The Original Singapore Chicken Rice Cubao

We tried The Original Singapore Chicken Rice in Cubao before Juanes left for Thailand. We were heading to Mogwai at CubaoX that night but decided to stop by here to have dinner.

Alba Restaurante Español Makati

Last June 23, the bi-eep had his 24th birthday and we went to Alba Polaris to celebrate and indulge in our common favorite -- PAELLA! (Haha. You probably got tired of reading paella over and over again on my posts.) :P


The first time we went to Alba, it was unfortunate that we didn't have our cameras with us. Though cameraless or not, the food at Alba never fails.

Bloggers Night at O'sonho, Eastwood

Last June 21, we joined the Bloggers Night that was coordinated by Sir Azrael at O'sonho restaurant in Eastwood City. It was our first time to join such gathering of bloggers (food bloggers, mostly), it still felt a little weary because you're around these people who have been doing it altogether for a while and you're the new ones in the group -- everyone knows the feeling of being the newcomer in class. We really had a good time though, and yeah, a very full stomach.


O'sonho means 'the dreams' in Portuguese. Hence the tag, taste the dream!

Qizia Cafe

Last weekend, after a cramming photo session for my class assignment, we headed out to try Qizia (read as kisha) Cafe in Concepcion Dos, Marikina. The place was quietly situated behind a hospital and has this cozy feeling by the moment you saw it. It's a nice place to hang out with friends and grab a hefty meal.

The place wasn't crowded when we arrived so that was a good thing since we were both hungry and need our fix of food soon. I was quite surprised seeing their menu, it has a lot of pasta choices and sweet treats, and the prices were alright.

We both had Seafood Chowder, he ordered for the cheese logs (I forgot the name) and Carbonara while I had the Butterflied Shrimps and botomless iced tea. Our order amounted around 600+ which was satisfying already for 2 persons. I would've had desert if only there was room left in my system. I was too full already. :D


The Seafood Chowder (P45) was tasty and it was generous on the seafood bits such as small shrimps and squid thus giving the creamy soup some texture which was appetizing.


The cheese logs were filled with cheesy goodness! I love cheese so much that I developed migraine from and this one definitely satisfied me, only that it the cheese inside inside was a bit too dry already maybe because of the frying or it was just me. It was also served with a pasta/pizza tomato sauce. I understand how the tomato sauce goes with mozzarella cheese on pizzas and pastas but this time, I wasn't really too much into the sauce, I guess it tasted too herb-y for me.


I had a taste of the Carbonara and the sauce was really creamy.


O HAI chinese-looking bi-eep. :))


The Butterflied Shrimps deserved a 'whoa-reaction, four pieces of shrimps sauteed in garlic and herbs topped with garlic and mango. It was really flavorful although my taste buds was starting to get picky with the herbs because it almost overpowered the shrimp.

Overall, the food was good. I would love to go back and try their deserts but on a note, their service needs improvement. Hopefully by next time they'd prepare and serve the food faster.

Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

During my Cebu vacation early this month, I was finally able to visit the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary after reading so much about it and getting my attention -- and it was near our house!! I've been through Cebu every year and I haven't even stumbled to the place.


The place was quite hidden, it'll take an effort to locate the place. It's a simple house with a wide area for a garden. The place was run by Dr. Jumalon's daughter (I'm terrible at remembering names) and they have cute and playful dogs!


Stepping into the place was an instant whoa. It felt like there was an instant shift from the busy world then you enter into this place where it's purely nature and beauty.

Early Mother's Day at Hola! Espana

In search for Paella yesterday here in Cebu, I hit the internet and searched for spanish cuisine restaurants and stumbled by the name Hola! Espana. I was so eager about it and asked the mother to go with me after the Visayan Educational Supply trip to find those rubber stamps but failed :( yet harbored a few things that made me happy, but still disappointed nonetheless.

So we headed for The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu.

Dia Del Libro

Instituto Cervantes celebrated Dia del Libro last April 24, 2010 (also my birthday!) YAY! :D Me and my friend decided to visit IC for the first time. Dia Del Libro is a tradition originated in Spain where they exchange roses for books. I just learned about it this year and it really took my attention, that when you buy a book, you get a rose with it as well. :D Isn't that grand?

