25 Restau In A Day Part1: Bonifacio High Street

Talk about blogging to the next level. Talk about pig-out to the next level. By some stroke of dumb luck, I was able to reserve free invites an exclusive blogger’s fine dining tour via a blog I avid. Whenever I hear the words FINE DINING, there’s only one person that comes to my mind: Lisa Gurl! Haha!! While she seems to be a perfect partner that’s easy to pull and a blogger as well, believe me she has a thing for this. And this, ladies and gents is how singles consume their vacation leaves. Sweet lives we all have. :P

Spot.ph sponsored the event. Round of applause please, woohoo!!! The affair last Monday was already the 2nd leg of the tour as the first was held Last Friday in Trinoma Mall. ‘Twas my first time to attend such kind of event. Thus, when I was registering in Krispy Kreme and saw video cams trained at registrants, I murmured to Lisa “Gurl, ano ‘tong pinasukan natin?” Hahaha. In English, what is this we entered upon? Upon daw o, haha!! However, the people of Spot were friendly enough to help our stiffened backs relax (hehe) and our nervous faces turned into smiles at the sound of complimentary donuts from Krispy Kreme. Ű Aaaah, the mouth-watering aroma that I’ve been consistently struggling to resist everytime I walk out of Fitness First was now filling my entire being. The depriving all this time was just waiting for a proper timing: a free consumption. Haha!!

Pardon the shoddy shot, no one really needs nice pics for Krispy Kreme’s donuts. Isn’t it? ;)

It was nice to see co-bloggers gather in the event. Some are proud to even wear shirts with these words emblazoned: PINOY BLOGGER, some came eveready with their laptops but the ultimate proof of being a blogger?? -> CAMERAS!! Blogging supports VANITY!! Yeba!! Haha!! Someday, my DSLR will come!! :P Two donuts and a blueberry smoothie later, we were briefed with the mechanics by the same folks from SPOT, had the whole group divided into four (green team, green team!!!) and in no time were all set to finish the spot pass for Bonifacio High Street.

krispy kreme, check!! one down!!

A quick ice-breaker was facilitated by our marshal Carl. Being next to him, I was quick enough to identify how introductions are made in this affair – your name and domain (blogspot, wordpress, livejournal and so on ü). While some of our teammates made me hypothesize that they probably really blog on food :P, I was popeyed with the youngest in our group. He’s a boy not a day older than fifteen - probably blogging about techie stuffs as it seems from his gadgets – but maintains his own domain. Bravo!!!

Our 1st destination: Texas Roadhouse Grill. This cowboy grill will always be memorable for barkada dinners (office and college friends). Their featured meals for the day (not necessarily piece de resistance) were: Seafood Pasta Marinara, Beef tips and Shrimp and Salmon Skewer. OHMIGOSH!! I love SEAFOODS!!! They make me forget I’m on a DIET!!! And that time, I totally lost that I’m on a pig-out! So by the time we reached Kabisera ng Dencio’s, I can’t bring myself to finish their appetizer plate!! Yes, we’re just talking about 2ND destination here!! Too bad coz it’s a purely Filipino dish: pusit, okoy, bangus, laing, pinakbet, bistek!! Drools!!! Really, with all the inflation going on now, I’ve wised up when it comes to food consumption. But what can I do?? There’s no more space in my tummy to fill these in! :( I love their LAING!! I seldom eat that viand but I atleast I was able to finish that same topping in my milkfish.

Picture break:
Lisa and I @ Texas Roadhouse and their meal of the day:

For my foreign readers (naks!), who’d like to know what Pinoy tastes is all about, you can visit Kabisera ng Dencio’s in Boni Hi. I particularly love the tequila shots arranged in a chess board and the STACKO game, hehe. A kid at heart, yes I am. Ű

feast your eyes on these Pinoy dishes

tequila, want some?

look at the hands, flashing my manicure..hahaha!!!

STARBUCKS: Who needs a review for Starbucks?? Like Krispy Kreme, I’ve been avoiding extra calories from here ever since I started the gym. Hehe. If the craving is really strong, I go for healthy options: my taro + sago from Quickly. Oops, now ‘tis ain’t a proper way to treat a coffee shop that gave me a bite of their featured sausages right? :P Here’s their sampler for the day:

Right after, I dragged my already Buddha belly to TGIF. Can’t remember the last time I dined here. I only tasted their salads and dropped the other finger food. Phew!! Well at least these are leaves!!

