this summer's slow

I don't know what's up with summer this year but it's really really slow. Last year's summer, and those that came before it, have been busy busy busy! I'm thinking "oh well maybe it's the recession that all around the world, things are really slow" but hey, I've got a summer to spend and I can't just sit around this season which happens to be MY season!

Apart from the recent HK trip with Eula, I haven't come near a vacation yet. Things haven't really unfolded for me. But I know anytime soon, it will. And as usual, things will be a blast. So for now, I gotta wait patiently and just see what's gonna happen next!

Graceland Resort - Tayabas, Quezon (pt 2)

(continuation)

Horse back riding is one activity I surely enjoy. When the gallops woke me from my deep slumber, I immediately approached a staff and asked him where can I get my own horse. And he pointed me to a hill. Yep, you fetch your own ride. And I obliged. For almost three hours straight, I circled the entirety of the Graceland property. I'm not sure how many acres it is but I'm sure it's huge. I came across the swimming pools, the vegetable plantation and the biking area. And I couldn't wait to hop off my horse and just jump onto the pool.

The next day was also jam packed. I bet Nathan in a swimming match. Played a little badminton and volleyball. Lazily floated atop a boat in the lagoon. Before we hit home, we ate at the restaurant which had a buffet. And boy, am I hungry! After several meals cooked on the bonfire, I sure looked forward to usual plated meals. And I had my fill, just enough to hush me to sleep on our way back to Manila.

The trip to Graceland was excellent. It sure had everything I wanted and more. This summer, I'm just waiting for the invite and I'll be more than glad to go back.
:p

Graceland Resort - Tayabas Quezon (pt 1)

The area of Tayabas in Quezon Province is a quaint town which most tourists just pass by on their way to the more popular Lucban. Of course, the Pahiyas Festival (which I will write about in the coming days) in Lucban is one of the main reasons why tourists flock Quezon. But last year, we went to Graceland Resort in Tayabas. And that trip convinced me that in the neat future, Tayabas will be a tourism hub because of the resort.

I was able to go to Graceland through Nathan, whose father is a member of the exclusive club that runs the resort. I've been there thrice and I know I'll be back again.

As you drive into the parking area, gigantic vegetable replicas welcome you. Immediately, you will see a "bahay kubo" that serves as a waiting area for guests who do not have private transportation and wait for the resort shuttle. I saw two quaint hotels and thought its where we will stay just like ordinary out of town trips that last for 3 days or more. But I was surprised when Nathan's dad drove farther, only to find out that we are staying in the campsite area. Great. Outdoor fun! But I suddenly worried when I remember we didn't bring provisions for the night. Geez, where will I sleep? All of a sudden, a staff approached us with a handful of tents, linens, blankets and pillows. In due time, we were inside comfy tents complete with 6 - inch matresses and crisp smelling linen. It was 8 in the evening and so we decided to cap the day off and sleep with the sound of whistling grass and splashing brook. The chilly wind coming from the overlooking Sierra Madre mountains lulled us to sleep.

As dawn breaks the next day, I felt revived and enthusiastic. I slept the night under wood canopies, inside my quaint tent. The shower area surprised me as it has a modern water - heating system. Something I least expect in a campsite. The coming days' activities were already planned. The big Graceland resort catered to my every whim. Adjacent to the campsite is the mini - putting area for golf enthusiasts. We went straight ahead to the nearby basketball court for early morning hoops. Nathan's kiddie cousins were thrilled with the playground big enough for all of them. Nathan's dad challenged us to catch our own meal in the lagoon. I caught a decent sized tilapia and ate it in the gazebo, right at that very lagoon. Afternoon siesta came and I dozed off under an acacia tree when I heard gallops. There are horses around? (to be continued...)

(image c/o http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/158418322_a50504366d.jpg?v=0)

Rockstar - Nickelback

For the past 23 years of my life, I've aspired for a lot of things. Material and non alike. And so, when asked what is the one thing that I wanna fulfill, I went into deep thinking. Then this song played on the radio - Rockstar by Nickelback. That's it! The song wraps up all the things I want. Here it goes...

