December, Chocolate Cake and Ice Cream

It's almost December. The cool air signals the nearing of the holiday. While not all people including myself do not literally celebrate the season with a religious implication, this is the part of the year that we lay more delectable food on our table. This is also the time that we find excuses to forget our diet and miss our daily exercises. Before we know it, we have added couple of extra pounds before the end of the year.

Healthy living requires hard work. And, it is not seasonal. I may not totally abstain from eating chocolate cake and ice cream but somehow, I learn to eat in moderation (well, except for some unusual cases). I realized that the more I hold myself back from eating some food, the more I crave for it.

From Flicker by Kirti Poddar

All rights reserved by Caryl Joan Estrosas

I came across with a short yet helpful article. It is not something new, it is something that most of us know but easily ignore.

According to researchers from Harvard University, an increase in physical activity is linked to an improvement in diet quality.

“Understanding the interaction between exercise and a healthy diet could improve preventative and therapeutic measures against obesity by strengthening current approaches and treatments,” Miguel Alonso Alonso, a researcher at Harvard University, said.

(Read the entire article: Exercise can make it easier to eat healthy)

Chic-Boy Opens @ Dau, Pampanga

      

Pampangos flocked Chic-Boy during its opening last weekend (November 25, 2011) in Puregold, Dau--evidence of how they patronize and love the taste of Cebu's lechon chicken and pork. They serve unlimited house soup and rice; and for additional P25 you can enjoy bottomless iced tea with your meal.


For P99 (2.26 USD) you can  enjoy any of these Chibog meal:
Chicken Inasal (chicken barbeque)
Pork Barbeque 
Inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly)
Cebu lechon manok (roasted chicken)
Cebu lechon liempo (roasted pork belly)


 
 
 

Some of menu may looks unappealing to the health-conscious or the hypertensive. But don't let this turn you off from entering the premise, Chic-Boy also offers inihaw na talong (grilled eggplant), Ginisang kangkong sa bawang (stir fried water spinach with garlic), ensaladang mangga (green mango salad), and gising gising (vegetable dish).


Check out their website for the nearest branch in your area. Interested to know their franchise package? Well, the info is all in there: chic-boy.com.ph


For those who crave for a Chic-Boy during an ungodly hour, lucky if you are located near the following branches:


•112 Jupiter St.(beside Strumms), Makati City
•Units 369- 373 Oversea Mansion, Plaza Santa Cruz (in front of Santa Cruz Church), Manila
•553 U.N. Ave cor. Churruca St. (near Manila Pavillion), Ermita, Manila
•2/F El Molito Commercial Center, Madrigal Ave. cor. Alabang- Zapote Rd., Muntinlupa City
•104 Timog Avenue, Quezon City
•Block 14, Lot 17 Alabang-Zapote Rd., Pamplona Tres, Las Pinas City (across Star Mall Las Pinas)

Chic-Boy, Dau

meal of Cebu lechon liempo with rice, soup, and kangkong

I've been trying to tame my appetite, but not here in Chic-Boy. I wasn't able to resist asking for another cup of rice (whatta a disappointment!). The meal was just awesome. I even thought that I was getting more than what I paid.

Coffee Drinking Experience @ Starbucks

"Where will we meet?"

"Starbucks."

That is a typical conversation between me and a friend planning to meet up.

Starbucks isn't only the place to grab your favorite coffee and beverages, but it is the perfect place to hang-out, meet your friends, do business, date --name it. In my case, it is one of the place where I can work. Some branches within Metro Manila are open 24 hours. You can basically stay in the store for as long as you want. Well, just make sure to order something as a courtesy if you intend to stay longer.

Starbucks Robinson Galleria - Veranda

Raffy busy texting @ Starbucks Robinson Galleria

Below are the Starbucks branches that are open 24 hours (within Manila):

Insular Life Building

G/F Insular Life Building, Ayala Ave. corner

Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

893-6714

M - Fri    - opens 6:00am - 24 HOURS

Sat        - until 7:00pm

Sun        - closed

People Support Center

G/F People Support Building, Ayala Avenue corner

Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue. Makati City

751-0041

M - Sat        - 24 HOURS

Sun            - 6:00am - 12:00mn

Easton Place - Valero             

G/F Easton Place, Herrera Corner Valero St.

