FALLING OUT

Sad news: Koy Banal has left the San Beda Red Lions.

Quite an odd development, an uproar can be heard from all sides of the Bedan Community. It came as a surprise to us all, thinking all this while that we will come into the title defense intact and formidable. It is indeed sad that the mentor himself has decided to leave. The buzz has been going around for months. The team managers and the rest of the community was asking from Banal his full attention and dedication to the team. The condition to the renewal of his contract with San Beda, was to give up either his post as Assistant Coach of PBA team Purefoods or being Head Coach of PBL Team Magnolia. After a long searching process, Banal opted to continue with the San Miguel franchises in the PBA and PBL.

Now, the Bedan faithful now begin to think twice about the supremacy of the Red Lions next season. What now?

I say, do not despair. San Beda waited 28 years for an NCAA Seniors BAsketball Championship.This is but a minor thorn towards the Back to Back championship. All things are stil the same, nothing will stop us in our tracks. Time to show the true heart of a champion!

Thank you Coach Koy. Best of luck to you.

CHICK FLICK WEEKEND



I went out with my best friend last Saturday to see the latest chick flick "The Holiday" starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and JUDE LAW! It was a great movie, loved the story. But most of all, I just remember I had such a big crush on Jude Law. It's funny that it is only now that I developed a huge crush on a Hollywood celebrity. I swear I was blushing in the dark halls of SM Megamall Cinema 12 while watching Jude Law flash his smile with Cameron Diaz, his love interest, across the room. We felt like highschool girls watching 21 Jumpstreet or New Kids on the Block. For the record, though, when that cult TV show and that Boyband were such huge hits, I didn't go gaga over them.



Anyway, the day before that, I saw Music and Lyrics starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. Another really cute movie! It was a treat watching Hugh Grant strut his stuff as a has been 80's hit. He also recorded a song called "Way Back Into Love," which I'd have to say is a really catchy tune, something Jessica Simpson would sing. Another interesting cut in the soundtrack, is the new wave inspired tune, "Pop Goes My Heart." When I heard it, I kept thinking that I heard this song before. It really sounded like it was recorded in the 80s, alongside, Duran Duran, TEars for Fears, and yes, Eurythmics...

Watch these chick flicks, you won't regret it :)

BACK AT U.P.

Today is my free day from work. I decided to visit U.P. to secure transcripts for my application to the Netherlands. I'm always excited to visit UP. It's like travelling back in time, about 10 years ago, when I was a student of Economics. Anyway, a lot of things have changed about my Alma Mater. New buildings, new kids on the block, but the same vast and sprawling land, and the beautiful acacia trees are still there. I felt at home, almost instantly. Upon filing my application, that's when I really felt that it's still the same UP of old. I would be waiting for 3 weeks until copies of my transcript are ready. THAT'S 21 DAYS TOTAL! It takes them that long, it's almost funny! And, after filing the application, I had to travel to the Shopping Center to pay for it, then run back to the Registrar to show them my receipt. It was really irritating that after almost ten years, nothing much has changed. To think, that ours is the premier state university in the country! And they're trebling tuition fees! After all that, I suddenly remembered what registration was like in UP. Long long lines at A.S. to enlist for SocSci1, being there at 5:30 am to be first in line, or at least the priority list, in all 5 of them! Or if all else fails, make a fool out of yourself prerog-ging (in common UP parlance, the teacher's prerogative "prerog" to take you in) in front of your prospective teacher and classmates. 3 or 4 gruelling days of going through this ordeal in perhaps all of your subjects. Then travelling from one building to another, aboard the UP IKOT or TOKI jeepney, circling the entire campus.

See, I told you it was such a nostalgic morning for me. Anyway, I had my friend Howie with me and we had lunch at Chateau Verde, a cozy garden resto near the UP Shopping Center. Food was fairly okay. But the prices, I guess, weren't student friendly. Anyway, I noticed that more faculty members trooped there for lunch. But the ambiance was so familiar to me. As if I didnt leave my backyard. But it was one of the better dining places on campus, up there with Chocolate Kiss.

So I know, I'll start doing my novena, so the Registrar will come up with my transcripts on time....

