Loving Bag of Beans’ Blueberry Cheesecake

After a truly relaxing stay at Moon Garden, we went off to grab the most raved about Blueberry Cheesecake of Bag of Beans, an English Café located few blocks away from Mendez Crossing.

Bag of Beans is another first time for us. But with the frequent entries and reviews among some of the blogs I came across with, the sight of a simple bakery shop along the highway was not anymore a surprise. (I told Gil we’ll be dining at Bag of Beans but he got confused seeing a typical bakeshop with goodies and breads, no dining area at all!) So I led him to the stairway beside the shop and everything else followed! ;-)

Moon Garden Breakfast

I’m not a person of breakfast; mere coffee will do…not until I met Gil. He always finds to it he has eaten well first thing in the morning (except kung late na siya for work! Hehe!)

We thought of having our breakfast in our private lounge area outside our casita while savoring Tagaytay’s morning breeze, but decided to have it inside our casita instead. We
 requested it to be served at 9am so we could still have time to stroll around Moon Garden first thing in the morning.

Moon Garden Tagaytay

Had the bestest weekend getaway (so far) with Gil during our Moon Garden visit in Tagaytay (and best overnight escape, best dinner date and best breakfast meals ever! Lol!)

I chanced upon this place over the net and after reading blogs as blogalag and the husbandspeaks, I got all excited and inquired as early as October and had us reserved two weeks ahead of time. We were hesitant at first how to get there via commute but all
 went well after several exchange emails with Peter, the Belgian owner slash officer-in-charge.
.

Moon Garden Casitas

Casita is a Spanish word meaning ‘a small house’. There were eight of them hidden separately in a secluded part of Moon Garden, mostly were unnoticeable since the roofs were almost of the same level as the walkway and were covered with creeping vines and plants, and that the walkway and the casitas themselves were both made up of stoned brick materials.

Breathe and come see our charming casita where we’ll be staying for the night.

 

Moon Garden Dinner

Moon Garden’s kitchen is open only till 5pm but they could extend and accommodate guests upon prior requests. Good thing we’re able to discuss it with Renz, the guest relation officer slash wait staff, upon arrival and have one of their lovely nipa huts reserved for a perfect dinner date tonight at 7pm.

After we’re done with the photo ops of MG at night, we headed to this lovely gazebo with comfy sofas and pillows and wooden table where the dinner will be served, which was as if floating in the middle of the pond.

Visiting Trinoma for the 1st time

Forgive us folks, but it was the first time we set our foot at Trinoma! Hehe! And though we could be the last persons to wow this place, we still would want to do so for it's not only a one stop shop but indeed a lovely place to relax and bond with friends and families. Initial plan　was that, I’ll have my annual hair treatment and pampering first courtesy of my sponsor Gil and then Yakiniku early dinner then proceed to SM Megamall for some sort of shopping. But this place was lovely that we’re sure it will be a lot lovelier at night. So we stayed and decided to watch the movie 2012 to kill time.
The movie was so great I found myself crying the whole time! ^,^

Tori Chizu Maki Treat

We’ll never get tired of Tempura Japanese Grill, if only for their Tori Chizu Maki and Curry Gomoku Yakisoba. So as Gil’s promise of his maki treat during the first Friday of his arrival, we, together with Sheng (Gil’s lil sis) headed towards their Convergy’s Bldg. branch in Makati after office. And while they’re busy scanning the menu, I tuned myself busy with my usual pitsyur pitsyur mode! *Smile*

TOSH Revisited

After having a great time watching Twilight Saga: New Moon, we ended up walking along the nearby Bonifacio High Street: first, to look for a Nike store where Gil could compare prices of the Lebron shoes he just bought from Japan; second, to stroll around and lastly, to look for a decent resto to dine out to.

