With Magsi at Italianni's

Our good friend, Magsi, arrived here from Vancouver, Canada 2 weeks ago for a family emergency. We missed him a lot... his jokes and all. He always makes us laugh hard! Such a funny guy!

So, before he leaves soon, Jim and I made sure we "pig-out". Our choice?

Truly, we had a grand time. All 3 of us are certified buffet enthusiasts... even before Magsi left the country a few years ago. Jim and I had the Sicilian Salad, while Magsi enjoyed the antipasti. Our favorites? The Honey-Mustard Chicken Wings, Baked Ziti and the Original Pizza
(Italian sausage, mushrooms and peppers with mozzarella and Romano cheeses). Yummy!

Oh I love eating out with these guys! It's Magsi's birthday on June 9... I'm sure there's something brewing up. :-)

Of Greens, Grills and Friends

Sunday night was reminiscent of the time we first met the Bams --- @ La Aplaya Bar in Greens and Grills, Festival Mall in Alabang.

That was 2 years ago... the whole place was not yet finished at that time.

Now, more bars have sprung,
more booze and pulutan have been savored...

... and the circle of good friends has evolved!


Thanks guys! Cheers to more funny antics...


... and to more bonding moments together! :-P

Party for Richard

Yes, I believe Jimjim, JimNev and I deserve acting awards last Saturday night. Richard had no idea he was bound to a big surprise --- a post-birthday bash, all set up by Ardee! We were assigned to bring the celebrant to the venue, pretending I'll be doing an ocular inspection for our "future" team building activity. Oh we didn't fail!

Richard were all smiles after being astonished by the unexpected party.

Oh everybody from our barkada was dead-hungry!

The pool was so inviting... we didn't waste precious time!

We couldn't get enough of the tequila! Thanks, Rob!

This was supposed to be a dramatic shot...

Dave and I were enjoying every minute in the water!

After almost 10 hours of non-stop fun, we bid farewell to each other...

Thanks to Ardee and Richard... we had so much fun! :-)

Acoustic Night

One Sunday evening, the group decided to go acoustic. Where? It's a cramped but decent place, just a block away from WG Diner, called Kuwago Grill.

The pack getting ready to leave one of our fave hang-outs...

Nice tongue, Richard! Whose middle finger is that?!
Nes and I: spoilers to the max!

Here we are, enjoying beer, melon shakes...

... and magical music from the one and only, Bert!

It was fun, despite me being low-batt from the previous night's gimik. Thanks to Paupau for bringing his digicam.

I hope we can do acoustic again... :-)

Inevitable Change

I just read Jim's and Nes' latest blog entries. I like the topic: about change. I came across this quote dealing with that idea...

It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not.- James Gordon, M.D.

I totally agree. In fact, there would be some developments with regards to my work. I don't wanna reveal the details yet so as not to preempt it. I am so ready to embrace this opportunity... I hope all will work out, tubby fingers and legs crossed.;-)

On a personal level, I'm in the same boat with Jim. I admit there was an overhaul, but in the end... I'm happy I stuck it out with circles of loving, caring, humble friends...

...who overcome their fear of making mistakes... aren't afraid and don't wallow in them...

...who listen to you... give full attention to things you're going to say...

... who are open-minded...
give you the benefit of the doubt, when aptly needed...

... who, despite difficulties, are there for you... perk you up and keep you going by means of the best therapy...laughter...

Indeed, change is encouraging. And I can say...I am definitely one heck of a lucky guy... :-)

Pampanga's Best

Last Saturday was another out-of-town adventure. Our destination: San Fernando, Pampanga. Typhoon Cosme wasn't a threat at all so the group was more than willing to enjoy the 2-hour ride.

First stop was at Jun Jun's. Deciding not to grab little bites along the way was well worth it! Edward said the restaurant has been around for years already and has been serving good food at low cost. Each of us had chicken and pork barbeque... way too delectable! Edward was so right! We also shared pork sisig (Pampanga's version) and pancit canton. All of these, plus drinks and dessert, equals 225Php per head! Cheap but very luscious!


After that gastronomic heaven, we went to Gigsters, a gimik place within the city. I must say the featured band, Major 7, kicked ass (both singing and dancing wise). The place charged a 100Php non-consumable entrance fee, which was not bad. Beer was at 75php per bottle... a little bit pricey but manageable.


What's really important? We enjoyed, we danced (as if I didn't have work early that morning!) and our barkada bonded the whole night! I'm more than very content. :-P

No Day But Today

I'm off from work today! But... it's pouring like crazy outside. Sigh. That's why I intend to just relax at home. But what have we got? NO cable TV reception, as well as internet connection! I was so pissed with the provider... all their lines were busy this morning! Oh yes, timing IS everything. Just to distract myself from being totally annoyed, I ran errands downstairs. When I got back, I thought of watching "Rent" on DVD. I've watched it before... I even caught the local stage production at the Music Museum years ago. I can't stop but love the concept of the late Jonathan Larson. It's about AIDS, friendship, poverty, drug addiction, relationships... about life. It's true what Rent talks about... there really is "no day but today." C'est la vie...

Here's one of my favorite songs from the movie/musical...

Finally, everything's back. I'll enjoy the rest of the day. Carpe diem... :-P

Battle of the Davids

It's now official... It's gonna be David versus David at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, Wednesday next week for the American Idol Season 7 finale. I'm happy with the results... both of them showed unbelievable talent for the past 11 weeks, making them deserving to be this year's finalists. Certainly, this would be a tight fight between the 2 heartthrobs.

Archuleta's cool, soothing voice finds it's way to every girl's heart. That, coupled with dashing good looks and charm, are his strengths.

