CUPCAKES BY SONJA



(packaging of Cupcakes by Sonja)

Buzz about Cupcakes by Sonja had been around for a while. It has sparked my curiosity since cupcakes have been the recent dessert of choice. We first tasted these cupcakes at one of the Bridal fairs I accompanied my sister to, they were given away for free. It was good we thought, but we wouldn't line up for it. After a lot of the hoopla had died down, we decided to bring some cupcakes during my cousin's welcome party to her daughter, Audrey Christine last Friday at their house. My sister and I trooped to upscale Serendra to visit Cupcakes by Sonja. It was a cute little bakery, adorned by pink and white stripes, reminiscent of Victoria Secret hehehe...

We ordered several varieties, among which were Red Velvet, Vanilla Sunshine, Chocolate Surprise, Goin Bananas, (which was our favorite of all) and Mocha Motion. I personally picked Red Velvet which was cupcake with Belgian Choco and topped with a Cream Cheese Frosting, the variant you can see below.



I was so disappointed with it. It tasted like the ordinary cupcakes you can find at your local neighborhood bakeries, what we call kababayan. But after a while, I tried eating it slowly, I convinced myself it wasnt all that bad, coz the frosting was good. I just had to convince myself I paid P65 for it.



Vanilla Sunshine with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (this one we got for free by using my HSBC credit card)



(Clockwise from top left: Goin Bananas, Mocha Motion (had the best mocha frosting), Vanilla Sunshine and Chocolate Surprise)

Well, it was a so-so experience for me. The cakes cost anywhere from P58-100. Way too costly, and too far from my place. I have to go on a pilgrimage just to get my hands on these cupcakes. Maybe I had my expectations up there so I was disappointed with it. Final verdict, not worth it. But it can be your excuse to visit Serendra :)

Before I forget, they are having an ongoing promo, if you use any HSBC credit card for your purchases at Cupakes by Sonja, you get a free cupcake of the day for every P500 purchase!

CAFE BRETON

Everyone who loves crepes knows Cafe Breton by heart. It is a quaint French creperie which made crepes (wafer thin pancakes) famous around the Metro. I miss the old branch at Maria Orosa in Malate where their cutest cafe was located at. It had a big window on its second floor facing the roadside. Too bad they closed it down. Now we frequent the branch at the Ground Floor of the Podium in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

La Pinay (Mango crepe a la mode with a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top) is the variety that made Breton famous. After ordering it far too many times, my sister and I decided to venture to new things. Here are two of our favorites:



La Delice- Banana Crepes with Nutella Hazelnut Spread and Almond Chips, Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream



Deja Vu- Mangoes with Caramel Syrup, Topped with Whipped Cream and Vanilla Ice Cream

For me, Breton serves the best Cappuccino in the Metro. You can order single or double servings for less than a hundred bucks. But during our last visit, I decided to go iced and ordered their Cafe Ligeois (I don't know if I spelled it right) It was good as well, though nothing really new



A lot of creperies have sprouted around the Metro, but I'd have to say the original is still the best. Breton is still on top of my list.

MEAT PLUS CAFE




I was in Subic during the entire workweek to attend a Workshop on Land Administration and Management Reform at the Legenda Hotel inside the Subic Bay Freeport. It was a very hectic and tiring week for me. But I did welcome the trip outside Manila, to enjoy clean air and green views. The surroundings in Subic are still very relaxing, although it is very noticeable how many establishments have closed down due to the decrease in tourist arrivals. A lot of duty free shops have gone, leaving only Royal Subic Mall, apparently run by the Shopwise (Rustan's) chain of supermarkets and Freeport Exchange, as the only big groceries/mini-department stores around that area.

But it was a relief to know that Meat PLus Cafe, the well-known steakhouse of old, where your slabs of meat are cooked while you wait. I was able to sneak out to try out their food fare but since lately, I've been bitten by the burger craze, I decided to try it out.

