BBSC Christmas Party

Saturday, December 26, 2009


I know it sucks not to have any team outings but at least this Christmas, the BBSC team made all efforts to have a grand Christmas party. Everyone in the team contributed ideas on how we can have a memorable celebration.


Click here to view all the pictures from the party (forgot to take group pictures, though). And here's what we had for Noche Buena in the office. Pancit malabon, macaroni salad, baby back ribs and mocha cake roll. Good job everyone and Happy Christmas!!!




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MTICS 2K2 Christmas Party at Dampa Farmers

Wednesday, December 23, 2009


December once again and the gang of MTICS 2K2 held another get together/Christmas Party at Dampa Farmers. It's our 10th year anniversary of being together ever since college days and we were so glad because inspite of everything that happened, good or bad, the MTICS family is still here and kicking asses. Hahaha!! Well, not everyone was able to attend but at least most of us tried to get there just so we can spend some time catching up with each and everybody's lives. Even those of our classmates who are out of the country were present via video conference. Thanks to the power of internet.

... the early birds

We celebrated the party in a place that offers fresh produce from the market so it's just fitting we feasted on seafoods. Yay!

buttered shrimps ...


... sinigang sa miso, maya-maya


baked tahong ...


... calamares


king and queen of videoke, can never be part from the microphone :-) ...


All the food we ordered above including rice and drinks cost us around two thousand pesos! It was pretty cheap. But we have to leave the place after 11pm so we need to change venue and continued the party somewhere else. It was a Saturday night so the entire place was packed with party goers. We ended at Elbow Room in Ortigas. My camera's battery died so no more photo ops. I tried using my phone's camera but the lighting was so bad it can hardly capture anything but the light coming from the flash :-(


Over all, it was fun-filled party and hopefully this tradition continues for as long as we live. Amen.


P.S. Click here to view more pics from the party.

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Celebration 2 Times

Monday, December 21, 2009


Yesterday, we welcomed baby Rhian to the Christian world as she was baptized at St. Michael's Church in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. And it also fell on the day of my birthday thus a double celebration.


Traffic this time of the year was so bad. Tapioca and I missed the ceremony at the church so we ended up at the reception, in Anjee's place for lunch.

(from L-R) Sherwin, Ivy, Anjee with Rhian, Gen and Jellybean


Ninang Vanjee and Mara were present, too.


This is Mara's girl. Her name is Alyna.The last time I saw her, she was just a new born baby but look at her now, all grown up at 4 yrs old :-)



After lunch, Tapioca and I went to my place for a very simple birthday celebration with my family. It was actually his first time to meet them. As my birthday cake, I had a blueberry cheese cake from Conti's


and pancit malabon for long life.



On my day, I decided it's about time my parents meet Tapioca. We've been going out for months and I believe it's the best time for them to meet him. The first person Tapioca met was my father. He was sitting on the wheel chair, watching TV when we came in. My father was all smile and for some reason he was able to talk and we were able to understand most of his words. My father had a stroke 2 years ago and half of his body got affected as well as his speech. So for us to be able to understand a bit of what he was saying was amazing. Then he met my brother and sister-in-law and lastly my mother. They seemed to be pretty okay but when Tapioca's out of sight they would ask questions, silly questions and would make fun of me (especially my brother). They all thought we're bagay because of our chinky eyes :-)


Now, now as for the most funniest comment, they all thought Tapica was my gay officemate!!! It's because of the way he was dress and the way he talk, they said it was so gay. Oh well, even at the office they too had an impression he's gay. I'm not sure if it's suppose to be a compliment or what but truth is... he is so NOT gay. Take my word for it. LOL!


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An Early Birthday/Christmas Present

Saturday, December 5, 2009


As the saying goes... "expect the unexpected", well that’s exactly what happened last night. On our way home, we were so happy chatting when Tapioca made a remark that totally pissed me out. Next thing I knew, the air got thicker and colder and we were all quiet and uneasy inside the cab. I decided to go back to the office but Tapioca protested. I was very emotional then and I lost it and started to cry. I was really, really upset and I wanted to be left alone.


Tapioca then looked troubled and pleaded for me to go home with him. When we got home, I stormed the room and went straight to bed and continued to cry. He then tried to hug me and told me things to help me calm down. And then something popped out in my head. Alright, I think I wanted a peace offering. Since I’m upset I knew just what I wanted. I told him I wanted Haagen Dazs. He said he’s got something better than Haagen Dazs. I raised an eyebrow. He then pointed at a box on top of the laptop.


