A Day Off at the Orachard

Whew! After a very long stormy weekend.. Finally.. a much deserved break. A bright and sunny day welcomed the "Orchard Gang" as we made a stop over at Blue Wave to grab a cup of coffee and meet with Roel, Atsie Alfie and Ali. Manila Bay's cool breeze around 10 in the morning gave me a little hint that it would probably be a gloomy day again.. but i kept my fingers crossed and hoped that the weather wouldn't spoil this day off for me.


Lunch at the Golfer's Veranda

And yes! We arrived at the Orchard just in time for a sumptous lunch.. After having lunch with picture taking on the side.. the pool awaits.. Photo opt again.. Roel brought his super camera lenses and for us.. we went wild with the poses.. jumping, swimming, posing like crazy.. we spent the whole afternoon fooling around with the camera. And before merienda.. Jordan and i decided to try Ping-pong or table tennis.. whatever it really is called.. and whew.. a good one hour of this super cool sport made me sweat like a pig.. and it is fun too!


Told you we went wild with the poses!


Ano ba! Tama na! alam naman naming artistahin kami eh! Tama na ang picture taking! hahahha!


Ang Talon effect!

We went back to Manila to have dinner at Teriyaki Boy Mall of Asia.. Strolled around the mall.. changed Ali's diaper.. and finally had coffee at the Harbor Square.. It's my first time to try "Pressed Coffee" at Starbucks.. and it really really is good.. Must Try! Well.. my cousins will be going back to Canada in August.. Their visit this year will surely be the most memorable one cause we got really close and I will surely miss Jordan and Michelle.. Wished Abip was here too.. huhuhuhu!


Ahem.. pwede na bang model ng Starbucks?

Have You Tried Cafe Breton?

After a hearty lunch.. or just plain wanting to seat anywhere.. I often end up seating in this very cozy place called "Cafe Breton". Well.. my first Breton experience was in Malate.. A cute little coffee house that serves a variety of crepes.. If you know me.. I don't really eat crepe.. So I just settle with Cafe Legois (Just like Frapuccino with vanilla ice cream on top and super rich blended coffee) or the all time favorite Cafe Au Lait.

They also have a branch in Greenbelt 3 where I tried (after a long time) the crepe Breton has to offer.. but I hesitated to try the fruit crepe so I just ordered for sugar and butter.. well it's good.. more like a very thin pancake.. Also tried their super yummy hamburger.. and when I say it's yummy.. it really really is good.

Lately.. It's Breton Mall of Asia for me.. just like the other Bretons.. very cozy.. The cute doll house like setup with colorful paintings and the sliding door rest room.. very homy.. Try their "Vesuve" crepe.. it's crepe filled with ham, onion, garlic, tomato, with a spicy taste to it.. The strawberry Milk Shake is also good.. hay.. Makes me wanna have one right now.. heheheh.. So next time you wanna just hang out and chat with friends.. I would suggest Cafe Breton Mall of Asia.. and did I say it is infront of Manila bay? super cool view.. specially when it's raining.

United 93

At last.. As 9/11 movie catapulted by this No-Star cast documentary-like motion picture of the United American Airline Flight 93 tragedy. No big actors, no fancy effects, just a simple narrative of what happened to United Flight 93. How the terrorists took over the plane, and ultimately.. how the heroic passengers courageously stopped the terrorists to achieve the target "The White House". The drama, the suspense, and the anxiety of the passengers in this movie gave me the chills.. The scene where the Airport Staion in New York witnessed the second attack on the World Trade Center was stunning. It's like watching the tragedy from the news all over again.. on a greater light this time, as the movie creatively showed how the 4 hi-hacked planes reach their targets, what the American government did, concentrating on the heroism, and emotions of the passengers in United 93. Not your typical movie but certainly one you should watch.

Superman Returns On IMAX

At long last.. Was able to watch Superman Returns yesterday! As early as 9 AM my brother and I were already at the IMAX Theater. Straight to the entrance of the theater.. Didn't bother to get something to eat.. Thought we're already late for the 9 AM screening. Well.. We're not.. infact.. the trailers started around 9:30.. Which would probably give us time to get some snacks.. But the long Queue looks like never ending.. So just forget about popcorns.. I don't really like to eat inside the cinema.. I wanted to concentrate and just focus on the movie.. heheheh.