HAPPY HEARTS' DAY

Happy hearts day to all! This day is dedicated to all lovers, as well as to singles like me! :) It is a day to celebrate singlehood. Not having to brave monstrous traffic and long queues in restaurants. I'm spending my Valentines' Day with the family. My mom is whipping up a delicious feast for us later tonight. Also, we'll be home tuning in again to the PBA Finals. I hope it will continue to be an interesting series.

So to everyone, enjoy this romantic day. Sing happy tunes of love, watch sappy movies, wine and dine with the ones you love. You may not have significant others to share this day with, but make it count! :) Happy Valentines' Day!

JAWORSKI'S BACK

It was just yesterday that I was blogging about the Ginebra magic. This morning while I was reading the sports page, I read this headline "Jaworski Ready for Coaching Comeback." What perfect timing isn't it? I've long thought if he ever considered coming back to his first love. It was a foolish decision for him to join politics, or maybe selfless, if I choose to be objective, because he was ready to shed his superhero image in the hardcourt, to be able to serve the people in the Senate. Well, I seriously doubt he did a good job in the Senate. But as a Philippine basketball fanatic, I welcome his re-entry into the PBA, with open arms. Though I would never, never, root for his team, may it be Air21 or Talk and Text. But a celebrated personality like himself,will bring back the long lost glory of the professional league.

THE COURTESAN (Dangerous Beauty)

When I made a trip to St. Francis Square to get a few DVDs to watch at home, I was so glad to find an 8 in 1 collection with a movie that I had been looking for for over 4 years! I watched The Courtesan (Dangerous Beauty) when I was in Japan. I loved it so much that I searched desperately to find a copy of it. I forgot all about this unsuccessful search up until I saw it last Saturday.

I saw it again last night. I just remembered to include it in my list of favorite movies of all time. The movie stars Catherine McCormack of Braveheart as Veronica Franco and Rufus Sewell as Marco Venier. I recommend that you see this movie! :)

PBA PHILIPPINE CUP FINALS

I stayed home to tune in on Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, pitting the San Miguel Beermen against crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. As you well know, basketball remains as the number one sport in the Philippines. Quite ironic since basketball is a game of giants and the average height of a typical Filipino male is about 5'7 or 5'8. Still, you can find a basketball court or ring, on every corner of the Philippines. Some far flung places may not have electricity or means of telecommunications, but you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be teams of 5, barefoot or in slippers, battling for supremacy in the basketball hardcourt, or off the streets.

True enough, only basketball can amass a crowd of over 15,000 rowdy spectators in one venue, chanting one mantra, GI-NE-BRA! GI-NE-BRA! The magic of the Ginebra franchise goes way back to the days of playing coach and erstwhile senator, Robert "Big J" Jaworski. The Ginebra/Anejo team was notorious for its ragtag kind of play and never say die attitude. It amazes me that this team has lived true to this character over the years, though personnages have changed constantly. But once they don the Ginebra jersey, they seem to be possessed by the ghosts of Ginebra teams past. Probably it also helps that the whole stadium/coliseum/arena, filled with Ginebra diehards, is right behind them, screaming at the top of their lungs.

I remember that we were tasked to deliver a speech during our Communications class back at U.P., with a free hand on what we wished to speak about. Being the basketball fanatic that I am, I chose to speak on how basketball mirrors the Filipino psyche, and how it defines the Filipino way of life. The required attire I recall was corporate chic. So I wore a dress, but had a basktball in my hand as my only prop. It totally ruined my outfit, by the way! I then went on, saying that basketball showed how the Filipino loved the underdog, why the entire Filipino nation goes crazy over Barangay Ginebra, in whichever standing the team finds itself in. It's funny to observe that while many say that Filipinos are never loyal but fickleminded, they never sway in their loyalties for Ginebra. Another thing that will dispel this observation, is that, despite the fact that we are rather ill-placed in the sport of basketball, being of average height and brawn, we continue to strive for recognition as one of the forces to reckon with in the sport.

My father would often say that an effective brand of management, or even in running a government is to replicate how a basketball coach runs his basketball team. The team would be under strict supervision during practices, listening no end to the coach's constant reminders. But when gametime strikes, the players are left alone to do their own thing and the coach is anxious if indeed the players will execute, as instructed. Maybe this is the magic formula for the Philippines to pick up on economic recovery. All the country needs is to choose the coach that they pledge to follow.

