2014: Run Down

As I write this blog of mine; It's officially 01:37 am January 1,2015 Philippines. This is after the table has been cleaned; all the dishes are washed, and the stomachs are bulging again to all that good food.

As I am writing this; It made me think to what has really happened the past year. To each and everyone there will always be unique cases. No two person would have experience the same exact incident and leave with the same impact.  There are mountains and valleys for each and everyone of us.

Forgive my ramblings nor my wayward thinking, I am just writing some of my ideas here. SO what am I driving at? Well, every year passes and all of us experience something that will change our lives, No year passes that nothing significant changes on our life. It may have been good or bad that would eventually be part of where we are now.

Every Year is like a journey of surprises, We start at the first day of the year and ends at the last day. Yeah it would be typical . But during the course of the year, we do no t know what will happen, We meet new people, lost others, build bridges to new friends, fall in love, fall out of love, We move on, we cry, we may face despair, achieve greatness etc. But one thing is for sure, Nobody stood still. Nobody did not become stagnant. Whether we grew worse or improved well it's up to us.

The Road of what we call life is full of surprises. Yeah sure we can say that the road can be seen on the map and the destination can be seen. True, but the map doesn't say how bumpy the road can be, nor the traffic conditions, or who your seatmate will be.

I am writing this blog to express my thanks to everyone who is, and had become part of my life. Take note the future is not written yet as I  do not know who it shall be. ( really, I am not a seance or a fortune teller ok?).
Thank you to all the people who had been part of my life, you are part of the reason why  I am now, I had learned things and had become what I am because of the lessons you gave me or part of. For some of you the learning you have imparted are hard and made me tougher. Maybe someday we can sit and talk things, That is a Big maybe. For others who had inspired me I thank you, We may not know each other personally, or not even acquainted with each other. Just reading about your story, or seeing you across the street, or any place gives me inspiration and determination to go forth in this journey called life. Your daily perseverance makes me thankful for what I have. I thank you.

As for the people who is still part of my life, Thank you so much. I will not name names already as the list goes on, the sun may have risen and I am still not done,  This includes, family, friends, relatives, partners in crime, the pack, etc. SOme have been here since time knows when, while some i have just met.

It's similar to the wolf pack, The wolf pack is like a family that runs together they are not related by blood both have bonds connecting them. I like to think of my circle as a pack. We stick together and look out for each other. Yes we are not always talking but we know we'll always be there for each and everyone of us. A big thank you to each and   everyone of you. 2015 has just started and we'll have a whole new year to run together,.. ( considering all our traits, I really do not know who is crazier , heheh :P).

Thank you 2014 for all the memories, may It be bittersweet, full flavored, or simply enchanting. AS for 2015 Be  kind to us. We are ever ready and looking for a brighter year ahead.

Uncle Tetsu's Cheesake: A mamon or a cake?

Cheesecake a sinfully delicious dessert, cake or comfort food. Almost everybody will agree that it taste 

so good that we forget that they have high sugar content.  Also cheesecakes are so rich in flavor that even one has a little bit and that’s enough for a day.

Not all people can enjoy the cake. Normal cheesecake has high sugar content that people who have diabetes can not enjoy this cake.

I said it is sinful coz well it’s bad for you. Too much sweets is bad for  cholesterol and on your figure. For people who are trying to to slim or trying to be fit, They try to stay away . I said try coz As much as they resist they eventually give in,. HEHE ( note the evil laugh)

Now Uncle Tetsu’s cheesecake is not your ordinary cheesecake. One it’s a Japanese Cheesecake so the flavor is light and the best part is that the cake itself has low sugar content that even diabetic patients can enjoy the cake. That’s where the sin gets erased:P

So since this is something new to me and my addiction to any Jap food or Japanese innovated food I have to try it for myself.

Here are the pictures of the cake.

So there I was looking at the cake, At a glance, it’’s nothing special, Just to quote some of person’s whom I shared the cake with.”Mukha syang mamon!!”

So I decided to try and that’s where it all is. The cake is fluffy and soft and would literally melts in your mouth. And I left the cake overnight on room temperature no fridge and no freezing, Yet the texture is consistent. The taste is so light that you would never notice you finished the whole cake. Even the balance of flavors is there. The ingredients are not overpowering each other and Each balances the other.

I have heard that they are a big thing on other countries and since these are freshly made cakes. There are long queues outside the stores where these babies are being sold and people do wait patiently. If you don’t believe me you can search on Youtube for the long lines.

