Happy Chinese New Year! Kung Hei Fat Choi

A few days from now, the Chinese community will be celebrating their New Year. Chinese New Year is usually celebrated late January or early February. This year, the date marked on this celebration is February 3, 2011. This is why shows on TV and radio gives tips to people on what is the lucky things they should know in preparation for this.

This year, the Rabbit is the sign of the year, specifically the Metal Rabbit. Guess what, I am born the year of the rabbit. It's my year baby!

Although most people say that the coming year will not be lucky for the rabbits because it cancels out the luck, I do not really believe in it. You see, your year sign comes only once every 12 years and you don't get luck? It was just so weird but anyway, I researched and saw some forecasts for the rabbits this year of the rabbit.

Here is a general description of people born under the Rabbit sign:

Lunch Out Series: Sultan Mediterranean Grill

Yes, It was Friday once again and if you are reading this blog, you will definitely know that it is lunch out day at the office. This time we didn't go that far because Emvin requested that we be back at 1pm because he has a meeting that afternoon. We dined at Sultan Mediterranean Grill because we remembered Joanna telling us that this place is good and the food is not that pricey so we decided to dine here.

The small restaurant is located at Valero Plaza Condominium in Salcedo Village Makati City. It is just a few blocks away from Smart Tower so it is near our office. As you get inside, they welcome you warmly. There are a few tables in the place but is just right to accommodate the guests. The interior is decorated with Mediterranean theme with pillows on the chairs and large wooden tables to the comfort of each guests. It is a cozy place to dine in. Also what is nice about it is the free wifi! I was able to chat with friends as we were dining there. It was so awesome! However, if you get to seat at the far back, mobile network signal is weak so don't expect to get a lot of text messages there.

Movies: The Tourist

A couple of weeks ago, Kat and I planned to watch The Tourist but unfortunately, MMFF films were still shown so we postponed it to some other time. However, Daniel offered free movies so he can use his Ayala Mall GC's from last December's Christmas party. He was generous enough to treat us all that night.

We were supposed to watch Gulliver's Travel because it is scheduled at 7:30pm but it was in 3D so it was a bit expensive so we decided to chose the next best screening time which is 8:50pm showing The Tourist (you can read our dinner before the movies here).

I checked out reviews of this movies before and it has mixed review, some people liked it and some didn't. they say that it was just famous because of the lead actor and actress which are Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. But whatever the story is, it was a free movie and Angelina *hearts* is there. Also it is for me to find out if the movie is okay or not.

*spoiler alert guys!*

Lunch Out Series: Army Navy

It was Friday once again and it is time for our weekly lunch out with my lunch buddies. We tried Army Navy this time at Glorietta 5.

The restaurant is located at the 2nd floor facing Glorietta 4. It's main door is located outside where in there are additional tables for those people dining. The interior is quite small and majority is the counter and kitchen area. The counter area has a big barracks type of design. The wall has a lot of framed pictures of the stuff they sell. They place info about the dishes there.

Taking out Frustration and Depression

These past few days has been very stressful and emotional for me. There have been incidents that I never thought would happen. I question things and everything involved in the issue. I was so down and so worn out that I just wanted to give up. The thought of it seems the easiest escape but instead I faced it and all the pain comes crashing into me. I cried several times and hated myself for doing it.

I don't know but I was contemplating on things a while ago when suddenly I noticed the old punching bag hanging at the backyard. I approached it and with all my strenght gave a huge punch and it felt good. I did it eventually several times thinking of the things that pisses me in every punch. Minutes passed and I am still punching the hell out of me. I stopped when I felt pain. My hands is bruising, the skin is pealing and blood is clotting.

Lunch Out Series: W

This should have been posted weeks ago but it got lost in my to do list. It's better late than never so here we go!

Fridays are usually lunch out day in the office and we usually go to Glorietta or Greenbelt to look for restaurants. This time, we decided to eat at W the Big Grill since there are no guest dining in here.

I know this place before because I had been here with my ex office mates. Before it was located at Glorietta but now they transferred at Greenbelt. I remember this for having the hottest hot sauce we ever tasted. I am not sure if they still have that here.

Dinner at Baja Mexican Cantina

It is movie night because Daniel will use his GC's from their Christmas party and will treat us (Me, Jacq, Emvin and Marvin) for a movie. We were supposed to watch the 7:30 film Gulliver's travel but we learned that it was for 3D so we chose the next movie which is The Tourist. It will be shown at 8:55pm so we decided to gave dinner first at Baja Mexican Cantina.

It is located at the 3rd level (not sure but it is the same as the Cinema level) of Greenbelt. It is near the cinemas so we decided to give this place a try.

Binalot sa Dahon Dinner After

As we were looking for a restaurant to eat our Fried Itik, we decided to dine in at Binalot sa Dahon in Calamba just across the St. Rose Bus Terminal.It is a small place just between small establishments in the area.

We ordered our dinner here together with our Fried Itik. I decided to try out their Lomi while others ordered different dishes in the menu. I get to taste some and just asked the others what they tasted like.