I ordered the Meat Plus Burger Combo (P150) which came with a sideorder of fries and coleslaw and a choice of soda, iced tea or lemonade. The burger had two patties of considerable size, with melted cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. No frills, but cooked medium well done. I enjoyed it a lot. It was not spectacular, but it suited my taste perfectly, coz I finished the entire sandwich!



A closer look at the burger



I would recommend it, apart from the other items on the menu. You should be going there if you're suffering from a serious steak craving. Everyone around me seemed to be enjoying their orders. But I guess I'd have to go back to Subic to be able to agree with them.

Meat Plus Cafe is located at Subic Bay Freeport, right across the Freedom Exchange Store.

MAKE YOUR OWN HAVAIANAS



(top view of the North Court of Powerplant Mall during the "Make Your Own Havaianas" event held last weekend. Last day is today, Monday, 26 March 2007)

We went last Friday to Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center in Makati to attend the annual installment of "Make Your Own Havaianas." This year, it was held from March 22-26 at the North Court of Powerplant, (that's right across Marks and Spencer) As expected, drones of flipflop addicts were there to customize their own slippers. Lookers on are bewildered why on earth people would line up for freaking rubber slippers. Well, it's kinda hard to explain to those who are unknown to the Havaianas experience. These are rubber slippers that endure the test of time. I've had a pair for four years now and it still looks the same as when I unwrapped it that Christmas.

So how do you go about it? You are given a menu card, where all the possible color combinations are indicated, you just have to tick the box of your chosen color. Along with those came choices of pins or swarovski crystals that you wish to embellish your flipflops with. There are color wheels and samples of the soles and straps all around that will help you with your choices. Although, each customer is allowed only to bring home a maximum of five pairs for the duration of the event. Although I wonder how they can be able to monitor that if you come on separate days. Once you have decided on it, then you line up to have your pair assembled and voila, you have your own customized havaianas!

I chose a red pair with bronze straps and palm tree pins. Here is a pic of my masterpiece, after long hours of reflection and study :)




While Cousin Jover chose a green and silver combo, and palm tree and Brazil Flag pins for his own design :)



Each pair would cost you P795 and that price includes one pin. Each additional pin or swarovski crystal would set you back P50.



A glimpse of the Havaianas assembly line.

I'm proud of my new pair that will strut its way on the sandy beaches this Summer! Yahoo!

STROLLING DOWN MEMORY LANE: TOKYO FOOD TRIP




(Shown here with my mom and siblings, in traditional japanese summer robes. "Yukata" Daddy was the photographer. We were "imprisoned" in a Japanese Traditional Inn "Ryokan" in Hakone. Food was forgettable but the Japanese spa "onsen" was all worth the trip! Gladly, Sadako wasnt there to spice up our trip!)


I lived in Japan for almost a year. I was browsing through my pictures yesterday and suddenly, I begun to realize how I missed the food back there. Nowhere in Manila can you find alternatives that even come close. My eyes grew big looking at these pictures and then I felt sad that it may take a while before I can go back there and taste these treats again. So, I just want to share my agony with you all. How misery loves company indeed....

Okay, let me start with the desserts.. Japanese people also have a sweet tooth, much like us Filipinos. So I binged on desserts each and everytime. There were Haagen Dazs Ice cream stands everywhere, and your local convenience store "kumbini" ice cream delights. But when it came to cakes and other baked goodies, nothing compared to my favorite bakeshop... GINZA COZY CORNER!!!

This Ginza Cozy Corner branch is located at the Central Tokyo Station.



I especially loved their Neapolitan Pie and Mille Feuille. The sweetness of their cakes were just right. If you order the cakes to go, they will ask you how long will the cake go without refrigeration since they will pack your cakes with dry ice, that can stay for 30minutes or whichever amount of time you will need to get home. So your cakes won't collapse in the heat. A classic case of Japanese customer service, remarkable!




This was taken at the Starbucks- Carrefour Makuhari branch.

