Thursday, July 31, 2008

The Mummy Exclusive Screening

Asian Dragon
together with TriNoma,
United International Pictures, and Solar Entertainment Corporation invited people to an exclusive movie screening of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, and a fashion show before the movie screening this Saturday afternoon. This is to raise awareness of the emerging Filipino-Chinese magazine about the Tsinoy community, and to promote TriNoma to the Tsinoy market.


Monday, July 28, 2008

PGMA's State of the Nation Address



Watch live video from Live Philippine TV on Justin.tv

Hours before the SONA 2008

The State of the Nation Address 2008

Photo taken during SONA 2006

In a few hours the Filipino people and the whole world will be witnesses again of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's State of the Nation Address. In this once in a year report to the people, a lot of questions, doubts, and attacks have been thrown back at the president for evident reasons such as increase in consumer and oil prices, and for all the anomalies that have happened since her last SONA. Though there are some praises, they are coming from her allies (of course).

The past 2 SONA's, I've heard such grandiose and magical plans and visions of the government. I am not saying that those plans are bad. What I am saying is that I have heard plans and more plans each year. But the question right now is that, what did the government, through PGMA, accomplished (or is trying to accomplish) for the past year/s?

I invite everyone to be critical. Let us go back, remember, and ask ourselves what had happened to all of those promises and plans? Were they accomplished? Were they what the government delivered for the past year? Were they just icing on top of the cake (hoping that the cake would look better with that icing)?

Let us decide. Let the people decide. Let's all watch the SONA, and after, share a thought, feeling or critcism. Will it be the "Same Old Nonsense from Arroyo?" or the true state of the nation? You, what do you think about the SONA? :)


Friday, July 25, 2008

Up, up, and away!

IamChange meeting yesterday. I met Ateneo Sanggunian President Omar CastaƱar. I got to meet Gio also, who treated us for dinner (thanks!). Now I think I met all the core group members. All that I can say is that IAC is getting more and more exciting and bigger! :) Pinoys, watch out!

Anyway... I would just like to inform everyone that:

I will be gone starting today up until Sunday. Don't try to find me :P All CSA related matters should go through Alvene. Acads stuff, email or text me, but I won't reply. I shall have my well deserved rest and mini-break from all the hassles that acads and orgs and school, in general, bring. All work related stuff, email me. I shall get back to you when I come back to reality.


Off to somewhere PEACEFUL & RELAXING! BuhBye! :P

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Bon Voyage!

Sheena will leave for Singapore tomorrow.
She visited C.S.A. for the last time today...
I'm certain that people will super duper miss
her... loud voice, cheerful attitude, and
her reverberating laughter. Through her ups
and downs, her barkada and friends were there
to support her. We all wish her the best of luck,
and success in all her endeavors and in her studies.
God Bless and Take Care Sheena! :) >:D<

*In Picture: Me, Madie, Sheena*

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Are you going to WordCamp? I am!

Organized by the Mindanao Bloggers, "WordCamp in the Philippines is the first in Southeast Asia!" And since this is the case, I really want to join over 300 people in this wonderful event. So, I guess I'll see you guys at WordCamp Philippines 2008 on September 6, 2008 at the Augusto-Rosario Gonzalez Theater, College of Saint Benilde in Manila, huh?! :)

WordCamp Philippines

Sponsors of this event:

Monday, July 21, 2008

Magic Frappuccino

It was really hot and humid when I arrived home from a full day's work in UP. Also, I was kind of hungry, so I decided to get creative with some food that will make me feel a little bit cooler. And since we store our milk in the freezer after use, I know that the milk's frozen already. With almost one-fourth of the carton left, I decided to use all of the frozen milk for this little experiment.

I got the Swiss Delice classique noir extra fin (dark chocolate), and broke almost half of the bar into squares. I placed the little pieces of chocolate in a mug, then added a small piece of frozen milk. I heated the mug for 1 minute in the microwave. Tada! It melted.

Since it's all hot and in liquid form, I got the frozen milk, which I crushed with my fork and knife earlier, and poured it all into the mug. I thoroughly stirred the crushed milk with the hot chocolate. The chocolate froze back into its solid form, but this time, it's now solidified in tidbit form.

