Chili's Alcohol Ban

Elections can be good for a country in many other ways. Apart from the gun ban and bodyguard ban, establishments and citizens actually follow the alcohol ban a week before the election day. It was the night before the elections and we found ourselves in Chili's for an impromptu chitchat with our friend. Of course, Chili's is known among the youth mostly for its cocktails and free-flowing alcohol paired with its big servings of American-style food. Because of the alcohol ban, I came to appreciate new food and good conversation even without the help of the spirits.

Single Princesses and Blind Dates Drama 单身公主相亲记

Watch Single Princesses and Blind Dates Drama 单身公主相亲记 (My Literal Translation: Single Princess/es Blind Dating Diary) if you are into Chinonovelas. The length of the series is 30 episodes, about 20 hours total. The film's major locations are Shanghai and ChongMing Dao 崇明島. Single Princesses and Blind Dates is a Mainland production. It just hit the TV screens in the Mainland and I happened to catch it one day. Don't be surprised if they convert it to Filipino in the next few months. You'll also see what sand art is all about. I just finished my marathon today. Here are my two favorite characters: 

It would be overkill if these two ended up together in the series.

The Gravity of Blogging

Let's make it clear by illustrating that blogging is the center of my world. I have been living in this world for the past few months exploring it nonstop day and night. As with any adventure, some parts of myself have leaked out as soon as I filled myself with all these new experiences. I want to highlight this incredible pull taking me in deeper and encouraging me to transform and improve myself further. What sparked this muse? I believe the answer lies with the universe.

Facts on Philippine Barangay & SK Elections

Today, I learned that I am not qualified to vote for the SK elections since I am no longer 15 to 18. I originally thought the SK and Barangay Elections go hand-in-hand. Instead, I just learned that they just made the voting date the same for practical reasons. Why not hold it last May 2010 too? I only heard about the Sangguniang Kabataan after college when some elected candidate put it in his resume. Of course, I had not lived in the same house or neighborhood for more than 4 to 6 years in a row. For me, it was all school and house and workplace until I hit a hard, hard wall this year. This year, all the hype about automated elections and a more dynamic form of government persuaded me to vote in the May 2010 elections. Everything was easy because all the information was there from the voter registration to the precinct information to the election day process. I don't watch the news and read newspapers even then but I knew of the "Bilog Bilog" song long before the May elections. Now, I am not even sure if I qualify to vote for the Barangay Elections. I couldn't find anything in the internet to answer this simple qualifier question, "Does it mean that I can vote in the Barangay Elections if I was able to vote last May or is it a different registration?"

My Love Affair with Parisian Macaroons

I've been struggling with the thought of getting that Bizu card for months now and it's not because I can't afford it at P250. It's exactly because of that future drive to earn the P250 back past the break-even point by purchasing more of those very sinful Parisian macaroons that I absolutely refuse to get that card. I used to hate going to Bizu (I didn't find anything that I wanted to eat for the longest time) and I often wondered about the Bizu craze in the past few years. The original Parisian macaroons that my parents brought home from Europe did not taste that good too.

A Day for Myself and My Closest Buddies

The Electrolux Wash-a-Palooza event still pushed through with the rain. It was a good day to hang around Eastwood in a Saturday for a change. I was not dressed up for the amazing race but I still had fun watching and being the official photographer for the day. First, I finished all the pasta I could eat in Jack's Loft and chilled out by the lounge all afternoon while they were running around and getting lost. It wasn't hard to keep busy for roughly two hours because of the free WIFI, Jeff's ITouch and the cafe-like experience. The YoCard free postcards and magazines were also there to enrich my mind. The True Faith concert in the early evening was also part of the event and it was fun to realize that I actually grew up with some of their songs (knowing all the lyrics and all). The other bloggers were there to share the victory of Jeff's team. Dinner followed with a generous free serving of Fazoli (although I was never really accustomed to their food). 

Stuck in Fantasyland

I attended my first authentic Kiddie Party last Friday - AS IN! The clubhouse was reserved for this occasion and a party organizer was hired to do the works for a seventh birthday party - balloons, decorations, stage, tables, catering, program and a fairy emcee. The guest list could easily have been 200-250 people and the mix was around half-half adults and kiddies. I was oblivious to the program going on but I could hear the kids dancing, singing, performing and playing games on stage with their victimized mommys, daddys and yayas. Our side (the back portion) was filled with babies, relatives and friends of the celebrant's parents who engaged in their adult talk.

