2017 Philippine Holidays

As I have previously posted, I have joined the ratrace.  And with that, I now don't have the luxury of going on vacation ANYTIME.  I have to reconsider taking vacations on declared holidays to minimize using my leaves.

Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the regular holidays, special non-working holidays as well as special holidays for scools in 2017 through Proclamation No. 50.  He declared the following dates as holidays:


Regular Holidays
January 1, 2017 (Sunday)             -       New Year's Day
April 9, 2017 (Sunday)                 -       Araw ng Kagitingan
April 13, 2017 (Thursday)            -       Maundy Thursday
April 14, 2017 (Friday)                 -       Good Friday
May 1, 2017 (Monday)                 -       Labor Day
June 12, 2017  (Monday)              -       Independence Day
August 28, 2017  (Monday)          -       National Heroes Day
November 30, 2017 (Thursday)    -       Bonifacio Day
December 25, 2017 (Monday)      -       Christmas Day
December 30, 2017 (Saturday)     -       Rizal Day


Special Non-Working Holiday
January 28, 2017 (Saturday)          -       New Year's Day
April 15, 2017 (Saturday)              -       Black Saturday
August 21, 2017 (Monday)            -       Benigno Aquino Jr. Day
November 1, 2017(Wednesday)     -       All Saints Day
December 31, 2017 (Sunday)         -       Last Day of the Year


Additional Holidays
October 31, 2017 (Tuesday)           -       day before All Saints Day to "strengthen family ties by providing more time for traditional All Saints' Day commemorative activities and to promote domestic tourism"

Eid'l Adha and Eid'l Fitr will be confirmed by the Muslim community and will be depend on Muslim calendars.

The proclamation likewise cited Republic Act 9492 for moving holidays, unless religious in nature, to the nearest Monday.

So now, I'm excited to search on the interenet for seat sales to arrange our vacations accordingly.

2011 the Great year of Travels

I think this is the year of my most expensive travelling, if combined, to date.  I have been to many several places, to give in to the itch my feet has been feeling.  So here are my unforgettable adventures:

1)  Puerto Princesa, Palawan

I think more than the nature, the scenic view, the tan and the food, it was one of greatest escapes for the year because I spent it with my family.

2)  Cebu City, Cebu

Amidst the rains, our vacation to cebu is one special because this is the first out-of-towns that me and Ron has ever gone to.

3) South Korea

I love South Korea. If there is a place with language barrier I would be trapped in, it would be South Korea. The autumn backdrop was perfect, my partner in crime Kat is all game, there are friends we could run to and we made most out of what Seoul has to offer us.  It was one helluva experience.

4)  Hong Kong Disneyland

Going back to Hongkong to spend a day in Disneyland was used to be an outrageous plan.  But we did it.  Being in the one of the happiest places on earth was a heart warming experience.  I felt tears in my eyes not only once in the park everytime I feel overwhelmed of the blessing to be actually there and experience Disney!  It was fabulous.

5) Puerto Gallera

This is the on-the-spot trip that me and my friends from work did just because the summer sun is so hot and we are craving for the beach.  So we packed our bags, loaded it with pairs of bikinis and readied ourselves to party.  It was an expensive beach escape but then,  we needed it so badly.

6) Trips to Bacolod

I think I have gone home a gazillion times in 2011.  And home is always a special haven for me. It is a breather from my chaotic life in Manila.  =)

7) Manila Trip with Manong's Family and Mom

This is the first time that Saph has gone to Manila.  Manong is going to Saudi Arabia to work and so the whole family did a send off.  We visited Manila Zoo and spend most of the time at SM MOA.  Saph, Manong and Graze also had a chance to visit Manila Ocean Park

8) Iloilo

Just two days ago, I crossed seas to Iloilo with Ron to attend the annual gathering of the SILAK-SILAB community.  It was my first time to attend after being a member since 2003.  And I sure glad I did because it was only at that party that I got to see some big shot abyans that has inspired me to who I have become today.

9) Zamboanga

I guess the reason we went is we thought it would be a waste of tickets if we won't push through with it. So even if we don't have enough money, Ellainne and I still went but I don't regret this trip at all.  It is one vacation that has no planned itinerary yet we have maximized Zamboanga!