On the other hand, Cook's originality and connection with the audience make him the one to beat. Simon Cowell's right... he has taken risks during the competition, and that earned his way to the top spot.

I'm a huge fan of both Davids. So, between the 2, who do I predict to win? David Cook! Whatdyathink? :-P

If I Were a Cyborg...

Got this from The Cyborg Name Decoder ...

Get Your Cyborg Name

Wow! I'm pretty useful huh? :-P

Caldereta, SEX, Kabab atbp.

I wasn't feeling very well last Saturday... I was dizzy and nauseous at work. Talking about being wasted! I was ready to face my weekend in bed when I learned that there's dinner at Dave/Cholo's place. I told myself... maybe I just need to see my friends... my week wouldn't be complete without bonding with them.

It was raining cats and dogs that night... but that didn't impede us from getting together. After helping ourselves with pizza from S & R, we savored Edward's special caldereta... Man, that was good! I couldn't help but have 3 servings!

Then off we went to Central at BF Homes Paranaque...

nice shot, Cholo...



4some... wholesome!

We then had breakfast at SEX... Sinangag Express! As usual, went home after dawn...


Sunday night was no exception...



Jim and I had dinner at Rufo's. After too much fat the previous night, I had bangus for a change. Then, we met up with the gang at the nearby WG Diner. After a few buckets of beer, calamares and balut/penoy, we had a long but hassle-free trip to Quezon Memorial Circle... oops I meant Mr.Kabab along West Avenue. While the rest had Shawarma Rice, I opted to eat Shish Chicken Kabab. What can I say? It was a guilt-free Sunday for me! :-)

Love Ya, Mom!

It's Mother's Day once again this Sunday. I miss my Mom. When she was still here in the country, I would cook for her on this special day... her favorite: Fettucine Alfredo. I'm pretty sure she'll be having a blast in Houston. With my Dad, my sister and brother-in-law, plus the grandkids, how could that go wrong? I must say I'm a "mama's boy"... and I'm not ashamed of it. If I could pick one song for her, it would be this BoyzIIMen classic...

You taught me everything
And everything you've given me
I always keep it inside
You're the driving force in my life, yeah
There isn't anything
Or anyone I can be
And it just wouldn't feel right
If I didn't have you by my side
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were grey
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me
And no one else can be what you have been to me
You'll always be you always will be the girl
In my life for all times

Mama, mama you know I love you
Oh you know I love you
Mama, mama you're the queen of my heart
Your love is like
Tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin' you is like food to my soul

You're always down for me
Have always been around for me even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong

I love you, Mommy... :-)

Pushing Daisies

I caught a glimpse of the new series on 2nd Avenue-- Pushing Daisies. I find it quite intriguing and capricious. The plot: Ned, played by Lee Pace, has the ability to bring back a dead person to life, with a single touch. The twist: touching the person again would mean death... this time, eternally. Another twist: the resurrected person would cause death of another person around the area. Sounds weird, right? I find it amusing, though. I was wondering... what if I have that power? Shall I use it for my own good? Shall I use it to help people who seem unready yet to face death? Thinking, thinking, thinking...

Pushing Daisies airs on 2nd Avenue, every Tuesday @8 in the evening. :-)

From Iron Man to Gloria Jean's

I must admit... I am not a big Marvel Comics fan. But seeing Iron Man was worth it! We went to Trinoma last Saturday night to watch the 8:10 pm show. Robert Downey Jr. pulled it off as Tony Stark/Iron Man. His performance was so credible... I give 2 thumbs up! The gadgets and special effects were awesome! What made it more interesting was the fact that I watched it with my equally amused friends! Fun night indeed!

The following night, our barkada met up as usual. After dinner at S&R, The Fort, we went to WG Diner along Makati Avenue for some booze.

The night was still early... we had some midnight chow at North Park. Yum! Then we had some caffeine at Gloria Jean's Glorietta.

We called it a day at 3am.
How about you? How was your weekend? :-)

What Are You?

I took some personality tests from Tickle. I got quite interesting results!

What Makes Your Mouth Water?

My Result: Taking the Scenic Route

You know what they say — life's a journey, not a destination. That's something you take to heart. Laidback and low-key, you like to take your time and savor each moment. If that means taking the long way to get somewhere, you'll do it, especially if it's packed with plenty of things to see along the way.


You appreciate the simple things in life — from sunsets to skylines to starry nights. You enjoy taking a moment to breathe in all that the world has to offer, even if you have to go a little out of your way to do it. So pack up the car and get ready to hit the road!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=mouthwaterogt&c=50652

Who Were You in a Past Life?

My Result: Artist

Oil painting, sculpture, photography. No matter the medium, it's clear that an imaginative soul like yours must have been an artist in a former life. With your creativity and originality, you've got a unique approach to the world that just begs to be shared with everyone.


Like the great masters who came before you, you march to the beat of your own drummer and don't follow the herd. You live life by your own rules and aren't afraid to express your ideas. Lucky for all of us, they're great ones. So, keep expressing yourself. You're sure to be legendary!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=pastlifeogt&c=50652

What about you? Try these! :-)

S & R Essentials

Thank God it's Friday! Our plan (Jim and I): to treat Pau for dinner. Our destination: S & R Membership Shopping @Global City, Fort Bonifacio. After indulging ourselves with calzone, grilled burger, chicken roll and refillable drinks, I helped myself with some "essentials"...

... for super blast mornings;

... for cheese-craving moments;

... for ready-to-eat goodness whenever I'm famished;

... when heartburn strikes.

The night wouldn't be complete without...

Oh I heart Blue Bunny Ice Cream! :-)