Reality Films

When watching a movie, what would one want to see - reality or fantasy?

For me, I think it depends on my mood. But I tend to love fantasies more such as Tim Burton's films. This week's films were geared towards reality, but nevertheless I found them entertaining.

Hugo living at the back of a clock with a wonderful view of Paris

Hugo is a wonderful film that actually mixes reality and fantasy well. It was inspired by a book based on the historical events and life of Georges Méliès, a French film maker. I loved the film and some parts of it gave me goose bumps. It was wonderful to watch it in 3D.

Also, I couldn't agree more with some of its movie lines like that said by Hugo Cabret: I'd imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts, you know. They always come with the exact amount they need. So I figured if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn't be an extra part. I had to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason too. Other wonderful quotes can be found here.

Beautiful shot of the couple under the silver bean in Chicago. I had to post the bean picture after I saw the film

On the other hand, I found The Vow lacking the personality needed for an endless love story and it also had an abrupt ending. The film is also based on the book written by Kim and Krickitt Carpenter which was about their struggle to fight for love after a car accident. It led to the wife's brain trauma and she totally forgot about some of her past including her husband.

Office scandal? Not a good idea

The trend of having complicated/uncomplicated relationships was screened on Unofficially Yours. The actors were very good but the story is a bit off. There was a part wherein Ces had to tell her side of the story but it was so vague (there was an accident - then what?!?). Also, having the story of someone leaving as the front page of Manila Bulletin in dark blue? Was that the lifestyle section? Hmmm...

I still recommended this as a good date movie to my office mate though, with all the hot scenes and yeah, the happy ending.

The Late Sylvia

Valentines day 2012 - As I said earlier, I was contemplating on whether or not to go to work. Hubby told me to go to work since he had a surprise for me. Of course I knew what his surprise was, he's been sending me tulips at my office since 2004 (well, I think except last year).

Anyway, I did go to work and surprisingly nothing came until around 6pm. I kiddingly sent him an SMS asking if he got my name correct. I got home at 9:30PM still without flowers. I found him sitting on our sofa pissed since the delivery man just told him that he was on his way. We were both not feeling well so he asked him to just deliver the flowers the next day at our place and we went to bed. Around 11PM I was sneezing badly and still can't sleep (but trying to), I heard knocks on the door, I told him there was someone knocking and he answered yes there was someone knocking - but he was actually sleep talking. I felt too tired to open the door.

Come morning - voila! I was right, someone was knocking, the delivery man brought my tulips 1 hour before the end of Valentines Day. Bravo delivery man, those tulips almost cost you your job, hubby was already about to complain at your head office.

The tulips arrive! Since it stayed overnight with the guards of the building, there was already moist inside the box, I immediately put them in a wine glass with water :))

In fairness, these are beautiful tulips that close during the night and open during the morning for a couple of days. He gave me one back in 2007 and unfortunately out of lack of knowledge I threw them away when it closed thinking it was dead only to find out in the internet that it could have lived 2 weeks longer.

Hubby always buys these beautiful tulips at Flowers by Sylvia at Forbes Park only he tried the branch at Dangwa since he was thinking he'll get a discount. Yep, he got a discount alright and a panic that the flowers will not arrive. Tulips cost 500P per piece at the Dangwa branch, I'm not sure how much it costs in Forbes Park.

On a side note, this rose was courtesy of my current team - all girls get a rose and everyone gets half a heart. Post Chinese New Year dragon from my sister. I hope the design I did doesn't mean anything :))

Hearts Day 2012: Bizu Cake and Couple Pants

Happy Valentines Day! I am still on the verge of not going to work as I have bad cough and runny nose that is almost evolving to a flu (so does hubby). Anyway, Valentines is supposed to be a good day so despite wanting to stay in bed I'm still going to work.

I got hubby a personal cake from Bizu yesterday. They had an available mini sized cake in heart shape (1,112P) but it was too big for us - yes, I know I would be eating the cake too as he didn't like sweets. But a cake is better than roses for a guy, right? :))

Romance Cake at 279P

Yummy thick Valrhona chocolate with custard and nuts at the center topped with strawberries and syrup. The cake almost didn't have bread.

