O in the Philippines!

Central Hits

2009-02-01T01:41:00.003+08:00

Central and SEx with Anna and Plokz, O and her friends from Bay Area, my sibs and cousins! It was a fun night, everyone was drinking, chill lang... we had pitchers after pitchers of Bad Trip and Bad Boy. I made Anna try the isaw and some... O was happy to be with chillin' with her friends from Frisco, all I heard was bay this.. bay that... hella this... hella that... and then they wanted a picture of 'em all doing the thizz face, whatever the heck that is. Anna made everyone take Jägerbombs except for me. buahaha! Its nice that my brother and O finally met and its nice to introduce the sibs to Anna too. We went to SEx before heading home to sober up.

CVT Fiesta

2009-02-01T01:29:00.003+08:00

I wasn't able to take photos of other people so you guys can also see what it was like during the fiesta. It was so hot though, we stayed in the room most of the time. Pictures of the kiddos..

girls

now, boys...

O being "ate" to Ellona

Meadowood House

2009-01-29T10:02:00.003+08:00

Some photos inside O and Ellona's humble abode. Photos taken on Tita Vee's despedida.

FOOOOOOOOOOOOD!

the "sala" bow.

dining area

bathroom

a part of the kitchen

shooooes

even more shooooes

EK Vid

2008-12-20T17:25:00.000+08:00

Wow, Videos!

2008-12-03T17:03:00.003+08:00

Wow, uploaded! I'm happy... I've been complaining how I just can't upload a video on youtube but for some reason today, I was able to. I wasn't hoping Ellona's KBP performance vid will be uploaded but I still did anyways, I didn't realize I uploaded it to my account instead of O's.

Ellona being silly in front of the mirror last Sunday before we left for Cuenca Bazaar.

Ellona singing 'I Believe' at the KBP Conference last week at the Taal Vista Hotel.

Noisy Neighbors

2008-12-03T16:26:00.005+08:00

Last Saturday, I met up with O and Ellona cuz O didn't know how to get to Mile Long Compound in Makati where the recording studio, Noisy Neighbors is at. Ellona recorded the theme song for the Pearl Anniversary of the Advertising Suppliers Association of the Philippines (ASAP).

We met Roy and Lissa of Noisy Neighbors who were really nice and accommodating. I met Allen Velez too, who directed the last KBP conference. It was nice to finally meet him cuz O only had nice things to say about him and the guy is just all out supportive of Ellona. After the recording, we went to ASAP's office where Ellona was introduced to some of their officers.

Tonight, Ellona will be performing at their event at the Palacio de Maynila. I just got off the phone with O who is currently 'lost' somewhere in EDSA looking for a U-turn slot going back to Roxas Blvd. hehe. Photos are grainy, sorry. I just used my camphone.

Taal Vista

2008-12-03T09:38:00.004+08:00

Photos from O's camera that I was able to transfer to my laptop over the weekend. Photos in this post are taken in Taal Vista Hotel, perched on a 700 meter high ridge that has the best view of the majestic Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. It is where O, Tita V and Ellona stayed for 2 days for Ellona's performance last week for the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) (Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines).

Ellona did really well, she was amazing! Unfortunately, I'm really having a hard time uploading the video (111MB) of her performance because the internet connection here is just annoyingly FAST. You upload it and it'll just sit there for hours only to get a connection error. ohwells.

MORE PHOTOS HERE!

Enchanted Kingdom Part 2 of 2

2008-11-19T12:29:00.003+08:00

"Save As" option is now enabled! Save! Save! Save! =)

Enchanted Kingdom Part 1 of 2

2008-11-18T11:47:00.007+08:00

Sunday Family Affair at Enchanted Kingdom Santa Rosa, Laguna. Photos below are in lomo, will upload copies of RGB Color version soon.

Ows?

Kuya Jon and Shane

O out front Rialto

Kuya Roy and Shane

O @ Rio Grande Rapids

Shane, basa, takbo!

uhaw

init

Ellona

Ellona-Macro

O Macro

Wheel of Chorva!

