I have long accepted the fact that I can never go shopping without being incessantly whiny and in boring times - a bitch. Thinking about it, I feel like I was more of a whiny kid than the bodyguard my Mom asked me to be for my sisters who needed to buy clothes for their Christmas parties.


Oh yeah, Christmas! With Christmas coming and parties going on just about every corner shopping malls gets really crowded every time. And that's when the whining starts!

1.) I hate the crowd.

I may have experienced a terrifying earthquake inside a Mall where people screamed to their lungs shattering nearly every glass window into pieces and leaving two children (an 8 years old me and my 5 years old cousin) crying for help but I don't think that's where my hatred to the crowd started.

It could be the smell and the temperature a crowd creates that usually comes with extra bombing of farts and fifty shades of darkness but maybe there's something more than that. Sometimes my eyes get sore just looking at the crowd moving to every direction. And it's makes me dizzy as hell! 

2.) My indecisiveness!

This is when I feel like I've made the biggest decisions in life. What to buy!? Which color? The pricey or the cheap one? Does this look good on me? Should I buy this? What the hell. This has always been my problem when I go shopping alone. And I'm the problem when I go shopping with others. I get a headache just wandering around to look for whatever it is I 'need or want' to buy and it gets worse when life puts a lot of questions in between picking and purchasing an item. I don't think I'm a bad shopper though.

3.) Strange Faces!

When we go out for shopping we usually see a lot of people around. We meet strangers and even say hi to some who looks familiar but later on we realize that we were never acquainted to them. It turns out we just saw them the other day in a coffee shop, jeepney ride or something like that.

And imagine if you're in a crowd that has lots of strangers in it. I don't know why but sometimes I nod to these eerily familiar people whose names and faces bothers me a lot. Also, I think my mind couldn't process a lot of familiar faces and the pimples in them all at once. I'm easily distracted of the haggard and funny faces of Christmas shoppers that even if I don't intend to be mean I start laughing like an idiot in the middle of the Mall. OH, only God knows why!

4.) I'd Rather Be Alone

This is rather lonely than snobbish but I prefer shopping alone. However, it would be nice and I sometimes wish to meet a friend along the way but whenever I spot a friend my ninja skills would've had me turn invisible. Sometimes, it scares me that they'd be talking about how much I lose or gained, how's my academics, work or worse have I finally gotten into a relationship.

Another thing! I hate going around with pushy staff. They follow you like you're a thief and they try to mess up with your choices. One time, I was having a hard time picking a long sleeve polo that'll suit my brown vest. A saleswoman told me it goes well with yellow. But I look fat in yellow so I picked blue. She told me I'm gonna regret it because blue doesn't go well with brown. Then I told her 'Did you know that 'brown and blue' is a royal color combination most popular to Versailles!' Chos.

5.) The Crowd Hates Me

Who wouldn't? When you turn into a cranky whiny monster who's on the verge of becoming a misogynist asking why do girls like shopping a lot.

I think the only time I'll like shopping is when I have a lot of money which is like only once a month. Do you like shopping? So, how's your last minute Christmas shopping?  

As you know it some people say that the world is gonna to end tomorrow. And honestly, I really couldn't care less to those people and to the Mayan prophecy. I'm a person who believes today is more important than yesterday, than tomorrow and probably than ever!

Yesterday has gone. Let's all move on because contemplating about it would serve no purpose how so ever. Tomorrow is unpredictable. But if you start working on it TODAY, by expressing yourself, doing the things you like and going for the things you love, then you will likely have a better tomorrow. Chos!


So let me tell you what I did today because today is more important like I said. lol

Given that I may or may not put the Mayan Prophecy in consideration. I had an awesome Pre-apocalypse lunch today at West Empire Chinese Restaurant and Sea Food Garden. I was so full that I didn't even eat dinner. And I think I'm good until the end of the world. By the way, as of writing this, the world's end is 1 and a half hours away!


So, the lunch was very intimate for a group of very diverse bloggers. Arguably though you'd always feel comfortable just by being surrounded with people you share common interests with, in this case it's food and of course blogging. More so, there's nothing like meeting the restaurant owners, Ms. Belinda Suaco and Jong Tan, who in the first place invited us over to experience Davao City's newest foodie wonderland.

Before taking our lunch we had a little tour around the recently opened West JBT Plaza located just along Lanang Street across Waterfront Hotel. The JBT plaza has an international fusion cuisine buffet called "Jaime's Restaurant", an authentic Japanese Restaurant called "Chiyo Authentic Japanese Restaurant and Yakiniku House", a coffe shop called "Perfect Cup Cafe and Bar" and lastly, the truly resplendent West Empire Chinese Restaurant and Seafood Garden.

Top Half: Chiyo, Bottom Half: Jaime's Restaurant

These 4 distinct food establishments in one building, I must say, gives exactly the kind the kind of ambiance you would expect. Chiyo being authentic especially with two Japanese vip rooms; Jaime's perfect for binge eating with its elegant fine dining ambiance; Perfect Cup Cafe being cozy and West Empire being an empire where you don't only get to eat good food but feel like an old hungry Chinese emperor!

I think I'll start calling the restaurant 'West Empire' so its quite lengthy name won't disrupt my flow. Heh. Now I'm about to talk about the food but before that I need to tell you I want to keep this post short. Perhaps, I'll start by presenting to you the foooooooooooooooood! Count the o's and that's exactly the number of dishes served to us. Imagine that!?