We’re actually on second thought whether to try Italianni’s or experience again The Old Spaghetti House. We finally gave in and favor the latter due to the superb experience we’ve had way back February of last year where we’ve got to taste the most delicious Carbonara ever! So, we went back to Market Market where TOSH is located just beside Gerry’s Grill and Giligan’s.

something fishy! ;-)

...take time to feed my fishes. they're so kulit you'll definitely like them! Cool! Enjoy! ;-)

zeby@30

My zeby’s turning thirty today- Yey!! If he’s around, I might surprise him again with a basket of fresh roses and cake, or anything he will truly feel delighted and yes, surprised! But the fact is, well…he’s NOT here! *Sniff*

I’m glad to have witnessed myself his last three birthdays (and I intend to celebrate it with him for the next years to come). He’s not actually the let’s-celebrate-and-have-a-party type of person for he might just stumble on his computer desk or play with his psp or laptop or indulge with daylong movies on dvd (truly a simple person by heart). Last 2007, I have with me a box of Black Forest from Red Ribbon (we’re just friends then) and was surprised to learn I was the only visitor he had. Last year was more meaningful for I’ve surprised him with a basket of fresh roses delivered to office courtesy of my friend Nitch who handed the basket all the way from Dangwa to Makati (hehe! Thanks kambal!) And an S’Mores cake from Red Ribbon. Truly, Gil is someone who’s not hard to please, a child-like person by heart who finds joy even in the simplest things in life.

Musing

Gil will be coming back end of next month! Pretty cool! (Sarap pakinggan!)

We already made travel plans and list of possible get-away in anticipation of his coming merely to have something to choose from in case schedules allow us to and yes, to ease up the longings of being apart. *Sigh!

TOP 10 on our list were as follow (not in chronological order though):

1) Visit Ilocos: Vigan, Laoag and Pagudpud in particular and have the best of the North could offer (had my research and prepared itineraries and maps as well).
2) Experience Moon Garden Casitas in Tagaytay.
3) Celebrate anniv at Sonya’s Garden.
4) Tour at Corregidor.
5) Personal visit at Surigao in Mindanao (and wishful side-trips to CDO, Camiguin and Bukidnon).
6) Once a month beach resort weekend get-away (Laiya Resorts in particular).
7) Bohol- Cebu escapades.
8) Mall Tours (as in Mall hopping and restaurants hopping within the Metro).
9) Singapore (and everything on it).
10) Wedding (Oh well!)

Just musing out…and missing Gil so much! =(

Mama's Big Day in a Whim

Has gotten to Gumaca in a whim for Mama’s birthday celeb! Yey! Happy Birthday Mama!!

The laundry’s done and all and since we don’t have anything to do anymore (except to check on the news whether typhoon Pepeng will still hit Metro Manila as Ondoy did), we decided to pay visit to Mama in Quezon for her 46th birthday despite of the back-to-back typhoons and the still knee-length flood in our area. Together with my brother JV and sister Bing, we went off past 2pm Saturday afternoon and had the briefest Quezon visit ever!

We’ve bought Choco Cherry Torte cake and buttered Puto from Goldilocks upon reaching Guadalupe, rode on a bus going to Alabang and another bus going to Gumaca. The normal travel time is 5-6 hours thru public transport thus we’ve reached Gumaca around 9pm. Upon reaching Gumaca’s town proper, we dropped by Golden Star restaurant to order Pancit Chami to complete our simple advance party treat for mama.

Our residence is a tricycle away from bayan (town proper). Excited, we were even chanting Happy Birthday mama on our way home and glad they were still up (watching the usual teleseryes). Mama was truly surprised and teary-eyed seeing her siblings around especially when each of us hug and kiss her. Actually, this was my first time to celebrate her birthday since college for Oct 4 usually falls on Finals and month-end reports. Such a rare opportunity to celebrate and be thankful of!

Bebe was so kulit and likot! After Mama blew her cake, she lighted the candle up again for bebe to blow this time. Haha! He was pouting his lips to the fullest without the air coming out thus we burst out in laughters. Mama helped him nlang with the blowing. Lol!

As we’re eating, Gil called up, not to whisper mushy nothings this time but to greet mama…JUST mama. Lol! Anyhoo, I was talking (rather chatting) with him naman all the way to Gumaca thru this amazing UZZAP Smart had introduced. (Might make blog re UZZAP one of these days! Lol!) A super handy YM connections, emails and txts for FREE! San ka pa?!