Very quickly, we stopped by Italianni’s: memorable for ex-dates. Aaargh!! NO ONE touched the carbonara and chicken, everybody just took pictures. Everybody’s stuffed!! I miss the cheesecake here!! I appreciate the painting. :P

Last for Boni Hi (I though it was for the day!!), NEW ORLEANS!! Never been here. And I’ll absolutely give 5 stars here for ambiance: the bar, the painting, the music!! I really willed myself to have a taste of their servings. I want to know I will not regret my planned next visit here with friends. And yes, they didn’t fail me! New Orleans folks, wait for my return. :)

Some shots at the very posh Boni High:

Done for Boni. How many more left?? You do the math!! :P

KR Travelogue Day5e: Last Encounters

“Are you okay?” Lawrence inquired. I snapped and realized that I’ve been staring into nothingness for what seemed like long minutes now.

“Uhmmm, yeah. I’m okay.”

“Aren’t you going to finish your food?” Referring to my plate – a mixture of noodle and poached egg (which is the reason why I chose it in the menu) – to be able to eat something familiar should the noodle disagree with my taste buds!!

“Oh, I’m full. Thanks!”

There we are – Lawrence, Dien and I – at one of the underground sort of restaurant in Dong Dae Mun. It’s been two hours ago when we arrived in The Shilla Hotel in Seoul. I’ve heard so much about this from the folks in the office giving me the impression that it’s a 5-star hotel or something. The balcony looked spacious – I thought it could fit in a thousand people in there – and well-kept. Except for the huge gorgeous chandelier that warmly lights the lobby area, nothing looked five-star-ish to me. Everything’s so minimalist.

When all delegates came rushing forward towards the receptionist, she gave up on verifying the identity of the first few ones who approached the table and just plainly distributed the labeled mini envelopes that contained the keys to our room as though a mob is gonna attack her if she made them wait for too long. Hehe. I took mine and some of the envelopes and gave them to their rightful owners – Samuel on the priority list of course. Ü♥Ü After handing it to him and he muttered his thanks, Ali approached me to say goodbye. His flight is later tonight and he’s not going to stay in the hotel anymore. I wrapped him in a full-bear hug, promised that we’ll still talk in IM and bid him my take care and goodbye. Sigh, it’s about time to leave. :(

Esther’s been inviting me to join her in the elevator but I told her to go ahead. I’m still looking for someone else who might share the floor with me. When at last I lost sight of Samuel (probably went ahead to his room when I was still talking to Ali) and caught Jaemin and Sean walking towards the lift, I made a dash towards it. I know that even if there’s a group dinner together a little later – these aloof two would not come. What can I say? First crush never die. Haha!! When the leftmost elevator opened, the three of us shuffled aboard.

The deafening silence that followed after we all pressed our floors made me regret that I joined them. Now what??? Am I supposed to talk?? But I cringed as I remembered that I just made a total fool of myself during our last conversation.

“I hope their beds are better this time.” Jaemin said, breaking the ice. Whew!! Thanks for that!!

“Huh, why?” I asked.

“I can’t sleep in my bed in Best Western. I don’t like it. I was sleeping in the floor.” He replied.

“Really? For four nights?”

“Yeah. How about you?”

“Hmm, mine was just okay.”

Then the door opened just in time revealing Sean’s floor. He just gave us this one last look that says “it’s my floor” and stepped out. No goodbye or whatsoever. I almost want to shout See Ya but I recalled the bad boy snobbish figure. Shortly, we reached Jaemin’s but atleast he was courteous enough to say goodbye. Just like that and they were gone. Poof!!

When finally I made it in my room in the 23rd floor, I spread-eagled myself in the bed trying to feel its comfort. Duh?!?! As if its gonna matter. I’m not that choosy when it comes to mattresses. In fact, as soon as drowsiness visited me, I will be able to sleep instantly whether it’s in a sitting position. :P

The price of a night here is double that of where we stayed at in Gumi. Makes sense coz it’s in the city but mind you, it was already discounted!! To a half – this I’m not so sure of. I immediately stood and went on inspecting the toilet (hmmm, very plush!), the mini fridge – is Samsung, the TV – Samsung, and when I looked in the mirror – oh why there’s a Samsung mobile phone in there!! Now I understood the reason for the discount.