Yah yah, I know... I'm in Japan, and I still go to Starbucks. But wait, they serve the best Green Tea "Matcha" Frappuccino ever!! You can taste the strong green tea flavor mixed well with the creamy ice cream consistency. This is the only place in the world I will order the Matcha Frappuccino. And that's a promise!

Among their great baked goods are the Chocolate Chip Cookies and all their other cookies and the Poppy Seed and Cream Cheese Squares. Yuuuummmmm!

Take note though, that the Scones that I was eating here didn't taste any good. I put up a good acting job and made it look delicious hehehe..




This photo was taken at Kyoto Cafe, located at the first level of Roppongi Hills, Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan.

And what does Kyoto Cafe serve? Tofu Ice Cream!! I am not kidding! It might interest you to know that they call it U-fufu! Hahahaha... But let me tell you, I ride the train for over an hour and several transfers just to get my tofu ice cream treat. I think it costs about Y500.


The best almond jelly ever produced can be found in Japan! Ironic isn't it? But for my standards, this is the best. How do I know? Because I never enjoyed eating almond jelly! But this one, I savored down to the last drop



Try it at the Suiran Restaurant, Hotel Springs Makuhari, several steps away from the Kaihin-Makuhari Station, along the Keiyo Line



Now let's move on to the serious stuff. Hardcore Japanese fastfood fixes....




PEPPER LUNCH

A sumptuous, sizzling juicy steak at a press of a button? Seriously, I would pick Pepper Lunch anytime of day, and twice on Sundays, over any steakhouse around! Here's how you go about it. You take a pick of what steak lunch you would like from a menu with electronic buttons, which will issue you a receipt/coupon. You will then be given a token that will ring and light up when your order is ready. The steak is half-cooked and sizzling when it is served, then you can mix/ stir fry the vegetables and the rice, together with your steak, to absorb the beef drippings. Hay, I am getting so hungry. The choicest cut will cost you about Y1200.




YOSHINOYA

This is the real thing baby! White fluffy rice "gohan" topped with thin strips of beef or pork ( because they had a beef ban the last time I was there so they shifted to pork.) Then season it with Kikkoman and garnish it with red ginger "gari." And voila, you have a satisfying delicious lunch "gyudon" for Y280 then. That's for this "small" bowl.



RINGER HUT

What you see above is the Sara Udon, crispy fried nagasaki champon noodles served with a thick soy based sauce and topped with crispy vegetables, pork strips, shrimps and fish roll. They serve this piping hot, and you can order Japanese dumplings "gyoza" on the side. For a "small" plate, it used to cost us Y380.



And the one I miss the most.... TENYA!

The best tempura in the world! Hands down. The picture shown here is the basic dish at Tenya, Jotendon. It costs Y580 then. Two pieces of Ebi Tempura drizzled with Tenya's special sauce on top of a heaping serving of Japanese Rice. It comes with a serving of miso soup. Getting your hands on this dish during lunchtime is like harakiri! Tenya branches are jampacked during the unholy hour of lunch. When you take a bite, you'll know why.

This is too much torture. If I had the luxury of time and money, I'll be strolling the busy streets of Tokyo right now, having my share of each and every item on this entry. But then I wake up, and find myself munching on a slice of whole wheat bread and downing a bottle of purple Gatorade.

But well, dreaming is for free...

HOUSE, M.D.

I spent my late afternoon yesterday watching Season 3 of House, MD, starring Hugh Laurie, Lisa Ederstein, etc. One of my favorite TV Series of late. I have seen all of Seasons 1 and 2. I was able to find a copy of the latest season, so I was eager to watch all of it! But I managed only to see 3 episodes since I ended up sleeping almost half of yesterday, because I wasn't feeling well due to the unpredicatable weather.

Dr. Gregory House, played by Hugh Laurie, is a brilliant diagnostician, who believes only in himself and his brilliance at detecting the most obscure of illnesses. Despite his unprofessionalism and faulty people skills, not to mention his heavy dependence on Vicodin, his colleagues tolerate these shortcomings to have a piece of his mind.

