Gram's Diner!

The heat during our visit to the cemetery almost made me faint. After a quick shower.. I was hesitant to join my cousins to go to Mall Of Asia. But.. I couldn't miss a chance to bond with my cousins and found myself having fun with them in Gram's Diner.

JC, Ivan, Val, Iris, Alden, and Logan at Gram's

Grams Diner. I have never been to a diner before.. and what is a diner anyway? Well.. I often see diners in hollywood movies like Back To the Future and 50 First Dates so I am looking forward to something like that. Burgers, sandwiches, and shakes dominates a typical DINER menu.. And at Grams Diner.. You get something more.. you can actually create your own burger with all the condiments you can think of! For the price PHP 155.00 their half pounder burger with lots of bacons, tomatoes, pickles, and caramelized onions topped with your choice of egg (scrambled, sunny-side-up) is truly mouth watering. The taste? well.. probably one of the best burgers I have ever tried. Also try their mini hot cakes for only PHP 55.00

Sarap talaga!

Marami yan.. nabawasan na bago napicturan.

Thank you Ivan and Jc for the treat! I'm sure lola is very happy to see all of us together.


Ang saya saya! Sarap talaga ng libre!


Walang sinabi ang Starstruck!

Remembering My Lola

All Souls Day 2006 made me miss my lola more. A special day indeed, my lola used to wake the whole family up.. making phone calls as early as 4 am. Cranky and still feeling sleepy.. all of us would ofcourse be in panic mode knowing lola who always wants to be in the Chinese Cemetery to visit our great grandfather as early as we can possbily be. I can still picture all of the things we used to bring to the cemetery before.. Flowers, Thai-kong's picture, Pillows, Banig, Cadles, Insense, piles of special paper we fold then burn, delicacies from DEC to offer our great grandfather, Board Games, Walkman, Ham sandwich, and lots of snacks. November 1 has always been one of the fondest days in my life.. and whoelse but my lola is the star! She is the master of everything.. buying what we need 5 days before.. making sure everything is complete.. and even though she's not chinese.. well.. she knows the chinese traditions better than anybody else in the family. Lola the Chinese Cemetery "GURU" will always pick a "kariton" (bawal kasi car sa loob) and instantly transfer all things from the car with the help of our "boy helpers". Then she will lead the parade to Thai-Kongs tomb, making sure everything is placed where it should be placed coordinating every details including where should everybody sit and in most cases.. sleep. All souls day is always fun specially with lola around.

The same happens every year untile my lolo past away. From Chinese Cemetery, the venue for All Souls Day transfered to Everest Memorial. But nothing changed.. my lola still is the captain with the additional task of making sure that the tents and chairs are setup. But this year.. nobody made that early morning wake-up-call anymore.. the loud voice I so love to hear suddenly gone.. and I find myself lighting my insense in front of Lolo and Lola. Lola is not with us anymore.

We did our best to make sure all of lola's favorite cememtery tasks when she was still with us were carried smoothly. This time.. each family is assigned to bring something. A grand reunion with lolo and lola.. and though her presence will surely be missed.. her memory will always be with me specially during All Souls Day.

Spiral Treat!

Just beside PICC.. My family together with Joan and her Mom celebrated my sister's graduation. After that long graduation ceremony, Philippine Plaza's "SPIRAL" is a perfect treat not only for Val (My Sister) but for the whole family as well. East meets west.. from sizzling grilled lamb chops to the sumptuous freshly steamed shrimp dumplings. "Spiral" serves only the best a buffet restaurant has to offer. For only PHP 1200/head during lunch time from monday to saturday.. tickle your taste buds with Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, American, Italian, Mediteranian, Korean, Japanese food.. and a very long table of desserts. Want to see more? http://valchiam.multiply.com/photos/album/48

First Day High.. Baduy?

Another teenie bopper movie? Hmmmm.. I don't think so. If you loved the Rexona Advertisement (I did) with it's catchy jingle "Nasasabik sa unang araw ng eskwela.." by Kamikaze, you would probably end up buying tickets to watch the movie "FIRST DAY HIGH". Now let me enumerate my expectations on this movie.. The trailer looked very High School Musical, I was expecting it to be kinda like that since HSM undeniably conquered the nation and Filipinos love local versions of Hollywood films. Having the jingle from the advertisement as the main musical score could give the movie an edge over the love songs overplayed in most of the filipino films. Gerald and Kim's first on-screen roles could give the audience the "KILIG" factor filipino viewers just can't get tired of. And lastly, The different personalities.. just like in the advertisement will surely add color to the movie.