Presto! Instant Frappuccino-like drink that is absolutely yummy. :)

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Beijing Olympics Fuwa Collectibles

COLLECTORS ITEM FUWA BEIJING OLYMPICS DOLLS

The 5 Fuwa - Beibei is the Fish; Jingjing, the Panda; Huanhuan, the Olympic flame; Yingying, the Tibetan Antelope and Nini, the Swallow. Then when you see the names together: Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni, you read: "Welcome to Beijing."

I have 2 boxes available for $129 or Php 6,000 pesos each (negotiable). Please leave me a message here or at brian_bong88@yahoo.com for inquiries, etc. Thanks! :)

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Chillax with BFFL

I had a great time with BFFL minus Rog, and Kent (aka. Mr. Sasaki). Barbie, Reg, Tenai and I pushed through with The Dark Knight yesterday afternoon at Trinoma. The last movie/escapade/outing we did was Cloverfield, which wasn't a good movie by the way. This trumps that over more than a hundred times!

If only we discuss this kind of stuff in Ethics and Accountability in the Public Sector, instead of some stuff we were discussing, I am sure that more people will get to recite. We may not be able to discuss this movie in just one class meeting. This is a perfect example of Ethic of Justice and Ethic of Care. Ah, but I digress. This movie is so mind-moving and really awesome! I'm glad we pushed through. You guys should really go and see the movie.

After going around, then eating dinner, and meeting up with Janel, we headed to Dencio's to chill and bond and eat and drink. Yesterday was a great night. Thanks guys! :)

P.S. Rog ha! naks.. ;) Kelan tayo makokompleto? And Mr. Sasaki too, you really should have watched with us! hehehe
P.P.S. Grabe bilib ako sa mga babaeng to.. basagan! :))

Friday, July 18, 2008

Fr. Santos G. Mena, SJ

I knew Fr. Mena when he was the Treasurer of Xavier School. Though I've only gotten the chance to talk to him and get to know him better only when I was in 3rd year.

The strongest memory I have of Fr. Mena, besides the batch mass he did for our class during my 4th year, was that he is a man with a passion.

He has this huge collection of stamps, which I really admire. During that time, when he displayed his collection in the HS LRC, I was a frequent visitor. I was amazed at the enormous set of stamps, which covered more or less 13 countries from around the world. Ever since, I became more thrilled in expanding my collection. Thanks to Fr. Mena, I learned to appreciate the stamps that I have in my collection even more.

For more, I got really excited, and was very thankful because he shared his collection (excess) to the students who want to have stamps or who want to collect them. I remember that he had this whole big 2-3 foot box full of stamps.

Besides the stamp collecting, he was passionate about Xavier. His years of service to Xavier and, of course, his book, Luceat Lux, says it all. Without Fr. Mena, I personally think that Xavier wouldn't be what/where it is today.
Early last Monday morning, the 14th of July 2008, Fr. SANTOS MENA, SJ joined his Creator after years of fighting cancer. He was 79 years of age. Upon his request, Fr. Mena returned to Spain to stay in the Jesuit Infirmary in Salamanca, Spain, where he received the medical care that he needed.Born in Cevico-Navero (Palencia), Fr. Mena entered the Novitiate in Salamanca on 30 July 1947. Soon after entering the Society, he was assigned to the China Mission. He was ordained a priest on 18 March 1962.
A memorial Mass will be held in honor of Fr. Mena today, Friday, July 18, 6:00 pm at the Xavier School Multi-Purpose Center. Alumni, colleagues, and friends of Fr. Mena are all invited to honor this great missionary who spent most of his life serving in Xavier School.

Notes of condolences may be sent to his sisters, Ma. Socorro Gonzalez Mena (Cisneros 6, 2 Izqda., 34004 Palencia, Spain) and Ma. Angeles Gonzalez Mena (Apartado de Correo 733, 34080 Palencia, Spain).

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Crunch Time

I arrived home to these 3 (actually 4, but they finished all of the other one) new snacks they bought today. Since they're fairly new in the market (or to me at least), I thought that I would share it with you guys. Oh and, what better way to keep yourself awake while you are studying than to munch these stuff up. :3

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Goya's Crispy Chocs (Crunchy Rice Crispies in Milk Chocolate); Arcor's Saladix Snacks (Parmesano); and Champola's POP POP (Rice Crispies covered with Chocolate!!!)

