AWEFULL

For my birthday this year, I wanted a different kind of celebration. I was supposed to celebrate it with the less fortunate kids in an orphanage or something like what I did last year, a Jollibee birthday party with the kids of Gawad Kalinga. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to arrange the party coz of some personal issues that I had to deal with (if you know what I mean).

So to stick with my plan to celebrate in a different way, I decided to try this new zipline in Quezon City. I asked my friends if they can join me and good thing, they also wanted to try this except for Amae who’s not ecstatic at the thought of adrenaline rush and the likes.. (she’s just so into glam.. see, we’re so different from each other).

On my birthday (August 1), we went to Zoom Treetop Adventure in Circulo Verde in Quezon City (near Eastwood). If you’re familiar with the Treetop Adventure in Subic, they’re of the same company.

Since I already tried doing the usual (like Superman or flying flat on your stomach) style in Tagaytay and in Ecopark, I tried the Silver Surfer.

We decided to have it done at night coz I wanted to see the city lights from up in the air.

First, they put on the harness and other safety gears. They were very meticulous in putting them on, ensuring safety of their customers.

Then the helmet. Then they’d ask you to stand on that iron thing below (I don’t know how to call those grills.. haha!)

\

Time to let go!!!

Amae volunteered to be our photographer at the other end. Below are my pictures taken by her.

I didn’t care about how long I was hanging or how many times I went back and forth screaming. All I know is that it was exhilarating and fun… and “bitin”.

I want more. Perhaps, next time I’d go bungee jumping…. and skydiving? Hahaha!

A cool way to celebrate my birthday, isn’t it?

———

Zoom Treetop Adventure is located at Circulo Verde, Quezon City (open from 2PM to 10PM everyday)
Superman costs PHP400 per trip while the Silver Surfer costs PHP300.

Last week, I celebrated my 26th birthday. Like some of you know, I used to celebrate special occasions with my friends coz my family is not here with me. My parents are based abroad and my 2 siblings already have their own lives (my sister had just given birth while my brother’s preggy girlfriend is nearing her due so I wasn’t expecting that they’d come over and celebrate with me)

So how did my birthday go about?

Last Saturday, July 31, I went out with a friend supposedly to watch his friend’s gig at Moomba along Mother Ignacia (I didn’t bother to invite my other friends coz we went out the night before). Unfortunately, there was a private function at Moomba that we had to wait for a couple of hours before we can come in and watch his friends perform. So we transferred to Panggo’s (Morato) to watch a gig (his friend’s again). I am so not used to being with a guy anymore and we already ran out of things to talk about so I asked GB and our barkada if they can come over to join us. Good thing, they have already recharged and was ready to hang out again. And so they came.

It became some sort of “salubong” for my birthday and I was happy coz they sang a birthday song for me, even greeting me on stage.

Caca, JC, Kyle, Kuya Glenn, Jimmy, AC, Lei

GB, Caca, JC, Kyle, Kuya Glenn, AC, Lei

that's GB singing "Englishman in New York"

Yeah, it was a salubong coz…

After getting intoxicated by alcohol, we decided to have “pares” at Bestfriends along Aurora in QC.

Two things that made me smile on our way to the parking lot: (1) there was a car drifting along Morato (My friend was able to take video of it, too bad I didn’t get a copy from her); (2) After almost a decade I received white roses (there was a flower vendor at the street, I didn’t realize that my boys bought some until they gave the flowers to me)

We called it a night after having “midnight” snack at Bestfriends while laughing to JC’s silly questions on why a certain meal costs 61 pesos.

He was bugging a waiter while saying this..

“Eh baket ba kase 61pesos pa? Para saan yung piso? Pwede namang 65 diba? O Kaya 60? Baket 61 pa?”

He was asking that over and over (he’s makulet when he’s drunk) while leaving us puzzled.. onga noh, baket 61 pesos pa? Hahahaha!

PS: GB gave me this gift with a heartwarming note. I love it coz he’s not used to giving material things but he had something special for me.