Right now Uncle Tetsu’s can be found on the following stores :

Alabang Town Center , The Podium Mall; SM North EDSA, SM Fairview, SM San Lazaro, and SM Bicutan

F.A.M.E.: Holiday Delight Party

F.A.M.E held a Year End Thanksgiving Party Last December 17, 2014 in Green Sun a new hotel in the Magallanes area. The event was attended by bloggers and sponsors to celebrate this occasion. The party showcased a lot of products both new and innovative that focuses on healthy lifestyle for the working Filipino. Hosted by Friendly Alliances and Media Expressions Inc. As such is their way of showing appreciation for all the blogging partners who has been a part of  their successes  this year.

The event on my honest opinion was a success as everybody had a good time, not only did everybody had fun and almost each person won a prize but we had additional knowledge on the new products and supplement that would be good for the body.

Of course, there were lots of fun moments and some laughs But hey, That’s what the party is about right?

The venue where the party was held is very unique. The Green Sun  hotel is a combination of gallery, Hotel, run away, and event’s place. What’s new? They have this large function areas that really is spacious and has the latest technology that you can have the 360 degree view of the event.

The environment has the combination of the Zen like atmosphere, Modern tech and arts. It’s a nice place to do a staycation with in the city. The place is very relaxing that you never noticed the time passing by. It’s a near get away from the all the hustle and bustle.

For now I am lost for word of the whole experience but here are some of the photos of what happened

Peak Form: A modern approach to Sports Therapy

A friend of mine asked me if  I would interested in some muscle therapy to loosen some tired muscles since she knows I am into running and outdoor activities. She just hinted Electro therapy and that piqued my curiosity.  So I went there just to see and to experience a whole new approach to muscle therapy.  What I found out is that the company uses the combination of  modern technology and tested sports science concepts.

The Company’s name is Peak Form and it applies the newest form of recuperative therapy in my opinion. They have the machines that can replace the traditional approach but way more effective. It's effective since the main target area are only the ones that are sore leaving surrounding muscles free from the tension. That's a big plus for sports athletes or even person that have pulled a muscle. Since they don't affect the surrounding areas that would be sore the next day. The staff are all well trained and are degree holders in medicine or physical fitness which is a big factor and explains the whole thing and reasons for the sore spot..

The picture above shows the machines being used. They're user friendly and the best part these machines are not intimidating unlike their predecessors which are big and bulky. These nifty machines are all in one and can do the massage at the same time.

Yes, I had the chance to try most of the services and i like the results. It really relaxes those aching muscles and loosen those tight and wound up areas where you would feel all the aches and pain. I am not as young as i used to be and i do feel some stiffness in my body already. So the therapy really helps my body be more flexible and lifts some of the muscle tension.

The center/ clinic uses machines and has different approach or treatments.

They are the following:   

• Cryo treatment : it’s a blast of cold air around the sore muscles to lessen the swelling and pain. The temperature is more soothing and tolerable than using ice bags and less mess too.

• Laser and Ultrasound Therapy: The machines are being used to treat inflammation and swelling of body parts and muscle spasms. Since they have some heat emitting it makes the body relax.

• Sports Massage and Full-Body Stretching: This one I believe you have this figured out. Even if you are not athletes. 

• Suspension cable Program: A program that uses pulleys and ropes to that uses your body weight and has full range of motion to make the actions more natural to perfect and tone those muscles.

Take note that these are not only for athletes but for regular joes as well. Pretty cool  and they also are good for the seniors on conditioning and recovery from sports injuries or loosening muscle tension  helps in the ease of back pain and helps in posture as well.

Peak Form is the name of this great company that provides the services indicated. They are located on the 8F Infinity building in BGC. When you’re in the Boni High Street and need to relax those sore muscles. Drop by and the prices are reasonable..

Graduation Day: A look back

December 5, 2014 marks a part of my life. The day that I got my masters degree. Never mind which course, I have graduated. Its not really the topic nor the subject. But looking back after two and half years of education on the degree. What did I really learn?

We enroll on Master's course having some years of work experience already. Let's face it our aim when we enroll on this degree is to have higher position on work and it adds some impression on our resume. But honestly, what does one really get out of Master's? If you enroll a course different from your undergrad course then you learn a whole new set of theories and ideas. But if just continuing the same course and already working. Its only the practical application and you get to apply all the learning on the job.