I was able to snag a book, "Reportage On Crimes" which I am enjoying so far! I missed reading! :D Also got my free rose -- aren't flowers, or flower in my case, makes a birthday more special? (I was so close to buying balloons, I wanted balloons tied on ribbons for my day.)

And aside from books and roses, there's good food too!! Finally, I was able to eat PAELLA after a grueling craving for it. Just imagine how I lighted up upon my first bite. Haha.

Looking forward to next year's Dia Del Libro!

Kopi Roti

Yesterday we went to Kopi Roti Katipunan Branch to try out their well-known Kopi, soft-boiled eggs and Kopi Bun. I was coffee-free since the year started and boy, did I lust lost myself. Haha.



I've been passing by Kopi Roti Katipunan for good 9 months and haven't even tried to stop and try what they can offer, until yesterday. We had a Kopi Bun which is soft bread with crisp coffee-flavored crust and it goes well with the soft-boiled egg with black soya and white pepper. What completed the night was their Kopi sweetened with milk -- I had 3 cups and was diving down to jittery lane just before the night ended.
I would say that I really like Kopi Roti's small range but satisfying menu. :) It's definitely a place to visit again.

To check out where Kopi Roti Branches can be found click HERE.

Aliwan Fiesta 2010

See you guys at the Aliwan Fiesta 2010 on April 22, 23 and 24!

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES: (from Aliwan Fiesta official site)

Thursday 22 April 7:00 P.M. (Sotto Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City)
PASAKALYE Inter-scholastic dance competition and band concert featuring Christian Bautista, Luke Mejares, Blakdjak and Aljur Abrenica, with special guests Danilo Barrios, Jopay Paguia, and Joshua Zamora.

Friday 23 April 7:00 P.M. (Sotto Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City)
REYNA NG ALIWAN PAGEANT Watch the loveliest ladies representing different festivals al over the country vie for the title of festival queen, Hosted by Chris Tsuper and Nicole Hyala, with musical numbers by Gian Magdangal.

Saturday 24 April 4:00 P.M. (SM Mall of Asia to Sotto Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City)
STREETDANCE COMPETITION AND FLOAT PARADE A grand cultural showcase highlighting unity amid diversity. The different contingents present their festivals through music and dance in front of an elite judging panel as they compete for the million-peso prize!

9:00 P.M. (Sotto Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City)
AWARDING CEREMONIES Find out who will reign as Festival Queen for 2010, and which festivals will emerge as this year’s champions for the streetdance and Float Design competitions in a special variety show hosted by Paolo Bediones, KC Montero and Julia Clarete, with special performances by Koro Ilustrado and Mocha

2 for 22!!

Tomorrow will be the start of my countdown for my 22nd birthday. Ha. I don't want to turn 22 just yet, but I'm kind of looking forward to it for a fresh start.

I'm a certified BUM already! Jobless starting next week, what a great start. Sarcasm. It'll be more a re-hauling phase for me. :) I've been spending the past 3 hours editing photos from Sinulog (that was way back January, sucks.) But seeing the results is giving me the squee. It's a saturated feast to the eyes! Will share it as soon as I finish it. For now, let me share this epic photobomb. :D It made me smile!



Sinulog 2010 photos can be viewed HERE.

Picture feature!

LOOK!! A shot we took from our Kanin Club foodtrip was used in a recent spot.ph article -- For the Frugal Foodie: Top 25 Meals Under P150 ~ :D Why don't you check it out? It also gave me an idea for a future post, so watch out for that.

ETA: Sorry for making such a fuss about this, but it got me really excited! Haha. This means our blog our not hidden in the dark cobwebs of the internetz anymore. LOL.

Holy Week

My Holy Week didn't feel so holy week-ish until last Thursday morning when I stumbled by a tweet that mentioned an online retreat. Flashbacks from my senior college year's retreat came into mind. It was kind of heartbreaking -- how the reflection timely fitted my current state. I'm thankful for it though, it made me feel a bit better, a little relieved from the week's stress and frustrations. I learned the 3 F's: Fight, Flight and Forgiveness. I was on the flight track but I chose forgiveness.