Isn’t he the sweetest friend?

After pigging out at Oakwood and visiting Gabee for the first time, we tried something new again — Lasertag. We played at Lazermaxx in Greenhills. This is located at the roofdeck of Greenhills Shopping Center, along with Greenhills Badminton Center. A game (15minutes) costs PHP190 per head.

Lasertag is like a war game, some kind of paintball or airsoft minus the “violence”. It is more technologically advanced, though, as it involves the use of a hand-held infrared-emitting targetting device (gun). It can be done individually or as a team. We were 19 players, split into two teams.

RHASTA - Jejemon na Rasta

Before the start of the game, we watched a video on how to play as well as the Do’s and Dont’s. After briefing, we went straight to an area to choose our gears. When I chose my gun, my friends and I laughed coz the name that I got was Rhasta, coincidental (okay, okay.. inside joke.. sorry )..

Aside from the “gun”, we also wore something like a vest. Those vests are infrared-sensitive.

Si Rubi nag-Lasertag (2nd from right)

Although I watched the video, I still didn’t get the rules on how to play it. I just did what I felt like doing. Shoot. Hide. Run. Shoot. Run. Hide. Something like that.

I initially thought 15minutes isn’t enough for this game. But man, I wanted to quit at the middle of the game coz I was dead tired. I was sweating like hell and my legs were already in pain. Signs of aging. Tsktsk.

But I think it’s a good and quick exercise coz in 15minutes you will sweat a lot (coz of the venue as well — dark and a bit hot in there)

nag-SAUNA

After the game, we viewed our scores and we were given our scorecards.

See, I’m such a loser when it comes to this kind of game (probably coz we didn’t know the term “strategy”). Out of 19 players, I was the 16th. I got a very low score. But I was still happy coz Amae was the 18th. Bwahahha!

It was really tiring (but so much fun) that we ended up pigging out again at Savory.

If you think Noelle’s birthday celebration has already ended, you got it all wrong. Since she’s my supahfwend, the adventures and treats for her birthday hasn’t stopped yet… everything should be special, coz she’s one special friend. We had to make her happy on her WEEK (yes, that’s how we celebrate birthdays in our barkada), as what we promised her.

Last Saturday, we treated her to a breakfast buffet at Oakwood in Ortigas. Oooops, it wasn’t really a treat (in it’s truest sense) coz we got the GCs from Che.. hahaha! That’s one of the perks we get from having a “bossing” for a bestfriend. We got 4 vouchers and we used it (and literally made the most of this free stuff)

I’ve been to buffet breakfast in several hotels in the metro but this one’s awesome. They have a wide array of food to choose from, not just American cuisine but a fusion of everything.. some kind of international. I just noticed something: no scrambled eggs. It was kinda odd coz I believe breakfast isn’t complete without fried egg, be it scrambled or sunny side up. But everything that I ate was superb. My friends said they liked the eggplant chorva (don’t know the name.. sorry ), too bad I wasn’t able to taste it.

I wasn’t able to take shots of the buffet table coz I was shy (yes, mahiyain din pala ako.. mejo lang, kapag ganitong pagkakataon na nangangati ako coz jologs lang ako talaga.. hahaha! ) But we had picture taking at our table.

basta libre -- MASARAP. LOL.

kunwari stolen

My food..

PG

no dressing (yes, weird ako)

I love fruits!

Then kulitan portion…

uyyy.. siryus silang dalawa!

GOT MILK? bwahahhaha!

ayyyy... bastush!

weh ang liit ng sayo!

After our breakfast, we proceeded to their bar (not to drink alcohol coz we still got other activities for the day), we just had a quick peek..

aaaahhhhhlaaaaakkk!!! tsalap oh!

We left Oakwood with big smiles on our face coz we really love to eat (diba obvious sa mga katawan namin?). All the more if the food’s yummy… and free. Haha!