Mahangin

Handa, ako ay lagi. *bow*

'swan lake'

daanan

alay-lakad

takipsilim

pampahilo

FLICKR ALBUM HERE!

Wowowee!

2008-11-17T13:11:00.003+08:00

Wednesday last week, we went to ABS-CBN to watch TFC favorite show, Wowowee...

MORE PHOTOS HERE

Eat Bulaga!

2008-11-17T11:54:00.006+08:00

Monday last week, we watched the longest running noontime show in the Philippines, Eat Bulaga live at Broadway Centrum...

MORE PHOTOS HERE

because PJ wants an update

2008-10-26T01:57:00.006+08:00

On 12 October 2008

I picked up O and Ellona for dinner at Circle's Event Cafe at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati. Buffet! Buffet! Buffet! Before they had dessert, O said "I hate you, Ven! I'm on a diet!" then Ellona looked at me and said, "I hate you too!!!"

I left the SD card for my camera at home and the thing doesn't have internal memory so sorry boys and girls, for the grainy pictures. I used my phone's cam and the area where we were at that night was a bit dim so I just adjusted it in photoshop.

23 October 2008

I drove to Bacoor after work to pick up the sisters initially to take them to Alabang Town Center. The sisters wanted to go somewhere else other than SM Bacoor cuz they go there almost everyday that I guess people from Ace Hardware and Big Apple Express Spa know them already.

The drive from Bacoor to Alabang Town Center would take about an hour or so because it was already rush hour in Zapote area that it would be better to just take them to Makati which is farther but would take less than an hour. I was thinking of taking them to Greenbelt and watch a movie after dinner but I realized they haven't been to Rockwell Center yet and so we went...

Rockwell Center is tucked away from Makati Business District where the finest malls and restaurants are. It features the Power Plant Mall which used to be a thermal plant, closed in 1994. It has four levels of retail space occupied by various quality shops and dining outlets. The shops are pricey but it is the least congested compared to other malls in the metro.

inside the Power Plant Mall

At the ground floor they have a branch of Rustan's Fresh, a local supermarket where O happily did a bit of grocery shopping. She's been complaining about how there are no herbs, progresso, classico and-all-that-kitchen-what-have-you at SM Hypermarket. It's because whatever it is she's looking for are the things Juan Dela Cruz will not really buy unless Juan Dela Cruz is heavily influenced by Uncle Sam ooorrrr if your household income is about 80,000PHP or greater orrrr you're a culinary person looking for ingredients for your non-filipino dish. Rustan's Fresh carries a lot of imported goods so most of the people who shop there are from upper middle class to Manila's elite. O was a bit frustrated they don't have Classico ALFREEEYDO Pasta Sauce.

O and I had dinner at Pho 24 whilst Ellona waited for us because she wanted to have
her favorite Rigatoni All'Alfonso at Cibo.

O's first time to drive in Manila

2008-10-14T20:33:00.004+08:00

OK, here's the fun part, when I went to Cavite to pick them up... O offered, "Do you want me to drive?" Yes, dear friends O is now a licensed Pilipino non-pro driver and mind you, her license is expensive! tsktsk. O's already driving in the Cavite area but she haven't driven in Manila. She was pretty excited but at the same time I know, a lil' scared knowing how it is in the metro. So, I parked my car in front of their house, we used their newly purchased car and she drove from Cavite to Taguig City on a rainy friday night!

You see boys and girls, Manila traffic operates on a significantly different paradigm. Most Pinoy drivers break almost every driving rule in the book like sudden left turns from the far right lane; straddle lanes; cut into freeway traffic; stop wherever they feel like; jump red lights; drive with headlights off at night; and use their horns incessantly.

That night, O practiced her lane changing skills, in Manila... lane changing requires a lot of precision and creativity, it should be done in a matter of seconds and without using the turn signal or otherwise you'll stimulate a widespread panic!

Btw, O swerved 6x along EDSA. buahaha!