We were watching a movie from Cinema One when everything went off unconsciously. I was supposed to sleep with bebe but woke up at dawn with Mama and JV (And with this bubblegum in my mouth, which I remember was chewing last night!) Haha! Buti hindi ko nalunok! Kakahiya! Lol!

JV still needs to report to work today at 6pm thus we went back to Manila before 10am. (Byahe na nmn!) Today really is Mama’s big day so she still has the whole day to spend with her friends and papa will be coming back daw this afternoon. Too bad we didn’t able to see him.

Had traveled 12hours for a genuine 12 hours of stay and celebration! Had a blast though!! =)

Typhoon Ondoy: A Personal Encounter

It has been a week already when typhoon Ondoy (International name: Ketsana) hits Metro Manila Saturday, Sept.26, but the tragic effect could still be seen and felt up to these days.


The water level is still the same knee-length in front of our house and goes higher as we took our steps out of the place. And since we’re situated in the utmost corner of Dr. Reyes’ compound in Kalawaan, Pasig City, we have no other choice than to endure the long walk (or swim?) passing through Resettlement area (Gil’s house location) where a leg-deep level of stagnant flood water could be seen, making the place looked like an extension of the Pasig river itself. There was no electricity power in most of the areas, including Gil’s since the typhoon blew out.


It has been a week already of morning and night flood walk-through for us- She and I- to be able to come to office for work (Gil’s sister). She started out her new work in Makati on her birthday, Sept.29, two days after the disastrous typhoon surprised the nation (what a birthday bash!). We’re usually in shorts and slippers with our office slacks, blouses and shoes on a plastic bag so we may change clothes either in any fast-food chains in San Joaquin or Makati. It was such a horrible experience!


Still, we’re thankful my family and Gil’s were safe and sound. Though I’m still worried about my relatives in Vista Verde Executive Village in Cainta whom we never heard anything yet since the typhoon, as well as with those few relatives in Rosario and de Castro Pasig due to non-availability of electricity in the area. Hope everybody’s safe though.


As I was writing this, another super typhoon named Pepeng (International name: Parma) has already entered the country’s area of responsibility, said to be much stronger than typhoon Ondoy. By this very moment, the surrounding was cloudy-to-dim, as it is hard to see visibly the nearby buildings of Makati area.

This is not the right time to blame anyone for faults of not being the responsible citizen of this country. Surely it’s the people’s fault, who else? Too bad the babies and the innocent ones need to suffer. The most we could do is pray, pray until the flood subsides, pray that the authorities be blessed so they may serve the people as they were expected to, pray for more support from those lucky individuals and entities who were not affected, pray for those lives who suffer…and finally, give thanks for another life...another opportunity for us to change and repent…

Ate pheng’s right…
Prayers! Prayers! Prayers!

Para sa mga Naghahangad ng Pwesto sa Mayo 2010

Napapanahon ang bagyong Ondoy para sa naghahangad maupo sa nalalapit na Mayo 2010 Eleksyon. Pagkakataon na nila ito para ipakitang may dalamhati sila para sa mga Pilipinong nasalanta, namatayan, walang tahanan at mga walang makain dulot ng bagyong Ondoy na gumulantang sa ating lahat.

Ano ba naman ang 1 hanggang 2 kilong bigas, ilang de lata, tinapay, kape o asukal na pwedeng ipamahagi sa bawat pamilya? Sa dami ng mga naghahangad sa pwesto, mula sa kagawad ng barangay hanggang sa minimithing pwesto sa Palasyo ng Malacanang, marami ring pamilya ang matutulungan, mapapakain, mabibigyan ng tahanan…at mabibigyan ng pag-asa.

Nakakagastos nga kayo ng milyon-milyong piso para sa advertisements o patalastas at pagpapaimprenta ng naglalakihang tarpaulin ng inyong mga pagmumukha, bakit naman hindi kayo makakapag-abot ng kahit anong tulong sa mga sinasabi nyong “mga minamahal na kababayan?” Para kahit papaano naman, maramdaman namin na may gobyerno at may mga opisyal pala tayo ng pamahalaan na tumutupad sa tungkuling magsilbi sa bayan.

