Markable.me

ERP System

2013-06-14T01:01:00.001-07:00

1.) Search for at least two (2) Proprietary and Open Source ERP Systems:

Proprietary 1.) mySAP from SAP
2.) Oracle e-Business Suite from Oracle

Open Source3.) Openbravo
4.) Fedena

mySAP -

a.) Features of the ERP System

MySAP ERP from SAP features a platform that is fully scalable and can be adjusted to the size and ever changing processes of the companies which implement it. It features four different layers which can be implemented accordingly and they are mySAP ERP, mySAP Business Suite, mySAP All-in-One, SAP Business One.It also features four main areas of integration and they are People Integration, Information Integration, Process Integration and lastly Application Platform.

b.) Modules Available

Financial Accounting (FI)
Financial Supply Chain Management (FSCM)
Controlling (CO)
Materials Management (MM)
Sales and Distribution (SD)
Logistics Execution (LE)
Production Planning (PP)
Quality Management (QM)
Plant Maintenance (PM)
Project System (PS)
Human Resources (HR)

c.) Industries served by the ERP System

Chevron, Compaq, DirecTV, Kodak, Intel, NASA, Shell, Saralee, Stabilus, Phillips

d.) Programming language available for that ERP System

AP use ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) which can be classified as 4th Generation Programming Language.

e.) Reference Links:

http://www.erpsystem.net/proprietary-erp-software/

http://www.erptips.com/Learn-SAP/SAP-Module-Overviews/

http://www.simplysap.com/company/mysap.htm

http://www.matthewlefevre.com/wiki/article.php/Companies_that_use_SAP_ERP_Software

http://www.saptechies.com/u-mean-sap/

Oracle e-Business Suite

a.) Features of the ERP System
A comprehensive fully integrated portfolio of ERP business application which features a true 360-degree view of your finances, customers, and supply chains. It features a scalable for both global enterprise companies and small businesses. It also supports internal and external compliance. It has a built on Web technology making it easily deployable. Other features are an accurate forecasting functionality, effective measurement and management of business process, low total cost of ownership and lastly a self-service portal.

b.) Modules Available

Oracle Customer Relationship Management
Oracle Customer Service Management
Oracle Financials
Oracle Human Resource Management System (HRMS)
Oracle Projects Portfolio
Oracle Supply Chain Applications
Oracle Advanced Procurement
Oracle Value Chain Planning
Oracle Value Chain Execution (Logistics)

c.) Industries served by the ERP System

Komori America
Accenture
AMA Computer College
Computer Sciences Corporation

d.) Programming language available for that ERP System

JAVA

e.) Reference Links:

3.) Openbravo -

4.) Fedena -

PRO Bloggers Block - A Filipino Blogger's Manifesto!

2013-03-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

When several issues about bloggers stormed Philippine blogosphere, even reaching the mainstream consciousness, I didn't give a damn and I didn't say a word. Not that anyone cares about what I have to say. I just thought silence was the best way to deal with issues which at that time were of great importance to others.

There's also the thought that Filipino bloggers needs one less blabbermouth who might have the balls for a TV appearance just so others would think they have a.) a sense of leadership, b.) a telegenic face, c.) a latent dirty political agenda and d.) All of the above.

A few weeks later I found myself in a situation where I couldn't answer the question "What are you?". Well I could have just kidded around and told the person "C'mon, I'm a human being just like you.". But that's not what the person meant and I knew I just can't kid around forever about what I really am in the context of what I do.

So, "What am I?". My mind answers "I am a blogger." But with issues going around involving bloggers, be it online, of national scope, within a certain blogging organization or within my circles, I can't proudly say I am one. Coulda, woulda, shoulda but I didn't. Then I told the person, "I work online.".

It sucks you know!? It sucks. Then I thought, wouldn't it be nice to wake up one day and tell people "I am a Blogger" as though it's a profession or at least something so cool and nice? A day when you know where to put yourself amidst controversies like 'Sotto's Plagiarism', 'Philippine Bloggers Association' and 'Ethical Issues concerning Bloggers'? A day where the "Big Bad Blogger" would become a tale as old as time and finally a day when you can tell people you just don't work online? And that you rock?

That day is far from becoming a reality as of now, especially with unresolved issues piled up like backlogs waiting to be published, read, shared, scrutinized and commented.

But last December, we had the chance to discuss all these with fellow bloggers each coming from Iloilo, Cebu, Manila and there's me from Davao. There were also some people from NGO's, Traditional Media and Public Relations present who shared their thoughts, views, opinions and helped us come up with a WORKING DRAFT of a Manifesto for PROFESSIONAL BLOGGERS in the Philippines.

Check it out and please share your thoughts! :-)

A Blogger Manifesto - Professional Bloggers Block

Who knows, with this Manifesto, there will come a time where nothing can hold us back from saying " I am a Blogger.".

The Extreme Banana Boat Ride Experience!

2013-03-04T03:47:00.000-08:00

In between third world family problems and a crazy work schedule I went on a weekend getaway courtesy of Bluejaz Resort. It was there I had one of the most memorable Summer activity one would ever have. It was a good day to enjoy the beach but the sun glared at us with a temperature that would toast me if I were a bread. Then I ordered the clouds to cover the sky but they won't budge! The sky almost looked like a still life canvass. Apparently they are too lazy to move around because everyone is lazy during summer. Even clouds. *shakes head* Even clouds.

So instead of tossing ourselves into the sea, my awesome buddies and I opted to stay under the killjoy shades of comfort, snacks, fake massage, and chatting! Now we don't sound awesome at all. Then came later when we've all agreed to give the banana boat a try.

The activity was just so memorable I thought I was gonna end up in a memorial park. That does not mean it was any bad, as much as it might have been all fun. Perhaps, at some point the Banana Boat ride was fun until it went too extreme that I honestly couldn't tell if I was still having fun. Or maybe because I was crying. I mean, I never cried that much since my Grandpa's passing. I literally cried a sea of tears. Tears that I should have shed a long long time ago. Tears that summed up the melodramatic points of my life.

