I will be going to Cebu on Dec 30 and coming back to Manila on January 13, 2009. I am still running after low ticket prices so have to decide fast.

I'm getting hives thinking of a connecting flight from Manila to Cebu on the same day I arrive..so better to dump my gear first back home, look at all the mail, re-pack and go to Cebu on an early flight the next day..hopefully I can wake up early.

I have not talked nor confirmed with my manager yet (he is OOO/out of the office for one week as of this writing) if he would be okay with my working there for that period of time but I have to have my dentist appointment with my "suki" dentist...as some dental work and checkup is a bit overdue.

I guess that means I will miss Sinulog in Cebu again...but its ok...spending the new year with my family is a good way to start 2009. As long as there is internet and phone line and my trusty computer which I lug where I go...I am going to be fine *cross fingers*

Pasko sa Singapore

Start:	Dec 20, '08 12:00p
End:	Dec 29, '08 11:00a
Location:	Singapore

It really started off with a plan for a trip to Vietnam between Benjie and me...that was while I was in Japan middle of this year.

It is a long story as to how I ended up booking a ticket instead for Singapore this December..involving reunions, eyeballs, forex, Antipolo, mooncakes, college buddy Rolando and wife Addy, coffee, milk, Skyriver/Helene and what have you. Don't ask unless you can stand long tales...

I am looking forward to spending the Christmas season in another country..since I've already tried spending my birthdays outside of my country, this will be a first.

Of course, after an expensive air-fare..I might just only be taking pictures of Singapore and not do any shopping at all..so no asking for pasalubong.....hahaha! *sneaky me*

Open House: Nihonggo Center Foundation

Start:	Oct 4, '08 09:30a
End:	Oct 4, '08 5:00p
Location:	Japan, Nihonggo

snipped from an email I received earlier today

Good morning.

I am pleased to inform you that this coming Saturday (Oct 4), we are having our
annual OPEN HOUSE. This is the day we introduce Japanese culture (modern and pop) to our students and the general public. If you are interested in origami, tea ceremony, free Nihongo class (one hour only), sumo demonstration, etc., please come with your
family and friends. Admission is FREE.

Venue: Nihongo Center Foundation
3 Floor Dominion Bldg. (this is the 2nd bldg. from the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Arnaiz Ave.)

833 A. Arnaiz Ave.( formerly Pasay Road)

Time : 9:30am ~ 5:00pm

Hope to see you there.

Coffee, Tea or Juice?

September 25, 2008
15:45 hrs,
Makati City, Philippines

As I was blearily contemplating mixing either a cup of Maxell's or SanMig's 3-in-1 instant coffee or just brewing myself a pot of either Chai or some good 'ole oolong ginseng I stopped to ponder if I should distrust tea leaves from China.....the news station was again running the Sanlu milk scandal and all the affected products from it...

It is dark and dreary in the middle of the afternoon...thanks to the weather we have been having, and with another typhoon on the way...well, I was feeling out of sorts. I needed to sip something bracing and hot while doing my work and going through hundreds of emails....and...as I reached out for the coffee sachet, the tv station I was tuned into suddenly blared out about a Filipino artist doing her works in instant coffee.

Wow!!

Although the colors are in the sometimes somewhat drab (for me at least) realm of brown, they were beautiful! They were eye-catching!  The Filipino artist is Sunshine Plata...and I am really proud of the creativity that is inherently built into the Filipino gene. *puffs like a puffin*

Not to mention, it is a cheap medium too 

One of her works, which is a favorite of other people, entitled "Fairy of Sorrows".

Do check out some of the links I found while googling her name:

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSSP17573720080826?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=10003

http://misteryosa.com/blog/sunshine-plata-coffee-painter/

http://thismakesmyday.blogspot.com/2008/08/sunshine-plata-coffee-painter.html

Hmm...I wonder what would be next, orange juice? milk? squid ink? avocado seed?....

Channelnewsasia.com - Japan Hour

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/japanhour/highlights.htm
If I am at home during weekends, I try to catch the Japan Hour show - 7:30 pm on Saturday, or at 8 am (too early for me) or 1 pm on Sunday [Timezone GMT+8, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore].

It is not just because I've always liked travel shows or travel channels (waaah!..Skycable had one, but since it belonged to a higher-priced package I missed it after its trial run was finished).

It is not just because I enjoy seeing all that delectable food (remember that Japanese have probably perfected the art of food presentation) paraded before my ogling eyes and jaw-hanging visage.

And it is just not because I find it charming how pairs of grandma-grandson, siblings, son-mother, hubby-wife go to all these places (sometimes quite remote) such as onsens, springs, hotels, inns, gardens, mountains, parks and such and then ooh-and-ahh! over such splendors of nature, which are developed further into places we humans can rest comfortably in.

It is simply because I am such a lazy, hungry, comfort-driven person during weekends.

For me, what could be more satisfactory as a tribute to couch-potato-ness than watching all these interesting places from the comfort of your cushion at home, with a bowl of popcorn,bottles of pomegranate tea, peeled apples and feta cheese at your side?