Once again, I dove in the bed feeling my heavy eyes about to close if not for I remember the group dinner. I wasn’t able to take note what time will we meet so I quickly dialed the receptionist and asked her to connect me to Lawrence – who I learned was just in the next room.

In 5 minutes, Dien and I are huddled in Lawrence’s room, waiting for the 7:50 call time according to the latter. While waiting, I plopped myself in the chair infront of Lawrence's laptop and started trawling through his pictures in Everland. I noticed that there are a lot of attractions that our group wasn’t able to visit. But it’s okay. With my condition earlier, I don’t think I’m capable of taking on those barf-inducing rides.

We went down earlier in the lobby waiting for everyone. I already knew the moment I stepped out of the lift and saw no one familiar that there was some confusion with the time. I called up Samuel’s room (I’m dying to hear his voice) and there’s no answer. Further calls to Esther and the rest established that they all have probably left. Why didn’t my instinct question the 7:50 to mean actually 7:15?? I mean if we arrived 6:30 it doesn’t seem right to have dinner around an hour after right?? Why didn’t I join Esther in the lift so she could’ve instructed me?? Why didn’t Lawrence clean his ears?? Haha, just kidding. God, where could they be?? I asked as much.

No choice left so around 5 minutes after eight, we hailed a taxi to eat and shop here before we all leave tomorrow. Leaving – just the mere mention of the word – sigh. This could be my last encounter with Samuel – the last supper – and I blew it. =,( I thought after taking the paracetamol and having the short nap on the way to the hotel, I felt better. But no, everything’s not fine. I’m going to be sick again crazy wondering where exactly are they now and what are they doing. I know they’re just around here – probably dining as well and would go shopping later. If only our roads would cross…..

“I know why you're sad. You miss someone. SAMUEL!!” Dien exclaimed as though he's just discovered the solution to a very perplexing math problem. He looked at Lawrence and I can almost see the thought bubbles traveling between them.

Now, if only looks could kill!! It’s supposed to be our secret!! I shot him furious daggers and was about to launch into a tirade along the lines of how I do not fancy him but it’s too late. The two could’ve probably talked about it in Everland. Besides, what are friends for? There’s no point denying.

“Nothing. I just thought I’ll see him tonight.” I heaved out a huge sigh.

“You know what. Here’s what you should do. Get his number from the receptionist, call him up tomorrow and invite him for a coffee.” Lawrence spoke to me regarding me with fresh interest.

Right. These are what friends are for - giving you suggestions as though they’re just a piece of cake!!

“Of course I wouldn’t do that!” I objected, the Maria Clara in me dominating. :P I wouldn’t even be dreaming of it.

When I finally convinced them that I’m not doing whatever is it that they want me to do, we shifted topic into something else like stuffs to buy. Yup, shopping – I know this would take my mind off him. Slowly, I’m feeling excited again. Like I said, they’re just within the vicinity. Although there’s a very slim chance of us crossing paths, I still prayed for it. Oh God please, allow me to see him again. Please, give me a sign. I put on my extra quilted coat before I pushed the glass door open and felt that frigid December night in the very Christmas-y street of Seoul.

Moi and Dien in the restau

Christmas-y Dong Dae Mun mall

(continue)

The Black n White Saga - Part 2 Ű

FOREVER!!! - That's when I'll stop loving these two. Ű

I can't believe I'm doing a Part 2. But this time I'm just featuring my high-waisted pants. Love it!! Click here for the Part 1 last year. :)

THE COLOR OF MY SUMMER:
Yeah I know it's a bit late. But I totally love this as well: my Melissa UltraWedge.

Sorry guys, no story for this week. Just plainly exhausted from work due to the absence of a co-worker. Let's see what we'll have next week. The sweet, sweet freedom of the weekend is only 6 hours away. Hope you'll all have a blast. :D

Where The Magic Begins

Who wouldn’t resist a treat? I wouldn’t. Hehe. It’s a Smart FAMILY affair (stress family in there, hehe) and Lisa tagged me and Mike along. Not that Enchanted Kingdom is too exciting to be revisited but of course it’s the fun of being with my friends who I remember were also the same persons I’m with the last time I was here. :P

Actually, I have silent protests on the 7:30 AM call time. Goodness!! I was so deprived of my usual half-day sleep on a Saturday. Laguna had been my second home for the last 2 years and I know that the ongoing SLEX construction is neither that worse to give that much leeway nor EK is that huge with a lot of rides to actually start the day VERY early. I thought of going there straight myself a bit late but I can’t waste the precious time of being with them in the 1.5 hr ride – which in actual was spent sleeping in the company provided bus. Haha!!