An Encounter With Guyabano

My dinner was paired with guyabano shake yesterday. The fruit was not alien to me and I have always thought that it was an okay fruit (not as bad as durian or papaya which would make me cringe at the thought of eating) although I don't recall eating it even once in my entire life. At my first sip, I couldn't help but think that I have tasted it before. It must have been one of those canned juices we used to have with the Melon Milk and Peach Drink. Before finishing half the glass of the shake, I also noticed that the contents were a bit chewy. It was a different experience drinking a juice with chewy "pulp" and it made me decide that I would rather drink guyabano juice than eat the fruit by itself. I was proud of myself for trying something unfamiliar and adding to my accomplishments for the day (I made improvised kimchi rice for lunch and sushi rolls in the afternoon). Come nighttime, I was craving for something to eat or drink while watching TV in my room and I surprisingly reached out for another round of the guyabano shake in the fridge (this time i filtered the juice a little). I also began googling about it (primarily to see what those chewy things looked like inside the fruit) and learned a thing or two about the guyabano.

Info on Philippine Barangay & SK Elections

I was watching Strictly Politics mindlessly on their discussion about the upcoming barangay and SK elections. Here are the things I learned. Originally, barangays were divided per 5000 residents (for city barangay) and 2000 residents (for municipal barangay) respectively according to the local code (any excess should form another barangay already). This being said, a city could only be called such in the past if it has 5000 residents. Now, the population per barangay determine how much budget they will get. Barangay elections are supposed to be non-partisan (no partylist) and are supposed to be conducted with the least possible expense (no campaigning). It used to be that nobody wants to be elected to this position. The final words of the guest politicians include one who hopes that the barangay can become a dynamic unit of government where people who practice good governance can offer their services to the people. They characterize the barangay as that which "brings the government to your doorstep". The delivery of the most number of basic services and leading your people to a better life makes a good barangay official.

It just made me think of these things.

Noodles, My Love

I am having these childhood memories again. This time, it's about noodles. I don't remember the first time I ate noodles like I don't remember almost everything about my life. I have every idea though of preserving my love for noodles for as long as I can. I always look forward to birthday celebrations especially those held in Gloria Maris for the infamous Chinese birthday noodles. They don't have them  as much nowadays due to the other noodle types, which was probably why I love them even more. I am also a fan of Korean noodles because I love a chewy treat. My craving for ramen, on the other hand, has never stopped since I was a kid. My head has been screaming for ramen lately with the opening of Ramen Bar. 

Culinary Terrorism

Ever heard of deconstructed dining where you can eat unusual items like the menu? How about spending around $25,000 to dine and be strapped to your seat up in the sky? They even have bonus entertainment also held by a crane and you can have the pick of the view you want. How about eating authentic Grandma-cooked Italian food? Flintstone sizes of baby back ribs? I want to travel the world and see them for myself.

I Found Kalihim!

I was surprised to find it in a bakeshop like Globake but I finally know its name - it's Kalihim! It's my favorite childhood treat and I used to ride a tricycle to that small bakery near our old house just to buy some. The one I found in Globake looked much more presentable but the filling was not quite the same. This had like an ube coconut taste unlike my favorite which had a more reddish color and more sugary filling. The filling is supposed to be a little harder too but the bread was just right and slightly sweet. I was so happy and reminisced about the old-style pan de sal, soft sugar doughnuts and the kababayan. The traditional Filipino small bakery (panaderia) is scarce and hard to find already, at least those that sells yummy Pinoy bread. The taste from commercialized ones like Pan de Manila do not quite capture that authentic taste anymore.

The Power of Music

I listened to the translation of the Angela Aki song Tegami yesterday. It's a song about a letter written to an older self and a reply by that same self telling her that all things will pass. I looked back on my 15-year-old self and my past experiences last night. Maybe I was too emotional back then to talk to myself but I definitely felt that I was alone and so misunderstood, as if my whole world was collapsing and I'd never get through it. The girls who heard the song for the first time were really crying. I guess when you're young, almost all the people around you wouldn't care if your world was falling apart and you feel lost.

I guess now I can only laugh at myself for taking things too seriously and hurting myself in the process. My childhood problems seem insignificant now but sometimes I miss the different and intense feelings of those times. There was definitely a time when I had the guts to fight for love and to just enjoy my life without a care in the world. I wonder if things have changed. I think I have grown weaker. I guess people just hurt you and pry on your life intentionally because they need the drama in their lives.