Siomai , Hakao, Assorted Cold Cuts and Xiao Long Bao <3

For appetizer we had the Assorted Cold Cuts, Siomai and Hakao. And for soup we had the Eight Treasure soup which had 8 different chunky ingredients in a rich tasty soup. Also they served us their best seller! An instant favorite after I first tried it at Crystal Jade in Greenhills - the Xiao Long Bao! Oh dear God, their Xiao Long Bao tastes better than the former. And Thank you Lord! I don't have to fly to Manila to kill my cravings! Most importantly my quest of finding a Xiao Long Bao in Davao is finally over.

Fried Crabs with Salted Egg

The first main course to arrive the table was the Fried Crabs with Salted Egg. This is a must-try because the salted egg gives a pungent sweet and salty taste that well complements a generous serving of crab meat. Ironically though, the fried crabs was the last to be eaten because we were too shy to show the incredible hulk within us! You know crabs!! Next time I'm gonna get my hands real dirty for crabs. *Grrrr! Crush that puny shell!*

Warm Prawn Salad / West Empire Special Seafood Noodle / Spareribs Salt and Pepper Steamed Lapu-Lapu in Soy Sauce / Taro Puff with Assorted Meat / West Empire Special Fried Rice French Beans / Lemon Chicken Fillet / Sizzling Beef Tenderloin (Chinese Style) Two-way Bamboo Lobster (Sashimi and Sotanghon in pot) / Chilled Mango Sago / Fried Crabs with Salted Egg

Lobsters were also served but it was easier to eat than the crabs. I still like the crabs better though until came a dozen plates of shell-less food which we all ate, of course, after taking pictures of them. We talked about a lot of stuff over lunch. We talked about blogging, about the food, the restaurant, Ms. Joyce shared to us some food trivias where I learned Xiao Long Bao literally means Little Dragon Bun, and some more random stuff while submitting to the tenderness of the sizzling beef tenderloin, the freshness of the steamed lapu-lapu, the palatableness of the lemon chicken fillet and others with each having ridiculously good food adjectives.

And OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! If Aliens were to invade our planet during the end of the world this would easily come off as a peace offering to them. It's gonna send them away from Milky Way because of its creamy goodness! If Zombocalypse were to happen then this is going to be the cure for its sweetness. And if it is indeed the end of the world I don't care for as long as I'm very happy to discover the existence of warm prawn salad.


It was so good that we almost forgot to take happy photos of ourselves! lol





Lunch ended at around 3'oclock with a cool cup of Mango Sago and Buchi for desserts.

Almost three hours of eating, taking of food photos and intimate talk equals awesome Pre-apocalypse lunch that I will never forget even if the world ends tomorrow. And I don't even care. :-)

West Empire Chinese Restaurant and Seafood Garden is located on the second floor of West JBT Plaza along Lanang St.,The Insular Village, Davao City.

There are times when I wonder how it feels to drive cars. A friend says it's tiring if not boring but I still wanna drive and own a car someday. I mean, if it's without purpose then nobody would even consider having one, right? And you know what!? This, Yes this! This had me thinking maybe it's about time to do some real test driving. More than any of the rides and adventures I experienced driving was the funnest of all.



Driving back into my memory lane, I actually did some sort of pre test driving activities which included bump cars, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and a scooter. No damage so far since my last driving activity though but thinking about how it felt driving, the adrenaline rush, the sense of power over something, it's what I may have been missing after all. It's like I never felt so free in my whole life until I got the chance to drive. That when it started to move and I realized I was driving, I felt so free it's almost like I could fly.

I honestly don't know much about cars but I think it would awesome to get a smart and sporty looking one even though I'm not really the sporty type. Yes dearie, I love irony as much as I love to surprise myself. And since I am a creative a person then a car that comes with a customization program would be a great deal too. I love customizing! Google here and there and may I present to you my ideal car.

Image Credits: Green Autoblog

A smart fortwo BRABUS electric drive car with a touch of Arrow's color palette (Black and Green) from smart brabus with electric drive and a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery. Launched just last March, it's a consolation that this car is Eco-friendly! And that my friend is my ideal car. :-)

So what's your ideal car?

I remember the first time I rode the MRT. It was remarkable because it was also my first time in Manila. In fact I was still carrying my big traveling bag that when I got inside the train everybody was looking at me like I am some kind of terrorist. Ehem. Ehem. *changes accent* 'Hey, my name is Mark and I am not a terrorist!', I shouted inside my head while staring all back at them. Anyway, that awkward moment was saved by an audio announcement about the safety precautions inside the train. The train wasn't as crowded as I expected. Everyone must be taking their lunch I thought. I stood facing the right side of the train and from the window I saw rooftops, cables, wires, houses, seemingly abandoned buildings, old apartments, there was even a school I thought, scrapped political banners from the May 2010 Presidential Elections and a billboard of Kris Aquino among many others. The view outside was so depressing that I turned my gaze on the people inside the MRT. During the first stop I took the chance to transfer to the end of the train so I could have a better view of everything and everyone. At last! After a few minutes of standing I've finally been able to sit. The train suddenly became crowded but I still managed to observe people who I thought were interesting and it sort of made me feel happy. Actually, it was fun to think of stories out of their expressions, what they're doing and whatever that has, will or may happen during our ride.



