Life is good

WHAT A GIRL WANTS

2010-09-10T16:47:00.002+08:00

-someone who would plan and go to amazing beach trips with her

-someone who would go out of their way to make her feel that she is loved e.g. something like that stunt Heath Ledger did for Julia Styles at 10 Things I Hate About You - when he sang in front of the whole campus while she was playing soccer or someone who'd give the girl flowers just because it's a Monday

-someone who'd try to enjoy reggae songs or any type of music she prefers

-someone who'd want to watch the sunset or sunrise with her while smiling at her or holding her hand

-someone who'd ask how her day was

-someone who'd try something new with her every weekend

-someone who'd be interested to know what's going on in her mind and offer to give advice when asked

-someone who feels lucky just to be with her and never make her feel that she's taking too much of his time

-someone who wouldn't cuss her even at their worst argument

-someone who'd offer human warmth when the movie house gets too cold

-someone who'd look at her - and she'd feel instantly that she's wanted and loved

-someone who's willing to give or doanything to make her smile everyday - no matter what the cost or effort is required

The Orchard Road - SM Megamall

2010-09-06T17:49:00.002+08:00

I just discovered this new Singaporean-themed resto near the new Atrium, Megamall.
It's called - Orchard Road.

I've tried their Hainanese chicken to judge if it's close to the real deal - and well - they passed! :)

Paid P 165 for this dish - not that bad - I guess, even the price is pretty close to those found at the Hawker Malls in Singapore but the servings there are definitely bigger.

I've spent my US Labor Day sweating it out at the gym and discovering a new place to eat at. Still got a lot of time to enjoy the rest of Monday. :)

Beauty Brick Hair Art Salon: Digital Perm Experience

2010-08-23T12:49:00.006+08:00

I am 99% satisfied with my first digital perm experience at the Beauty Brick Salon.

I just received an SMS message from their stylist - Mr. Shin, asking "How's the condition of your curls?" In my many years of existence, and numerous trips to Salons, this is the first time my stylist texted me to ask how my hair is. They certainly care.

Last Friday, August 20, 2010, I called for an appointment 2 hrs before the actual time. They had an enthusiastic receptionist on the other line - who said that they will be glad to wait for me. I was then greeted by a bunch of happy Salon assistants and of course - Mr. Shin. I also liked the interior of their Salon - it's something I'd want to use in my own room. It's funky, yet minimalist.

They immediately shampooed and conditioned my hair, then Mr. Shin examined my hair. He decided that the Stackers Style (half-rebond, half digital perm) will suit me fine. He showed me a picture of how it's gonna look like - which in turn - got me a bit excited. I also showed him pictures from hazel's wedding - wc I said - is the look I wanted to channel. Although that was curl setting, he said that it was pretty nice and that what he's gonna do should be close.

Althroughout the treatment, they offered my coffee/tea/or water. They also asked if "I was comfortable or if the blow drier was too hot or what time I needed to leave."

I had the best experience at the Salon - but let's wait and see how long my curls will last.

Here's the end result:

SUMMARY OF BEAUTY BRICK HAIR ART SALON's DIGITAL PERM EXPERIENCE:

Cost: P 3,600 all in (regular price is 4k, but because my hair is thinner than usual, they gave me the discount).

Duration: 3 hrs.

Stylist: Mr. Shin (Japan-trained)

Location: Unit 103 Dona Consolacion Bldg., 122 Jupiter St., Bel Air, Makati City

Contact Details: 473-5108/0917.520.0044

A line from SATC

2010-06-09T12:26:00.002+08:00

"Is it possible to make a mistake and miss your fate?"

-Carrie Bradshaw

Proud of our cocktail creations

2009-08-23T11:05:00.007+08:00

here's just a few of the cocktails concocted from b's pad:

1. b's orange Margarita; 2. b's kiwi Margarita; 3. t's yummy bloody mary

Untitled Poem

2009-07-13T15:16:00.003+08:00

hands of an angel
i long to hold
only your fingertips
can warm my cold
'tis a tormented life...
these emotions to unfetter
with not your hand
my heart will shatter

skin of silk
i long to caress
in this world of anger
you calm my distress
so much to give
so much to gain
a lifetime together
would never bring pain

lips of velvet
i long to kiss
were i to release you
my life would be amiss
only forever
can my heart be true
on earth and in Heaven
this I promise to you

do you feel the same?
it may never be known
your world of silence
might never be shown
for now and for always
for you, I will be
simply listen to your heart
there I am waiting... for you
and for me

-anonymous

**in a world where everything is fast-paced and with constant changes that will make your head spin, it is soothing to know you can take a step back and take time for love.