Let me share one of the prayer advices I've read:

"Sometimes, we do not understand why others would hurt us, even though we loved them very much. Maybe it is true that the ones that we love the most have the most power to hurt us. It is just human for you to question things and feel hurt, but only then we will realize the real lessons we have to learn. And maybe, at the end, we will really know how to forgive and to give unconditional love."

Noite de Canivale @ Seven Suites Hotel

Seven Suites Observatory Hotel celebrated their 13th anniversary and grand re-launch last March 27, 2010. And we're the lucky ones who got invited to witness the event. Seven Suites is the first and only in the Philippines to actually have an observatory equipped with a 12" diameter telescope and there's an in-house astronomer to guide stargazers to the wonders in the sky.


Seven Suites exemplifies a simple yet distinctly unique style that offers a different experience for every visitor.

Chocolate Appreciation 101 @ Heavenly Chocolates

I WAS TRANSPORTED INTO A NEW DIMENSION OF CHOCOLATE. Yes, I think that statement is very much fitting after attending the Chocolate Appreciation 101 at Heavenly Chocolates.

I remember doing a research paper on Chocolates when I was in college (ikr.) but the satisfaction never equaled as to what I got from the workshop. :D Thanks to Heavenly Chocolates, Ms. Marga Manlapig and Spot.ph for such a great workshop for chocoholics like us. Nothing beats a good knowledge on something you really like.


We got there late. Good thing they were still talking about the history of Chocolate when we came in.

This Week in TV/ Movies [0322-0328]

Okay! Finally I am able to fulfill my task of actually doing a TWIT/M post! :D This isn't really a movie review post but rather a suggestive one. I, being such a fan of the TV and the big screen, I think it's fun to share some of my fancies.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: The Invention of Lying



A production of Ricky Gervais and of course, starring himself. Movie goes about the life of Mark Bellison, living in a world where no one lies. Until Mark discovered making up stories to comfort his mother from dying in vain. From there he constructed lies here and there and soon making up the story of the man in sky sky who is similar to God in our terms. The movie even had a Moses-like event, where he wrote into stone slabs pizza boxes his made-up commandments. The part where he consoled his mother, got the waterworks running. And it's a plus that's Tina Fey is on the movie, although a very minor role, but still -- because I just simply love her. :) There wasn't too much comedy and I think the latter part kind of become dragging at some point. Overall, it's still a good movie.

TV PICK OF THE WEEK: The Mentalist

Need I say more? This show is becoming a favorite! I'm almost done with the first season and I'm definitely proceeding to season two! I don't want to indulge more because I'd prefer that you go give this show a shot. It got me entertained really, but not enough to replace NCIS though. :P If you're into crime/ detective shows with a bit of psychic hint to it, then The Mentalist is a good addition to your list. It's like Psych, only on a more serious note. And I am sort of developing a mild crush over Patrick Jane, whose name I already find fancy. I'm also rooting for the Van Pelt-Rigsby, ♥ ♥ ♥!

Chocolate Appreciation 101

Wow. 20 days had passed since my last post. Not much happening lately.

But..!

We'll be attending a Chocolate Appreciation 101 session on Saturday!
I'm pretty excited about it~ and to posting something good about the experience. :) Until Saturday then! I'll do a round-up post for this week.

I've been hanging around twitter lately (totally forgetting my activity on plurk, sorry plurk) -- feel free to follow my updates @ohmymimai.

ETA:  Will attend Seven Suites re-launching too!! :D

Thank You.

This week haven't been really nice to me. Work was exhausting and I am having a bad headache and I can't sleep, so thanks for the torment.

This day's entrance wasn't so good either, this was supposed to be a special day (not that i'm saying that other days are less special), but some things came up, surprises failed and some disappointments in the way too.

But at least i'm still alive at this point I still feel thankful. Seeing that ticker up there, I'm actually very grateful. Who would've thought that our friendship and love will last for this long. God is still good to us I guess, because rough times were and are there (still), but despite that we never really resorted to ending up our togetherness. It wasn't really all-time happy, I admit. I'm pretty scarred up to the moment, but I guess when one is true to the feeling, you can't just give it up that easily. Here's hoping that this day will still turn out okay and to you my beloved, for the tears and scars you've given (that at least made me a little better), the memories, the good times, the happy times and most especially for the love. I guess all I can say is i love you and thank you. I pray that good things will continue to come for us and we'll be together through those days and more days to come.