It felt like I just went inside the lives of the people around me. Assuming of course that my theories and assumptions were right. They don't have to be necessarily right though and that's best thing about it. Inside the train, was an old woman who was texting and I thought she needed some help with it. I think her phone was of the qwerty type and I bet she couldn't hardly see. Beside her were two high school students giggling over a handsome guy in front of them who I thought was gay since he's been looking at the direction of the five college students near the exit door. Or it could be that he knows someone from that group because one actually waved his hands to the handsome guy. Or it wasn't the handsome guy that one of the college students was waving to, but the girl beside the handsome guy who wore a pink shirt and was drinking a mocha frappe from Starbucks. Let's just call her Starbucks girl. If that's the case then the handsome guy (who I thought was gay) is so assuming and I guess that makes him even more gay. There's also a guy who looked like a goon from a movie ready to steal or punch anyone who gets near him. What's so peculiar about him though is that he was carrying a book that looked like a bible and all. Across him was a promo girl of some known dish washing liquid who I think is late for work because she's always checking her wristwatch. I wish I could tell her she can't stop time by just looking at her wristwatch. Honestly, it's distracting. If it were the end of the world I think nobody would even care what time it is. Anyway, behind the promo girl was a fat guy who I think was selling stuff on his messenger bag because he's been looking at nearly every direction. He was in a business man attire though, his head bald and he's wearing eye-glasses. I think the guy's searching for a potential buyer around because he appears to be checking on everyone. "Don't you dare look at my direction!" I murmured. I just hate facing persuasive salesmen. They're incessant talkers and it annoys the hell out of me. I don't know where I got this but whenever I hear too much noise and gets load of information all at the same time I get dizzy.

Anyway, there was a pregnant woman who looked problematic on her duster and her 8 years old daughter who was laughing at the old man who was asleep in front of them. I'm not really certain about their ages though. Beside the man who was sleeping was a woman who looked like Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago but in a nurse's uniform also worried that she may already be late for her shift. What's with people checking time every time? It made me feel as though one of them had set up a time bomb somewhere. On the right side was an engineering student who's been scratching his back with a T-square and I think it was his classmate who tried to cover him up for a moment. It must have been very embarrassing for the classmate. T-square? Like seriously? Hahaha. And oh, there was an annoying girl who was standing right in front of me. She looked pretty though but she keeps on giving me hurried glances which made me conscious. And I fucking hate it! Another thing that pisses me off is when people try to make their every breaths audible. It makes me eerily conscious about breathing and I sometimes end up stopping my breath.

By the next stop, a crowd of people went inside and the girl in front of me went nearer to where I was. Suddenly, everyone became close to one another. Among the new set of people is a young man, maybe in his early twenties who looked pissed and was looking for someone. In fact, he wandered around checking people's faces. He even accidentally poured Starbucks girl's mocha frappe and I heard the girl utter "Watch it!". I didn't hear the guy say sorry though but he bowed his head down and went near the exit. That reminded me of bumping into a lady earlier who I thought was a call center agent because she looked like a zombie. I said sorry but she was kind of spaced out or something. There's circles around her eyes and she looked like she never had any decent sleep in her lifetime. Thinking of it made me realize we are actually in pre-zombie era.

Before I forget, there's my friend who's busy texting the person we will be meeting in a mall somewhere. Hahaha. I don't really know where we're going but the person I'm with is actually one of those guys who likes to hit on girls a lot. And yes, I'll accompany him to meet his textmate in a Mall somewhere. We've been friends for years but never have I been influenced by his style with girls. I guess I didn't need that because I believe life is like a movie and everyone of us has a role to play. He plays the playboy type and my role is . . .honestly, I have yet to figure that out. Perhaps, in this train ride I'm the person who likes to observe and create stories inside his head. Oh dearie, I must be retarded!

There are lot of stories one could tell out of riding an MRT. Each and every individual in that MRT is actually telling a part of their life stories. And if only I could; I would very much love to know what's gonna happen to them after the MRT ride. I mean, it's really interesting to know because life offers a lot of possibilities. Maybe, my friend's textmate was the old woman who struggled coping with technology. Maybe the guy would say sorry to the girl in pink and ask her out on a date later. Or maybe the new guy was looking for his Mom who happens to be the nurse in Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago's mask. Maybe, the salesman is actually the lookout of annoying girl in front of me who happens to be a member of a Chinese mafia. Or the handsome guy wasn't actually gay but the older brother of one of those college students. And the lady zombie might fall in love to the hoodlumy-looking guy who happens to be a clergyman. Anything can happen! And I also believe everyone is somehow connected from any other person in the MRT not through six degrees of separation but maybe on a much larger scale.

There are over 11 million people in Metro Manila and if each person's life is to be adapted into a movie then we'll have 11 million movies produced during these people's lifetime. I'm not really good in math or statistics but the thing is anyone of us could be part of each others' movie. In your film you're the protagonist, in others' you can be the villain but to whosoever films I'm in, I think I will be the narattor. The typical guy you don't normally see in the camera. A guy who's just there to observe and scare the hell out of people when he smiles at them.

Sometimes, I think life is like an MRT Ride. It starts slow and for a moment it keeps a certain speed and then slows down during stops. It's a mecha beast that is hard to escape. A place full of strangers, would-be friends and even love interests. A place where anything can happen. You know where you're headed but sometimes you have stops to make. And the time you'll get out of it, you know, you'll have more rides to take!

If you were in my shoe, the first thing you'll probably do is to plunge your hands into a soap and water solution,then try pulling the thing out of your finger. I've tried that and it didn't work for me.







