Pigs Will Fly !

#22 ALSA BALUTAN

2009-04-05T17:28:00.001-07:00

Hi, moving houses.

Visit me naman at http://pigswilldrive.wordpress.com

See ya!

#21 - Inter-Island Flights

2009-03-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Travelling is a necessary evil in my job. Last week, I travelled from Manila-Bacolod-Cebu-Davao, all in the span of 48 hours.

INSERT RANT: Thanks Cebu Pacific for contributing to the amount of time wasted by waiting for your delayed flights. (A total of 10 hours for me.)

However, flying is still the preferred option to riding a boat...ship...basta seafare is not a big thing with me.

Oli and I took Cebu Pac's BACOLOD-CEBU route using this teeny tiny plane. (I suppose Bora regulars are used to this but small planes still rattle me.)

Oli found it so funny I was freaked out.

I guess what rattled me more was I needed to do a weigh in along with my luggage! (The check-in person took pity on me by not announcing to all and sundry my personal excess baggage weight.)

Suffice to say, it was a mercifully short and memorable flight.

This is the first time I was going to sit in a plane facing everyone else. I felt some performance anxiety or at least give a tour guide spiel. Buti na lang hindi puno ang flight at nakalipat kami.

A view of the tiny cabin. How tiny was the cabin? It was scorching hot inside after the aircon was turned off. (after landing.)

#20 - MV Doulos

2009-03-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

It was one of those rare work-free weekends and I was feeling a little cabin fever
since I was in bed almost all week after a recent bout with the flu.

I roped Magic and Mikee and went to check out the MV Doulos docked on Pier 15 of South Harbor.

My grand plan was to come as early as possible to beat the heat, only to find out that it opens at 2:00 pm on Sundays. When we got there, there was a queue of curious booklovers ahead of us. Silly of me for not bringing an umbrella to sheild us from the heat. (I wondered if they have books on how to treat heat stroke.)

After joining the crush in search of interesting books (I came away with a book on Tommy Dorsey, on jet fighters, and a book by the late Tim Russert on his dad), I found out that the ship is open until 9:00 pm pala! Hay! That teaches me not to research before going on an adventure. Then again, it was an adventure nonetheless.

#19 - Panagbenga 2009

2009-03-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

Flower fest is really a fun time for us.
You get to see all sorts of creative ways to promote corporate brands.

This year's Panagbenga seemed to have not as many floats compared to last year's parade (advertisers propably did more focused and on-ground activities like ours) But it was still fun to see what the participants had in store for us.

It was pretty incredible to see the turn-out for the parade!
Andaming tao!!

(Usually, TV/Movie stars ride the floats but in my book,
no artista is bigger than the BEE!)

But nothing beats the first time.
(it was raining and freeeezing during the 2008 parade but it was sooo fun!)

#18 - Balikbayan Box = Love

2009-02-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

It's really a pleasant suprise when a box comes from the states!

You know its on its way, you know its full of goodies, but it takes so long you forget about it, but when it arrives... HAPPINESS!! (I think that's the way I should approach my faith.)

This batch doesn't disappoint.

I saw this on the table right away and spirited it off to my room for closer inspection...

What's in the box???

Kawaii!

But this is too cute to use!

And the Aunts answered my shoe craving....

THANK YOU TRES TITAS!!!!

#17 - Roberto's Siopao - Iloilo

2009-02-03T22:02:00.000-08:00

I really like Iloilo.
It might be all in my head but my DNA is Ilonggo.
I'm an easygoing person (read: walk slow, talk slow, move slow). And somehow, the laidback atmosphere of Iloilo suits me. I'm tampuhin too and very very malambing.
That's why it's always a treat to go back to Iloilo for Dinagyang.

One of the best reasons to be back in Iloilo
is Kapuso Night @ Freedom Grandstand
and
Roberto's siopao across the street.

Beside Jollibee in front of Freedom Grandstand.

Apparently, it's been there for ages.

And always very busy.

I asked this nice gentleman, "Where's Roberto?". He answered, "Dead."

Nonetheless, I heart the siopaos!

#16 - Sinulog 2009

2009-01-19T04:41:00.000-08:00

And so the madness starts again this year.

I forgot to charge my trusty old Sony Cybershot and so I had a chance to field test the 5.0 MEGA Autofocus on my Samsung Omnia i-900.

Just a few notes on the Omnia:
it's a PDA Phone
heavy graphics slow it down

I'll do a more in depth in another post.

But for now... Pit Senyor!

#15 - iCook

2009-01-01T16:29:00.001-08:00

David Cook that is.

With the debut of his first single / music video "Light On" - i have a feeling that i'll be hearing A LOT of this song in 2009. To be immortalized in millions of gay bars everywhere. (That's not really a bad thing - he's in good company, to wit...)

