Story of Schooldays at New Guinlo Elementary School

The  rain  started  pouring,  outdoor ice cream shops shut down, leaves are browning,  your  pencils are sharpened and the classroom awaits— Hate it or Love  it, you are going back to school next week. You gotta wave bye to wet summer  and  welcome  back a pile up of assignments and projects. School is now  back  in  full-swing.  Everything  is shiny and new. New teachers, new friends,  new  shoes,  new  notebooks,  and  sometimes,  a  new school. And everyone is excited about.





Thinking  of back to school season can be overwhelming, bringing back silly childhood  memories.  Where  recess  is  my  favorite  subject and my daily "baon"  (allowance)  was  just one peso and I could purchase "sopas" (soup) courtesy of Maam Fabula, my T.H.E. (Technology and Home Economics) teacher. I  still  remember  my  first  grade  teacher,  Maam  Dulay.  It was in her classroom  when one of my classmates peed in his school uniform. I remember she  was  very  patient lining us up from smallest to tallest every morning during  flag  ceremony.  I  was  always at the first line because I was the smallest among my classmates.

There were peer groups of athletes, nerds, and bullies. There were newbie’s either  a  heartthrob  or  somebody  to  be a subject of bullying from mean girls.  Before  the  flag  retreat  we  were  all  scattered in the school playground  near  the  Acacia tree playing “patintero”, “habulan”, “Chinese garter”, and “sepak-takraw” taught by the retired Sir Arque.






Happy  thoughts  lingers  on my mind as I look at Manong Primo’s picture on facebook,  I  noticed that the old and lonely Acacia tree is still standing there. Tall, strong and verdurous. Proud and beautiful. A silent witness of my elementary memories.  I hope I could remember all of my fondest memories at  this  school. If not, I’m sure, with the carved names on its trunk, the old  Acacia  tree has a lot of stories to tell. I am very grateful, my core and foundation was built at my school, the New Guinlo Elementary School.

Twist and tear and boogie woogie


A Myriad of Flavors Bursting in Restaurant 101

I was so lucky last Saturday when Sissy Peachy of The Peach Kitchen invited me to accompany her to attend an event in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio. I had a chance to experience a lunch full of flavors at Restaurant 101 in Enderun Colleges. The foods we had indulged in will be posted next. 





Press Release

If you are armed with a hefty appetite and the insatiable zest to try out new things, Restaurant 101, the application restaurant of Enderun Colleges, is certainly the place to be! Home to Southeast Asia’s leading undergraduate culinary arts program, 101's seasonal menus are conceived by Enderun's world-renowned culinary faculty, showcasing the techniques of traditional French cuisine, the bold flavors of the Asian market, and a commitment to innovating with fresh, sustainable local ingredients.

Serving lunch and dinner Mondays to Saturdays, Restaurant 101 already enjoys name recall that mere mention of it creates visual images of things jaded palates yearn for. With Chef Thomas Wenger at its helm, it bursts with a myriad of flavors. Some of the offerings include ADF+Enderun signature dishes such as: Salmon Fillet, Mi-cuit, with Caper Herb Dressing and Warm Potato Salad; Lemongrass-scented Shrimp Broth Soup, with Crisp Vegetables; Chilled Tomato Soup with Basil Granité; Pompano Fillets a la Nicoise, with Tomato Fondue and Virgin Olive Oil Emulsion; Fillet of Sea Bass, Clams, Baby Squid, Shellfish, in Butter Sauce; Chicken Basquaise, with Stewed Sweet Peppers and Bayonne Ham; and Stewed Tagaytay Vegetables, with Vanilla Barigoule and Coriander.





The restaurant's stylish interiors evoke the casual elegance of a contemporary Parisian bistro, while the student wait staff, working under the watchful eyes of the College's food and beverage faculty, brings freshness and unique charm to the 101 experience.  It also offers monthly wine tasting dinners, and with an open kitchen exhibit that stands out from the surfeit of Manila’s restaurants, it has definitely become a landmark, taking the spotlight in dining places to frequent.




Restaurant 101 also welcomes the return of its popular Prix-Fixe menus, affordable three-course daily lunch specials for only PhP 300. It can also accommodate private parties and large-scale banquets, in two salon privés and its magnificent, high-ceilinged 240-square-meter Atrium. The chic Bar d’Etoile, adjacent to the restaurant, serves some of Manila's finest cocktails under a stunning canopy of glass and starlight.