As for our Valentine (exchange) gift, we opted for a couple pants. Couple shirts are so passé and useless for us anyway, at least these pants will be a good companion for us on our trips.

North Face Paramount Convertible Pants for him bought from Rustans, Makati at around 3,000P. Picture taken from gearjunkie.com

Mine is a Columbia Psych to Hike Convertible Pants bought from Greenbelt 5 at 2890P picture taken from mosquitocreekoutdoors.com

Yoga Girl and the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo

First time yogi last Friday courtesy of my office friend Ronald - and yes, I am so happy since it was free! They are having a Valentine Promo of bring someone for free from Feb 10 to 12. I went to the power yoga class of Monique at Bliss Yoga, Jupiter, Makati.

The class was great! Monique tried to adjust me for a shoulder stand but alas, I just couldn't. Also, I'm not yet used to fully relaxing as I have been doing none-steady activities such as running and dabbled on boxing and muay-thai. It was a nice change though and would love to go to a class again and try not to giggle for once next time (I just can't help myself).

Come night time date with hubby was to watch The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I loved the film! It was very intense and had me anticipating on what would happen next.

OK fine, there were scenes that are 'not suitable for young ages' but that's why it's rated R-18, right? I would still recommend watching it. Btw, it is only showing in Glorietta now in Makati, no more in Greenbelt. And probably will read the book as well when I'm not lazy.

Feeling Like a Special Guest at Adarna

I am continually becoming a fan of Spanish Heritage Houses here in the Philippines; so it isn't a surprise that I loved the concept of Adarna. We wanted to go to the said restaurant a couple of times already, but it was always either out of the way or just plain far for a good meal. Finally we were able to drop by the Diliman restaurant last Sunday for a good meal. Once you step inside the gate you will see antiques all around the garden with a fountain in the middle. First thing that came into my mind when we entered the restaurant was that it was like we were invited for a special meal at one of the heritage houses we've seen in Ilocos or Bataan - could've fooled me that we were just in Quezon City :)

The porcelaine plates are out from the cabinets
I love the interiors, specially the old chairs

Our meal of Chicken Relleno Circa 1940 at 480P was really good for 3 people. It looked rather small when it was served but it was heavy. The chicken was stuffed with chorizo, ham, quezo de bola, green peas, and raisins.

The salsa that came with the chicken was nice and went well with it. We asked for another serving of this :))

Batanes Yellow Rice at 77P for one serving is made of turmeric, garlic, pork, and coconut cream flavor was ok. The viand tasted too much that I barely tasted the rice.

My order of Iced Barako Latte at 95P was a simple drink but I loved it. The drink was so nice after the tiring run we had.

The classic Batangas Brewed Barako was still in the menu of course for 70P. The coffee made special because of the nice porcelaine cup

Probably next time we'll try their cheaper executive meal which would just cost us 500P for the two of us. I think the meal changes per month, but for February they have for 225P: Soup of the Day, Guinataang Kalabasa/ Squash, Adobong Batangas ala Adarna, Steamed Pandan Rice, and Kesong Puti Langka Fry - not bad, right?

Beautiful mother and child on a porcelaine plate

Mangrove Run, Ventosa, and Adarna

It was 3AM and we were already on our way to Alabang for the Condura Skyway Run. We did 16kilometers this time. It was our first time running on the Skyway and the longest kilometer run for hubby.

Painting at the Mangrove Wall with my 16K medal

The race was well organized and we liked the U-turn route. It was a no fuss path unlike when we run in Fort bonifacio that there are many turns. They also had enough hydration; well, at least until we finished our 16K, I'm not sure for the 5 or 3K runners as they were already about to run out of cups when we were done. Only downside (which was not even marathon related) was that hubby's iphone fell on the floor and had major cracks when we reached the finish line - that and we lost our parking ticket and had to pay additional 200P.

Run Result: http://www.conduraskywaymarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/16k.pdf

After the run we had a massage at Shui at Libis. The Shui branch here in Makati is super near our place but they were fully booked. It was my first time to experience the Ventosa Therapy (cupping method) coupled with Hilot (local relaxation massage). We were able to get vouchers from Ensogo and it was very worth it.

