Saturday last week, I helped out buy and move in stuff for O and Ellona's temp house. Some of their rellies were there to help out too. Last week, the house was still almost empty and Ellona and O only moved in on Friday. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen and like any Filipino, a dirty kitchen too. lol.
I went to visit them on their first night, their aura have changed. I saw how relieved O is, having their own place and all that. Ellona was excited somewhat, she was giving me a tour of the kitchen as if I haven't seen it before, showing me what O bought... asking me what I want for dinner, if I want chicharon orrrr ham. She's so cute. Anyways, here are some pictures...
I went to visit them on their first night, their aura have changed. I saw how relieved O is, having their own place and all that. Ellona was excited somewhat, she was giving me a tour of the kitchen as if I haven't seen it before, showing me what O bought... asking me what I want for dinner, if I want chicharon orrrr ham. She's so cute. Anyways, here are some pictures...
"Walk this way please..."
Manila is always portrayed to be poverty-stricken, pathetic and ugly in most films, international news and other media like it is such a loathsome place. Sure its rough around the edges but hey, its not THAT bad.
2 Saturdays ago, I invited Olein and Ellona to experience a historical trip with a guy who is not only unbelievably funny but also proficient in Philippine history. Donning a top hat with his messenger bag, cassette and other props... he's just an amazing tour guide slash entertainer slash teacher.
The meeting place was at San Agustin Church and we started the tour by singing the Philippine National Anthem while his left hand waved a tiny Philippine flag. Ayos! I was happy actually and proud at the same time. We started our tour at San Agustin Church and Museum which was built in 1586 and is the oldest stone church in Manila. There, Carlos talked about the Spanish colonization of the Philippines with a black clear book full of interesting photos. I should've recorded his breathtaking one-minute spiel on Jose Rizal for the benefit of the tourists and balikbayans who doesn't know the country's national hero.
My favorite part is Carlos noting that Jose Rizal is just 4'11... Ellona kinda caught everyone's attention when she loudly told O that they were of the same height. Carlos commented, "don't worry, its a very presidential height!" (President GMA is also 4'11) We stayed at Father Blanco's Garden where Carlos talked about the Spanish to American rule. When English was declared the official language and Six hundred American teachers were imported aboard the USS Thomas. Philippines was considered to be an American colony, and the American administration aimed to develop the country and encouraged the eventual establishment of a free and democratic government.
Afterwhich we proceeded to a crypt where Carlos lighted a candle and requested us to pray for all the lives lost during World War 2. The place served as a memorial to prisoners killed by the Japanese and other innocent victims. Japan attacked the Philippines on 1941, just ten hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Manila was the second most-destroyed city after Warsaw. It is interesting to note that whilst other countries were destroyed by their enemies, Manila was destroyed by... Americans who aimed to liberate the city from the Japs.
We went to Casa Manila after, an almost accurate representation of a private home in Intramuros in the past. That part of the tour was filled with Carlos talking about uniquely Filipino habits, traits and customs. Everything was just soooo Pinoy!
I've never met a guy as passionate as Carlos about the country and its just really amazing. I love my country, everything about me is very Filipino and with that I mean... a mix of everything - part of me very American, a part of me very Spanish. I love my country that I even refused to leave although that might change sooner or later, I don't really know.
I just hope that every Filipino can have a deeper understanding that underneath all the noise and pollution is one of the most fascinating cities on earth just like what Carlos wants to convey.
----------------
Carlos Celdran Tours
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com
(0920)9092021
Manila is always portrayed to be poverty-stricken, pathetic and ugly in most films, international news and other media like it is such a loathsome place. Sure its rough around the edges but hey, its not THAT bad.
2 Saturdays ago, I invited Olein and Ellona to experience a historical trip with a guy who is not only unbelievably funny but also proficient in Philippine history. Donning a top hat with his messenger bag, cassette and other props... he's just an amazing tour guide slash entertainer slash teacher.
The meeting place was at San Agustin Church and we started the tour by singing the Philippine National Anthem while his left hand waved a tiny Philippine flag. Ayos! I was happy actually and proud at the same time. We started our tour at San Agustin Church and Museum which was built in 1586 and is the oldest stone church in Manila. There, Carlos talked about the Spanish colonization of the Philippines with a black clear book full of interesting photos. I should've recorded his breathtaking one-minute spiel on Jose Rizal for the benefit of the tourists and balikbayans who doesn't know the country's national hero.