It was supposed to be a surprise but I thought I already knew what’s inside. Earlier, I was having a hard time using the mouse for the laptop so my guess he probably bought a new one for me. But then my presumption was WRONG. As I ripped the top portion of the wrapper, there in front of my eyes the letters DSCH20. As I read the letters one more time, it occurred to me that maybe it was a joke. So I ask him, “Is this just a box or what?” He laughed while shaking his head. He could not believe I actually doubted it was real. I unwrapped the box completely and there it was in my shaking hands, the digital camera of my dreams. Tears kept falling from my eyes but this time they were tears of joy. What a big surprise. I was speechless for a moment.


And here goes the very first photograph from my Sony DSCH20 . . .



To the love of my life, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. *hugs and kisses*



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Buffalo Wings ‘n Things and Jalapeno

Wednesday, December 2, 2009


We’re going to have take outs from Buffalo Wings ‘n Things and Jalapeno Mexican Cantina for tonight’s dinner. While waiting for our orders at Jalapeno, Tapioca and I hanged out at the bar and watched the bartender prepare drinks. He ordered a San Mig Light and I had a Mojito.

The bartender was very nice. When we asked him what kind of drink he’s preparing, he would reply then gave us a free shot to try. I think I got 3 shots of different Mojitos for free. *wide grin*



Then I spotted something on the shelf where the liquors are displayed. Lookey, lookey… Patron tequila, one of the most high end (read: expensive) tequila.



We got home a little tipsy from the free shots then eat our take outs while watching How I Met Your Mother.



Chili cheese fries from Buffalo Wings ‘n Things. This was kinda sad. Serving size was small for its price.



Another sad looking dish from BWnT. Buffalo wing in barbecue sauce. The last time we had buffalo wings from them, they were huge unlike this one on the photo. I wonder what happened. Good thing we ordered other stuffs from Jalapeno and they did not turn us down.



Burrito – It was huge definitely worth every peso. And its full of rice, meat, beans and everything its supposed to go with. Tapioca had a great time eating this.



Quesadillas – This was also huge. I’m not sure what to get at Jalapeno so Tapioca order this one for me. I so loved it. Soft tortilla, lots of cheese and soft beef pieces. And I can’t get enough of their sour cream. The best I’ve tried so far.


I was all worried whenever trying out Mexican food based on my previous experiences but with Jalapeno around I'm back to my food loving adventure and would definitely be back to try more of what they offer. As for BWnT, I'd say they still worth the second chance.



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Love At First Bite.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009


I just feel so low today not even Tapioca can cheer me up. While grocery shopping at Shopwise for our dinner, we passed by the ice cream section and Tapioca suggested buying some ice cream. Perhaps this would help, he said. I though, yeah perhaps the ice cream would help. But deep down inside I don’t want just any ice cream. I wanted something I haven’t tried before. Then in front of me a Häagen Dazs ice cream, a new flavor I haven’t tried before, is lulling me to buy it. I swear I can hear it chanting in my head; “buy me, buy me, buy me”. And there was Tapioca, saying “Jellybean are you sure you wanted to get this? Its almost 500 pesos for such a small size. You can buy a gallon and a half ice cream for that amount”. Then he started pulling out ice creams of different flavors that I already tried before. The chanting goes on until I can’t take it anymore.


We rushed to the counter with the 400+ pesos ice cream in my hand hoping to get home soon before it started to melt. My paycheck won’t arrive till next week. Thank God for inventing the credit card. On our way home I can hear Tapioca saying “that ice cream should better tastes really good or else…”


We got home soon enough. Judgment time. I hurriedly get a spoon and open the lid. Amazingly, the ice cream did not melt. I think we got home in ten minutes or less. Then, there I was making my first bite. Then another. And another one. Ahhh-Mmmm. The label on the ice cream did not lie. It was total rapture. Caramel so subtle with a hint of apple sauce. Luscious creaminess. I will never look at haagen dazs the way at look any ice cream before. This is the one for me and no turning back. See for your self. It’s worth the 400+ pesos. Totally



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Food Critics for the Day...