————-
Oakwood Hotel is located along ADB Avenue in Ortigas Center (almost across The Podium and Asian Development Bank)

Sorry guys, I can’t get enough of food these days. Probably because of these negative vibes in me the past few weeks. Sabi nga ni Alessandra de Rossi sa kanyang Twitter account, “Thank God for food. May nagagawa ka pag depressed. Eh pano nalang kung walang food? It will be a disaster!!!!” Hahaha!

Since I’m at home today (believe it or not) and all I had was a homecooked meal (I cooked pork sinigang), I cannot share with you yet a “fresh” foodie review. So I’ll just share an old food experience.

My last trip to Singapore (May 2010) was spent foodtripping with my friends (apart from visiting the newly opened Universal Studios there). Ironic coz I never really liked Singaporean food (I know, Crickette will oppose coz she loves Singaporean cuisine) so how did I go about “foodtrippin in SG”?

Simple. I let my friends satisfy their cravings for Indian/Singaporean cuisine then we also tried restaurants that offer Western/European/other Asian cuisine. One of which is Marche.

Marche is a Swiss Market Restaurant located at Vivo City in Singapore.

I love its facade. I love the decor. I love how “dramatic” the lights are, hence, we had a “photoshoot” before coming inside.

At the reception area, we were told by one of the staff that picture taking isn’t allowed inside. However, being the stubborn that I am, I took pictures inconspicuously coz there was a lot of new (in my eyes) and interesting stuff inside that I wanted to take shots of.

The restaurant’s dining concept is pretty much different from what we have here in the Philippines. Upon entry, we were given a guest card. This card served as our “credit card” for the night. Everytime we would order something, we would give it to the cook then they will charge our orders to that card. Then we paid at the cashier located near the exit of the restaurant.

There was a variety of food to choose from. There were several food areas such as salad, meat (chicken/pork/beef), there was an area for pasta, seafood, vegetables, dessert and drinks. I felt like I was a kid who wanted to order everything. Haha! I was eyeing for sweet crepes coz they looked yummy (wasn’t able to take pictures, though). However, didn’t get to eat anymore coz I had too much meals and my tummy won’t accept dessert anymore.

salad area

salad and apples

veggies

rosti

fish

they looked really fresh!

drinks

love this

Here’s our table after having a hard time choosing food to order.

I won’t be able to give you much comments about the food coz I was starving to death at that time and my mantra has always been, “walang hindi masarap sa taong gutom” But I heard my friends enjoyed the food. Lalo na at libre.

see??? hahaha!

Kidding aside, I liked the paella.

What made this restaurant awesome for me?

(1) The food is cooked right in front of you, you are assured that it is not reheated (aside from what I said earlier that ingredients looked really fresh).

(2) The employees were courteous and cheerful, most especially the Pinoys (there’s a lot of Filipino working there).

(3) The atmosphere is homey; the decors are nice.

I will definitely go back there soon.

Like I said in my previous entry, I’ve been trying out new stuff lately — and one of which is FOOD.

After my Legally Blonde, the Musical date with Che at the Meralco Theater, we (this time with Amae) proceeded to Eastwood Mall to pig out and later on, to be intoxicated by alcohol.

Since Amae has been working for the advertising industry (or online publishing — I don’t know how to classify her job, all I know is that she’s used to rubbing elbows with the stars as well as starlets and some other showbiz thingy), part of her job is trying out/doing reviews of food, she knows a lot when it comes to restaurants.

We arrived at Eastwood with no idea on where we were going to eat. Then she remembered Cyma, a Greek restaurant at the veranda of  Eastwood Mall. We all agreed, after all I wanted something new.

Pictorial muna while finalizing our orders (namiss ko magpicture ng ordinary days lang eh..)

Amae & Che

Che & AC (muka akong bagong gising)

After a few minutes, our appetizer arrived…

Spinach and Artichoke Fondue (with the blend of melting cheese, sliced sun-dried tomatoes and Feta. Served with warm pita triangles and grilled garlic bread)

Spinach Artichoke Fondue - PHP350

Masarap sya, in fairview.. pati si Che na di kumakain ng gulay ay napakain nito kahit may spinach

Then our pasta…

Pastisado – Greek Osso Bucco ( Beef shank braised in Greek tomato sauce, served over spaghetti)

Pastisado (to share) - PHP500

my plate -- look at the chunk of beef!!!