After all these thoughts running through my mind, I was happy to find that Ginebra lost, the Beermen winning by a close margin. I was rooting for San Miguel, being a longtime fan of the franchise. Heck, it was already hard playing in a championship but even harder, winning it against Ginebra and majority of the crowd rooting against you.

So far, it is a series well fought, but I'd love to see Ginebra lose :) Go San Miguel!

SATURDAY SUNSHINE!

Started the day by going to the Salcedo Saturday Food Market.. My mom loves going there for the varieties of food available and more especially for the plants!!! A lot of people go there to eat their breakfast or brunch. But for us, we go there for the empanadas by Something Different, (which incidentally is available in almost all food fairs in the Metro) the pork barbeque, the daing and since last week, the Almond Rocas by Baba Ibazeta. It's absolutely divine! Quite expensive though, P100 for a small bag. But believe me, it's really worth it. In the same stall, you can find Tommy's Thai Coffee, really good as well, P50 a cup for regular and P60 for decaffeinated.

Would've been a great day already but then I caught sight of one of my loser exes walking side by side with his present flame. Haven't seen him in years, I just said to myself, "Man, thank God I looked really cute today hahaha.." Anyway, he may not have recognized me coz I sidestepped and walked away. It's funny that I keep seeing despicable characters everytime I visit the Salcedo market. It's an interesting experience everytime. But the best lesson I learn is, to still look my best even at 9 o clock on a Saturday morning!

Hmmm, how else am I spending this scorching hot day? Oh I went to the salon to update my really dry hair! I got myself a cellophane and a really cute haircut... As usual, I love it! Im dead broke, but who would notice? I look like a million bucks! Here's a picture of me and my sister so you can agree with me :)



Oh well, now I am left with nothing to do. Im too lazy to drive to a mall and dive into monstrous traffic. The only DVD I have is an 8 in 1 collection that skips after 40 minutes into every movie! So I have no other choice to head out to St. Francis Square to have it replaced! Gotta run! Catch you later!

THIRTEENTH SESSION HOMESTRETCH

The Senate is now in its last few days before it goes on a three month recess for the elections. That's why Senators are working double time to pass as many laws as possible. We are experiencing sessions lasting until 1130 pm every night. We expect two more nights of utmost torture. It is quite disappointing though that these bills passed during the last few days were no longer subjected to amendments or interpellations. Therefore, a window of opportunity exists that maybe riders and unnecessary clauses in these laws are overlooked by otherwise scrutinizing legislators only to introduce amendments thereto, upon realizing that they did not look at these laws closely at this point.

On the other hand, I am happy to see the Senators on their feet, doing legislative work till late night. Only to prove to all that the Senate does not sleep on its job. Let's face it, this is the only institution wherein true and rigorous debates are undertaken to dissect and study pieces of legislation. I was just hoping that they do this more often, and not only towards the end of their sessions in Congress

CHEF CELIA'S SPECIALTIES FOR THE WEEK

(Chef Celia shown here with me!)

I have included a new feature in my blog starting today. It is a list entitled, "Chef Celia's Specialties for the Week." You might be wondering who Chef Celia is. The secret is now revealed! She's my beautiful and fantastic chef of a mom! She's the best cook in the entire world. I'm not saying that just because she's my mom. All my friends and family will attest to this. She recently graduated from a three month culinary arts course on French Cooking Techniques at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, New York. Now, she has numbed our taste to any fine dining restaurant you can find around the Metro! We dont eat out anymore, unless by force!

This list is my tribute to the wonderful food she serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, each and everyday! :) I'll try my best to take pictures of her culinary masterpieces. Just forgive me if I forget, they just look absolutely delicious. I just remember to take the picture, after we have eaten them all!

So anyway, you can get a glimpse of what is laid on our breakfast/lunch/dinner table each and every week. It's just so hard to go on a diet when you stay at our house! Take my word for it!

THE LIVE A.I.D.S. MONOLOGUES

Last Sunday, I went to U.P. to witness the yearly comedy variety show, Live A.I.D.S. (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM)produced by the UP SAMASKOM, a resident organization of the UP College of Mass Communications. This show is well-known all over the UP campus and beyond and has produced extraordinary comic and theatric talents like R.S. Francisco, Rene "Ate Glow" Facunla, Tuesday Vargas, etc. This was the fourth Live Aids I've seen in the last 5 years.