Saturday, November 7, 2009


Three days after the adjustment of my braces, I braved the challenges of being a food critique for the UTT (Ultimate Taste Test) 3.0 held at Ballet Philippines in The Fort, Taguig City. We were very fortunate to be part of the biggest taste test event this year organized by Anton of Our Awesome Planet. Tapioca and I were lucky enough and made it to the 300 guests list. Thanks to Anton and his wife Rache for the invite. We sure had an awesome time tasting whatever we can consume until our taste buds can no longer handle it.


FYI , there were only 30 food suppliers who joined the event and about 260+ types of food to try ranging from appetizers, main courses, desserts and drinks.


We started off with the home made ham from C. Cravings. The ham was paired with some rolls. There’s nothing special about the ham and it could have been better if they used fresh rolls.


Then we had these from Divine desserts. I say their desserts were worth calling divine cos it’s truly divine. For a non-caramel lover like me, I was amaze after tasting their caramel crunch cake. Not to sweet and the cake was very moist. We loved it. Their chocolate cake was a hit, too.


Next were the canapés from the Canapés Chef. I liked the taco flavor, the one topped with cheese, and disliked the one with mangoes. My taste buds can’t comprehend the spices they added to it.

Mr. Food Critique busily writing his comments.


...lechon, lechon and another Lechon.

There were 3 food suppliers for lechon and we just got to vote for the one we liked most. Out of the 3, the one with the fugly looking booth and no sauce to dip their lechon with, knocked us out. It’s none other than Ulcing’s Cebu Lechon(Letter A). Their lechon was succulent with flavors. Definitely no need for sauce. Highly recommended. Letter B (Sabroso) and C (Leonardo's Lechon) fell short of the taste required for lechon and that's probably why you need to add some sauce on it.


More more food to taste. . .

1. Dulcelli's choco mallow fluff – I think it's too sweet.

2. Cookie Monster Cheesecake from Symphony of Flavors – super rich because of the cookie and cheesecake combo but I can hardly distinguished the cookie from the cake. Anyway, substituting a cookie as a cheesecake base was a nice idea.

3. Cheesecake from Sugarhouse – The usual cheesecake but we though they got the appropriate portion for food sampling, small enough so we can still make room for other food.

4. Original cream puff and crushed almond cream puff from Happy Cream Puff – these were good. Not to sweet unlike cream puffs from Beard Papa.

5. Dulcelin's cannelloni – I'm not sure if cannelloni was supposed to taste like it was but I did not like it and I thought it was bad.

6. Belly roast beef from Dulcelin's – soft and very flavorful.

7. Lola's chicken relleno also from Dulcelin's - nothing special. Though we never knew we were eating chicken pala.

8. Dulcelli's avocado sansrival - it was soggy because it was hot that day but still this dessert stands out. This made me say wow. Ingenious. Incorporating the avocado flavor to this desserts made it more yummy.

9) Wagyu tri-tip - a bit oily but super delish.

Sawrap by Minnie Puno - true to its name definitely sarap yet healthy.




3 different flavors of home made savoury meat by Tina Raines. Beef and mushroom pie, bacon potato pie and callos. They looked unappetizing cos they're in sampling portions. These were just okay for me but Tapioca said these were one of the best meat pies he ever had.


That was a lot of food and we were so full we weren’t able to try all 260+ foods/drinks. Now, another thrilling thing happened on this event was being able to see in person the bloggers I follow like Spanky of Manila Boy, Ivan of About Town, and Fran of FrannyWanny. I was really star-strucked seeing them and too shy to approach anyone of them.


Before we left, we were given these freebies.



We had fun tasting all those food but after some time I thought our taste buds got confused and all. Hahahaha. This was some kind of experience for foodies indeed.


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We Got Served!!!!

Monday, October 26, 2009


This was the 2nd time the gang went back to Serve in Araneta Center. Hephaestion has been hanging a lot here lately and he discovered a must try cocktail!


We found ourselves seated at the bar where all the actions happen. We watched as bartenders busily prepare drinks. It was fun to watch them as they mix different drinks with all the jiggling and juggling of the liquor bottles.


For the pulutan, we ordered the usual...

. . . pork sisig


hotdogs on sizzling plate . . .

There's nothing to rave about the food here. The pork sisig is so so and they used cheap hotdogs. Anyway we came here for the cocktails.


Here's Mr. bartender preparing our cocktails in a really tall glass.