And in between adrenaline rush, fun, laughter, screams, danger, shark thoughts and a creeping sense of death and as my tears were washed away by the splashing of waves into my face, I felt joy and there was hope. In fact, I was almost close to saying "I feel infinite".

Every time our boat slams into a big wave a sad part of my life falls into the water. It was like I freed myself from all the sad things I've kept inside. And I cried even more. Well, my friends wouldn't notice that because I was happy and they were too busy hugging the banana boat anyway.

After the extreme banana boat ride I said to myself never to do it again. Aside from me being subtly emotional and all in the middle of the fucking ocean, I realized you don't really need a dramatic scene just to free yourself from all things you've kept inside. Sometimes, you just have to be on the verge of all emotions, in the middle of the ocean (oh not really) but seriously, sometimes letting go is by having fun. Also, the boat ride was physically (and for me emotionally) draining.

But after lunch, my energy skyrocketed that I was in for more adventures. In the afternoon we tried Jet ski, zip line, a dip to the infinity pool and Bluejaz Resort's gigantic water slides! It was all in all a very rewarding experience. When we went home and our boat sailed across the sea I looked up the sky and saw that the clouds are moving.

I cant believe it's almost been a year since then. I suppose, I needed a whole year to fully recover and blog about it finally.

Partea! Partea! Tea Has Never Been So Much Fun!

2013-02-24T16:38:00.000-08:00

For almost a year I've developed such love for milktea. At present day though I consider myself an occasional milktea drinker (if not average) as I have already survived a month without a handy cup of my favorite red milktea with tapioca pearls. In short, I rehabilitated myself from it before I get totally addicted and I mean for real. My friends, however, still call me a milktea addict as I was a self-proclaimed one back then.

If my memory serves me right, milktea started to become a big thing in Davao about exactly a year ago. All of a sudden, there was milktea craze which lead to rampant openings of homegrown milktea stores and store franchises in the city. And now that the milktea business is on its peak, we hear of milktea stores opening every now and then, just like the one that opened last Month.

Situated in front of Ateneo De Davao University's bold gate in Jacinto St., is the new milktea store called 'Partea! Partea!' that comes with the catchy tagline 'Tea Has Never Been So Much Fun!'. And with their brightly colored chairs of green and vermillion, the store sets up an atmosphere where students would most likely love to have a cup of tea and very soon a noonday snack.

Of all the milkteas in Davao, I have to say that Partea! Partea! offers a new option and a different taste to milktea aficionados. Their original milktea formula kicks in with a mild tea taste, a creamy texture and a lip-smacking sweetness that is good but might not suit the taste of half health-conscious and half pretentious costumers who requests for less sugar, less sinkers, less ice and sometimes don't order at all.

During the taste-testing Andrew, Chattee and I did before the opening we came up with one instant favorite and it's the Lychee Tea with Strawberry Poppers. Yes! It's not milktea but it's a good alternative to someone who simply needs a refreshment after bathing under the sun or someone who suffer from lactose intolerance. Plus it has poppers! I wonder how the result would be any different to the lactose-intolerant when something still pops.

On boring days I would save up my P100 just to buy a milktea with Rock Salt and Cheese. But in Partea! Partea! you can already have one at P30 less. That's the surprise they have for RSC lovers. It goes well with the wintermelon milktea which was the one I ordered during the opening. They might want to add some more RSC though! But that's just fine because under your wintermelon milktea with rock salt and cheese lies a free black pearl sinker.

Group Photo during the Opening.

All in all, I would recommend Partea Partea to my friends and other milktea addicts! It's a go-to if you're looking for a new milktea taste in Davao and of course, a new milktea place! :-)

Must-Try's:
Lychee Tea with Strawberry Poppers
Wintermelon with RSC
Choco Milktea with Pudding

For more inquiries check out Partea Partea's Official Facebook Page.

Photo Credits:
Partea Partea Facebook Page
Pau of Tummy Tales

Keeping Travels on My Mind This Year!

2013-01-16T02:14:00.003-08:00

I'm tired of just staying at home, never exploring, never seeing what's out there. Last year may have been full of travel-related surprises but I don't know if I'll get luckier this year. So, I prepared some list to track of 2013!

This year I wanted to travel my own way even if it means I'll have to be a budget traveler. I'm sure I can do it. I just need to prepare myself by reading lots of budget traveling tips and hone my backpacking skills which is at level 0 by the way. My mom still pack my things every time I travel but that may come in handy given my plans to have a vacation as early as end of January. Oh, I will be needing more income sources for that and my school too!

The past few weeks of 2013 has been stressful to me. I rarely go out and when I do my wallet vomits. So I think I'm gonna let it vomit one more time and this time for a vacation. That's it! I am gonna look up fantastic vacation deals on the Internet or persuade my bored friends to have a week-long vacation somewhere.

I love vacations! The last one I had was a long long time ago but it was more of an immersion (than vacation) in our own farm. I'd rather play farmville, I just don't wanna go back there. I'm hoping to visit Bukidnon again this year after our 2 Days trip slash long term planning last year. I hope I can call it a vacation this time around. I just want to relax, de-stress and stay away from the third world problems of the city!

It's going to be my first trip this year if ever!

And talking about travels, I'm gonna start working on my passport next week because I'll probably fly to Singapore this year. Probably. *crosses fingers* As for my local travels, nothing is certain but according to my list I want to explore more provinces in Mindanao. Like I said I hope to visit Bukidnon (again), climb Mt. Puting Bato (again) or Mt. Apo (ftw), go to Little Boracay on DFAT 2013, then join Soccksargen Experience Tour in September. I also want to visit Agusan Marsh!

And if I ever get the chance to fly to other provinces I'll have to avail more air fare promos for my highly ambitious Batanes, Palawan and Baguio plans. Oh, I just can't wait to travel this year and turn this boring personal blog into a blog full of adventures! But more than anything now I just want to take a break and have an awesome vacation!

2012, The Year That was. . .

2013-01-12T08:27:00.001-08:00

Last year, I rode planes more often than I expected. Those plane rides and their package full of adventures weren't expected as well. In fact, the only air travel I was expecting for was the one I booked with my friends Renz and Anj last May 2012.