10)  Enchanted Kingdom

This is the trip that I was made with bestie Lenny and my college friends Kat and Ellainne. Although, it is not my first time in EK, I still enjoyed it because of these 3 people . =)

11) Intramuros and Manila Zoo Exploration

This is my bonding trip with Rex when he visited me in Manila.   Not that the places are special.. I think what made it unique is seeing my brother actually enjoy.

I'm looking forward to more adventures in 2012.  I'm excited.

The Kitchen Musical

I just love TKM's Unwell.  Well done Karyll and Art Acuña!

Cebu Day 1: Fort San Pedro

While having brunch, I was telling Ron that I wanted to go back to Sto. Niño Church and told him of the museums, Fort San Pedro and of course the Magellan's Cross beside it. 

So we loaded a jeepney from SM going to Sto. Niño Church.  But just in time we are in the jeep, rain poured.  I was muttering short prayers that the rain would stop from the time on til we saw a park and an old fortress and since the Lord heared my prayer, I told Ron that we check it out.

The old fortress is the Fort San Pedro.  Built by the Spanish to repel Muslim pirates and angry native, Fort San Pedro is considered to be the oldest and the smallest fort.  It is believed that at the fort, the Spaniards had its first settlement in the Philippines.  It was named after the flagship of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.


We didn't have much chance to roam around because of the bad weather.  Good thing some personnel lend us an umbrella so we got to go to their small museum and altar for the Sto. Nino.  When rains stopped at a moment we had our pictures taken in the open area. 


But basically we just waited for the rains to stop while listening to a blind man singing Cebuano songs, his heart out.


Entrance Fee: Php 30

Cebu Day 1: Brunch at Harbour City

I arrived at Mactan Airport a bit starved so Ron and I took the cab and while at queue, we were undecided of where to go.  I was actually useless because I didn't know the place very much and I didn't bother to help myself with a little of internet research.  So when we entered the cab and the driver asked us of our destination, he just blurted SM City.  I guess a mall is always a good place to go to, to grab something to eat, especially in a place you are not familiar with.

Ron has worked at Cebu for awhile so he knows some places.  We ate at his recommendation, at the Harbour City.  It is a Dimsum place seemingly inexpensive luring the people in with orders as low as 45Php.  But soon enoughm, you would realize that you would order for more Dimsum and rice so you would end up with bill higher than you expect. 

But their food were really great, sumptuous and tasty.   We ordered rice with meat toppings, mine is spicy pork steamed rice while Ron got a beef steamed rice.  Then we ordered 3 types of dimsums: plain siomai, sweet and sour chicken, and bacon roll siomai.  I had mango shake as additional.  We ordered for extra rice each in the middle of our feast because I was complaining and enjoying of how spicy my steam rice is.  Our feast was lovely and I enjoyed our Chinese food.

Dimsum Brunch

Harbour City also has a branch at Ayala Center.  They may be reached through the number: (032) 231-2284. Enjoy your Dimsum!

Cebu Day 1: Photofinish

I woke up late against my scheduled time.  I haven't finish packing.  I haven't done with laundry nor cleaned the house as planned.  I fell asleep unintentionally (or intentionally) after a bout with Ron at gmail.  I was unsure if he is meeting me up but then I had a plan B in my head just in case he isn't.  It would not be as much fun but then again, I don't have a leash at my boyfriend's neck.  We may be a couple but we are individual people.

I left the house two hours before the flight.  I still took the MRT because I don't want to spend much on cab.   I only took the taxi at the Taft station.  When I arrived at the Domestic Airport (I'm flying via Zestair), the check -in counter for the Cebu flight is closed.  But for the first time, I didn't panicked.  I just approached the counter and asked the lady if it is really closed.  She hurried to the main window and asked if they could still allow a late passenger and good thing they did.  While giving me my boarding pass, she was also telling me to be early the next time.  I just gave her my sweetest smile.

When I finally came to the departure area, my flight is being called and I didn't even had the chance to sit down.  I just went ahead and started the queue.  =)  Being late, I was given a front row (4th) seat even though my ticket is a promo.

