Starbucks Drive Thru

Starbucks Coffee is set to open it's drive thru branch in Fort Bonifacio on Wednesday, November 24.  As it maybe the only branch in the Philippines that will offer coffee on the go, it turns out that it's not the first one in Asia (Malaysia opened it's first Starbucks drive thru December of last year, see here).

Photos courtesy of Starbucks Philippines Facebook site.  Read more...

Muji in Manila - Afer The Visit

It was a year ago since I blogged about Muji coming here in the Philippines.  Now that it has finally opened its flagship store in Bonifacio High Street last October 16 (and after reading others blog about  their Muji experience), I couldn't help but check it out last week. Boy, was I disappointed.

Don't get me wrong. I love Muji (maybe because I'm normally biased when stuff are Japan made ^^) even if I don't actually buy a lot of stuff from there, Muji in Hong Kong has always been a happy place for me as I can spend hours just looking around.  A different case in Muji High Street as I was able to do the rounds in 30 minutes (or less).

Truth is, the look and feel is very Muji-like.  All of their merchandise have the same product sticker you'll find in other Muji stores abroad.  They have the usual areas: clothes (Japanese style, of course), bags, shoes, accessories, home and kitchen utensils, cosmetics, furniture and most especially, food and stationery (the last 2 being Rai and my favorite areas).  The disappointment came in when we saw what they have to offer in the food section as it  was almost non-existent.  (Look at what HK Muji has to ). And the pens and stationery... not as much choices as from stores abroad.  Too bad because I've always had this thinking that Japanese stores offer the most number of (cute) pens and stationery.

Aside from that, I somehow felt like every item was just too expensive. I don't know how it can be said that the products here are cheaper by 6%-7% as compared to HK prices. Believe me, as I looked at the price tags, I can't help but compare how much the items were sold in HK and how cheaper they are there (also maybe in Japan as I was surprised to see a foldable umbrella being sold here at Php1250 which I was able to get at half that price in Japan).  With that, it can be said that Muji's target consumers are those who can really afford (which is why they set it up in High Street).  Average consumers will probably opt to visit a Saizen store for more affordable Japan-made products.

With that said, I'm not so sure if I'll frequent this store as I thought I would. 

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Chung Kee Dessert is to Hong Kong, Caveman and Yeti is to Philippines

When it comes to Hong Kong dessert places, I used to know of only 許留山 Hui Lau Shan and 滿記甜品 Honeymoon Dessert.

But during my 3-months stint, we discovered and frequented the Causeway Bay branch of Chung Kee Dessert.

image taken from the official site

Although they offer different hot and cold desserts, my favorite will have to be their mango pudding, their shaved ice offering comes in second.  Here, you have a choice of which flavor of shaved ice you want plus 2 kinds of toppings plus your flavor of choice for the syrup for around 28HKD (good for sharing).  [I prefer their mango shaved ice over the chocolate with magic pearls (similar to tapioca except that it pops inside one's mouth) as one of the toppings. *yum*]

photo courtesy of emma n.

Apparently, Caveman and Yeti has brought the shaved flavored ice concept here in Manila, too.

image taken from here

Comparatively, Caveman and Yeti has more toppings to offer mainly because the store, unlike Chung Kee Dessert, is all about shaved ice although they also offer sesame mochi buns which are fried mochi.

Earlier today I ordered their strawberry heart (vanilla shaved ice with strawberry syrup) and a mochi bun. And boy, am I glad to have a place that can fill that void whenever I miss Chung Kee.

Where to find them:
Chung Kee Dessert 松記糖水 
G/F, G4-G5 Wing Tak Building, 15 Canal Road West, 
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
 銅鑼灣堅拿道西15號永德大廈地下G4-G5號地下
(+852)3480 7222

Caveman and Yeti 
3rd Level Main Mall, SM City North EDSA 
North Avenue corner EDSA 
Quezon City, Philippines

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Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars feat Erin Christine

There's just something with Bruno Mars and as it is, I'm currently liking his Just the Way You Are song.

Looks like there's a remix to include a girl version of the song (Listen after the jump *grin*)
listen listen

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Planetime with Yotsuba

Yotsuba has been accompanying us to most of our travels and her adventure usually starts (and ends) in her plane rides.

Oftentimes, she is well-behaved.

But there are times when she finds herself with a playmate, she can't help herself...

and be a little naughty.


Then again... that's just her, being excited.

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Shameless Plug

If you happen to be one of those (very few) people who check this blog every so often and gets disappointed whenever no new entry has been posted... you might want to check on this other blog we've started a couple of months back. It's still a work in progress but comments and/or suggestions are very much welcome there. :)

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Of Celebrating Birthdays (Semi Post-Birthday Entry)

We all have that one day to commemorate our being born. When we were young, we used to be excited and looked forward to that special day. Times are changing and as we grow older, the excitement fades little by little. In fact, I've heard people say they see their birthday as just an ordinary day. Some people also dislike having to grow older especially when they feel they haven't achieved their goals at a certain age.