Serendra 10/10

2008-10-14T18:36:00.005+08:00

I invited O and Ellona for dinner last friday night, 'thought about bringing Ellona to Serendra and The Fort High Street cuz she haven't been there. I asked Ellona what she wants for dinner and with a big grin she said, CIBO! I really don't mind cuz I luuuurve Cibo but O was like, Ellona you should try something different! (Ellona: but I looooove Ciboooo!) It took us a while to decide where to eat when we got to Serendra, Conti's like always is full... Ellona didn't want to have steak or pasta and actually still insisted we go to Cibo but there's no Cibo in Serendra! We ended up dining at Thai at Silk because O insisted and wanted something different. See, I'm not a fan of thai food because most thai dishes I know have shrimp paste and I am allergic to shrimp. =(

Thai at Silk's Pad Thai's presentation was incredible, it has an egg/flour basket!

Gai Hor Bai Toey (Chicken in pandan leaves)

Yam Plaa Dook Foo (Crispy catfish with mango julienne salad)

The place is cozy and chic, with a predominantly white interior with pale green. As O would put it, the ambiance is spa-like and food is gooooood! After dinner, we passed by Sonja's for cupcakes but Ellona and O were full to even try one so I just bought some to take home for my lil' sis.

MORE PICTURES HERE!

Thai at Silk
G/F Serendra Piazza, 26th St., Fort Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City, Metro Manila
(02) 856-0386 to 87

Cupcakes by Sonja
1C03 Serendra Piazza, Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City, Metro Manila
Tel no. 856-0308
Mobile: +63 906 477 0833
cupcakesbysonja@gmail.com

Sleepover at O's

2008-10-10T04:47:00.002+08:00

It was a fun night. Lani and I got really drunk... O's childhood friends, Jac and Sheena were there too and also Kuya Beng. Lani cooked Pininyahang Manok (Pineapple Chicken) and O cooked Chopsuey for lunch the next day. I was too groggy to take pictures but it was good! =)

MORE PICTURES HERE.

Moving In

2008-09-29T01:24:00.007+08:00

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...

Goodnight!

MORE PICTURES HERE!

Celdran Tours - Intramuros

2008-09-25T01:47:00.008+08:00

"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.

MORE PICTURES HERE!

----------------
Carlos Celdran Tours
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com
(0920)9092021

Club Ascend

2008-09-24T18:28:00.004+08:00

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)

MORE PICTURES HERE!

Club Ascend
Q4 Bonifacio High St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
(0916) 538.4393
http://www.clubascend.com

Album Set 1

2008-09-14T20:04:00.008+08:00

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

'Julie Night'

2008-09-13T00:32:00.018+08:00

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...

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.

Alchemy

2008-09-11T02:09:00.009+08:00

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, 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/

Bonifacio High Street

2008-09-09T00:57:00.012+08:00

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!!!

the infamous structure in high street

Official Website
http://www.ayalamalls.com.ph/content/bhs.asp

Olein went to Manila ALONE!

2008-09-08T21:02:00.019+08:00

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.

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

The Sahal Scarf

2008-09-02T16:06:00.013+08:00

For some reason a lot of people in Manila are wearing checkered scarves since late summer of this year. I swear, its like the entire Philippines is having a love affair with checkered scarves, its ridiculous.

My Muslim cousin said though, people from the Middle East use it as protection from the scorching sun or sometimes they say it carries a much deeper meaning. Some people said it offered symbolic support for Muslim extremism and calls for a revolution of sorts but for me its just a misunderstanding of the Muslim or Arab culture.

My fashionista friends said, 'its fashion' blah blah blah.. So I guess more often really, its a touch of style to an outfit. I googled for it and saw pictures of Mary Kate Olsen, Hayley, Colin Farrell and some other celebs in Hollywood wearing checkered scarves. Before my brother left, he bought some saying its expensive in Australia, he got 'em for 350PHP ($7)/each. Weeks ago when we went to greenhills, Ellona said she wanted a checkered scarf. I don't know why we weren't able to buy one. So, when I went there last Saturday with my family and cousins to buy south sea pearls and other stuff for relatives abroad, I looked for the infamous scarf.