Good-bye Letter

2009-06-17T11:05:00.002+08:00

To you,

This might be the last letter I'd write you. I hope I don't leave out anything.

I need you to know that I want nothing but your happiness, even if I am not part of it. I want you to be healthy at all costs. I will be in despair if you fall ill.
I hope nothing comes to harm you, or take your smile away. I hope you continue doing the things you love.

I hope you know how special you are and that no one could replace you in my heart.

It may be over but I am grateful that you made me understand how it is to love. Although there's really no one I'd rather share sunsets with than you, I hope you don't forget to watch them when you get the chance. They should serve as a reminder that there's always something beautiful in this world, something you can look forward to no matter how bad your day turned out to be.

-Me

HOW TO LOSE YOUR TEAM IN 10 DAYS

2009-05-28T09:12:00.002+08:00

1. Ignore internal conflicts
2. Do not recognize individual contributions/accomplishments
3. Depend on luck
4. When things get tough, cry.When you don't have everyone's support, cry.When you wet your pants, cry
5. Hold information that the intended recipients need to hear
6. Promote people who can't define and practice integrity and finds worth ethics laughable
7. Forget what leadership means
8. Contradict every single word you say, and make sure to leave everyone confused

I saw it coming

2009-05-23T10:47:00.000+08:00

Kris Allen's the 2009 American Idol .

Free WiFi sites in Metro Manila

2009-05-22T16:17:00.000+08:00

Here are some of the Free WiFi hotspots in Metro Manila that I've tried. Will continue updating this list.

1. Blenz, Megamall. - NOTE: If you need to charge your battery, you will need to purchase their products with a minimum price of P250.

2. Secret Recipe, Megamall

3. Burger King, Galleria

Ode to Banana

2009-05-21T21:31:00.000+08:00

8:56 pm
Room

ODE TO BANANA

No, I am not referring to the fruit.

Banana is my half-japanese spitz, half mongrel dog who’s currently dying from a cyst that grew as big as an average-sized pillow in her tummy. She just turned 13 years old this month.

It is very painful watching her cry in silence and take in all the pain. Human beings at least can scream and let everyone know they are in pain. My banana just stares at me as if telling me to help take her pain away. She can no longer walk, and can barely lift her head to drink water.

I know at this point, it is useless to bring her to a vet where her cyst could be removed. She’s weak now and very old. All I can do is make her as comfortable as she can. I’ve placed a blanket in her cage to keep the insects from disturbing her sleep. I helped her drink water. I called her name over and over- hoping all these will help soothe the pain away.

I couldn’t help but cry at the sight of her.

She was my bestfriend. I don’t really know if it has been proven that dogs can sense when their masters are sad or are sick. When I was either of the two, she knew. She would rest her head in my lap. She would let me know that she’s there for me. I try my best to make her feel that I am there for her completely. She’s very popular among my closest friends-as they don’t share the same sentiments I have about her.. It’s the perfect opposite. They hated banana for being fierce to them. She was only loyal and kind to me. She was very scary to other folks. Despite that, I have nothing but love for my dog. I sincerely apologized to my friends afterwards.

This afternoon, I prayed for God to “take her now, take her pain away. Please don’t let my dog suffer. Let her go to heaven where she can join the angels and the rest of the dogs in heaven. She did nothing but good to me and to my family.”

I hope it’s a better day for her tomorrow.

"People are flawed"

2009-05-20T23:39:00.001+08:00

Today I’ve ordered Strawberry Yoghurt Chillo at Blenz. This one tasted like bubblegum, I like Iced Matcha Latte better.

Earlier, I’ve shared this quote with a co-TL and friend-Noel—“when you think things are falling apart, think again, they might just be falling into place.” It’s the same thing I’ve believed when our client pulled out support from Sykes forcing the entire team to move out or transfer to other accounts.

I knew it was going to be difficult to start over, but I was excited with the idea. I had so many things planned when I left Sykes since April but so far, I’ve only been successful with the following:

1. Getting a US B1/B2 Visa
2. Making a list of ideas for business and other personal plans and reading up on how to get there
3. Helping my dad with his small construction business
4. Enjoying my sabbatical-like vacation with the people I love
5. Spending 6 days, 5 nights in my most favorite place in the Philippines-Boracay
6. Updating my blog

Just wanted to write down this quote I’ve heard from the Angels and Demons movie which I’ve watched last Friday at Galleria “People are flawed.”