Title: Rockstar
Album: All The Right Reasons
Artist: Nickelback

I'm through with standing in line
To clubs we'll never get in
It's like the bottom of the ninth
And I'm never gonna win
This life hasn't turned out
Quite the way I want it to be(Tell me what you want)

I want a brand new house
On an episode of Cribs
And a bathroom I can play baseball in
And a king size tub big enough
For ten plus me(So what you need?)

I'll need a credit card that's got no limit
And a big black jet with a bedroom in it
Gonna join the mile high club
At thirty-seven thousand feet(Been there, done that)

I want a new tour bus full of old guitars
My own star on Hollywood Boulevard
Somewhere between Cher andJames Dean is fine for me(So how you gonna do it?)

I'm gonna trade this life for fortune and fame
I'd even cut my hair and change my name

[Chorus:]'Cause we all just wanna be big rockstars
And live in hilltop houses driving fifteen cars
The girls come easy and the drugs come cheap
We'll all stay skinny 'cause we just won't eat
And we'll hang out in the coolest bars
In the VIP with the movie stars
Every good gold digger'sGonna wind up there
Every Playboy bunnyWith her bleach blond hair
Hey hey I wanna be a rockstar
Hey hey I wanna be a rockstar

I wanna be great like Elvis without the tassels
Hire eight body guards that love to beat up assholes
Sign a couple autographs
So I can eat my meals for free(I'll have the quesadilla, uh huh)

I think I'm gonna dress my assWith the latest fashion
Get a front door key to the Playboy mansion
Gonna date a centerfold that loves toBlow my money for me(So how you gonna do it?)

I'm gonna trade this life for fortune and fame
I'd even cut my hair and change my name

[Chorus]And we'll hide out in the private rooms
With the latest dictionary and today's who's who
They'll get you anything with that evil smile
Everybody's got a drug dealer on speed dial
Hey hey I wanna be a rockstar
Hey hey I wanna be a rockstar

I'm gonna sing those songs
That offend the censors
Gonna pop my pills from a pez dispenser
I'll get washed-up singers writing all my songs
Lip sync em every night so I don't get 'em wrong

[Chorus]And we'll hide out in the private rooms
With the latest dictionary and today's who's who
They'll get you anything with that evil smile
Everybody's got a drug dealer on speed dial
Hey hey I wanna be a rockstar
Hey hey I wanna be a rockstar



.... there! We are all entitled to our dreams no matter how big or small they are. What matters is that we move forward to achieve them. Otherwise, the dream is just going to be an illusion forever. And so, I would like to say, let's all be rockstars and rock the world over!

;p

(lyrics from http://songs-lyrics.blogspot.com/2006/09/rockstar-nickelback.html)

pre hong kong '09

i'll be off to hong kong on monday, march 23 '09 to accompany my best friend Eula. since i'm pretty familiar with the area, plus i can speak teensy mandarin chinese, she opted to count me in. and as if she has a choice, Eula decided that she'll pay for the trip's expenses. hurrah for kawaiiboi!

problem though. since i just got re hired by my office, i don't have leave credits yet. and as if i can just leave my work hanging, i find it very very difficult specially under the circumstances im into right now. oh well, might as well get stressed before i relax!

Gerry's Grill Trinoma

Lee has always been a food lover. And so for her birthday, she wanted to try something new. She treated me and some officemates in Gerry's Grill Trinoma. I thought it was just a "drink beer - eat nuts - smoke lights" place based on the Grill part in its name but it's actually a seafood resto which boasts of a unique menu. From the appetizers to the main course, the dishes are given twists by the experienced stay - in cook.

We had baked mussels as appetizers and I'm telling you, it's superb! The crustacean's oozing with garlic cheese and savoured in flavorful manner. We had the house favorite sisig, kare kare and liempo as the main course. And oh, the staple rice completed the full meal. Mind you, it wasn't just plain rice. We devoured their very own Bagoong Rice. Yum yum! Despite the sumptuos meal we had, I still have my comments.

1. Gerry's Trinoma should convert into a wifi zone. The adjacent restos and bar (and pretty much the entirety of Trinoma) have wireless internet connections that makes dining better for food and net junkies like us.

2. They should come up with their own line of desserts for our sweet tooth. The powerful flavor of the dishes must be washed down with sweets! I know the sous chef can do it!