Well.. as we enter.. the 3d glasses were given to each of us.. too bad i didn't get the chance to take a picture cause the reception lady kept on saying.. no picture taking please.. grrr.. but Jericho and Heart's IMAX visit was covered by cameras.. Anyway.. there.. we were seated quite near the 8 story screen.. and it really is an 8 story movie screen.. the biggest i have ever seen.. And when you face front.. You will definitely see only the screen.. No heads infront of you.. or the exit signs around your peripheral..

A good 30 minutes of chatting and observing other people who was jittery.. anticipating the movie.. most i think will watch IMAX for the first time. The trailers started with this IMAX "Think Big clip". The sign wear your 3d glasses sign turned on.. and WOW! the countdown looks as if it is infront of you.. 3D! The T-REX trailer almost got me off my seat.. the Dino kinda came out of the screen and looked like it's going to eat us.. hahahahahha! The Ant Bully Trailer was also in 3D.. I will watch this next.

Back to Superman.. After watching the movie in IMAX.. I would say it's just an average movie.. was expecting a LOT! Good thing I watched in in IMAX.. But hey.. don't expect too much on 3D cause only 4 clips are in 3D.. What I appreciate most is the clarity of the picture and the sound.. Lex Luthor wasn't really villanous in this movie.. Lois didn't looked like Lois.. but Brandon Routhe really did great as Superman. The story felt like it is going nowhere.. the conflict too shallow.. and the ending anti-climatic.. But you definitely have to watch this in IMAX and as the say.. Experience Movie making history cause it's the first motion picture shown in IMAX.

The IMAX Experience!

Kala niyo nakanood na ako nuh! Hindi pa.. matagal pang pag-aantay.. pero atleast sure na! Mapapanood ko sa IMAX ang Superman Returns! Wooopie!

I usually watch movies like Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc. first day of release.. But the case is not that true with Superman Returns.. Well my original plan is to watch it on IMAX on the first day.. but unfortunately.. tickets are already sold out.. And the next available date would be 2 weeks from June 28.. Grrrrr.. I'm a little disappointed cause almost everybody watched the film already.. even my Dad who watches a movie like 3 times a year catched Superman Returns with my sister.. grrr.. it's killing me.. but well.. i have to pay the price cause i want to experience it first in IMAX. Already heard raves on the IMAX experience.. You won't get this from any other cinema.. Superman Returns like you've never seen before. I was very sick yesterday.. but I suddenly felt better after seeing tickets bought by my brother for July 16 screening on IMAX. I'm sooooo excited!

Johan's First Birthday!

Last July 1, 2006 was the first birthday of my cutest cousin Johan.. Held at the Peking Garden in Glorietta 2! But before that.. Joan and I strolled around the Ayala Center were we found this new and exciting trivia game in TIMEZONE greenbelt3 that's super addicting. I felt like I was a contestant in a game show where I have real "kalabans" to answer 5 questions correctly. Try it! It's super fun! Sayang lang wasn't able to take a picture of that game.. Well imagine this.. 6 podiums with A, B, and C buttons placed in a way that will prevent you from peeking at the answer of the person beside you.. Infront of you.. a large projected display! 5 questions.. 1 Winner.. 1 Jackpot! All fun!


Sobrang cute nuh! that's my cousin! Pamilya talaga kami ng mga cute!

Back to Johan's Birthday.. Well I've never seem him having so much fun.. specially around many people.. Johan really enjoyed his first birthday.. The Peking Garden was full of Johan's Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins.. All very excited, all very happy for Johan. the crunchy spinach.. my favorite among the dishes served LAURIAT style.. the crabs are yummy.. and the mango sago.. hmmmmmm.. The party became extra special because of this magician who entertained us the whole night.. dis-appearing infront fo you.. making his assitant float on air.. showing off his cool parrots.. and doing lots and lots of magic tricks.. he's one cool magician.. hahahahha! I myself were amazed cause I've never been that up close and personal with a real magician before.. I've only watched crazy clowns to crappy tricks.. but this magician.. he's really really good!


Me (looking harassed sa kaka-picture) Yaya (wala akong masabi.. super yaya) Johan (Having so much fun) and Joan (Expert nang mag-pose)


The magician with volunteered audience JC doing a jacket trick!