Paramdam kayo! Para naman mabigyang saysay ang aming panahon sa pagboto kahit na madalas, manipulado na ang magiging resulta!

Paramdam kayo! Para naman kahit papano’y maramdaman namin ang aming mga karapatan, hindi lang palaging pabor sa inyong pribilehiyong maupo sa pwesto. Tutal, ano ba naman ang 1 hanggang 2 kilong bigas, ilang de lata, tinapay, kape o asukal sa bawat pamilya eh alam na alam naman nating mansion at iba’t ibang ari-arian sa ibat’ibang panig ng mundo ang magiging kapalit nito.

Paramdam kayo! Para naman kahit sa pamamagitan lang ng 1 hanggang 2 kilong bigas, ilang de lata, tinapay, kape o asukal ay makatikim kami ng katas ng aming pinagpaguran, habang kayo ay nagpapasasa sa isang gabing milyong pisong halaga ng hapunan.

Paramdam kayo! Kailangan kayo ng bayan…KAILANGAN NAMIN KAYO! L

How it all started :)

Chapter I: Coffee at 3pm?

.

I was in a hurry walking along Rufino St. in Makati that noon break for I was to send Yca’s allowance (my younger sister) through Western Union in Ayala-Paseo Branch. Then suddenly I bumped with this person I recognized as an officemate (but forgot the name actually) who was equally in a hurry.

“Uy! San ka?” he said. I told him my story.

“Ikaw?” He answered he’s to meet his girlfriend who was done applying for a job in Paseo de Roxas.

“Isasakay ko lng sya kasi uwi din sya ng Bulacan ngayon” he added.

“Bakit di ka nlng maghalf- day?” I said.

“Hindi na! Sayang nmn kung maghalf-day pa ako.” he answered.

“So lunch out na lng kayo?” I asked.

“Pag may dala syang pera, wala ako dala eh!” he said. (My eyebrows actually met at one point but I decided not comment na lng).

We parted ways at Paseo’s underpass for I’m walking ahead Ayala and he’s to cross Paseo.

The sending transaction took a while and luckily I’ve reached office at 12:45 (15mins left to eat lunch and do toiletries stuffs). I was about to eat lunch in the pantry when he came in, breathless and perspired. He actually ran, he said, to reach the office before 1pm so he may still take his lunch. Since we only have few minutes left, we never had the chance to chat anymore (though we’re aware of the teasing and curious eyes of our colleagues saying we had date ‘daw’ outside—date? How come eh we’re in a hurry taking lunch sa pantry? Lol!

I finished first and though I’m a bit hesitant to leave him alone in the pantry, I have to for I still have to brush and all.

To compensate to my (believed to be) unethical manner, I asked “Coffee at 3pm?”

He answered “Oo bah! Basta ipagtitimpla kita!”

My heart jumped in surprise by his answer. “Ok” I said and proceed to the restroom.

He was actually making two cups of coffee when I came in to the pantry during the coffee break. (I recognized my mug being the other one). He handed me the cup after and we started talking about anything-- life, love life…etc.

And so the coffee sessions at 3pm started (him making our coffees day by day).

He’s nice, he’s sweet, he’s neat, he’s cute and he’s a real hunk! So what? I was in a relationship then (a roller-coaster one) and so was he. There’s really nothing to be “kilig” about, right?

--to be continued! =)

Proudly GUMACA

During my last visit in Gumaca, Quezon- my hometown (a couple of days after my nephew celebrated his 1st birthday), I had the chance to have a glimpse again of some of the historical landmarks of the town, which were constructed during the Spanish Era (I was with my sisters Bing and Yca and cute little Gene). If you haven’t been here yet, then pack your things up and I’ll tour you around! :)

San Diego de Alcala Cathedral

Known as the biggest and the oldest Catholic Church in the province of Quezon, this centuries-old cathedral was first established in 1582 right on this site; was transferred to Silangan in the Island of Alabat in 1638; was burnt by the Dutch forces in 1665 and reconstructed and beautified in1846.