Over all, Gerry's is good. We'll surely add it in our list.

(image c/o http://ph.88dbmedia1.jobsdb.com/)

SSG

When the nearby Rempson's grocery closed out last 2004, I felt sad because I've been used to roam it's spacious aisles and shop around for stuff that I need. Oh well, move on. I gotta bemuse myself in going to the father GL grocery and finish up things there.

But Lo and Behold!

I just found out that in a month's time, a new grocery will be put up where the old Rempson's left off. As per first hand info, the grocer's name is SSG. Hmmm..??? I wish it'll have the same ol' charm Rempson's had.

As usual, I'll write a review once things get up and running!

hail summer, hail mt sea

As summer opens up this year, I thought of the places I've been to where I think I'm heading back. One place popped above the rest, which happens to be Mt Sea Grand Resort in Tanza, Cavite. The resort is a good 1 - 1.5 hours drive south of Metro Manila. Bearing in mind that Cavite is a typical sea-lined province, I didn't expect anything special. Besides, I've been to the place years before it was renovated. But lo and behold! Surprise of all surprises, my mouth gaped open as I stepped down the pebbled walkway towards the grand lobby. The entire resort was vamped up and how.

The hotel used to look like a dusty motel, lined with the usual floral linen. But now, though I am not that architecturally savvy, it seems Balinese with low lamps and a faint yellow lighting, complete with the cozying effects of Buddha statues. The restaurant which used to look like a typical eatery also had it's facelift. It has turned into an al fresco dining, complete with entrees that are noteworthy. And the swimming pools you ask? Wow. The lazy, olympic - sized pool with slides was turned into a jungle - inspired oasis. Complete with bridgeways, treehouses, and apes, the pool area was turned into a marvellous watering hole. The empty spaces of the resort have been lined with interesting pieces like trampollines, slides, alligators (stones ones silly!) and the like. The dingy beach front is now heavy with cabanas, perfect for that afternoon siesta or just hanging out.

Surely, with a place as near as Cavite, I'm sure to hit the resort back. For more detailed information, log on to http://www.mountseagrandresort.com.ph/ or check out some of my our pics at http://kawaiiboi.multiply.com/photos/album/27/Hail_Summer. Summer is indeed the "funnest" time to just relax, enjoy and be silly. And should you decide to do so, Mt Sea is the perfect place to be.

fuzzin' over Frosty (by Wendy's)

When a friend of mine, who happens to be a manager at a local Wendy's branch, taught me how to eat Frosty properly, I was dazed. By eating properly, I meant putting creamer atop the chocolatey creamy treat and savour each scoop one by one. Yum!

For a regular sized Frosty, it is reasonably priced at 32 php. And the creamer? Just charm the ol' lady behind the counter and she'll hand it out for free.

I dunno if this is really allowed by management, but if it isn't, well they should! The taste and texture of the smooth soft ice cream can rival that of the more popularly known brands easily available in the market. Especially now that summer's coming up, Wendy's should focus in marketing this wonderfully delicious treat.

At this point, I'm really fuzzin' over Frostys. I'm elated that we have a Wendy's stall in the pantry which equates to easy access to my current fave.
;p

of faint dreams and hopes (from my multiply site: kawaiiboi.multiply.com)

i gambled when i went to China. quit my job. left my friends. my family. him. my entire life.
i didn't know what's in store for me, though i hoped it's gonna be the same old - same old peaches and creams story. but it wasn't. i thought i was prepared, bagging as much ammo's as i could've carried. i was mistaken.

i'm a bum here more than ever. notwithstanding the dreams and hopes people bore on my shoulders. in my head, a bellowing voice keeps rustling "I'm a Loser. I'm a Failure" .. i know i am. not that i wanted to be, but circumstances ... they made me one.

now, everything seems like a hazy hazy blur. frustrations run deep as i thought i was giving things my best shot. i am at a loss. i am confused. to say the least, ashamed that i must have to be interrogated as to why i didn't make it when all the best plans seemed to have been laid out for me.

you ask me what am i doing next? i don't know.
and in truth, i don't care.

what matters now is that i TRY to remain sane despite the hard blows. i guess that's the only thing i have left. a faint light in my grasp that assures me soon enough, hopefully, things will be better. cause if they don't, nothing will...