Another way is to let someone pull it for you. I told my sister to pull it for me and you know what it caused me? It caused me to scream as hell that everyone damned to see what happened. And I showed everyone my red and numbing middle finger. 







After the numbing experience, I asked my Grandmother what to do. She was laughing at me and then told me to get her dressmaker's kit. I gave it to her and she handed me scissors. I asked her if she could cut it for me but she said her hands are too shaky she might cut my finger instead. So I was left with no choice and no one else are around to help me so I did it myself.







I'm carrying the fact that my grandma's scissors won't work. I went to my Grandpa thinking he knows what to do! And you know what he told me in response? "You get my tool box underneath the sink!". I hurriedly went to the sink in search for his tool box. And look what I found -a much bigger scissor. Oh I might sound silly but if I am to let my Grandpa get this thing out of my hand -then he would probably cut not just my fingers but my right hand. So what I did was I told him I didn't see the tool box and I ran away!







After my looking for something out of nothing expedition I went upstairs to disturb my Mom. Unfortunately, she's busy folding clothes.




After a while, I found myself putting my finger between an ajar door. I gently closed the door with my other hand sticking the ring between the wooded edges. Then I pulled myself back. It hurt. After three more tries my middle finger swelled up. Ohhh no!







After trying that, I went downstairs to see what or who can help me. So I turned on the computer and googled 'how to get a stuck ring out of my goddamn finger'. I just scanned a few pages and did one thing from my search and it didn't do any good. I just dipped my hand in the water until my skin went wrinkly and all. Still, it was failure.







This time -I'm even daring- I was so desperate to get the ring out of my finger that I grabbed a saw. And yes I saw it .An hour later and I gave up. It did not work.







3 hours later and I haven't gotten any decent meal because of my ring problem. I cried out help from my sister. And my Grandpa was right! Together with my sister, grandpa's enormous scissor helped me. It took us about 20 minutes to get the ring cut and out of my middle finger! Fuck you ring! Fuck you.

Some risks are not worth taking and that's precisely why we have to be very careful about our privacy and security online. Sometimes, what applies in real life needs to be applied in our virtual lives. The online world could be a lot more dangerous than the world itself. There are cyber-bullies, scammers, online thieves, spammers and hackers that could ruin our reputations, devastate our careers and businesses or worse, destroy our lives.

I've once been a victim of one of those online threats. In fact, even up to now that nightmare is still far from over just yet. That's why I'm eager to let others know about how they can be safe amidst all dangers that lurks in the dark corners of the internet.

So check out my 10 Internet Safety Tips!

1.) Never Share Your Personal Information - This is good rule of thumb in the times when old friends wants to reconnect with us, acquaintances who wants to get to know us more, relatives who just wants to maintain the same kind of relationship we have with them from reality to the online world and strangers who seems intrigued by our existence. The problem there is that these people may not be who we think they are. Your so acquaintances, relatives and friends may be posers who wanted to take advantage of you. That's why we have to be cautious and verify their identities as well, how much more with strangers who we barely know. I think it's a no-brainer not to share personal info such as your finances, address, contact number and above all personal conversations. This brings us to a solution in number 2.

2.) Don't Talk to Strangers - You can always verify if your relatives and friends are really the one's you're chatting to. You can call them or ask them directly if you see each other or even during chat I'm sure your instinct will know if it's really them or not. Chatting with strangers is another story though. When you were a child I'm sure your mom taught you not to talk to strangers. That's actually a good first line of defense but apparently it's not the only one. And that brings us to number 3. Again, don't talk to strangers - most especially if you really don't have a good reason to do so.

3.)  Set Up Your Privacy -  Setting you privacy will do so much in Social networks. You can filter to which set of people or specific people can you share your thoughts and activities online. This will make you feel safe from unwanted prying eyes. But not if you're in an internet shop which is the case of the next tip.

4.) Avoid Public Computers - Your computer broke down! Your life is a mess so you went to find life somewhere else. Then you're back online, but this time, in an internet shop and you're using an old public desktop computer with other people around. The dangers of using public computer does not only include the probability that people surrounding you may have bad intentions (to you) but the softwares installed on that computer may actually put your identity in danger. Public computers might be infected with spywares, malwares and even viruses that can track your activity and hack your password. This leads us to the 5th tip!

5.) Install Antivirus - You should check if an antivirus software installed on your computer is still working or if there's even one. You see, antivirus is a necessity for your online or basic computer needs. It stops viruses, spyware, and solves all the problems in the 4th tip. Well, it depends on what you mean by a 'broken down' computer and an Antivirus cannot move internet shop bystanders away from you. The next time you use a public computer always check if they have installed an antivirus.

6.) Cancel Auto-Downloads - I know most of you love torrenting movies and tv shows. But I hope you understand that when you download you have to consider that whatever it is you downloaded is a potential threat to the health of your computer. And that's gonna lead us back to number 4 and 5. There are websites though that you can trust when it comes to download but you must be aware that there are pages in the internet that automatically downloads stuff on your computer. In the event that you'll open one, your browser may prompt a dialog box about the download and be sure to cancel it.

7.) Copyright Do it Right! - This has nothing to do with the 5 previous tips but most people upload and share a lot of their original photos, thoughts in the internet and it is best to keep them within the bounds of the privacy users set. But if you post it somewhere, like a blog or your public facebook page, then you must take great caution as some people can just steal your ideas, photos and videos online. Always remember that the internet is one big public domain. And everything you have publicly posted online can be credited to search engines and stolen from you. There are some laws, however, that states we are protected by a certain copyright law which starts the moment our crafts has been created. But it's always safe that we take precautionary measures on this line by placing watermark on our photos and videos and a disclaimer about our ideas. Remember, getting Sotto-ed is a pain in the ass!