The Call (by Logan)

Gone the passing of tides
Countless dilemnas now subsides
Sky clearing, what's behind
Eyes peeking, Still I'm blind

Will decipher the silent whispers
Till I conquer the fear that lingers
Doubts on shadows I've seen never
Shout to hear the distant river

Unknown the origin this strange voice
Thoughts engulfed with the same noice
Echoes bounced, the eerie sound
Been announced, But not found

Listen will I ever recognize the cry
Figured after a thousand try
Felt inside my very mind
A call in myself I will find

A New Beginning (by Logan)

These days I feel like I'm stranded
Troubled, confused, stagnated
Creeping through to a visible light
There, but later out of sight

Deep inside my soul hungers
Suddenly everybody became strangers
Need to feed, need to nourish
Plant the seed, and make it flourish

Here comes the new dawn
Chances taken, my gun drawn
The cards layed, Aces Played
And I stayed, decision made

Right choice? no promises
Wrong choice? no compromises
A new beginning coming
A new me forming

The Lake House. Great Date Movie!

I don't knnow if you watched this yet.. but If you haven't and you dig romantic movies.. Then.. this is one movie you should watch.. And since Joan and I watch a film every week.. well.. expect me to post something about a movie every monday.. ofcourse I won't spoil the movie for you guys.. just a brief reaction.

Anyway.. The Lake House is probably one of the best romantic movie ever shown (in my opinion) Though the plot is very predictable, It is still very endulging to be part of a love story 2 years apart.. Just make sure to pay attention to the YEAR 2004 or 2006.. The overall feel of this movie is the llikes of "Sleepless in Seatle" and "Frequency".  You definitely have to watch this one!  On the other hand.. I should have watched The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift.. Hahahahhahah!

10 Things I Love About Xavier!

1. G-Liner - One very convenient G-liner ride drops me from home to Madison St.
2. 4 P.M. Uwian - Gives me ample time to go to the gym and still catch "bagong lutong ulam" while watching Deal or no Deal!
3. Canteen - Nachos, Hotdogs, French Fries, Dimsum, Fruit Shakes, Burritos, Pizza, C2, name it.. Xavier has it!
4. Signal Number 3 - This means.. I don't report to work and can sleep the whole day!
5. Long breaks - Semestral break, Christmas break, Summer break!
6. XACOOP - Instant money in times of crisis.
7. Xavier Events - Performing my heart out during events like the Director's Day, Appreciation day, and fulfilling my dream of becoming a VJ last Service Recognition Awarding Ceremony.
8. XSBUDDIES - Rachelle, Weng, Bel, Thet, Mark, Lance.
9. Corridors - My sanctuary.. where I can sing as loud as I can without anybody minding me. Ooops.. not everybody.. one GS Assistant Principal repremanded me one time. Hahahahhaha!
10. Brisk Walking - Don't need do cardiovascular exercises anymore, a call from the EED IMC, to the HSPO, back to the GS classrooms then to the Seniors Wing, sprint to the Sports Center, then the HS Gym, to the Administration building, climbing up to the ITS office, then to the HS PCLABs, rush to the GSPO, go down to the Director's Office, Climb the stairs to the HS Science Laboratory, catching my breathe going to the G4 Faculty workoom, Back to the Central Admin TRC, the to the Office again, sweating already to the EED classrooms, then to the Grade 7 Faculty workroom, almost running to the HS Faculty workroom, eyes rolling to the HS chinese lab, drowning from my own sweat to the G2 Faculty workroom, then to the HS IT Kiosk, pit stop at the GS canteen, a radio call to the Grade 1 Guidance Councelor, Get the camera from ITS and run to the HS Gym, then to the sports center again, and so on.. and so on.. until it's 4 P.M. Calories burned 400, Heart rate 170, all at more or less at 80 KPH! Oh diba! di na kailangan gumastos pa sa gym.. hahahhaha!

Mall of Asia with CKS batch 97 Barkada!

Religiously following the yearly tradition of our barkada (na hanggang ngayon wala paring name). The birthday of Maybelle! But this time.. It's kinda different.. besides from one missing member (Janice! umuwi ka na!). We now have two dashing moms with their husbands.. One big happy barkada na talaga! Too bad Joan wasn't able to join us.. wala tuloy ako masyadong picture.. hahahah! Anyway.. Sa laki ng MAll of Asia.. buti nalang memorize ko na, and we had so much fun.. We had dinner sa Italianis courtesy of the birtheday girl.. and lots as in lots of picture sessions.. Photographer nanaman ang papel ko sa buhay.. hahahahha! And ofcourse.. the fireworks na sinalubong talaga ang pagdating ng reyna ng kagandahan.. who else? Allona! Here are some of the pictures that night!

The whole gang infront of the Mall of Asia main mall fountain (wishing fountain ata.. daming coins!)

Gwapings.. The Hunks.. Viva Hot Men.. walang panama sa mga Magkumpareng Kilabot!

Eto.. Star Circle na.. Starstruck pa!

