360 digest

The Valentine List: Color

2012-02-06T22:37:00.000+08:00

If you think red is the color of Valentine's day...think again!

Purse-peration at Your Local Stores!

2012-02-05T18:25:00.001+08:00

Since I have recently spent an inordinate amount of time gawking at net-a-porter, mytheresa, and luisaviaroma looking at bags, shoes, etc. I thought of making this post of ID-ing some of the local bags available from local brands that has been, ah-hem, inspired (or purse-pired) from hit designer bags...I'm sure you've seen them too!

The Philip Lim Pashli...which I'm sure you've seen a copy of at CLN (Celine, Manila)
photo from purseforum

Yes, Celine (Paris) at Celine (CLN) Manila, clever eh?!
photo from purseblog

After the Rocco bag become a cult favorite, Alexander Wang made a good follow-up with the belt bag.
Although I think this would put you at high risk from getting caught at the MRT or some low-lying branch, it has a certain unique appeal, I guess.
Seen the like of this one at Plains and Prints
image from purseblog

Color blocking has invaded the bag-o-sphere. This one from DKNY in collaboration with bagsnob was such a hit!
I remember seeing something that looks so similar, again, at CLN!
Photo from net-a-porter

If you're into a sensory deprivation plan and you haven't heard of this bag, congratulations coz it's working!
The Mulberry Alexa - small, medium, large, in all colors and finish - made popular by Alexa Chung.
I'm sure you've seen something similar i.e. without the mulberry engraved logos at Bayo!
Image from purseforum

The Miu Miu quilted satchel. I think I have seen a similar structure and quilting at Bayo or Plains and Prints.
image from purseblog

Another satchel from Miu Miu! I'm sure I have seen this design as well in one of Plains and Prints satchels. I think it's still in their stores...
Image from net-a-porter archive

The Mulberry Bayswater.
I have seen this design in a number of bags from Our Tribe. I can go into detail into the differences with this one and the Our Tribe coz I have the latter in black. The postman lock and key and the "belt" are not present at Our Tribe but the overall look is definitely similar.
image from Purseblog

The Dolce and Gabbana Sicily Leopard Print Bag...A similarly designed, leopard print and other colors, may be found (again!) at CLN!
Image from Neiman Marcus

That's about it for now! Will probably blog again ~~on the big day~~ on Wednesday!

x

Art and Chocolate: From New York to Manila

2012-01-28T15:00:00.000+08:00

It has been months since we've first tried the Theo and Philo chocolates from echo store. The moment we tried the sea salt and green mango we knew we've hit a pasalubong winner! Originally, we were supposed to fly to NY this February for the NY bar, but since I got my eligibility late, we had to move it. Anyway, just when I was trolling the web, or more specifically fashion blogs, I came across Mast Chocolates! So what better trip than to bring in and bring home chocolates -- or in this case, chocolate wrapped in art!

Theo and Philo Chocolates
All the flavors are amazing! Nice full bodied chocolate. Our favorite will always be the Green Mango and Salt!
(image from www.teammanilalifestyle.com)

Who wouldn't fall in love with the packaging? Yes, I die too!
This little chocolate shop in Brooklyn has been getting a lot of attention online, its just beautiful!
That dried cranberry is shouting my name with its brickred houndstooth packaging!
(photo from www.garancedore.fr)

These chocolates will give you one battle of wills -- between looking at the wrapper and munching the goodies inside!

Hey Sole Sister!

2012-01-28T12:33:00.000+08:00

photo from Philly.com

Red is the color of war as YSL and Louboutin renews their trademark war, and Elle Woods is not coming to the rescue. After the injunction filed by Louboutin was rejected by the NY Court a motion for reconsideration (as expected) was filed and a new round of oral arguments slated.

The question is, does it really make a difference. On Louboutin's side, I must say if I were the brand owner and has been using the "red sole" my trademark I would view YSL's move (although I recall they used blue for their Tribute before, and of course McQueen used pink) as something that could dilute my brand. But the question is still whether or not my "wounded feelings" may be remedied by a trademark infringement case is another. Maybe it's just a case of damnum absque injuria.

For the consumers i.e. the food starved-skipping-off-eating-for-my-next-shoe-crowd, would you want a single color palette associated with one brand? So red for Christian, Blue for Yves, maybe black and white for Coco, and Pink for McQueen? It seems a bit ridiculous, but in terms of arranging your collection of black pumps by brand, according to their sole color, then I suppose it makes sense...but I guess that's not what the Lanham Act, or the Paris Convention, had in mind when they were drafting the rules for trademark and what may or may not be registered.

Two-Year Crush for CNY!

2012-01-22T20:54:00.000+08:00

I fell in love in 2010. And as the (Chinese) year 2011 draws to a close, I find myself looking back at the stud, or studs, that took my breath away...

Valentino Studded Kitten heels from Fall 2010 (Euro 539 at Mytheresa.com)
Photo grabbed from Mytheresa

Normally, I don't fell for kitten heels, but this gorgeous piece just took my breath away! I just hope its still there when I can finally afford it! *sigh*

Fillable PDF

2012-01-22T13:36:00.000+08:00

Today's post is something a little geeky. Anyway, the reason for this was that I encountered a number of forms at the office in .doc format. In a perfect world where everything remains formatted no matter what you type in there, this is good, but in the real world where formats and (letterheads) actually become a jumble of l_e_t_t_er_____and symbols it is much better, and cleaner, if one can just do a fillable pdf. After a brief research online I managed to find a way to do it in OpenOffice.

The link for this was from this forum.

Tried it and it works perfect! There might need to be some trial and error on making sure the size of the text box works well, but that's the only challenge. Also, I edited the (resultant) .pdf file through the opensource document viewer app and it works just as great.

For non-Open Office users, this link gives instruction using Windows and Adobe designer. Adobe designer, I think, is a proprietary program, hence you might need to pay for it.

Till next!

Workwear and Playing Dressup

2012-01-15T16:57:00.000+08:00

Online shopping has been both my curse and blessing the past few months. As physical shopping, there is also such a thing as online window shopping. As I think of some inspirations for what to wear for the new job, I have looked backed on my (huge and growing) collection of eye candy stuff I saw online...here's some:

Vivienne Westwood's Anglomania.
Perfect draping, the lines are bold while at the same time office appropriate, not to mention still a relative classic.

Victoria Beckham Shift dress.
There's something about a shift dress in monochromatic colors and luxe material that says business and well, gaudiness.

Etro Safari dress
This dress is so multifunctional...it can be made office appropriate with a tailored blazer and weekend / lounge friendly with a bright colored scarf (maybe those Versace x H&M?). The luxe satin material of this safari dress sets it apart from, well, all things safari?

From Jason Wu
This tweed and leather lined dress has the lady likeness reminiscent of Coco and the toughness of leather -- sort of Chanel meets Alexander Wang...

Lanvin
This lanvin set will get you from bundy clock to guest list! The fact that they're separates (unlike those deceptive twofer dresses) adds to the multifunctionality.

Just sharing some inspiration folks...no copyright infringement intended. All signs, trademarks etc. are property of their respective owners. :)

Theme 2012: Places

2012-01-15T15:54:00.000+08:00

Because 2012's theme is places, literally and figuratively, here's a lineup of places for 2012

First Stop:

photo courtesy of travelup.co.uk
Spent NYE here, it was fun but a bit tame for New Year

For the next few months:

from nycdwellers.com
Straight to the Big Apple! Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of! Broadway, SATC, gossip girl.
I can't wait to go to New York!

From travelpluto.com
The dam that rules dam all!
For a pitstop.

From Malagainformation.com
It isn't Barcelona or Ibiza but Malaga is a MUST stop after the pressure of the NY bar.
Ferdi's parents lives here too, so a vacation/visit is in order.

from goldcoast.asia
Hopefully things go well and we get to visit my sister for Christmas 2012

from Wikipedia
Will end the New Year with a bang. Louder this time...here we go Sydney!

So many things to do so many places to go, but truth is, it can be more fun in the Philippines. A short trip on a long weekend, anyone?

Coron. Palawan
Been there, done that but I would definitely want to go back.
I want to bring Ferdi this time, and share Coron and its magnificience

Place: underwater, where else but at Portulano
Hopefully this will be the year I get to dive and get a license...for so many things. :)

Oh 2012, I'm so excited!

More Fun in the Philippines

2012-01-08T18:19:00.000+08:00

It was a busy 2011, and the year past by in a whirl. I posted, in my facebook, that 2012's theme shall be places. But before going anywhere else let me share with you the fun travels I've had in my home country, where sites are fun, and (sometimes) scenarios funnier.

Here's my take on the Department of Tourism's #ItsMoreFuninthePhilippines campaign.

As the water recedes from Panglao beachfront, the children goes out to play, and maybe catch some seashells .

The Humps. These natural hills are made of coral, not your typical hill, and turns brown during the summer, hence it's name "Chocolate Hills".

The thinking island. If this island could talk (or think) what would it say, how does it feel to be constantly marveled with the magnificience around it. Taken at Camiguin, an island literally borne of fire, where one can enjoy the grandiosity of Mt. Hibok Hibok while getting a tan at white island -- a sand bar in the middle of the sea.

At White Island in Camiguin.

Yesterdays Tragedy...At Coron, Palawan where World War II wrecks have become the home for schools of fish and other marine life, and a constant tourist draw.

Calamianes Islands. After enduring the short ascent up Mt. Tapias, tapias in Filipino means cut, this view of Calamianes Islands will great you -- breathtaking!

Pit stop. We made a quick, and precise stop on our way to Kayangan lake where this view - which is identified with Coron - and it was the best stop ever!

One of Many. During our four-day stay in Coron we always have lunch out, included in the tour package, where the boat man and tour guide sets a buffet lunch in different islands -- all white sand, view always unbelievable beautiful. Photo taken at Banul Beach, Coron.

If walls could talk...I hope they don't coz these limestone walls will surely roar. To say they are towering is an understatement.
Entrance to Kayangan Lake at Coron, Palawan.

Group Shots. Everyone knows Filipinos love to take photos, and with ready smiles and that ubiquitous peace sign, they'll gladly (and with take two!) pose with you.

Say goodbye to LA Walk. Line dancing at Sinulog is only for the Fierce.
Sinulog 2010, Cebu, Philippines

100 Islands, (Almost) 100 Bancas.
Hundred Islands, Alaminos City, Pangasinan

Off the beaten track. Lake Sebu is Situated in North Cotabato in Mindanao. Do not let the news about the insurgency in Mindanao faze you, going to Lake Sebu from General Santos is easy and worry free.

One of the seven waterfalls in Lake Sebu

Suspended. Took this photo while hanging about 100 feet at Lake Sebu's zipline -- the longest and (i'd say) most picturesque zipline in the country.

It is bluer than blue!
Mt. Pinatubo, Pampanga, Philippines

At Kiltepan. Sunrise.
Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

Kiltepan Rice Terraces. Early Morning.
Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

Which way to go? It doesn't matter.
Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

These limestone formations took millions of years. You have to see it in your lifetime.
Sumaguing Cave, Sagada.

Go on. Go green!
Sagada Rice Terraces.

Wear your SPF. Literally.
Sinulog Festival.
Cebu, Philippines

Come, visit my Philippines. It's more fun...

India Announces On-the-Spot Visa-on-Arrival for Philippine Nationals

2011-01-11T19:05:00.002+08:00

As opposed to other nationals, the general rule for Filipinos when travelling to a foreign country is to apply for a visa. With very few exceptions, the visa requirements is always a major downside of possessing a Philippine passport. Aside from the fact that applying for a visa can be quite taxing, there is a really disappointing possibility that after purchasing a ticket you get denied.

Last year I was supposed to travel to India. We've already set an itinerary of Delhi-Mumbai-Agra-Goa when upon research another friend told me that a fellow bank employee of his was given a hard time applying for a visa. Considering that the purpose for his travel was official business, government even, and still he was given a hard time I had doubts on buying a ticket and eventually decided on not going specially since the airfare then wasn't cheap at all*.

Nonetheless, India has always been in my list of MUST travel places. Now with India's Visa-Upon-Arrival program for Philippine Nationals its finally easier to go to this land of Bollywood, color, curry and spicy cuisine. I'm sure my I would want to see more of Incredible India, for the time being however, here's my list of places in India I want to see:

image from Wikipedia

Beach, hippie vibe, flea market, and other free spirits makes Goa a must see place! Though i'm sure some beaches in the Philippines may be better.

The Darjeeling, where the famous GI protected name of the Darjeeling tea came from, toy train which was included on the best train journeys in the world would sure be also in the list.

from www.7wondersoftheworldpictures.com

No trip to India would be complete of course without seeing the Taj Mahal.

The World Heritage Sites....and all other equally interesting places in between. :)

*Although flights from Air Asia is relatively cheap that Singapore Airlines which flies direct to Goa, the long waiting hours between connecting flights will take away precious vacation time.

Restaurant Review: Antonio's, Tagaytay

2011-01-06T20:45:00.001+08:00

Antonio's is one restaurant that needs no introduction. Although the name Antonio is very common in the Philippines, there can only be one Antonio's restaurant. Located far from the hustle and bustle of the metro, dining at Antonio's is an indulgence to senses -- not just the palate.

From the national highway, a nondescript sign points you to the location of one of the best, if not the best, restaurant in the Philippines. When heading to Antonio's be sure to have a "spotter" that would look for this sign, otherwise, missing it is a very likely possibility. Upon entering the alley leading to Antonio's you'll pass by a residential area leading up to, almost, the end of that street. If it's your first time to head to Antonio's fret not that you're already lost, at the end of this narrow street one will find a rather black gate, right outside you'll see cars lined up. You have arrived.

Because it's a bit hard to drive all the way to Tagaytay we went all out, less the wine, and ordered as much as we can think of.

Since we couldn't have wine we just ordered some juice. We got two - this carafe of strawberry balsamic might have a bad name but it sure tastes like your memory of kool aid -- when you didn't know any better and thought its the best juice in the world. Another carafe we ordered was some pineapple ginger, I had reservations about this flavor since I'm not a big fan of having ginger on my juice, but even I really loved it. One really nice thing they do at Antonio's is to make ice from the same juice flavor, that way even if they put ice, the juice won't get watered down.

Feast for the Eyes
Arugula with dried cranberries, raspberry vinaigrette and bleu cheese topped with purple cabbage
(oh i get hungry just blogging)

A nice onion soup followed after the refreshing salad.
I'm not a fan of onion soups but this one is really good -- no strong onion taste, and just the right creaminess.

While waiting for the main course, the server put these nice neat lemons , garlic and gravy (not shown on photo) in preparation for the arrival of our huge-ass T-bone. You'll see i really love how neat this is, this would sure be a nice thing to do at home.

Side dish # 1: black olive rice and some fresh nicely-cooked-still-crunchy french beans.
I actually ordered the spätzle but it's a bit too strong and creamy for the T-bone so Ferdi and I swapped and I got the rice.