8.) SHAMELESS PLUG - This tip is as simple as reading my post about avoiding the 20 kinds of websites I hate! If you do you will not only be saved from online threats but from headaches as well.

9.) Avoid Joining Heated Public Online Debates -  This tip is actually for everyone. Behind every facebook page you like, behind every forums you join and public threads you comment on there are page administrators and moderators. These people most commonly referred to as 'admins' can be as ruthless as Hitler and when one side crosses the line harsh moves will take place and result to the other one being cyber-bullied. Exercise Freedom of Speech only when necessary!

10.) Strong Password and No Hints! - Just because you want your relationship to be strong - by showing trust - you're gonna give away the log-in details in all of your cyber accounts. That's the trend recently whenever you're in a relationship. Passwords, when discovered by others, may result for your virtual life being destroyed.

So that's it! If you don't really want something to go around the internet, don't post it! It's as simple as being responsible and I hope you are and will be after this blog post.

There's something about doughnuts that makes me nuts! I forgot why though. I was shaken in bed by a reminder with an alarm that today's the birthday of my doughnut-addict alter ego. And I was extremely happy because finally, I'll get to stuff a couple of donuts in my mouth after a week of craving for it or so. And here's the thing. They're not just donuts! They're Krispy Kreme donuts which brings my craving to an international level.They're world-famous right!?

My only problem is that I'm actually late for the event. So I called a friend who was there at the event if it's still okay to come over and she said that they're still having lunch. I quickly searched for my invitation card and found out that I actually have two. In case you wanted to know I got them from Abreeza Ayala Mall over a meet-and-greet dinner with the mall's new manager. So I immediately went downstairs to drag my cousin (Minorca) who was caught unprepared for the things in store for her, I mean, in store for us at Krispy Kreme. Luckily it would only take us 5 minutes to get to the venue. ^_^ So it was a GO!

I think I have to tell you that my cousin is not really a blogger. She's not even interested but I've been bugging her ever since about it. I know she's really got a big potential of being a fashion blogger. I just know it. She needs a little help in the writing part but I know she'll improve later on. So, I dragged her along and when we arrived - BOOM! My happy-o-meter rose up declaring it's indeed my donut-addict alter-ego's self-proclaimed birthday. Oh, I know that sounds so 'assuming' but it really made my day.


What made it even more special is that I got the chance to create my own donut! More appropriately customize one. It's so simple. You pick an original glazed donut, dip it on their chocolate swirling machine, dribble it for some time, shake it 20 times (Yes, every shake counts!), pick it up and sprinkle it with whatever topping you want. :-)

It sounds so simple but it was NOT!! At least for me. You see, I've got big hands and it was a little hard for me to hold the donut without deforming its base. So I need to loosen my grip a little which got me scared that the donut might fall on the chocolate swirling machine. Halfway through I got so nervous that I forgot to count during the shaking part. (O__O) Suddenly, I was the one shaking. I was actually surprised that I got to do it - finally! *sigh*




After that my cousin and I ordered snicker doughnuts and iced coffee to fill our hungry tummies. Yey!


It wasn't my first time to try any Krispy Kreme doughnut but I've got to say that they have the best tasting doughnuts which is perfect for the Davaoeno's taste buds. Now I remember why I get crazy over doughnuts! I'm a Davaoeno. As simple as that.

Whenever a Davaoeno comes home to Davao from abroad or even just in Manila they would always bring a box of doughnuts as "pasalubongs". Somehow, I could say it has become a tradition. A Davao thing that's been going on since God knows when and now that Krispy Kreme has finally landed the Royal City of the South. There's no more flying! Only more of Krispy Kreme's goodness nextdoor. :-)

Life is Here!

P.S.

Please also check my cousin's first post on her blog! New blog actually since we couldn't recover her tumblr account. :-)  Check it here: Welcome Krispy Kreme! Be nice.

I rarely eat breakfast these days and when I do it's either I'm forced to wake up early to travel, attend an event or I'm about to sleep. No school. I stopped. Don't ask! Good thing there's brunch. It's supposed to be my tummy's new best friend as of my current lifestyle. But here's the thing. I usually wake up at around 10 in the morning and I'm left with a cold pandesal and some egg dish in the kitchen every fucking day. In fact, today I woke up with a cold pandesal and scrambled eggs for brunch. Tomorrow I'll probably wake up with another cold pandesal but with a sunny side up. The following day, I expect to have a cold pandesal and a scrambled egg with hotdog chunks. Then the day after that I think I'll wake up with another plate of a cold pandesal and a weird tasting tomato omelet. I know I should be thankful because I still got something to eat (even if it's always egg and pandesal) and most of all because I still get to wake up. Thank God! But I just can't imagine five more days, five more years, five more lifetimes eating egg and pandesal for brunch. If that ever happens - knocks on wood - I'll probably be able to lay eggs.