Salcedo Village, Makati City

889 - 8291

M - Sat      - 24 HOURS

Sun           - up to 2:30am only

Worldwide Corporate Center, Shaw Blvd.

Worldwide Corporate Center, Shaw Blvd., Brgy.  

Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City

584 - 1905

M - Th      - 6:30am - 2:00am

F              - 6:30am – 24 HOURS

Sat         - closes at 1:00 pm

Sun          - closed

Emerald Building - Emerald Ave.         

G/F Emerald Building

Ortigas Center, Pasig City 

631-2936

M - Th      - 6:00am - 3:00am

F             - 6:00am - 24 HOURS

Sat          - closes at 1:00am

Sun         - closed

Ortigas Home Depot - Julia Vargas Ave.        

Ortigas Home Depo, Doña Julia Vargas

Cor. Meralco Ave., Ortigas Town Center, Pasig City

910 - 5283

M - Th      - 7:00am - 3:30am

F - Sat     - 7:30am - 24 HOURS

Sun         - 1:00am closed

Raffles Corp. Center - Emerald Ave.         

Raffles Center Bldg. Emerald Ave.,

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

584-3340

M - Th      - 6:00am - 3:00mn

F             - 6:00am – 24 HOURS

Sat         - 1:00am closed

Sun         - CLOSED

Net Quad 

Net Quad Building Fourth Ave & 30th St,

Bonifacio Global GF, Taguig City 

555 - 1317

M             - 6:00am - onwards

T - F         - 24 HOURS

Sat           - closes 5:00pm

Sun          - closed

My order is usually a caramel macchiato or cafe mocha (hot, iced, or frappe). I rarely request for another flavor. I sometimes request to have it twice blended for a finer or smoother taste (for frappe). You can also create your own concoction  for added variety.

Starbucks have this comfy and relaxing atmosphere. It just feel like home.  And the baristas are friendly and sociable. 

I had a conversation with a client who was located in US. I don't know if he was joking or something, but he  acted surprised that there is Starbucks in the Philippines. "You have Starbucks?", he asked. "Are you kidding me? Of course, we have--it's almost everywhere. I can't start working without a cup of Starbucks coffee!" I replied.  That was an exaggeration of course. 

Starbucks HK

When me and my girl friends Ivy and Belle landed in Hong Kong on a vacation, the first store we looked for was Starbucks. We were so happy to find one just a walking distance from where we stayed. The coffee was a bit strong compared to what is being served here in the Philippines, which I thought was better. And the cheesecake with real berries, yummy!

Starbucks began brewing in the Philippines in December 4, 1997 at 6750 Ayala Building in Makati City. On its website, it says that the Philippines is the third market to open outside North America.  The overwhelming crowd flocking in a Starbucks store shows  that Filipinos are indeed coffee fanatic not to mention Starbucks lover. Not to over-analyze this scenario, coffee drinking is always at its best at Starbucks.

Featured beverages

It's almost end of the year, when the wind is cold and you started hearing Christmas carols. Starbucks are once again offering seasonal beverages: Cranberry White Chocolate Mocha, Toffee Nut Latte, and Peppermint Mocha. My fave? The Cranberry White Chocolate Mocha.

Pasta and Pizza Galore @ Burgoo

Craving for carbo one fateful evening, Raffy and I decided to meet up at Robinson's Galleria in Ortigas. After several discussions, we decided to have our dinner at Burgoo. It is located at the fourth floor of the mall.

I was so famished that time as I literally forgot to take my lunch because of my busy schedule. My mouth was agape while looking at the menu, I thought that I could devour all the food that they have.

I was eyeing for the pizza. The Margherita looks yummy with its fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.  I was also staring at their cajun seafood jambalaya (mixture of mussels, calamari, shrimps, ham, chorizo, green peas, green bell pepper, white onion, and rice). And ohh my, the desserts! --The Mississipi  mud pie and Oreo cheesecake were mouth-watering.