Crispy Chocs - Goya's products have been very popular to the Filipino chocolate-lover consumers, who want a cheap but quality alternative. Crispy Chocs is somewhat like mini-pebble sized rice crispies covered with chocolate. No need for more explanations - it's Goya guys! :)

POP POP - Now this is Champola's own rice crispies covered with chocolate. Think Nerds but x10 bigger, and it's covered with chocolate. Personally, I like this better than Crispy Chocs. It's not about the chocolate, because I love both of them. I think it's about how everything goes together.

Both of these choco-rice-crispies really remind me of the Choco Flakes we buy as pasalubong from Baguio. Yummy!

Saladix Parmesano - I thought this would be really boring and plain, but looks could be very deceiving. I actually like it. It exudes this salty-cheesy flavor that's just what makes it very interesting and exciting to eat.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

What I hate about Commuting

Commuting is getting on to my nerve. I've conceded to the fact that no matter what I have to commute everyday. Although prices of oil/gas have been skyrocketing and are still going up up and away, the alternative, commuting, is still really burdensome. I conclude that it's really expensive to go to places, commuting or driving your own.

Summary of my transportation expense today:

House to Gate (via trike) - Php 12.-
Fairview to Philcoa (via bus) - Php 25.-
Philcoa to UP (via taxi - because I was already late!) - Php 48.-
Palma Hall to NCPAG (via jeep) - Php 7.-

NCPAG to Palma Hall (via jeep) - Php 7.-

Palma Hall to Miriam College - Free!!! Thanks JM and Pam! :3

Miriam College to Tandangsora (via trike) - Php 40.-

Tandangsora to Fairview (via bus) - Php 13.-

Gate to House (via trike) - Php 12.-

TOTAL TRANSPORTATION EXPENSE = Php 164.-

I pay, more or less, 164 pesos just to go to school, and do some extra-curricular activity, and go back home. It's too much for an ordinary college student. ARGH! I hate that fact. Imagine those who live farther, and have to commute even longer distances. I am sure they pay even more just for their transportation fare.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Asian Dragon Shoot

Aaron asked me to get models for the Asian Dragon* shoot. Long story short, Adi and Kirby were asked to be in the shoot today held at the BoConcept building in Bonifacio High Street. I had fun just being a spectator while all of this was happening earlier.

Behind the Scenes:

  • Aw's now the food columnist of their magazine. I do hope I'll be able to tag along when he does the food reviews and all. Also, I pray that writing something for the magazine will push through :)
  • Met JJ who works for Asian Dragon and YOU magazine of Inquirer.
  • Hang-out around Serendra, High Street and Market Market with Adi until we were fetched. (Thanks for bringing me home!)
*Asian Dragon is an emerging magazine for and about the Chinese Filipino community. It is one dynamic and enterprising compilation about Tsinoys, in and around the Philippines, and their businesses, fashion, lifestyle, food, culture, and a lot more!

Vote for Miss Universe 2008!


The 2008 Miss Universe comes to Vietnam for a night of stars and glamour in search of the most beautiful woman in the world! The winner for Best National Costume will be decided by online votes. So now, the main objective of this tag is to increase awareness for all Filipinos regarding the online voting. Let's VOTE for our very unique Philippine National Costume worn by our representative, Jennifer Barrientos.

General Instructions:
  1. Go to THIS LINK!
  2. In the Menu Bar just above the thumbnail pictures of the delegates, click ASIA/AUSTRALIA.
  3. Look for the Philippines' Costume (like the picture above & it's actually in the page 2).
  4. Click its thumbnail.
  5. After clicking, a preview will then appear on the right side of the page. Click "SELECT THIS DELEGATE" located just below that preview.
  6. The bad things is, we are to choose 3 delegates! So be sure NOT to vote for those countries that will surely be a strong competitor for the AWARD! :)
  7. After choosing the Philippines and the "other" two countries, click on "SUBMIT VOTE" located just below the thumbnail pictures.
  8. Follow the SIMPLE instructions after that!
  9. You're done! Go Philippines!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
  • As much as possible, TAG all your FILIPINO friends.
  • Copy this post, and post it on your own blogs, forums, etc.
  • Also invite your foreigner friends to vote for our national costume!
  • Add your blog link below as a proof that you are one of the TEAM PHILIPPINES!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Haiku