The show, entitled "The Live A.I.D.S. was slated to start at 2pm, it started at 3:30pm. No surprise to me, I was used to this lifestyle back in my UP days. Delayed showtimes, long long queues... But when it started, there was no turning back. The show went on for another 2 and a half hours. I was laughing my heart out the entire time, I think I was about to experience an asthma attack! The script was very witty, typical UP humor, but I think it was funny for the general public as there were non-UP students in the audience and they laughed at every scene as well.

I don't actually remembered how many monologues were there. But the show was really worth it, tickets were sold at P250 and P150 for the matinee. I also got the chance to revisit the grandeur of UP, sprawling fields, wide and free :) It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon :)

Postscript: By the way, I heard in the ANC show, Korina Today, that UP SAMASKOM is staging a repeat of THE LIVE A.I.D.S. MONOLOGUES, on March 10, 2007 at the Music Museum. There will be a matinee show and a gala show. I don't know where tickets are available. I'll keep you posted on further developments.

I called in sick from work yesterday. So how did I spend my day? I watched tapes and tapes of San Beda games from last year! Can you imagine? I watched a grand total of 4 full length basketball matches, all of 8 hours of it hahahaha... Not to mention that I've seen them all live. You would think, what's with that? Maybe I was feeling nostalgic yesterday. Because last year's campaign of the Red Lions in the NCAA was one of 2006's major highlights for me. My family and I spent time together watching their games, either at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium or at the Big Dome, what you may call, sweet quality time. It's funny how we spend our time together, screaming our lungs out or cursing the life out of the referees or protesting the dirty tactics of the opponents. We had a most enjoyable time during those moments, including those heartstopping moments when the team was in the brink of defeat. Who would forget the last play of the NCAA finals when PCU fumbled the last shot, courtesy of Beau Belga, where Yousif Aljamal found the ball in his hands. Thank you Lord for that. Or else, I would have never even laid eyes on that game, ever again!!

SCOUTING FOR AN LL.M. IN EUROPE

The past few days, I have scouting for a master of laws degree in Europe. It has been a long time dream of mine. To travel Europe and to be able to study there. Last year, I was very lucky to be able to go to Vienna for a conference concerning internally displaced persons. I was in charge of drafting a bill on internally displaced persons. In the course of this assignment, I was able to meet several people along the way, including the Representative of the Secretary General for Internally Displaced Persons. It was through this acquaintance that I was able to attend this meeting. I considered this to be my lucky break. Being able to fly to Europe for free! It was my dream come true! And now I want to proceed with my biggest goal this year, to study in Europe.

For the past two years, I have searched the Internet for the perfect course for me. At first, I applied in the Masters in Intellectual Property Law sponsored by the WIPO and the University of Turin in Italy. It really broke my heart when I found out that I was not accepted. What made it worse is that the news reached me the day after my birthday. I cried over spilt milk for days. But now, I realize it was not yet time for me to leave. A lot of things happened last year and I would have missed them all if I left for Turin.

Now because of the Vienna meeting, my priorities have changed. I decided to pursue International Law specializing in Human Rights Law. It had also been a dream for me to work in an international organization like my father. And I figured this is my ticket to be able to land my dream job. Though I may not have all that much experience in this field, neither does the rest of Filipino lawyers. In our present state of affairs, it is now that more advocates dive into this field of Law to protect our countrymen. In my search over the past weeks. I have narrowed down my choices to 3 universities. (1) University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom, for their International Human Rights Law program; (2) University of Groningen, Netherlands, for their Masters in International Law and Law on International Organizations, specializing in Human Rights; (3) University of Utrecht, for their International Law on Human Rights and Criminal Justice. I was also looking at the European Master of Human Rights and Democratization at Lido, Italy. It is not a master of laws program but it looked pretty interesting to me. However, it will be conducted bilingually in French and English. I may have studied French for a large chunk of 2006 but I dont think that will be enough to propel me to understand lectures in French. So despite my interest, I had to let it go.

I hope I get accepted in any of them. Then I will start worrying about how I will finance my studies there. Now, that will be another story altogether.

THE YEAR THAT JUST PASSED AND THE YEAR AHEAD

Once again, a Happy New Year to all. It took me more than two weeks before I got myself back together from all the holiday revelry. It was a busy Christmas season for me. But it was time well spent. I got to spend quality time with my family. I was off work for almost two weeks. And unfortunately, I also gained a whole lot of weight because of the holiday feasts I was in and out of. What happened to me from the last time I posted? Whew, a lot! I have to gather my thoughts in order to recount them one by one....