The Birthday girl!

My super cute na inaanak.. AJ.

John Lloyd and Bea? ay.. si Arnel and Lons pala.. busog na busog sa Italianis.

Fireworks! Di ko na sinaman pics namin kasi nakanganga kaming lahat sa mangha!

Mall of Asia!

Yesterday.. May 21, 2006.. the biggest mall in the country officialy opened it's doors to the public.. and all i can say is.. it was a big success. Poeple from all over metro manila including those from the nearby provinces flocked the gigantic mall!

Joan and I. Looking harassed strolling around Mall of Asia!

The globe! The most noitceable landmark you'll see as you enter the baycity area is the centerpiece of the mall!

The Main Mall Facade. An artitechtural art of glass panels and lights.

The Main mall enterance facade!

Look at that cieling!

Here's the fountain infront of the main mall.

Up the first of the probably hundreds of escelators inside the mall.

Olympic Size skating rink.. coool!

The tech strip as I call it.. here you'll find all sorts of gadget like computers, cellphones, digicams, etc.. no airconditioning outside.. but with the plants and trees.. it's ok.

Look! sobrang daming tao!

One of the highlights of the mall.. the first ever IMAX cinema in the Philippines.

Here's the part of the mall facing the ocean.. Grabe.. daming restaurant.. sarap mag food trip.

the bridge to the bay part of the mall.. nothing yet to see here.. but im sure.. sm will come up with something spectacular!

Ample parking space.. but they some improvement sana sa system.. ang gulo.. sobrang gulo ng parking.

Todo na talaga! Wish me luck nalang! Hahahaha!

Dahil bigo akong makasali sa PBB Celebrity (di naman ako celebrity) at PBB Teen (di naman ako teen) Eto na ang aking pagkakataon! At kung sino pa diyan ang interesadong sumali. wala naman masamang mag-try diba? Kaya abangan na ang mga audition dates this June. At this June narin ang Philippine Idol sa ABC 5. This June 3 na ang Manila Auditions.. excited na ako.. and guess what? try ko din mag-audition.. heheheheh.. Good luck talaga!

At Last: The Much Anticipated Tutees Gimik!

Whooooo! After months of planning.. and after several postponed meetings.. The gang of Grade School tutormates met officially for the 4th time since we contacted each other.. and guess what.. I think the group is getting bigger and bigger.. hahhahahah! Well.. I think nobody really has time for badminton (or tinatamad lang) cause all badminton plans has been cancelled. But.. when I suggested Seaside Market.. hmmmm.. everybody seemed eager to join.. hehehehhe..

Julies Ihaw-Ihaw restaurant. That's where we ate our hearts out.. Imagine eating 2 kilos of shrimp, squid, mussels, tilapia, and clams.. yum yum yum! It was me and Chester who took care of the palengke thing.. heheheheh.. Then we have it cooked baked tahong, buttered shrimp, tempura, adobong pusit, calamares, clam soup, inihaw na tilapia. Waaahh.. we had a very sumptuous dinner.. and headed to starbucks Blue Wave after to meet Ferdinand whom by the way suggested this Julies place. check out the pictures taken from that cool night out with my tutormates.

Gutom na kami niyan! Kaya medyo pilit ang smile.

Yehey! Kainan na! grabe! piesta ba ito!

Oh.. Sandra.. Mary Grace... dahan-dahan lang.. di namin kayo uubusan!

Tempura! Sarap!

Oh.. picture muna! inhale para di makita ang tiyan! hahahahha!

Vivien is our official chikadora! Look how indulged the others are with her kwento.. ano kaya yun?

Ayan! Masaya na kami.. busog na eh!

The Tutees girls!

Finally, dumating na si Ferdinand with Chirstine.. buti nalang nakapagpapicture pa.. after this.. lowbat na yung cam!

Grande Island: What an Island!

This is it! My complete journal on our Grande Island outing! Everything started with a joke from my Dad (it sounded like a joke to me) that we are joining the Jing-Nan almuni outing to Puerto Galera.. Coool! though it sounded like a joke.. still imagined myself in Puerto for the first time! After a few weeks.. no word from my Dad.. I'm beginning to get disappointed when there it is! The outing is "for real" my Dad paid everything, unfortunately not to Puerto.. but to this.. Verde Island (Grande Island) according to my Dad.