Hoorah for me to actually make it in time!! Thanks to the taxi even if I swore I’m going to find my way around Makati without its help. :P I didn’t make it in time for breakfast but there’s the two of my best buds who sooo not planned to be both in white – and I’m in black - waiting for me. Mike instantly inspected my outfit so as not to have a repeat of my mishap last time – which was arriving in stilettos (that was one big fashion faux pas I must admit) - but of course I’m in my ever-comfy flip-flops. :P

After some pearl shakes, off we went to our first light ride. I don’t remember us being in here the last time. This is where us fussy Intellites listened to the safety instructions and came up with our word of the day – Gondola. As far as we all know, it meant boats or something like that. I Wiki’ed it up yesterday and yes, it’s a boat from Venetia – there's this thing called Gondola lifts but those resembled a cable car. Hmmmm...Oh please, we're not Bibbo kids.

(i) in the bus (ii) in the gondola lift

Success – is how I will define our next ride. Hehe. I couldn’t believe how worried I was the whole time we were lined up for the Dodgem. I’ve been thinking of just taking the passenger seat with either of them, yuck!! Haha!! I don’t know – I just wasn’t comfortable with a lot of people staring at you and I’m scared if my little car just won’t work right or if I get stuck or if I can’t steer – I have stage fright. Haha!! Flying fiesta – who would forget and ignore the safety instructions here??? :D

Memories from the past. Our last ride in Anchors Away which was for Intel Christmas Party Dec 2005 – Lisa and I saw a co-employee seated somewhere in the middle and while we’re swinging to and fro- we were discussing some juicy rumors about her. Hahaha!! Here’s our pic on our first ride. Yes, we rode that 3 times which is quite expected if the main attraction Space Shuttle is undergoing maintenance – which we all termed in our common Intel jargon as “Annual PM”.

For lunch, we can’t help but recall the scene where Lisa walked out on us. Sorry girl, it has to be said. Haha!! Don’t worry your MIA last time was justified. The restaurant is indeed very nice with delectable servings. :) Our very appropriate topic for lunch was Mike’s ghost stories on his company's creepy building. :D There I was very eager to listen knowing very well that a quick flashback of it at night would very much send me buried under the bedsheets. Haha!! Below is a pic before attacking our Ice Cream Cake Tiramisu. Ü




Before and Now. To down the food we ate, we took the Wheel of Fate. Here’s our pic before and the recent one. Don’t we all look better now?? Btw, I would like to apologize for taking an international call that is so work-related. Sorry guys, I know the whole while I was in the phone but I just can’t ignore that. I know we’re already graduates on this but he was just asking for some information. Speaking of phones and work, I was flashing my D780 (Dual SIM) that time. :P

(i) Jeed, Moi, Mike and Lisa (ii) us before me taking the call, wehehe

Gimikeras - Now and Then :P

We all had our ranting moments and nothing beats a yummy treat such as this to beat the heat. I also saw my ex-crush which was probably the only justification for the dress rehearsal of ‘til 2 AM. No kid. :P

(i) ice cream treat (ii) 2nd Anchors Away ride



The last thing Mike need here who came straight from his night shift is to get wet. But Lisa was able to convince him to ride the Rio Grande (no Jungle Log Jam :p). I still remember, Mike was so upset about it last time and I was the one who got the lucky position but all hell broke loose on us when we rode the Jungle Log Jam and the rain started to pour. Betcha can tell the twist of fate this time. :P

after Jungle Log Jam

after Rio Grande


And some of our happy rides. :)

(i) mini coaster (ii) last Anchors Away

Anticipating a beach bonding with the same fellas. =)

KR Travelogue Day 5d: Hey Jealousy

The front row of the boat still has one more space in it. Samuel first sat on it while the others settled themselves on the second, third and fourth row. This attraction will take us into a cultural world tour with dancing dolls in folk clothes. There I was in a shilly-shally if I will take the front or the other seats. I recalled the scene earlier in the train. Surely, if that choice was somehow a hint of by any remote chance of him liking me then I’ve got to return the favor, isn’t it? After two ticks, I resolved to sit beside him.