I found a lot of the checkered scarves near the jewelry section of greenhills where most of the stall owners are Muslims. I was also told by the stall owner where I got the scarves from that its called a 'sahal' or "shemagh". At the malls and other small tiangges, they retail for 200-350PHP. Its Greenhills! So like any tiangge, I haggled for the best (cheapest) price. buahaha., and you know what... I got them for only 100 pesos each ($2)!

I guess we were bored so we started taking pictures, I don't know...

"ate, take a picture of me with my scarves."

ehem. ehem.

just testing my cam's color accent feature

ellona took this picture

Original Dampa

2008-09-02T14:19:00.016+08:00

Tito Joe's flight was at 10PM last night, after he checked in I got a text from Olein asking me where should they go around Parañaque. It was around 7ish, dinner time... I suggested they go to Dampa since its just really near the airport. And because I live near the airport, I joined them. =)

Dampa is a wet market where you can buy fresh seafood caught that morning. The 'Original Dampa' is actually a market compound with restaurants that offer 'paluto'. “Paluto” means they will cook whatever raw ingredients you give them, however you want it cooked for a fee. This place is actually perfect for treating out balikbayan friends and relatives who want seafood at a cheap price and in a well, relatively nice ambiance or maybe I can say, a really 'Pinoy ambiance'.

The fun and interesting part really is going to the 'palengke' (wet market), to buy the seafood yourself, selecting and haggling with the tinderas (market vendor). I swear, the sight of seafood is overwhelming. They have crabs, lobster, oysters, mussels, tiger prawns, etc. Pork and chicken are also available for people allergic to most seafood like myself (Hurray!) There are vegetable and fruit stands too. After buying, just choose a restaurant and let them cook it, if you wish to skip the 'fun and interesting' part, you can let the resto staff do the buying for you too.

Kinilaw or Kilawin
It is basically fish steeped in vinegar in which it naturally "cooks".
yes, not cooked over fire.

squid

Olein's favorite, Sinigang! (ITS MY FAVE TOO!!!!)
Sinigang is a sour soup often likened to Thailand's tom yam.
Its main ingredient can either be meat or seafood.
Its soup base is either tamarind or guava.

Dampa at night

Its called 'Original Dampa' because (it is the original!) there are already areas in Manila that copied the 'Dampa' concept. There's one in Libis, Quezon City, one along Macapagal Avenue and in San Miguel behind Mall of Asia, the 'Original Dampa' is near the domestic and international airport. If you don't want to get dirty in the wet market, you can go to any of the new 'dampa' as they are located in commercial and convenient areas.

I have flight attendant friends who would go to the 'original dampa' and pig out on buttered shrimps, crabs, sinigang or calamari. Sometimes, relatives fresh from the airport would request us to bring them to dampa right away. Its really cheap here, sometimes I'd go there with 8 of my friends and we'd chip in 200-250 ($4) each. The other dampa sites are just a bit cleaner and less crowded so of course, its a bit more expensive.

Ellona and Tito Joe

Dampa

Ninoy Aquino Ave.,
San Dionisio
Parañaque City

22nd Street

2008-09-02T09:28:00.007+08:00

22nd Street is a comedy bar located in Las Piñas City, south of Manila. Their hosts / performers / comic can make the crowd laugh and they sing very well too. The thing about Filipino humor though, most Filipinos do not use sarcasm or irony unlike most Americans.

olein with her cousins, ate marie, kung beng-beng and ate 'net

i think this guy's name is wendell

curacha, lanie m, nonoy abnoy

Comedy bars in the Philippines like 22nd street thrives on Pinoy humor like jokes about people making funny mistakes with the English language. You may find it very amusing that sometimes they actually compare various body parts to fruits and vegetables plus a lot, I mean a whole lot of 'green jokes'. Comedy bars here mostly have gay emcees making fun of themselves and customers who don't mind being ridiculed for a few laughs.

and oh, they don't accept credit cards here... I have no idea why.