When the T-Bone arrived sizzling hot, pink and medium well our stomach rumbled -- it was silence for the next two minutes..

Ferdi's plate -- the spätzle I traded and French beans with the nice succulent and pink portion.

We sat at the al fresco area near the Koi pond and just contemplated life as we muster all appetite to finish the Tbone.

For dessert (yes! we, of course, left some space) I had a panna cotta sampler of vanilla, coffee and dark chocolate with candied toffee on top. The Panna Cotta was perfect -- creamy and consistent in texture and the best part, at least for me, was that it wasn't that sweet. Just enough for a nice sweet closure.

I fell in love with the presentation of these sweet decadence so I just had to take a photo twice. :)

For Ferdi he opted for something light, relatively, and got this nice poached pear on port wine topped with vanilla ice cream.

Dining at Antonio's is an experience in itself. Always call to make a reservation because the restaurant can be quite busy especially during the weekends. It was Ferdi's birthday then, and we made sure to book a table days in advance. We went on a Sunday after diving and true enough it is a very busy day with family's having their get together (extended) brunch.

New Year. New Way of Living. Nuvali.

2011-01-03T13:05:00.000+08:00

Sustainable living -- the new buzz word from corporate to social networks. Though it has become the mother of all Corporate Social Responsibility mantra, few companies (and individuals) really embrace it. One company that has shown how this can be done and pay more value than lip service to the idea is Ayala. Through its new development, Nuvali and Greenfield City, the Ayala's have shown that not only is sustainable living cool - literally and figuratively -- it can also be profitable and beautiful.

Along with a few other bloggers, we were invited to tour Nuvali more than a month ago. What I saw surprised me. It's not a very politically correct expression but i'll say it nonetheless -- it is very first world. I'm guessing that once the skyway is fixed and the numerous buses plying the south side miraculously lessens then for sure the price for lots in Nuvali would skyrocket. Although, this is possible but, at the moment, unlikely I still wouldn't mind living in Nuvali. And working remote... :)

Some reasons why you would want to live, play and love in Nuvali.

The "function" area in Nuvali. Bikes also have parking spaces!

from the "function" area, one can walk towards the boat parkings. Water taxis, the Nuvali version of Gondola's, would then take you to the Business District.

The Highway -- where herons, water taxi's and kois battle for right of way.

The Hills are alive with the sound of the cow's moos....

Sustainable living after all is about living in harmony with your surroundings. As per the latest count of Haribon Foundation, after the Nuvali development, the diversity of birds actually increased.
I love how they didn't make a pavement here and just trimmed the grass on the way to the Bird Sanctuary.

Viewing deck. I can already imagine a barbeque party with friends here or a cozy set-up for a romantic dinner for two, some violin, and a proposal under the stars. :)

The Nuvali ecohouse - worth an extra 1 million pesos from the "original" avida designs. The additions (see below) on this structure makes the additional 1M worth in electricity bills, and a more comfortable living. Stepping inside alone makes you feel the cool air.

Natural Blinders-slash-Air Conditioners
This plants are planted strategically to block out the afternoon sun.

Thermodynamics.
These vents optimizes the natural flow of air and embraces the concept that "warm air rises, cold air sinks"

The ceiling is functional as it is beautiful.

I fell in love with these floor to ceiling windows -- allowing not only air but natural light to filter through.

These wallpapers are made from dried leaves proving sustainable can be both elegant and beautiful.

These CR utilizes grey water, that is, water from collected rain, "recycled water", etc for flushing. On the other hand, separate pipes are connected to the faucet leaving you with clean water only where you need it.

These sala set made from recycled paperstuffs are perfect for the sitting area.

The principle behind the orientation of the houses and its design.

One thing I super love about Nuvali is its provision for pedestrians and bikers. Also, a dedicated lane for buses and eJeepneys make commuting here definitely worlds different from Edsa.

Not wanting to rely solely on coal, the Nuvali management is looking at utilizing wind energy prospectively.

On board the water taxi, again, we headed for lunch. The fountain-like structure here is actually also used to clean the man-made lake where the Koi's are as well as serve to aerate the lake.

Also near the Nuvali "business district", restaurants have started to sprout. From the south side favorite Conti's to the established brands like Italianni's and Yellow Cab as well as new comers - Pig Out, Nature Trails, etc - you'll never be hungry here.

Like these coys are never hungry.
A trip to Nuvali wouldn't, for sure, be complete without feeding these unabashedly (un)coy Koi's.
Bon Appetit!

Thanks to Jayce Perlas of Perlas and Luna for the invite, and of course, Nuvali.

Twas a Year - The Year That Was

2010-12-29T23:45:00.001+08:00

While drafting this post in my mind and rehashing the moments and memories that must go into it, it struck me that mentally I included some things that transpired 2009. As someone who has a good memory of persons and particular events, I tried to come up with reasons on how this came to be. Of all the reasons i've listed, one thing stood out -- maybe, just maybe, I was always looking forward to things that sometimes I forgot the digest the now and the just has-been.

Hence, here's my photo-diary of moments that left me breathless, and people and places that took my breath away.

"be your own gatekeeper...let in only those who are worthy, but never fail to give chances..."
Taipei, Taiwan

"We only have one moon, so be certain that when you looked at it tonight, I have seen it too"
Taipei, Taiwan

Illumination.
Taipei, Taiwan

"Where quantity beats quality -- little drops of green hope"
Chocolate Hills, Bohol

"A small difference can be quite substantial" -- lesson from the tallest hill at Chocolate Hills, Bohol.

The Sky is a mix of blue and clouds, where you look makes all the difference.
Alona Beach, Bohol

"...because there's a child in each of us just waiting to run and pick up some seashells,
seashells in the seashore."
Alona Beach, Bohol

"Solitude reminds us of where we want to be and who we want to share it with."
Alona Beach, Bohol.

"Spectacular things can sometimes spring from disasters."Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines.

"We cannot move mountains, and sometimes we don't have to. It's better that way."
Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines.

"The stillness of remembering, what you have, and what you lost". ~Dreams, The Corrs.
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Some things must be reached by foot. Falls #2 at Seven falls.
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

"Sometimes it's inevitable, we have to fly."
Taken from the zipline - the highest and probably the most picturesque in the country - at Seven Falls (falls #5)
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

"Sometimes we don't have to do anything at all, but look up. "
Falls # 1 at Seven Falls.
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

...and just appreciate the things in our backyard.
Taken at the back of Balben Cove
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

"Some ordinary things can seem extraordinary when viewed from a different perspective."
Stairway at a Highway in Hongkong.
Hongkong, Hongkong.

Where 2 dollars and 50 scents can give you a lift and a view.
Ferry from Kowloon to Hongkong.

"When something beautiful is reflected it becomes exquisite."
View from the sitting area at IFC mall.
Hongkong, Hongkong

"The best way to know a city is to look at its alleys."
Lang Kwai Fong Street, Hongkong, Hongkong

"Before you leave, be sure to look back. Some things are better appreciated from a distance."
Big Buddha, Hongkong

"Some splendid things are merely illusions..."
Taken from a cable car
Hongkong, Hongkong

"...and some real things are surreal"
Hongkong, Hongkong

"Despite the beauty outside, sometimes all we need to find is our nook in that corner coffee shop."
Cafe Habito, Hongkong

"Making choices is difficult, selling "your choices" even more so..."
Legaspi Sunday Market, Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines

"Some special things has only two elements, however, concurrence can be rare."
One Serendra and a Full Moon.
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

Just dance...
like what these lights do.
Ayala Triangle, Makati City, Philippines.

"Time does stood still...but only for a moment.
...or so it seems."
Antonio's, Tagaytay City, Philippines.

"Some things are not meant to be buried."
Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

"Every window has a view, you just have to see it."
Intramuros, Manila, Philippines.

"Some things are black and white, its just how it should be. Determining which ones -- that's the challenge."
Intramuros, Manila.

"Some stairs leads to nowhere. Climbing it is a mistake, staying there is a suicide waiting to happen."
Near La Monja Loca. Intramuros, Manila

"Sometimes we take things for granted. Love the people who give you lights, never let it snuff."
Sagada Hanging Coffins. Sagada, Philippines.

"Some beautiful things take time."
Cave sculptures at Sumaguing Caves.
Sagada,Philippines

"The hills may not be alive, but music can dwell in your heart."
Sagada Rice Terraces, Sagada, Philippines

When mom said don't forget your greens i'm sure she didn't mean this much. :)
Sagada Rice Terraces, Sagada, Philippines.

"When we run out of words...we live."
Sunrise at Kiltepan
Sagada, Philippines

Beauty beckons as we say hi to a brand new day.
the sun ascending slowly at Kiltepan.

Simply amazing.
Sagada, Philippines.

Come to where the flavor is...
at Marlboro Country, Sagada, Philippines.

Above and beyond.
View from Mt. Tapias
Busuanga, Palawan

there's only one spot...you just have to find it.
Taken from a specific spot on the way to Kayangan Lake.
Coron Islands, Busuanga, Palawan

a third element makes it perfect....just when you thought it already is.

Never fail to be awed.
Calamianes (Coron) Islands.
Busuanga, Palawan, Philippines

Set sail...

...but never forget your anchors.
both shots taken from Banul Beach, Coron, Palawan

"mark your territory, but never fail to share."
Banul Beach

For not everything in life can be counted... (standard chartered line)
Hundred Islands, Alaminos City, Pangasinan, Philippines.

"Some beginnings are culled from endings..."
Sunrise at Hundred Islands.
Alaminos City, Pangasinan, Philippines.

Symmetry...
Camiguin, Philippines

Standing out from the crowd, sometimes means being alone.
Camiguin, Philippines.

Red, white, and Blue.
Camiguin, Philippines

In this Kaleidescope World. (from the Song Kaleidescope by Francis M.)
Camiguin, Philippines

"A rolling stone gathers no moss, but some rocks are not meant to gather any."
On our way to the restaurants, we pass by this stretch of rocky beach and a lighthouse.
Camiguin Philippines

"Some things are meant to be buried, it doesn't mean they have to be forgotten though..."
Camiguin Sunken Cemetery

Fake Gold, Fake flowers, Genuine Smiles.
Sinulog Festival, Cebu City, Philippines.

when you've come to the end of the "road"...

be sure you've taken all your shots..."

Cheers 2010.

*all photos and captions, unless indicated, property of the writer.*

Lake Sebu: Land of the T'boli's

2010-10-11T11:22:00.003+08:00

I went to Lake Sebu last month for my legal research*. Heading to the Southern part of Mindanao is always a peaceful experience. This area of the Philippines has been unexplored and unspoiled. Home to virgin mountains and unexploited seas, Mindanao is like a haven for those who dare brave the threats of the insurgent groups and bad publicity that it got within the last decade. Going there alone was as scary as it was exciting. I have always looked at travel - finding yourself in unfamiliar surroundings - is a liberating experience. Although a research trip, I didn't fail to enjoy myself. Of course.

I wouldn't bore everyone with my thesis but here's some bit of excerpt from it to introduce you to the Dreamweavers.

The Dreamweavers are called as such because their designs are more than cultural expressions -- they were woven dreams based on creatures of their everyday lives. Eagles, ferns, frogs, and hunters come alive through the designs that these women make with their bare hands. Exactly how the T'nalak is made, read below:

The whole process of producing T'nalak takes about four months with several women, and men helping each other through the whole process. The T'boli people no longer produce their own abaca fibers, unlike their ancestors before, they buy the fibers from other producers in Lake Sebu. One bundle of T'nalak would cost them fifteen pesos, they would normally use 25 bundles to produce 6 meters of T'nalak. After the abaca is purchased, one of the women would then sit and with the help of sunlight streaming into the long house, she would select which ones of the abaca would be used as vertical fibers and which one would go in to make the horizontal ones. After the fibers are selected, each one would be tied with the finest knots to make sure some parts don't get dyed and the design patterned in the weavers head would be translated properly into the weave.

After the arduous process of tying which usually takes one full day, the abaca fibers are dyed with leaves and barks which grows locally in the area. In order to give the cloth its vibrant color, the fibers have to be boiled for three weeks. Thereafter, the fibers are air dried. Once everything is prepared, the woman then sits in the longhouse and shuttles the thread back and forth pushing the threads to tighten with a flat piece of coco wood. She pushes it with three thuds. It is tight enough if the light does not stream through when the T'nalak is held up. She repeats the process over and over again. It is easy to see how a machine may be used to take over these tasks with each design being programmed into machines that would churn out 6 meters in no time.

The production does not end after the last thread is incorporated, the T'nalak is given a sheen. To do this, the cloth is beaten and the rounded fibers are flattened to catch the light. The cloth is then rubbed with beeswax and burnished with a cowrie shell. These is done by the T'boli men. In the olden times, after this is done, the T'nalak is rolled and wrapped in cloth. It is not displayed or used except on special occasions. The sanctity of the T'nalak before lies in the fact that not only is it prohibited to step on it, but it is likewise prohibited to cut the same. This days, however; the finished work is either shipped, prepared for pickup by the contractor, or stored to be shown to tourists visiting Lake Sebu. Moreover, the T'boli's now put specific demarcation marks on the cloth, usually at 3 meters, where it may be cut.

Upon my arrival at Lake Sebu I couldn't help getting overwhelmed by the site of the Lake. The incredibly blue skies and heralding clouds completed the warm welcome.

Lunch for me was at Mountain Lodge. The Mountain Lodge is a project of ICTUS. Seen on this photo are solar panels which are true to the thrust of ICTUS to provide sustainable tourism.

Lunch was this good for 4 people serving of steamed Tilapia with lemongrass, tomato, and ginger. With the fresh fat and extraordinarily yummy tilapia at Lake Sebu a simple dish like this is worth at least 3 Michelin stars.

After my catnap, I woke up to see this site behind the Cove I stayed in. The Lake is amazingly serene and the mountains enveloped with fog. I was just waiting for Keanu Reeves to show up and I would have already felt like I'm in the Lake House.

The morning I woke up it was with the sun and blue skies reflected on a lake. Immediately after seeing this site, I knew this day would be perfect.

My first visit for the day would be at the longhouse of Lang Dulay. She is a 90 year old, or more since she doesn't remember her age, and was awarded the Gawad ng Manlilikha Award. She knows more than 100 patterns of T'nalak

She said this pattern is 'given' to her by a hunter in her dream and hence the sphere patterns.

Lang Dulay puts her name in every T'nalak she designed. She no longer weaves, this one is being woven by one of her 20 students. A six meter T'nalak would have two ends both bearing her 'signature', once it has Lang's name it would sell for Php1000 per meter as opposed to the rate of Php350-500 rate for other weavers.

Abaca -- the raw material for T'nalak

Lunch was at Punta Isla where we have the Lake Sebu version of Sutukil.
I liked their kinilaw more than Cebu, actually.

After lunch we went to the NCIP (Nat'l Center for Indigenous People) to interview. Unfortunately, the members were in Gensan for some event. I got to interview them just before I left the day after but for now I just took some pictures from the City Hall's view deck.