For private parties and corporate gatherings, two adjoining wood-paneled rooms seat twelve guests each, and two rooms may be used together to create a single space for up to twenty-four guests. It features state of the art IT equipment, which can be configured for a wide variety of audio-visual presentations.





Restaurant 101 at Enderun Colleges is open Mondays to Saturdays, from 11:30am to 2pm for lunch, and from 6 to 10pm for dinner. For more information and reservations, call 856-500 local 101.

For more information, please contact:
Lou Molina
External Relations Manager
Mobile: +63917 8038617
lou.molina@enderuncolleges.com

Mark Tan
External Relations Associate
Mobile: +63917 5933398
Mark.tan@enderuncolleges.com

Enderun Colleges
1100 Campus Avenue
McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City 1634 Philippines
Telephone: (632) 856 5000
Facsimile:   (632) 856 4656
www.enderuncolleges.com

Amana Waterpark: Spending Summer in the Metro

Warning: Photo overload. Credit to Sissys Anney and Peach for the awesome photos.



Summer is not yet over. If you missed Boracay or Palawan's trip, if you hesitated to travel out of town because you don't want to travel with kids, if you feel 2 months summer is not enough, if you feel that you have just wasted 2 months at home watching nonsense television series. You still have 2 weeks left before the school year starts. 




The Amana Waterpark is your only choice to get back lost summer fun. Located in Pandi, Bulacan, it is very accessible if you are living in Metro Manila. With 13 different types of wave in their pool, it has the biggest wavepool in the entire Philippines.





An extra large wave pool, a pool w/ Jacuzzi, Avatar pool with man-made waterfall, 500-square meter kiddie pool. Anyone, especially the kids will enjoy the thrill and excitement it can offer. 





With life-sized Dragon Ball, Lord of the Rings, Justice League, Pirates of the Carribean, Shrek, Captain America, Kingkong, Madagascar, Hulk, Indiana Jones Characters scattered all over the place guarantee utmost satisfaction to your children. My favorite is the Lord of the Rings characters. I was literally "kidding" around  the whole day.











If you want to stay overnight, Amana Waterpark offers affordable room rates, check out their website, click here. Don't just sit there and waste your limited time. Heres their contact Information for your reference: Manila Line: (02) 299-66-12 or (02) 299-67-03 Tel #: (044) 661-23-83 or (044) 661-23-84 Mobile #: 0922 870 8428 or 0923 7135874 Email: amanawaterpark@yahoo.com











My Treat at Reyes Barbecue, The Fort

Pork Liempo, Meal PhP 159.00



Leaving established friendship in Cisco Systems behind for a better opportunity in IBM's Corporate is delicious with Grilled food! I love grilled seafoods and red meat because its flavorful. Even more appetizing if marinated. Of course, nothing compares with Reyes Barbecue's marinated grilled meal treats.




Tuna Belly Meal PhP, 174.00



My treat! It's free. I paid it. I know its the best thing to do. It was to appreciate my friends' support, thanksgiving, and to mark this day another promising episode of my life will be coming up.  Plus,  I feel I had a raise in moving from one company to another. 



Chicken-Quarter Barbecue Meal, PhP 126.00



"What's your bestseller?" I asked the crew.  "Marinated Chicken-Quarter Barbecue, Pork Liempo Meal, and Tuna Belly are our top favorites", the crew replied.  So, we ordered the bestsellers and we also ordered, Pusit Meal, Bangus Belly Meal, Chicken Ass, and Butterscotch. 




Bangus Belly Meal, PhP 117.00



Sweet, spicy, fresh and juicy when the foodies were served. It was tasted like the way I imagined it, perfect for Filipino's receptors for taste. the Liempo was soft and tender. I wont forget the Chicken, it was really flavorful.



Pusit Meal, PhP 164.00



Among my top ten favorite food is the Chicken Ass, and Reyes Barbecue's Chicken Ass rendition was exceptional. Yummy, I slowly closed my eyes when I bit it. Bliss, when I felt the fat slowly melts in my mouth
.