It is the perfect description of human beings especially the one sitting beside me at the Galleria Movie house. I told my friends to remind me never to watch in Galleria for important movies such as this one. The guy was insensitive enough to annoy the wits out of me when he consistently texted and answered his calls. Ringers were all in high volume.

Blogging at Blenz, Megamall

2009-05-19T05:20:00.000+08:00

It is my first time to try blogging in a public place. It’s exactly 2:20 pm and I’m at Blenz, Megamall where wi-fi is free.

My Acer Aspire One works perfectly. It’s the size of my journal-very lightweight. It also helps that Intel atom N280 processor doesn’t disappoint as well. The moment I started typing, I felt at home.

The baristas in Blenz were very accommodating and knowledgeable. They made my first time at their place worthwhile, I will definitely go back. I’ve ordered a supremo sized drink –Macha latte which they claim to be oozing with health and well, we’ll see. It tastes like green tea. I’ll never order this with Whipped cream.

Now I can find inspiration through the people who pass me by at the mall, people whom I love to observe-and sometimes subconsciously copying or criticizing.

Shun Philippine Government Offices if you can

2009-05-14T12:08:00.000+08:00

In my whole 30 years of existence, I've so far had the "lucky" chance to go to Government offices 5x:

1. LTO (Land Transportation Office)

Purpose: To get my Non-Pro Driver's License
Total Time I've spent here: 8 freakin' hours
Experience: There were around 200 people in their 50sqm Office in San Juan, Manila. Aircon? What Aircon? Ohh don't ask me about the line. Walang sinabi yung line sa lotto during wednesdays or people in Baclaran church. Don't expect to get smiles from anyone in the reception booth. You'll definitely encounter fixers here (fixers-people who intervene to enable someone to get his/her papers processed quicker at a ridiculous amount of money).

Does it really need to take 8 hours to get a driver's license? Where's justice in the world?

2. SSS
Purpose: To apply for Digitized ID
Total Time I've spent here: 3 unholy hours
Experience: 3 hours just to get an ID says it all. By the time I had to get my picture taken by Digital Camera, my smile faded.

3. Quezon City Hall
Purpose: To get a certified true copy of Condo Certitificate of Title.
Total Time I've spent here: 4 unholy hours
Experience: No Aircon. A Lalalalalong lines. Really if you were there with me, and patience is not your strength, you will find the urge to punch somebody. Nah, did you expect to get smiles in this office?

4. PhilHealth
Purpose: To request for information about moving to another company
Total Time I've spent here: 2 gross hours
Experience: Scene here is worst than the Wowowee crowd in the infamous stampede in ULTRA. After falling in line for an hour and a half, the woman who finally assisted me sheepishly said "Our systems are down, please return tomorrow." Believe me, this wasn't spoken in the slightest apologetic or empathetic or friendly tone.

5. BIR, RDO 050 office in Makati
Purpose: To process Form 1905.
Total Time I've spent here: 4 inhumane hours
Experience: Aircon can barely be felt. NOT A SINGLE BIR REPRESENTATIVE knew how to smile. Are they overworked and underpaid or something? Whatever the reason is, it shouldn't give them any reason to make it difficult for the people who've been in line for unreasonable hours!

Here's exactly what happened to me, went up to the guy in the counter and showed him my form and told him what I need to do. He told me (without looking at my form and at me) that I should fall in line. I obediently followed. Waited in line for 2 hours, only to be told that I need to process my papers in their QUEZON CITY AVE. OFFICE. Hello? Epitome of inefficiency--kayo ba yan?

On my way out the door, there was this sweaty lady who was huffing and puffing from running to ask a BIR rep which Makati BIR office she needs to go to process her stuff. The BIR rep just simply gave her a smart answer "There are four Makati offices!" then she ran away.

"Bastos!" is what the sweaty lady said. "Well said" I told myself.

***I've worked in the Customer Service Industry for almost 9 years now. So far, none of these Government Offices have exhibited good Customer Service to me. I have paid my taxes on time (despite the big dent it leaves in my pocket), I have been a good citizen (I think), and I have been friendly and courteous to their representatives. Aren't those reason enough to be treated at least with respect?

How long have these government offices been around? Why can't there be better service to the people? These people are the reason for the offices to be here in the first place!

If things don't change and if I were you, avoid going to Government offices if you can. However, if it's really necessary, make sure to bring a lot of patience and stuff to make you entertained while waiting in line for YEARS.

Random Thoughts

2009-05-14T12:01:00.000+08:00

"Don't stop dreaming!" keeps popping in my head.. Like that unstoppable pop-ups that we see from persistent ads online.