While we were doing a local cable TV show we decided to book tickets to Boracay for fun and for the show. I was so excited because it's going to be our first time in Bora, our first out-of-Davao trip together and it was the first time that I got a nod to travel miles away from home after my 9 days Manila trip in 2010. lol

Unfortunately, excuses piled up one after another and we decided not to go through with the trip. Sadly, our show suffered the same fate. And just when I thought I'd be stuck in Davao City whole year 'round, came unexpected travels which I never imagined.

It started last August when I got an invitation from Abs-Cbn for a studio tour. And I flew all the way to Manila on a weekend to experience the behind the scenes of prime television. Here's what happened!

Show was over! Gluta-emitting Lights were switched off. lelz

Then came October. Unlike my first Manila trip this year, this one, I have long anticipated. My involvement on this event is however unexpected. To make the long story short I was one of the organizers of this years' WordCamp Philippines. The whole organizing was fun but at times a bit intoxicating. Pero bawal mag-strong!! So we stuff our mouth pizzas every night.

During that week-long stay in Manila, we frequented Greenhills and other shopping malls (Rockwell, Resorts World, Greenbelt and MOA). We also got lost around and experienced typhoon in Manila! That typhoon wasn't so bad but it compelled us to walk all the way to the train station from Greenbelt 3 and had us soaked and cold. We also visited Manila Ocean Park.

Finally, my 3rd trip! "Touch down Cebu I've waited so long to meet you!". And there I was! Finally, in the Queen City of the South, the place I've long wished to visit ever since my Grandparents snuck up on me and went to Cebu when I slept as a child. And it took me, (calculating) almost 10 years to get there to think that we have relatives living in Cebu. But thanks to RAFI! :'-)

I know my trips are nothing compared to big time and highly experienced travel bloggers out there but my little adventures around Davao can match theirs - more or less. Hehehe. My point, Davao: Life is here!

2012 was indeed my year! It was eventful, exciting and fattening. But above all, it was a year full of realizations. I realized that we really do make our own choices and decisions in life. And no matter what, be it for better or for worse, what's important is we move forward.

I feel so blessed and I'm just really thankful that God's been good to me in 2012. Despite I stopped school I'm thankful to have such wonderful friends, blogger buddies and a supportive family at my back who helped me shape up my year. And looking back, 2012 is the year that moved me. It moved be to become a better person.

Now let's all move on and embrace the unexpected journeys that lies ahead this 2013!

2012, The Year That was. . .moving.

5 Reasons Why I Hate Shopping!

2012-12-24T04:10:00.001-08:00

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, God knows why I'm grinning!

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?

Unforgettable Pre-Apocalypse Lunch!

2012-12-20T14:03:00.003-08:00

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.

My Ideal Car!

2012-11-30T06:25:00.001-08:00

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?

My First MRT Ride!

2012-11-29T04:47:00.000-08:00

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!

How To Get a Stuck Ring Out of Your Finger?

2012-11-21T18:04:00.000-08:00

Crap! I lazed all morning in bed. I woke up almost eleven. My stomach is crumbling. I hurriedly went to the kitchen to see what's for my brunch. I saw a bowl of Adobo that succumb me to pigging out. I hastily washed my hands with the hot water coming from the faucet and noticed the ring! I tried to get it out since it would ruin any chance for me to eat comfortably. It's on my middle finger and it's obviously stuck. My sister gave it to me and I was afraid that I might lose it by the time she'll want it back so last night I decided to find a place to keep it safe. But everybody's sleeping and bad that I am cursed with two elephant feet that my steps might awaken the dragons from dreamland. Another thing is that I'm already in bed and my body won't cooperate with the situation. So what I did was to keep it inside my pocket. Hours later, I found myself looking for the ring. Unfortunately, the ring rolled out of my pocket. Finding a copper ring for almost an hour has totally spoiled my night. And after awhile, "Alas! I found it.". So I told myself I should keep the ring somewhere it won't try to lose itself. LOL. And the most effective and the very obvious place to keep it is in my ring finger.But the ring is not quite tight for my ring finger. I tried my thumb, my index finger but it found its spot on my middle finger. It fitted in perfectly that I didn't hesitated to pull it out until today that I realized it stuck. Damn it!

Below are several ways I did to get the stuck ring out of my finger. . .

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.

I threw the ring! My sister didn't want it of course because we destroyed it. And I promised myself I'm not gonna wear any ring until I'll take the plunge for marriage life. And I wouldn't allow myself to find a way to take it off my finger.

Top 10 Internet Safety Tips for Everyone!

2012-11-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

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.

Krispy Kreme Has Finally Landed!

2012-10-18T03:32:00.000-07:00

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.

A Dreamy Brunch!

2012-10-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

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. :-)

How Some Bloggers Can Be Utterly Sick!

2012-09-28T01:19:00.001-07:00

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.

"OMG! I got an invite for an event today. I'll be wearing an Indianappleous Red Pekpek shorts later for everyone to see how fat-assed I am!? I'm so excited! I need to pose like this. Pakk! Pose like that..Pakk! Oh, wait instagram! Pose like there's no tomorrow pak pak pak! Oh, that just made my day!

Hi guys, I had this food for breakfast and I've been meaning to tell you that it's so delicious my brain couldn't find another set of adjectives to describe how good it was. It's delicious like Shawarma Rice! Yeah, like, there were so many food at the table and I love them all! Every bit of them I bit, I swallowed and I ate. Now look at me, I may be fat but deep inside I'm super hot!

Nobody ever told me that blogging is like spray-painting on the wall with lots of punctuation marks!!!! And EMOTICONS too! :-) .I'm going to align this post in centered because that's what I learned from years of writing lengthy FRIENDSTER "About Me" posts. I remember that it sometimes come with colored texts, cute graphics and adorable blinking and marquee effects!