“Okay, I’ll sit here so I can take pictures.”

Geese, did I really have to say that? Yet, true to my word, I asked the guys to pose when their countries are passed by so I can take pictures. Again, I’m not proud of this ride but somehow it will be beneficial to us since we’re an intercontinental group. Yup, this will help us know each other better. Wahaha!! I already took pics of Ali, Massy and Samuel but I didn’t find Philippines. Hmm, there must be some sort of discrimination here.

dolls in action; Massy's country; us in the boat and Samuel's dolls

Finally, they decided to take on some thrilling rides!! The Dragon coaster is just a mini-coaster but this can already be considered as a nice appetizer for the exciting ones later. Each row is a two-seater and Marlow didn’t join us. That leaves the six of us occupying the three rows. I don’t know how I was doubled over but Samuel and Nilce were seated together. It must be the queue arrangement. It’s early but already I can feel a slight tingle of threat. Nilce’s the only girl in the conference I hoped Samuel wouldn’t get near to. I took the ride beside Esther.

Esther and I - in action :P

Not that I don’t like Esther or anything. Oh, here’s one trivia. I already told you how Nilce and Esther are a twosome – in the classroom, bus and dinner. But today’s different. Marlow’s been joining the group because of Nilce and I can safely assume that there’s a mutual understanding going on between them. It’s probably the reason why Esther’s been more inclined to me today.

After that I was ready for more of the exhilarating ones. But here’s one thing I learned – the guys (Samuel not included) aren’t up for the challenge. Duh??!!?? They should be ashamed to us three women who are with them!! Massy and Marlow were left behind as we made it to the long line of Magic Swing. It’s one huge circular platform that can accommodate around fifty persons that doesn’t only rotate on it’s own but swings up to 30º.

on queue

It’s frustrating to learn that the two of them maybe seated beside each other again. So as not to dwell on it, I went on observing the long queue of Koreans infront of us – most of which are girls. I can tell from their faces that they’re just in the age bracket of 15-20 but goodness!! Their fashion sense – so amazing!!! My gimlet eye registering the infinitesimal rise and fall of all things trendy took in these developments. It’s mind-blowing how they can mix and match different items. I could also see some in just plain shorts or in flip-flops that has once again caught me in the throes of “Goodness, how they can take the weather in those clothes???” However, seeing those wasn’t able to take away that niggling feeling in my stomach.

As expected they sat together. Although there’s still a space beside him – I preferred not to. This ride will probably have me in my best “wa-poise” moments and I don’t want him to see that. True enough; the adventure had me shrieking at the top of my lungs everytime the platform swings back.

I felt queasy after the ride. It must be the direct exposure to sunlight mixed with the cold and the continuous spinning also the fact that I’ve just taken lunch (or could it be the hurt seeing the two of them getting close???). Everybody was asking if I’m okay. I excused myself to the ladies’ room just to get a hold of myself. When I came back, Samuel was already talking about the next ride. He really seems to be the adventurous type.

Further walking led us infront of the Rolling X-train. According to my cheat sheet – it is a mega-fast roller coaster whipping around a spiral course with two complete 360º revolution. The 3 guys already gave up and also myself, almost. Coz when I saw Nilce and Samuel walking up, I decided to join them. Esther tagged along. With my state that time, I wasn’t sure if I ca take it. I just don’t want to let the two of them alone. :P

to the rolling x-train

Thoughts are circulating round my head. I tried to recall the past if there was any hint of him liking her but I have absolutely zero recollection – the span of time here involves since I clapped eyes on him which was just yesterday!! And if he does – WHY??!!?? Knowing that there’s something going on between Nilce and Marlow – why enter the picture?? Except, if Nilce showed any sign of liking him which is not possible given with his good looks!! Aaaargghhh!!! An even horrendous thought gripped me. To be honest I’ve been dismissing this fact but it’s pushing it way forward in my brain. Well, Nilce is a Brazilian and I don’t want to think about her that way given that she’s nice to me and everything but – it’s already a general impression on them. And of course Samuel - in all his drop-dead gorgeous looks - is still a MAN from the liberal country of Europe!! Oh no!!!