Disappointed? Well.. Let's put it this way. The first part of the movie was soooooo cheeeeeesy.. You wouldn't want to do an opening act with a production number where the leads sing and dance! I had goose-bumps.. kadiri! Then the story goes with one lead character narrating what happened.. Soooooo old school! And putting new-comers on the first part of the movie.. disaster! Kim with her poor dubbing and exagerated acting, and Gerard with his sobrang pa-cute interpretation (I adore this love-team.. sorry I have to criticize them.. could be better next time.. more practice). And wierd.. they don't have the chemistry I was expecting. But then came Maja Salvador's role as Sosy Pre, the role was perfect for her, her part was the best for me. Geoff's role as Rebel Gael basically saved the movie for me, I wasn't expecting he'd do good, but well.. he did. As for Jason Abalos.. No comment! Hahahahah! To sum it all.. the movie was ok.. It was directed properly and the story was cool. Just wished all the song numbers were deleted cause everytime they start singing again.. I get disappointed. Just like all the other teen movies.. Well.. you will get a moral lesson from this movie. The thing I love most about this movie? It made me wish I was back in High School again and have campus stereotypes color coordinated! I'd be REBEL LOGAN!

My Rating for this movie: 3 Stars

Vesuve, Cafe Legois.. Only at Breton!

Read my previous posts? You would probably notice "Vesuve" and "Cafe Legois" mentioned on more than a couple of posts I did.. Here it is!


VESUVE: Savory Crepe offered in Cafe Breton.. Crepe filled with ham, cheese, tomatoes, garlic, and onions.. perfect with tabasco.


CAFE LEGOIS: Tired of Frapuccino? Try this! Blended Ice Coffee with Ice Cream topped with whipping cream filled with chocolate syrup. Sarap!

Jana's Birthday! Posted At Last!

Been busy with work lately.. Finally.. Squeezed in some time to post this. I'm sure my cousins have been waiting for this post. Here it goes!

Have you ever tried Seaside Paluto in Macapagal? If not.. better try it soon! Experience buying fresh seafoods and bargaining to the max with the tinderas.. then have it cooked by an array of restaurants around the corner. What a way to spend my cousin Jana's birthday! Aling Tonya's Restaurant cooks the yummiest adobong pusit, buttered shrimp, Oyster Crab, and many more.. Room for dessert? Nah.. You will be full as hell in Seaside Paluto.. Truly one of the best place to chow some seafood.


Outside Aling Tonya's Restaurant with Birthday girl JANA!

We're suppose to go to this playground ala Kids Station after.. but it was reserved for a function.. Grrrr.. So, to Mall of Asia's Timezone we go. The kids.. even the older kids had fun! Playing photohunt, air hockey, drums, and many more.. Jana's Birthday brought back the child in me.. and gave me the chance to bond with them again after so long.. Thanks Jana!


Nagkawalaan sa Mall of Asia kaya picture muna habang inaantay ang ibang kasama.


Shooting what?

Movie of the week: Step Up

Tyler, a hippie, happy go lucky dude, who dances in underground parties, was caught vandalizing the theater of the neighborhood arts school, and was penalized with 200 hours of Community Service in the same school. Nora, a Senior dancing student preparing for a dance routine that will make or break her future, searching for a replacement for her injured dance partner in the same arts school. Two people will set aside their differences in life and in dancing. Two people will make a difference and create a whole new dance for life and success. The movie is packed with great songs, cool dance moves, and inspiration. Ballet meets Hip-Hop, Tyler meets Nora, Destiny meets Reality. You will definitely feel like dancing after watching this movie. I did! Rating: 4 Stars!