By the way readers I'm so proud to announce that...Wow! I got offered to do a paid post. Paid post they offered, 1000 characters they say, lots of punctuations, smileys and emoticons I say

OMG!!! I'm so happy. ^_^ I love this post. <3 Coz I'm making money. *woot* (@_@) </3 Bow. Rawr. Ciao!? Ciao fer now! :-})

This is blogging! Like, I'm gonna cry now out of happiness because there goes my 1000 character paid post article and I just made money out of typing mostly punctuations!! Creative writing? Fuck that. I AM the new creative in fact because I'm such a genius I created a new emoticon myself and it's called "suave smile". :-})

Anyway, I'm going to downtown later to buy some NEW clothes. You know? Gonna buy a new pair of shoes from Gucci or perhaps Louis Vuitton. Oh wait, Pradaaah! I also need to change my wardrobe before I malfunction as an obsessed fashion and lifestyle tumblogger. Well I was supposed to say I'm a food blogger as well but let's just keep it here okay? The truth hurts.

Random thought! I'm going to buy a second hand shoes at UK. Like, my rich grandmother revealed to me that the Loeffler Randall shoes she gave me before she died was from the UKAY UKAY. And I'm going to continue her legacy. I'll shop at the Ukay coz you know it's quite cheap there! I want you to know that everytime I go UKAY I wear my uncle's astronaut suit. Yeah, like the MASA people are there kasi and it's so kadiri making lapit to them.

I think you better look at my braces now! Not too close. . that's my tartar..now zoom out! There you go, see the shining shimmering splendid-ness of my braces! Those braces are not cheap. I bought it last March during a clearance sale at the Forever Convenience Store. It comes with free dentures too, now I can finally replace the dentures of my grandmother which I've been wearing for six years now.

Now where am I! OMG. I almost did not realize I'm still writing this. Ohh..I need to go to the mall now. I'm going to update this post when I get there okay? I'll bring with me an iPAD so I can do live blogging and I'll try to post some pics with different poses and filters via instagram too. Just to let you know I'm still fab at the Yaya mall.

UPDATE: Okay..I'm back! I'm at the mall. But wait..there are pogi guys around I think I have to make pa cute by making a "LOOK AT THE SHIT WHILE I MAKE PAHID MY SWEAT" pose.

Wait! PAKKK Instagram! Oh..there it goes. :-)

I look so pretty don't you think? Hahaha.

I see...there's like a food event for bloggers pala upstairs. But I wasn't informed. You know what? I should have been informed! I SHOULD HAVE BEEN INFORMED! I SHOULD HAVE BEEN INFORMED! Like, don't they know that I'm popular! I can get lots of facebook likes and I have 1500 facebook friends and I have a confidential but a decent number of twitter followers and why was I not invited to the grand launching of "ALING PASINGS KARINDERYA". OMG! I'm going to gatecrash that event. They wouldn't know that because there are lots of bloggers and I'm sure PR/Company will not care if I gatecrash because there will still be leftovers for me you know. Hahaha. I also think they won't care if I ask for an EXCLUSIVE slot and freebies because well, I'm gonna blog about the event anyway. They're only worth of my precious punctuations! Right? I'm so awesome. I know right!

This isn't the first that I came into an event with full force. Well, the last time I wasn't invited I simply contacted the PR/Company and they said yes I could come. I also announced to facebook that I got an invite from them when I actually just invited myself. Like, I'm that popular kasi eh. They gave me a slot so you cannot say I can't go to the event because I can and I will because like what I've said I'm now friends with the organizers. Like I'm so damn popular now because I'm a blogger. And even if the organizers would tell me not to come I will still gatecrash because I'm like so popular talaga. And I will make sapak whoever gets into my way with my wonder tsinelas. By the way, the brand is Habananas!

And to the senator who said I'm a blogger lang, well, read this post to discover I'm not just a blogger after all. Don't worry, you are free to copy this post and address to the senate how some endangered specie of bloggers like I do can be utterly sick! Oh..that reminds me I forgot to take my meds this morning. Like I was diagnosed kasi of a pangmayaman lang na illness which you're never gonna have.

I will blog about the food event later so watch out for my next post ha? And also my next pose.

I'm Inday Stariray of. . .
IndayStarirayandthewondertsinelas.tumblr.com
Till next post.
Ciao Ciao
Mua Mua Mua. . Tsup Tsup Tsup! <3

NOTES:
This is a work of fiction, any resemblance to real life was mere coincidence.
But if you feel not, the end is near, feel free to get hit by falling stars.

Gucci

Happy Birthday to Me!

2012-09-12T10:20:00.001-07:00

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! :-)

Showtime Experience And The Search for Anne Curtis!

2012-08-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

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?

Check out my Abs-Cbn Studio Tour Experience Here!

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".

The Reason Why Everyone <3's Anne Curtis!

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. :-)

Eat Like King at The Apo View’s Entrée Restaurant

2012-08-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

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.

My Abs-Cbn Studio Tour Experience!

2012-08-11T11:56:00.003-07:00

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

That morning, our epic tour started at the Abs-Cbn Studio Tours and Shop Center. We were then briefed about the nature of the tour, our itinerary, followed by a video showing us the history of Abs-Cbn.

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

From there, I learned from our tour guide that the acronym of Abs-Cbn means - Alto Broadcasting System - Chronicle Broadcasting Network. But since the creatives behind ABS are smart, they came up with another meaning for Abs-Cbn and that is "All the Brightest Stars Come from the Biggest Network". Pretty clever, right?

Studio Tour

Studio 10 was the first studio we went to on our tour. Studio 10 is the biggest and is used for the network's hit Sunday Musical Variety show "ASAP". Interestingly, it can only hold about 456 audience at a time. What looks like an Araneta Colosseum every Sunday noon on tv is actually just a figment of your imagination. LOL. Just kidding! But hey, do you want to know how they do that? Alright, here's a clue: The answer lies below this and above us!

Studio 10 - The biggest studio in Abs-Cbn.

We also passed by the studio where Showbiz Inside Report Studio is set. We just passed by because some of the crew and staff were busy setting up the studio.

Then we went to Kris TV Studio! Unlike most studios, this studio shares the same weight of exclusivity with that of SHOWTIME and ASAP Studios. The reason behind that should be apparent! Indeed, Ms. Kris Aquino has her own studio and no other show can use this except for Kris TV.