The teachers well like all institutions, There are good, there are those that are invisible, there are those that have substance, and some just are there.. Simply put think of the usuals, the Bidas, contra bidas, and the never mind extras,

SO what really did I learn on those past years? Its the people.. The classmates and the people whom you get to interact with. All walks of life. People working from different sectors. Those are somethings that  i learned. How they share their ideas, their experience, their outlook and philosophy. What's the big deal you say?  We also have that moments at work. Well at work you get to have the same length at almost one time or another since you're working on the same industry. Tendency is ideas are getting agreed on but with no new perspective. unlike people from other sectors, Then they  may have a different ideas or more indepth knowledge on the discussion.

Now for me that's what made it all worthwhile and improved my outlook, People who are in masters provided broader horizon for me not only in the academe but in the work opportunities as well. In master's you only get to know people on one subject or two then on the next sem. there are whole new set of faces you get to interact with very similar to work one month you have a new colleague the next month it maybe another. But the best part of this is you never lose communication. Thanks to technology (facebook) we get to keep in touch. a form of bond has been built. In the times you get to help each other and just talk.



That what I learned on this part of my journey in Education. I'd like to thank some people who are always there.

I thank you to all whom has supported me, Nagging me to get my Masters degree for the past eight years and is so happy right now. People who listened to my presentation at class. People who are my accomplices in our projects and all in all people. Those whom i had a chance to work with, Talked and simply encountered during my academe years.

What i will not truly forget during the years are the people and the  great times I had that makes me feel like I was back in college days.. and I have to admit I'm not young anymore hahaha

Quiapo Underpass Innovation

For a Manileno who love to  check on things ranging from cheap dvd's to second hand DSLR one place stands out to mind, the Quiapo area. The area that they sell a variety of items ranging from underwear to cellphone parts. It's the New York of hodgepodge items that you'll need.Mostly Dvd's are known in the area being able to buy 3 for 50 pesos and on the other side is the Quiapo Church with all the other products that the enterprising individuals sell. ( Note : As I am writing this, my mind keeps on playing with words that are politically correct so as not to lose the benefits we get on the area. If you are living in Manila or have been to the place you know what I mean. If you're not, I suggest you go and find out. Just be very aware.)

Ok so crossing over the other side, the pedestrian have three options: one, Crossing the newly open foot bridge. Two, going under the bridge through the market or,; Three, use the underpass.  So what am I pointing out here? actually it's not about the Quiapo that I am writing about. But It's the underpass which we take for granted as we use the path crossing over. 

Why the interest on an underpass you might wonder? Well, Recently that underpass has been reopened after renovation for the past year causing inconvenience for pedestrians and individuals from going over to the other side, and strategically  underpass is nearer to all the interesting items you can find. Why not take the footbridge or go through the tunnel you might say? It's pretty hard to explain and well if you are a Manileno, I don't have to say anything more. You'll understand, But if you're not. I guess  no amount of words can describe what's the situation and convenience it is. 

The underpass has been a place not only as pathway but it is a market of sorts as well imagine the whole area like a flea market from both ABove and underground. Toys, shades, glasses, shoes are being sold in the area. don't believe me?  Here are the pictures from before..

Now this is is how it looks like. Yeah  I have to admit, It is still a market but a more organized and progressive one i should say. Something the present local government did right in fairness to them. The place is spacious not as suffocating as before. Honestly looks like a forum in the mall. Security is also visible as there are guards posted on every exit giving you sense of security. 

One thing they did right is to make the areas available and more pedestrian friendly than it was before. I just went there the other day and this is how it looks now. It's nice actually and one feels comfortable in taking pictures inside.

The transformation is great. So if

you have the time just drop by and see,  You'll be shocked.

Popsicle Sliced Crispy Pata : Livestock New look at Pork cooking

Located  near two large  broadcasting stations on Sgt. Esguerra Rd, Quezon city  is a quiet place where one can enjoy different cookings of pork.  The restaurant that serves different dishes where the main  star of the dish is pork. Yes the pork so good for your tongue but bad for your cholesterol meat that people craves.  Whether western, European , Filipino ,chinese . Everybody that  secretly looks out for and craves.

Coincidentally enough, the name of the place is called Livestock.  A term which is  basically classifies the animal itself. The place has a cozy atmosphere elegant and relaxing  that you can enjoy the meal of classic pork menu such as crispy pata and not suffer the noise one would acquaint oneself on certain establishments that serves the dish.

The food offered has a sophisticated taste that satisfies the palate and servings big enough to satisfy the tummies. Each dish highlights the individual ingredients and how they harmonize together.

But the main star of the event is Crispy Pata that can be cut with a popsicle stick,I kid you not. The meat is soft that the stick can cut through the meat yet the crunchiness of the skin is still there.