For me, Laurie effectively depicts the seeming contrast of House's person, as the physician who gets the job done despite his unfeeling attitude towards his patient. He pushes this insensitivity to the point of humor. But at times, you would empathize with the patients and their relatives, especially when House resorts to fishing expeditions to find out the patient's illnesses, thus bringing the poor victims to mere guinea pigs. The rest of the cast complements the strong character that is House, playing true to their roles at the backdrop, making House, M.D., such a joy to watch. This is true, even half the time, you try to catch up with their scientific terms and highly-technical jargon.

MISTRESS OF SPICES

I watched The Mistress of Spices the other night, featuring Miss World titlist Aishwarya Rai and perennial crushie Dylan McDermott (Who didn't drool over him during his days at "The Practice"???) I was a little hesitant about watching it, thinking about the previous Bollywood movies I've seen where characters suddenly burst into song and dance to Hindi tunes. But I went on and ended up enjoying it. A lot of people, most especially those who wrote disgusted reviews on the movie, would probably disagree with me. But I really thought it was great, maybe because of the vibrant colors of the spices in the spice bazaar of Tilo (Rai's character) Another thing that sparked my interest is the potential of Filipino movies to break into the international scene by sticking to stories that revolve around our cultural uniqueness and the quirks and idiosyncracies of the Filipino people. Hollywood does not only lend its eyes and ears in stereotypical movie contents but also welcomes stories that are unique to various peoples all around the world. I've noticed the recent trends in critically acclaimed Filipino movies, they would usually be focused on horror or suspense flicks patterned after Japanese/Korean movies as the Grudge or the Ring series. If only, we could be more confident that the international movie industry would take interest in movies that are uniquely Pinoy, maybe we could have a bigger chance.

A movie that came to mind which could give "The Mistress of Spices" a run for its money, is our local film "Kailangan Kita" of Aga Muhlach and Claudine Barretto. It was set in Bicol, more particularly Albay, where the world famous Mayon Volcano can be found. Although the storyline was your usual Filipino romantic drama movie, the setting and cinematography was magnificent. Seeing Claudine Barretto cook Laing (Taro Leaves cooked in Coconut Milk) made me want to eat anything Ginataan. (dishes cooked in Coconut Milk)

All in all, the appeal to the senses that Mistress of Spices created would be the aspect that I recommend about this movie. And of course, having a beauty queen for its leading lady and a hunky actor as her love interest didn't hurt either!

LUNCH AT FISH & CO.

Last weekend, we had lunch at Fish and Co. at the SM Mall of Asia, located at G/F Ocean Drive. (fronting the Manila Bay) My dad had previously mentioned that they serve good food at Fish & Co. So we headed out to MOA to try it out.

My mom, sister and I ordered the Seafood Platter 1 and the New York Fish and Chips, two of their bestsellers, which were marked with "Get Hooked" slogans. Since it was our first time there, we didn't attempt to be adventurous, and resorted to these two dishes.



New York Fish and Chips (P405)












Seafood Platter for One (P795)













Judging from our smiling faces, it was obvious that we enjoyed our food at Fish & Co. Quite expensive though, but we got our money's worth.

BUYING A MOBILE PHONE AT THE GREENHILLS SHOPPING CENTER

The Philippines is a mobile phone crazy country. For people in Manila, the Greenhills Shopping Center is cell phone heaven. You will see rows and rows of stalls selling all kinds of cellphones, both brand new and second hand. It has become the premier trading center for anybody who wishes to buy or sell his or her cell phone.

i was green with envy looking at my brother's new cellphone this morning. He got himself a new Nokia N90, a fliptop phone with a Carl Zeiss lens powered with a 3x optical zoom 2.0 megapixel camera. So, immediately after lunch, I packed my boxes and my two cellphone units to trade them for a brand new Nokia N93, also a fliptop phone, but with a 3.2 megapixel camera. I have long wanted one for myself but I was financially restrained to purchase that model. But this afternoon, I was all set!