After watching Mamma Mia with Kim, Beljo, Little Mawnster Kay and Ima Ned, we had dinner at Trinoma. (Aside: I think that Mamma Mia is a good movie. Abba music rocks! *right mawnster?* It made me laugh a lot of times, though Ima was filled with emotions because of the story.)

Since they all knew that I have already tried almost all of the restaurants there (because of the SPOT Tour a few months back), they were all pointing at me to decide where to eat.

No, we didn't end up eating mawnster food, but instead, we finally decided to try Haiku. Kay treated us because it was her birthday! :3

We ordered the #3 Sushi-Maki Combination Platter. (I forgot the real name of the dish..) We also asked our server to put in some Crazy Maki, since Beljo and I really wanted to try it. Their Sushi-Maki platter was relatively good, though, for me, it wasn't anything special.

I still love the salmon from Ebisu. We ordered Ebi Tempura (staple food in every Japanese restaurant?) It was big and better than a lot of Tempura I've eaten. Though Kim was saying that the sauce was a little bit too ginger-tasting, I liked it that way.



We also got the Ribeye Steak Teppanyaki (local) and the Scallop Teppanyaki (local). The beef was good. The scallop, on the other hand, was a little bit dry and not that fresh I guess.

This next dish wasn't on their menu. It was a really yummy prawn and crab sticks concoction which, according to them, is their best-seller in their Makati branch.

It's called something like Grilled Ebi-Kani. It was 5 large pieces of grilled prawns with kani and mayonnaise on top. We all enjoyed this dish. It was delicious because it was all fresh and it really melts in your mouth. One good point was that the mayo didn't really overpower the dish.

Over-all my Haiku experience was very filling and one of the good Japanese restaurants around. One quibble though is that the prices of the food were a little bit steep.

Photos taken from Kim's camera-phone. Thanks a lot Kim & Beljo! :)

My Top 10 Influential Blogs (updated!)

Actually, I knew about Janette Toral's Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs campaign long ago, but I was just really having a hard time picking which blogs to nominate. Now I feel obliged to post mine, since Tiffy posted hers already, and I just found out that you don't need to list 10 blogs all at once. :)

1. Manila Foodistas - I am proud of this blog, and of what we have accomplished. It's our brainlove child, and I really do hope it gets noticed and appreciated :3 Enjoy!!

2. Mrs. Awesome Planet by Rache Diaz - I love reading her blog. It's a "slice of Manila's hidden places, food and travel secrets through word-of-mouth, shared with a mommy twist."

3. Visit Sagada - This site really helped me and my friends in planning for our supposed Sagada trip which didn't push through (I would really love to go there someday..sniff.. haha)

4. Manila Fashion Observer for Sanriotown - "a mixture of paradoxes" as described by Sanriotown people because first, she's not based in Manila, and her blog's not all about fashion. (It has food, Hello Kitty, toys, sights, etc posts also).

5. Filipino Voices - I recently learned about this blog collaboration. It focuses on issues about politics and society with specific touch on human and civil rights. Through the issues and commentaries tackled within this blogging network, I am hoping that concern and action be generated.

6. flipflopping my way around town - It's Fran Haw's "girly-girl's guide to the best things in life." Though, truly, it is one of the "guide to the best things in life," I beg to disagree that it's "girly-girl"; it could be for guys too you know. HAHA! Best of luck Fran!

7. University Student Council - Blog of the current UP USC :)

8. AmongEd.Org - Simply put it, transparency and people's participation through the internet and the blogs.

9. Oddball - A blog of Mayor Jessie Robredo: "Putting our people first, Development that matters"

10. Eksena Manila - The Philippines based Eksena Manila is a group of young developing community of 100 [and counting] agents in the process of establishing their name and reputation to match the global Improv standards, inspired by New York, USA’s Improv Everywhere.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Blah. Blah. Blah. and Blah.