I, myself, am not as how I used to be whenever my birthday draws to a near. I used to be uptight about it, expecting the world to celebrate, then I realized how I am putting myself in a position where I will be disappointed because of unrealistic expectations (i.e. expecting to be surprised with a celebration, gifts, calls or greetings). These days, I view my birthday as still a special day - one that is blessed because I get to receive the best gift of all which is Life. Also the very reason why I make it a point to celebrate the day with people I love.

Celebrating Rai's birthday is a different story.

During his first birthday after we became a couple, I gave him flowers (much to his embarrassment LOL), an original (came straight from Japan) Kon plushie because at that time Bleach was his favorite anime , and a bag (as I wanted to give him something of use). The next year, I tried coming up with 27 things to give him since the month of April started. Then, together with his college friends, we were able to surprise him at his house. Also, we threw him a surprise semi-kiddie party in the office. Last year's pre-birthday gifts were: a surprise dinner with his college friends and a surprise lazer tag game with his office friends. This year, I planned a memorable weekend getaway in Tagaytay with office friends and college friends (left here in Manila) altogether.

Even with him not expecting anything from me, it has become my goal to make his birthday always an extra-special day. I'm glad that even if Rai sometimes is hard to please, it doesn't take much to make him smile and happy on his day (that, or he just doesn't want to disappoint me? :p). :) Most importantly, it's my way of reminding him how blessed he is for having these many people around who care for him and love him.

And so, to Rai, belated Happy Birthday once again. I hope you're looking forward to the new year of opportunities to accomplish personal goals. :)

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Showing off my birthday card ^^

I haven't really posted anything for a looong time, but just to show that I'm still alive I'm posting my birthday eCard :)



Check Out this Birthday Card I Just Received!

Create your own!

Thanks to everyone and Ji!

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Giving in to Wanderlust

I can no longer remember when I started to have that desire to travel and explore the world. In fact, if only I have all the time and the money to spend, I probably would have been able to see Europe by now. Instead, I've just made it my goal to take on Asia one step at a time.

With that in mind, I made Taiwan next on my list (of course, with Rai) only because I've heard it offers inexpensive but good food LOL.


We definitely would want to come back because three days just isn't enough. More on the preparation details and the actual trip in our next post. :)

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Backlog

Such backlog.

Been really busy with work that we end up wanting our weekends to just be laid-back. Maybe I need more than just free time to update this blog...

Yeah... maybe being more committed is what I should be doing :p

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Rent 2010 Review

I first learned of what Rent was back in 2001 when I saw it with my sister at the GSIS Theater. After 9 years, comes the third run of Rent here in Manila.

I admit to not being impressed when I found out the casting lineup. I know of Gian Madrigal and OJ Mariano because I've seen them both on T.V. But the rest of the ensemble are mostly newcomers except for Carla Guevara-Laforteza.

Then again, I thought it'd be nice to watch it again and this time with Rai.

I wasn't able to warn him that he'd have to brace himself of scenes where everything seems to be happening all at once. But... it comes with the Rent experience and he was able to get accustomed to them sooner than I expected. He thought that the musical had its light moments even with the serious plot of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling despite of being afflicted with AIDS. It was also a welcome treat for him to see a familiar face, Johann dela Fuente, whom he liked as Leaf Coneybear in last year's 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. *Honest Living! Honest Living!* I guess the same goes when he later realized that the person playing Maureen was also a part of the Spelling Bee.


As for me, there's really not much to nitpick on except for the cast. I confess to missing JM Rodriguez and wondering whatever happened to him soon as Frederick Lo (as Mark Cohen) appeared on stage. I, then tried to enjoy the show with its 2010 cast and what can I say? These newcomers aren't so bad. OJ Mariano as Collins and Job Bautista as Angel were so convincing being the gay couple. I was even moved to tears as he was performing I'll Cover You at near end of the play. Fred Lo is a cutie and has potential (I'll be watching out for him from now). With Gian's performance as Roger... well, I still wasn't impressed even after I saw him. Much to my dismay. The same goes for Nicole Asensio being Mimi. They didn't have the chemistry, too, as they weren't as believable compared with Collins and Angel. Oh well. At least Carla as Maureen was truly remarkable. She doesn't appear early on and just about right because soon as she stood on stage to perform Over the Moon, she already stole the show.

With all I've said so far, would I still recommend this rock musical? Well yes. I'm pretty sure these actors/actresses are improving in every performance. Besides, it's still a joy to see/hear Seasons of Love (and my other favorites: I Should Tell You and Light My Candle) being performed on stage.