So I'm here at Cebu with Ron....where there's a storm and it is raining a hell lot.  =)

A Day at Microtel

If not for the bright sky, and a waiting breakfast buffet, I would stay curled up in the comfy bed covered by sheets after sheets. One of the best sleeps I had in the longest time... I was even thinking of screwing the pool and just stay in the room all day.

But my cousin was persistent. Afterall, she's paying the hotel and she better avail of all the amenities offered to her.

So we got down to the lobby for a feast of cheesy egg, bacon, burgers, crunchy dilis (which i did not bother to get, hehehe!), garlic mushrooms. There was a portion for kids who would love cereals for breakfast. As appetizers, vegetable salad and sotanghon soup are available. For desserts, loads of fresh fruits and croissants of different variety is beautiful to my (takaw) eyes. Bread and butter with overflowing coffee are available for the light eaters. We felt like "little queens" with the food so plenty.

After the breakfast, we went straight to the roofdeck for a swim. Their pool is not so big but enough for a water lover like we are. The roofdeck is arranged like picnic grounds with tables and chairs. Lounge chairs for sun bathing are also available with towels that could be used by the swim freaks.

I think the pool experience capped my summer this year. I haven't gone to a lot our beach this year so I was craving for the waters.

After the pool, we rushed back to the our room to pack and check-out as we have desserts for lunch waiting.

Fully Body Pampering and Dinner at Wingstop

Kat and I met up to treat ourselves with a spa massage.  We previously got vouchers from group buying sites and with just a small price we could treat ourselves with luxuries we usually don't give a second look or thought just because it is seemingly expensive. 

So for today's deal, we had a 1 and a half hour full body scrub and massage at Nuat Thai.  The experience was originally priced at Php 750 and we got it for half the price! The body scrub is quite an intimate experience as most of your body will be smothered by the exfoliating scrub.  Of course, the masseuse asked for permission before doing so, so you could opt to back out if you are uncomfortable with it.  After that, they will lead you to the shower to take all the scrub off.  Afterwich, is a good body massage (with lotion) which I badly needed that day as I have tensions that I need to relieve.  Everything was heavenly and superb.  The masseuse really took the time to knead my back muscles so it was exquisite

After a full body scrub and massage at Nuat Thai, we proceeded to Wingstop for dinner.  Again, blame it on the deals (",). I got another half price deal (Php 145) for a bucket of Buffalo wings at Wingstop.  I intentionally looked for deals on food just because I know we would be eating dinner after and it was a good thing that the place is near Greenhills.  We only added for rice and drinks.

Wingstop is a small diner which caters to buffalo wings eaters.  If you are not conscious of your diet this is the place to be.  They serve buffalo wings in groups of 4, 8, 10 and 12 and in different sauces and flavors.  Also they have a yogurt maker at the side for kids and kids at heart.  The place only houses about 6-8 tables that most of the customers order their wings for a take out.

Hands down, their wings are magnificent.  We love it. Sadly their rice was so gummy it was a pain to chew!  See my friend's reaction down there?  That's what she thought of the rice.  We requested a much softer rice for our second serving.

Starbucks in Bacolod

It is my first time at Starbucks in the city. I have avoided Starbucks when I am home because I often drink it in Manila courtesy of my British bosses. I would frequent Bacolod's prides Cafe Bob's or Kuppa (to name a few) because I could not find them in Manila.

But tonight, it was only Starbucks that is open and available as everyone is closing its business to prepare for the New Year's Eve Celebration.  So off we go to Starbucks for my usual frapuccino. So to make it more memorable, I treated my brother to Starbucks and bought ourselves the Christmas featured drinks to complete my missing sticker and get my 2011 Starbucks Planner. Oh yebah!!! Weehh!!!! Now, I'm ready for 2011...hahaha!

I chose the red velvet-y planner and I so love it... but I hate my peppermint mocha frappe. yuck!

2011 Philippine Holiday

Fewer long weekends await Pinoys in 2011

(Updated 7:41 p.m.) With just a a few weeks remaining before the year ends, Malacañang on Monday announced the holidays for 2011. However, there will be fewer long weekends next year as compared to this year.