Stop being a loser, and be a doer
Stop grumbling and do something useful
Stop being immature, and
TAKE THE LEAD.
NOW!

Starserve

This was what happened last year. (See pictures below) Now, if you want Celebrities to serve you while you dine with good food, plus you get to help the less fortunate children, this is the event for you! Contact Digicon Wizard Events Group at 09173251218 or email them at events@digicomwizard.com.


Pictures from Kimberly Ong

Monday, July 7, 2008

I am the CHANGE, are YOU?

Please take note of the change in time.
It will be from 5-7pm instead of 6pm.

Also, please input your information below (in the blanks provided) if you are able to join us or are very willing to help out with the campaign. Thanks so much!




Pacquiao's Canon 1DS Mark III

Yes you've read right. Philippine boxing legend, Manny Pacquiao has a Canon 1DS Mark III, which costs around 300-500 thousand pesos. Yes, that's already a price of a brand new car, or more than a down payment for a sedan or an AUV. The photos you see are of Perth Salva, who happen to have had the opportunity to meet the champ. Perth's holding Manny's camera and is wearing the Team Pacquiao jacket which is studded with logos of his advertisers.

Photos from Perth Salva

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Chris and Karol's Surprise



We surprised Chris Ng and Karol Yee last Friday night at Arcadia Clubhouse. Although they weren't that surprised because of some people who slipped or wrong texted them, we sure had a lot of fun. People from CSA (old and new), MassComm, CLC, and their HS friends went.

I didn't know that CSA people can also "party." Fun! But anyway, I can say that that night was definitely a "night to remember forever."

I also can't believe how brave and daring Sarah and half of the CSA people, who were present that night, were. Fire, Drinks, Spirits, Plungers, and all that.

Needless to say, it wouldn't be complete without the Sober Club, a mobile bar who spread their wackiness and liven up the despedida, and even got the non-drinkers drinking. The bar and their drinks were very colorful and yummy indeed.


Tiffy arrived later, and the night became more amazing... let's just put it at that. To Karol and Chris, best of luck in Melby! :)

Photos by Sarah Wu and Oliver Co

Friday, July 4, 2008

Sa Totoo Tayo

Team RP, a youth-led advocacy group is pushing for Truth, Accountability, and Reform.

Sa Totoo Tayo features your personal experiences with corruption to underscore the need for the Freedom to Information Act, currently pending in the senate. Freedom to Information Laws fight corruption by guaranteeing public access to government information and records.

The country urgently needs your help to ensure the Freedom of Information Act is passed in 2008, before the start of campaigning in 2009. Please show our legislators you support the act by taking a few seconds to sign the online petition here: http://satotootayo.blogspot.com/

1. Show our legislators you support the act by taking a few seconds to sign our online petition below.
2. Spread the word to your friends and contacts so they can show their support too. Forward the email form letter here.
3. Share your personal experiences of corruption, big or small. Submission guidelines are here.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

The Sicilian Express

In my frequent visits to Petron La Vista, Katipunan, I have dined in The Sicilian Express two times now. While I considered my first visit to be a disaster, today was pretty good.

Before, I ordered the Seafood Marinara (Pescatore) and the Creamy Chicken Soup. The soup was very thick and creamy with lots of chicken, onions,P1010088 and herbs, which came with two bite-sized bread sticks. I loved it. At that time, it was raining hard. The soup was served really hot, so it was a great filling experience. On the other hand, the pasta was a disaster. It looked like it just came out from the microwave oven. The taste wasn't so great also.

Today, Blanch and I ordered a Sicilian Chicken Sandwich (Php 85) and a regular 10" Cheese and Garlic Pizza (Php 210). The sandwich, which is one of the favorites of Reg, was surprisingly okay. Though the bread was smothered with this P1010088strong butter taste on the inside of the bread, the filling of chicken, tomatoes, lettuce and mayo was good, in the normal sense.

The pizza was their main attraction! The simplicity of the mix of cheese with garlic and a sweet tomato sauce base on thin crust definitely stole the show. Though the cheese didn't really stand out that much, for what it's worth, I like it. For me, this is a little better than the Quattro Formaggio I ate last time I went to Amici.

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