Heard About Josie Cruz Natori

Today I watched the Lifestyle Channel feature on Josie Cruz Natori, a Filipina designer who has made it in international fashion. From her passion for the arts and music to being proud of her roots to giving back through charity galas, her world must be full of life and purpose. They say that only Josie Natori can bring together the five CEOs of the top department store brands such as Sak's and Bloomingdale's. It's a little sad that I only heard about her today since most of her work is outside of the country. I think they are based in New York but based on the feature, her team is comprised of Filipino designers and workers to make her clothes as well.

What is good about the designs is that they are simple and mostly looks very Asian. Her lingerie would surely make me smile in secret. Her other pieces are designed to be worn outside the house as well as inside. Natori's forte is beadwork and embroidery (I would love to have one of those silky robes.). What I love most are the ready-to-wear pieces that will make you look simple and chic. Her collections are available only in Rustan's here in the Philippines. I must say that I wish someday I could splurge in style with her creations. I would remember that name in the meantime and I will be in the lookout for her three brands Josie, Cruz and Natori when I go shopping.

All Mixed Up

I had the most shocking experience. I wondered after how I was taught English and Filipino when I was young. The results were actually convincing and the lessons I have learned stuck long after that encounter. I put my hands down to Javier! Thank you. I guess I was still disoriented that my feet brought me to the Taiwan Film Festival in Shangrila again. This time around though it was so unplanned and as I said, not myself yet, so I went in half-heartedly at the exact play time. There were no lines outside this time and everybody was in already. A woman behind me suddenly asked if I collect stamps. She was offering and I obliged because it rekindled my youthful interest in them. Now I have to make time to find that stampbook since I had to add the ones I bought from this lady. The situation and timing seemed awkward but I doubt if she could make money for 20 pesos a set. She was 80 and these were her old collections she said. As for me, I jumped on the deal hoping that my hundred could take me places someday. With all these weird happenings I had, plus a movie that I couldn't make myself watch anymore, I went out the theater in the middle of the film feeling very tired and confused.

I came back to my senses at around dinnertime for that gastronomic adventure in CCA Restaurant in Eastwood. It wasn't meant to be for ramen so we tried out this hidden culinary school restaurant instead. Unlike Enderun, CCA has a more casual feel to it. We ordered the Slow-Cooked Beef with risotto (with free salad bar and soup buffet) and the Seafood Linguini with tomato sauce plus an extra favor to add cream. I ended up raiding the salad bar, tried the soups and lickin' my pasta bowl. The verdict: the food was reasonably priced for a full-course meal and we ended up like two very belly satisfied. We would definitely go back, me to try that corn soup they didn't refill and to try the other stuff in their menu. I was definitely happy about the food upgrade. I was dead tired when we got to Ronza's for a birthday bash. But I sampled the unlimited Nachos and Cheese before I went home early. It was a nice brief night of catching up with a few friends. 

Enderun and Culinary Restaurants

To be in Enderun seemed like a castle-like, majestic and fairy-tale experience, where you will eat good food paired with good service. The service had to be world-class with its international administrators and educational system. Or because the name sounds classy at the very least. I had these thoughts when I entered the restaurant of this college. I wish we had scorecards to rate the students to make it a different experience. I once heard of a restaurant also run by those offering a culinary education cooking up 50-peso full-course meals. If 50 pesos is the price for being a food lab guinea pig then I wouldn't miss that culinary adventure for the world. That was a gig they do on lunch during weekdays and closed on weekends because there were no classes. I think it's still available. I'll divulge the details to my friends and make the plans for the future food trip. Maybe after I've tried it on October...

Back to Enderun, the food took too long to arrive for me and I wish it wasn't because of the GC. But as long as the conversation kept on flowing, I guess it would be tolerable. The bread was yummy so I had two or three helpings before I stopped myself and continued waiting on the main meal. NomNom =) ordered the Pork Belly with rice. Jeff ordered Slow-Cooked Beef with french fries. I ordered Tagliatelle Pasta with parma ham and truffle cream sauce. The verdict: a little pricey and the food was so-so only for me. My pasta tasted like something I had before that I hated but this one was not too salty so I liked it. The beef didn't taste like beef. The pig with the pork belly was fat. The good thing about this place is that I think they change the menu often. The ambiance is magnifique, especially the events place that was all setup for the party that night. I would like to hold an event there someday - the place looked grand. It was very inviting and it could be intimate due to the size. Our timing was not perfect for the school tour but I was glad for it too. Maybe it's just the grand design and white walls that captivated me. I wouldn't go ahead with the tour if the insides would ruin my impression of the place.