So, after a long ardent search, here are some of my tips for buying a cellphone in Greenhills, especially if you plan to trade in:

1. Bring the original boxes as well as the complete packages of the cellphones you intend to trade for new ones. Bring the essentials, charger, manual, headsets, etc. Otherwise, those will be deducted to the price they will pay for your unit.

2. Cellphone units that are locked to particular networks are bought at lower prices. Especially those which belong to the N-series, which apparently cannot be unlocked without destroying the unit.

3. Nokia is the brand of choice of most Filipinos. Even in cellphone trading, prices of Nokia units depreciate more slowly.

3. Don't shop around too hard to get the lowest price. Once you get a fair deal, grab it. Once you take too long to decide, the buyer would think twice.

4. Try to pay in cash. because the stalls charge an additional 8% for credit card purchases. But I cant blame you if you opt to pay with your card, because more often than not, you are suffering from impulse buying. But hey, I speak only for myself.

5. For card purchases, they will ask you to present one government issued ID card. So don't forget to bring a driver's license, SSS/GSIS card, passport.

6. Lastly, watch your bags and valuables. Since there are a lot of pickpockets lurking around. It's so easy to exchange stolen phones there for cash. Cellphones, due to its saleability, it is almost as good as cash, or even legal tender. However, syndicates have victimized even the merchants in Greenhills. So, as a security measure, sellers of second hand phones are required to sign a waiver that their objects for sale are not in violation of the Anti-Fencing Law. You are required to give some personal information, in case any problem should arise.

I got myself a brand new N93 after trading in my Nokia N73 and my Nokia N6233. So far, I am satisfied by the features of my new phone. As to battery life and OS performance, I will keep you posted.

BORACAY ON A BUDGET

I was in Boracay from 23-26 February, at the onset of summer. A lot of Manila-philes are planning to troop to Boracay for a trip to sunworshippers' heaven.

A trip to Boracay has become quite expensive. I know so because I've been financially constrained from going back there in three years. Everyone knows the bias against single travellers. Packages turn out to be more expensive. So when my friend Marj asked me to go there during the last weekend of February, I hurriedly agreed.





My uncle and aunt sponsored a day of my expenses there. Lucky me! Hehe.. We had lunch at Casa Pilar Restaurant (near Station 3) and ate grilled squid, steamed lobster, prawn sinigang, eggplant salad and halo-halo for dessert. They had good food there. I think our bill totalled P1500.



After that, we took a glass bottom boat tour. They charged P650 per person for an hour and a half tour. They had free drinks and snacks on board. We had an opportunity to snorkel and lay on the boat deck for sunbathing.




After that, we had a nice shake at Jonah's. My favorite? The Banana Mocha shake was divine! (The one shown here with me)The shake costs P75 and P82 for take-out, wherein they will place it in a handy carryaround bottle.



After that, I checked out the place where my uncle and aunt stayed at, Bella Vista, which incidently was a very beautiful resthouse. Although it was very far from the White Beach, it is located near Fairways and Bluewater, but is accessible after a long dusty uphill climb, you can see a fantastic view of the golfcourse, as well as the whole Boracay strip, by the house balcony. Amenities are tastefully appointed. It is like home away from home.

We then had dinner at Gasthof Grill, right beside Hey Jude at Station 2, where they had good ribs! (P250 for a small order of ribs) I don't know if they taste any better than Original Hawaiian BBQ, because I didn't get a chance to eat there. But I heard, they had a branch at the Boutique Hotel in Tagaytay. I'll try to visit there one time.

During our last day, we ate at Jay-jays while hanging around by the beach. They had buffalo wings there, which tasted like the ones we prepare at home. It was good enough. I had a scoop of my favorite ice cream flavor of the moment, Double Dutch from Fruits in Ice Cream at D' Mall (P55) For dinner, I had a quarter pounder burger with Caramelized Onions at the Bite Club, Crispy Fries and Iced Tea (P186). It was pretty good, but still nothing beats my most loved Wham Burger!