As PEP.ph quotes:

This year's Rent may or may not hold a candle to the previous productions, but it still has all the verve that this beloved musical is known for. In our time, the material seems dated, but it never fails to spark a love for bohemianism in audiences, whether they are familiar with the culture of the late '80s or not. More than anything, the new production reminds us that the musical remains an ode to love that never diminishes in the face of disease, discontent, and despair.

Playdates: February 12 to 14, 19 to 21, and 26 to 28
Venue: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave. corner. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City
Ticket Prices: Orchestra Center - 1700, Orchestra Side - 1600, Loge Center - 1400, Loge Sides - 1100, Balcony - 800

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January Treat Part 1: Sakae Sushi

One Saturday afternoon, I asked the two people I'm with to eat at this place.


I've been wanting to eat here ever since I heard of their conveyor belt sushi. So you can just imagine how thrilled I was that I finally get to check out the place plus satiate my Japanese food craving.

The three of us availed of their All-You-Can-Eat sushi for Php 399. It came with miso soup and hot/cold green tea (plus a 20% discount on all additional orders aside from what were available on the conveyor).

Unlimited sushi! Just about enough to make our Saturday complete. Truth be told that the first few minutes, I was actually eating more than what the other two were having (already combined). Apparently, Rai said they were just taking it slow so they won't get to be full in an instant. *Oh yeah, I was having my low EQ moment that time. :p


One can order the sushi ala carte. Prices are based on their plate's color scheme: Php39 for purple, Php59 for yellow, Php79 for green, and Php99 for red plates. Most that we ate were of yellow and green sushi plates.


We stayed until we were really really full. All in all, we agree that their sushi isn't so bad. We've had better and we've also had worse, but for that Php399 amount, I say it's worth my Japanese food fix.


Where to find it:
Sakae Sushi
Grd Floor, Annex Bldg., SM City North EDSA,
North Ave cor EDSA Quezon City

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Will Blog Soon

Really soon, hopefully.

[It's just that a lot has been going on since December last year thus the lack of posts from us.] Read more...

2009 Meme

1. What did you do last year that you'd never done before?
Being tightly fastened in a coaster that is titled 55 degrees on the edge of the 38th floor of Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu!

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't recall making a new year's resolution last year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
None.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
None as well.

5. What countries did you visit?
It wasn't a travel year for me. I only got to visit Singapore. Hopefully I get to explore more countries this year :)

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
More quiet time with God.

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February. Most trying month for me that I don't want to divulge.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Knowing myself better.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Being unsuccessful in making my relationship with the Lord stronger.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No. But I kept having colds every now and then.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My aluminum MacBook :)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine? Hahahaha

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Appalled probably but not depressed... Someone in the office.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Food trips and shoes!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
First out of town trip with college friends.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
I Gotta Feeling. woooohoooooo!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Happier because I am more at peace.

ii. thinner or fatter?
Fatter. I will do something about it this year though.

iii. richer or poorer?
Not richer but not poorer. I would have saved more if it weren't for my macbook and for the out of the country and out of town trips... but it's all good. :)

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Bonding moments with my mom and my sister.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinate hehe and spend too much time facebooking LOL.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
For this year's Christmas, I would want to go somewhere with my family.

21. What was your favorite month of 2009?
December, I suppose. :)

22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I did, all over again with the same person from 3 years ago. :)

23. How many one-night stands?
None.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
It wasn't a year of TV programs for me... but more of Anime. Avatar, the Last Airbender it is!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Disliked is more apt. Yes, I do.

26. What was the best book you read?
No specific book I can say is the best. Then again, I didn't read that much. Will catch up this year as well heehee

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Taylor Swift. Hahaha I wasn't much into her before but now I don't just like her music, I crush her, too!

28. What did you want and get?
My own laptop.

29. What did you want and not get?
A vacation of total R&R.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
500 Days of Summer!

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28. Spent it with Rai half of the day, and with family the other half.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A bigger income so I could have traveled more!

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
I'd like to think it's versatile.

34. What kept you sane?
God.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Taylor Swift.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Nothing lol. I probably was a little apathetic when it came to this topic.

37. Who did you miss?
Jun.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Gace. Because she's so hyper. I like!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
To be more courageous.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I will be still and know You are God.

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Quick New Year Post

Happy New Year!!!

I can't believe it's 2010 already. I wanted to make a rundown post of 2009 for me and make a list of resolutions, too. There's just so little time as of the moment to do so. In fact, I haven't actually stayed in the house for more than 2 days since the Christmas holiday started (that is December 24 until January 3 for me). A first time since I'm used to just staying home to spend December break. I might really need a vacation soon.

But for the meantime, here's my 2009 in pictures.

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