After Kris TV, was my favorite studio, the Abs-Cbn Newscenter! From the lights to the big LCD touch screen monitors, tv screens, cables and camera-ish stuff (see first photo below), everything looked so modern around the studio that I felt like I'm caveman from the Paleolithic era. By my next visit, I promise to bring with me a tuxedo!

Finally we went outside the main building to have snacks at their cafeteria in preparation for a 3-Hours Showtime Experience! The Showtime studio by the way is the last studio we visited. :-)

To be continued. . .

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

Here's a teaser!

Note: Updated! Thank you. :-)

The Bonchon Chicken Phenomenon Now in Davao!

2012-08-07T11:32:00.001-07:00

I don't usually order any chicken meals on fast-food chains or restaurants because my family have been running a 'chicken' business for nearly a year now and that is aside from having a small eatery in our house that offers chicken dishes. I don't really want to get into details for I might sound unappreciative but I suppose having chicken on all meals of the day and a chicken-stuffed-refrigerator (that smells awful btw) would explain to you why.

But with Bonchon Chicken arriving in Davao City, I don't know if I can even help myself from going to their store. Hyped as the most delicious chicken that has ever landed a Filipino's palate, I was wondering how it tastes like. Ohhmm.nomnom. I can only imagine.

Then came the day I finally got to taste the oh so talked about Bonchon Chicken during its opening at The SM Annex Davao! And damn all the chickens in Davao, Bonchon has the best tasting chicken here so far - followed by ours (shameless plug for a small nameless chicken grill - Disclaimer: Mom forced me to insert this!).

Photo Credits: RM Bulseco

The BonChon Chicken is said to be double-fried for the reason that double frying dissolves the fat between the chicken's meat and the skin. The result is an extra crispy chicken that favors health-conscious costumers. Before the second frying phase, the fried chicken is glazed with Bonchon's savory secret sauce and then fried to crisp perfection.

Aside from Bonchon's world renowned chicken, they also have a wide range of dishes on their local menu. They have their own take on the English classic of fish and chips, crispy squid rice, onion rings, and the fish taco which was inspired by the California food truck mishmash of Korean and Mexican.

Their Korean bulgogi's also gives a gooood impression, especially the crunchy chicken bulgogi over rice. The rice itself is seasoned with a sweet-pungent sauce that makes every spoonful ecstatic. Bonchon's Bulgogi Fest also comes with Korean Beef Bulgogi Wrap and Beef Bulgogi Rice. And to fully savor the Korean atmosphere of the place, why not try their Chapchae Noodles and Kimchi Coleslaw? :-)

Photo Credits: BonChon Philippines

What became my instant favorite at BonChon, aside from the chicken, is their Korean Yogurt (KoYo). To be specific I love the Banoffee Pie variant of their KoYo. It's layered with creamy yogurt, crunchy baked graham pie crust and topped with banana drizzled over with caramel syrup.

In the end of my first Bonchon experience, I realized I can't chicken out of eating chicken. Scientists may say or prove that eating chicken can make someone gay by producing estrogen-whatever-shit that is, that's not really my concern though, but I'd still eat chicken even for the rest of my life. Not just because BonChon is here to excite my taste buds, not because I almost grew wings eating chicken like since forever but because chicken produces eggs and I can't live without eggs. Ohhhh..wait, what? That sounded wrong. LOOOL.

The Road to Happiness!

2012-07-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

The second day of DFAT 2012 was more of a weekend getaway from the perpetually gluttonous food cravings in the city than what the event ought to be. At the same time, it was also a road trip that seasons a certain longing for peace while the road extends up to the highlands of Kapatagan.

There's the blissful me when the day started as well as that human part where you couldn't help but worry for what the day may have in store for you. This is actually the ultimate reason why I cannot travel. Yes, there's the merriment coz the sun is up there shining so bright - promising you a wonderful day. But there's also the fear that a nimbus cloud might gloom up your journey. Unfortunately, my mind travels faster than our van that I actually thought things out until I went through all possibilities in all dimensions and I came up with a hypothesis (or a semi-conclusion in less than half a minute) - that is, chances of having a bad day are slim, nevertheless hard to predict. But to go through the philosophical and the statistical conceptions of predictability is something my mind cannot go through without research. I was in a van FYI! So, from a moment full of worries I just snapped out of it and thought maybe it's best to think about nothing.

Since summer started I never really had much time to think about nothing. While it may sound a little odd to think about nothing or not think at all; I believe it's essential to most people especially those who are stressed out by urban living. Most of my summer were spent at school and online, and these two divergent sections requires well-timed firing of neurons so that my brain would serve me well. It's been like a hundred years of a lot of thinking that I've gone all weary. There's stress, I carry out some burdens at home, still got a hangover from my recently concluded summer class, got some website problems (the goddamn google penguin update to be specific) and I have to make sure (or hope) things would be alright. That's why I feel like I need to think about nothing. Be at peace (Although not "Rest in Peace".LOL.). But just as how?

For a moment during our travel, nature enveloped me again with its amazing wonders. I loosen my grip to absorb what nature was about to hit me. It was a 150 degree visual pleasure of the verdant surrounding in a fashionable moving way. It was full of details that the Miyazaki-fan within me was screaming like someone who won the lottery. Such details, such splendor all around me. I got so overwhelmed that I fell asleep. hehe

A LITTLE WHILE LATER. . . or MAYBE AN HOUR or SO. . .

Our van stopped. It was raining outside. I was hungry and wished I brought some of those sweet and spicy chicken wings we had for lunch at Fiesta Sorpresa. Ohh...how I wish I really did! If only I had anticipated that I'll starve halfway our journey I would have eaten a lot back at Fiesta Sorpresa.

My anti-byahilo med started to wear off. Luckily, we arrived to Mt. Apo Highland Resort just in time before my stomach starts to erupt. We were greeted by the guard, who I'd like to think was just doing his job than spiting the "Impatient-to-get-off-the-van" ME by letting us stay in the van to log in to their guestbook. But after that I was free and it felt as though I'm fluttering on a breeze of joy. Me ganon?

The rain stopped. I wandered around the place until the atmosphere swept away my emotional tone.

Just look at how beautiful Lake Mirror is!