"Healing" Spa and Berroni's Pizza

I swore I would never go to the spa again but the temptation was strong enough to carry me to Hotel H2O in Manila Ocean Park. The spa manager differentiated their spa with "healing properties". We were hooked with the scientific experiments and it was like we were in a lab and he was the scientist. There was the explanation about the positive ions forever present in our environment (which are unstable and mutate in the city) and his claim that a Japanese company has invented a way to balance it with materials that give out negative ions. It will increase blood flow for one and our fingers were subjected to a capillary microscope immediately. It turns out that my capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in my body, are pretty healthy (except for that one twisted capillary from the "lechon kawali"), they were visibly long and has a regular flow rate of blood, according to the microscopic evidence. When the material emitting negative ions was put in my arm near the finger, the flow rate within the capillaries magically increased. The excitement died down when the treatment started. Sadly, the material made that cute scarf cost a whopping three thousand plus pesos! The massage was normal and okay...until I was pressured to give a tip. I was also a little bothered when they were at a loss about what's next and made me wait out in the open. The hot bed was different but I was a little uncomfortable with the effects on my back shoulder henna mess. But it tickled my creativity and it was a different feeling to be in a sauna-like room lying down, at the same time alone in the dark with your thoughts. I ended the treatment after I couldn't breathe anymore. I was sweating like a pig in less than 30 minutes. The concept of the spa was nice but I couldn't get over the fact that the service was very poor and that no one was there to explain to me the connection between the "healing" intro speech and the spa treatment. Meanwhile, the little chat with the girls in the locker room calmed my nerves. It was like a spa party with friends that I never had. 

I was delighted when it was time to try out Berroni's, the pizza that I never had too. Berroni's is a quiet little place near the Valle Verde Country Club. It was named after the three sons of the Chinese owner, which surprisingly sounds very Italian to us. I ordered dinner myself without waiting for Jeff in my excitement. I ordered the Mushroom Soup, their Rockefeller Oysters, Lasagna and the Berroni's Pizza for us. The verdict was good - the ambiance is nice and it was a filling light dinner. The food though was perfect for a light afternoon snack or if you are just chilling out with your friends. The oysters were the bestsellers and the typical Berronian way to eat is with their hot sauce and some calamansi if you dare. The recipes come from an old restaurant in Metrowalk that closed down and it's a good thing that the staff still remained to revive the specials through Berroni's. 

A Rare Silence

Today, I watched a baby sleep for the first time. Unconcerned with all the noise around him, he slept so peacefully. I simply couldn't take my eyes off of him. I found myself content at staring, I didn't want to disturb his sleep. When he woke up, he was the center of attention. The others found him unusually quiet and unresponsive to all their provoking. When he turned his head to me, his fingers caught my hand and he stared at me amusingly. I hesitated to hold him in my arms for fear that I may do something wrong to this beautiful baby. But I wanted in my own way to make him smile. He was the perfect baby at the moment, I wish my future baby will be as quiet and used to people like him.

We were all gathered for the annual MoonCake Festival celebration of J's extended family. As what is tradition among the Chinese-Filipino families living in the country, we participated in a dice game with the exciting prizes at mind. The game was followed by a potluck and home-cooked dinner complete from salads to soup to pasta, chicken, beef, seafood and dessert. The air was filled with laughing and story-telling as groups form at separate dining tables. Children were also running around and playing with their young cousins. I don't have a big family and our celebrations are limited to my immediate family, an uncle, an aunt and my two cousins. Until now, I am still not used to being in big crowds and spending the day with a lot of people. When things slow down though, I wish I could be that baby who is left alone in peace. But the success rate would definitely be increased if I were as oblivious as him to the uncontrollable things happening around me.

Freebies and Contests Galore

I tagged along to a Tang launching event in SM Mall of Asia for the unveiling of the coolest Tang Pick & Go Baon Pack. The hall was filled with kiddies and parents all lined up for the activities such as the pachingko and the face painting booths. While waiting, there was enough time to take a picture with the big IMAX modules for the Think Big Photo Contest. We saw the Eden booth promoting the Sarap ng Pasko a few steps away. This used to be an Eden Cheese Cafe a few months back but now, they are just using it for online registration site via IPad for the campaign. Jeff and I also decided to try out the Delifrance Tongue Twister Promo and ended up going to Netopia just to print that coupon for the Chicken Bourbon Sampler (around 1/3 of the original). "How much bourbon can a chicken drink if a chicken can drink bourbon?" is stuck in my head after reciting it for the cashier three times. The sampler was good and filling for a snack and it left me thinking that I have tasted something like it before, probably along the lines of Chicken BBQ. Back at the Tang event launching, I ran into a friend who was part of an ad agency handling the event. Here I learned from Jeff that several ad agencies can work together, but with separate jobs, at the same campaign. We watched the program until the end when they announced the winner for their contest. The new Tang sachet 3-in-1 drink is a great concept with its different flavors. The good thing about this is that kids can bring it to school and make the drink they like themselves. I don't know about others but this instant drink can teach kids a thing or two about lifting a finger and make their juice.