We finally decided to have tomato basil spaghetti and pizza sampler (combination of four different pizza flavor).  Coca-Cola was simply a must for the meal.

Glad that we didn't order for more. It was enough for both of us. In fact we have taken out few slices of the pizza. For less than a thousand pesos we went out of Burgoo satisfied and loaded.

Check the nearest Burgoo in your area.

Food and Beyond

An essential rule in blogging is to have a fresh and updated content. Sadly, as a blogger things do not happen the way I wanted things to be. (I apologize for the readers and followers of this blog who were waiting for new posts.) The past few weeks had been tough as I faced the grueling task of beating a deadline while  fixing some personal stuff that had been long overdue. To compensate my hard work and to let me enjoy some simple indulgence, I reward myself dosage of sweet treat and delicious snacks that kept me going and smiling.  I have no qualms of being busy at all--hmm as long as there is food to keep me satiated.

Starbucks' Caramel Macchiato kept me company most of the time. The store's chicken pesto sandwich is such a yummy treat but with less the guilt feeling.

Krispy Kreme's chocolate chip baked goodies got me. Amazingly, it is not that sweet making it too easy for me to finish it all up in minutes.

24/7 Jollibee delivery takes my worry away. I need not dwell on what to eat for dinner. I simply place my order online via http://www.jollibee.com.ph/. And viola! In less than 45 minutes, my order is there.

A carbo loading snack of Filipino-style spaghetti kept me company. The deadening silent neighborhood during midnight was broken by the sound of the clicking of the mouse, typing of keyboard, and me munching,

With My Barriotic Outfit

typical view in a barrio
source: squidoo.com

bar·ri·o [bahr-ee-oh] -  (in Spain and countries colonized by Spain) one of thedivisions into which a town or city, together with thecontiguous rural territory, is divided. From http://dictionary.reference.com

While trying to ferret some details from my past to write it in my bio, I surge of feeling overwhelmed me--an inexplicable sadness, but with pride and dignity, came over me. I reminisced my past heartaches, pains and challenges. We have our own stories to tell; mine could be nothing extraordinary. Re-telling something from our past makes people understand where we are coming from.

Here is what I wrote:


I am a nocturnal creature, a bible-believer, chocolate and coffee addict, food lover, a passionate reader, a freelancer, a blogger, photography lover, a dreamer, social media advocate, a property specialist, enterprise-minded, a friend…


I am 30 something and single. I am self-sufficient but I am still hoping that one day I will find someone whom I can spend the rest of my life with. I am not sad that I am single; life is too short to sulk and think of the what-ifs.  


Growing up in a rural area where the roads were dusty and unpaved, where water was scarce; I was exposed to simplicity and acquainted me to the harshness, challenges and the excitement of the life in the barrio.


Purpose and goal: these are the things that drives me right now. I love to have fun. But what is fun when it is just a temporary escape of reality.  I have to delay my self-gratification to give room to something else I deemed more important. When future comes, I will look back at everything with a smile and say: I did all that.

Yummy, Chewy Goodness: Marzipan de Casuy

Cashew Marzipan or Marzipan de Casuy is a delicious and chewy Pampango treat made from milk, cashew nuts and coated with cashew chips. If you visit Pampanga, you should look for Cashew Marzipan for Pasalubong.

Delight your taste buds with this yummy, chewy and nutty balls. This is a very addicting. I am one of the living testimonial on how delicious it is.

Now, you don't have to go to Pampanga to have this for dessert. You may simply place your order and we can discuss about shipment and payment. Visit my Sulit account to see more information: Sulit.com-Marzipan de Casuy.

Finding "Inner Peace" Watching Kung Fu Panda 2

Watching Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3-D had changed my gloomy mood that Sunday evening to being lively and giggly. My two guy friends were enjoying as much as I did. We've been laughing and smiling the whole time! We were as excited as the children around us.

I don't want to over-analyze things but the movie was timely and appropriate. I find depth in the story. Finding "inner peace" is something that an adult like me, amidst all the chaos in our career, in our personal lives and everything else, should learn. Seeking for who we truly are and accepting the truths will help us achieve our inner peace.