We had dessert at Cafe del Sol where I tasted their mango cheesecake. Pretty good. It was a cross between a panna cotta and a cheesecake. I think it costs P110, although Im not sure.


Before we left for Manila, I ate breakfast at Real Coffee, which claims that they serve the best breakfast on the Island. I'd have to agree, they had fairly decent brewed coffee (P45) and a fantastic chicken and cheese sandwich on brown bread "Marc's Special" (P135) But I bet I can do that better!

Transportation to, from and around the island is also a considerable expense. Riding the tricycle would cost you P20 everytime you embark. But if you want the trike to yourself, like I did when I came from the Cagban Port to get to Station 1, it cost me about P100. The ferry ride from Caticlan Jetty Port to the Cagban Port costs less than a hundred bucks, which includes the boat ride, environmental fee and the terminal fee. If you land at Kalibo, like when you board PAL or CebuPacific, an airconditioned van ride would set you back P150, one way.

We stayed at Laguna de Boracay which was located at the other end of the island. It was a quiet compound where most foreigners stay to learn kiteboarding and windsurfing. We stayed there for three days. My friend Marj rented the room for a week, that's why we saved a lot. It had hot and cold shower, a kitchenette, airconditioned rooms with terraces and cable TV. It was a big room good for 4-6 people. I dont know how much we paid for it. But I shelled about P1600 for that 3day stay. On our last day we transferred to a small room, located right at the back of Original Hawaiian BBQ, beside Real Coffee. It was okay, tiled floors, bedspace good for 3 persons, hot and cold shower, aircon, cable TV. They charged us P2500 that night. Not bad, coz it was very accessible, a few steps away from Station 1.

Oh by the way, I almost forgot I got myself a massage, P350 is the going rate for a massage by the beach. The masseuse was not bad, not good either.

Lastly, I bought pasalubong, various trinkets for my brothers, a pair of wooden earrings and a pair of baroque pearl studs (cultured) Cost me about P500.

Now, here is judgment day. I'm about to find out how much I really spent in Boracay. The other question that hangs now is how long will I able to recoup those expenses hahaha.

Here is a rundown of my expenses for my weekend in Boracay:

P3750- Cebu Pacific roundtrip airfare MNL-KLO-MNL
2500- accommodations for 4days-3nights per person for a group of 3
500- trinkets for pasalubongs
75- banana mocha shake at Jonah's
300-total transport fare KLO-CAticlan-KLO
200- Jetty Port-Cagban Port- Jetty Port
650- Glass Bottom Boat fare per person
180- breakfast at Real Coffee
300- dinner at Gasthof
100-mango cheesecake at Cafe del Sol
55-FIC
180-Bite Club
350- massage
300-total transportation around the island
_______
P9440- Total

Whew! There is my accounting of my Boracay trip. Not exactly the cheapest, but we got good discounts in the process.

AN ODE TO MY GRAND AUNT

My grandaunt passed away last weekend when I was in Boracay. I received the sad news while sunbathing. So it took me several days before I got to visit her wake. As a matter of fact, I was able to pass by only on the morning of her interment. Before I went to work, I passed by Arlington Memorial Chapel to pay my last respect. When I got there, I found that the door to her room was locked. It was a sad sight for me, from the outside looking in. Her coffin surrounded only by flowers, with no one in sight. I asked the staff to open the room for me, after saying that I was a relative. While praying, I kept apologizing to her that I can't stay long, because I was too afraid being alone there with her. I was quite hesitant to view her from her coffin, so I just talked to her since I had the room to myself. I started reminiscing how it was growing up with her, how she would always remind me to wear a halfslip when wearing a white dress or skirt. I recalled one time, she came up to me during a family gathering and whispered that I was wearing only a halfslip, yet again. Laughingly, I tried to explain to her, "Lola, this is supposed to be the outerskirt already."

My grandaunt was a spinster. She lived taking care of my great grandma, and when the latter passed, she lived her life alone, with her dogs. Her caretakers told us stories that she spent P25,000 a month for groceries for her dogs, which was more than enough for an average family of four. They also claimed that she would feed her dogs with Goldilocks Mamon for merienda.