This Week in Photos [0222-0228]

The month of hearts is almost over (goodbye lovebugs! haha), so I give you a round-up of our week in photos.


After watching IMYLC last Wednesday [oh yes, we watched it on it's opening date. I'm such a JLC fan *fangirlscreams*], I had my first Red Mango treat. I'm not really a fan of frozen yogurt, but after having watermelons + cornflakes on a regular frozen yogurt, I think I just had a change of heart. Maybe because my first froyo I found it too "maasim", but this time it was just enough for my taste. I am actually craving for more again.


Inside a jeepney on my way home from work early in the morning.
Fast fact: I take 3 jeepney rides, the MRT and a tricycle ride just to get home every morning. It's just plain tiring.


The mid-week highlight was the movie "I Miss You Like Crazy" of JohnLloyd-Bea loveteam. The movie was okay, JohnLloyd is still charming but personally, I'd pick A Very Special Love or You Changed My Life over it. Although one thing I liked about the movie was Paco Park -- since I find that place of significance for me and a slap-in-the-face coincidence happened to me because the night before the movieday I was thinking/ reading about Paco Park. So just imagine my amazement when I saw it featured in the movie. :)

And we'll be visiting Paco Park this weekend! ♥ Re-visited the park for the 2nd time, it was still the same beauty it was. And a bonus since there was a wedding ceremony going only that I wasn't able to take pictures, the universe took a harsh turn on me it sent me crying most of the time while we were there. Sorry guys. :(


This would be my desk in the office. Yes, I get to stare at the computer for about 8hours at work.


This be the Watermelon + CornFlakes in FroYo that I'm craving right now. :c
My expression is a failure.


He does it better. He had strawberries on strawberry froyo. I guess I will never like Strawberry froyo. :c Not just my taste.


A visit to Noriter Cafe earlier today! :3

More photos from this week ~ [Warning: This post is picture heavy.]

15th Philippine Intl. Hotair Balloon Fiesta

Doodles

I bought a new notebook (again!) this month and last night when I got too bored at work I decided to doodle again. :D I miss doodling.

Krispy Kreme Strawberry Filled Donuts

Last Sunday, me and bi-eep decided to spend the afternoon at Krispy Kreme, Bonifacio Highstreet while working on one's project/ homework. Despite the wonky Wifi, Seattle's Best Strawberry Italian Soda (which is still my favorite drink) and Strawberry-filled doughnuts from KK never failed to do its job.




After that we watch Paano na Kaya, the latest Kimerald movie. /meh. It just annoyed me to wits, RLY. -__-;; There were laughtrip scenes though that I enjoyed. But yes, the trailers! Leap Year and Letters to Juliet!

January in Photos Part II

January in Photos Part I

Teriyaki Boy - California Maki

Teriyaki Boy - Kani Salad

Meiday Aftermath!

Last night's Meiday event at CubaoX was a blast!! Too much fun! I missed going out to gigs like this. Good thing nakahabol pa ko just in time for Itchyworms and Pedicab. 2 gigs last night! YAY!

I was tagged along to 6Underground to watch Deflower and other bands play~ at enjoy naman! And I got to take pictures!


O hai Akelle, Peter (?) and Solomon!

And then headed back to CubaoX!! Met Dee! Another YAY!
Mich Dulce + Quark Henares + US inside Sputnik. Wow. Hahaha.


This was after Pedicab's set~ pretty obvious how fun the mosh was right? Haggard much! :)) And oh, hi sir RA rivera. :") Finally, we've met again.

And here's a video too! Raimund DIVED into the crowd! Credits to ate Isel.

MAAAAAAAAIL TIIIIIIIMEEEEEEE!!

What can actually make my day? SNAIL MAILS. or anything actually that I receive in the mail. I got one lately from Carina, it's a zine she made. :D It's a lot of fun!

PLUGGING: JLURS!!

This radio show is the "greatest radio show on planet earth"!! SRSLY.

5th Backdoor Ventures ARTS & Music Festival