We were walking around until we spotted a boat. So, Robbie, Renz, Doc Charles and I went boating! :-D

Despite my phobia on boats, I got up the nerve to try boating (again) because there'se 4 of us and if ever the boat sinks, damay damay na diba!? Haha.

The boating experience was fun. It reminded me of my first boating experience. It's been about 10 years since I last rode on a boat and luckily the boat didn't sink this time.

Obligatory "TADAAA!" Pose.

After a while, we visited the Mt. Apo Civet Coffee Farm at Hillside to see the civet cats. But they were too shy for Photo Shoot so Renz, Robbie, Mica and I decided to "photo-shoot" ourselves instead.

Such Camwhores! Adorable camwhores. :D
- Some photos stolen from Renz. XD

COFFEE BREAK @ Starbucks Kapatagan. Char lang!

We also had the chance to try the civet cat coffee. Brewed from the finest coffee beans that has just been harvested from the fresh poops of civet cats. Juzzz kiddin..

After the coffee break courtesy of the ~~coffee-pooping civet cats (technically)~~, accommodating people of The Hillside we went straight to Agong House. Agong House is a quirky place! If you need artistic inspirations you will surely get overwhelmed by the artworks of the great Kublai Millan. It only took us a few minutes to get to Agong House from The Hillside. Since the entrance or pathway up to the park is narrow and steep, we needed to walk up to the park.

Well everyone did . . uhmm..exept for me, that's because I rode a horse without anyone noticing. While everyone was busy taking pictures and wandering around a group of tourists went to the park riding horses. When they all hopped out of the horse I asked the owner if I could take a photo while riding the horse.

It was my first time riding a horse and it was quite an unnerving experience. I didn't feel comfortable with the thought that I'm riding on something that's bobbing between my legs.

Just like ~~a boss,~~ ~~a ninja~~, Captain America. :-p

And there came moments of solitude. Yes, I went back to EMO MODE. Who wouldn't? The place sets that kind of mood. While quirky sculptures creates a bizarrely emotional atmosphere, nature throws flashback of happy thoughts and a bit of anxiety over a relaxing musical score.

It was there. There are at Agong House where I found peace. Earlier, I've been thinking about thinking nothing and wanting not to think. But while there's still life that's impossible. The key to a peace of mind is to preoccupy your head with happy thoughts and surround yourself with happy things and happy people. And only then you will find. .

Sum the three and you'll get PURE HAPPINESS! <3

Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2012!

2012-05-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

Many were called, few were chosen and I survived the DAVAO FOOD APPRECIATION TOUR – AGAIN!

It’s actually my 2^nd consecutive year in DFAT and I must say that I was well prepared of the non-stop food and travel adventures that we experienced for 4 days here in Davao. Not because I’m an organizer this time but because I have unintentionally managed to immune myself of eating a lot lately. That’s why I ended up looking healthier too, if you want to know the truth. Okay fine, chubby it is - Whatever!

So the day started with me doing my 7 in the morning ritual. And that is to slap my face in front of the mirror and yell “Wake Up! Wake Up”. The yelling was much of a bad timing though because my grandmother who was then carrying a basket full of laundry happened to pass by, caught me by chance and said “You crazy?”. We both laughed and I guess that just made my day!

I felt a bit dizzy after that though and I decided to go back to bed. It usually takes me an hour after waking up to be fully awake. While snuggling my big Mickey Mouse stuff toy, I was thinking about how the first day of DFAT is going to be like. I’m nervous and at same time thrilled to meet the participants. As an organizer, I really didn’t feel like I would be much of help during the first day. I don’t know why but maybe because a part of me is worrying about school and the other is clueless about what to do while Renz is fetching up the DFAT participants in the airport, Ate Ria receiving calls and debriefing establishments for the event, Kuya Andrew and Ate Dulce doing some logistics and online thingamabob, and Anj maybe worrying about the same thing too since we both have summer classes. Peer pressure eh? Hehehe.

But as far as I could remember, I’m done with all the tasks given to me. So I figured out, maybe it’s best to serve as a tour guide and a good company to the participants for the next couple of days. J

After class, I’ve finally had the chance to meet the DFAT Participants.

This year, DFAT 2012 is composed of:

Sharlyne Ang (http://www.foodtrippings.com)

Raine Balgos (http://www.thekulayproject.com)

Robbie Bautista (http://www.thecreativedork.com)

Mary Jane Cabrera (http://www.maryjanecabrera.com)

Arlene Collado (http://www.pinaytravels.com)

Enrico Dee (http://www.byahilo.com)

Mary Gael Hilotin (http://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com)

Cris Nierva (http://www.hubbyscook.com)

Tim Nombre (http://www.iloilofoodblogger.com)

Charles Ortiz (http://www.dabawpinoy.com)

Karla Redor (http://www.foodtrippings.com)

Mica Rodriguez (http://www.senyorita.net)

Melo Villareal (http://www.outoftownblog.com)

Our first food destination was Ranchero at Abreeza Ayala Mall. Last year we feasted in Ranchero for a heavy lunch where they featured their delicious Baby Back Ribs and Garlic Chicken. This time around we were greeted with a delightful merienda featuring their “Kakanin Trio” which is part of their current deal called “Merienda Cena”.


Having fun at Ranchero's while waiting for the FOOD!!	Featuring The KAKANIN TRIO!!

Ranchero’s Kakanin Trio includes Tibok Tibok (Maja Blanca), Sticky Rice with Mango slices and Suman Sa Lihiya. They also served us pancit, fried lumpia and drinks. I really enjoy eating native Filipino snacks. In fact, Suman is my favourite because it reminds me well of a summer spent with my Grandparents in our farm. My Grandmother made Suman Sa Lihiya (rice cake with lye) with Latik (coconut milk and sugar syrup) every afternoon while my cousins and I would climb up on our mango tree. Eating Ranchero’s Suman Sa Lihiya, I felt as if I had stepped back into the past eating my grandmother’s delicious Suman sa Lihiya, smiling at her, hiding my wound after I fell down on the mango tree.

A while later Anj and I went out for "Picture2x". . lol.