According to Proclamation No. 84, the following regular holidays and special days for the year 2011 shall be observed in the country:

A. Regular Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1 (Saturday)

Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Saturday)

Maundy Thursday – April 21

Good Friday – April 22

Labor Day – May 1 (Sunday)

Independence Day – June 12 (Sunday)

National Heroes Day – August 29 (Last Monday of August)

Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Wednesday)

Christmas Day – December 25 (Sunday)

Rizal Day – December 30 (Friday)

B. Special (Non-Working) Days

Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Sunday)

All Saints Day – November 1 (Tuesday)

Last Day of the Year – December 31 (Saturday) C. Special Holiday (for all schools)

EDSA Revolution Anniversary – February 25 (Friday)

"Proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eidul AdhaHijra, or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient, will be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar," Proclamation No. 84 says.

Fewer long weekends

Even though Proclamation No. 84 cites Republic Act No. 9492—which moves holidays, except those religious in nature, to the nearest Monday—Proclamation No. 84 returns the commemoration of holidays back to their original dates.

Only at least three holidays will give the public long weekends: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; National Heroes' Day (August 29, the last Monday of August); and Rizal Day (December 30, Friday).

For students, there will be four long weekends after the EDSA Revolution Anniversary on February 25 (Friday) has been declared a special holiday for schools.

The public enjoyed 11 long weekends in 2010.

In a phone interview, chief presidential legal counsel Eduardo de Mesa said it is within President Benigno Aquino III's discretion whether or not to move holidays that are not religious in nature to the nearest Monday because RA 9492 says the said holidays can be moved "unless otherwise modified by law, and/or proclamation."

He said the legality of not moving holidays to the nearest Monday was settled when Aquino declared Aug. 23, 2010 (Monday) a regular working day even though former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had moved the commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day from August 21, a Saturday, to the nearest Monday.

Under RA 9492, holidays that are not religious in nature can be moved to the nearest Monday "unless otherwise modified by law, and/or proclamation." - KBK, GMANews.TV

Boracay Part Uno

We booked the Kalibo flight months months ago... then a month before the trip, our Air Phil flights got cancelled. They have suggested that we take an Iloilo flight instead but after alot of bargaining, we got rebooked (the same day and destination) but this time our carrier is PAL. What a blessing!!!

Sept 17, 2010
The day was chaotic with FM School revalida giving me a nervous wreck. I have 5 one on one interview of our learning for an almost 1 month of Thursday lectures.  Then the written exam was given in the afternoon and I almost plead to Maycy that I take the exam early... Good thing I did told her that I'm leaving early to catch a flight (destination unknown to them), she allowed me to take home one of the written examinations.  When I got back at my workstation, I just went to Frank, gave him a bear hug and a kiss as he is also leaving for New Zealand for a vacation.  


Left the office around 2PM to catch a 435PM flight.. Yikes! Cold sweats all over me as we are caught in traffic after traffic not to mention, the very slow taxi that my brother and I were in.

Good thing we got Business class tickets so amidst being at the airport 30 min before the flight, I got in and was then directed to Mabuhay Lounge... food served while we chit chat, killing time waiting for our plane to arrive.  It was my first time to actually ride in the Business Class.  I was too excited, I texted Frank of the experience as that is just a normal thing to him...

Touchdown at Kalibo around quarter past 6PM. We then loaded a van that would bring us to Caticlan. From Caticlan we loaded a huge bangka to bring us to the islands of Boracay.

We then went to La Carmela de Boracay as Jo's family are staying at the hotel.  They got an upgrade for free and could accomodate 3 more... La Camela is relatively cheap especially for big groups.  After settling, we then hunted for our food. As usual, we hit D Mall for burgers..hahaha!!!  Afterwhich we walked towards Station 1 to start camwhoring..hehehe!

My Photography Story

I love pictures.  Taking them and being in them. 

I have invested in my gears although it was surely a pain in my pocket. The first camera I have owned was a hand me down from my mother.  It was a 35mm film camera.  The camera was enjoyable of course and there is that thrill in waiting for the pictures when I have them processed.  But that is the problem with film, you won't have the luxury of shooting anything and everything because you have to maximize the limited shots that you have bought.  And of course, you have to allocate money for developing the film.