The film is truly entertaining, action-packed and humorous, that I feel like I could watch it again and again. Watching it in 3-D makes it all fun with the visuals more alive and fantastic.

I read a negative review about the film, nevertheless I wasn't affected by it because it wouldn't change anything on how the movie made me feel. My feelings are subjective of course. I guess, you have to watch and judge it for yourself.

The movie takes us to the adventure of the cuddly Po (Jack Black) and the the Furious Five: Tigress (Angeline Jolie), Viper (Lucy Liu), Monkey (Jacky Chan), Mantis (Seth Rogen) and  Crane (David Cross) as they journey to fight Lord Shen (Gary Oldman).

Lord Shen, a peacock was set to destroy kung-fu and entire China with its powerful  firework weaponry. But the goat soothsayer (Michelle Yeoh) had long foretold that a panda would defeat him.  Lord Shen exterminated the pandas long time ago when Po was still a baby to change the prophecy . It was Shen who was responsible of separating Po from his panda clan.

The events lead Po to finally discover that his goose father Ping wasn't his real father (wow! ain't that surprising huh!).

When Po finally understands and accepts his past, he finds his "inner peace". And with his "inner peace", Po has more control over things even over Lord Shen's cannon balls. He redirects the cannon balls back to Shen's army that cause his destruction.

8.9 Magnitude quake hit Japan

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake followed by an enormous tsunami caused a massive destruction in Japan. I was terrified on how the tsunami literally washed away cities.

At this point, the Philippines is being watched out. Alert was given early this afternoon that 20 countries including the Philippines might be hit by a tsunami. The earliest time would be 10:02 UTC.  It's 8pm right now and nothing has been reported yet.

Endurance Test: The Rogin-E Last Man Running Marathon

I was there last Sunday at the Rogin-E Last Man Running Marathon not to run but to make sure that the runners were hydrated. I was at station 5 located at Bayanihan Rd. near Heritage Park.

A misfortune happened minutes before the race started. One of the tables suddenly fell down with the gallons of water that made a total mess of our area.  And we have to move and set everything again.

At approximately 5am the race started.

The event has 3 categories: 5K, 10K and the Last Man Running.

For the LMR (Last Man Running) category, a P50,000 prize was waiting for the sole winner. What made this race different was that the runners had to maintain a pace. A pace runner was there to serve as their guide. Failure to meet that requirement, meant elimination from the race.

The runners for the LMR category run for 7 hours! I was truly amazed with that display of physical endurance under the scorching heat of the sun.

Out of 52 who joined the LMR, 8 made it through until 11am. Two of which were actually gorgeous women.

With Bearwin Miley. Photo by Raffy.

with the LMR winner. He is P50K richer. Photo courtesy of Michelle P.

Photo by Michelle.

cheering the runners

See more pictures at:  http://www.activemoments.net/index.php/Rogin-E---Last-Man-Running---2011 

You may also visit the following blogs:

http://travel.yekram.com/
http://kulitrunner.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/rogin-e-last-man-running-route-maps-and-singlet-design/

Farewell

Oftentimes we tend to forget how much we are loved and being cared because we are too busy looking for something else.  I am not an exception to that.

Last week, my assistant manager with my manager as her ultimate accomplice, prepared a power point presentation for me. The effort that they made really amazed me.  Since it was my last day at work, it was their objective to make me cry. And oh man!  I did cry a bucket. And I laughed at the same time!

I actually never realized how much I was valued as a person until I hear them speak.  I was so overwhelmed and was so flattered to know that I mean something to them.

I actually thought that I would go unnoticed. But I was wrong. They made that day one of the remarkable days of my life. And from the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you! I don't have to mention your names, you know who you are guys...

Let me share some photos.  I reserved most of them for private consumption only.

me in green, laughing and crying

Chang, who cried the most.  Lovya!

with all the gorgeous "Bullies". Oh man, look at my puffy eyes!