My favorite part is Carlos noting that Jose Rizal is just 4'11... Ellona kinda caught everyone's attention when she loudly told O that they were of the same height. Carlos commented, "don't worry, its a very presidential height!" (President GMA is also 4'11) We stayed at Father Blanco's Garden where Carlos talked about the Spanish to American rule. When English was declared the official language and Six hundred American teachers were imported aboard the USS Thomas. Philippines was considered to be an American colony, and the American administration aimed to develop the country and encouraged the eventual establishment of a free and democratic government.
Afterwhich we proceeded to a crypt where Carlos lighted a candle and requested us to pray for all the lives lost during World War 2. The place served as a memorial to prisoners killed by the Japanese and other innocent victims. Japan attacked the Philippines on 1941, just ten hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Manila was the second most-destroyed city after Warsaw. It is interesting to note that whilst other countries were destroyed by their enemies, Manila was destroyed by... Americans who aimed to liberate the city from the Japs.
We went to Casa Manila after, an almost accurate representation of a private home in Intramuros in the past. That part of the tour was filled with Carlos talking about uniquely Filipino habits, traits and customs. Everything was just soooo Pinoy!
I've never met a guy as passionate as Carlos about the country and its just really amazing. I love my country, everything about me is very Filipino and with that I mean... a mix of everything - part of me very American, a part of me very Spanish. I love my country that I even refused to leave although that might change sooner or later, I don't really know.
I just hope that every Filipino can have a deeper understanding that underneath all the noise and pollution is one of the most fascinating cities on earth just like what Carlos wants to convey.
----------------
Carlos Celdran Tours
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com
(0920)9092021
Sky High Saturdays at Club Ascend
September 6, 2008
Located on the second and third floor of a newly-constructed building at Quadrant 4 of Bonifacio High Street, Club Ascend is the new club in town. They just opened late January of this year. Integrating a dance club, restaurant and a lounge bar, the second floor is divided into the Club and Lounge / Restaurant by sliding glass panels that can be opened to handle bigger events and functions. All three rooms, including Skye-VIP lounge on the third floor, have their own DJs and music to go with, but the entire place can also be rigged to have one common source of music from the main club DJ booth - usually applicable when there are big name DJs spinning.
pre-drinking before clubbing
jac-0lein-bernice-doanni
One thing I really like about Ascend is that they spared no expense in terms of sound and light equipment to rival Embassy! They are the first in the Philippines to have Funktion One Dancestacks! You know, those cool transformers-looking sound system!
Breakfast at Heaven 'n Eggs - Tomas Morato (5AM)
Club Ascend
Q4 Bonifacio High St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
(0916) 538.4393
http://www.clubascend.com
September 6, 2008
Located on the second and third floor of a newly-constructed building at Quadrant 4 of Bonifacio High Street, Club Ascend is the new club in town. They just opened late January of this year. Integrating a dance club, restaurant and a lounge bar, the second floor is divided into the Club and Lounge / Restaurant by sliding glass panels that can be opened to handle bigger events and functions. All three rooms, including Skye-VIP lounge on the third floor, have their own DJs and music to go with, but the entire place can also be rigged to have one common source of music from the main club DJ booth - usually applicable when there are big name DJs spinning.
pre-drinking before clubbing
jac-0lein-bernice-doanni
One thing I really like about Ascend is that they spared no expense in terms of sound and light equipment to rival Embassy! They are the first in the Philippines to have Funktion One Dancestacks! You know, those cool transformers-looking sound system!
Breakfast at Heaven 'n Eggs - Tomas Morato (5AM)
Club Ascend
Q4 Bonifacio High St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
(0916) 538.4393
http://www.clubascend.com
click the link below the image to view the image set. thanks!Ü
Leaving the U.S. set (Airport Pictures)
Hello Cavite Set (O's first 3 days in the P.I.)
Pictures from my 24th Birthday @ Warehouse 135
Leaving the U.S. set (Airport Pictures)
Hello Cavite Set (O's first 3 days in the P.I.)