Visit "THE BLOCK"

Mall madness is all around Metro Manila. With new concept malls appearing here and there like mushrooms that are a little different from the conventional malls people flock into every weekend. In the tradition of "The Podium", "Power Plant", "Gateway", and "Mall of Asia" comes this stunning mall just beside SM North EDSA "THE BLOCK". "THE BLOCK" Opened it's mall doors to the public September 9, 2006, and just like Podium and Gateway.. It caters to the class A and B market (no offense). Entering the mall from the side of SM North EDSA cinema made me feel like entering another dimenison. From chaotic and irritating to oooooohs and wows! The Grand Lobby, the lighting, the visual presentation, everything is perfect. A mini Mall of Asia I must say. Concept Boutiques, Top restaurants, The biggest Fitness Facility, Cool Cinema, and GREAT CROWD are just some of the things you will experience in this newest mall in town "THE BLOCK".

Restaurants Open: Flavors of China, Aristocrat, Healthy Shabu Shabu, Wham Burgers, Kimono Ken, Via Mare, Bread Talk, Seatle's Best (Can't remember the others)
Opening soon: Teriyaki Boy, Gumbo, Burgoo.

Boutiques open: Giordano, Wade, Watch Republic, Folded and Hung, Caterpillar, CMG, etc.
Opening soon: Mango, Marionaud, Mark's and Spencer, etc.

Others: SM Appliance Center, Fully Booked, Movie Time, Odyssey, Home World.
Opening Soon: Toy Kingdon, Fitness First.

My Father-Side Cousins.. Almost Complete

After a very long time... At last.. Most of us in the same place at the same time.. I hope Abip was here so it would really be complete.. I really miss my cousins already!

From left to right: Tiffany (Naubos na yata niya lahat ng Cherifer Syrup sa mundo! Matangkad!) , Aaron (Behind that makulit image.. Makulit parin!), Jason (The Yo-yo guy of the family!), Roel (Cousin-in-law), Caroline (ang pasimuno ng mga luto-luto!), Angeline (Very caring, loving and fun!), Me (Cute, pa-cute, cute parin!), Chester (Alias Ming-Tsai!), Lloyd (Diba? Yan ang may pinakamagandang ilong sa pamilya)
Bottom left to right: Valerie ( Walang ginawa kundi mag-pose sa camera.. obvious ba?), Alfie (Thoughtful) , Michelle (Super model namin.. takot sa calories!)

Feel Crazy In Love with You Are the One!

I admit it! I felt a little kilig watching this movie with Joan. Truly.. one of the most romantic and funny Filipino film one should not fail to watch. Sam Milby - The American Embassy Consul and Toni Gonzaga - The National Statistics Office Gal met with an awkward mis-understanding and later on falling for each other. A classic love story of finding love in the most unexpected places and time. Just make sure to close your ears whenever Sam comes out and make "Pa-cute" gestures and prepare yourself for the screaming of the ladies in the cinema. Best to watch this movie in Gateway's Cineplex 10 or Mall of Asia Cinemas. Don't ever miss out on the most Romantic movie of the year and watch out for Star Cinema's next offer "First Day High"!

Click or Ex-Girlfriend?

Decisions.. We make one almost every minute if not every second of the day. One good example would be "What movie to watch on a great weekend?" First choice.. "My Super Ex-Girlfriend". The trailer wasn't that fantastic, but suggests to be a hilarious one.. A break from the bombarding wave of Super-Hero movies. Then "Click" an Adam Sandler film which should be unforgettable like "50 First Dates".. Joan and I both love Adam Sandler movies. But the decision was quite easy for us this time.. Because we can't really take the smell of the cinema in Greenhills Theater Mall even though the fire was way over and the smell should have subsided already.. one can still smell the residue of the burnt smell all over the cinema.. So it's "Super E-G" at the Promade that Saturday then. A hilarious kinda cheesy movie.. Lots of laughs and some "green humor" on the side. An ice-breaker after all the disappointing movies this year. An oridary guy.. falling in-love with an ordinary girl.. then dumping the girl-friend as the secret super-hero identity was revealed. So.. What happens after the Super Ex-girlfriend says "You will regret this!" Something no man would like to imagine.