Up next were the liqours. Four different types of them. Lookey, lookey, no measurements here, Mr. bartender just splashed them all in the glass.


Last add on, pineapple juice.

Here goes our cocktail for the night . . . sorry I forgot the name.

Yummy. This reminds me of illusion shaker we had at Cocomangas but this one had a stonger kick. Too much alcohol I guess. After a sip or two we hitted the dance floor. Par-tay time!

. . . jellybean, thirdy's mom and hephaestion


tapioca and jellybean . . .


Party's over. One last shot for a great night out. Pouty lips pose.




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Meet 'The' Friends At Little Tokyo

Sunday, October 11, 2009


For the first time in history, the apat na sikat will meet my boo. My very first boo. Hahaha. Everyone was curious. Until now they still couldn't believe we made it official (Neither do I, hehehe). We set the date when all of us are available and the closest location possible which was in Makati. Vanjee has been raving about this Yakiniku place in Little Tokyo frequent by celebs.


It was a Saturday night and good thing we were early. We chose to dine al fresco with the view of a Japanese garden. Once we were handed the menu our jaws dropped for two reasons. First, they offer waygu meat cuts for the yakiniku. Yay! I've been dreaming of having a taste of this excellent, oh-so-fine wagyu meat. (Click here to view Wikipedia's definition of wagyu) Now the second reason, prices were way too expensive. Tapioca was still in the office then and we were waiting for him until his shift ended so it's kinda hard to decide if we should still go on and have the yakiniku or better yet dine somewhere else. He's paying so we must consult him first if the price was okay. But then, our server that night had really good or should I say great upselling skills. So great she was able to convince us to get the most expensive item on the menu. Yikes. We just hope Tapioca won't get a heart attack once he saw the bill.


After placing our order we got scared of ordering anything else that would add up to our bill. We even refused to order any drinks. "Just plain water please", that's what we told our server.


This is not beer and we didn't pay for it. Complimentary tea served chilled but flavorless. Like drinking water (that's what we asked for). Since it's tasteless, we asked our server for some sugar. Still the sugar did not make it any better. Anyway, it was free so we couldn't complain more.


Now, now as if our server wasn't through with us having to order the most expensive item on the menu, yet again she made another attempt to sell us some salad. Her upselling line this time was "Favorite po ito ni Gretchen Barretto, as in masarap po talaga..." Yeah, yeah whatever. Next thing we knew, she was putting a plate of greens on our table.



I say she's really good at what she does. Then, she helped us in putting all the sauces and tadah!!!!



It was love at first bite. We all loved it. Really loved it. Too bad we all had to share this. Those greens looked unfamiliar to us but nevertheless is was so good we forgot we were eating salad. I mean salad dishes were usually boring, right? But the sauce they used for this one made all the difference. Now, this is Jellybean's fave too.

Up next, plate after plate of wagyu meat cuts. Just look at the marbling of the meat. Good grade meat I say. Wonderful.






Time to grill the meat . . . prepare to smell like your food.



. . . almost done



The meat were all sliced thinly so it'll cook in less time. Once we're done grilling, we tried each one of it and we were all speechless. It was amazing. The best grilled pieces of meat I've ever had. Truly divine. No need for sauce or anything. So worth it for its price. *cough* It was so good we could not stop eating. We almost forgot to save some for Tapioca hahahaha.


Vanjee ordered this . . . Takoyaki with real octopus pieces inside. I almost forgot to take a picture of it that's why there's only one takoyaki left :-) I still prefer the Takoyaki in Robinson's Galleria though.


Tapioca got bitin with the yakiniku so he ordered some maki and sushi. I told him our bill was almost 3k and he just shrugged it off.

. . . California maki

It's good but the maki in Shinjuku was even better.

mixed sushi and sashimi. . .


They said sushi and sashimi are acquired taste. For me that is so true. The first time I had sushi I almost threw up but now I'm getting use to and loving it. Anjee, who's new to Japanese food, did not enjoy this plate. We liked the sashimi, but some were hits and some were misses.


After all those food, we still wanted to get some waffle ice cream for dessert but it was late and Syoto stop was already closed then. When we went home, Tapioca and I were still in drinking mood so we bought The bar at a nearby store and I fixed myself this drink...

. . . The Bar + Orange Juice = Screwdriver. Me likey ^___^


Nicey fix to end the day.


For more pics, visit Ivy's Multiply site.


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