Lunch was at Adarna at Diliman/ UP Village. It was a good meal and I will write about it in detail. They serve Spanish-Filipino dishes

An Adarna Painting inside Adarna Restaurant

Yey! Milk Tea for the Lactose Intolerant

I have admittedly become a milk tea addict and it's too bad that getting my hubby to drink just a sip will make his tummy churn :(

Good thing we bought a coupon at Deal Grocer for Saint's Alps and discovered a milk tea place that serves to the lactose intolerant! It is now our favorite milk tea shop :D

His order of Black Milk Tea with pearls and my order of Green Tea White Moustache. Their serving of milk tea is big at 95P, pearls additional 15P. The White Moustache series is the one with salted whipped cream; in other milk tea shops they describe this as cheese. Their milk tea tastes like that of Gong Cha with additional perks of being ok for the lactose intolerant.

view from the top

This was my meal for the deal I bought, regular price of the Taiwanese Chicken Chop is 195P. I got the deal for 200P which is already inclusive of the Chicken Chop and the White Moustache tea :) The Chicken Chop was dry, it's a good thing the waiter recommended to place sweet chili sauce on it.

Included in hubby's deal is the Beef Tapa with Garlic Rice and Egg also with a regular price of 195

Chinese Chow for the New Year: SaLido

We had a couple of choices for our Chinese New Year meal but my family specifically wanted rice so hubby and I had to choose a good restaurant in our go-to map with good rice and viand. I then saw SaLido at the map and it said - specialty: Pork Asado... There's our winner :D

They actually moved location from the one in the map. We had to ask one of the guards for directions.
Yummy Roasted Pork Asado for 200+P. Good enough for 2-3 people sharing.

3 Cups Chicken - not sure why it is named as such, but it is yummy. We got the small serving which was also good for sharing for 200+P

My bro-in law's order of mami. Wasn't able to taste this. 115P for a meal for 1.

Yang Chow fried rice was fine, nothing new

This is actually 4 pieces - free butchi courtesy of the restaurant. Thanks! And yes, as I said at a previous post they gave free tikoy :D

Next time will be going back for their coffee... it smelled so good upon entering the restaurant!

Chinese New Year Long Weekend Escapade

Thank God for long weekends! :D

For this Chinese New Year weekend we went to Laguna to have our team building at Forest Club then afterwards a group of us (hun, Ronald, Jerome, Jojo, Clarence, Draks, Channel, Ralph, and Courtney) had our own DIY trip to Pagsanjan Falls via the Cavinti route. Come monday, my family and I had a real Chinese New Year celebration at Binondo/ China Town. I'm planning to write the details at the hub pages soon :)

In the meantime here are some pictures from our Chinese New Year Weekend...

View of the boats from Pagsanjan while we were treking down via the Cavinti Route. Before they offered a trip via the Pagsanjan boat after seeing the falls via Cavinti; this time the Pueblo El Salvador Eco Park was disallowed to do so because they are a separate area :(

By the way, the current price as of January 2012 to see the Pagsanjan Falls via boat is 1250, compared to what we paid via treking - a measly 150P.

Inside the Devil's Cave - actually we were at the back of the huge falling waterfalls! Amazing experience :) 90P for the raft to the cave.

One of the many dragons during the Chinese New Year at Binondo. Afterwards we ate at Sa Lido. Yummy pork asado! And they gave us free tikoy too :)

The day wasn't over yet as we went to watch Underworld after our Binondo trip

Action packed with eye-candy Kate; but honestly, the story line is getting passe :/

Men, Men, Men... Defending the Caveman and Mission Impossible 4

This weekend was all about men -

Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol had been shown in the Philippines December last year, but unfortunately the showing of the film was cut short due to the Metro Manila Film Fest. I almost thought we wouldn't be able to see it anymore.