And in case there's a need for you to know, I don't usually eat rice during brunch or even breakfast. Not that I am on a diet or anything. I just don't feel like it. Char. I eat rice during those times only when I don't have a choice and my Mom's around to tease me about dieting. Which really ruins my day. Another thing, actually together with the egg and pandesal are either hotdogs, corned beef, preserved meat stuff and other canned goods cooked for breakfast. Unfortunately to me, these goods would always end up to the lunch boxes of my siblings who goes to school


Then one morning I was just staring at the cold pandesal and the hard-boiled egg on the table. And I swear I thought I was gonna die or something. Suddenly I heard a noise in the living room. I didn't budge because I still feel so fucked-up of waking up from my short sleep. When I turned back to the egg and the pandesal, the two looked back staring at me and I was like WTF! The hard-boiled egg quickly rolled itself down the table and the pandesal followed hopping like Jimminey Cricket. I immediately composed myself and tried to snapped out of what the hell was going on but I realized my brunch suddenly became interesting (At least, at last!). Choose the best answer in the parenthesis.

I went under the table to check but the two weren't there anymore. So I turned back and saw that the pandesal and the egg each developed some tiny arms and feet and that they're actually running towards the living room. I crawled going to their direction and noticed that they are headed to the wall clock that fell on the floor. As they neared the clock some beam of light came out of it and the egg and the pandesal leaped up to the light. They held each others hand while the song "Hawak Kamay" was playing on the background. I could also hear the ticking of the clock and suddenly everything was in slooooooowwww mooooottttioooooon. The two just floated on the light and got sucked inside the clock. I thought it was some kind of portal that leads to a world full of food. So with all my might and my craving for something else than pandesal and egg, I leaped towards the clock in slooowww motiiooon too. As soon as the light touched my skin I was vacuumed to reality, half-asleep and about to choose which meal set to pick.



There's a hand waving in my face and I heard someone saying "What do you want to eat?". I collected myself back and quickly chose the Roasted Chicken with Macaroni Salad on the table. Sooner reality on me and I realized "OMG! I'm at Cafe France" and I barely had any sleep. Stupid daydreams! It was around 11:00 o'clock already and my stomach started to grumble in hunger. So I immediately eat my food. The roasted chicken tasted nice by the way, but I thought if there's anything I need to try in Cafe France it had to be Cafe France's pastries. From the internet I've read about that Cafe France offers a wide array of yummy treats and their best sellers comes from the baked ones. And since it's their first branch in Davao, in fact, outside Luzon I was more than eager to try out nearly everything they could offer us during the Press Launch.



So I tried their Seafood Marinara, some California Chicken Clubhouse, salad and the croissant from the breakfast tray. And the winner for me was their croissant! In fact, I totally agree with what Jesse said about Cafe France's Croissants! "They are God's gift to human kind." And thank God my pandesal-and-egg infected floppy tongue is back to normal again.


Since then I've been going back to Cafe France just to order croissants! I've tried their Chocolate Croissant, Butter Croissant and Choco Almond Croissant and oh..they're perfect with a hot chocolate and sometimes even with the milktea I'd bring. Hehehe

Cafe France is more than your usual coffee shop. They offer a wide selection of great tasting pastries, stomach filling meals and a croissant that doesn't only satisfy one's tongue but snaps you out of your nightmarish egg and pandesal daydreams.

Credits:
Photos Courtesy of Chic Foodies! Thank you Algene. :-)

WARNING: This post can be utterly annoying because it's full of borrowed thoughts, grammatical errors, interrobangs, emoticons and bullshit that it poses risks of injury, potential global catastrophe – or worse, the end of mankind.

At some point during my childhood, folks at home used to spoil me during my birthday. It's like waking up feeling like a millionaire for a day! Don't get me wrong though because none in the family would give me a briefcase full of cash - how I wish! But if I demanded them so, maybe all they can hand to me is a brief. .no case, no cash. Just brief! LOL.

When I wake up everyone greets me with a "Happy Birthday!" which is usually followed by reaching of their pockets and giving me whatever they have. I'm really happy about it and I thank them in response. The most I had was an accumulated P500 with my parents, grandparents and an uncle each giving a hundred peso bill.

Those were the time that all that ever mattered for me was to have a birthday celebration at home. It's usually a very nice celebration with all my relatives attending my birthday, balloons and at least 10 different dishes in the table. I don't receive lots of gifts though but I remember receiving cash from my extinct Godparents.

I get to invite our neighbors who are mostly just our relatives. No! Actually all that I ever invited to my birthday were my relatives. But you know, during celebrations such as birthdays and fiestas you can't help strangers to come in the house and eat. The best thing about celebrating birthday as a child is the preparation. Whenever it's my birthday or my siblings', well let's just say it's my birthday, everyone's busy preparing the food except for my Grandpa. He's really not into that though but anyway there's my grandma in charge of the kitchen. My Dad and Uncle helps my Lola with the main dishes while my Mom's preparing the dessert upstairs. I also remember my Grandmother signing a cross on my forehead using, probably a chicken's blood during my birthday. Aside from all the preparations, I always like it when we go to Church to light a candle and then pray during my birthday. I feel so good afterwards but I feel better when my Dad would ask me "Where do you wanna go?". Then I would whisper "Jollibee!". :-)

I'm not really approved of the thought of celebrating my birthday in school because I think it would be embarrassing for your classmates and teachers to sing you the "Happy Birthday" song in class. But then I remember a time or two where I got the chance to celebrate my birthday in school. It was actually nice and (I think) we brought Spaghetti for everyone. Oh god how I wish I could go back to those times. But I can't and I have to accept the fact that life moves forward and time flies so fast!