Pictures from my 24th Birthday @ Warehouse 135
I initially wanted to take Olein to Conti's as it is my favorite restaurant in Serendra but it was packed so, we opted for the viet resto (and probably the only viet resto in MNL aside from Pho Hoa) beside Conti's - Zao Vietnamese Bistro. As we entered the bistro, Olein commented... "oh what a shala vietnamese restaurant!", she started being all giggly and as we were handed the menu she said, "take pictures, this is going to be THE Julie Night!" (Yes, ma'am!)
Olein ordered for the Zao Pho and I really didn't know what to order so I just randomly selected the Barbecue Zao Platter thinking it has everything barbeque'd. It's only my second time to dine at Zao, the first time was labor day this year with my family. I already told O how the waiters there would pronounce PHO as F-OHW (long o). Even the staff at the local Pho Hoa's I've dined in would pronounce it that way, almost everyone I know in Manila says it that way, F-OOOHW. So yes, please don't blame me for pronouncing it that way and thanks for correcting me.
The bistro is pretty and the ambiance is nice, service is so-so and price is affordable considering how shala it is. Now the food, well... I have almost zero knowledge about viet food so I don't know if it tastes viet. All I can say is the barbecue platter is goodie, the sweet and salty mix is perfect. Their spring rolls however is not as good as those I had at Pho Hoa. O also said that the spring rolls are just too small. I don't know if she liked the Zao Pho cuz all the time she was just telling me 'I don't know... its different.'
I was told by my food blogger friends that the owners, Kay and Conrad Alcantara, also own Pasto, and Trio; both are Italian restaurants. Hmm...
I was told by my food blogger friends that the owners, Kay and Conrad Alcantara, also own Pasto, and Trio; both are Italian restaurants. Hmm...
Whilst waiting for our food, O was telling me stories about how her life was back in Santa Cruz. She also gave me an introduction to Vietnamese food - OK, at least now I know what hoisin sauce is!
no cilantro, onions, and basil. ayos!
"OMG, its so small!!! they're like my fingers!" LOL.
We walked along High Street after dinner and saw this...
=)
Zao Vietnamese Bistro
Unit 1C16 Serendra,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
(632) 856-2819
---------
shala is a gay slang but considered as a general term and a positive expression meaning something nice and almost grand.
Unit 1C16 Serendra,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
(632) 856-2819
---------
shala is a gay slang but considered as a general term and a positive expression meaning something nice and almost grand.
After the High Street 'tour', we went to Globe telco plaza to pick up Olein's childhood best friend, Jac. We initially wanted to go to the San Miguel Oktoberfest kick off party but all roads led to Ortigas and traffic was just really bad. So, we took the opposite side of Julia Vargas Ave. from San Miguel. We went to Alchemy...
entrance
jac and olein
us
us, again..
Alchemy has a progressive concept, they have O Lounge (1st floor) that offers Ibiza, Café del Mar kind of music that also serves as a resto, whilst in Liquid (2nd floor) its R&B and Hip Hop and in Vapor (3rd floor) its progressive house and Trance. The decor is different on each level and basically, the higher you go, the thinner the air is (or as they say, 'the harder the music').
jac and olein
olein and jac
that night, O was really friendly with the bouncers..
this bouncer in particular is gwapo!
O met someone from The Bay! I think her name's Apple Pascual, I'm not really sure...
She knows Shalimar. =)
Too bad, Vapor Room was closed the night we were there, I guess because there really wasn't a lot of people (everyone's in Oktoberfest!). The lighting in the Vapor Room is amazing, the kind of lights they use in Tiesto's dance parties when he was in Manila or in Ministry of Sound and it blends harmoniously with each beat just right to create that state when you're listening to Trance or Techno. Anyways....
Jac and I
outside Liquid
there's a huge starbucks just right beside O Lounge,
as usual i gotta have a dose of caf before driving...
wrong ispeling, OLAIN.
It is one of the hotspots in the Metro that is not in Makati or The Fort. It has a capacity of over 700, 5 bars, 2 dance floors and a café/resto. People from the Metro say its an okay alternative to Embassy but for me, its better than Embassy. The good thing about Alchemy is that I haven't really heard of any bad stuff like frequent brawls between patrons and promoters or like the place is mecca for crackheads. They don't have those NO DRUGS sign on every corner unlike in embassy.