*****

Reviewing this blog entry made me realize that I'm losing my path again. I've enjoyed my stay here in my home country after missing it so much that again, I'm at a loss. I'm thankful to blogs... they put me back on track.

;p

Food Trip - the UBelt Way

After claiming Lee's free Adidas merchandise at the Podium yesterday, we decided to have a feast. Nope, we didn't splurge on the restos along the Ortigas strip. Instead, we found ourselves inside a Quiapo bound FX, trying to get to Recto as fast as we can.

Passing by the hawkers at the back of St. Francis Square, Lee and myself got enamored with the mixture of sweet, salty, spicy smell of the Hong Kong noodles being peddled. But because there was nowhere to sit and enjoy the dish we're about to devour, we decided to hit home. Upon reaching Pureza in Sta. Mesa, I told Lee I can't get the frustration out of my head. And so, we alighted in Recto and found ourselves trekking the dim streets, looking for things that'll satiate our senses.

And again, U - belt didn't fail us. We feasted on fried calamares, kikiam, fish balls, sliced hotdogs, bbq and everything else dipped in vinegar. If not for our bursting seams, we might've continued feasting. Unfortunately, we won't be able to hold it longer had we continued. We decided to wash up the indigestion with a bottle of Sparkle. And what made it one of the best feasts ever? The total amount of the feast is a little less than 200 php! Ain't that sweet?

It's always fun to treat ourselves with a little something every now and then. Especially if that something means satisfying our mainly earthly desires.
;p

Roland's Dilemma

My boss Roland's church will celebrate their anniversary tomorrow. In line with that, most of his family members must be in attendance to the preparations. From his in-laws to his wife, they have to extend a hand to make the event a rousing success. Aside from the usual lunch out, the talented members of their church will hold a fund - raising concert. Roland will be one of the performers.

But his dilemma is not over food or on rehearsals, instead, it's about his kids. No one will look after them while everyone's busy as a bee.

Oh well, I suggested for them to be brought here in the office today. Me and my big mouth. And Roland's dilemma became mine. Why? I was tasked to look after the kids.

Tee hee. Funny.
;p

Dream Puffs Cream Puffs (by Monde)

Cream puffs. Yum!

I first had a taste of these heavenly pastries when Carl's Jr. still offered them. Whenever I crave, I'd sweet talk my mom into buying a box for me. Unfortunately, the product didn't last in the market. After a few short months of enjoying the sumptuous, crusty, cream - filled treat, it all just ended. Carl's stopped selling them. Oh well, move on. I found myself going all the way to Dapitan in Sampaloc because an officemate once brought a boxful of cream puffs from the local Tinapayan sa Dapitan near UST. Yum yum! But because of the lazy bone in me, plus the heavy traffic that drains all my energy and enthusiasm, I decided to let go of puff heaven.

Up until I bumped into a box of Monde Cream Puffs in 7'11. Boy, I was in for a surprise!

The box, which contains mini cream puffs, is surprisingly priced at 12 php each. Though it lacks the caramel glaze that drips like lava in the Carl's and Tinapayan puffs, it still has the distinct taste which makes it quite a giveaway. The puffs are so "conveniently" small that you can just pop them in your mouth whenever and wherever you want 'em.

Indeed, I'm glad the puffs are back, dreamy as ever.

;P

finding Eden

Famous for being the setting of the Genesis story, Eden has always been a perfect garden for me. Sprawling with acres of greenery, the garden in my mind is busy with life. Adam and Eve found their solace in this mysterious and unravelled place. And so, I made a childish vow that if and when I have the time, I'll search for Eden.

Having been busy with the corporate life I'm in, I forgot about Eden. I have lived a routinely life for the past years - wake up in the morning, grab my usual cup of coffee, work 9 hours in the office, go home, sleep. I didn't have much time to dream, to imagine, to play up until I bumped into a nice lady in the office. Do you believe in love at first sight? Like you've laid your eyes on the person for the first time yet it felt like you've known her all your life? That's exactly what happened when I met her. And her name is, well, Eden.