Next morning is a trip on a skylab (a motorbike), going to the seven falls where I had a ta-dan zipline!

The first of the seven falls. The current is too strong it's hard to go near let alone swim.

The current is too strong it creates a mist on the rocks nearby

Picturesque hike up the second falls, on the way to the zip line.

Look Ma, I can fly! :) The view from the zipline is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

I took this photo while suspended in the middle of the 2nd leg of the zipline.

Before I left the morning after, I took a photo of this lotus pond behind the cottage.

I have mixed feelings of sharing 'how to get there', since I wanted this to be my 'secret hideaway', but the thought of more tourists coming to Lake Sebu and providing much needed income to the dream weavers got the better of me and here you go:

From Manila you can take a plane to Gen San (the easiest route) and from Gensan go to the Yellow Bus station, just ask the cab from the airport, going to Marbel, Koronadal. From Marbel you can take another bus to Surallah and from Surallah you can take a van to Lake Sebu.

One of the nicer resorts in Lake Sebu is Punta Isla. I don't regret not going there, however; in favor of the cheaper Balben Cove where no other tourist can disturb me while I write my paper. This Nov 6-9 will be the fiesta of Lake Sebu (called Helobung), and I hope I can be back then. Meanwhile, I hope to finish my paper asap.

*Dreams for Sale. Intellectual Property of the Dreamweavers. Still on it's working draft.

Toki Japanese Fusion Updated

2010-10-10T15:53:00.002+08:00

Because Ayala Avenue is close last night we had to scrap our plans of dining at CiÇou and opted for a dining place at Fort Instead. Since we had quite a heavy glutinous dinner the night before at Cav we figure to eat something lighter and hopefully healthier. Hence, the choice for tonight is japanese.

There are a few japanese places at Fort but our favorite hands-down is Toki. As can be seen from my previous post we really enjoyed our set lunch before, but now we ordered ala carte. Though i still prefer the set lunch - to manage your budget and all - I must say their ala carte orders are not only good but has perfect sharing portions. I won't talk much anymore and just let the photos do the talking. Bon Appetit, or probably I should say tabetai! :)

japanese pickles moriawase (6 types) Php240
One thing I will never tire of is pickles and this Japanese pickles strengthened that resolve.

Onigiri (grilled salmon in japanese rice) @ Php160
I forgot what it's called but this one is yum-yum for sure!

Toki Style 3 Kinds Sashimi Carpaccio Style (Php380)
This dish was devoured in seconds. Toki menu labels it recommended, and I absolutely concur!

Takoyaki Roll (Php240)
Very nice, though the consistency of the octopus is on the rocky side, i have a chewy one and others got some soft ones

Unagi Bou Sushi (Php750)
One of the best thing in the Toki Menu is eel. Whether topped on rice of sushi-fied, Toki eel never disappoints.

Nigiri Mori (9 Kinds) Php550
I didn't get to try everything but I didn't hear any whining, just nomnomnom. But then if it looks this good how can it be bad eh?

Spicy Lapu-Lapu (Php 370)
I like lapu-lapu and I like it spicy. This dish didn't seal it for me though, I blame the flour-y breading.

Japanese Cheesecake (Php170)
After all the binging a good diner knows to leave some space for dessert. Ordering dessert is easy we just pointed to the most yummy-looking photo on their menu. I'm not really a big fan of japanese cheesecakes, always preferred the non-spongy ones.

Macha Roll (Php195)
This feels like eating green tea ice cream -- indulgent but the same time giving you that 'healthy' feeling. Or maybe its just me who associates green tea with healthy. Nonetheless, still a must try dessert!

Tiramisu (Php 190)
One of the best ones! I'm torn between these and the Macha cake.

3 Kinds Crepe (Php260)
I love love crepe and this one tastes like ice cream. I can't figure out what the 3 kinds of whatever good stuff is inside it but it tastes like Ice cream and I love it!

We ordered other stuff as well and Asahi beer (Php200) too! Toki is good but I kinda prefer doing it for lunch.

TOKI's full menu is found on this link. You can also order online through their website.

Address: 2nd floor - 32nd and 5th Building corner 32nd St. and 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines

Review: Toki Japanese Fusion and Fine Dining

2010-10-04T09:58:00.001+08:00

Last Saturday, we felt like eating something light but healthy and one which wouldn't make us hungry in 2 hours. With such qualifications, we decided to do Japanese. With all the Japanese restos sprouting around like mushrooms -- from fine dining to your tokidoki foodcart -- it's not so easy to find a good one. When we read the review on Anton's blog recommending it, then we know where to go.

Located at 32nd and 5th Building beside Aubergine, Toki has a very nondescript entrance. The moment you stepped in, however; the relaxed atmosphere, occasionally broken by the sound of pans, immediately preps you for a good meal.

entrance to Toki

going to the restaurant itself

photos of their celebrity guests lines up one side of their 'lobby' entrance

After getting ourselves comfortable in their red cushioned seats, we proceeded to order.


the Super Bento Set (Php700)-- Includes Tempura (ho-hum), Sashimi (super good), Soy Chicken (tender and succulent), and Pork which is as soft as butter.


closer look

while i went for variety, Ferdi ordered the Unagi Set (Php620) with Soba Noodles

We paired these meals with Black Iced Tea (for me) and cold Oolong tea for Ferdi. A good brunch and just filling enough to get us through Wall Street 2 without feeling the munches. :)

The Not A Burger Persons Best Burger List

2010-09-15T22:48:00.002+08:00

The title says it all, I am not a burger person. I have always associated burger with fast food and not being a fast food person either I can count the number of times, using both hands, I have eaten a burger at McDonalds (be it big Mac, the 49 pesos one or the quarter pounder), Burger King, Jollibee, or Wendys. So when I finally got to overcome my fear of fastfood burgers, I got to appreciate this slab of meat wedged between two buns - before it starts to sound like food porn - topped with whatever you want.

The first time I tried an upscalish, you may refer to it as gourmet compared to McDonalds, burger was in Hotshots near ABS-CBN. That was college. At least 6 years ago. Now more pounds and as much burgers as I can count I think I can now confidently come up with my five must try burger places.

The Top Choice: Malcolm's Place Wagyu Burger
Tucked between the road from Forbes to Global City is little gem of wagyu fiefdom. If you think all beef burger is a-ma-zing wait till you try an all beef wagyu burger. Succulent, fatty without the greasy feel, and satisfying. Slightly toasted on the outside and pinkish on the inside. You can opt to add mushroom, caramelized onions, blue cheese (my favorite!), or just plain ketchup and mustard sauce. You'll never go wrong. The price is a bit hefty but for all the goodness you're gonna get, it's definitely worth a try.

A wagyu burger costs Php400 ala carte. However, they also have set meals at Php499 which includes a nice pumpkin soup and ended with a scoop of ice cream and vittoria coffee. I would recommend going for the set meal. More value for money.

wagyu burger
from www.monstercomments.com

.
1st Runner Up: Murray and D'Vine's Big Ass One-Pound Burger
This burger is colossal! It is not for the faint hearted and definitely not for first date moments. Eating the huge-ass serving - in Murray's signature heart shaped patty - would surely get your hands dirty. Murray uses very good beef and you have a choice whether you want your patty cooked medium, rare, or well done. We always go for medium. Even though it was cooked medium, however; the thickness of the patty made it almost slightly rare. We're not complaining though as all the juicy goodness that the beef has to offer is locked in -- within that (did I say this before) 1 pound of pure lovin goodness. It may seem heavy on the wallet at Php550 but once you see and finish the whole burger, you can definitely say it is well worth it.

If you don't feel much like committing, with flair and fervor, gluttony though you can also opt for their other burgers. The regular beef burger, the ostrich, and turkey burgers are also must tries. Their burgers also come in minis called sliders, in case you want to maintain more grace while eating burgers. Another must-try is their Mojitos, they're the best ones I've tried in Manila.

the murray facade
will update when I get a photo

2nd Runner Up: Monster Burger at Salcedo and Legaspi Market
The good thing about this burgers is that it's half a pound of good beef. The better thing is that it is only Php130 pesos! Unfortunately, this is only sold at Salcedo and Legaspi weekend markets. Nonetheless, if you're in the area and is heading for a hodgepodge of gustatory adventure this Monster Burger is not one to miss.

Half Pound Patty
from www.bacontunamelt.com

3rd Runner Up: Chelsea Market Cafe Burger
Burger at Chelsea?! Seriously? Yes! Although Chelsea is probably more popular for their pizza and pasta their burger is also well worth a try. Since their menu didn't explicitly say how big their patty is I'm guessing it is a little over 1/2 pound since it seems more filling than Murray. I still prefer the slightly crispy on the outside way that Murray cooks their burgers. Nonetheless, Chelsea's 100% angus burger suffices to satisfy that huge burger craving. Surely, choosing Chelsea for 3rd runner up sure is a hard decision.

Since Chelsea and Murray is located very near each other at the Serendra piazza, if you have burger on the menu alone I suggest you head to Murray instead especially since their burger, at Php595 is more expensive than the big-ass burger.

Chelsea @ Serendra
photo from Anton of Our Awesome Planer (AOP)

Fourth Runner Up: Hotshots
Hotshots was the restaurant that launch the tipping point to my burger cravings. The primary reason I chose hotshot over Brother's Burger though is their twister fries! I know it is not burger related but well, the best thing to have with burger is french fries...for that american greasy food coma in all it's finest. It's been ages since I've had hotshots but their prices range about Php150.00 before.

from shootfirsteatlater.com

Other places I wanna try would be theburgerproject at Maginhawa St. in UP Village, and the burgers at Banchetto.

People's Palace Prawn Pomelo Salad

2010-09-12T21:46:00.001+08:00

I got into the People's Palace cult the first time I had a bite of their prawn pomelo salad...more than five years ago. Countless prawn pomelo salads and finally one photo after, I am ready to blog about it.

Prawn + Pomelo + Chicken + Cilantro + toasted peanuts + Coconut Milk + people's palace's miracle dressing equals the perfect example of the gestalt principle applied to food -- where the whole (concoction) is better than the sum of its parts.

prawn pomelo salad

The second our order of prawn pomelo salad lands on the table, my excitement level immediately goes up. The anticipation of biting into the succulent sweet davao pomelo chunks which got a little drizzling of that magical people's palace dressing. A bite of pomelo, and you realize it couldn't get better then you get a stray toasted peanut right with a piece of sautéed chicken and you think this is a good day. The second bite was met with as much anticipation as the first, but just when you though it is a really good day your fork encounters one of the two (or three if you're lucky) prawns and you realize what could possibly wrong. You eat it with cilantro for that burst of herb taste and you arrive at a state of mind called nirvana.

a fiery painting that was the sky of 9/12

Just when we were about to finish our food, we looked up and saw the fierce fiery painting that was the sky. Fantastic! This is Sunday.

Chicken Breast with Parma Ham

2010-09-09T10:22:00.000+08:00

When a fellow blogger cooked this, I had the best fried chicken ever! Not that I wanted to replicate it, i'm scared of fying, just wanted to post here in case people want to try it.

Bon Appetit.

Chicken with Parma Ham
Ingriedients:
Chicken Breast, as much as you want
enough Parma Ham
Thyme
A few shaves of Pecorino cheese, parmesan or any hard cheese may work too
olive oil
chili, we used labuyo
pepper
herbed salt from Santi's

To Cook:
This recipe is so easy yet it would sure put your fried chicken one notch up. For the chicken and parma ham, remove the chicken skin and just replace it with parma ham. This would be a 1:1 ratio i.e. with one chicken breast being covered top half (see photo) with Parma Ham. Wedged between the parma ham is a sprig of thyme leaves - for that fragrant smell - and a few shaving of Pecorino cheese. Once the chicken with parma ham is prepared, heat the oil for frying. Once hot, add the chilies before frying the chicken and fry as you would fry any other fried chicken.

Chicken with Parma Ham

We paired this with pesto pasta that we made from scratch. Will post recipe of that soon.

Oh My Gaudi (OMG)

2010-09-05T14:21:00.000+08:00

Verdict: No redeeming factor. Must NOT try.

!Bienvenidos!

Welcome to a complete culinary

experience from fascinating Spain --

a country that considers dining one of life's

greatest pleasures.

So began the menu of Gaudi tapas bar and restaurant at the Piazza in Serendra. Named after Antoni Gaudi of Spain, at least my guess is, the restaurant purports to be authentic Spain. Since I haven't been to Spain I really couldn't tell whether or not it really is authentic, I just have to rely on Ferdi's comments on whether it really is true Spanish cuisine. Authentic or not authentic, however; one thing is for sure -- the food is BAD.

the gaudi menu

To start of the evening we had three sets of appetizers first: Boquerones en Vinagre (Php290) which is marinated fresh anchovies, Surtido de 8 Pinxos Frios (Php250) a selection of cold tapas, and Croquetas Mixtas (Php 200) mixed chicken, serrano ham, and bacalao croquettes.

Nothing of the above is good. We didn't finish half of the croquetas. After finishing one, I couldn't eat any croquetas anymore. The Serrano ham and chicken croquetas might be slightly better, but unluckily for me I tasted the bacalao one first. It was the fishiest most nauseating croquetas I've had. I love fish, and I eat bagoong but nothing comes close to how fishy this one taste. Recalling it as I write now even makes me slightly puke a bit. To add insult to injury it was also so heavily breaded and the oil they used is also not nice. All in all, if you'll ask me to choose between UP fishball and this, I would choose the former.

deep-fried croquetas

Hoping the second of the appetizers will be better, which is not a hard feat considering how bad the croquetas were, we were only to glad when the mix cold tapas were served. Unfortunately, this restaurant is just astonishingly consistent -- consistently bad, that is. The selection of mixed tapas is just too oily and had too much mayonnaise! Ugh. To make matters worse, some of it is served on toasts which are too soft and not crusty enough getting the poor toast so soaked up in alcohol and too soggy from the mayonnaise. Same as the other one, we didn't get to finish it at all. The mixed cold tapas is composed of some olives and baby onions on a stick, sliced parma ham (i think) which is the one on 5 o'clock, the one on 3 o'clock is anchovy and bleue cheese two of the things I love but hate when served together, and some egg salad with lots of mayo, and shrimp with quail egg, again smothered with mayo.

The mixed cold tapas

The third one is not as bad as the former two. The boquerones has good fresh anchovies, a good smothering of olive oil with a lemon wedge on the middle that we squeezed for added taste. The only disappointing thing about this is that they had to put grated cheese on top of the fresh anchovies. Seriously, CHEESE!? And no, it's not like it's hard cheese like pecorino or parmesan that would be forgivable with the anchovies but they had to grade soft cheese which looks like eden cheese to me. I tasted it, and true enough it is tasteless! We made sure to remove all the cheese on top of the anchovies before we ate it. Not as bad as the former two but if it weren't for the cheese, this dish could have been the restaurant's saving grace.


It's sobrang cheesy!