Sunday came.. Me, my brother and sister decided to watch "Click" at Mall of Asia after hearing raves from our cousin Jordan. A typical American father.. Too busy with work.. Skipping quality time with his family was given a chance to own a Universal Remote Control that will give him the power to control time. Watch Adam Sandler's character "Michael" pause, forward, rewind, and play life like one would do while watching TV. Just don't forget to bring your handkerchief as the movie evolves from comedy to drama towards the end. Havnen't cried like this since "Mano Po 3". TWO GREAT MOVIES! YOU MUST NOT MISS!

Celebrating my 27th Year on Earth!

Growing old never fails to amaze me.. Discovering new things.. Unraveling myself.. and most of the times.. just having fun while I take on the challenge of living life as I know it. It really is fun to be Logan at 27. But how does a Logan spend his birthday? Hmmmm.. I woke up 6 AM.. with a few greetings already in my k500i's inbox. Went to xavier to work on Xavier's website section links.. Met with Joan to attend the christening of Mac's daughter.. Went home.. Got a few more greetings.. Watched "Let's Go" took a short nap before going to our Tutees reunion. It was a typical Saturday for me.. I wasn't even excited anymore.. Missed those days where I always anticipate what will happen on my birthday.. well.. those are the perils of being 27 I guess... No more fancy children's party.. no more gifts.. no more birthday cakes to blow.. just another day!


Ang poging-poging birthday boy!

The Tutees reunion.. Coincidentally fell on day of my birthday.. and most probably.. a semi birthday party for me too.. We had our get together at Viv's place in Corinthians this time.. Pot-luck.. we had Chicken, pancit malabon, sushi platter, cakes, baked macaroni.. etc.. Too bad Ferdinand who's birthday also falls on that exact same day wasn't able to come.. But well.. I really enjoyed the night with my tutor mates, my cousins, my sister, and ofcourse with Joan. Joan made that night extra special for me.. Just being with me together with my friends. We sang our hearts out using Viv's upgraded karaoke system.. singing songs like "Barbie Girl" by Aqua to "Hanggang Kailan" by Orange and Lemons". Old friendships rekindled.. everybody had fun.. Thansk Viv for organizing this wonderful reunion. And to all my friends who greeted me that day.. Thank you! Another year is coming my way.. I'm glad all of you became part of the fantastic 27 years I lived.


Group picture inside Viv's Music Room.


Ano ito! Feeling kasal.. hahahahha!


Ang aking mga ka-tutor! Bakit ako lang ang lalaki.. wala kasi si Ferdi and Oliver.

Happy Birthday JC!

August.. The 8th month of the calendar.. the month of the Leos.. Fearless.. Brave.. Hahahahha! What am I talking about? Hahhaha.. Trying hard to make a nice intro.. anyway.. August is a month of celebration for my Family.. aside from my Birthday.. it is also the birthday of my cousin JC and Jana, as well as my Aunts Tita Aily and Auntie Aida.

August 6, 2006. JC celebrated his birthday with a simple party at Tita Cindy's condo at the Greenhills Gardens.. Lots of food.. lots of laughs.. and ofcourse lots of pictures.. too bad I did not bring my camera.. sigh.. hahahah!


Photo Op.. with JC and the cake.. Hoy.. Ann Ann anong balak mong gawin sa cake? Kim! ang aga aga pa inaantok ka na! Yuyu.. bakit malungkot ka? JC! Wag mo kaming ubusan sa cake mo ah.. mukhang gusto mo nang isubo ng buo! Allysa! Sinong nag-sungay sa iyo? Sobrang hilarious pic!

More Photos from Orchard!

At long last.. got these great pics from Roel.. Hahahahahha! Our Orchard Day was really a day of fun!

Testing Roel's High-tech digital camera.. with ofcourse.. a pamatay pose from me.. wahahah!


Swimming with niece Ali!


Hulaan niyo kung ano ito! Wahahahahha!

My Very Own MAC BOOK PRO!

After what seemed a lifetime of waiting.. (about 4 weeks) At last.. My Mac Book Pro has arrived! The moment I opened the box.. I felt ecstatic, jittery, nervous, etc.. weird really. I just can't believe I would actually own this expensive piece of machine.. But well.. it's worth every penny I shoved out of my wallet.. A very very smart buy!



Keep visiting my blog for more MAC updates..