Samuel tried to join her in the queue for the two-seater but she denied him. That’s when my positive opinion of her crystallized infront of my very eyes. But when she realized it’s a two-seater Samuel joined her again after seeing Esther and I already set on the next 2-seater queue. *sigh*

I gave the ride a blind and deaf treatment. I closed my eyes and didn’t scream the whole time. It’s the only way to do if I don’t want to throw up. That, I decided, would be my last ride for the day. My ensemble – which I believed to be the well-rehearsed – has been found to be supremely inadequate for the December weather. What a moron!!

We walked towards the next exhilarating ride and waited. When I found the heater nearby not working, I made my way inside the nearest fast-food to warm myself. I stayed there mulling over the things that transpired today. Everything were okay for the first half…..I tried to conjure up the happiness I felt when I first met him but I can’t. All I can feel is a burst of impotent frustration for him knocking a hole in my life and opening the ay to let anticipation come creeping in. How dramatic, haha!! Shortly, Ali came and fetched me. It’s about time to leave. Before heading back the bus, Ali, Esther and I stopped by the shop and wandered around.

posing by the differenet merchandise

bonding with Ali - it's his last day

Back in the bus, I asked for a paracetamol from Ali to relieve my headache – I just wanted to forget everything today and have a good sleep. :(

(continue)

Samsung Mobile Roadshow

Imagine a mobile for every lifestyle. Whether you are a fashionista looking for a very stylish accessory, a businessman that needs to get in touch with your transactions, a techie savvy on the prowl for anything latest, a music hippie that’s all for entertainment or just a basic phone user – we’ve got the phone for YOU!!! With Samsung, it’s not that hard to imagine. ;)

Wow! With that intro I think I can do the spiel the models had been saying in the event last Monday. Haha! It was the ostentatious Samsung Roadshow held in Mandarin Hotel – a fabulous showcase of upcoming phones of Samsung for 2008.

‘Twas my first time to attend such a roadshow. A week before that, everybody’s in a panic on the said event and I was wondering why thinking that it will be just like another launch or something like that. I just learned the fabulousness of it all when I was informed that there will be a budget for the dress!! BUDGET FOR A DRESS – this is such a mellifluous music to my ears. Hahaha!!! So this is my little dress story: Hihi.

But of course -I being a Mango dweller- knew already what dress I would go for. I’ve been hankering for a Maxi dress ever since I fitted one last year but haven’t really got the excuse to buy one. I’m talking ‘bout the one Penelope Cruz has been flaunting in all the fashion magazines. When I actually checked the price – oh wow, it was twice what an ordinary dress would cost in that shop. Out of budget. :( But I was glad I was able to fit it though. Haha!! I instantly felt like a film star once upon that dress. :D Call me a lunatic for taking a picture in the dressing room, I don’t give a damn. :P

Good thing, as in real good thing, I found this LBD that again I’ve been craving when I went to SG last February. It was finally available here in the Phils. :D Double good in the sense that I didn’t give in to that when I was still in Vivo City. See? I have fantastic willpower! Haha!!

Another thing, Maxi dress is really out coz we have to dress up corporately. Said LBD can be dressed up or down to whatever occasion can you believe it? Haha!! Take for example - just plain or under a tank top like what I was wearing that time, slip on a cardigan, so many ways to do it! Fab!!

Actually, I wasn’t informed about the whole brouhaha. I arrived around 4 PM not knowing that there was a press conference in the morning. There I was rocked with the fact that it’s time for the gala and everybody was asking me to just remove the shirt to dress appropriately for the night. With a little make-up and a ‘do here and there, there I was ready to rock the night. Haha!!

my supposed to be corp attire - posing in the gallery

with unprepared accessories :P

Dinner after the gallery tour:

(a) with Sir Jay and Sir Rommel; (b) De Moi; (c) guest performer the Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla

(d) with junior engineers Fred, Joy and Angela; (e) officemates Joy, Em and Ms Lyn

Pardon the vanity but I just really love how I was made up and everybody liked it too. Thanks to Eric our make-up artist. Too bad I wasn't able to ask for some tips as there was a long queue after me.

So we'll discuss the phones in the future. Hahaha!!! :D