Dinner was a buffet GC for two claimed at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Galleria. Jeff and I had a great time in 7 Suites and we both agreed that the selection was just right. It is not as abundant as Spiral in Sofitel but it won't lose to Circles or the Hyatt buffets with added points for its location in the heart of Ortigas  which was nearer to us. The selection was complete with a salad bar, bread and cheese corner, cold seafood, Japanese sushi and sashimi, Indian food, Chinese noodles, pasta, pizza and meat section, a generous slab of rib eye and a hidden helping of lechon. There was also a desert corner with fruits, gelato, sherbet, cakes and chocolate fondue. I loved the tomato cream pasta and lemon-butter lobster that I asked for as a favor outside of the selection. The place was not jam-packed too, the service is good and parking is free. It is a quiet place to have a good conversation with your date. 

Expenses for the Day: 

Netopia computer time and printing - Php 12

Delifrance extra order of peach croissant - below Php 100

Henna Mess

I spent the week recovering from the flu and a severe allergic reaction to the henna tattoos I got in Boracay. In one week, my fun and unique tattoos at the back of my hand and my upper back turned from black to itchy red and it felt like a horror movie. From the moment I had them, I had been reluctant and careful to wash them (the more visible one at the back of my hand especially) with soap for fear that the memories from the trip and the excitement I experienced will simply fade away like that. And because I look at it every day so happily, I had noticed the tiny red bumps that started forming that Wednesday afternoon right away. At first I thought it might be a symptom of dengue for I had the flu already going on since Monday and I was in a very bad shape. Surprisingly though, the red bumps appeared only in the outlines of my henna tattoos. I went online and found out that this type of allergy from henna tattoos was common, especially from small shops and in my case, sidewalk offers in third-world beach destinations. I was horrified to find out that it could scar forever. I helped myself to a tablet of Celestamine I kept for emergencies and rushed to the E.R. that night just to be sure. The doctor confirmed that it was contact dermatitis and prescribed anti-histamines for 5 days. I wondered how long the tattoos will stay there. Before I had the allergic reaction, I had wanted to wash off any red ballpoint pen residue used for my back to draw the tattoo so I washed it with a deep action cleanser I use for my face, soap and hot water all the time. I also accidentally scratched the one at my back on the first day so washing it all off did not matter anymore since the design was ruined anyway. After the E.R. incident, I tried to wash and rinse the area where the all the tattoos are (including the black of my hand) but I could see that little specs of black ink are still there at close range. Together with the red bumps.

The torture went on for that 5 days until now. It is also so dangerously itchy and I found myself time and time again, even after distractions, continuously scratching the red bumps. The bumps fully outline the design of my tattoos now especially at my upper back and they look like burn marks at my back. Tying my hands together did not help either. Distracting yourself is the key - doing other stuff, asking yourself if you want to have scars forever and taking cold baths. I am guessing those hot baths and rinsing did helped my skin in some way absorb the chemicals from the henna tattoos faster by opening up the pores more. I wish my body would recover from the stress I had put it through and for the physical scars to heal in time too. The experience will stay with me though as a very good learning to treat your body well and to remember that when you want to have fun in the long run. And it is the experiences that matter not the tokens that will only dig a hole in your pocket. The tattoo artists, as I would say, were only trying to make a living and they are very good at what they do. According to some, these people do not get penalized and had never been prosecuted because by the time the allergy appears (around 1 week), the tourists are already home or at some other place. Maybe they don't know themselves. I have wondered all this time why they, exposed to the henna as seen in the stains of their palms and hands, probably did not have the same experience as I had. It would not be wise to earn a living so openly about a substance you know would cause great harm or pain to other people, and in this case tourists who sustain their everyday living, and even pose so happily in the picture with me. Maybe my skin is just sensitive from my other allergies and glorious city living. Better not risk it too much next time and just spread the word to be careful when having fun.

Update: I recovered from this. I actually forgot when but as of 2013, no marks/scars whatsoever left.