James Aban

World War Z Saved The Day

James — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 02:13:37 +0000

We’ve been planning to watch Man of Steel for a very long time. Even months back, I told my girlfriend that we will watch the new Superman movie. My girlfriend already reserved and paid tickets online for the movie Man of Steel scheduled last Sunday. I was excited as hell, but the rain did not stop pouring. Instead of risking to get stranded, we decided not to watch the movie.

We were eager to watch Man of Steel. We tried again going to the movie house the next day, but again, the rain started pouring and floods where all over Manila. We decided not to go to the movie house, again.

Yesterday was my girlfriend’s birthday(Happy Birthday Sese!) and we are ready to watch the Man of Steel. There is rain, but not that strong to cause floods on the streets. Upon arriving at the movie house, we were disappointed as the schedule is too late for us. However, I saw on the schedule that World War Z is already showing. My girlfriend asked me if I wanted to watch World War Z. And of course I did not hesitate to say yes! I am a big fan of zombie apocalypse films so her question was easy to answer.

World War Z comes from the book with the same title, but I have not read it yet, so I do not know the differences between the book and the film. But what I really love about the movie was the adrenaline rush right from the get go. A few minutes just passed after the movie starts, there were already zombies wreaking havoc.

I ranked World War Z as my top zombie film so far. I was really hooked on the movie that I felt what it’s like being chased by zombies.

It doesn’t matter that we were not able to watch Man of Steel. World War Z just saved the day for us. Two thumbs up!

Here is the trailer of World War Z I found on youtube.

I recommend that you watch the movie World War Z.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Dinner Part 2

James — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:32:39 +0000

The first time we had dinner at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, we immediately fell in love with their ramen, and with their Komi Tamago. And as soon as we left the place, we promised that we will return to this restaurant.

Just after a few weeks, we are back at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka.

For this dinner, we tried their Edamame (Php 150)as our appetizer.

I ordered their Small Ramen and Pork Cutlet with Rice Bowl(Php 470). Here is a photo of the complete meal.

For my Ramen, I chose my favorite Miso Ramen.

Here is a solo pic of the Pork Cutlet

My girlfriend ordered their Small Ramen and Grilled Salmon with Salmon Roe Rice Bowl.

She opted to have the Spicy Miso for her ramen.

We also ordered the usual butter corn and our favorite komi tamago. I did not post any pics of these since you can view them by visiting my previous post on Hokkaido Ramen Santouka.

Again, we left Hokkaido Ramen Santouka happy and very satisfied.

Apple announced iOS 7

James — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:49:11 +0000

I just finished watching Apple’s WWDC Keynote a few minutes ago and with the new design, all I can say is that iOS 7 is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L.

I know that Apple made a lot of announcements on this WWDC, but all I am thrilled on is the new iOS. Simply because I don’t own a Mac(I am using Ubuntu Linux as I write this post *smiley*) and I own 2 iOS devices, my iPhone and my iPad.

When CEO Tim Cook told the audience that they have prepared a video showing their thinking behind the design of the new iOS, I was pumped up and excited. The new interface is just gorgeous, and very neat as well. I also noticed that the animation are so cool that I may tap my phone all day just to see them.

With the all new design, here are some of the things that I really like.

Weather App

It shows animations such as rain, when it is raining in the area, snow when snowing, etc.

Multitasking

Instead of showing the icons only, you get to see a preview of the app itself.

Safari

Safari is just very neat, I would like to browse the web using that Safari on iOS 7. Also, what I really like the most in Safari is the new tabs. The new look of tabs is simply gorgeous.

Notification Sync

This is probably very useful to multiple iOS device users. It is kinda problematic when you received a ton of notification to one device and close it. Then you use your other device with the same notifications,and you need to close them again. With iOS 7, it is no longer a problem.

Activation Lock

This would be helpful to those who lost their iPhone. I got a friend who lost his phone in an outing. He is supposed to have fun but because of the incident, it took the fun away from him. And the saddest part is that the phone is not fully paid yet(at the time of the incident). So every month, when the bill comes, he is reminded about the incident, while the thief enjoys the phone, for free! With this new feature, iPhone thieves will surely be discourage since they wont be able to use it in case they stole one.

Parallax

This is probably the feature that I really like the most. I expected that apple will provide an option to have animated wallpapers, but this is just way much cooler. This is one feature you have to see for yourself.

I own an iPhone 4S and an iPad 2 and I can’t wait to update my devices on the new iOS 7 as soon as it gets released by Apple.

Yabu House of Katsu @ SM Mall Of Asia

James — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:21:46 +0000

My last Yabu House of Katsu was at SM Megamall, and I have not tried dining at SM Mall of Asia since they opened their branch there. It has been so long since I ate at Yabu, and I thought it was time to go back there. So here I am in SM Mall of Asia trying the Yabu House of katsu.

They have new dishes from their menu. I chose their Menchi Katsu Curry set, because I have been reading great reviews for this dish, and simply because I love curry.