BULLY MODE ACTIVATED

After Ranchero, we went to Crocodile Park. I’ve been going to Crocodile Park many times this year to shoot for our travel show. So going there felt like one of those feel-good days in a Zoo! We arrived earlier than most of the participants because some of them needed to check-in to their hotels. I was with Kuya Andrew and Anj then but an unexpected turn of events made us get late for the animal show. And you know what that is? Kuya Andrew got hungry. Lelz.

Kuya Andrew, Anj and Me!

Aside from Kuya Andrew some baby tiger got hungry too! While Anj was taking a photo of the tiger that was then lying on a bench, it almost leapt on her – scaring the hell out of her. Later was the official opening ceremony of Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2012 at Tribu K'Mindanawan that featured a jaw-dropping fire show.

In the evening, we made our next food excursion at Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp. Lachis always gets me excited! It’s my favourite restaurant in Davao City. Lachi’s is really one of the best food destinations in Davao. They serve great tasting pastries, cakes and my all time favourite dessert – Lachi’s Sans Rival. Yes, exclusively yung sa kinala lang. :-D

They also serve meals such as their Unforgettable Baby Back Ribs, their Beef Tapa, Pork Marinara, Oriental Chicken and their killer “Laing”. But then desserts are the focus so the sweet-tooth in me went screaming, gnashing for Lachi’s symphony cake, New York style cheesecakes and most importantly the Classic, Coffee and Durian Sans Rivals. Indeed, If I have to sum up my food weakness in one word it will have to be - DESSERTS!

While in Lachi's, Coy Caballes of Globe together with Cheyser Pedregosa gave a short talk about TattAwards 2012, followed by a raffle draw where the winner took home a Globe Tattoo Stick! And guess who won? Si Anj!! J

DFAT Day 1 ended but some of us hanged out in a coffee shop for a while since it was raining. Stuck there waiting for a cab and looking forward for tomorrow’s big day in the highlands of Kapatagan.

Photo credits:
Renz, Andrew and Anj

Enroll Now at Pizzacademia!

2012-05-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

Davao is starting to become one big Hawaiian pizza; sliced into different parts, with chunks of hams as big business establishments, Pineapples as pop stores and cheese for restaurants or food stalls. Apparently, that means food is just about everywhere here in Davao. Competition would then bake the pizza; the cheese melts and eventually doubles its scope. This is probably the reason why every now and then we hear about a new restaurant chain opening up around the city.

Ehem..ehemm..I hate metaphors!

And what do you know? (That's just to say. . ) There’s a new pizza joint in town!

So a couple of weeks ago we were invited to enroll into a food tasting course in Pizzacademia. At first, you would think that it’s a place where you’ll be taught about how to make a pizza. But just to make it clear, it’s a place where you’ll be taught on how to eat a pizza. And that is with gusto and bobbing heads because they offer really good ones.

Sicilian Pizza, Pizza Romano, JB's Quatro Stagione, Beer Drinker's Pizza, Jacob's choice, Jordan's Pizza Primavera, and Pizza Napoletana; these are the somehow unfamiliar yet unique names of their Pizzas. I’d like to say sorry in advance; I don’t really know anything about pizzas except that they would always beg me to eat them. *Poor Pizzas* But I have a couple of theories on how these pizzas were named. Listen carefully and. . .

Pizza Napoletana is for the descendants of Napoleon Bonaparte or maybe to those people who’re mad at the world. So if you’re quite of a tyrant or you are that someone who spearheads center-right political movements then this pizza is for you! The pizza is delicious and has a strong spicy taste just like how bloody mad Napoleon was a hundred of years ago.

Sicilian Pizza, well it sounds spicy? Is it spicy? It sounds like it came from Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Ohh...it rhymes! I’m so sili. (Haha. Shet! Ang korni.)

Pizza Romano! This pizza is meant for the roman gods. So if you feel like you're the son of Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Artemis then this pizza is probably of your test. Just don’t forget to bring with you a photocopy of the result of your DNA Taste. Ohh..Did you notice? LOL

Jordan's Pizza Primavera is made by Jordan, thus its name. That should be obvious! Primavera on the other hand, I think, just to make it sound vain. You know prima donna right? Okay then meet her sister Prima Vera! Cornehh level 2...hahaha.

Beer Drinker's Pizza is well, for beer drinker’s a.k.a boozers, drunkards and ‘Sunog Baga's’. A pizza specially made for people with abdominal obesity. O__O Or maybe not! lelz

I’m quite puzzled by their Prego’s pizza. Yung totoo, is it ideally for pregnant women? LOL

Okay I'm done with my theories! Pass your papers. :p

Now back on track, let me talk about the deal. For a regular 12″ pizza, the price ranges from P160 to P350. No kidding! It’s so affordable. And not just that, aside from Pizzas they also offer Nachos and "Pop Steak". Nomnomnom. . Pop Steak. Oh, wow! I don't know how to describe it but it's like a sandwich with "fried steak" or whatever and a gravy sauce in it. My instant favorite!

Pizza Academia is located at A. Loyola St. Corner N. Torrest St., it’s near two schools (University of Southeastern Philippines and Stella Maris Academy of Davao), thus its name. Apparently, the place lives up to your expectations. It has an old school ambiance and reminds you well of one of your classroom be it in high school or elementary.

Here's what I posted on their post-it board/wall/whatever. XD

Overall, the dining experience offered at Pizzacademia is ideally for students who wanted to get away from academic pressures. And if my theories were right, then it’s also good for Europeans, Mediterranean, Boozers, Romans and Pregnant women. I mean, everyone. XD

Photos by: DJ Tadena & Faust Principe

The Adventures of TAR: Secret of the Fireflies!

2012-05-23T00:42:00.000-07:00

So...I thought I must tell you that I'm taking a break from my 366 Day Project. Well, it's been 4 months since I stopped creating those adorable monster characters. Not that I'm tired of making them. But while it's really time consuming to create those freakin monsters, it was the writing part that discourages me the most. Maybe I find it hard to think of a story related to the characters which I mindlessly draw. Yeah, I draw uninspired most of the time. Or might prolly because I have other blogs to maintain and there's school which takes most of my time and energy. I'm maybe tired. I don't know, the hell with that!