Gumaca is also the Bishop’s residence (thus the Diocesan of Gumaca Parish Pastoral Council) and where Mt. Aloysius College Seminary could be found for aspiring priests along with the Our Lady of Carmel Monastery for those who have callings to be nuns.

Kutang San Diego (Spanish Fort)

The last one remaining of those built under the supervision of the Franciscan friars in the latter part of the 18th century and was erected to help guard the town against sea pirates. Popularly known as Kastilyo (Castle) to town people. Atop, there is a well, which is believed to be leading to an underground tunnel from the fort to somewhere (I’ve seen it but haven’t tried it myself!) probably part of their safety measures aside from the metal canyons pointing towards the sea which were still being displayed.

Lamon Bay

It is a body of water connecting the northern part of Quezon to the Pacific Ocean and bounds the coastal towns of Atimonan, Plaridel, Gumaca, Lopez and Calauag and the islands of Alabat. It is a rich fishing ground and the home of various living corals. Most parts of the bay consist of gray sand, rocks and living corals. (We’re blessed to have situated our house along Lamon Bay thus we’re able to experience swimming day and night whenever we wish to).

a perfect sunrise for a perfect day! (uh-uh! sa likod bahay po nmin ito!)

a soOo lovely sunset! (Overlooking Alabat Islands)

Gumaca, in addition, is the proposed capital municipality of supposedly Quezon del Sur under Republic Act No. 9495 (which eventually became junk, as in ‘ibinasura’ matapos gamiting plataporma de gobyerno ng mga trapong politico). With the beautification and maintenance imposed on these landmarks (and for the firm stand on the YES to Hati Quezon) I’d like to mention here the Municipal Council led by Mayor Joy Job Cabangon for the dedication they’ve shown. (There’s always a reason for everything!)

Inviting clear water (during Gil's first visit- yah! we dipped in after!)

my gorgeous Gil after our fave sunset moment

If you’re planning to visit Gumaca, why not during the Aranya’t Baluarte Festival held every May 15th of the year in celebration of San Isidro Labrador- our patron saint. It is an annual thanks giving of the town people for the bountiful harvests thus every barangays’ Baluartes (arches) were decorated with various fruits and vegetables. Usually, prizes await for those barangays that have the most beautiful baluarte presentations. (I have witnessed it myself years ago- hope to experience it again so I could share it with you!)

‘Till next post! =)

Friends Corner: A collection of stories with friends

Friends Corner: Jo's inspiring career =)

Last Saturday, we went over to Joey’s new house at Las Pinas (Jo’s a BFF, from college to-date). With me was Rose (the head over heels--), Jenny Rose (the organizer), Cath (the senti) and boyfriend Seb and Rey (Miguel Ramirez as Echo’s new role on his new soap…yah! nickname changes accdng to Echo’s roles! Lol!). Missing were Nitch (my blooming kambal), Neil (the genius) and future mom Ivy (the group’s bunso).

jo, jR, me and rose sa dining table =)

jo, jR, rose and rey at tita's room

jo's green room

Jo’s in a vacation from Qatar where he works as an auditor. It was exactly a year when he left and yet he already had this new townhouse worth 4M (3.6M house worth plus furnishings of around 400k plus a new Toyota Innova). Of course they're under years of amortization but for a 24-year old like him, he’s surely a son tita and tito must be proud of! More blessings to come Jo (and more treats and more chocos for us! Lol!)