We chose not to order two main dishes and opted to just share. We ordered Lamb cooked the Andalusian way. After our dish was served though, that's when we realized that the Gaudi Andalusian way is pretty much just like how we cook our caldereta, at least the not good caldereta. The smell of lamb was a bit too strong than normal and the sauce was too oily. What makes it worse was that the potato was also fried and already a bit too soft for the dish. Overall, it was bland and didn't have any 'identity' nor distinctiveness to it. Of course, did I mention it was also oily?!

Lamb - Andalusian

At this point we're already too disappointed with the food and opted to just go. We paired all the above food with Marques de Caceres wine which is not all too bad. But this is not enough to make us go try Gaudi ever again.

Postcript: the food was that oily Ferdi had stomach pains the morning after.

A full menu of Gaudi is found here, courtesy of munchpunch.

Cantinetta is Open in Global City

2010-08-30T12:29:00.000+08:00

Cantinetta just opened their third branch at Global City. Since someone is craving for good wine we headed there. The original plan was to walk from high street but alas, the rain poured, and poured and poured...

Drenched, cold and hungry we just went to Cantinetta by car. Burgos Circle is unimpressive, but immediately seeing the restaurants around will make you want to park as fast as you can.

We didn't call to reserve, but the restaurant wasn't full so we were immediately accommodated. As we weren't too hungry, we just ordered the Cantinetta Insalata, Mushroom Soup, Veal Osso Bucco, and Panna Cotta for desert.

Cantinetta Insalatta

Appetizer would be the Cantinetta Insalatta. I forgot how much it is exactly, but if i'm not mistaken it should be about Php280. Since we like grilled vegetables, this serving is a hit. The vegetable layers of zucchini, eggplant, and carrot were grilled just fine -- just enough to wilt it and bring out the flavours without making it soggy and mushy. The layers of grilled vegetables was topped by two slices of fresh mozarella de buffala. I really like how they have the authentic fresh mozarella, and not those cheapass types that's more runny than cheesy. The 'creation' was drizzled with just enough balsamic vinegar sauce.


Crema di Fungi

I was disappointed that Cantinetta didn't have pumpkin soup, I have this habit of craving for pumpkin soap when it's raining, I opted to order the crema di funghi, instead. The crema di fungi (Php 230) is not astounding or anything, neither good nor particularly bad. The serving has enough mushroom to it, but not enough texture. The serving was not runny either but one thing that really stands out with the soup is how salty it is! It's such a shame since the saltiness detracts you from appreciating the taste.


Veal Osso Bucco

The Osso Bucco, at Php920, was really good! The veal is tender and cooked just fine. The vegetable sidings was good too just steamed enough, retaining its crispy vegetable texture. I particularly like the sidings for the fact that it was simple -- no butter, or anything. It was a bit disappointing that no waiter came offering some pepper, which I realised just now, would make it better. The only falling grace of this dish was the risotto. It's too creamy and a bit tasteless. Other than that, this meal is particularly satisfying. My best veal was still at L'incontro, before Chef Gino left it, but this one doesn't fail.

panna cotta

I like their panna cotta. I have very sensitive sweet tastebuds, so I really don't like my dessert sweet. This one is not sweet at all and just enough creaminess. I particularly like how consistent and firm the texture is. It is a bit heavy so if you don't have a particularly sweet tooth, I would suggest that this be shared.

Sharing is caring. :)

Full menu at munchpunch.

One really irritating thing though is the parking. Parking at the roadside would cost you a flatrate of Php50.00. They don't do any validation, so it wouldn't make any difference if you ate at the area. Worse Megaworld, who owns the buildings, doesn't even issue an OR for the parking. ><

Ellana Sheer HD Finishing Powder

2010-08-29T23:38:00.000+08:00

I first fell in love with HD makeup after I tried Make Up Forever's (MUFE) HD line. My heart beat and broke when I first tried their HD finishing powder -- how fine, natural and soft it made my skin feel made me believe in the concept of sheer goodness again, the price tag of Php1850 for a small canister, however; broke my heart.

Nonetheless, good things are hard to find but a year after I found a cheaper version -- Ellana's HD finishing powder. For those, uninitiated with MUFE's finishing powder, the whiteness of the powder might scare you a bit making you thing you'll either end up like a zombie or Michael Jackson - which is practically the same now I suppose but then I'm watching This is It on HBO, hence - that you wouldn't even try. Fret not, though, the powder is so fine it practically disappears on your skin.


my skin after class, hello pores

a much closer, but clearly more even, closeup

I still find the MUFE version better though. But surely, the Ellana version is highly comparable and not bad at all. Considering how the Ellana version is like 80% cheaper it surely is the best deal.

I find it very useful as well for these functions:

Primer: to even our your skin tone and make pores appear smaller and at the same time have your liquid foundation slide perfectly. I use those silicone base primers but they're kinda pricey and quite hard to find. I use Bare Escentuals.

Finishing powder, if you wanna do three layers for perfect staying power as when you're going to an event or something and the only thing you can sneak in in your purse is an oil blot.

Dusting powder, for those moments when you need to wear dark eyeshadow and it's just so hard to avoid getting eyeshadow on your undereye area.

Ellana Mineral makeup may be ordered online at www.ellanaminerals.com.

Other products you might want to buy too are their:

Foundations: good coverage, and natural. The downside though is since they don't have such wide range of colors, you might need to get other brands to even out your tone.
Eyeshadow. Very highly pigmented. It's almost comparable to MAC pigments
Bronzers. Also very good pigments...a little goes a long way.

What I wouldn't recommend are the brushes though. I use Shu Uemura's brush, from the Holidays Edition, and comparing it to Ellana's brushes surely negates the claim that it's made of the softest materials...I suppose it wouldn't be bad for eyeliner brush or crease brush, though, since you would need stiff brushes for that one.

Conclusion:
If you love good quality makeup but don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it, Ellana is surely a (online) store to visit.

Zao Vietnamese Restaurant and Bistro

2010-08-27T00:00:00.001+08:00

Vietnamese food is not something I crave for, not until Zhao.

Zao is located at Serendra, beside Mamou.

Zao, along with Chelsea, has always been the default restaurant that always come up after the question, 'So, where are we gonna eat?'. After the decision has been settled that we are gonna eat at Zao, automatically the question 'what do we eat', is answered. The choices: Tenderloin Pho, Satay Platter, and Pickled Vegetables.

Pictured here is the Zao Pho

A serving of Tenderloin Pho comes with lean slices of beef and some briskets with a heap of bean sprouts, lime and a sprig of basil leaves on the side. Your order would also come with the necessary sauces on the side: hoisin and chili sauce. Be sure to put everything, except of course the sauces, on your pho. I particularly like the contrast of the lime and basil on the broth giving it a slightly sour and herby taste to it. Putting the bean sprouts, Zao removes the beans though and just leaves the 'tail' of the sprouts, in your pho also gives it a fresh and slight crunch to your pho giving it a more succulent texture from the rice noodles and the briskets. One thing we like about Zao, cause we're such cheap asses, is the price. A serving of the beef pho costs 195 pesos and mind you one serving is good for two people!

Another staple in our table at Zao is the fresh rolls. This is the Vietnamese version of our lumpiang sariwa. It is vermicelli noodles with prawn, a stalk of celery and lettuce dipped in peanut sauce. We like how the taste of the fresh rolls neutralizes the savory taste of the Pho not to mention that because nothing is cooked nor fried it makes for a good pair with the hot broth. What I particularly like is the thin transparent wrap for this which I can't figure out. Nonetheless, i've never been a cook so no surprises there. A serving, which is composed six pieces as shown here, costs Php175 as well. So if you're just gonna order these and the Pho you're bill would be about Php500, inclusive of VAT and service charge.

Fresh Spring rolls

However, if you're feeling a bit hungry and in the mood for some meat you sure should try their satay platter. Satay is their equivalent for our barbeque. I love how the lemongrass - which i'm addicted to - seeps into the meats and dipped with the 'vinegar' sauce brings this dish one notch higher than our regular barbeque. Each platter has 2 sticks of shrimp, beef, pork, and chicken. A platter costs Php325. Which is really not bad at all!

Satay Platter

Other dishes which you sure should not miss at Zao is their crispy spring rolls (Php 185.00), the Tenderloin Salad (Php245) and the pickled vegetables (Php 65.00). If there's one salad I would pick it would be the tenderloin salad with water spinach. If you like prawn pomelo salad theirs is OK too, however; it's nowhere near People's Palace's prawn pomelo.

Here's a link of their full menu from munchpunch. Also, I would advise for you to call first especially for dinner as they are often full. With the prices which are a lot cheaper than the other restaurants at Serendra, I wouldn't be surprised.

Zao Vietnamese Bistro

Unit 1C16 Serendra, Fort Bonifacio Global City

Taguig City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 856-2819

4D3N Trip to Coron Palawan

2010-08-24T17:09:00.003+08:00

They say pictures speak a thousand words, be that as it may i can come up with only (for now at least) four words to describe the place:
fantastic
magical
grandiose
M-A-J-E-S-T-I-C!

It's 'freak' of nature at it's finest!

First Day High, Literally!
Our first day - right after we landed - we climbed Mt. Tapias. Tapias, in the local dialect, means to cut the upper most part, the mountain which was originally cone shaped was chopped off and on top of it was a cross - a violation of the antiestablishment clause if you ask me - and right below is a spectacular view of the calamianes islands. Nevermind that we just landed, didn't have a proper lunch, and I just jogged about 6kms in the morning, every ache and pain brought by the steep 750 steps was well worth the sight! It was a bonus too that by the time we got there it was already late afternoon and the suns wonderful glow made our skin look fabulous! After the hiking, we did the Maquinit, hot in the Tagbanua dialect, hot springs and off went the tired muscles. Only to haunt us the next day...

the 750 steps that felt like 2000

the panorama that greets you upon reaching the top

Day 2: Island Hopping
Day 2 was the Calamianes island tour. EVERY THING was white sand! And everything - i know redundancy is a crime but pardon me please - was just MAJESTIC. The kayangan lake which is just mythical, and the oh-so-spectacular view from the top. Nevermind again that we had to hike (up, down,up,down) like 100 steps -- the view and the swimming in the freshwater lake was sooo worth it! Oh yeah, and this is the day too where for a few minutes I forgot my tired legs as I was almost dragged below the boat by the strong current at siete pecados.

everything is white sand, clear and pristine

and more white sand and limestones

Sites for day 2 were Siete Pecados, Kayangan Lake, Banul Beach, Skeleton wreck, and Twin Lagoon. Kayangan Lake is a freshwater lake surrounded by limestones and was declared a cultural heritage of the Tagbanua people of Palawan. Guests are advised to minimize the use of chemicals like sunblock, shampoo, etc. We were told that the water is so fresh you can drink it! I didn't try to, though.

the view from the hill on the way to Kayangan Lake

The Twin Lagoon is surrounded by Massive Limestone Formations

Day 3: Reefs and Wreck

By this time we're already feeling a bit like wrecks after the rigorous activity of the past two days, but I suppose when everything around you is just sooo beautiful you just have to muster the energy to do EVERYTHING that you can possibly do to maximize the experience. Our guide for the day is Ferdinand (nickname Ferdz), who also doubled as the cook in-boat, and our lifesaver for getting one of the guides to tie a rope in one of the wreck to keep us from joining one of sunken ships' japanese crew from WWII!

swimming with a lot of fish!

the deck of one of the shallow wrecks.

Day 4: Departure
Finally got to sleep past 7am! Time to pack...and swear to come back and do it AGAIN.

We booked our Tour through Calamianes Island Tours. You may contact Cathy at this number 09175844477 to book one. They have different packages, depending on how much time you have and how tired you want to be. :)

Oh, and by all means please avoid eating at La Sirenetta -- expensive, menu is limited and they have a penchant of putting butter in everything!

So you're probably wondering what the hell was I doing in Palawan at this time, well this is a hyperly delayed post. I went to Palawan last summer.

Potatoes and Mas(h) Potatoes

2010-08-23T18:35:00.000+08:00

Cornier than corn joke for the day

Me: What's better than potatoes?
Ferdi: What?
Me: Mas(h) potato.
Ferdi: That's the most stupid thing i've heard today!

So last night we had mash potatoes and kielbasa sausages. Being the most skillful cook that I am, sarcasm sarcasm, I was delegated to peel the potatoes instead. If there is something as cruel and unusual kitchen punishment this would be it, as I was made to peel a sackful of potatoes enough to feed an army forced to starve for 10 days.

So with my newly bought peeler from the Cook's Exchange at Powerplant Mall, I proceeded to sit in front of the tv with 3 containers in front -- one for the to-be-peeled potatoes, another for the peels, and the last one for already peeled. After almost an hour of peeling I am finally done!

stainless steel peeler from Cook's Exchange

Next task is to cut the potatoes in quarters, or in six, keeping in mind uniformity in size to make sure they all cook well. Being the slightly obsessive compulsive that I am, 20 minutes later I have one truck load of evenly sliced potatoes.

peels go to the right and peeled ones on top

Now next task is boiling. There is no specific time limit in doing the boiling, but just make sure that the potatoes are tender enough to be mashed, but solid enough that you wouldn't end up eating mush potato instead of mashed potato.

While waiting for it to boil, I did the spinach which is - not to be cooked - added into the mush of potatoes. Since spinach is high in iron and other vitamins, adding this would make your mashed potatoes healthier! Once the mashing is done, you can add some horseradish, and a bit of milk. I hate numbers so my measurement is more qualitative than quantitative. Hence, if you think it's enough it must be enough.

Try not to get too carried away when mashing, like I did, and be sure to serve while it's hot. And there goes my contribution for dinner last night.

Bon Appetit. :)

Football, Basketball and more Pahabols

2010-08-22T00:01:00.000+08:00

On my way to UP, the cab driver said when he saw the colorful scatter of people at the sunken garden 'dapat yang football and prinapraktis ng mga pinoy, masyado tayong bansot para sa basketball'*. Such a funny but true comment. I wonder why Filipinos didn't get into football...

I remember my former professor saying before why Filipino's will never really get into football 'it's because we cannot appreciate delayed gratification'. Since it will take forever, if at all, to score in football as oppose to basketball, that could be the key.

The book that documents the Filipino's love for basketball

But then again, could it be that maybe we just don't have enough open spaces to play football in. Or, could it be something trivial like maybe Filipinos just don't like hi-cut socks...

*Filipinos should practice football, we're too small for basketball

Degustations at The Goose Station

2010-08-20T11:54:00.003+08:00

Saturday has always been a long day for me. A 1:00-4:00pm class with every other week legal aid classroom component, not to mention the occasional downpour that visits the UP area almost every afternoon makes me tired to the bones come nightfall.

Tired and sometimes drained, I look forward to Saturday dinners and this time it was particularly more so. My friend Paola suggested this restaurant called The Goose Station. The original plan was to go there Friday night, but alas they don't have any seats left. The restaurant opens only in the evening and one must always make sure to call for reservation. It's located at the outskirts of Global City, i say outskirts because it's not anywhere around Serendra, High Street, or Burgos Circle, at the W building.