Winds of Change - Scorpion
I'll Be There For You - Bon Jovi
November Rain - Guns & Roses

It just has a very masculine riff, coupled with Cook's voice saying "I may not be Pavarotti, but I have the cojones to reach the BIG notes. (Think male version of AEGIS - again, not a bad thing !)

Pahabol,

my new LSS.
(I like it because it kinda sounds like an Urban Dub song)

#14 - I'm a C+ Traveller !

2008-12-30T06:34:00.000-08:00

Took this test on the LAKBAYAN site.
I clicked all the places i've been in the Philippines
and apparently, i'm JUST a C+ traveller.
There's more to see!! What's your grade?

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

#13 - What dreams may come...

2008-12-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

Last night I had too much sugar and had trouble sleeping.

Was surfing facebook when I chanced upon some photos of Mr. ShudaWudaCuda.
Actually it wasn't of him but of his wife (my ex-classmate) and charming kid.

Of course I had to dream about him.
Of course he would kiss me in the dream.
Of course he would still be unattainable (read: married) even in my dream.

Mr. Clever says that he never thinks about what might have been
but I'd like to remember it, and say "I learned."
(Had my chance with Mr. SWC twice but I blew it.,
Shrink would say SWC symbolizes something that I aspire for but can't attain)

I miss Clever.

#12 - LSS

2008-12-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

Since we're talking about favorite songs,
this is my new fav. (can listen to it all day - archie's adorable!)

#11 - Make Out Music

2008-12-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

Still hung over from weekend in Baguio with Mr. Clever.

Which brings to mind my favorite make-out music (ha-ha!)

Actually anything in Maxwell's "Urban Hang Suite" is perfect for making out.

Recent discovery is Robin Thicke. I wondered what all the fuss was about.
Vocal quality similar to Maxwell - it's like he's a white Maxwell.
So, I listened to "Evolution of Robin Thicke", and this one caught my attention:

He kinda looks like Orlando Bloom with odd hair
but i'd rather listen than look.

Or i'd rather listen and kiss Clever (ha-ha!)

#10 - The Year That Was ... 2008

2008-12-25T00:13:00.000-08:00

Although I started out the year in shambles, I'm ending it pasted and duct taped together.
Still have the scabs but if I don't mess with it, might just come away with a blemish. (at least that's what mom says -- about getting a sugat).

So, these are some of the things that duct tapes me together:

rainbows out of nowhere

getting your license confiscated and eating humble pie while going down a one-way street

new shoes and gadgets

surprise birthdays

new roads to travel

God's masterpieces

Thank you Papa, can't wait for 2009!

#9 Belated Travel Pics - Monastery of Transfiguration, Bukidnon

2008-10-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

road trip

monastery in the middle of nowhere

reminder

sanctuary

unusual altar

driftwood pew

#8 - My Guilty Pleasure: Television Shows

2008-06-08T18:45:00.001-07:00

Winding up a 3-day weekend and I'm glad I was able to catch up on my TV shows. (downside: most of them are season enders so I just have to sit and wait until Fall '08!)

Two shows are on the top of my list of guilty pleasures. SCI-FI Channel's Battlestar Galactica and Showtime's The Tudors.

If it wasn't for the writer's strike, i wouldn't have discovered these shows but I'm happy that I did!

The quality of these shows have raised the bar for television production that is at par with some films out there. (certainly better than anything i've seen in Asia)

Frackin' Photos won't load! (later na lang!)

#7 - Home - The Longest Day

2008-05-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Finally at home and ending the longest day ever !

Visited 4 towns in Batangas and spend the whole time being nice and chica when all I wanted was to go back to sleep.

To top it off, my tooth aches.

Still miffed over row with XFH. Can you sing "How Insensitive"?
Grrr.

#6 - Binmaley, Pangasinan - Suratos Eatery (25 April 2008)

2008-05-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

One of our recent discoveries (thanks to our local pilot Celso) is SURATOS EATERY, located a few kilometers outside Dagupan City.

It's a pretty low-key place (situated beside a fish pond), but you can tell by the number of cars parked outside at lunchtime that this is a popular stop for locals looking for a simple yet delicious meal.

One might think that specialty of the house is grilled fish (of the bangus -milkfish- and hito -catfish- variety), yet they have several other viands which more than satisfy.

Adobong pusit (Squid "cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, crushed garlic, bay leaf, and black peppercorns - wikipedia.com" ) and pakbet (stir fried vegetables in shrimp paste) are to die for. Not to mention shrimp, which can be served steamed (in garlic and ginger) or deep fried to a crisp.

For more adventurous tummies (unlike mine,) do try the kinilaw na bangus (raw milkfish, ginger, onions, and chili peppers seeped in vinegar and seasoned with salt). They also have kinilaw na talaba (a raw oyster version), again, not for those with delicate constitutions. Or lots of toilet paper on standby.