Chicken Ass, PhP 55.00 (two sticks)



The revelation of this whole dinning experience was the Butterscotch. Reyes Barbecues concocted buttered banana in a brand new level. I would suggest ice cream on top would make it extra special.



Butterscotch, PhP 30.00



I enjoyed the bond and camaraderie with my colleagues. Most specially, the grilled foodies satisfied me and my officemates. So long, I'm hoping to see them again soon. 





Sunset at Mt. Tapyas, Coron, Palawan




There are two activities that the locals will suggest when you get to Coron town either to soak on the Maquinit Hot Spring or Climb Mt Tapyas. I chose one. Today, I'm going to take you at the summit of Mount Tapyas. Mount Tapyas stands low at 210 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of Coron Bay and nearby islands. Climbing Mount Tapyas' 718 steps is a must when you visit the Municipality of Coron. 






Trekking to the peak was at its best during sundown. Do not forget to bring your cameras. Grab the opportunity to take spectacular photos of the sunset and the breathtaking landscape. Of course, I wouldn't pass for this opportunity, I took plenty of pictures during the climb.






When doing this activity, do not just aim to get to the peak.  There are plenty of spectacle to enjoy while resting. Stop, breath the fresh air, and appreciate the beauty around you.







I love watching sunsets. I've watched thousands of sunsets but sunset in Mount Tapyas was exceptional. My emotional, inner thoughts came out everytime I'm watching a beautiful sunset. What I feel? Ah, liberating.






While other thought of sunset as the "end". I've figured out, like the brightest, most beautiful sunset to me
 everything I do is leading to that point....





Kapihan sa Balsa sa Niugan



This entry is supposedly posted last December. I know right? Picture with Santa Clause explains it all. Yes, this is another past cuisine exploration long overdue to be posted. Everyday is Christmas day anyway so I'm giving love to y'all today....my extreme love for coffee at Balsa sa Niugan in Malabon City.





With Sissys Anney and Peachy, and my niece Ykai, we were here to try their starbucks-y cakes. When we entered the store and peek at the pastry chiller, I was craving for Starbucks Oreo cheesecake. Sissy Anney treated us cakes.








I tried their green tea latte, not bad at all. The cakes are less expensive than Starbucks but the taste was not different. 





If you are from Malabon Caloocan and Navotas area and craving for starbucks coffee and cake it would take you long enough to the nearest Starbucks store to lost your appetite. So why not try Balsa?




Pinoy Yuppies on Osama Bin Laden's Death

I love the days of less work load, letting the time pass with unlimited break and unrestricted time. I liked it when we talked about senseless, funny topic on the chat board. Today is another lousy Wednesday. Limme share to y'all the thoughts of my not-so-busy colleagues regarding the news about Osama Bin Laden's death.





Buboy: So, what d'ya think about the death of Osama?

Jen: O-sama langit nawa ang knyang libag ( I hope his dead skin cells will go to heaven)

Machette: Not sure ts Bin Laden

Yanzyboi: They have DNA

Machette: If he is really dead, they will appoint new leader. and the terrorism goes on

Buboy: I saw him earlier in Trinoma signing autographs

Machette: don't celebrate on something so trivial

Buboy: Sadly, if Osama is the number one enemy, of course there are number 1, 2, 3.....

Carol: Thats's Sharon Cunetas line! "ayoko ng number 1, kasi pag may no. 1, may no. 2, may no.3..." sagot ni Gabby " Ano gusto mo?"....sgot ni Shawie "My only one" (I dont want to be your number one because if there is number one there is number 2, number 3... Gabby: What do you want? Sharon said....my only one)

Machette: the only thing that matters are those things that you can control but ideas brought forth by that man you ca't vanquish

Leslie: In the past, they said that Bin Laden was dead. 

Carol: it's like "you can kill the mosquito.... but you already have a dengue...." waaaaaahhh

Buboy: depends...

Carol: why?

Buboy: kasi pag lumilipad pa lang yung mosquito, tapos napalakpakan mo agad, wala pang dengue yun (Because if the mosquitto is just about to come then you air-clap to kill it, then you wont have denge)

Carol: Ahhh okay, Good Job if you kill it while its flying

Joe-ann: What a bright Idea

Buboy: Im just joking, Carol

Leslie: you should use off lotion




*****************


  Oh Boy! This is just a glimpse of what we do. Humor on the Job! Another day had passed!