The Goose Station is the brainchild of husband and wife team Chef Rob and Sunshine Pecson. The name the Goose Station is of course, if you haven't guessed it yet, a play on the word degustation, it also serves to forewarn you that their specialty is (ta-dan!) foie gras. So for all those with high blood pressure, a prior dose of simvastatin wouldn't hurt, and for those with squirmishes on the plight of the poor goose, this might not be the restaurant for you. Nonetheless, the other food items i.e. not involving foie gras is still worth the visit.

choices for their 5-course menu

Ordering at the goose station is easy. Although they have ala carte menu, it's better to opt for the course menus. They have the express 5-course menu (at Php1600 exclusive of Vat and SC) and their signature 9-course menu at Php2500 plus Vat and SC. Since we weren't so hungry that night we all opted for the 5-course menu.

THE foie cone

Their menu is composed of at least two items to choose from. For snacks we had the foie gras cone. Unlike the other items, for snacks this is the only choice, and for very good reasons. A visit to The Goose Station wouldn't be complete unless you try this. It simply is an explosion of flavors from the filo pastry - not a cone - to the foie gras and the complimentary hazelnut topping gives you that perfect theater ending -- satiated but still wanting to have more. Next on the snacks is the trio of potato glass, truffle puff and savory macaroon. Paola had to check four square and dished out the advice that this trio must be eaten from right to left. We heeded the advise and had the potato glass first, next the truffle puff and finished off with the savory macaroon. The advise was perfect! Eating it in that order allows the tastes to merge starting off with the salty potato glass, the tangy truffle puff and finishing with the mildly sweet savory macaroon. These snack items surely does it's job of getting the taste buds more excited for the next degustations.

remember to eat from right to left

Next on the menu is a choice between the Beet Garden Salad and Squash Soup. Christian and I chose the beet garden salad while Ferdi and Paola chose the pumpkin soup I had a bit of a hard time choosing since I love love squash soup, but when the beet garden salad arrived the squash pumpkin soup was completely forgotten. The beet garden salad is both a visual and a palate pleaser. On the center is a beet jelly stuffed with soft goat cheese in the middle. The creation sits on a bed of walnut soil with bean sprouts and a baby carrot that looks freshly uprooted from the walnut soil. I couldn't wait to dig-in but had to stop myself to take photos of this visual creation. The squash soup is not to be easily dismissed though. I tried Ferdi's squash soup and it is amazing -- with enough cheesy taste balanced with an earthly pumpkin soup reminiscent of what, if you have one, your grandmother would prepare. I would still choose the beet garden salad next time though.

the winner for the night!

Next on the menu is a choice between the Unagi Foie Terrine and Eggs Benedict. We all opted for the Unagi Foie Terrine. The liver pate is topped with a slice of salted unagi. The saltiness of the unagi and the gingerbread, apples, and brioche. The taste of the liver pate was a bit too much for me, specially with the prior foie cone so I didn't finish my serving.

the Unagi Foie Terrine

The choice for the main course was the hardest part involving four choices: slab of lamb ribs, duck confit, scallops negra, and the 24-hour steak. The 24-hour steak is the best one, however; to get it for the main course you'll have to add Php950. I suggest that if you're whole table is amenable and hungry to the hilt, for you to get the Signature menu instead which includes this for no additional cost. Since our group is not that hungry, Paola just opted for the add-in. We each had a bit of the 24-hour steak and it was so well worth it. My lamb ribs were not exactly awesome the juices weren't able to seep into the lamb. Eating it with the siding, though, would more or less remedy the situation. I got to taste Ferdi's duck confit as well which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If i can do it again I would probably go for the duck confit next time, or better yet the Signature 9-course menu with the steak.

The choice for dessert is another hard decision. Torn between the yogurt with mixed berries, mango, and granola. This yogurt desert reminded me of Sagada and its thick-as-mayonnaise yogurt preparation. While I savored my yogurt dessert I couldn't help but cast sidelong covetous glances on Ferdi's chocolate raspberry cake. Thankfully, he got the cue and I dig in to what I would say the dark chocolate cake version of Royce's (dark) choco cherry marnier -- to die for.

The end of the gustatory show was one macaroon which we all ate with gusto. Till the next encounter with gluttony. Dishes are best paired with red wine. :)

The Goose Station Signature Restaurant Inc.
Ground Floor, W Tower
39th St., Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines
Mondays through Saturdays 6-9pm
Attire: Smart Casual
For Reservations, Contact:
Telephone: +632 556 9068
Mobile: +63917 85 GOOSE (46673)

Of Exams, Growing Up, and Choices

2010-08-11T18:14:00.002+08:00

First there were eight choices.

The first exam I failed at the College of Law was a multiple choice exam. Eight choices, one right answer. It could be all of the above or none of the above.

I got my first 4.0, a conditional pass or if you're pessimistic a conditional fail, when I was 21 years old. One year after I left the denial age of 'twenteen' life hit me -- everything becomes more complicated as you grow up. Even a simple multiple choice. I remembered looking at my bluebook with that ubiquitous red mark. I went back to my textbooks and realized that most answers were either none of the above or all of the above.

None of the above OR all of the above.

Five years into the College of Law and just two more semesters to go, I can say this has been the most valuable lesson I have learned.

Life gives us choices. Some apparent, some we have to create ourselves. Some choices are not choices at all but merely just distractions and nuisance. But just like any exam, sometimes this distractions and nuisances are what makes it more challenging and exciting.

Then came right minus wrong.

Our teacher in succession arrived and told us, 'Tonight, i'm not your professor I'm Jericho Rosales and I am just your proctor so you cannot ask questions from me". When he distributed the exam questions one thing popped out in the instructions: right minus wrong.

When we were kids, the questions were simple. Checking it is simple just add all the correct answers and you will get your score. As grown-ups, however; we now have to contend with right minus wrong rules. Where each wrong answer can take you one full point, or a fraction of a point less.

Fortunately, life is not as tough. Unfortunately, life can also be tougher.

Then came essay questions.

Law school has always been about essay questions. Of arguing for or against and of resolving issues. This has been my favorite type of exam so far. No correct answers. No wrong answers. It would all depend on how you argue and, of course, how you support your arguments.

This is the best part of growing up. No one would tell you what's correct and what's not. The question of whether or not you would pass or fail would all depend on how you argue and use your resources to back up those arguments.

Then came pass or fails
Growing up is no more about keeping scores of getting one point higher than your seatmate. In the end it all becomes a matter of pass or fails.

A little over a year from now I will be taking the bar exams. What happens during the exam would reflect what I have learned during my years in law school. What happens after the exam would reflect what I have learned forever.

Indeed, life gives us choices which includes all or the above or none of the above. But this choices don't stay forever, at some point we all have to 'pass our papers'.

After this brief bout of insanity and introspection, now I have to go back reviewing for my midterm exams next week.

A few weeks after I wrote this blog post I came across this article from the New York Times.

Rights of the Differently Enabled

2010-07-13T11:02:00.001+08:00

This digest was originally submitted by me for a radio show which the UP Office of Legal Aid is required to contribute in.

The text is written in Filipino to cater to the shows audience. Feel free to send me a message or comment if you want a clarification. The basis for the Courts decision is the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277) and Labor Code Art 280.

Case: Bernardo v NLRC, G.R. No. 122917, July 12, 1999

ANG NANGYARI:
Ang kasong ito ay inihain ng 43 empleyadong may kapansanan ng dating Far East Bank and Trust Company. Sila ay tinanggal sa trabaho ng Far East sa kadahilanang ang posisyong kanilang hinahawakan ay hindi na kinakailangan para sa pang araw-araw na operasyon ng bangko.

Nagumpisang kumuha ng mga empleyagong pipi at bingi ang Far East noong taong 1988, nagpatuloy ito hanggang taong 1993. Ayon sa Far East ang pagkuha ng mga empleyadong may kapansanan ay sa kadahilanan na din ng pakiusap ng ilang mga taong nagnanais na tulungan ang mga nasabing empleyado.

Ang mga petitioner sa kasong ito ay lumagda sa isang kontrata na tinalaga ng Far East na “Employment Contract for Handicapped Workers”. Nakasaad sa nasabing kontrata na sila ay kinukuhang empleyado ng Far East bilang money sorters at counters. Nakasaad din sa kontratang pinirmahan nila na ang kanilang karapatan bilang empleyado ng bangko ay base lamang sa kung ano ang pinirmahan nila at nakasaad sa kontrata at wala ng iba. Maliban dito, nakasaad din na bilang isang “accommodated” or ipinakiusap lamang na empleyado ng banko, ang kanilang estado ay hindi kapareha ng isang regular na empleyado. Dahil dito, di gaya ng isang regular na empleyado wala silang karapatan sa separation pay at iba pang benepisyong tinatamasa ng isang regular na empleyado gaya ng seguridad sa hanapbuhay o ng karapatang hindi matanggal sa trabaho ng walang dahilan.

TANONG:
Kung maaari ba silang maging regular na empleyado na may kaukulang benepisyo?

SAGOT:
Oo, ang isang empleyadong naglingkod ng mahigit sa anim na buwan sa isang posisyong kinakailangan at kanais-nais para sa kumpanya ay itinuturing ng batas na regular na empleyado bagamat ang kontratang pinirmahan nila ay nagsasabi na ang kanyang estado ay probationary employee lamang.

Ang anumang nakasulat sa batas at sa Labor Code ng Pilipinas ay itinuturing din na nakasulat sa bawat kontratang pinipirmahan ng isang empleyado. Sa kadahilanang ito, bagamat nasusulat sa kontratang pinirmahan ng isang “accommodation” employee na sya ay isang probationary employee lamang at hindi maaaring maging regular na empleyado matapos maglingkod ng mahigit sa anim na buwan sya ay ituturing na ng batas na regular na empleyado.

Ayon sa RA 7277 o ang Magna Carta for Disabled Persons ang isang “qualified diabled person” ay kailangang bigyan ng parehong karapatan sa isang “qualified abled person”.
Anuman ang rason sa pagtanggap sa isang empleyado, maging awa man ito o dahil lamang sa pinagbigyan ang hiling ng isang tao, ang nasabing empleyado ay magiging regular pa din base sa klase ng trabahong kanyang ginagampanan at sa haba ng panahon ng kanyang paglilingkod sa kumpanya. Bilang mga money sorter at counter ang pagiging pipi at bingi ng mga naghablang empleyado ay hindi naging hadlang upang magampanan nila ng maayos ang kanilang tungkulin, sa gayun karapat-dapat lamang na sila ay mabigyan ng benepisyong karapat-dapat sa isang regular na empleyado.

Sa kadahilanang ang pagtanggal sa kanila ng Far East ay walang lehitimong rason, sila ay binibigyan ng karapatan para sa backwages o sweldong hindi nabigay magmula ng sila ay matanggal hanggang sa pagbibigay ng hatol sa kaso at separation pay. Bagamat 43 ang naghabla, 27 lang ang binigyan ng korte ng estadong regular employee sa kadahilangan ang 16 na naghabla ay hindi pa naglilingkod ng mahigit sa 6 na buwan ng sila ay matanggal.

Wow Philippines!

2010-07-05T19:18:00.002+08:00

My Lakbayan grade is C!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

This is how much of the Philippines I have seen. 7107 Islands. Beautiful!

How to Lose Your Job for 16 Months

2010-07-04T21:25:00.001+08:00

Losing ones job is hard enough, but losing ones job by choice is harder.

Thursday was payday. Fifteen days ago was also payday. If it wasn't the long lines in the ATM, I would not have noticed these two important dates. Two months ago, I submitted my resignation letter. I wasn't fired, I wasn't threatened of being retrenched, I had a good boss, I had flexible time, but I resigned nonetheless. Quitting my job wasn't a simple decision, it was a choice. It was a matter of prioritizing and focus. Since it was more of a conviction rather than forced by circumstance, I knew I had to stand up for it.

Foregoing the security of having a steady source of income was both scary and liberating. Since you no longer have that expected source of income that is sure to come every 15th and 30th of the month you have to force yourself to be more creative and look for other sources of income that won't take up most of your time. There is the work from home option, the virtual assistant, the blogger, everything. You are so in control of your time - which is directly tied to your finances - that it teaches you responsibility, creativity, and preparedness. Preparedness because you'll never know just when you'll be spending the next few days (weeks or months) surviving on instant noodles, and supplements.

Right now I have probably sent me sample works, resume, and have done a number of email correspondences and skype calls with potential income providers. I haven't found the perfect one as yet, but each opportunity nonetheless makes me excited each time. I have spent countless hours on google, forums etc. and have more than a couple of ideas working on my mind. With each rejection I get from employers who have unreasonable demands (like getting a vonage account!), unclear contracts, and onerous prestations, I have learned not only to haggle and negotiate but also to move on and not cry over or spend too much time on what clearly is not moving forward. I have also learned to look for opportunities not as an end itself but as a way of outsourcing myself* true to the tradition of the 4-hour workweek.

Quitting my job was probably one of the best decisions I have made so far. I am single, no responsibilities with only myself who will get hungry if things didn't pan out.

Necessity is the mother of all invention but so is conviction.

*will post on this in succeeding blogs

Be that as it may, I am still focused on finishing this law degree this year and passing the bar -- this is probably the hardest part. Focus.

Band of Murderous Brothers: A Firsthand Account

2010-07-02T00:29:00.002+08:00

What kind of environment has UP become that it regularly breeds people who will maim and kill one another because a brod was stared at by someone from a rival fraternity? What kind of a mind-set is required to transform intelligent young scholars into thugs whose claim to fame is the number of rumbles they've been in and "hits" they've done?*

4:50pm. We decided to do our case conference outside the Supervising Lawyers room. It was my team mates birthday so he proposed to treat the team and have our case conference in Shakey's Katipunan instead. We have two team memebers who are from the Upsilon Sigma Phi - the rival fraternity (currently) of Sigma Rho Fraternity.

about 6:45pm. Five seconds -- 4 hits to the head, two hits on the shoulder and chest, one destroyed laptop, and 8 other traumatized law interns. They came so swiftly. By the time the fact that 4 ruthless criminals went in and attacked two of our team mates was able to sink in, they were already gone....I just saw myself what the "5-second rule" means. Five seconds, they should be out -- whether or not they were able to do any damage. It doesn't matter if they were able to hurt someone. It doesn't matter if they were able to kill someone.

I thought it was just a friend of theirs who happen to likewise be in Shakey's Katipunan. Until they brought out their arms -- 4 stainless steel metal pipes. They hit my co law intern in the head and on the neck. They hit with such resolve that it seems they have no longer any regard for what their actions might result to. It could be serious physical injuries, disability, or death. At that time I was already in my knees cowering under the table with my other intern just waiting for the blow. I didn't know what was happening anymore. After 5 seconds they were gone. By the time I finally recovered and got up from under the table I saw my co-intern bleeding from the 4 ruthless blows they delivered on his head. My other friend was hit on the chest and shoulders. My other co-intern's laptop was picked up and thrown by one of them. My other intern, after freezing during the attack just cried.