22nd Street
Unit 1 MRG bldg.
Alabang Zapote Rd.
Las Piñas City

esQuinita

2008-08-28T16:04:00.006+08:00

By 11PM same night, we went to Globe Telco Plaza to pick up Olein's childhood best friend, Jac after her shift. It wasn't so practical to go back to Makati or The Fort since Jac lives far north so we went straight to Tomas Morato area in QC. I really didn't know where to bring them because I'm not really familiar with the establishments in the area. Jac said 'bahala ka na' (its up to you) so I just drove to esQuinita near GMA studios. I only went there once, early this year and I really liked it and I was hoping they'll like it there too. Drinks are cheap, the place is artsy and steady or as Olein would say 'chillll chilll lang..'

jac tomador!

buffalo wings

tokwa't baboy

drinks. funny,... Y-KIKI, Y-TT!

The word ‘Esquinita’ is a Spanish word meaning “street corner turning into an alley”. As you literally enter the esquinita a bunch of guys will greet you offering promos like a bucket of beer for an even cheaper price or like for every bucket of beer a free platter of this and that kinda thing. Inside the esquinita are a bunch of bars well some are not really bar, BAR but more like an 'inuman' joint (a place for consuming alcoholic beverages/beer). We stayed at a sing-along bar called, 'Blue Without U'. I ordered for their 'Rufette' but it was just too strong for me and I still have to drive so I gave it to Olein instead. buahaha. I just had a rhum coke and San Mig Light for Jac. The place is ok, pictures of ABS-CBN stars like John Lloyd and Piolo Pascual are all over the place, with autographs and everything, there's even a poster of Pokwang! Their male staff are relatively good looking and friendly, I'd just like to share that. haha!

olein

olein and jac

....

We went there on a wednesday night so the place wasn't really packed, it actually seemed like they were about to close. Its different when you go there on a friday or saturday night like the first time I went there, the feel is just better. The place is popular because most of the owners of the establishments there are showbiz personalities like Kris Aquino and John Lapus. I actually just found out that the sing-along bar we went to, 'Blue Without U' is owned my comedienne Pokwang.

"teddy bear" great. thanks, jac.

esQuinita, plus names of the establishments inside

at Starbucks Tomas Morato...
I needed a caf fix so I can still drive O to Cavite

buhbye.

Blue Without U
esQuinita
34 Sgt. Esguerra St., Quezon City
http://blueesquinita.multiply.com/

Greenbelt

2008-08-28T14:37:00.004+08:00

After the 'Taft Ave tour', I brought her to Greenbelt. Greenbelt is part of the shopping kingdom called Ayala Center. The 6 million square foot Ayala Center is located in the heart of the Philippines' Central Business District, Makati City. It is the country's premier lifestyle center that offers to the cosmopolitan consumer high quality, specialty shopping, dining and entertainment. Unlike the usual malls in Manila, they have garden paths, walkways, water features and there's a museum and a church in the complex too. I like how the lush Greenbelt park is surrounded by skyscrapers. The area is frequented by expats, tourists and corporate Makati workers. Greenbelt 2 and 3 are very touristy especially the Cafe Havana area.

Going to Greenbelt 2

Inside Greenbelt 5

Greenbelt 5

Greenbelt 3 Park

Olein and I had dinner at Spicy Fingers in Greenbelt 2 where the food really wasn't THAT spicy, at least for Olein. The interior is nice, food is not bad, but nothing really to rave about either. There was a band performing that night, but there are nights they play chill house music and on Mondays I believe they have stand-up comedy.

Olein texting

Color it Red

Spicy Fingers
Ground Level, Greenbelt 2 Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila
Phone Number: (+63 2) 729-8761

Greenbelt Ayala Center, Makati City 1224
http://www.ayalamalls.com.ph/content/greenbelt.asp

DLSU - CSB - Taft Avenue

2008-08-28T12:35:00.004+08:00

Olein decided to stay with me in Manila instead of going home with Ellona and Tito Joe. So... since we were in Manila, I decided to give her a 'tour' along Taft Ave. for her to see my alma mater, but pretty much I just pointed where I used to hang out with friends back in college because it was drizzling. The DLSU-CSB-Taft area is one of the busiest areas along Taft Avenue, I was telling Olein how difficult it was to attend a class when it rains or when some areas are flooded. How bad the traffic is in the area and why there's so many people thus the expression 'LIFE IS TAFT' (life is tough).