I liked the film - action packed with Tom Cruise banging his head from time to time. What I didn't like though was the 6 year old looking kid behind me watching a 13 year old parental guidance film and kicking my chair! When the lights turned on more 6 year olds were running around the cinema with their parents. Come on Greenbelt 3, please don't let those kids in unless they are fit to watch the film! The content of the film is not for them and they are annoying!

Moving on...

Defending the Caveman shown at the Carlos P Romulo stage at RCBC was apt to describe our dinner the previous day with my best girl friends. Just a couple of minutes before the play started I asked my husband exactly one of the lines that came up during the play - 'what did you and (a boyfriend of one of my friends) talk about?'. He said 'work, computers, and diving'. I then replied 'So, what did you talk about?'. He repeated what he previously said. Yep, men don't talk details because it's difficult to describe their details :)) There were a lot more lines in the play that hit the spot. Although as hubby and I said, male and female can't be generalized these days, we've evolved - he cleans, I negotiate... etc...

Anyway, to cut the story short, we enjoyed the play even if it was just Joel Trinidad talking with us like he was just having a conversation with someone. The play was a bit short though, it was good they sold tickets at a cheaper price at CashCash Pinoy/Ensogo. We did however buy the tickets which were not on sale at Ticketnet for Balcony seats at 500+ but we were asked to move to Orchestra seats anyway - not bad.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

The Hollywood films opened just last Sunday after one month of Filipino film fest and we made sure to watch The Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows immediately. It was as usual action-packed with the proper mixture of geekiness... needless to say, I loved it! :)

Cool with smart - perfect combination ;)

Oh, did I also mention freakishly weird? :))

Metro Manila Film Fest 2011: Manila Kingpin and House Husband

We were only able to watch two films for the Metro Manila Film Fest 2011...

Manila Kingpin got the most number of awards in the film fest. I liked how the film was shot, hubby and I agreed that everything was so classic. He specially liked the rain drops while we found the biking scene while firing a gun too 'trying hard' and funny

Story-wise we liked House Husband better. And yes, Eugene is a good add on for the laughs

Christmas 2011 and New Year 2012 by the South

We had our 1st year Anniversary at Tagaytay last December 23 (Christmas at home) then we were once again back in Tagaytay after an overnight stay in Batangas :)

Dinner is served at Chateau Hestia. We stayed at T House for 4650P. Lunch was at Sonya's for 600P per person. Details are here at our hub.

We stayed at Residencia de Riego Hotel and Restaurant for New Year with the family. I got the deal at CashCash Pinoy for 13999 for 16 people. We enjoyed this. Afterwards we passed by historical Taal Heritage then went to Tagaytay for Bulalo lunch and bread from Sonya's.

Happy Christmas and New Year to Everyone! :D

Chinese New Year Soon!

My collection of Chinese New Year Bearista bear courtesy of hubby. The dragon bear for 2012 was fresh from the stock room of MSE Starbucks branch this afternoon :D

Dragon Bear cost 795P

Distrito at Makati

We went last Friday to the freshly opened Distrito at the Amorsolo parking area (near Makati Med) which is a food market like Banchetto at Ortigas and Mercato at Fort Bonifacio. Distrito is open from Wednesday to Friday from 9PM to 3AM.

Actually, before these food markets became a hit, there was the Salcedo Market at the Salcedo Park, Makati every Saturdays and Legazpi Market at the Legazpi Park, Makati every Sundays.

Jampacked with office workers, we almost didn't get a chair. The place was small.

One of the hits at the place is the simple 'ihaw' area. We got a HUGE serving of isaw (chicken intestines) at 40P. Despite the simplicity, I liked this order the best :)

We also ordered at the Guac Truck. My order was tortilla chips with beef bits, sour cream, and corn salsa at 150P. It had a generous serving of beef giniling but I still found it expensive for the price.

Probably I could've done better in choosing?

Another hit is the Vigan Empanada at 100P. Hubby liked this empanada version better then the one we actually got in Vigan. This one was filled with bits of pork, strips of vegetables and an egg. I liked the one from Vigan better since it had Vigan Longganisa.

The best bite is the one with egg ;)

We'll probably be back for the Chicago style pizza next time. Oh, and also planning a Mercato trip soon.