The best thing I've ever received on my birthday was a pair of shoes. Those were the shoes I cried for when I was a freshman in high school. It was my birthday then when my Mom told me that she couldn't buy me new shoes. It was my only request but because we were on some sort of a financial turmoil that time my Mom couldn't give me anything on my birthday.

Looking back, I remember how I was really immature that I couldn't understand our situation. That same day, I went to an abandoned house just right behind our house crying about the shoes. I locked myself inside and cried until I fell asleep. The moment I woke up my Dad was knocking on the door with the shoes on his hands. That afternoon I realized how selfish I was but of course I felt thankful and happy afterwards. Since then I never asked or requested anything from my parents. :-) I also accepted the fact that I'm too old for birthday parties and even cakes.

Today, I really don't know how to spend my birthday. Maybe I can go out with friends, watch a movie, buy a book, a shirt, shoes maybe - I don't know! For sure we're going to have a small family dinner later. I also plan to go to church later and thank God for all the blessings, the life and everything despite all the trials for the past 21 years. Maybe, I'll just look for something that will make me happy or spend the day with the people who makes me happy - my family.

Last year, my birthday post was about the Paranoia of being 20. This year I couldn't care less about how old I am. All that matters to me now is to be Happy on my Birthday! :-)

When you hear of Abs-Cbn especially if you're miles away from Manila, you imagine a grand place full of celebrities. You see yourself walking on a red carpet through a long, narrow and white hallway, with dressing rooms, and celebrity portraits hanged at either side. Then you'll get inside one of the place's big studios that can accommodate thousands of audience and you will most likely get to see the people working off cam. That's not my case though, because even before my soul wandered off at Abs-Cbn all I had in mind was Anne Curtis.

During the tour I spotted Anne Curtis' Dressing Room!

But as we toured the compound, I was surprised when it unfolded a simple job-centered environment.

When you're there, you will see it more as a workplace than those flashy images you feed your imagination with. The interiors are simple but still with a good share of grandeur since it's my first time to visit the place. What makes it complicated is how you think about the turnarounds of the place, the busy people and some kick-ass alienating machines. It's like a labyrinth that belongs to another world. Certainly, not the world that I was used to but a world where I would love to work.

Have you ever been to a hallway that seemed like a warehouse of machines, camera cranes, dollies, props and some electrical thingamajig caged on the side? That doesn't sound like an ideal place to live or to even pass by, but for an aspiring filmmaker - that hallway is but a warehouse of his most beloved tools. How much more a studio that's got chroma screens and a ceiling that is full of cables and lights?


After the morning tour we readied ourselves for Abs-Cbn's Live Noontime show "It's Showtime". The tour was fun but I don't know if the world hates me because during our tour, we hardly ever bumped into a celebrity.

We went to a cafeteria, perhaps nestled in the heart of the main building fronting the Dolphy Theater to have snacks in preparation for a 3 hours TV show guesting. Yeah, guesting, because we're special like that. As the we near the Showtime Studio, my heart was racing like hell because I might finally get the chance to see Anne Curtis.

It's Showtime!!

 The instant I got inside the Showtime Studio my head went spinning around like a possessed child looking for Anne. Where is Anne Curtis? Where is Anne Curtis? (Heart beats fast) Ohh...Anne Curtis, where are you? (Sees Vice Ganda, Heart gallops!) Hey, not you. Hahaha

Jesse: Where's Anne?
Me: I don't know. She might be late again, she's kind of always late at Showtime. Let's just wait.
Jesse: Okay.

While waiting for Anne to show up and for the program to start we were briefed by the floor directors about the responsibilities of a Madlang people. Yes! As Madlang people or as a live show audience in general you're not just gonna sit back, relax and enjoy as though you're watching a television. You, a lucky sonofabitch who got the rare chance of getting into an invite-only or reservation-required LIVE national TV Show should participate well in dancing, singing or even just by putting your hands together to clap.

You will kind of feel tired halfway though because you're gonna have to clap in every gap of the show but it's all part of the experience. Remember that this is not a movie where you get the chance of watching it the second time around, unless of course, you have contacts who can get you there everyday. Being an audience is tantamount to being a film extra, you're one of the most important factors of the show because you're the one or part of a group that builds up an essential element called atmosphere. And a variety show without a lively atmosphere is a flop! So with a gush of enthusiasm I gave 100% of my energy when they taught us the choreo of the show's opening.

Then the program started. The hosts came out. We all sang and danced beating out the music of "It's Showtime." God, it was tiring! Then came later when I realized Anne's not going to show up anymore. Anne, when late, usually arrives after the first (two) gap(s) and appears for her utterly absurd yet very entertaining "Madlang People Chant".

  But it was already time for the segment Sine Moto! It broke my heart into pieces. I was devastated. I wanted to go around to find her.

I tried to catch up with the show and absorb everyone's happy aura and it temporarily sufficed. There came gaps where I prayed for Anne to arrive even though she's already 1 and a half hour late. But my prayers that time prompted me with "Message Sending Failed".

I wasn't really sad though, just, a bit disappointed. I enjoyed Sine Moto as usual and raising the score cards and watching families perform together are the funnest for me. And oh, I remember that The X-Factor Philippines finalists were there too! It's been awhile since I last saw Kz Tandingan. We're schoolmates and good friends too! SO proud of her. :-)




But like most shows, Showtime consumed itself like a dying stick of cigarette. It just happened so fast! Maybe because I managed to recover from my sudden heartache.