Side Trip to Bunga Falls

After our Mt. Kalisungan Climb, we rested for a while at the jump off point. We were debating if we would go home or have a side trip at the falls the locals are talking about. Since everyone is game, we rented the jeep at the house at the start of the trail for P1000 to bring us to the falls and then get us to Calamba City Terminal.

Bunag Falls

Bunga Falls is at Nagcalan Laguna. It is a few towns from Clauan (the jump off point of Mt. Kalisungan). It was like half an hour trip

Movie Nights: Paano Ko Sasabihin? A Cinema One Exclusive

As I have posted an entry on I Do of Erich and Enchong, Nikki commented on my FB post and gave me a link on another movie of the said love team. It was only shown in Cinema One (if you have that channel on cable) and so I watched the whole movie in You Tube. Yes, it is a 12 part clip on You Tube and I watched it all! lols. speaking of bored.

** spoiler alert**

Mt. Kalisungan Day Hike

I should have blogged this days ago but my body is all beaten up and I wanted to sleep early. Since my body has recovered now, I am gonna tell you about my climb up Mt. Kalisungan in Calauan, Laguna.

Design a Smile Winner

The winner for Design a Smile from Havaianas has finally been announced. The judges have decided and chose twelve year old Meghan Sevilla. She said "I chose this design because when people take care of our natural resources, it gives me a smile on my face."

Winning Design (entry #4)

Have you Tasted Itik?

Itik is the Tagalog word for a duck. I haven't tasted duck in my life (I think) and so, this is a whole new experience for me.

After our day hike at Mt. Kalisungan and a side trip at Bunga Falls, we decided to eat before calling it a night. We stopped by a gas station (which is the smallest Petron I ever saw) in Victoria, Laguna and beside it is a karinderya [eatery] that sells Deep Fried Itik. We got curious and bought 2 whole itiks and decided to eat it at the terminal in Calamba.

We ate at Binalot sa Dahon in Calamba (just across St. Rose Bus Terminal) and we ate the itik together with some of our orders.

Deep Fried Itik

It's Friday and It's Girl's Night Out!

It was another Friday meaning it's gimmick night! I met Kat at Glorietta after work. we were supposed to meet Archie but he says that their company's shuttle has not yet arrived and so we went to Alabang. Soon he texted that he couldn't made it. We met Mhe Anne there and eat dinner. After that, we wanted to see a movie but we got hooked up in catching up with each other and so we went to Greens and Grills just outside Fesitval Supermall.It was just supposedly a small catching up with each other that ended with a fun and happy night with the girls.

Since it was a Friday, the whole place is crowded. We decided to stay at Chillax Bar since Mhe suggested it there. They are located near Gilligans and in between the other bars in the area. The place is small but could accommodate a lot of people. They have a stage where they play karaoke and that night, they have a stand up comedian in the place who sings and jams with the other guests at that night.

New Zodiac Ophiuchus

I should have blogged this yesterday but I wasn't sober enough when I got home at 3am in the morning and I don't have the physical strength to stay awake so I just decided to do this now.

Ophiuchus, the serpent tamer

There has been news all over the interwebs that a new zodiac is to be included with the 12 previous. I have read rumors of this years ago but I haven't seen them add it up on the usual 12. I just don't know if this time it is true or not. Anyway, here is an article I have found in Yahoo! News. You can check it out here or read below:

Beginners Luck FAIL! at Resorts World Casino

Our spontaneous trip last Friday on Resorts World brought us to its Casino. It was the first time I get to go in one since no one invites me there and I am not a fan of these kind of things. I usually just watch it in Hollywood movies and sometimes get to program some games usually found in casinos. That's the closest I could get into one. This time, It's for real! I get to enter one and play.

Tag a Flight, Tag a Friend with Air Philippines

Yes, I know, I know, another contest. This is what I do these days because there are a lot of people posting in facebook so I rather try my luck in these promos. Besides, I love traveling and who knows, I might win!

My Top 3 Local Destinations for 2011

I saw a link at FB for PhilStar.com that asks for your top 3 travel destinations for 2011. Eventually, you will pick 3 from the choices and register so that you can join the contest and win free tickets for your top 3 travel destinations for two people. And so I tried to register.

Movie Night: My Amnesia Girl and Second Chances

Sabi sa census may 11 milyon na tao sa Metro Manila. Pano mo malalaman na nahanap mo na yung taong para sayo? Maaring nakita mo na siya pero yumuko ka para magsintas. Maaring nakatabi mo na siya pero lumingon ka para tingnan ang traffic lights. Maaring nakasalubong mo na siya pero humarang yung pedicab.

May mga maswerteng tao na nahanap na yung taong para sakanila. May mga taong patuloy na naghahanap at may iba na sumuko na. Pero yung pinakamasaklap, e yung na sayo na pinakawalan mo pa.

I had another movie night, this time with my mom. Since Kat left the DVD's at home, my mom and I decided to watch My Amnesia Girl while My dad, brother and uncle is not yet around.

My Amnesia Girl is getting a lot of reviews since it was shown. I wanted to watch it in cinema however, no one invited me to T_T. Now is my time, it is not yet late to appreciate this movie.