I guess I didn't have to travel far and wide to look for Eden. I found her in the busiest days of my life. Indeed, Eden is a solace. My solace. When times are draining and I need a good laugh, I know I can count on her to brighten up my day. I didn't need a garden teeming with Flora and Fauna because my Eden is enough. Enough to keep me sane and grounded.

I'm glad I found Eden. More than that, I'm glad I found a friend in her.

yes. no. wait.

I just want to share a simple philosophy here.

Often, we stress out over life's nuisances. We aspire for things but don't get them. We pray but we're unanswered. We toil, work, move yet we remain where we are. It hurts. It's stabbing. More so, we want to give up. Actually, there were lots of times that we did give up. But sometimes, its pretty tiring giving up. What do we do? We give up giving up.

A friend said that whenever we ask something, we get a response in 3 ways: yes, no, wait. Yes if its the right thing for us. No of course if it isn't. And wait, which is the hardest to accept, is when it isn't the perfect timing YET. I know it may sound cliche but we often preempt things. We feel we are deprived but in truth, we're just being impatient. As they say, patience is a virtue. Really, it is. A virtue that most of us lack.

I would be a hypocrite if I'd say I've mastered this philosophy. I haven't. It'll take me a long while to do so. But along the road, through the roughness and weariness of the times, I tell myself:

"I'm too blessed to be stressed. I'm too annointed to be disappointed."

Carnival - Quezon Memorial Circle

I thought that the Paskong Pasiklab sa QC, a yearly carnival held outside the UP grounds in Diliman is history when the lot it has always occupied had been turned into a call center compound. My siblings and I used to frequent the said carnival as it is near our place compared to the Star City in Pasay and the Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa. Gladly, QC officials leased the spare lot inside the Quezon City Memorial Circle so that the operators can continue the tradition.

The rates have changed understandably. For a 40php entrance fee, you can explore the fair grounds and sample it's games, arcades and food kiosks. This year, a motor show similar to the daredevils of India is showcased. Also, additional rides and ammenities have been put up. Notable of which is the cable car which is a first if I may say in the Philippines. Of course, I wouldn't let the chance to just pass me by. In minutes, I was king of the world. I was on suspended in mid - air, enjoying the sights and the cold wind that brushed my senses. But unlike the more popular amusement parks in the country, the carnival doesn't have a ride all you can tag. You have to pay 30 - 50 php per ride (which is actually cheap). For a go on these rides, you wouldn't mind doling out the amount.

Again, thanks to the QC officials, we can continue the tradition.
;)

the starbucks planner journey

my good friend Lee never misses out on her quest to get the Starbucks planner yearly. it's like an undying devotion that she religiously follows. unfortunately last 2008, she wasn't able to complete the stickers that was supposed to lead her to the planner glory. this 2009 though, she's more determined than ever and as of this writing, only 2 stickers are missing.

as if it's a matter of life and death (well for Lee i guess it is), we reminisced last year's event which led Lee into not getting the coveted planner. and yeah, we realized we got too busy with work and got easy because we know that Starbucks extends the deadline for it. realizing the cause of the flow, Lee has been more determined than ever. and with the look on her face today, i know not getting the 2009 planner is next to impossible.

tomorrow at 6am, Lee plans to go to the adjacent Starbucks branch in our office. she'll complete the required number of stickers and of course grab a cupful of coffee bliss. knowing the number of stickers she's missing, she'll of course order 2.. and whoelse do you think she'll share it with? haha you got that right!

all i can say is, i can't wait for my frap tomorrow. thanks Lee!

;p

shoo spirit shoo

warding off evil spirits is one of the reasons why we dole out money to buy fireworks and blast them. as the clock strikes 12 mn on new year's eve, the loudest and brightest fireworks and crackers reign. as a result, smoke fills the air and our eardrums, blasted as well. good thing, my mom walked past a few vendors earlier in the day. they peddle their own ware of spirit warders - the infamous torotot.

i can't really call the torotot as a musical instrument as it doesn't produce music. well, if you're into pitchy noise, the thing's for you. good thing though, amidst the danger posed by fireworks on new year's eve, on our hands is the ever safe and reliable torotot.

i know it can't compare to the piccolos and sawas and judas' belts and the crying cow but at least we know we have something to ward off evil. the torotot may not look as mighty as the lighted lusis of our times but hey, at least it's so handy without fear of accidents!