During college, I bought my first digital camera with my money from doing research work.  I was so happy and excited I always brought it along with me.  It was a dream come true as I now have the freedom of clicking the day away not worrying of wasted money because I could instantly delete, or edit a bad picture.  But two months after I bought my camera, I found myself gearless.  My bag got slashed and my camera was down the drain.

I have acquired another handy point and shoot when I turned one at work.  It was one of my proudest buy at ebay not to mention the patience I have mustered to keep my savings intact and spare a little for necessities before acquiring one. The P&S documented my travels, occasions and gatherings.  It served its purpose and I enjoyed it a single bit.

The onset of DSLRs and professional photography craze turned me into a loon when I bought my Nikon D3000.  Frustration after frustrations have I encountered with this monster.  Five months have come yet I am not able to master let alone tame it.  Although there are some good shots but I still could not get a hang of it.  Yet I am not giving up.  I will be one great photographer one day..

wannabe photographer

So now with the P&S passed on to my brother, and I'm relying on instinct with the big pro-toy, millions of photos are stacked and wasting away my computer disk space.  I have used some photos in my travel blog but just the best usable ones, the rest are saved in my multiply for safe keeping. I'm wondering, how else could I make use of photography.  How could I make money from it?

Anyone?

Pasig River Cruise

Ever since I was assigned to the Taguig for work, I would often see the Pasig River as we go from Taguig to Makati.  On the way to work, I would often pass by the Guadalupe Station of the ferries that cruise along the Pasig River. The Paisg River has been the main thorough fare of Manila .  It is like the EDSA during the colonial era and has played a glorious role in history. But today Pasig River has become a catch basin for all the solid and water waste of the Metro.

To relive the golden days of the Pasig River, Icile and I took the ferry at the Guadalupe and shoot the afternoon away.  The fare is relatively cheap at 45Php for Guadalupe to Escolta Station.  And surprisingly, we didn't smell any stench as we ride along the Pasig River. Not only that you avoid the traffic but you got to see Manila at a different view.

Another boat passing through

Oil Depots along the River Pasig

The Post Office

(Jaime Cardinal) Sin Village

Our Stop: Escolta Station

It is a fantastic experience to see Manila in a new perspective.

The Oblation

The Oblation at UP Diliman

To any alumni of the University of the Philippines in any campus in the country, the Oblation is one symbol, one could get attached or identify himself with the Alma Mater.  The nakedness of the man speaks about symbolic sacrifice to the country and the whole of humanity.  Aside from nationalism and patriotism, it speaks about freedom of expression, a characteristic evident in each campus through fashion, self expression, the arts, etc. and even in protest actions. 

1) The Oblation at UP Visayas Miag-ao Campus 2) The Oblation at UP Visayas Iloilo Campus

A masterpiece of the great sculptor, Guillermo Tolentino, The Oblation was commissioned by the first President of the University of the Philippines, President Rafael Palma.  Palma ordered to translate the second stanza of Jose Rizal's "Mi Ultimo Adios" or "Last Farewell" into a monument which has now become the landmark of any University of the Philippines Campus.

Rizal's "Last Farewell", Second Stanza

*Spanish (original)*

En campos de batalla,
luchando con delirio,
Otros te dan sus vidas,
sin duda, sin pesar,
El sitio nada importa:
cipres, laurel o lirio,
Cadalso o campo abierto,
combate o cruel martirio,
Lo mismo es si lo piden
la patria y el hogar.
- Jose Rizal

*English*

In barricades imbattled;
fighting with delirium,
others donate you their lives
without doubts, without gloom,
The site doesn't matter;
cypress, laurel or lily;
gibbet or open field,
combat or cruel martyrdom,
are equal if demanded
by country and home.
- /Translated by Nick Joaquin/ -

The Oblation at UP Los Baños

"The completely nude figure of a young man with outstretched arms and open hands, with tilted head, closed eyes and parted lips murmuring a prayer, with breast forward in the act of offering himself, is my interpretation of that sublime stanza."