They were not familiar faces -- not someone I have seen at the College of Law. My other co law interns think they might be undergraduate students as well. Undergraduate students, probably between 18-21 years old. EIGHTEEN to TWENTY ONE. How could this young students be so violent. How can someone so promising, and so privileged do such a ruthless and violent act. They could be criminals, for all we know they could already have been murderers.

I remember someone telling me an excerpt from a UP student's admission interview in lawschool when asked what separates UP, she answered "it's not the school, it's not the teachers, but ultimately it's the students". It is the students. It is US who would eventually determine the WHETHER OR NOTS (WONs). Whether or not we would do something about it or whether or not we would just continue to coddle this culture of violence.

Taken from Prof. Florin Hilbay's article Band of Murderous Brothers, in Unplugging the Constitution.

These were the pipes that the attackers used to hit our two team mates.

Engagement

2010-06-28T20:56:00.001+08:00

In our offices and classrooms we have way too much compliance and way too little engagement. The former might get you through the day, but only the latter will get you through the night.

- Quoted from a book called Click

I haven't blogged, wrote anything, or got really inspired and excited lately. Maybe because the primary thing that occupies my time is compliance. It will get you through the day -- no matter how dragging the day is -- but come evening you feel nothing but tiredness.

How Do You Mend a Broken Heart

2010-06-17T21:38:00.002+08:00

How do you console a grown up man? How do you try to project hope when deep down you know there is none? How do you offer an option when the dead-end is reached?

How?

These are not legal questions. It may not even be questions which a legal intern and a law student asks herself when talking to clients. Yet, I asked it.

Today, the father of an 11-year old rape victim talked to me. His daughter is my client. One week ago we received an Order from the RTC dismissing the case of his daughter due to the death of the accused. Since the death of an accused would extinguish his criminal liability, the death of the accused means the death for the case. The death of the case, and along with it - in this case - the death of any possible retribution or reparation, even if it is only psychological, for the victim and her parents.

The father asked me, so Ma'am is there any other option? I said we can file a civil case but it would be hard, especially in this case since the parents of the accused don't have property anyway. He said his child now needs psychological assistance due to the trauma she experienced. She asked me if I know of any other remedy. I looked backed on my days not as an intern but as a psychology student.

How do you relieve trauma? How do you attain cognitive closure? How do you bring the news that there is no hope but there is an option? That there must be...

How?

This song is for a broken heart, but i think the blues is reflective

The Importance of Being Busy

2010-06-08T15:00:00.001+08:00

"I can't get a life when my heart is not in it"

-Oasis, The Importance of Being Idle

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans"

-John Lennon

Today marks the first day of classes. The last leg of the final lap before graduation and before the bar exams. Sometimes, people still ask me how I managed to juggle law school, work and getting a life. I said I don't juggle, I just do. The juggling is apparent after the fact, but while you're at it, it just happens.

A lot of people complain that they don't have time for anything. Whether it is running, reading a good book, watching a movie, getting a postgraduate. The reason? They don't start. Doing something and trying to accomplish something is not really a plan, it's a conviction. A conviction to finish what you started, and proceed with what you already have, the rest will fall into place...eventually.

You can't get a life when you're Idle.

- restlessEST

The Ticking Point to Murder

2010-06-04T21:03:00.002+08:00

Facebook: all comments, likes, photos, checked. Phone: all games played. Laptop: battery at critical low. Two granola bars: eaten. Water bottle: finished. Lecture: still on going...going...going...

Today marks the day I first walked out on a lecture, not because I need to do something of transcendental importance but simply because I couldn't take it anymore.. Thirty minutes of overtime is forgivable, even welcome at times, one hour of overtime is already bordering on the insensitive. One and a half hour marks the ticking point* where tolerance turns to hostility. Two hours marks the second ticking point where expletives are thrown, tables and chairs are banged, and people start walking out. Two and a half hours is another ticking point where insensitivity turns to cruelty and becomes a violation of human rights. Beyond two and a half hours is the ticking point where hostility turns to serious thoughts of murder.

If today marks the first day that I walked out on a lecture, today also marks the day a friend and classmate of mine cancelled a trip to Europe, because he had to attend the lecture/orientation for one of our classes. Unbelievable. Another blockmate who works for a BPO and does the night shift also has to forego slip, for three days, in order to attend the orientation. As for me? I had to sacrificed three days of income to attend.

The scenario during the orientation reminds me of a slide presented by Tamara Erickson in her lecture at the Young President's Organization on thoughts of Gen Y. In her slide there was a thought bubble which says 'why are these people obsessed with face-to-face'. Indeed, as I look on how I was able to send emails, close deals, read the news, converse with people online and on my blackberry, I increasingly don't see the point why we have to sit for three straight days just to listen to a lecture which could have and maybe even more effectively (for some at least) delivered or uploaded as a video or webinar online. I sincerely appreciate the efforts conducted by our lecturers who are often paid a measly sum. The fact, however; remains that for some topics their physical presence - and OUR physical presence - is not necessary for us to learn.

Phone battery: charging. Laptop: fully charged. Other means of diversion: seriously under consideration. Tomorrow: Day 3.

*I adopted the term ticking point from Malcolm Gladwells concept of Tipping Point.

BP: Bankrupt Petroleum

2010-05-30T10:36:00.005+08:00

British Petroleum,, BP as is now popularly known, may soon become Bankrupt Petroleum.

Now that the top kill method used by BP to stem the gush of oil in the Gulf of Mexico has proven to be a failure, the Petroleum giant is running out of options and pretty soon might be running out of resources too. Already, the Obama administration has expressed support to lift the liability cap for the disaster which is currently pegged at US$75 Million. The media is also abuzz with news of Congress possibly enacting a bill which would have a retroactive effect to get BP to pick up the tab for the expenses caused by the oilspill beyond the current cap.

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has become more than an environmental disaster, it has become a political battle and an epitome of the old government-versus-private-capitalist debate. I will not dabble on the political side nor go on a rant about the environmental costs lurking behind every oil drilling - whether offshore or inland. This post has one simple purpose: to air out some questions I have in my mind and some theories in my thoughts.

I am all for holding BP liable even beyond the US$75 million cap, after all it is their fault, that is, their drilling is the proximate cause of the catastrophe we are experiencing. However, let us remember that BP is a corporation*. As such, BP - and it's stakeholders - are protected by the Corporation code, which limits their liability only up to their capitalization. Moreover, just like any other company, BP can always file for bankruptcy. My point is, no matter how high we raise the cap in terms of liability the bottom line is -- BP's liability is still limited and so is BP's insurance company. So the question is what is the recourse of the affected parties? Can it be the government? In this case, I think the government of the US can probably pick up the bill. Good for the victims, at least. Prospectively, however; how about those countries, like the Philippines for example, who do not have the resources nor the political will to muster a move that would compensate the affected parties.

One year ago, during the time the UNCLOS ratification of the Philippines was being debated, my professor in International Law mentioned that for Nuclear disasters there is the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage which would clearly - as clear as it can be perhaps - outlines civil liability for the disaster. Unfortunately, for oil spills there is no similar international agreement. Talk about the US Congress enacting a retroactive bill to make BP liable beyond US$75 million is already on talks, however; as any freshman law student would tell you ex-post facto bills are not allowed - another debate on whether or not it may be considered a punishment is of course another matter - as being in contravention of the right to due process.

So what now? I don't know. I am just hoping that if anything comes out of this disaster it is the nations coming together to enact an international agreement akin to an international insurance that would insure that the victims are compensated.

*a am just a law student whose brain is still on vacation mode, apologies for any errors.

Review: Pond's 'Apple' Commercial

2010-05-29T19:59:00.001+08:00

I am not a big fan of watching TV, in days I do watch TV I'm usually more excited with the commercials. It could be my attention deficit or instant gratification but I enjoy commercials more.

Back in college I took an advertising course and was since hooked. Of all types of commercials the most I hate are celebrity endorsements -- they often lack any creativity and just banks on the fame (or infamy eventually) of the celebrity endorser. Filipinos love celebrities, it is not surprising, therefore; that A LOT of the commercials running on our local TV stations are celebrity endorsements.

Some commercials, aside from lacking any creativity whatsoever also makes an outright insult of the consumers intelligence. Whitening product commercials are particularly guilty of this. Some endorsers of whitening products usually have foreign blood - Marian Rivera, for example, is half Spanish - hence have naturally white skin and thus have no need whatsoever for any whitening product. Sometimes the insult to our intelligence is even more apparent, case in point: Carla Abellana's Pond's Commercial. See the video here.
In this commercial, not only are we lead to believe that a mestiza actress like Carla Abellana really uses a whitening product but we are also lead on to believe that alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) can cause an apple to brown. In the commercial they treated an apple with a rival skin whitening brand which uses AHA and showed the apple browning. Seems smart and really believable.

Really believable, indeed, if only we are not taught or showed as kids that not eating your apple outright would cause it to brown. Yes, it would brown whether or not AHA was applied to it. So for those who made the commercial, please don't insult our intelligence further by making us believe that an apple's browning is due to AHA.

Sagada: Defying my Limits

2010-05-24T19:26:00.004+08:00

Nike said 'Let's do it' and Adidas said that 'Nothing is Impossible'.

I have never been, maybe never will be, athletic and sporty. I love eating healthy and has an extremely low sugar tolerance so I am not really at risk - Black Swans aside - of obesity or any health related disease. Running has been my only sport lately with my fitness regimen chronicled by nike plus. So when I got the itinerary for an action packed weekend in Sagada, I knew I would be so tired.

Indeed, I wasn't wrong, not only did I get so tired but I was also able to do things which I thought I would never be able to do.

Day 1: After 11 hours of travel by bus and van we eventually arrived in Sagada. Late lunch for me was a huge and filling plate of eggplant and basil pasta and a bowl of banana, granola, and strawberry preserves yoghurt bowl. After 30 minutes we're off to explore the Sumaguing Cave.

First stop en route to the Caves -- the hanging coffins of Sagada. This mode of burial had been a tradition among the locals of Sagada for ages. The Sumaguing cave site alone has about a hundred, the oldest one was 400 years old while the most recent was 1975.

According to our guide, Siegried, when I asked her how they are able to put the coffins so high up in the mountains they put the coffin first - the traditional ones are carved wood the later ones uses nails - early in the morning; the body (in fetal position) is later 'transported' to where the coffin is. The 'transporting' of the body is done through something like a relay, that is, all volunteers will line up and pass the body to each other. Who would volunteer, you might ask, apparently almost everyone. Why? Since the body is not embalmed prior to burial there are some liquids (oils etc.) dripping from the body, these oils are believed by the locals to bring good luck. Hence, everyone wants to get dripped and volunteer.

After the easy part of pointing and shooting at the hanging coffins, next we went to the Sumaguing caves. The caves were beautiful and magical. This is the only time that I would be able to say I have done something death defying, and that's not an exaggeration at all. Being novice cavers, Cristine (my evil twin) and I did the hardcore caving experience where one doesn't only get wet, but swim in icy cold water that goes up to your chest. There was even a part wherein one wrong move and you risk falling into a pool of water the depth of which is unknown. Unknown until perhaps they do some rescue operations there. Navigating the cave, which includes rappelling among others, is also very tricky. There are some rocks that would give one such a good grip that for a moment you'll feel like spiderman (or spiderpig) and there are some which no matter how good your shoes or sandals are, getting a grip is just impossible. Despite the encounter with Joe Black and bat shit, however; doing the hardcore Sumaguing cave experience is something I would recommend people to do. Except of course those who obviously cannot i.e. those whose vertical measurements won't let them fit into the tricky parts of the 'secret tunnel' and those who have claustrophobia.

To end day 1 and reward ourselves, we went to a reggae bar. Somehow, San Mig light tastes so good after you feel like you got a second lease on life.

Day 2: Still fresh from our caving triumphs but aching from yesterdays experience, second day was hiking day. Hiking across such unbelievably green rice fields on the way to the big falls is a very blissful experience. It was more than an hour walk across rice fields and across boulders en route to the water falls. It was not yet harvesting season when we went so the palay was just so green. According to Siegried, they had a bad season before so there was some delay in planting.

I've seen better waterfalls - the katibawasan falls in Camiguin, for example - but the falls after the tiring scenic hike is such a welcome sight that we didn't waste any minute and swam at the (again) icy water. I figure that after my bout with hypothermia yesterday, swimming in the cold waters at the big falls is nothing. Indeed, it is so refreshing!

We ended the morning of our Day 2 trip with lunch at the Municipal Hall Canteen in - guess where - Sagada's municipal hall which, when we asked her where locals usually eat, Siegried recommended.

After our hike to the big falls, afternoon is another hike at Echo Valley where there are more hanging coffins, and more going up and down big rocks and where ta-dan I had my first rock climbing. I didn't reach the top, never expected I would, but I did pretty okay and did a considerable distance. After my attempts at tracing my gorilla bloodlines I decided to quit the climbing habit and we proceeded to our hike, exiting at the Episcopalian church.

Unlike most parts of the Philippines, the primary religion in Sagada is Episcopalian - it is also a protestant religion. Not surprising since it was the Americans who have the most - compared to the Spanish - influence here.

Previously bombed in the second world war, the Episcopalian church in Sagada was rebuilt around 1940-ish. It is such a quaint church, really charming and quiet. It is a perfect place for all those wishing to have some small chapel wedding in a land far far away.

We were not lucky as the french chef in the log cabin was out of town and hence log cabin was closed. We instead had to go to yoghurt house again, and it was so full it took more than 30 minutes for our food to arrive. It was not really a particularly good night, not to mention there was a rude group of tourists who occupied one side of the veranda as smoking area when it could have fit more people who actually wanted to eat! Nonetheless, it was just too hard to loose your cool when you're in such a peaceful place so we patiently waited.

Day 3: We started really early for a sunrise hike to Kiltapan where low-lying clouds abound in the morning. The view of the sun rising over low lying clouds that seems to invite you to eat it, the cool mountain air, the Sagada rice terraces slowly revealing itself as the sun rises is just totally out of this world in its beauty.

After our sunrise hike to Kiltapan, we had breakfast at Maseraffe Cafe where they have the most yummy pancakes. I had banana pancakes and coffee. The Sagada coffee is not that strong, so the caffeine dependent me had to take 3 cups of coffee. A hike to (come to where the flavour is, come to) Marlboro Country was the last one in our itinerary for the trip. The place is of course not called Marlboro country but it only got it's name because of the wild horses. Unfortunately, we weren't able to see any wild horses. Of course, as any day in Sagada probably will, the hike was still perfect. Walking on pine needles strewn path, occasionally picking up mushrooms for food, seeing beautiful flowers, picking some wild berries here and there, singing 'the hills are alive with the sound of music' while walking, inhaling the fresh cool mountain breeze so far from Metro Malignant (Steve's words)...ahhh this is probably the closest too that I can say bliss.