I. A Date with Me, Myself and Michelle

I went out on a date, with me, myself and Michelle! I had long planned to go out on my own. I don't know why people who walk around alone, eat out alone or go watch a movie on his own get several darting or pitying glances from others. Maybe because Filipinos usually find themselves in groups. Persons, especially women are not expected to walk around without their girlfriends or male chaperones. Despite this social norm, I braved to break my usual routine and did all three in one occasion! I walked around SM Mall of Asia, did my Christmas shopping and carried all those shopping bags by my lonesome. Hahaha it was so much fun Because I was able to walk at my own pace and no one was with me complaining how fast I walked or that his or her feet are so worn out from moving back and forth! When my feet were about to give up, I decided to watch a movie. That was a week before the Metro Manila Filmfest so they were showing reruns of the popular movies shown during the year. I chose to watch Superman Returns. I entered the moviehouse and I think there were less than 10 people there who was watching the movie! It felt like I had my own home theater. Although my paranoid thoughts that some crazy phony lunatic would sit beside me flashed in my mind once in a while, I enjoyed the movie a lot!

After the movie, I grabbed a bite at a Thai Restaurant called Jatujak, yes, after the humongous flea JJ's market in Bangkok. They had fairly good food. I wanted to try so many dishes but the problem is I was alone! There we go again, the prejudice against single diners, moviegoers, etc. While I was there, one of the owners approached me and asked me how I liked my meal. Maybe he noticed that I barely touched my food. I did like it I said, I justified though, it was too much for one person. He replied back, "kasi dapat nagdala ka ng kasama mo.." (you should have brought someone with you)... Strike 2.

I had a lot of fun that day. I smiled and sang my way as I drove back home....

II. SECONDARY SPONSORING AT A FRIEND'S WEDDING



(one last shot before I left the house on my way to Hazel's wedding)

My friend, Hazel got married on December 30. I wore a lively green tube dress as her candle sponsor. I had Angelo Justin do my makeup. I really think I looked my best that day. During the wedding march, candle sponsors (1 male and 1 female) are to walk side by side. But at that point, my partner has not arrived. I had to walk the aisle alone again, which I gladly welcomed since I was gonna get a solo picture! The groom even joked that he didnt know there were two maids of honor!

III. VENUS IN SPURS - The Secret Female Fear of Commitment



(a snapshot of the book cover)

My best friend, Marie, gave me a New Year present. As she handed it over to me, she apologized that she was giving me a book. She knew how much I hated reading. Yes I am a lawyer who hates books. The book was entitled - Venus in Spurs, The Secret Female Fear of Commitment or Why You Head for the Hills When Love Comes to Town... She said that she jumped upon seeing this book. She knew exactly who to give it to hahaha... I am presently reading it. I'll be making a book review as soon as I finish it. But don't get all excited. I'm warning you now. It will take me some time, in fact a lot of time, before I can finally read through it. It looks promising, though. I can relate with most of the points raised by the author. I am slowly being convinced that a lot of other women experience fear of commitment aside from myself. Whew, and I thought it was a mere figment of my imagination or another one of my silly excuses.

(to be continued)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I haven't posted anything for the past two weeks. First, because I was lazy and next because of the internet outage caused by the earthquake shortly after Christmas. I have a lot of things to journal here but unfortunately, I have to beat a deadline this Friday. So I may have to postpone my stories for next week. I sure hope everybody had a fantastic holiday break and may this year bring us good cheer.. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH COACH NASH RACELA

Last Sunday, we hosted a mini-get together for the San Beda Red Lions to celebrate the birthday of two of our stay-in alagas, Jover and Du. Jover took care of the guestlist, and on top of his list, was their former coach, Nash Racela, now assistant coach to Chot Reyes of the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA. It all began when we bumped into Coach Nash and his family at Cafe Bola in Araneta Center. It was a reunion of sorts since we haven't seen Coach Nash since he left San Beda, after a melodramatic episode and sad goodbyes. Jover went on to invite Coach Nash to his birthday blowout but we were not pinning our hopes on it since Coach said that they had a lot of out of town games and the day might fall on a game day. But we still kept wishing.