Our whole spread (to be shared by four hearty appetites) cost a little more than P 900, throw in a 1.5 liter bottle of Coke Zero. So that makes it roughly $5 each, with all you can eat hot soup for the day. (it was papaitan soup when we were there)

Suratos also sells a selection of pickled vegetable to offset the salty-brine taste of your main course. (often served as a siding) My dad loved papaya atchara. (which is best with barbecued chicken, mind you!) Aside from the usual pickled papaya, you can also buy pickled carrots and pickled green chili peppers!

SURATOS EATERY
Dagupan to Binmaley Road
Pangasinan
(from Dagupan City, take road going to Lingayen and turn left on intersection heading to town of Binmaley)

*rest rooms are very primitive so save it when you get back to the hotel... or a gas station with proper plumbing. :)

#5 - Trinoma - Sizzling Pepper Steak (08-May-2008)

2008-05-08T07:37:00.001-07:00

Trinoma - Sizzling Pepper Steak (08-May-2008)
Originally uploaded by Marvelous Marvy

Lunch (c/o RTH) at Sizzling Pepper Steak in Trinoma.

This is the latest offereing of the Pancake House Group of restaurants (Pancake House / Dencio's / Teriyaki Boy).

It's a fast-food version of Yakiniku or grilled meat wherein they serve beef to be cooked over grid-iron grills. But instead of using a grill, they use (cast-iron) sizzling plates served with rice and vegetables.

I suppose the average Pinoy is familiar with hot plate meals but its the first time you can cook the meat according to your taste.

I suppose, if done right it's really good. Since "it's how the Japanese Do It" (a provocative tagline if i ever saw one)

The place and decors are nice and simple. I like the open kitchen concept (but the staff wasn't really cooking anything, just chopping veggies.)

I also liked these funky lamps...

... only to realize they're exhaust or vent hood type thinggies.

The intructions on how to cook the meat was on the placemat, which is why the servers placed the hotplate at the edge of the mat and not smack in the center. The placemat also serves as a shield to protect your clothes from oil splatter.

The various monitors inside the restaurant features a video instructional on how to mix your meal (hurrah!) but it wasn't working when I got there (boooo!)

Word to the unwise: I suggest harassing your neighbor by taking pictures of their food and not be too engrossed photographing your own meal - thereby making the meat dry.)

#4 - Makati - Pasong Tamo (08-May-2008)

2008-05-08T07:29:00.001-07:00

Makati - Pasong Tamo (08-May-2008)
Originally uploaded by Marvelous Marvy

Saw this car and remebered Papa Jake from Dagupan.

What's cuter still are the white walled tires and original hubcaps

I wonder if they participated in the World Record-Setting Event last month in Quezon City.

- borrowed from Manila Ghia's cool site

See more cute VW photos and read about their Record-Setting Event here.

#3 - Summer Socks (08-May-2008)

2008-05-08T07:19:00.001-07:00

Summer Socks (08-May-2008)
Originally uploaded by Marvelous Marvy

I love Mikee's new socks!

They remind me of popsicles.

Blue hue - bubble gum flavor
Pink - strawberry of course!
and yellow -orange flavored Magnolia Twin Popsies! (as Marketman would say, "meant to be shared")

#2 - Bacolod - Calea (01-May-2008)

2008-05-05T19:48:00.001-07:00

Bacolod - Calea (01-May-2008)
Originally uploaded by Marvelous Marvy

I've been to Bacolod many times (notwithstanding that its my dad's hometown), but as much as possible i try to visit Calea on Lacson St. (near L'Fisher Hotel)

Due to my high blood sugar - my friends a.k.a. the "sugar police" kindly allowed me to sample once again Calea's delights.

Of course the most popular offering of the coffee shop is the Imported Chocolate Cake (P 65/slice). I was told that they don't usually make this cake because it is made out of ingredients which are difficult to come by locally and have to be shipped to Bacolod. JB's staff told me that this cake is in such demand that during Masskara last year, they would only sell 1 slice at a time -- PER GROUP!

Luckily, they had more than enough when I visited.

I love everything about it ! The dark chocolate sponge, the gooey icing, and the heavenly custard! Those were the best 3 bites I've ever had! (I'm allowed to have 3 bites per cake).

Behind our table I spied that they've caught on to the cupcake craze.

I felt like dark chocolate - bittersweet.

# 1 - What this Blog is about?

2008-05-05T04:38:00.000-07:00

I'm a travelling girl who gets tossed about in different parts of the country for work. Been doing this for 3 years (and more!) and I'm privileged to see things that are normally not accesible to other people.

So, this is my contribution to boosting interest in our beautiful islands.