Above is the exact word's of Tolentino regarding his masterpiece.  Originally, the figure was purely nude.  The fig leaf or the katakataka leaf was added upon the suggestion of President Jorge Bocobo. Katakataka plants, which grows anywhere with any part of it, symbolizes how deeprooted patriotism should be, similar to our heroes. The height of the statue is 3.5 m representing the 350 years of Spanish reign.

The original oblation is now located in the 3^rd Floor of the University Library in UP Diliman.

UP Techno Hub

UP – Ayala Techno Park is the lovechild of the partnership of the University of the Philippines, the country's prestigious state university and Ayala Corporation, one of the biggest business conglomerate..  It is an economic, technology and information zone for related businesses. Located in one of the former idle property of the university, UP-Ayala Technopark is now a house to BPO companies like Convergy's, HSBC and IBM. It is also a spot for students from UP, and nearby campuses like Ateneo and Mirriam, as they unwind for coffee at Starbucks, Figaro and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf or fill their hungry stomachs with food from KFC, Razon's, Seafood Island, Reyes Barbeque, Mr. Kebab, The Old Spaghetti House, Kanin Club, Yellow Cab, Pizza Hut, Flap Jacks, and Le Ching among others.  A branch National Bookstore, Bench Fix Salon, a Mac Store, Timezone and Mini Stop,  is also visible.

It is situated in Barangay UP Campus near Philcoa in Quezon City, along Commonwealth Avenue.

-o-

After going around UP, Icile and I decided to hit UP Ayala Technohub to practice more night photography.  Likewise, we decided to fill our hungry stomachs with what they could offer.

Handuraw Pizza

After Kat's persistence, I was convinced to check out her new found spot at Katipunan:  the Handuraw Pizza.

For first timers it is hard to find the place since it is not visible from the Katipunan Road.  Surely, its customers have known its existence due to word of mouth and how great their thin crust pizzas are.  The place is shared with XBX Interactive and has only about 6 tables to fill.

XBX interactive as its housemate

Kat and I ordered Mozarella Triangles as appetizers.  It is madeof crust triangles filled with mozarella cheese. Some of it were hallow though.  Also we add in our table a bucket of iced tea which is too sweet so we requested additional water to unsaturate its sweetness.

Mozarella Triangles

If you would think that their food is mediocre based on my previous paragraph, stay for long for their thin crust pizza will surprise you.   To maximize our money, we thought of having two flavors of pizzas in one pan. We had Handuraw Special loaded with pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, bacon, mushroom, olives, onions, green bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese on their homemade tomato sauce and in the other half, we got Meatlovers which is topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, and mozzarella cheese.  It was magnificent at 298Php. Because it is thin crust, you would get to taste the soulful blend of its generous toppings. You will surely be transported to pizza heaven...It was really a superb experience!

2 Pizzas in One Pan: Meatlovers and Handuraw Special

Handuraw could be found at:

XBX Interactive, 2F Burgundy Place, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City

Tel. No. (02) 435-4361.

Their original place is at Cebu with 2 branches:

Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City

Tel. No. (032) 232-6401

One Mango, Gen. Maxilom (Mango) Avenue, Cebu City

Tel. No. (032) 416-3200

Manila Cathedral

Yesterday was my first photoshoot with my NEW Nikon 3000D. I bought my baby from Hidalgo so we thought of proceeding to Intramuros for a test run. From Quiapo, we took a Quiapo-Pier jeep and have ourselves dropped in front of the grand Manila Cathedral.

Manila Cathedral

Just a little history. Manila Cathedral, as it is now, is built upon the remains of its 5 predecessors. The structure was completed in 1951 and its majestique Romanesque stone carvings and rose windows topped with a cupola boast about balance of strength and grace. The four previous constructions were toppled by earthquakes and fires, and the fifth was bombed during the Liberation of Manila in 1945.

Inside Manila Cathedral is La Pieta, the original of which was done by Michaelangelo. Also it houses the Bamboo Organ, and the statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception which seats at the altar of the cathedral.  What was so glorious about the statue is that it depicts so much holiness.