When the day came, we were still unsure if he will show up. All the other members of the team did not know he was coming. We kept it as a surprise. So everyone's jaws dropped when Coach came with his whole family! We just texted him our address, he didn't even ask for directions. We just found them at our doorstep with a San Miguel t-shirt, signed by all members of his team, for the birthday celebrant! It surely made Jover's day, and his Christmas for that matter.

The players were pleasantly surprised to see their former coach. As a mere spectator, I marveled at how they maintained their rapport. Coach Nash was not only a coach on court but a guardian in life. He constantly reminded the players to give priority to their studies. He even joked that he still knew someone from the Registrar's Office so he could monitor all their grades. He taught them of social graces and respect for others. He remembered each of the players' girlfriends. There was a nostalgic air around, blending perfectly with the cool Christmas breeze. They laughed as they reminisced about old times. During those trying times of Season 81, the players realized the road to glory was much much longer than the 2006 campaign. They were reminded that a quiet tactician helped engineer the team that we now call champions of the NCAA, the San Beda Red Lions.

Excerpts of the movie, Coach Carter, ran through my mind. Nash was a guiding light to these players. So now I understand how painful it was for these players to lose such an influence in their lives. But now, it became clear to both the players and Coach Nash, their ties was never broken. The bond was always there. Before Nash was the shepherd and the players, his herd. Now, they are friends...

This wonderful encounter gave me a different sense of Christmas. It was about facing the painful past before you look ahead into the bright future. I felt so happy watching them together, like they were never apart. I might never be able to translate into words what experience I had. But I know it changed me, and all the others present there that night.

Thank you, Coach Nash. It's nice having you around, again.

GREAT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FINDS

Guilty as charged... I am a last minute Christmas shopper. I spent my Saturday morning till early afternoon running around Shangri-la Mall, finding gifts for my dear friends and loved ones. I made my preliminary hunting last Friday in titanic Mall of Asia but it was in Shangri-la where I did the bulk of the buying part, as I did the year before. I love shopping here, they have free giftwrapping, relatively few people compared to other shopping mall. If you arrive early enough in time for the opening of the mall, there are ample parking spaces for your convenience. And another thing, they recently introduced their valet parking service for a flat rate of P90. Really hassle free!

To Be Shirts

So I went up and down Shang for gifts for my cousin who just gave birth to her first-born, my fashionista sister, my dearest papy, and baby brother friends. It was here that I found the cutest tshirts for your trendy college boys. The brand is called 2B, located at the U section, 3rd floor of Rustan's Department Store. They have a wide variety of designs and interesting colors to choose from, although they have limited pieces per design. The best part? They cost from P475-P525 each, which came as a surprise to me since it is very seldom you find quality items at this price range inside Rustan's.


Baby Couture Diaper Bags

Another fab find was Baby Couture Diaper Bags. I was trying to find the perfect gift for my new cousin-mom. And then I saw their stand. It was a space along the corridors of Shang, I think it is on the 4th floor, situated in front of Ariston and Kid's Station. My cousin wasn't really adventurous with bag colors. She usually carried either black or brown bags. So I came up with a wonderful idea when I saw this bag.



It was 2 bags in one. You could remove the compartment where you place the baby stuff, as well as the matching changing mat. The outer bag was made of leatherette material and the baby compartment was in stripes.
I thought it was a brilliant idea making trendy diaper bags for the moms of today! For the affordable price of P845, I thought it was the perfect gift for her. I chose the yellow one so it would be a refreshing break in the colors of her bag collection. Since it was a gift, I guess she has no other choice but to use it. What a bully! :)

Tyler

I also spent some time in Tyler, buying a gift for my sister. I encountered a bitch of a saleslady. Pardon my language, but that was the best way to describe her. She was accommodating and all, she would smile at you while answering your questions. But it was something about how she looked at her customers, maybe guessing if that customer will be able to afford the items on her store or if I was there just to try on the stuff and not buy anything. Well, everyone knows Tyler is a spiffy store. When you enter the store, trendily dressed and well-made up salesladies would greet you in straight English. I don't know if it was a strategy to dictate what kind of customers would dare enter the store and look around.