Friends Corner: Ivy's becoming a wife and future mom =)

Last month, we were surprised to learn Ivy getting married to her 4-year boyfriend (4-5 years maybe) Jasper whom she’d cried and love since the stoned-age begun (worth it naman pala lahat ng ‘emperador’ at ‘lambanog’ we had then and how you swept away your own mess- as in suka! Harhar!) Best wishes Ivy and Jasper! (Though we’re not able to attend the wedding held at Pola, Oriental Mindoro). We’re so excited to see baby CAM soon (Christian Andrew Miguel)- the 1st baby of the group. Congratulations! *HUGS*

a bridal dinner at Coco Cabana Grill and Restaurant (from left: me, jR, neil, rose, rey, ivy and nitch-the photographer)

the orig trio: ivy's in the middle

Friends Corner: Ate Ana's Cafe Agogo Treat =)

We’re on our way to the office Friday noon (Aug.7) from our annual check-up when the heavy rain poured down. I was with Ate Anna, an officemate, and was surprised when she held my hand and headed me towards a door along the way (Salcedo St. in Makati). It was a café and bar in one named Café Agogo. Inside was a group of girls having a great time with their buckets of beers (the fact that it was only 11am). The place is not a typical café though it’s air-conditioned. Wooden chairs of different sizes and styles as well as tables were scattered in a homey manner. We chose the mini table in a corner near the counter. Experimental as I am, I tried their Aligue Pasta (Believe me, it’s delicious! But beware with the cholesterol! Lol!) And roast beef Deli Sandwich (a typical roast beef sandwich perhaps) while Ate Anna had Spaghetti in beef and mushroom sauce and Tuna Pianino together with a gigantic glass of iced tea. (I‘ll let you try these when you come home zeb, don’t worry!)

Friends Corner: Ibey's advance birthday treat at Tender Bob's =)

I’m about to go home from office Monday night (Aug.17) when the phone rang. It was Coni Ibey, a newfound friend from Bank of Tokyo- one of our company’s banks- asking me to accompany her in buying a dress for her birthday on Sat (We’re usually regarded as twins or sisters. My pleasure! She’s beautiful!). I was having a second thought actually but I already saw her in the elevator when I came out (the bank is in the 15th floor of the bldg while we’re at the 21st). We ended up at Edsa Shangri-la and nearby Rustans and invaded Shang’s boutiques as Zara, GAP, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Esprit and Kashieca. Finally, we ended up at Tender Bob’s (it’s closing time, too bad we didn’t able to buy any!) where I had Mussels Pasta and Green Mango shake (always) while she had Baked Ziti. Good News: I brought with me my cam. Bad News: Battery’s empty! *GAWD* (Belated Happy Birthday Ibey! Thanks for the treat! Mwah!).

Friends Corner: Joy's change of clothes lines =)

I was craving for french-fries thus I asked Joy, a friend and officemate, to accompany me after office to Mc Donalds and to have some sort of window shopping na rin, Thursday (Aug.20). We dropped by the newly opened Glorietta-5 along Ayala and surveyed the whole building (wala pala syang pathway going to other Gloriettas). After an hour or two, we went to the old Glorietta and canvass dresses and apparels. I used to know Joy favoring much on Ensembles but having been around with Tita Ting (a certified self-confessed Giordano, Levis and Esprit fanatic), she was now into Esprit, Plains and Prints and the like. We ended up the night with a combo meal of spaghetti, roasted chicken and iced tea from Kenny Rogers. (Kumusta naman ang ‘craving for french-fries intro ko? Oh well, appetite changes! lol!)

Friends Corner: Tita Ting's brands passion =)

Impressed with the dress and apparels of ForMe (a sister company boutique of Penshoppe, etc), Tita Ting, my manager and mentor, invited me over at Glorietta to try some. After OT (its holiday-Ninoy Aquino day-yet we’re working! Hay!), we went straight to Glorietta where I’ve had this dark blue office blouse while she had a short shorts. She treated me out to French Baker after where I’ve tried Creamy Seafood Fettuccine Pasta while she had Vegetable Lasagna and refreshing Lemonade. We parted ways at Landmark and went home straight for we still have OT works tomorrow (another busy Saturday) *SIGH*

Friends Corner: Ate Pheng's Visit =)