I wasn't able to take pictures cuz I was driving but here are some pictures I found on the net. Too bad 'Jenny wasn't in the area, I wanna introduce him to Olein. hehe.

Taft Ave. - La Salle South Gate Area / Across DLSU - College of Saint Benilde

He (yes, HE) is 'Jenny from the Taft'
He's in La Salle Area everyday to ask for money and leftover food from the students.
I guess you can say he's already a part of the La Salle culture,
you're not a La Sallian if you don't know Jenny!

Blue Room - Mall of Asia

2008-08-28T01:10:00.000+08:00

I went to Mall of Asia yesterday to meet up with Olein, Ellona and Tito Joe. Ellona was hungry and saw a poster of a ribeye steak at Blue Room so we decided to eat there. Food isn't really something worth raving about, the steak was bad... they just look yum in pictures. I have no complaints about my salmon though.

Blue Room @ Mall of Asia

Ellona

My Salmon with Pesto Sauce

Olein's Seafood Pasta

Blue Room
1st Level, South Wing
SM Mall of Asia
Central Business Park
Bay Blvd., Bay City
Pasay, Metro Manila

Sinangag Express - Aguirre Branch

2008-08-27T00:37:00.000+08:00

When Olein was still in America, I always raved about Sinangag Express or SEx as we call it in the south. It's also a 24hr tapsihan. My late friend, Geneva would often text me on wee hours 'SEx, All Day and All Night. Now Na!' =) or when my brother was still here, he'd knock on my door middle of the night, "Ate SEx tayo!" Its funny because if you literally translate it, it means, 'Let's have SEx' and it doesn't sound right, really. hehe. but it just means 'let's go to SEx'. The place is a perfect nightcap for those grueling overtime work, or to end a gimmick night with friends so we went to there after BoNa.

Ellona had Tokwa't Baboy. (Tofu and Pork)

Lani's boyfriend, George had tapsilog

'Sinangag' is simply fried rice with garlic bits, you can find everything 'silog' (sinangag and itlog - egg) here. Tapsilog (beef), chosilog (chorizo), hotsilog (hotdog), adsilog (adobo), liempsilog (liempo), bangsilog (bangus), barsilog (barbeque), cornsilog (corned beef), longsilog (longanisa) and lumpiang-shanghai-silog. It could be really oily though so its not for the 'faint-hearted' hehe. A silog meal is really cheap here, just 42 PHP, less than a dollar.

Lani had chosilog

Their iced tea is famous too, its just different. For me its too sweet but a lot of my friends really like it. Lani and her boyfriend, George like it a lot in fact, they both ordered iced tea first before their tapsi. I wanted Ellona and Olein to try it but I was worried about the water they use. Its ok for us Pinoys because were used to the water here but the 'balikbayan's' aren't. They might get sick the next day. Olein had a bad experience in the restroom by the way so warning.. warning..

Olein had tapsilog

Our favorite branch though is the one in Tahanan/President's Ave. That night however, we went to the Aguirre Avenue branch, which isn't as nice as the one in Tahanan but its all good. I shall bring Olein to the Tahanan branch soon.

BoNa Coffee Westgate

2008-08-26T23:36:00.000+08:00

Finally... I was able to bring Olein and Ellona to my second home, BoNa Coffee! Lani also joined us an hour later. Olein is not a coffee person so she had Orange-Mango juice, for Ellona - Caramel Lite Blended Coffee and Lani had green tea. I could go on forever telling you guys why I love BoNa. This coffee shop is a great find! Coffee is flavourful and not burnt. Food is healthy but not expensive and the sandwiches are big and yummmmy! The muffins are to die for!!! Low fat and freshly baked. (promise!!!)

I have several faves but I recommend you guys try Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Buddha Belly and come on a thursday, because its APPLE STREUSEL DAY! For drinks I highly recommend 20° Below Hot Chocolate and Pink Panther. (Pink Panther is not really on the menu board but just tell 'em you want the Pink Panther!) Oh and for geeks like moi, free wifiiiiiiiii!!!! hurray for free WiFi, hurraaaaaaaay! BoNa's got articulate and knowledgeable baristas! They know their stuff and you could ask 'em anything. No generic commercial crap here just good coffee and quaint bohemian interiors. Some customers actually spend hours on end at BoNa not only for the free WiFi but because it feels like home. BoNa Coffee is set to conquer the world, well for now... Mall of Asia and Makati branches are soon to open. Yeaaaaaaah!