The Islands of Coron




Day 3 of my Coron Exploration was spent in an island of Banol.  It has sugary fine white sand in its beach line and picturesque with its flower trees set against the rocky island. Entrance fee is PhP 100. Please be careful,  the island has a lot of sea urchins. From my past experiences, hoping from one island to another is tiring and time consuming. Although I know that different island has a lot of different attraction from the other, I just chose the best. It's all the same.The purpose of my visit here was to explore the lagoons and not the beach anyway. But here are the other island beaches that you might want to visit while in Coron. 





MALCAPUYA ISLAND

Locals said, it is one of the most beautiful islands in Coron. It will be developed into a private resort. It will have with its own private swimming pool as well as extensive garden. Each villa will be provided with a butler, chef, and maid. The island will be equipped with a helipad because the guests will be transported in a private jet. Could it be the Huma Island Resort?






ATUWAYAN

Originally called Katuayan (a place full of Tuay, a kind of shell) by the natives (Tagbanuas). It has the longest beach among the Coron island beaches. Ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. If you have kids with you, this island is ideal for swimming because Atuayan beach has no strong current, it is situated in a cove with a small island near its mouth which makes it child friendly.






CALUMBUYAN ISLAND

Offers its bountiful reefs for snorkeling. An ideal picnik place because of its white and shady beach.

CYC ISLAND

Nice but gets very crowded. It's the only free beach in the area.


BANANA ISLAND

Probably one of the most beautiful islands in Coron. They say that it will be developed into a private resort also like the malcapuya island








When the time come to head to the beach again and when I want to feel the wind blows through my hair, the warm sun bathes my skin, the soft golden sand caresses my feet, the waves sing to a perfect rhythm and the coconut trees gently sway against the breeze I will go back right here again and again....

"Trust me, it's paradise. This is where the hungry come to feed. For mine is a generation that circles the globe and searches for something we haven't tried before. So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite and never outstay the welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience. And if it hurts, you know what? It's probably worth it." - Richard, (The Beach)


Lydias Lechon and Baliwag Lechon Manok

Its been a while since the last time I post yummy food on this blog because I was so preoccupied training and establishing strong and positive relationship with my new colleagues since I moved to a brand new company, IBM.  


Lydia's Lechon: Kare-kare



Lydia's Lechon: Pinakbet



Lydias Lechong Baboy ( Roasted Pig)


One week of communication training in a classroom was boring. We learn things we already knew but repeatedly commit mistakes. We were kinda pressured because we need to pass the assessment at the end of the training. I'm glad we all passed. 

On our last day of training, we headed to SM Megamall's food court to celebrate. We had Lechon Manok from Baliwag Lechon Manok and Lechong Baboy, pinakbet, and kare-kare from Lydias Lechon. The all time Filipino favorite food were good but nothing extraordinary.



Baliwag Lechong Manok (PhP 240.00)


Yes, I'm proud IBMer now and I think I made a good decision this time. I was pleased to be with such an outstanding professional during orientation and training days. Never that I feel so cool



Louie, Boboy, the Dutches Kaye, Ancel, Me and Jen ( she took this photo)

Memories of my Grandpa

                    credit to guia for the picture


My lolo (Grandfather), Ramon Villanueva Espinosa (RIP) has been gone perhaps for a dozen years or more. But memories of him lingers on. Memories of my grandpa were pleasant ones from the family farm in Arado, Taytay in Palawan. Every summer of my youth my grandfather would designate us to collect chicken eggs in the morning and the rest of the day will be for cashew nut picking. The collected nuts will be sold at the end of the week, half of the money will be given to us.  I still remember the moment when he taught each of us (numerous grandkids) on how to ride a carabao. It was one of the precious moments!


One of the fondest memories I have of my grandpa was when one summer night, he taught us an Orasyon (magic spell). He said it was a white magic spell to be used only for good will and good luck whether for love, family, career, health, etc. It goes like this, salvum pactum pactorum ego sum!  Oh yes, I am using it everyday for silent prayer of good luck or wish. Honestly, I did not know the meaning of it until I write this post. As per my research through Google translation it means: Save the covenant I am the pacts.


My grandfather was the finest man I knew, and this memory of him shows his character at its best.