Bombing

There was a bus bombing yesterday in Makati that killed at least 5 people according to reports.  This is in reminiscence of the previous administration where bombings seems rampant all over the country.

Anyway, my story isn't about the terrorists attack or whatsoever. What happened early this morning was a bit off. It ticked me a bit, good thing that I held my tongue before it could say a word.

I was bringing a plastic bag filled with some of my personal stuff, decors and gifts that I have accumulated at the office for years.  I took an FX in going home.  There were only 2 passengers - one was sitted on the front seat who was a mid-40's looking guy and myself sitted at their back.

Wearing my shades and caring nothing in the world, I placed my plastic bag at the side.

Then this other passenger started talking to the driver.  He was talking about the bombing yesterday; and even warned the driver to be on a look-out for passengers carrying packages.  And how dare he!  He even glanced at my innocent plastic bag.

Anyway, as not to ruin my morning, I decided to listen to the music in my old, rustic N70 phone as not to hear any of the conversation.

60 kph rule in QC

Finally!

You'll surely agree that a lot of motorists here in our country drive like they own the streets; as if they never care of the traffic regulations.  They create their own rules!

However with the new regulation implemented in Quezon City, setting 60kph as the speed limit along Commonwealth Avenue, aggressive motorists should get tamed. As per news, if they get caught by the camera, their vehicles will be flagged by the LTO, and they couldn't renew their registrations or driver's license.

I hope that they are really serious in implementing this regulation, not even government officials should be exempted. And I hope this would also be implemented in other areas in the metro.

Read article: 

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/211333/motorists-warned-vs-defying-60-kph-rule-along-killer-highway

MRT Accidents

Is there a reason to be paranoid? If you typically take an MRT (Metro Rail Transit ) ride everyday, there is a reason to.  I am not scaring you, but accidents like what had been reported all over the media this week is just so hard to ignore.

Last Tuesday, it was reported that the downward escalator at the MRT Ayala Station suddenly stopped. 10 people were said to be hurt and 2 were serious according to the GMA News.

And on Thursday, the brakes of a train got stuck near the Santolan Station. As reported in Manila Times, smoke was seen in front of the train that caused a commotion. The passengers rushed to get outside. Seven passengers were reported to be injured.

The train has to be replaced but due to budget constraint, that won't be possible. Unless the MRT would push through with their fare hike then they could probably come up with a budget.

I just hope the changes has to made quickly. If something needs repair, maintenance or replacement, I hope it is going to happen soon. We are talking about lives here.

photo from GMA News TV 

Suggested readings: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/211071/mrt-muling-nagkaaberya-kalumaan-ng-gamit-sinisi-ng-opisyal

New taxi rate in Metro Manila

The new taxi rates are expected to be implemented today. From P30, the minimum fare is now P40 and the additional charge for every 300-meter distance jumps from P2.50 to P3.50.

So this would mean that if I am used to paying P65 from my place going to work, I would approximately add P15-20 should I decide to take a cab.

The new hike order covers Metro Manila and Cebu City.

Taxi drivers and operators however, need to install calibrated meter that issue receipts. Failure to do so, passengers can refuse to pay the new fare.

I heard it would cost like P4,000 for the calibration. With that, I doubt if taxis would b able to install it immediately. It will probably take a month or 2 to have get it done.

For sure, this would impact on how things are.  Salaried employee like me would most likely consider taking a jeepney or FX instead unless, there would be a salary hike too.

Diet mode

I can't believe I'm doing this, but I am doing it. For now, at least. I am eating oats and veggies for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Have a quick snack on fruits and yogurt.  And munch on nuts when I feel like it. I also have biscuits that go handy at work. So, what the heck is going on? Well, the doctor's finding was enough. I have gained more pounds for the past year. Binge eating due to stress and my frustrations in life have lead me to this!  Who wouldn't love chocolate when you are broken-hearted?  An icecream when you get frustrated with work?  It is just so easy to eat and swallow those delicious and comforting food that makes your problems vanish for a moment. It is just so enticing!

But, right now, I have to make a decision whether to go on eating like there is no tomorrow or do something with my excess pounds. I have chosen the latter. So help me God.