I have regrets about not writing down those kind of reminders or random thoughts in my head whenever I do my day-to-day activities. Bad writing is better than no writing at all, says an anonymous writer.

I hope I don't forget to dream when overwhelmed with what the present dictates me to do.

Kris Allen fever

2009-04-18T10:10:00.001+08:00

Kris Allen should be the next American Idol.

Quote

2009-04-12T01:05:00.001+08:00

"One can only live well if he has eaten well."

-anonymous

BUCKETLIST: What do you want to do before you die?

2009-03-24T02:41:00.001+08:00

I have John Say to thank for sharing the burried life website with me. The site features people trying to do stuff and cross off items from their bucketlists-things they want to do before they die.

I'll post my own bucketlist soon.

A Perfect Saturday

2009-03-22T01:44:00.000+08:00

What comprises a perfect Saturday?

1. BRUNCH at POLU KAI, SERENDRA.

I had a wonderful lunch at Polu Kai resto with my loyal foodie buddies Darlene and Acee. Acee had her favorite grilled porkchop (P365), while Darlene had Kahlua Pork (P365), and I had Shrimp Scampi (P400). The porkchop was tasty but semi-perfect as Acee said she liked it better the first time she tried it. My shrimp scampi was creamy, yummy, and very rich. Darlene didn't like hers that much as it was dry. She was expecting something saucy but instead got something that resembles pork floss you get at binondo-only with slightly bigger strands.

2. DESSERT at MS DESSERTS, SERENDRA.

We've saved a space for dessert, and headed off to Ms. Desserts. Darlene had Fantasia (P135), Acee had Earthquake (P135); while I had Banana Split (P180). All three were divine.

3. CHEAP SPONTANEOUS MASSAGE at the BIG APPLE EXPRESS SPA, MarketMarket.

We then decided to get a fantabulous and cheap massage at the Big Apple Express Spa at Market Market after going window shopping. Surprisingly, we didn't find anything interesting at the shops.

Lastly, we went to Starbucks for Frap Light drinks. Coffee Frap for me, JavaChip for Dar, and CoffeeJelly for Acee. We weren't satisfied with the way they made their Frap at Sbux Boni High. The branch one infront of R.O.X.

4. CHEAP BUT SATISFYING DINNER AT MANHANN, MARKETMARKET.

A few mins after, b came. We went back to MarketMarket to have dinner at Manhann. We had Tofu, Steamed Fish, and Kutchai Dumplings (my favorite). Anyhow, it was too late to see a movie so we just decided to go back to Serendra/Boni High to hang.

5. BE A KID AGAIN AND PLAY TO YOUR HEART's CONTENT AT TIMEZONE, BONI HIGH.

We played The Silent Hill at Timezone and finished the game too. We played basketball where I've defeated him twice. There was this group of people who cheered while I played. I was sooo good. hehe..

6. COCKTAILS at NEW ORLEANS, BONI HIGH.

We capped the day with a glass of dirty martini and kiwi margarita. I liked the mystery in dirty martini. I need to learn how to make this drink soon.

Bizarre Foods from the Philippines

2009-03-01T13:58:00.000+08:00

I've just seen this video from YouTube where Andrew Zimmerman munched on the Philippines' Most Bizarre Delicacies.

He described the balut as the Philippines' new national dish. Eating balut was also the final challenge in one of Fear Factor's episodes which is kind of weird especially for people who eat this stuff regularly. I don't see anything gross with it. I like the taste of the yellow egg yolk and egg juices in Balut except for the baby duck and the white hardened part they call "bato."

Some people believe that balut is best eaten at night. Other people eat this as pulutan that goes well with our national beer-San Miguel Pale Pilsen Beer.

Growing up in the Pateros and Taguig area mean we had generous supply of balut, itik (geese), and Tipas Hopia.

Mom&Tina's

2009-02-27T11:07:00.000+08:00

With the stress brought about by the current losses that my company is experiencing, my girl friends and I needed spirit-uplifiting foodies that won't cause much dent in our pockets.

We suddenly found ourselves at Mom&Tina's, E. Rodriguez branch indulging on the following:

Acee ordered Chicken Alexander; while Darlene and I were curious about the hype on Shepherd's pie and soon found out. We knew that it was going to take some time to prepare our main dish so we tried out their Chocolate cup cake and cheese mamon. Chocolate cup cake is best eaten when heated. It really br0ught out the heavenly taste out of each soft small bites. The cheese mamon didn't disappoint either.

Beatriz Acosta did a fine review of Mom&Tina's through this ClicktheCity Article.