During my last visit to her, I realized the reality that no matter how you live, you will die alone. The thought made me shiver. It disturbed me so much that I could not bring myself to tell that story to anyone until I came home that night, fearing that relating this story would bring me to tears. But it was a fact of life and all of us must face it. It just was not clear to me until that sad morning.

THE BIG NIKE LIFESTYLE SALE




We headed out at 10 am to rush to the Big Nike Lifestyle Sale at the Megatrade Hall at the 5th floor of SM Megamall ongoing from March 2-4. My, I was surprised to see so many people running up and about and carrying loads of pairs of rubber shoes and other NIke apparel. I found it hard to believe that people got up early on a weekend morning to queue for their stash of Nike stuff, with prices slashed with 70% discounts. Lines to the cashier were like box office queues for blockbusters on opening day!




Well, I shouldn't have been so surprised since I got my brother to get up and accompany me to Megamall, him being the last body up awake early this morning and yet, he greeted me with a smile when I tried waking him for Nike time.

Well, there was a fairly decent selection. After going around the hall to survey the field, I found all the items,lying off the shelves (or should I say the floor, since there were no shelves) I regretted my windowshopping. I shouldve picked out those things that caught my eye.

Anyway, I didnt go home emptyhanded as I got to bring home an entire sports outfit. A velour sunvisor, a skyblue longsleeve crossover top and a pair of cropped dance pants, for a grand total of P1375.50! According to my receipt, I got to save, P3209.50! Not bad, huh?









So catch it while you still can. You can drop by tomorrow for the last day of the sale. I hope they haven't run out of supplies yet!

TEACHING BEDAN COLLEGE STUDENTS

Yup, I'm a college professor. I teach Law on Obligations and Contracts to College Students in San Beda College, Manila. It's been a really challenging job. I take it quite seriously. I try my best to encourage them to study yet enjoy such a complicated and difficult subject. I had difficulty in the same subject when I was a law student myself. So I want them to see the light of day, so to say.

Last night, I had to scold them since I gave a quiz and saw that most of them copied from each other. I contemplated long if I had to discuss it with them. But I realized that I had to make it a big deal out of it, just so I could prove a point. It was then that I reminded myself that I wasn't a buddy but a professor.

I'm having a blast teaching. I had previous experience teaching toddlers in Japan. I should tell you though, I dont think there is much a difference! These college students still act like kids! A really noisy bunch!

Let me present to you: the new boys and girls in my life :)

SNAPSHOTS FROM BORACAY

I returned from the sunny beaches of Boracay after a four day holiday. It was a relaxing weekend from all the hustle and bustle of Manila life, although the Island of Boracay can be considered a busy cosmopolitan, only that there is a fantastic white sand beach a couple of steps away. We stayed at Laguna de Boracay, situated at the other part of the island, where people, mostly foreigners, go to kiteboard and windsurf. During our last day, we stayed at a quaint little room right beside Real Coffee, where they serve good coffee, sandwiches and muffins. Let me share with you some of the sights and scenes of Boracay:



Taken from the deck of the Glass Bottom Boat, which took us around the Island for an hour and a half, watching the marine life unfold right below our feet! :)










A young boy shielding his face from the sun using his skimboard. Taken in front of JayJay's Movie Bar beside Real Maris Hotel.



















Sunset Sailing, one of the new pastimes of couples in Boracay. What a romantic sight!










A windsurfer all by his lonesome, enjoying the sun, sea and wind at Bulabog Beach, at the other side of upbeat White Beach.





I also enjoyed watching the kiteboarders strut their stuff on the deep blue sea. I curiously watched, as I worked on my tan.



All in all, Boracay is still a tropical paradise. However, in the scorching heat of summertime, you won't have the chance to enjoy peace and quiet. It's like being in Greenbelt, only, you can wear flipflops and bikinis! Enjoy your summer guys :)

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!