If you’re gonna order this, be sure to put lemon coz it’s a bit nakakaumay. But it’s good. I liked it. The serving was really huuuuuuge (the waiter told us that “to share” is good for 2-3 persons only, but when we saw it parang pang-5 pax e)

After an hour or 2, Gay followed us. We gave her the leftover pasta then she ordered Salad.

Familiy Style Greek Salad (mixed greens, red cabbage, tomatoes, capers, cucumber, Feta cheese, pine nuts, bow-tie pasta and black olives, served with your choice of Cyma’s Summer Herb or Traditional Greek Vinaigrette)

Solo lang daw yan (PHP350) pero ang dami pramis!

We were not able to finish the salad coz we were already full. Gay just brought it home.

Dining at Cyma is a good experience for me coz (1) it’s not that pricey; (2) very very generous servings; (3) staff/waiters are accommodating and funny; (4) food is great — wag lang sosobrahan dahil mauumay ka talaga!

PS: Another thing that I love about this resto is the location… City lights! I looove!

To change the mood of this blog (coz I know most of you are dying to read something positive/good in this blog.. sorry, didn’t mean to make you “cry” in my recent posts), I’ve decided to write something about my last trip which is Ilocos.

I love traveling. I love the Philippines coz this is a beautiful country. One of my ultimate dreams is to visit all the beautiful places here in the country. However, being a Novo Ecijano that I am (meaning: born and grew up in Nueva Ecija), Northern Luzon was never included in my list of dream destinations  coz I have been to several provinces there especially when I was young.

Everytime my friends and I would go out of town, we go to the southern part of the country coz of the beautiful beaches there (coz I think I was a mermaid in my past life). So far, the one that amazed me the most is Malcapuya Island in Palawan).

Anyhoo, since my bestfriend and I had a long weekend last June, we decided to go somewhere. Visayas and Mindanao were never an option coz we kinda planned impulsively. Had we decided to go there, the airfare would eat up all our budget (wasn’t able to avail the airline promo), hence, we opted to go to the north.

Ilocos is one perfect place if you decide to go bitchin’, este swimming/beach bumming pala coz they have Pagudpud (Ilocos Norte), one of the beautiful beaches in Northern Luzon. Pictures below were taken in Blue Lagoon.

ganda noh? (yung view, hindi ako.. LOL)

kaya ko pa tumalon.. bleh

ligaw na bulaklak

emo

Other must-see places/wonders in Ilocos Norte include:

Baluarte (kung mahilig kayo sa animals.. pero ako di na pumasok jan, sawa na ko sa hayop e. )

Patapat Viaduct

Bangui Windmills

Paoay Church

Another reason why I love Ilocos is because it’s picturesque, especially Vigan. Too bad I wasn’t in the mood to take beautiful pictures then, I just wanted to travel. And pose for the camera. That’s it.

chubby cheeks!

watchuwant?

Che & the horsey

cute nya noh?

horsey horsey

The Heritage at her back

im tired....

..and cute... nyahahaha!

The stuff there are really nice, especially the crafts and food. I bought some bags and basi (wine) for my alcoholic friend (oo, hindi ako ang alcoholic.. yung friend ko.. haha! ) We tried their famous empanada (longaniza yung nasa loob). I also brought home longaniza, chichacorn, bagnet (a bit pricey, though.. kuripot ako e.. nyahaha!), etc.

Oh, and before I forget.. we stayed here in Java Hotel (Laoag)

facade

the bar & resto

beds

bathroom

view from our balcony

Okay na okay yung balcony (coz I am a smoker, I admit ). Another thing that’s awesome about this hotel are the facilities. They have a tennis court (or badminton yata, di ko masyado sure haha!) at the back as well as a small swimming pool. Not bad for a provincial hotel, right?