**spoiler alert for those who haven't watched it yet!**

Win Techie Gadgets at Pakyaw

I am half sleepy when I read an ad from a friend in Facebook (you see, I'm sleepy so I didn't see who it was, sorry). Half awake, I went to the website to signup. I am not sure what it was until consciousness dawn on me as I type through the form.

Bringing you great deals in Metro Manila and beyond... for at least half the price.

A Refreshing Break by Minuite Maid Pulpy Orange

I just drank a bottle of Minute Maid Pulpy. They say it’s got ‘no preservatives added’. Aw, c’mon…It’s bottled juice. Is that even possible? So I thought maybe... They are from freshly squeezed oranges that the pulp got into the bottle too. It's healthy and a great for a healthy diet, I should drink this more often!

I didn’t believe it the first time I heard it’s got no preservatives added.  So I read the ingredients (even the fine print) and everything checked out! It really has NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED!  That means it doesn’t have ingredients that may turn out to be allergens, or worse...carcinogens!  Whew! Now that’s healthy goodness that tastes so good, I... think this is great for me since I want a healthy lifestyle. Perfect for my daily routine and the daily activities of a programmer.

Love is like...

Ang pagibig, parang nage-MRT lang yan, wag mo nang ipagsiksikan and sarili mo kung wala nang lugar.. May next train pa naman eh.

Kat and I had a movie date here at home yesterday. It's out of our frustration last Friday that we couldn't go out and see a movie because of the MMFF entries still being shown. The above quote is a line from the movie we watched.

At 5pm we started our bonding moment and watched a movie. She brought some DVD's but unfortunately, we only watched one since we talked and talked before watching it. I Do was our choice since she haven't watched it yet, and so do I (since I am not a big fan of watching tagalog movies at cinemas and I'm too lazy to buy DVD's).

Happy Horsey Friday

It has been one spontaneous Friday for me. I was hoping someone will invite me for a couple of drinks but it turns out there were no happenings that night from either my AA or SDK family. I even turned down movie date night with Kat because there were no other movies except for MMFF entries. I was kinda sad going home early that night when Emvin texted me and Jacq and invited us to go out. Where? we don't know yet!

So after Jacq and I had a share of our winnings from the SHI Christmas party at Starbucks, Jacq, Daniel, Emvin and I went to our gimmick. we just decided to go to Resorts World since Emvin said that there is a mall (New Port Mall) there we can go to. And also we can try our luck at the Casino (maybe I'll post this next time :P ).

Testing Email Blogging

I'm at the office and there are a lot of sites that are blocked in my account (including my blog) so I will try if this email blogging will work. I'll see later if this will post.

 

I guess I'll be doing this often if ever my old laptop will not get any faster. Oh! I miss my MewTwo already. :(

 

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

My PC Died on Me

When I got home yesterday, my MewTwo (that's my PC's name) wouldn't boot. It was alright because I got used on that behavior. What I usually do is pull out the RAM and reinsert it again and it will function normally for days or weeks (or months if I'm lucky).

As I reinserted the RAM, i smelled something burning. I panicked and pull out all the plug.
When I couldn't find the source of the burning smell, I called my brother for help. He tried to diagnose it but he too couldn't see what got burnt until I boot again and the memory card couldn't be recognized. I pulled it out again and saw the horrible fate my PC had suffered >.<

see the the dark spot on the bottom right (sorry out of focus)? burned! >.<

My RAM got burned and so is the port in the motherboard. T__T

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Monday, January 3, 2011

How to be Alone

I stumbled upon this post of Maan at Facebook. I kinda like what it says. It is a poem from Tanya Davis titled "How to be Alone". It was very inspiring. It reminds us that it is okay to be alone sometimes and we should enjoy those moments. Watch the video to see for yourself:

Here is the poem if you haven't followed what she said in the clip.

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Sunday, January 2, 2011

Hot Choco at Choco-Late de Batirol

Burrr! It's 25 degrees tonight and its pretty cold here in my room. I can't usually tolerate cold weathers and I need to wear multiple jackets at this time of the year or a big warm hug will do. But the latter is not a choice for me right now. :P. What I want to do now is drink a hot cup of chocolate... with alcohol!

That's right, with alcohol in it. Just like the one I tasted in Baguio last time I was there.

At Camp John Hay, there is a small hut in the far end named Choco-Late de Batirol where they sell delicious hot chocolate. This drink is created in the

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Tumblr Fun!

I was bored (and a bit depressed) when I came across Tanja in the interwebs. She suggested me to use Tumblr, which is a microblogging platform that allows users to post text, images, videos, links, quotes and audio to their tumblelog, a short-form blog. Users can follow other users, or choose to make their tumblelog private (this is based on Wikipedia's definition). It existed for quite a long time now but I haven't really used it. I was new on this technically.

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Review on Rosario and MMFF Winners

As to my previous post, Rosario is a Metro Manila Film Festival official entry. It is now showing in cinemas together with the other movies/entries in the film fest. Since I have nothing to do yesterday, my mom and I decided to watch it in Festival Supermall Alabang.

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