La Pieta

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

The Manila Cathedral has been the seat of the Manila Archbishop since the Spanish colonial era and until today, it serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Manila.

Fantasticks

Kat and I met up with Tina to watch Fantasticks last Friday. Amidst the pouring rain and the freezing cold, we travelled the wet C5 to get to Greenbelt 1. If the tickets were not bought, I would catch the play on another day.

Fantasticks is the ployed Romeo and Juliet. Ployed because the fathers of Matt and Luisa, Hucklebee and Bellamy respectively, planned to be enemies in order to spark romance between their children. They have employed El Gallo and staged the kidnap of Luisa, which, in their plan will trigger Matt to rescue the victim. And the parents will make up because of the heroic deed of Matt.

But soon after the mock abduction, the children found out that it was all planned out. Matt felt like they were puppets and so he thought of leaving to prove to his father that he was at all not his toy. Luisa meanwhile was dumbstruck at awed with El Gallo, who later entrapped Luisa to hand in her most valuable piece: her mother’s necklace.

When innocence is lost, wisdom and experience are gained. That is how Fantasticks ended. The world is one of the best but the hardest teachers and it has taught greatly Matt and Luisa as they seek out and discover themselves in the real world.

-o-

The second act of the play is such a bore.

Reg: “I got bored.”

Tina: “I am sleepy.”

Kat: “I slept.”

Isanely Wicked

Insanely Wicked. That is Wicked Kitchen for me. After finding a feature of the resto in Click the City dot com, I was intrigued. And was uberly excited about it, I couldn't pass the week not to go here.

Why wouldn't anyone be? All of the desserts in the menu are named after the 7 Deadly Sins: Anger, Pride, Sloth, Lust, Envy, Greed and Gluttony. And this is not the main course yet.

Kat and I ordered the combo meals which is served with an ice tea. What's good about it is that you get to choose from 4 pasta and then pair it with a choice of chicken entrees . We also got a piece of garlic bread and salad. Both of us got Wicked Wings and paired it with a pasta of our desire. Kat chose Chicken Mushrooms Cream while I got Seafood Aglio Olio.

My Verdict: 5 stars.
The pasta is not soggy and is al dente... Seafood Afglio Olio is fetuccini with olive oil, garlic and some herbs (I think it is spinach) with a mix of shrimps and squid. It isn't salty but you would continue diving in. The Wicked Wings is awesome! There is a fire-y kick. I don't fancy hot and spicy food but this one is getting me to rethink. One thing I need to commend is the salad (lettuce). It is sweet and fresh. Kat thinks it is dipped in honey or syrup.


Came in our dessert: Kat ordered Envy while I ordered Gluttony (which is their featured dessert in their menu).

Verdict: 5 stars
If we jokingly tell a person that he'll forget his name because of how delicious a food is, this is the truth of it. As Kat says, Envy got her speechless!!! While Gluttony had me not want to do desserts for an entire week!

Envy is a super moist chocolate cake frosted with mint green chocolate ganache. It will get you drooling with envy (Tagalog translation: naglalaway sa inggit!) wishing you have this everyday!

Meanwhile, Gluttony is a enormous chocolate chip cookie topped with a plentiful scoop of mantecado ice cream, and a drizzling of chocolate syrup. This heavenly dessert will challenge the appetite, even of a glutton.

Although price of dessert is the same of that of the main course, I think the superb taste has it justified. 2 Deadly Sins transported me to Heaven!

And now comes the part when I have to whine... of course there are bad points. Service is super bad!!! Awarded nada stars for it!!!! Waiting time for the main course is 30 minutes and we had 2 follow-ups. And then when we requested water to help us with the dessert, we had 3 follow-ups because the waiter keeps on forgetting our requests. When we asked for the bill, it took us two requests!! What is that!?!?!? We even went down to get our change because we were again waiting for entirety for it! But the waiter took our picture so that's something commendable.

It is a pity that service isn't at par with the food they serve. I Hope the pics here gives justice to it!

-o-
I brought home Ex's Lasagna for my brother.... I think his pictures also justified whatever "bitterness" fueled the owner or chef who gave the name to this good-tasting recipe. Those are candid pics of him burping and savoring the food!


xoxo