Don’t believe me?

Even the desserts have certain twist to them. What is it? It’s a secret :P

WOFEX 2014

WOFEX or World Food Expo that happened last Augusts 8-9,2014. That was held on two sites. World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center. Highlights’ the food industry’s specialties both in the beverage and produce sector.

The organizers have two places that held the event for this year. As I said on the first paragraph; The SMX and the World trade.  As I spent more time on SMX than World Trade; I can give you a more detailed description on SMX events than on World Trade.

Imagine an organized market or a vigorous market in a sense that spice stalls rub elbows with oven makes, pastry mixers has a stall beside  churos makers . The place is one packed area of culinary feast. Take note of the word culinary.  I did not use the word gastronomy as it pertains to food. The event focuses on the art of cooking. There are many stalls that sells their wares and food but the main events are based on coffee art, and competition cooking events. They also sell cooking pots pans, and other cooking utensils.

Ok so you’re not into the cooking. But how about cakes? Yes the cakes they are showcasing are so decorative that anybody would think twice eating them.  Here are some of the examples.

The expo is heaven to any person who cooks or loves cooking. So got tired of roaming?  They held some lectures on food preparation, catering and what have you’s that discuss practical and very informative to any would be caterers or planning to go to food business.

The lectures are all through out the day so you can just sit down and listen.  The best part of the expo are the foods that are our favorite are also part of the expo. You can see boy bawang in the shelves, rosquillos, and others, not only the new foods such as organic soda, yep organic soda that will be circulating the market soon.  Being more adventurous? Get the Malaysian coffee and try new cuisines that would entice your taste buds. Cheese of different kinds, sahimi, maki, wagyu beef, sausages, spread the works.

Looking back on that event it was more of food for the mind as well as taste.  Better let the pictures show you at least part of the event.

Ode to Friends

Taking a break from the hub hub of the corporate life and practically doing nothing at home. Left me to wonder what to do. It's a sunny day and its hot outside. Maybe i'll go out later. But for now it made just think. No contemplation which is too deep, nor reflection that is too profound. It made me think of friends.

Friends yep that word that has a very broad sense of meaning , and subjective. There are no specific or detailed definition what is a friend. There are friends who are there on there friends who are there  bad times,  who are there only on good times, there are some who are seasonal. They just come and go. there are mushrooms, who suddenly appear and then disappear again.

Whatever their type is, let us be grateful for these people. They  became part of our lives and provided memories for us; whether good or bad they add spice. Coz if they're not there life would be bland and boring.

I am grateful for the friends that I met as i walk my path called life. Friends that i have met a short time, been with me through dark times. Who came to me for advice, be stupid with me, the list goes on.. But the best part are those who has done all those things with you. IF you have one or two friends like that you are lucky.

I am blessed to have friends that are there through thick and thin. They may not be there all the time. Let's be real here everyone of us have different lives and even how close you are you all have to live your own lives. But when you're together even after weeks and months apart. Its' just like yesterday that you are together. It's easy to catch up and sometimes you don't even have to talk as you are always updated of their lives.

These friends are not considered friends at all. They are considered family. Family member from another set of parents. You may laugh , cry, fight, argue together, and wish to wring each other's neck. Wonder why you have been stuck with each other and ask God if this is your punishment from previous misdeeds.( hehe).  But in the end you know you will always be there for each other covering each other's back. What ever would come your way and that bond grows stronger with the passage of time.

SO for me, I am contented. I may not have a quantity of friends. But i have quality of friends. Friends that do not fear to tell the truth, laugh at with you and at you, Offer a shoulder to cry on and bash you in the head if you need one..

words are not enough to express but ia ma thankful for these crazy people who put up with my craziness and sometimes crazier than me.

For those whose pic i have not added couldn't find pics for us but rest assured you're always be a friend to me.

Mad about Denim

SM Megamall held a fashion show at Fashion hall for denims yesterday July 26, 2014. The show highlights denims in its evolution, variations of designs and styles. Some in Classics others in Fashion  chic.

Jean Fashion has definitely evolved over the years, and has various designs, suts, styles, and washes over the year. Reshaping the image . SM Supermalls celebrates the denim festival capped off by SM Megamalls #MadAbout Denim campaign.

Denim Fair is being held on the following dates and places:

Mega Atrium, July 11-31

Mega Fashion Hall, July 13-17

Event Center, July 14-19

Jeans Sale

Denims Selection go on sale up to 50% off! Visit your favorite shops!.

July 11-31