The thought of leaving Sagada that afternoon sort of dampened our spirits but then bad vibes are just not welcome and is not possible in a place as perfect as this. Our last stop was the pinikpikan (killing me softly chicken) place near our hotel. We just had to try the local cuisine. It was good, maybe not worth the cruelty to the chicken

Going back was another 11+ hour ride. Going to and from Sagada is long and the stay always too short but guaranteed to always be sweet. Farewell Sagada, I had so much fun and so much memories.

Next stop to the mountain province will be Mt. Pulag and Banawe-Bontoc-Battad. Soon!

Review: Barre3 at The Spa is Barred from my List

2010-05-20T20:42:00.002+08:00

Ballet + Yoga + Pilates = the ultimate workout experience. I have such high expectations for this workout so when I had a blah experience t I was doubly disappointed.

After seeing the huge tarpaulin of the free trial on Barre3 offered by The Spa I made a mental note to try it out. When I called the number posted on their website the lady who answered the phone couldn’t really give me a responsive answer, she then told me that I should talk instead to the information desk at Barre3 studio and she gave me a number. I asked if it would be possible for her to just transfer me to the Barre3 studio but she said it’s not possible. So I had to dial again and call the number she gave. While I know it is not such a tedious task to call again another number but individuals who are in sales and/or marketing know that the key is not to let the customer wait on the phone i.e. if you can, do use a trunk line and make it possible to transfer a call within your building, surely that can’t be expensive and well worth the investment . Nevertheless, I called again and the receptionist got my name, contact number and confirmed my appointment. Before putting down the phone I asked her if I need to bring anything like yoga mat etc. she said ‘no’, however; she said they require students who will attend to use ‘sticky socks’. I was like what are sticky socks…and she can’t even give me a straight answer nor a suggestion of where I can get it. So anyway, I had to google again and use my powers of deduction to conclude that sticky socks meant those non-slip socks. Now the next task: where to find it?

So off I go to my quest for sticky socks, I had to drop by Shangrila to check out the yoga shop if they have those. Fortunately, they did. Unfortunately, it’s Php795 pesos! Okay, I didn’t buy it and at that point I was bent on not taking the free session. Thankfully I found an alternative: Darlington socks at Php189 per three pack. So now not only do I have one non-slip socks I have three!

I got to High Street at 7:05pm, I thought I was still early because I thought my session was 7:30, but it was 7:00pm. So they were already doing some dumbbell stretches when I joined in. The class was packed so I had to stay at the annex. One of the ladies outside gave me a caveat that the instructor would be a bit hard to hear from the annex, I said it’s okay and took my place at the barre. I was very disappointed when I stepped inside the studio as I looked into some of my ‘classmates’ – clad in socks which does not at all remotely resemble the sticky socks! And the lady I first spoke with on the phone was adamant that it was a requirement. Well, so far so good… Nevertheless, I still tried my damnedest not to be pissed off and do well in imitating the teacher and following her instruction.

I have previously taken yoga sessions – from power yoga to the death defying bikram – and I had always been told that posture and doing the poses in the proper way is key to getting results, not to mention key to not getting injured. All throughout the class there were some pilates workout which I feel I’m not doing correctly and which the instructor is not correcting. I feel my alignment was bad, at one point I was even facing the wrong way, but this was not corrected or even commented on by the instructor. I know it was a full class, but if it’s way beyond the capacity of the instructor they should start turning students away.

After 50 minutes barre3 ends.

After changing I approached the front desk to give my locker key. The lady on the front desk only asked me to write my name on a logbook for first timers and sign. Just that! She didn’t ask me ‘how was my workout’ nor offered for me to sign up for the regular class. When I wrote on the logbook there was already a long list of people who wrote it. Apparently, I was not the only one who joined the class as a first timer under free trial. Looking at the long list of names, I’d say probably most of those in the class were first timers i.e. nonpaying but possible customers. If the ‘sales pitch’ I got will be a gauge though, I doubt if 3 of those in the list would actually enroll.

Verdict: You’re better off going to regular yoga. You can try the classes at Pulse Yoga or if you’re more hardcore you can do Bikram.

The studio of Barre3 is probably the best one I have seen -- the mirrors, the cork floor, the temperature was just right and oh the smell of lemongrass. If only the class and their sales efforts are half as good.
Oh, and if anyone wants some sticky socks, I have two extra! 

Product Review: Human Nature Cleanser & Makeup Remover

2010-05-20T11:15:00.002+08:00

I am a self-confessed makeup junkie. It probably started when I was three years old and discovered the power of lipstick in a little pink candy called lips. Twenty one years later, I still totally love makeup albeit with more sophistication now that a 1 peso candy laced with pink food color.

Everyone who pretty much loves makeup is always in search of the Holy Grail – the ultimate makeup remover. It doesn’t matter if you’re makeup is super-expensive, super hypoallergenic or super pure, at the end of the day – this is the first commandment of makeup junkies – you still have to remove it!

The best makeup remover I have found in the market so far is Shu Uemura’s cleansing oil. It’s the perfect makeup remover it removes even the most stubborn specie of the whole MAC kingdom: the waterproof mascara. One problem though is that it is a bit too expensive. At 3500 per 450 ml I usually just use it when I had to pile on several layers – from primer, to base to finishing powder – of makeup. Sometimes, I don’t use it when all I’ve used for the day is just some loose powder and bronzer it just doesn’t seem practical. I, however; feel guilty sometimes that I might have been unable to remove all traces of color pigment. So I tried other makeup removers – but it just doesn’t seem to come close to Shu’s cleansing power. So I am back to the traditional facial foam and toner. I want to be less dramatic and not say it like this but what the hell…Until last night.

Last night, after dining at healthy kitchen we went to this Echo Store in Serendra. The store sells environmental friendly toiletries which are locally made and most importantly CHEAP! Cheap, of course, usually equate to not good but since the labels clearly indicate the ingredients I figure well it’s worth trying. Since we already have pretty much what we need – shampoo, soap, massage oils, lotion, moisturizers etc. – we just bought some stuff which may be readily used (like that same night!). So final purchase for the night: cleanser/makeup remover and a non-toxic powdered insecticide called Exterminator. Since I cannot empathize with the ants, I will only do a review of the cleanser/makeup remover.

The cleanser/makeup remover is made from honey, and at 100 pesos it couldn’t be bad. After using it, it is not so bad at all. In fact, it’s super good! I didn’t have mascara at that time but I had on some cheek tint which pretty much stuck to my skin after sweating it out at Barre3. After emulsifying the cleanser, it cleaned out all traces of makeup and foundation on. The ultimate test that I had to subject it to that night was to use it as a cold cream too i.e. whether in using it with cotton I can still get some dirt or makeup residue. I didn’t get any! The best thing too is that not only do you get a clean face, but the cleanser left my skin nicely dewy and supple – bye bye to those moisture stripping facial cleanser that leaves you feeling like you just had botox.

Verdict: it’s not a replacement for Shu but it definitely works to replace your regular facial foam and perfect for light makeup days. I love it!

Another bonus thing too is that they don't wrap your purchases in a plastic bag, rather they put it in this recycled glossy magazines that was made into 'bags'. Of course, they could have instead asked us if we want our purchase our purchases wrapped to begin with.

Echo Store is located at G/F Serendra, across Market Market

It's Time, It's Time

2010-05-18T15:19:00.003+08:00

The end of season sales, the coats now dominating the stores windows, the back to school sales, they all herald one thing: summer is (almost) over and the rainy season is about to begin.

It's time to bring those coats out from the back of the closet, dust of my plueys and start humming 'I'm singing in the rain'. Oh how I wish facing the challenge of the rainy season is that easy! Not on this side of the (third) world. Aside from the erratic weather, there is one thing that we people of the Philippines need to worry about: floods, traffic (a much worse one!), typhoons, dengue outbreak, clogged drainage, and floating trash.

A couple of minutes ago I saw this article from the internet. The headline read: Right Ecosystem Needed to Curb brain drain. This brought me back to an important point raised in the book The Lexus and the Olive Tree wherein the author points out that increasingly the intellectual and highly skilled workers prefer to live in areas which provide them intellectual stimulation. This has very interesting implications not only for employers and companies but also for governments.

In a world that is increasingly becoming borderless and hyperconnected, it is now so easy to work remote and find ways to earn a Wall Street Income without actually going to wall-street. I was thinking that as a country that is so beautiful and rich in natural resources, we should be able to attract or at least retain our knowledge workers. Ironically, the opposite is true: migration is an aspiration and labor is our number one export.

The thought of leaving the Philippines to settle in another country - could be NY, Europe, Singapore, Australia etc. - has crossed my mind, several times maybe too often that I have already lost count. It has not because I have lost my love for the Philippines, I still have though little by little I am starting to lose hope. Pollution in the Philippines is getting worse, transportation is a perennial problem, infrastructure is almost nil, and the idea of basic services is nonexistent.

This article published on Bloomberg summarizes how i feel. It is an article which discusses elections, but nonetheless relevant for the Pearl of the Orients current sorry state.

This video does not even hint how beautiful the Philippines is:

Portulano Diving Scenes June 2009 from Ferdi on Vimeo.

Cerebrating

2010-05-17T17:00:00.001+08:00

"...things like these are matters which should come naturally, and the fact that you have to think about it makes it pathetic, makes YOU pathetic."

September, 2009 at past 1:00am post bar-operations duty on the way back to Quezon City while traversing the deserted roads of Manila, a commitment phobic friend blurted this out.

Fast forward to May 2010, after much debating rationalizing and negotiating, right in the middle of the scenic beaches of Zambales the same friend is now in a relationship. Still fast forward to several hours after, facebook status updated: In a relationship.

I was the 11th person to comment, FINALLY!

When a cerebral commitment friend finally commits - in his own definition of commit at least - it is a moment worth cerebrating!

A (little) Tougher Than It Is

2010-05-15T10:59:00.000+08:00

It's May and summer is almost over, with it goes out of town trips, beach, and other laziness inspired endeavors. Here comes June, and with it the start of my last - crossfingers, cross toes, and everything that can be crossed - year in law school.

One. Last. Year.

So before exhaustion, and foreseeable rantings ensue I'm posting this song to remind myself 'Why?'

RH, DH and the PH

2010-05-15T10:36:00.002+08:00

The changes brought about by the automated election was just astounding that even the most cynical of critics admit it is a resounding success. Now, that the counting of votes is almost finished, and the winners - except for the VP race which is still a tight one as of this posting - can already be fairly ascertained one question comes to mind: What now of the RH Bill?

Noynoy Aquino, the Philippines next president, has previously announced his support for the RH Bill. However, as the Presidential race got more heated and the battle for endorsement from religious leaders became more intense and crucial, he changed his position. As more and more election results were transmitted has also become obvious that the pro-RH senatoriables - Lisa Masa, Risa Hontiveros, and Satur Ocampo - wouldn't get a seat in the senate. So what now of the RH Bill?

Before the election fever even caught on I remember seeing this tarpaulin at green meadows saying:

Yes to Life, No to RH bill.

Yes to life! Indeed, yes to life...but what is life?

The answer escapes me. Hence, i want to ask this questions to the church:

For a child

1) Does life mean going out on the streets begging for money because your parents cannot afford another child but still had one anyway?

2) Does life mean fending for your younger brother and foregoing school, play and your childhood because your parents have to work and they can't afford a nanny.

3) Does life mean having to stay home instead of going to school because although gradeschool and highschool is free, your parents cannot afford the jeepney fare for you to go to school.

4) Does life mean you have to wake up at 4am to get to the morning shift of your class because your family can only afford public school and the government cannot additional classrooms and hence have to have a morning and afternoon shift.

5) Does life mean not getting even the barest necessities: clean water, meal thrice a day, security...?

6) Does life mean growing up without a father or mother because they need to work abroad to feed your family. And even then, your peers would still consider you lucky...

Should it not?

For a mother:

1) Does life mean having to bear another child again, despite the fact that you might actually die from it?

2) Does life mean having to see another child of your go to the streets, beg for money, and run the risk of being run over by a speeding car?

3) Does life mean having no choice in the matter of whether or not you want another child?

4) Does life have to mean that the only way to live is to rely on dole-outs, of waiting in a politicians house because s/he is giving relief goods, of forever living in debt because your income is not even enough for hand-to-mouth?

5) Does life have to mean going overseas to be a domestic helper (DH) and taking care of someone else' child because you know that love and caring for your child alone won't let you both survive. That is, of course, if you were able to get a job abroad and will not be victimized by unscrupulous recruiters.

For a man:

(and here sorry it's hard for me to emphatise)

1) Does life have to mean living in debt because your wife has to give birth again?

2) Does life have to mean bearing the risk of being told someday by your child: 'why you even brought them in this world anyway?'

Does it?

If it is...shouldn't we have a choice to choose life then?

If it is...i'd rather wish not to have lived at all.

A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes

2010-05-14T12:49:00.000+08:00

A dream is a wish your heart makes, this is according to a popular song sung by Cinderella. Obviously, I am no Cinderella and my dreams are not what my heart makes; it is simply a product of random firing of my synapses which, in the end, makes for a rather entertaining and unbelievable plot.

I have been told by a few people that my dreams are often so detailed and elaborate it can make be made into one - sloppy, disorganized and at the very best a B - movie.

Insomnia hit again last night, and I ended up sleeping late and waking up too close to REM, hence remembering my dream in vivid detail.

In my dream I was in some University which looks like UP but doesn't seem exactly so and I was with a friend I haven't seen nor talked to in ages. In my dream, we went out for coffee and while talking about his leather jacket, he suddenly remembered he had a concert that he had to go to -- it was NSYNC's reunion concert. He asked me if I wanted to go and said we can still get tickets. A ticket for upper box A cost a whoppingly cheap 2500 pesos! So it is exceedingly cheap and of course I giddily wanted to watch. So, off we went to the ticket counter. When I was about to pay, I filched two 500 peso bill, 1 200 peso bill and a bunch of EUROS...WTF?! The comedy doesn't end there, not only do I not have enough pesos in my wallet but has enough Euros but my friend, volunteering to help me, said: 'Do you accept bank notes instead?' Okay, so maybe I had too much residual knowledge from my Negotiable Instruments class but seriously I think they stopped accepting bank notes ever since Central Banking has evolved. Unfazed by our lack of pesos, a friend said wait he has some friends coming who will be watching the concert too and for us to wait for them. So we waited, after an hour or so they arrived: A bunch of early 40s Indians straight from the airport still carrying their luggage. So okay, third option of paying FAIL.

And I woke up.

So I didn't see Justin Timberlake do his 'Bye, Bye, Bye' dance (which we danced in High School!haha). But thankfully, I woke up never to be haunted again by Bank notes.

Good Morning Sunshine and Bye bye bye. Mind you, I think this will be in my running playlist tonight...I just hope I don't end up dancing instead of running.