We all had trouble which dessert to order after seeing their wide-array of newly baked or frozen
goodies. We've finally decided to order their best sellers--chocolate profiterole (homemade cream, frozen chocolate, and stuffed with creampuff) for me, caramel profiterole for Acee, and sylvanna for the less adventurous Darlene.

When we started digging in on our Shepherd's pie and Chicken Alexander, we were all quiet for a few minutes. We had our own little world and enjoyed every moment of it.

Everything we ate was yummy. The reviews and feedback from their customers are certainly not overrated.

The prices were also not steep:

Shepherd's Pie: P168-198
Chicken Alexander: P168-198
Cheese Mamon: P20-28
Chocolate Cup Cake: P20-28
Profiterole Singles: P32
Sylvanna: P 32-40

We give this resto a two-thumbs up, and we'll certainly go back!

Trader Joe's French Truffles and My List of Favorite Chocolates

2009-02-18T10:12:00.000+08:00

I haven't properly researched on the number of people who are crazy about chocolates. But I bet it exceeds 10 billion in the whole world.

Today's the first time I've tried Trader Joe's French Truffles. I must say-it's a small piece of heaven (this is way off-topic but I know my friend B thinks Ms. Dessert's Macadamia cheesecake is that other small piece of heaven).

It was love at first bite. There's this burst of cocoa-buttery yumminess. It also leaves some on your fingers for some licking action (Imagine the possibilities!).

I would like to thank my aunt Suzette who hails from Chicago for introducing me to the wonderful world of Trader Joe's. I've always thought the best chocolates come from Belgium; but now I am having second thoughts.

On a side note, here are the classic chocolates that I like:

1. Butterfinger

2. Reese's Peanutbutter Cups

3. Snickers

4. M&Ms

5. Hershey's Kisses
6. Ferrero Rocher

7. Royce'

8. ChocNut and Goya

9. YumYum

10. Meiji

2009-01-15T13:52:00.000+08:00

STARBUCKS COFFEE ADDICTION

Ahh.. Coffee, I wasn't really a fan of Cofee until I've joined the Call Center Industry back in 2002. I really have Chit (my former seatmate) to blame for introducing me to the addictive side effects of caffeine. We started having one cup at least 3 times a week - to - almost 3 times a day!

Here, I've learned that one trick to surviving the graveyard shift is to become caffeine-dependent. So many unforgettable things can happen in a coffee shop. Recently, it has become the most popular rendezvous for dates/informal business meetings/and informal reunions.

The coffee culture has invaded the Philippines around 1998 and it looks like it's here to stay.

Why do we love Starbucks? Here are a few reasons:

-they have excellent service
-they come up with ingenious ideas that make people want to buy their stuff some more (remember those annual Organizers, Body Bags, etc?)
-they have great interior designs
-their interior designers know exactly how to make the most welcoming store ambience
-every drink is personalized and so as their service :)

Our Frappucino of choice? CARAMEL, with blended whipped cream and criss-cross drizzle.

Must-try Dessert/Coffee Places in Manila

2009-01-04T23:07:00.000+08:00

1. Starbucks
2 . Coffee Bean
3. UCC
4. Ms. Desserts, Serendra
5. The White Hat, MOA
6. Jacks Loft, Eastwood Libis
7. Cheesecake Etc.
8. Cafe Adriatico, Malate

***For the aforementioned places which don't have their own websites, I've chosen sites that have relevant information.

Local Hideaways

2008-09-17T09:19:00.000+08:00

Here are some of the places in the Philippines that I've been to according to preference:

1. Coron, Palawan (Click here for details)
2. Boracay, Aklan (Click here for details)
3. Whitebeach and Talipanan Beach, Galera (Click here for details)
4. CWC, Naga City, Bicol Region (Click here for details)
5. Sagada, Mountain Province (Click here for details)
6. Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Click here for details)
7. El Nido, Palawan (Click here for details)
8. Bohol (Click here for details)
9. Bantayan Island, Cebu City
10. Cagayan De Oro, Mindanao
11. Caramoan Island, CamSur
12. Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte
13. Punta Terrazas, Punta Fuego, Batangas
14. Kabayan Resort, San Juan Batangas
15. Blue Coral Resort, San Juan Batangas
16. La Luz, San Juan Batangas
17. Eagle Point Resort, Anilao, Batangas
18. Hotel Supreme, Baguio City (Click here for details)
19. Subic Bay
20. Tagaytay City
21. La Union
22. Fort Ilocandia, Ilocos Sur

There's one thing I've learned in my travel-- it's not really where you go, but who you go with.