Okay, I was asking her questions about a knitted shirt, if it was still available in other colors. She retorted back at me with a sweet tone and smile but she was starting to reveal her bitchy self. It wasn't my fault it her brain responded slowly like a Pentium II desktop. She kept bringing me the wrong items. But I was patient with her coz she looked pregnant to me. I do hope she was, otherwise, she just had a really big tummy. So I ended up buying just one bag. So I paid for it and waited for it to be giftwrapped. After getting my money, she left me waiting for my purchase not even informing me how long I had to wait for it since Tyler had their own giftwrapping service apart from Rustan's so I expected them to be faster. Instead of doing this, she just ignored me and attended to her rich sosyalera Chinese customers. It was so evident that she would judge her customers on the basis of their attire. It was Saturday for crying out loud, I was wearing a sports shirt and shorts, and sneakers. Yup okay, I wasn't in the mood to dress up just to command respect from snotty salesladies like her. I hate it when these salesladies do that, when they size you up on how much they think you cost. I was keeping myself from buying several items so I could prove a point. But I will not leave without putting up a fight. To get back at her, I tried on one of the white knits on display, and smeared my makeup on it. It was her fault, she made me try it on, knowing all too well that a girl with makeup on would rub off some of her face powder on it. So maybe, spiffy stores like Tyler should provide their customers with face covers while trying on garments, especially white ones to protect their merchandise. So you see, I will not be the aggrieved party here hahaha...


Despite that episode at Tyler, I had a blast shopping last Saturday. Although I came home dead broke and my feet and arms grimacing in pain after shopping and running around, I was happy with my stash. The recipients will be happy too, I'm sure! As my reward, I brought home a Wham Burger with Cheese and Honeyed Onions, acclaimed by me as the greatest burger of the moment. Mission accomplished!

CAPRICCIOSA NOW IN MANILA!!!

(Shown here with my mom at Capricciosa, Makuhari, Japan branch)

I was browsing the net yesterday searching for new Italian restaurants to try... After a brief search, I was surprised when I saw this headline: CAPRICCIOSA NOW IN MANILA... Capricciosa happened to be my family's ultimate favorite Italian restaurant when we were based in Tokyo for a time. It is a chain of Italian restaurants all over Japan. Any branch of Capricciosa always invites a long queue of Japanese patrons whether during lunch or dinner. They served a superb Seafood Spaghetti, Lasagna and Calzone. Those were the only dishes we ate there. Not because those were the only decent items on the menu, but a visit to Capricciosa would not be complete for us unless we eat all three. Because of this, we never got to try the other dishes.
When we eat at Capricciosa, which was about a 20 minute walk from our apartment, we are usually too lazy to prepare dinner and we just crave for good food. Happily, Capricciosa never disappoints. So you can imagine, we have our standards set really high.

My sister and I zoomed to Greenbelt 3 after office to have our fix. Upon entering the doors of Capricciosa, I felt a familiar air, like I was brought back to Japan. It helped that there was a long table filled with Japanese men, loudly bantering in Nihongo. We looked at the menu and we sighed in relief to find out it was the exact same menu, only that, we didn't need to ask for an English menu "Eigo no menu, onegaishimasu"

We ordered the Regular Sized Seafood Spaghetti (P310) which served 1-2 persons. It was spaghetti served with tuna, calamari, mussels, shrimp in tomato and garlic Sauce. It was just like the Japanese recipe. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. Then we had the much-celebrated calzone (P490), which is shown just below my chin in the picture. The Manila version however was smaller, less puffed. It still tasted good, although a little different than its Japanese counterpart. It is served with a siding of marinara sauce. No complaints, we still enjoyed it.

Although the prices were a bit on the expensive side, I think it was worth it, than travelling all the way to Japan, just to give in to our longing for Capricciosa. Welcome to the Philippines, Capricciosa! Ganbatte!

Capricciosa is located at the 3rd Floor, Greenbelt 3, Makati City (beside Coldrock).

HATE LATE?

Big banners donning this slogan are now scattered all over the Metro. If not for the recognizable colors of Pizza Hut- Red, Black and White, you would have no clue what it meant. We were discussing it one time we got stuck in traffic. At first glance, the message will not register immediately. You would even read it slowly as Ha-te-la-te! Funny but it's true! I felt that their previous slogan, "Fresh, Hot and Fast" was more effective.