Enjoy watching. :)

Facebook and Heartbook

2010-05-13T16:45:00.000+08:00

FB relationship status is a Milestone! It's one of the things - in a checklist of all other things - that makes one say 'hey, we're a couple'.

I tried to change my relationship status to "In a Relationship with (ME)" and facebook allowed it and a relationship request was sent to whoelse but ME! I approved it twice, waiting for my profile page to change to In a Relationship with Est Vanguardia, but alas nothing changed I was only listed as in a relationship and the relationship request kept on popping and remained pending...It may be just some quirk in the facebook codes that allow you in the first place to add yourself to 'in a relationship to yourself' or maybe facebook just didn't realize someone would actually send a request to his/herself. Nonetheless, I did but alas I COULDN'T.

After the third attempt, I still couldn't...to vent out the frustration I have somehow to pretend like some introvert waxing poetic about something as mundane as this.

Hence, realization number 1: You can't be in a relationship with yourself. Straightforward eh?! Unfortunately, not beyond the virtual life. Everyone, even the most introvert one, is a social being...As a social being, we crave intimacy - in all its most tender and passionate manifestations - and even with vibrators and other sex toys the realization is one can't be intimate with oneself.

Realization number 2: Loving Yourself is the Greatest Love of All. This is true, but no matter how you love yourself, if you cannot channel this and give back to others, there may come a point when you'll start thinking you can't love yourself more. Indeed, you can max out your card, shop till you drop, be present in every sample sale but really material things will just pile up and in the end - as opponent process theory predicts - you'll just start wanting more and repeating the cycle over and over again.

Realization number 3: It's just facebook. Don't let it get to you... :)

Here's a video of a couple updating their facebook status during their wedding. I wonder if with foursquare, the instance of the groom/bride finding out if he will be jilted in the altar will be substantially lessened.

The Longest (or Shortest) 5 Minutes

2010-05-13T11:55:00.000+08:00

They say when you die - or have a near death experience - your life flashes in front of you. If my life flashes in front of me the subtitles (yes i want subtitles!) would probably be in this format:

- Whether or not I should have said no/yes...
- Whether or not I should have done more/less...
- Whether or not I should have turned back/move forward...

Whether or not...Two choices. One abbreviation. Just like I always write it. I'd like it to end with one word and one accronym: WON. Whether or Not.

So what got me to write this, this Video.

Majority Should not Always Rule

2010-05-12T16:37:00.000+08:00

'It is because we have a majority that we don't need to (really) hear the minority, but it is also precisely because we have a majority that we should be respectful of the minority'

I always tell myself this every time I find myself reasoning on the basis of majority. It is funny that the very people who espouses democracy are the very people who are so intolerant of dissent. As Alanis Morisette said: Isn't it ironic, don't you think?'

Arroyo Appoints new SC Justice

2010-05-12T10:37:00.000+08:00

I don't have the words. I can't think of any clear consequence. GMA appointing the next Chief Justice is a most unbelievable and despicable act that GMA has done. It is not enough that she deemed herself entitled to dominate congress, that she deemed it proper to appropriate public funds for her own personal benefit, that she deemed it OK to dine in Le Cirque while millions of Filipinos starve, it is not enough that she sees positions in GOCCs as some raffle prize to be given to those who serve her (and her purpose). It is not enough...she sees it proper as well to push our constitution and our institution to it's lowest limit.

To Justice Corona, I hope you serve well and will not be indebted to GMA. To Noynoy, i wouldn't know what to do as well if i were you...

To date, GMA is the only President who not only appointed all 15 of the sitting Supreme Court Justices but was also the only President who has appointed a Chief Justice beyond the 60 day prohibition through the the courts decision in De Castro v. JBC.

Automation, Exit Polls and That Ubiquitous Dirty Finger

2010-05-11T14:08:00.000+08:00

In Freakonomics it was said that voting is inefficient i.e. the amount of time, money, and effort you put in voting is not commensurate to the actual effect your voting will have as to the result of the election. Voting,therefore; is an inefficient exercise. Be that as it may, I still braved the NLEX traffic and traveled 4 hours of traffic to go home - via the SCTEX no less - to my hometown Alaminos, Pangasinan.

Alarm clock rang at 6:30am...way too early to wake up on a holiday. Of course it's not just any holiday but election day - the day I am finally going to meet the talk of the town Mr. PCOS machine. At 8am we were already at the polling place, techno-savvy that I am I already wrote the precinct number which I got on comelec.gov's website Precinct 0022A. Armed with my written list of names of candidates I am going to vote for and our precinct number committed to memory my mom and I looked for precinct 22A. After one round of searching for precinct 22A we still couldn't find it -- only precincts 1-9 exists. I know I am bad at math, hence I went to law, but 22 and 9 is way too far even if there's some mysterious odd, even, prime numbers only scheme going on! So, we swallowed our pride, and approached those PPCRV volunteers. We gave our precinct number 0022A and voila we got the answer - no algorithms required - apparently the one posted online is our OLD precinct number before the clustering happened, and we are now on precinct/cluster no. 6! Wow, thank you Comelec for wasting our time and for getting us to sweat a tub of water! So precinct found, next goal -- find your number. Okay, thank you so much for another goal to hurdle. So going back again to the PPCRV people, who searched in the excel sheet our number 123, and 124. So all set...

Five minutes after we found our precinct, the next step getting a number to vote and queuing for what seemed like an audition lane to wowowee! My mom, though a senior citizen in denial, opted to take advantage of the senior citizen lane so okay, i just had to pep talk myself and sing Britney Spears 'Stronger' while waiting. After like an hour of waiting I finally was able to vote. Finally!

Secretly, i was humming 'may bilog, may bilog na hugis itlog...' lest I over or undershade. So after being handed down what looks like a 3 feet of paper (yes, we have that many candidates!) and handed the smartmatic marker I took one of the seat. Since we were voting in an elementary school, the seats were of course for the size of elementary students. So hurdle number five: how to fit a 3 feet paper, cover it with a 12 inch folder while all the time trying hard to fit yourself on a desk that was a nice fit when you were 1 foot shorter and 30 lbs lighter. I somehow managed to do this, however; so on to hurdle number 6: making sure not to over or undershade.

Shading is difficult, hands-down. Maybe I am just obsessive-compulsive but trying to be within the oval - the bilog na hugis itlog - is one hard feat! Since I voted early, the marker was still full and some of my shadings went through at the back of the paper. I was for a while, nervous that the PCOS machine would not accept it. Fortunately it did! What I thought would be the clincher round - getting the machine to accept it - proved to be a breeze. One go and the machine said: Congratulations Your Vote has now been registered.

Now, on to putting your thumbmark and getting the dirty finger i.e. the indelible ink. So voting finally done, time for some Halo-Halo! So while my mom and I were having snacks in the canteen near the school, I saw this two ladies wearing SWS exit poll IDs. I immediately called them for me to be surveyed. They only asked for who we voted for from President to Senatorial race, no question was asked on party lists which is OK.

I finally proved that this exit polls exists. Now on to the questions. After being asked who we voted for - I voted for Gordon while my mom voted for Gibo - some follow up questions we're asked. Some of the questions asked were:
1) Your choice for president is based on:
- platform (plataporma)
- pagkatao (personality?)

I answered, plataporma. When it was my mom's turn she asked, can i answer both? The interviewer said that she can only choose one, so she chose pagkatao. Now looking back, in choosing a president it's difficult to say you're just basing your decision on his/her platform after all you also look at that presidentiables personality, that is, his capacity to actually implement his platform. Thus, it's not clearcut and to box a respondent's answer in an either or choice would not be reflective of his/her motivation for choosing such candidate.

2) What do you think will be the future of the Philippine Economy (not so sure if it was worded as such)?
- bubuti (better)
- pareho pa din (same)
- sasama (will worsen).

This is very vague and ambiguous, so I had to clarify if my answer will be based on my perception what the economy will be on the basis of who I think will win or on the basis of who I voted for, or on the basis simply of ALL market factors. The interviewer said its the former -- based on who I think will win. I said, it will worsen*.

One day post election, and the clear winner is emerging...i stick with my answer. June 30, we're on to the final and longest round.

*this is my perception, and I don't wish to explain it. I call it positive pessimism - you don't frustrate yourself when you didn't expect much to begin with.

According to this article SWS won't accept voters who volunteered to be interviewed...Oooopppsss. :)

Do We Filipinos Really love Our freedom So Much?

2010-05-11T11:53:00.000+08:00

"Some ppl saying life ws better during the Marcos dictatorship. Sige, lumipat kayo sa North Korea*. Dont like freedom? Get the f*** out of RP". This was a tweet from Pepe Diokno this morning. He is the grandson of the nationalist senator and lawyer Jose W. Diokno.

I responded on his tweeter but I feel that the 180 characters, or even the 360 supposed limit on this blog, is not enough to communicate how I feel and what I want to say. Hence, i wrote this blog entry.

I was born post-martial law hence I wasn't able to experience first hand how it was like during the hey days of the Marcos dictatorship. I was also too young, fortunately or unfortunately, to experience the 1986 People Power.

I was indeed to young to experience the yellow fever. I am, however, old enough to appreciate what it was like to traverse NLEX without paying such a high toll fee. I was also old enough to still see the Marcos bust in the Marcos highway, one which Marcos built when Kennon road was becoming unreliable. I was also old enough (at preschool) to see unbranded condoms being distributed to families in accordance with Marcos' population control program. I was also old enough to remember that as a kid I use to throw tantrums almost everyday because I can't watch TV and it's soo hot because yet again we have a 9-5 power outage. I was also old enough to remember the dashing Gringo Honasan attempting several coups. I was old enough...maybe a little too old.

The comment of Pepe Diokno that those who lament that life was better during the Marcos dictatorship better move to North Korea is uncalled for and without any basis whatsoever. What is wrong with wanting a better life? Should being free be equated to being poor? The sad state of people power, and the fact that we have to clarify which people power sequel it is, shows that as freedom fighters we haven't really changed nor achieved much.

We say, we as the Filipino people would rather be poor rather than live under a dictatorship. Do we really? Isn't it already telling that the sheer number of people who migrate, work, and aspire to work in middle east - with Saudi Arabia still being the top destination - countries and destinations who are as restrictive as Singapore already answers that question. It is no longer theoretical, Filipinos would rather give up a little (if not a lot!) of their freedom in order to have a better life. We hail them as the new breed of heroes, but has it not occurred to us that in the process of buoying up the economy with their remittances they too have sacrificed their freedom!

My professor in Private International Law Dean Merlin Magallona, former Dean of the UP College of Law and USec.of the DFA, once said to us in class, we say we don't want to give up our freedom but we only have to look at the number of our OFWs to say that we already have.

Close to a hundred thousand people marched to the streets during Edsa 1 whereas in 2008 1.2 million Filipinos, based on POEA statistics, left the country. Yes, we already have and we even sought - aspire to, hope, dream - of giving it up...over and over again.

*Go on and move to South Korea.

The Curious Case of Erap Para sa Mahirap

2010-05-08T22:19:00.000+08:00

I have always been curious about who taxi drivers will be voting for, and being the curious former statistics obsessed student that I was I always make it a point to ask drivers who they will vote for. In about two months that I have done this, the clear answer is Joseph Estrada a.k.a ERAP.

It has always been common talk with some of my friends that to reelect Erap would just prove to the International Community that we never learn from our mistakes. To pardon a 73 year old convicted plunderer was probably compassionate or humanitarian, to let him run again for the same position we rid him off would probably count as fair, after all he does not possess any of the disqualifications for running, by Comelec Division 2 standards at least, but to re-elect him AGAIN for the same position is unacceptable, it is LUNACY to the most exponential level!
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As a disgruntled voter who is rooting and voting for an unpopular but very capable Presidentiable, I have reached a point where I believe wholeheartedly and without a single ounce of skepticism that we are, or maybe have become, a country of stupid voters. An hour ago, I was thinking that IF ONLY ours is a population of thinking voters then there is probably still hope. Still hope that the poor will not always be poor, the oligarchs won't always control the government, and we the hopeful generation would one day not contemplate - hope, wish, pray, or die for - a chance to go and work abroad and leave the country for good. It seems though that I am living in a different dreamland with the white rabbit never appearing to say 'it's time, it's time!'.

If only ours is indeed a population of thinking voters. Wishful thinking, indeed. The educated, the elitist, the thinkers always blame the masses for electing incompetents like movie stars, singers, etc. and I am one of them. I admit to being snobbish and downright dismissive of candidates who lure and wow the masses with all the posters, promises, entertainment, and all that she-bang without offering a concrete platform. The strategist in me, however; admit that the only way to win an election is to sway the vote of the masses. After all, we are the only country in Southeast Asia where the absolute number of poor people has increased since 1990. This is according to an ADB report.

Resentful as I was for the irrational choices that the masses have for electing a President, I would have to admit that probably in their perspective too they were making the right choice. To better understand their perspective, and the masses seemingly fanatic and unconditional support for Erap I had one pro-Erap taxi driver convince me to vote for Erap. His reasoning was very simple, he didn't have all the statistical reports etc, and he never denied that Erap didn't steal his only argument is that Erap has genuine concern for the poor. Never mind that that concern didn't seem to be manifest in a concrete platform to actually alleviate poverty. Never mind that Erap's pro-poor program seemed to be concerned only with giving them 'food for the day etc.' he is as adamant as any hardcore supporter that Erap is pro-poor. If you think about it, what difference is an Erap supporter to a Noynoy one -- the other one promises that hindi ako magnanakaw (i will not steal) while the other promises (not directly of course!haha) that he will only steal jueteng money.

Rational is in the perception of the voter. The manong was unsuccessful in convincing me to vote for Erap, but one thing is for sure, i'd rather have an irrational - in my perspective- popular mandate for Erap than another 'people power' elected candidate.

Note: i am going beyond 360 today, because this is just too complicated to be contained in 360 characters.

Facebook Space is Personal Space

2010-05-08T08:40:00.001+08:00

The concept of space has now fully extended into the cyber world. Not only do you hear people complain about their personal i.e. physical spaces violated but their facebook space violated. Facebook has become so much of an extension of ourselves that one posting an unwanted ad, candidate, or link violates our facebook space as much as our personal space.

Failure (of Elections) is NOT an Option.

2010-05-07T22:31:00.000+08:00

Applauds the teachers serving as Board of Election Inspectors, not only are they taking on the very difficult of implementing the very first automated election but most notably that they appear to be genuinely concerned that there will be a failure of election. Failure of election equals GMA’s extension, thus UNACCEPTABLE.

The Problem with Intellectual Endorsers

2010-05-06T14:17:00.001+08:00

Just saw the all star Villar ad with Dolphy, Willie, and Manny. I have to applaud Villar for his use of non ‘intellectual celebrities’, after all the thinking ones don’t really pull the vote. Intellectuals influence only other intellectuals who argue, comment, dissent etc. That’s why Gibo and Gordon will never win – they have intellectuals as endorsers.