SUKOB: Re-inventing the Filipino Horror

A so called "sequel" of the blockbuster hit "Feng-Shui". The much anticipated local movie of the year is the horror flick I have been waiting for. Chito Rono once again proved that filipino film-making can challenge hollywood films by making an intelligent film like "SUKOB". I really do hope it was shown in cinemas like Greenhills, Podium, Power Plant, Greenbelt, or even I-MAX.. But well.. The prejudice on Filipino films has yet to transide.. but what the hell.. Gateway or Mall of Asia would be a great choice to watch SUKOB.. But we're in Robinson's Galleria anyway.. so tiis nalang.



I don't want to narrate my long list of rants on the Robinsons cinema anymore.. maybe another posting cause it's going to be very very long.. I will focus on the movie first. After watching SUKOB.. contrary to what others say that "Feng Shui" is better.. It is one of the best Filipino movie for me, after "Halimaw sa Banga".. Was waiting forever for somebody to come up with an interesting plot, grand cinematography, great sound editing, and fantastic lighting.. SUKOB gave me all that.. It's not just a horror film.. but a film we Filipinos can be proud of.. so much better than Feng Shui.. Two thumbs up to Chito Rono.

Was the movie really scary? hmmmmm... not! There were moments that you would probably feel goose bumps.. but the momentum would suddenly stop and will keep you waiting for what's next.. that's the formula I think the movie had that really got my eyes literally fixed on the movie screen. The mixture of culture, horror, suspense, and drama was best portrayed by the actors. Claudine Barreto after "Nasaan Ka Man" did really good in SUKOB. Was a little disappointed with Kris' but in fairness.. She did justice to the role.. Maja Salvador was at par with Claudine's calliber.. and the rest of the cast were perfect for the role. A must see movie.. visit http://www.sukobthemovie.com/ for more info.

XAVIER Varsity Jacket

Fits so good.. Feels so great. The Xavier Varisity Jacket, one of the many items from the Golden Jubilee Memorabilia Items. Shirts, Umbrella, Mugs, Button Pins, Kid's Jacket and more.. Visit http://www.xs.edu.ph to find out more!


Di ko naman masyadong laging suot.. hahahahha!

Pot Luck with Cousins

Around two weeks ago.. We had a pot-luck at our place. Jordan and Mich brought this yummy Tuna Spaghetti.. While Atsi Alfie and Roel brought desert.. ICE CREAM! We prepared mommy's specialty "Devils Chicken". After that dinner with 'chikahan on the side' It's photo session again.. roel brought his cool lenses.. attached it to my camera and the rest is history.. Here are some of the shots taken from that pot-luck.


Bakit nakasimangot silang lahat.. ako lang naka smile!


Ang saya saya! Lupet ng mga smile!

Jennifer.. Taking charge of the Camera

More Pictures on KC's Birthday.. I have like 200+ pictures.. Hahahah! Here are some of the higlights of that super fun birthday party.. At last.. Somebody took charge of my camera.. It's my moment to pose for the camera.. hahahhaha! Thanks Jennifer!


Kasama ang poging-pogi kong inaanak na si KC


This is a stolen photo.. Takot na takot sa akin si AJ ewan ko ba kung bakit.. Takot yata sa mga gwapo.. hahahahah!


Photo Op muna with Hetty.. Stolen while the mascot was dancing.. hahahah!


Nakigaya naman itong mga ito.. Gaya gaya!


Group picture muna! Di kami masyadong ready kasi naka-auto shot yung camera.

KC's Birthday!

I already have 3 inaanaks.. But I couldn't remember any of their birthdays.. Hahahhaha! Was surprised Alona invited me to attend KC's Birthday party at Jollibee Retiro.. It was sort off short-notice but.. I was able to squeeze it in my schedule.. and ofcourse.. I brought my Camera. Feeling official photographer, I documented most if not all parts of the party. From the games to the candle blowing. Everybody enjoyed the party.. Too bad Maybelle wasn't able to join us.. Jeniffer together with Emerson and AJ (another one of my inaanak) also came.. Thank you Allona for inviting me to this cool party! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KC!


KC Posing for the camera


Family Pic with the Birthday Boy


The Maat Family. Jennifer, Emerson and AJ


Photographer for the Day.. Hahahahah! Hanep sa pose!

May follow up posting pa ako!