Buddha Belly Sandwich

Lani and Olein

Lani, ME, Olein and Ellona

Olein, "Betty" and ME

Lani and ME noo... thats BoNa's Official Stuff toy for the Compassion Campaign. Mpano the Gorilla, if you buy one, you send rice and supplies to an orphanage in Rwanda, Africa. =)

Jerald and Joey behind the bar

the infamous mural

see, BoNa has computer stations too just in case you need to check your mail! hehe.
Just like what Lani and Olein are doing..

This wasn't taken on the night we were there but I figured,
I should share this picture with ya'll. Its THE Pink Panther. =)

Past midnight my good friend Phoebe went to BoNa with her boyfriend Jayvee.
It was her birthday. =) Oh and Olein finally met her.

BoNa Coffee & Bohemian Nation Trading Co. (Westgate)
Westgate, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa
772-0428 / http://www.bonacoffeecompany.com/

BoNa Coffee & Bohemian Nation Trading Co. (Flagship Branch)
Unit-E PSCOR Bldg., Elizalde St. BF Homes
Parañaque City

Central BBQ Boy

2008-08-26T09:15:00.000+08:00

Sunday night, it was almost 11PM and Lani wanted to go out for coffee with me and Olein. On a sunday night!!! I just changed my shirt, grabbed my jacket and drove to Las Piñas to meet her at Jollibee. She parked her car there and off we went to Cavite City to pick up Olein. Las Piñas to Cavite City is roughly about 25kms, normally takes about an hour drive but it took us only about 30mins. There is no coffee shop in Cavite City, the nearest Starbucks which is in Alabang closes at 2AM, the nearest 24hr Starbucks is about an hour drive. Lani then just suggested we go to a bar instead but we were all wearing house clothes and being southerners that we are only one place came to mind, CENTRAL!

olein and lani

olein and betty, err.. lani

Most southerners know Central. Its famous for its backyard setting and beach-like ambiance. They play the right kind of music and their beer is reasonably priced. Of course, we ordered the famous 'Pambasag' (Central's term for alcoholic beverages) - BADTRIP - it's a cocktail of Vodka, White Rum, Gin and Juice served in a 1.5L Pitcher. (180Php/$4) We had Chicken Ass or what they call at Central as BUTTMAN and Sizzling Sisig (PRETTY BOY).

chicken ass / buttman

sizzling sisig / pretty boy

bora feel

We ordered 2 pitchers of Badtrip which Olein really liked. It doesn't taste too strong nor too light so watch out how much you're drinking....

badtrip

buzzed

cheers!

trio

time to go..

Central BBQ Boy Grill
Aguirre Ave., BF Homes Parañaque City, Metro Manila

Target Shooting

2008-08-25T08:30:00.000+08:00

O went target shooting with her uncles in Cavite last week. I wasn't with her as it was a strictly for family only thing but I'm posting pictures cuz I think its just really cool to see her holding a gun. ANGAS! I photoshopped O's picture to B&W, it looks more angas. buahaha.

Click here for hi res copy. naks olein, naaaks!

bullets

o and the santiago hitmen. hehe.

'angas' - is a tagalog slang meaning confident or cocky; its used to describe someone who is tough, eventually evolved to mean 'cool,' or 'rad.'

Greenhills / Cibo Promenade

2008-08-24T09:02:00.001+08:00

Olein and Ellona are bored in Cavite City and since I am not doing anything anyways, I told 'em I'll come pick 'em up and we'll go somewhere. I was planning to take them to Bonifacio High Street and Serendra but since Tito Joe wanted to meet a friend in Greenhills, we went there instead.