Yabu House of Katsu Menchi Katsu Curry

Menchi Katsu is ground pork and beef with cheese inside.

Yabu House of Katsu Menchi Katsu Curry 2

My photo may not be that appetizing to look at, but I tell you, this dish is one of the best.

My girlfriend ordered the Miso Katsu. She asked the staff to lessen the sauce because she prefer dry food. She ordered this one for the sake of trying.

Yabu House of Katsu Miso Katsu

Here’s a close up view of the Miso Katsu.

Yabu House of Katsu Miso Katsu 2

We will be back for sure and we will try their soft shell crab next time!

Kaya Korean Restaurant @ Power Plant Mall

James — Fri, 31 May 2013 02:14:38 +0000

Me and my girlfriend had not eaten in a Korean restaurant for a while and since we are in Power Plant mall at that time for her to buy new slippers, we agreed to eat at Kaya Korean Restaurant.

Kaya Korean Restaurant

The first side dish we ordered and the first thing I immediately attacked once handed on our table is their kimchi (Php 35).

Kaya Korean Restaurant Kimchi

I really missed kimchi. It’s been a while since I ate my last kimchi.

Next is their sikeumchi (Php 35)

Kaya Korean Restaurant Sikeumchi

Another side dish would be the Sookjoo Namool (Php 30)

Kaya Korean Restaurant Sook Joo Namool

For the main dish, my girlfriend ordered the Sam Kyup Sal (Php 180)

Kaya Korean Restaurant Sam Kyup Sal

and the Kalbitang with rice(Php 240).

Kaya Korean Restaurant Kalbitang

However, I was not able to take a solo pic of the rice.

I ordered the Dolsot Bibimbap (php 260)

Kaya Korean Restaurant Dolsot Bibimbap 2

They serve the bibimbap really hot and I love that.

If you are in Power Plant and you happen to crave for Korean dishes, Kaya Korean Restaurant is the place to be.

I Won Three Steam Games from Critical Index

James — Fri, 31 May 2013 01:32:35 +0000

Last week, I joined some contests and hopefully, get some freebies. One of those contests is Critical Index’s giveaway, wherein you will simply like their facebook page, like reimarufiles’ facebook page, and share their post.

It was very easy since I already am a fan of both blogs and all I have to do is to share their post. Last Tuesday, I received the news that I am one of the winners of their contest. And the prize? These fantastic games:

Reviews were made by IGN and videos are fron IGN’s channel on youtube:

Nexuiz

Dirt Showdown

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Currently, the only game I play through Steam is Dota 2. Now, thanks to Critical Index, I pretty much added a set of games to my Steam library.

You may check out the blog of Critical Index by clicking here.

1837 TWG Tea Salon and Boutique @ Greenbelt 5

James — Mon, 27 May 2013 00:03:53 +0000

As soon as my girlfriend heard the news that 1837 TWG Tea had open a branch in Greenbelt, she never ceases asking me to go there and try their teas. However, whenever we go to Greenbelt 5, 1837 TWG Tea is full of people. After having dinner at La Petite Camille, we took another shot to try at 1837 TWG Tea Salon and Boutique.

As usual, we were put into waiting list. But this time, we only wait for a few minutes and we were able to have our seats.

While waiting for the orders, they munched the sugar crystals as candy.

1837 TWG Tea Salon and Boutique Sugar Crystals

My girlfriend ordered the Silver Moon Tea(Php 195 = 1 teapot)

1837 TWG Tea Salon and Boutique Silver Moon Tea

The girlfriend of my girlfriend’s brother ordered the Creme Caramel Tea (Php 195 = 1 teapot)

1837 TWG Tea Salon and Boutique Creme Caramel Tea

I don’t know anything about teas, so I let the girls decide what’s best for me. And they ordered a very manly tea for me, the Geisha Blossom Tea (Php 195 = 1 teapot)

1837 TWG Tea Salon and Boutique Geisha Blossom Tea

I tried testing what it’s like with sugar crystals in a cup of tea, and I find too sweet. Maybe I put a lot of sugar crystals. I prefer the tea without the sugar.

We also ordered Blue Kaya Macaron, Caramel Macaron, and Chocolate Macron (Php 55 each).

1837 TWG Tea Salon and Boutique Blue Kaya Macaron Caramel Macaron Chocolate Macaron

Lastly, we ordered the Grande Cake Slice (Php 220)

1837 TWG Tea Salon and Boutique Grande Cake Slice Front

Here is the back of the Grande Cake Slice.

1837 TWG Tea Salon and Boutique Grande Caramel Slice Cake Back

If you are a tea lover just like my girlfriend, this place is the best for you.

Microsoft unveils Xbox One

James — Thu, 23 May 2013 01:30:05 +0000

Microsoft recently announced their latest gaming console, called the Xbox One. The Xbox One will go head to head with Sony’s Playstation 4, and will be released later this year.