Packed and ready to go! Meeting Place: Binondo. We had breakfast at Mc Donalds Bonondo where the bus to Subic is waiting. Whew! The trip was long and oh.. it is hot! Can't even take a short nap because of the excitement and the chinese background music! Well.. have to kill time so.. it's picture taking inside the bus.. but did not last that long cause we were packed like sardines inside and theres no space to move and pose.. but the trip wasn't that boring.. a few of my dad's GS schoolmates gave talks on being vegetarian, travelling trips, and even a PEP talk on raising your kids well.. hehehehhe..

At the Binondo Church Plaza. Feeling mga tourist! hahahah!

Ready to take a very long nap... naaaaah!

Wipeeee! I can already see the Naval Ships and the Duty Free shops! At last.. were at Subic! With our stomach rumbling from the 4 hour trip.. We hunted for a resto not as crowded as Chowking so we can board the Ferry at 2 PM. We ended up waiting for an hour in this Grill Bar just across Chowking! Damn.. when the food finally got out of that kitchen.. walah! In 5 minutes.. my super proper Aunty Carmen finished her giant clubhouse! And as expected.. We're the last group to ride the bus.. hahahhaha! mga pasaway talaga! We waited for around 30 minutes for the Ferry.. (bakit ba kasi nagmadali pa.. muntik na kaya kaming mabulunan) Shaiks! I thought it was air conditioned.. it's not! No choice.. me Chester (my cousin) and Lloyd ( my brother) went to the ferry's deck for some air.. and whew.. great view! so we quickly grabbed the camera.. and guess what.. picture taking session again! hahahahhaha!

Sa Grill Bar sa Subic na so far broke my record of the poorest service of all!

Bored na sa kakantay ng Ferry.. Kaya ayan.. pose kung saan saan!

Balak ko sanang itali sarili ko tapos magpahila sa Ferry.. kaso bawal pala.

Idea ng sioti ko itong pose na ito! Cool nuh!

After that 20 minutes Ferry ride.. Grande Island! Well.. I did not really had high hopes for this resort considering that Subic don't have nice beaches, but what the heck! The Island looked nice though! Some bonding moments with my Dad's peers while waiting for the room assignments. Exhausted.. we entered the room.. Wow! The room was great.. not like the 5 star hotels but good enough.. Two Queen Size bed, a veranda with a great view of the sea, and air-conditioning (di pwedeng mawala). All in all, so far.. Grande Island is pretty impressive. We went swimming around 4 PM and tried banana boat a couple of times.. The water was very salty.. and the beach.. full of rocks.. so.. I didn't enjoy that much.. if not for the banana boat.. I would have not enjoyed the beach at all! We had barbeque buffet for dinner with matching Karaoke.. and some cans of Red Horse.. almost everybody sang their hearts out.. and me.. well.. I had a "copacobana" number! Siyempre.. kailangan makarelate ang mga oldies! hahahahha!

Di ako galit ah! Sobrang pagod lang! This shot was taken at the grande island pier.

The Grande Island Gang!

Cool! Sana di to maglakad mamayang gabi!

After a very good night's sleep (dahil kaya sa red horse?) the day started early for me! Woke up 5 am to jog with my cousin.. Well.. tinamad kami.. so we head to the rocky beach with Mommy and Daddy.. the sun wasn't that hot and the wave wasn't that strong.. so babad muna sa dagat.. for around 30 minutes.. then my mommy and i decided to try the lagoon wave pool.. yuck! mas maalat pa yung tubig dito kesa sa dagat.. we then decided to walk back to our rooms! On the way.. we saw some of our friends enjoying themselves at this beach near the rooms, we thought this was off limits for swimming.. but well.. we tried it.. the water here is very very clear.. and only few rocks.. saya! I swam and swam until the invasion of the Jellyfish! Grabe.. there were like 4 jellyfish around me.. so I quickly got out of the water! hahahahah! Then the much anticipated breakfast at the veranda.. dalayed and all.. i still enjoyed this Ham and egg with fruits breakfast facing the wide open sea.. after breakfast.. we still have tickets for 3 round of banana boat.. but since the boat was "pre-occupied" we decided to get into the Kayak (tama ba spelling) instead.. ang saya saya mag-kayak.. I want to try it again! I had so much fun! Can't wait for my next trip to this Island!

Feeling Baywatch Star! hahahahha!

Enjoying the sand with my brother and sister.

Nandito kaya yung yamashita treasure?

Ang bigat! Muntik na akong mabalian ng likod!

The Rock!

Yum! this is life!

Sioti! Ano ba! ako muna.. nasa aking yung sagwan!

Kakapagod! Chill muna.. sa aking duyan.. chill!

Ang init!

Ayoko pang umuwi!

Bye Grande Island!