I didn’t able to see Ate Pheng (a friend since grade school) as much as I want to during her 10 days visit from Korea. We’re supposed to meet Monday or Tuesday (Aug.17 or 18) but I haven’t received any txt from her (I thought she didn’t received my email stating my contacts, or maybe she did txt but I remember I exchanged sim cards Monday night for my other phone’s outgoing call is not working). I was so disappointed receiving a txt from her Aug24 (Monday) saying she’ll be going back to Korea that afternoon. *SIGH* Anyway, I’m sure she did enjoy her vacation, and that I somehow helped by not stealing a single time of her so she may spend more time with family. *WINK* (You may consider inviting us to Korea ate pheng, for a change! Lol!) We will surely meet again Phoebe dear, in time. =) Mishu Mishu! *HUGS*

Bezy' Corner: Gil's Secret of the Masters

Finally, Gil- my ultimate best friend (and crush! Oops! Top secret yun ha!). He has now learned new cooking menus as sautéed cabbage, ground meat and tofu in cornstarch sauce (imagine it yourself!), personally made burger patties, lechon paksiw con patatas, adobo ala mashed potato and the Japanese version of graham cake (zeby cooking ala chef sa Secret of the Masters db?!) Looking forward to taste all those sweetheart! And hey- I LOVE YOU!

‘Till next update! c”,)

hello zeby?

It’s been a while…and it’s been months without him around. (I hate this mushy feeling I’m usually in!) Sigh! :’c

Okay…okay…back to reality! Gil used to call me from Japan thru this KDDI Super World Card- a Prepaid card for International and Domestic Calls, which cost him 1150yen per card (closed to Pph600) and could be used for 18 minutes using landlines or 24 minutes using cell phones, depending on available means.

It was an officemate and his wife who introduced us to our very own Globe TipIDD Card- a prepaid International Call Card. I’d usually have the P100 denomination, which allows me a 12-minute voice call to Gil using my own Globe simed-handset (sometimes it exceeds to 14 minutes). Later on, I discovered the PLDT Budget Card, same 12 to 14-minute worth of call to Japan but using PLDT landlines instead.

To save on airtime charges, he did maintained a mobile phone line in Japan (courtesy of Sir Toto who was assigned 4 months ahead of him) thus we’re able to enjoy a cheaper means of communication (Imagine the previous Php600 worth of call card to today’s Pph100 card cost- of closely same airtime length). SMS is not a problem anymore too for he has availed roaming services from Globe, made possible thru a 3G capable handset acceptable in Japan.

Bravo (hooray! hooray!) to the modern and innovative technology we have nowadays for we’re able to enjoy clearer, faster and cheaper services without spending much on costs!

Btw, I came across with his previous letters, cards and similar stuffs in my files and found a bunch of KDDI Super World cards consumed during his last year’s assignment dated March to July ‘08. Would you believe I have found 40 pieces of cards of 1150yen each? (That’s around Pph23, 000.00).
I counted mine…and was surprised too! I had 25 used cards with me of Pph100 each…for July alone! We still have 4 long months to go and if we’ll be spending the same Pph2, 500 airtime cost each month, the total of Pph12, 500 would be around half of last year’s expenses.

Still, wish we could somehow be introduced to the word ‘savings’! lol!

‘Till next post! =)

a tribute to Tita Cory

“Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw) At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya'y nagmamahal)Sa bagong pag-asa”

a pic from the net in Paseo de Roxas after a short ceremony at Ninoy's monument

I’ve been one of those thousands of people who lined-up Ayala Avenue during the Funeral convoy of former President Corazon Aquino as her remains was transferred from Greenhills to Manila Cathedral. I, together with my colleagues, manager and even our Japanese General Manager went down all the way from the 21st floor of our building at around 11:30 that noon to witness and bid our last tribute and respect. (I have with me an N70 phone, took pictures and videos but don't have card reader available. *Sigh!) The convoy came at around 1pm (Yes! We managed to endure the 1.5hours of heat! Lol!).

I was about to just peek in, so I did not bring umbrella and even hanky with me. But to my great surprise, for that particular noon, Ayala Avenue became the witness of the suppressed cries of the Filipino people. Everybody’s chanting Cory! Cory! Cory! There were yellow banners with Pres. Cory and Senator Ninoy Aquino’s face on them, people were in their ‘LABAN’ signs, yellow ribbons, and balloons and confetti’s were raining everywhere.