If you have not seen the new Microsoft Xbox One, here is a video of how the new Xbox One would look like:

Here is the specifications of Xbox One:

The Xbox One is an all-in-one entertainment system, where you can watch movies, sports, etc, use the internet, and of course play games. With this, Microsoft put a very noticeable feature, which is the voice controls. You can simply say ‘Xbox On’ and the Xbox One will automatically turn on. Also, you can navigate using the voice control, or some new hand gestures.

I’ve been a long time Playstation user. I got PS1, PS2 and a PS3. I almost bought an Xbox 360 because my girlfriend owns one and playing with the kinect sensor is simply amazing. But after contemplating for a while, I went on to buying the PS3. With the recent announcement from both Sony and Microsoft, I am still torn which gaming console to buy. But one thing for sure is that I am going to start saving some money so that I can buy one here in the Philippines.

La Petite Camille @ Greenbelt 5

James — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:20:32 +0000

One time, on our way to Gelatissimo in Greenbelt 5 to grab some desserts, we passed by what seemed to us is a new Vietnamese restaurant. Last Sunday, we finally had the chance to try this Vietnamese restaurant, and we just found out that its name is La Petite Camille.

We immediately ordered our appetizer, which is the Summer Rolls(Php 280).

La Petite Camille Summer Rolls

Since we are with the girlfriend of my girlfriend’s brother(did you get that? ) we ordered another appetizer, which is the Green Papaya Salad (Php 245).

La Petite Camille Green Papaya Salad

My girlfriend ordered the PHO combination (Php 275).

La Petite Camille Pho Combination

To be honest, I am surprised that the serving size is huge! My girlfriend asked me to try the beef in the Pho Combination and it was very tender. Also, she ordered an Avocado shake for her drink.

La Petite Camille Avocado Shake

She also asked me to try the Avocado shake, but I declined. She suddenly remembers that I don’t like Avocados.

For my noodle soup, I ordered the Saigon Style Seafood Noodle Soup. Funny thing is that while waiting, a Beef Stew arrived on our table, and the staff is asking who ordered the Beef Stew so she’ll know where to place the soup. However, no one answered so she went back.

We thought that it was just an incident of an order being brought to a wrong table. But after a few seconds, the waiter came and said that I ordered the Beef Stew. I told him what I ordered is the Saigon Style Noodle Soup. But then, I realize that the waiter repeated our orders before leaving the table earlier and again, I did not pay attention to what he said. I just never learn. So I just told him that it’s okay and just put the soup on our table. As I munch some appetizer, I was thinking what to do with it seeing how huge the bowl is, and if I’m going to order some rice.

La Petite Camille Beef Stew Noodle Soup

I tried checking how many beef is in the bowl and upon putting my chopsticks in, I felt something…It has noodles in the bowl! I thought it was a pure beef stew.

La Petite Camille Beef Stew Noodle Soup 2

It turns out that it was a blessing in disguise, since I really enjoyed their beef stew. Believe it or not, I did not left anything inside that bowl. All went to my stomach.

And after getting our receipt, I found out that it is called Beef Stew Noodle Soup(Php 250).

I for sure will try the Saigon Style Seafood Noodle Soup on our next visit.

Mother’s Day @ Yellow Cab SM San Lazaro

James — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:32:08 +0000

This is another late post since my computer is acting up again. It does turn on but it won’t boot. So after searching for answers, I found out that I only have to reinstall the RAM sticks and voila, my computer is up again, thus, I am making this blog post.

Last Sunday was of course, Mother’s day. It was my mom’s turn to be the decision maker, so anything she wishes, we will follow. We asked her where she would like to have our dinner and surprisingly for us, she wanted to have dinner at Yellow Cab. I though she would say Max’s or Aristocrat, or anywhere that serve Filipino dishes. This was really new to us.

She also decided what food to order for that day. So here are the food chosen by ‘her majesty’.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta (Php 250)

Yellow Cab Chicken Alfredo Pasta

According to the food description from their website, Chicken Alfredo Pasta is sauteed tender chicken strips and black olives tossed in a smooth and creamy white sauce garnished with fresh basil.

Charlie Chan Chicken Pasta (Php 270)

Yellow Cab Charlie Chan Pasta

According to their food description from their website, Charlie Chan Chicken Pasta is tender chicken strips, shiitake mushrooms and roasted peanuts sauteed in a spicy oriental sauce garnished with spring onions.

This was first time trying this and I prefer this over the Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

New York’s Finest (Large)

Yellow Cab New York’s Finest Large

According to their food description from their website, the New York’s Finest is made up of Italian sausage, ham, pepperoni, bacon, ground beef, black olives, mushrooms, onions, red & green bell peppers.

We were surprised that mom decided to have a large-sized pizza, considering we are only three eating that day. She said that she will take the pizza home just in case we were not able to finish it.

My mom was able to finish the pizzas at home and told me that she really enjoyed the dinner.