Alchemy
Silver City Mall, Julia Vargas
Corner Frontera Drive, Pasig City
(632) 706.1305
http://www.alchemy.ph/
Alchemy
Silver City Mall, Julia Vargas
Corner Frontera Drive, Pasig City
(632) 706.1305
http://www.alchemy.ph/
September 5, 2008 - Bonifacio High Street is located in Bonifacio Global City or more popularly known as 'The Fort'. It is originally known as Fort William McKinley and was acquired by the United States government during the American colonial period. It was turned over to the Philippine Government in 1949 and became the headquarters of the Philippine Army. Later on it was converted into an upscale commercial center and residential park.
it is rare for olein to actually volunteer to pose,
i got excited i forgot to turn the flash off.
DIMENSIONE is furniture concept store
if someone would bring in Ikea to the Philippines,
we will we be 'almost' third world
nike store
It offers rows of flagship stores, retail boutiques, office spaces, coffee shops and restaurants. I've never been to Cali but they said it resembles Sta. Monica promenade outside Los Angeles.
Across High Street is Serendra Piazza, its known for its trendy and stellar marked restos. The pictures I took in Serendra were blurry so I decided not to upload 'em. But to give you an idea, its like a fine dining park of sorts then you can hop from one restaurant to another.
We saw a Jaguar when we crossed the street from Serendra to High Street after dinner...
Olein: OMG! Take a picture! take a picture! I have to show my friends!!!
Me: What?
Olein: There's a motherf******* Jaguar in the Philippines!
Me: OLEEEEIN! of course there are Jaguars in the Philippines! and BMW's, Mercedes...
Olein: I know! but I didn't know you guys have jaguars here!
my favorite place in High Street!
that's a five storey bookstore in Manila. Yey!
the place is stocked with goodies!!!
Across High Street is Serendra Piazza, its known for its trendy and stellar marked restos. The pictures I took in Serendra were blurry so I decided not to upload 'em. But to give you an idea, its like a fine dining park of sorts then you can hop from one restaurant to another.
We saw a Jaguar when we crossed the street from Serendra to High Street after dinner...
Olein: OMG! Take a picture! take a picture! I have to show my friends!!!
Me: What?
Olein: There's a motherf******* Jaguar in the Philippines!
Me: OLEEEEIN! of course there are Jaguars in the Philippines! and BMW's, Mercedes...
Olein: I know! but I didn't know you guys have jaguars here!
my favorite place in High Street!
that's a five storey bookstore in Manila. Yey!
the place is stocked with goodies!!!
waiting for olein...
September 3, 2008 - Olein needed to meet up with someone in Cubao to check a condo where she and Ellona can possibly stay but I couldn't drive that day. No one was also available to drive her to Manila so... she took the ferry! Whilst the Philippines is known for beach resorts and a pristine marine environment, the country is also infamous for overloading ships; vessels are often overcrowded and accidents are frequent. So yeah, it kind of was a big deal. I mean I'm sure it isn't so bad but I was worried for her you know, her family was too. I (and her cousins) had to check on her every so often.
It is actually not just the bad maritime record that we were worried about but also because some people might take advantage of someone like her. I could say Filipinos are generally nice but hey, you'll never know. I knew that she'll definitely gonna complain because it was so hot but I sent her an sms telling her to wear something simple; jeans and to hide the you know what... her 'asset' (ya'll know what am talking about!) But anyways, I'm glad she was safe and actually happy with her trip cuz she had her 'alone' time. So yeah, I just waited for her at the ferry terminal with my driver about 2PM so we can take her to Cubao.
It is actually not just the bad maritime record that we were worried about but also because some people might take advantage of someone like her. I could say Filipinos are generally nice but hey, you'll never know. I knew that she'll definitely gonna complain because it was so hot but I sent her an sms telling her to wear something simple; jeans and to hide the you know what... her 'asset' (ya'll know what am talking about!) But anyways, I'm glad she was safe and actually happy with her trip cuz she had her 'alone' time. So yeah, I just waited for her at the ferry terminal with my driver about 2PM so we can take her to Cubao.
metrostar ferry, no a/c
Land travel to Cavite City takes about two hours whilst a Metrostar ferry ride from Cavite City to Pasay City (SM Mall of Asia Complex) only takes about 40 minutes. It is indeed a viable transportation alternative to traffic-congested Cavite. Passenger terminals are located at the MOA complex fronting Manila Bay, beside the Shrine of Jesus Church, and at the port of Cavite City, behind the municipal hall.
olein texting her cousin before boarding the ferry back to cavite at 6:45PM
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