The fact, however, remains that Pizza Hut is the food chain with the best delivery service. Fresh hot and fast indeed. They guarantee your order to arrive in 30-45 minutes, hot off the oven. Most recently, they have begun accepting credit cards for delivery, which is so convenient. You can eat pizza in the comforts of your home, even if you don't have cash at hand. And there's the Palm Card! For P150, you can get a card which you can present upon delivery and you get a free pizza for every order of pizza and a 1.5liter bottle of Pepsi. The card is valid for six months. After barely a month, I believe I have made good use of the P150 I paid for to get the card.

I just recently rekindled my lost love of Pizza Hut. For a time, we ate nothing but Yellow Cab Pizza, ordering constantly the Roasted Garlic and Shrimp variety. I just loved shrimp on my pizza, even in my younger years, as much as I loved pineapple with it. But with the help of effective advertising of Pizza Hut, I found myself running back to Pizza Hut during those times we craved pizza during TV nights. I have to say that when I experience a craving for pizza, which usually happens when Im in front of the TV set, an advertisement of Pizza Hut appears everytime.

Now that I've dedicated this post to pizzas, I just want to make special mention of the Quatro Formaggi Pizza of L'Incontro. It is simply the best!!! My sister and I had dinner there last week and we devoured the whole pizza all on our own. It was topped with big slices of parma ham, thinly crusted and about 12" in diameter. It costs P430 but we absolutely loved it!!! We plan to eat there again tonight!

RIDING THE CHA-CHA TRAIN

I almost swore not to write about politics on this blog, despite the fact that I belong to a political office. So I promise to keep this short and raging angry! Lately, I have a very indifferent attitude towards politics. When faced with my daily copy of the PDI, (Philippine Daily Inquirer) I just read the headlines, I merely breeze through the text. Honestly, it's no longer the best way to start the day. It just dampens my spirit reading how corruption has seeped into all corners of our society.

Now, the Chacha train, or more like the Chacha rollercoaster, is all over the papers. What better way to prepare for the holidays than to push heaven and earth to railroad the Charter Change initiative. What are they in the mad rush for anyway? A Constitution is a sacrosanct institution. It cannot be maneuvered or unscrambled in a short span of time, just so people who are afraid to become mere constituents can stay in power perpetually. They have made a fool out of the Filipino people. Just because they have not chosen to take to the streets to protest this meaningless circus, it doesn't mean they couldn't care less.
We are sovereign! We rule!

I need to take a deep breath, and then shout out, DAMN THEM ALL! GIVE US A FREAKING HOLIDAY BREAK!

POSTSCRIPT OF THE PHILIPPINE IDOL GRAND FINALE

Mau Marcelo is the first Philippine Idol. It came as a surprise to me. I wasn't rooting for anyone in particular. My sister and I agree, anyone of the Big 3, Jan Nieto, Gian Magdangal or Mau Marcelo was equally deserving to be chosen as the Philippines' own idol.

I have to be honest though, I did not follow the competition religiously. I began watching intently when it came down to the Top 5 choices, before Pow Chavez and Miguel Mendoza were booted out. I just had the habit of watching shows when they were about to end. I guess I'm not the only one who has this nasty habit. Nakikiuso lang kumbaga.

Anyway, back to the topic, I thought that Mau had the most powerful voice of the three, Gian the total performer, and Jan, the hardest worker, and such a hunk hehehe. (not to mention a Management Engineering graduate from the Ateneo) I also had the feeling during the Final performance night that the resident judges were rallying behind Jan.. Or it could be that they employed reverse psychology on the voters. Thecy consistently criticized Mau's performance that night.We know how the Filipinos love the underdog. But when Mau stepped on the stage to perform the record producer's choice, "On My Own" by Whitney Houston, the rest was history. She was greeted by a standing ovation from the Araneta Crowd. I bet that the same reaction reverberated to all the households tuned in on the program. The performance was absolutely spectacular.

I had a lot of conspiracy theories on my mind that night. If the organizers would allow Mau to bring home the title, in a country like ours, which adored celebrities with fair complexion, tall noses, waif figures, the complete opposite of all that Mau is. But I was happy with the results, the best performer won. Congratulations to Mau, to Jan and Gian for a battle well fought.

Congratulations as well to the organizers of the Philippine Idol Finale, it was a joy to watch, especially the duet of Pow and Aiza Seguerra. They were like mirror images of each other. They even sounded the same! It was a well-organized production. I stayed Saturday and Sunday night at home just to tune in. It was all worth it!