Greenhills Shopping Center is a tiangge-style shopping mall in San Juan, Metro Manila and it has over 2,000 stores. The place offers a great variety at the cheapest range, bargains galore! The place used to be packed with stalls selling pirated CDs/DVDs but they're gone now. Don't be surprised though, random people will approach you and ask, "Ma'am/Sir, DVD?" If you say 'yes' they'll take you to a place where they store the pirated dvds so you can buy 'em or you can just wait for 'em while they get it for you. Virra Mall or the now called V-Mall houses computer/gadget stores and is a favorite destination of tech lovers.

tiangges

more tiangges

Ellona was craving for pasta and was asking us take her to an Italian resto. And there's only one resto for the BEST and I mean BEST Italian food in Manila, CIBO! They have several branches in Metro Manila - Alabang Town Center, Greenbelt 5, Gateway Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Glorietta 3, Power Plant Mall and Greenhills Promenade where we went.

The resto is owned by Margarita "Gaita" Araneta Fores, she is acknowledged as the purveyor of modern Italian cuisine in the Philippines. Tita Gaita insisted on serving only al dente pasta and refused to compromise with her sauces. Its been 10 years since she opened Cibo and she still refuses to compromise thus she still doesn't want to franchise her business. You'll be surprised how the food is consistently good at any branch.

Cibo Promenade Greenhills

Olein and Ellona had Rigattoni Al’alfonso (Regular - 325PHP/$7 / Grand - 573PHP/$12) which is one of their best sellers, it has shrimps, chives, stewed tomato, cream and chili peppers. I had Filetto di Pesce (383PHP/$8), its fish fillet, pan grilled with mushroom rice and pesto sauce. Tito Joe had Pollo Arrosto Limone (338PHP/$7.50), roasted chicken with mushroom rice, lemon, pepper and parsley pilaf. Of course, how can I forget to order the Spinach dip! Its to die for!!! =)

Spinach Dip / Spinaci Zola

wines

ellona

Olein and Ellona outside Cibo

Cibo Greenhills Promenade
Ground Level Greenhills Promenade
Ortigas Ave. Greenhills
San Juan, Metro Manila
Phone Number: (63 2) 727-3359, (63 2) 727-2426

Greenhills Shopping Center
Ortigas Ave., San Juan, Metro Manila
http://www.greenhills.com.ph/

Hidden Tapsihan

2008-08-16T06:14:00.000+08:00

After watching A Very Special Love at SM Bacoor, we went to Hidden Tapsihan in Kawit, Cavite. It's called Hidden Tapsihan because its literally a hidden tapsihan, tucked in one of the hidden alleys in Kawit.

Tapa is dried or cured beef or venison, although other meat or even fish may be used. Filipinos prepare thin slices of meat and cure it with salt and spices as a method of preserving it. Tapa is best fried or grilled, often served with rice, fried egg and achara (pickled papaya strips). The term tapa was coined from the Spanish word tapas, meaning "light finger food".

Tapsilog is the term used when tapa, fried rice ("sinangag"), and fried egg ("itlog") are combined into one meal, which is served primarily during breakfast. In Tagalog, a restaurant that primarily serves tapa is called a tapahan, tapsihan or tapsilugan.

menu board

olein, me and ellona

tapsilog =)

Warehouse 135

2008-08-12T11:54:00.000+08:00

Warehouse 135 / August 9. 2008

I had second thoughts celebrating my birthday at Warehouse because the club plays house and techno most of the time and 9th is Chemistry night... trance. Not a lot of my friends are into trance music but I am! I am! I really am comfortable at Warehouse than any other club in Manila plus Driven offered me a really good deal. I'm happy everyone had fun that night although I was so pissed drunk after but heck, its my birthday!

in the car with childhood friends, Lani and Sheena

.
'Olein Tanggera' tanggera is a female person who pours and passes around liquor at group drinking sessions and is compelled and obliged to be sober for the rest of the night and the following morning

cosmo girls

with me, lani and my college blockmates, rain, karla, gen, bernice and doanni

DJ Pan Martinez http://pan.dj

Warehouse 135
http://drivenmanila.com/
135-B Yakal St., Brgy. San Antonio
Makati City, Metro Manila
(02) 887-6265