So I figured out - I'd STOP! ?Just take a break. . (have a kitkat), that kind of STOP hopefully.

But that didn't stop me from drawing though. :-D

I mean, if you're really passionate about something you just can't stop it! You can snap out of it for a moment but when days pass by? You'll surely feel bad about yourself. So what I did instead was create illustrations, concept art for a new project. Yes, another project!

Like, I've always wanted to make an animated feature film or be part of making one. My Pixar or Studio Ghibli dream seems so far away from now but I hope I'll make it that far. And like everyone else, I should start with a small but a kick-ass production.

So I thought about making an animated short film of my own. It's still a plan, so I might end up creating a web comics out of the material instead (while studying).

Here are my concept arts and character study for the animated short film I plan to make someday, I hope. While I wish I could do it this year, this month, this week or even today, I'm still not equipped and skilled to do animation yet. I'm not in a hurry, besides I still have Project 366 to finish.

TAR playing with fireflies!

I've finished writing the story of the new project though. Below's the synopsis!

Some sketches for TAR. .

Synopsis: The story is about a young Tarsier named TAR. He lives in a village where fireflies serves as guardians of the night. It lights their way and keeps peace around the village. Although Tarsiers are said to be insectivorous, they're not allowed to eat the fireflies because its said to be a forest spirit they call "Guardians" and is considered sacred by them. Around twilight, TAR spotted humans armed with dagger, guns, torches and one with a shiny thing that produces a beam of light (flashlight) in the forest. He followed them and noticed that they were looking for something. When the beam of the man's flashlight was shone into his eyes, TAR startled and tried to leap to another tree but he fell into the ground. He thought he'd land with a thud but instead he fell onto something soft. And it was YUNA, a white eaglet who was being chased by the humans. When humans noticed them, another chase began with TAR riding on YUNA's back. Unfortunately, YUNA was captured and TAR felt responsible. When nightfall came TAR braved himself and tried to save YUNA by jumping over the man who was carrying YUNA and startled him. Unfortunately, together with YUNA, the man also dropped the torch causing a forest fire. Together with a big part of the forest, fireflies are gone too. Because of his actions, TAR was not allowed to come back to their village without searching for the fireflies. His mission is to find them to restore the balance on their ecosystem. Together with YUNA, TAR will go through series of adventures to discover the secret of the fireflies.

YUNA, waiting for TAR to climb up where he's at.

Uhm..I guess I need your opinion about my overall style! Is it close to Studio Ghibli's? LOL. I mean, is it good? On what areas should I focus for improvement? What else can you say?

I hope the project would make me get closer to my dream job at Pixar or Studio Ghibli. :-) For some reasons, it's really hard to land a job there, but I am determined.

Browny and Me

2012-05-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

They say there's nothing like the experience of raising your first dog. You get the hell out of your house, wander off somewhere in your village, lie down under a tree and walk off into the sunset together. Just you and your dog best friend. But that's not my experience! Browny’s not even the first dog in the family. If my memory serves me right, Browny is the 4th dog in our family.

The former dogs didn't even seem like ours because after a few months, my Grandpa would ask my Uncle to take them all away far from us. My Grandpa doesn’t really like dogs or any animal running or playing around the house. He didn’t even like us playing around at all. That's why, whenever we pass by him we walk with great caution and always make it sure that he won't have anything to say about us. Yeah, he's quite of a terror at home, too strict but that's his nature. But anyway. . .

My Uncle Allan, who lives at the province, would then bring the puppies to our farm and train them as guard dogs. Many years passed, they grew up there and probably died there too. I don’t really know that because I never asked anyone about what happened to those poor dogs. But this Browny, he happened to have stayed with us long enough for us to consider him family. And I’m not really the kind of person who gets attached to animals way too easily. Not until, Browny happened.

Right from the start Browny isn’t even my dog. One night, my cousin Min and I were discussing about owning a dog for some reason (which I couldn’t recall) and the next morning her classmate and our Uncle’s colleague brought one puppy each to the house. My cousin revealed to me though that she called her classmate to accept the puppy she offered to her during their biology class. Our Uncle Danny's colleague, on the other hand, may have overheard us that night.

Everything happened so fast and we never really expected to have two dogs exactly a day after discussing about owning just one. We were so excited! My cousin kept the puppies that day and it was up to her to decide which of the two puppies she’s gonna choose. Not that I have no say about the decision or the puppies but I left it to her since it was really her idea. Although honestly, I was just playing safe because if anything shit happens - at least nobody's gonna blame me. Sorry cuz! :-)

Unfortunately she was not allowed to keep two puppies at the same time because “owning a dog comes with great responsibility.” Says so my uncle. Sounds so cliché right? But that’s exactly what my Uncle said and he’s quoted for that.

Morning came and my cousin decided to keep the brown one. And yep, that’s Browny. A cute hairy brown puppy! In case you wanna know the other one was mostly white with lighter brown spots around its body – we didn’t had the chance to name him because we couldn’t really think of any name that suits him well. That's probably why we picked the brown one because he gave a good first impression. Forget it! He actually pissed on the floor. "Sonofabitch!!". I was about to spank him when he gave me an innocent, wide-eyed expression.

It felt like he was saying. . .

"Just look at me! Just look how adorable I am! Oh come on..you stupid asshole! Can you hurt something as adorable as me?"

And I was like. .
"The bastard's got his way of escaping punishments huh?"
"Ahhh...forget it!"

I then went looking for some old rug and cleaned his mess. And the other dog? Well, he was given back to his owner the next day.

I would actually have preferred the brown puppy too. But that’s just because he’s cuter, chubbier and hairier than the other one - or well, trying to.

As for the name, we really didn't thought about it. We just called him Browny right away. We didn't even care if there are other brownies out there. Because on that day, I knew that there was something special about Browny. Whatever it is, I was looking forward to it.

And I can't wait for that day where I can walk Browny up to the place in our village where one can behold one of the most breathtaking sunsets. Just Browny and Me, best of friends, watching the sunset together.

TO BE CONTINUED. . .