It was as if I’ve been pushed to the street to experience ‘again’ what it feels like being a Filipino. We walked along the crowd, a familiar scenario during our ‘Iskolar ng Bayan’ college days. Actually, for me, the whole thing was not just to pay tribute to the late president in particular. It is mourning for the passing of somebody who stands firmly to what is right thru the mightiest weapon of all- the rosary. It is applauding somebody for the triumphant battle she just made in her life’s journey and the silent cry of hope of the Filipino people for transparent and honest governance as she’d shown.

Everything has been said. Every detail has been written.

I didn’t able to participate in the 1986 EDSA Revolt for I was what? 2 years old? But somehow, I did able to give my share in this generations’ farewell thanks to the one responsible for the democracy we’re enjoying these days. I may not be able to meet her personally anymore, but I’m thankful I’ve had much of her that I may tell to my kids in the future.

To President Cory, thank you very much! We owe you a lot!

Experiencing DADS

In honor of fathers who instilled in us admonitions and legacies, especially in eating and kitchen manners, DADS- the Ultimate Buffet was introduced. (I myself learned those from mama, but I remember papa providing and preparing all my favorites- seafoods in particular- whenever I’d have the chance to visit my hometown- Gumaca, Quezon). DADS showcase continental buffet, Saisaki Japanese specialties and Kamayan’s authentic Filipino cuisine in one.

It was an unexpected dinner with Dhel- Gil’s best friend and wife Chele at DADS in Glorietta last July 20. They’re just in a vacation from Singapore and I thought all along that I would just get Dhel’s pasalubong for Gil since he’s not around and that I’ll treat them out to coffee as to Gil’s request and to give the Chocolate Marjolaine from Red Ribbon for their kids. With them were Ann and Venz, Chele’s friends who’ve been Gil’s ‘especial’ friends once (I was surprised and pleased at the same time meeting them in person!). I already met the couple once and it’s not really a big deal mingling with them for they’re very friendly (the friendship Dhel and Gil have is superb! They were like brothers actually!)

picture ops before the buffet feast

Back to DADS, it has an eat-all-you-can, no-left-over concept (So beware! You might fill-in your plate to the fullest without you knowing! Lol!) It is also the usual choice of ‘balikbayan’ families since it has a wide array of cuisines as Italian, Mexican, Korean, Japanese, French, American and authentic Filipino dishes. There were kebabs too and a lot lot more I couldn’t remember names anymore! Bakit ba eh I’m busy picking up this one, that one, that also…and everything else! Lol! I’m already in the midst of my feast when I learned of the no-left-over concept! Haha! I have no choice though! Forget about the diet issues! Lol!

my humble plate (sori, can't help it!)

help yourself!

kimchii, anyone?

unlimited foods, anywhere!

I was so full I thought I couldn’t make it to dessert anymore! But the salad bar was so tempting (green salad is my favorite!) along with the blueberry cheesecakes, leche flan (caramel custard) and luscious chocolate fondue! (I’ve tried dipping chunks of apple and pineapple aside from champola after seeing it done by someone! Haha! I was totally clueless how it’s being done! Lol!) Cakes, mousses, pies, different flavors of ice creams, muffins among others were available too.

dessert =)

dhel and the salad bar

oh so yummy chocolate fondue!

We're already being serenaded by the resto's band when I remembered I’m a SEAFOOD enthusiast! Where seems to be the seafoods gone? =) Yes I had tempura, crab sticks and a slice of squid with broccoli. But if I was in my usual self (nawindang dw ba? dami kz choices eh! Haha!) I might indulge with more shrimps, more squids, more crabs, and more seashells to name a few! Lol!

Before we go, Dhel handed me a big white box of Diesel watch for Gil while Chele gave us boxes of Cadbury chocolates and Merlion key chains. It felt like having a new bunch of friends with them. If only Gilbert was with us (Ikaw nlng kulang zeb!) =(

To the couple, my late thank you!
Wish we could meet you again, hopefully in Singapore this time.
Our best regards! =)