The experience was fun but it could have been personally awesome if Anne Curtis was there. For a Showtime fan, Showtime with a cast member missing, especially someone that is as lovable as Anne or as witty as Vice, Showtime isn't Showtime. Don't get me wrong though because I really enjoyed the show. I'm really happy and thankful for the great experience but I definitely could have had one of the best days of my life if Anne Curtis was there.

On the brighter side, at least, I would be looking forward to another Abs-Cbn Tour or event where I'll finally get the chance to meet Anne Curtis up close and personal. I left the Abs-Cbn compound that day with a glimmer of hope and was reminded that the fanboy's search for his celebrity crush continues.

To cap this off, I'm giving Showtime!

Minus Anne!

I receive a lot of emails asking if Showtime is free. And yes, it is free to the public. Only those who have booked to the Abs-Cbn Studio Tours have paid for the tour which includes Showtime as part of their itinerary. :-)

Davao has always been a food haven for me. There are lots of food establishments around and they multiply whenever Kadayawan approaches. From street-food stalls, karinderyas, to fast-food chains and restaurants, you will surely enjoy dining on any of the fine food choices in the city.

While promos and discounts run wild from just about everywhere. It won't hurt to treat yourself a royal lunch or dinner by dining at the King of all buffet restaurants in Davao City - The Apo View Hotel's Entree. Besides, Kadayawan is the king of all festivals. Ergo, eat like King!


Aside from the awesome food, make sure you'll catch The Apo View Hotel's line up of events this Kadayawan 2012 which includes cultural and dance performances, fashion, photo and art exhibits, the mouth-watering cupcakes by Sugar Rush at the Kadayawan Bazaar, and the mesmerizing fire dance by Apo Duwaling. The good news? Entrance is free!

 You can actually just visit the place any time - I've done it twice and for no apparent reason. lol.

If you happen to be a tourist, a hotel-guest or someone who just wanted to be a king for a day. I tell you, never ever miss Entree!

Even I, from the far far away Street of Bronze, have come to a feast with the Dukes, Princes and Princesses, Kings and Queens at the Entree Restaurant. Ehem. Ehem.

Salad Oh, Init pa! (LOL)

Thy carnivore on its truest. I came to the table to snub the forest. Then I walked down to the sea and enjoyed caridea, maki, sushi and sashimi. 



Henceforth, I ate a sea of food. With bits of carbs but a goody good, good! And now you sing my every word. That rhymes and times with the whole wide world!

But wait! Thou shall not challenge the villagers stomach. To the table I returned to wreak more havoc. Then I saw a land of ham. Of which I smothered with pineapple jam. Then went the meat with streaks of green. Luxurious, pungent, with bits of bean.

And then I saw something sweet! Oh God there's cake and it's grinding my teeth.


While every feast must end with a burp. I went to my table with a stuffed t-shirt. And that's how it is to become a King. To eat with class is to try everything. I think that's all I have for this quest. I'm so honored to be Entree's Royal Guest.

In case you're wondering from which social group I came from. I'm proud to say, I belong to the bloggers who looks like they've just attended JS Prom.



Please hold on a moment. While I try to untangle my tongue. Okay, so. .  after my royal experience I think not Davao as a food haven anymore - but a heaven of food for a King - who can be anyone.

Be a royal guest for only P800. Entrée Restaurant is located at the lobby of Apo View Hotel (Camus St., Davao City). For more information and reservations, please visit Apo View’s website or contact them at (082) 221 6430 to 40.

Exactly a week ago I was fortunate to be part of a tour that I never thought exists. Although I haven't asked anyone if there happens to be the same event the previous years or if it's an annual event (which I hope so!). I'd still want to think that it's the FIRST EVER ABS-CBN DAVAO PRESS TOUR, because for me, it was a lot of firsts. Additionally, out of momentary vanity, I just want to think of it that way because it's the first time in the longest time that the world revolved around me! Hahaha. 

Last October 2010, I was in Manila for WordCamp and a School Fieldtrip and since then I never had the chance to come back. I also never thought I would be back in Manila until October this year for WordCamp 2012. But who would have thought that I'd end up going there 2 months before I expected. Thank God! I was lucky to get an invitation from Ms. Razelle of Abs-Cbn for an all expense paid tour in Manila. :-)

If going to Manila isn't one of my 'firsts', then flying with Philippine Airlines and and having "Combi" for airline snacks is. Everything felt "burgis" (a term my friends and I use to refer bourgeoisie) until combi came into our hands! Mother of all biscuits! Okay fine, let's skip that part.

It's also the first time that I've done a decision that is as quick as lightning. In a matter of seconds I said yes to the invitation because I know it's going to be a great experience and who the hell am I to decline such a special invitation anyway?

And so...I went.


We arrived Manila around 8:00 pm. We were picked up by an Abs-Cbn van from the airport to our hotel, but we got hungry and decided to stop by at a weekend food night market in Ortigas. I forgot the name of the place (I'm sure it wasn't Bancheto though) and I forgot to take pictures too. ZzZ. But we had a nice dinner and finally proceeded to La Breza Tower (a Condotel), which is only a couple of blocks away from the Abs-Cbn compound.

Abs-Cbn Davao Press Tour Day 1

Press Briefing - with Sir Ian, Jesse, Zhaun, Mam Stella and Manong Bert.

Studio Tour

Studio 10 - The biggest studio in Abs-Cbn.

Stay tuned for my Abs-Cbn Tour Series. . .and some backlogs too! Hahaha.

Here's a teaser!

Note: Updated! Thank you. :-)