Beers Paradise

8-25-2010

This is one of those aging posts. Photos that were buried and now finding its way here in the blog. Before TBT (Throwback Thursday), I was making blog posts I called Retrospect, which you can see here and here.

I was thinking of doing the same thing for the aging blog posts. But then I realized most (if not all) of them are in the same category! Like every-single-freakin'-one-of-them! So I'm erasing the idea and I will just post as I like as I always do anyway.

This is one of the problems when posting backlogs. I can no longer recall every single detail. I am just relying solely on the photos for memories. Well, at least they are still existing. Timelines just don't care. Not on this blog. Not anymore. But I am hoping I can fix that soon. I know I said that a million times but I sure will. This blog is like my time capsule so it is important to me that it gets fixed.

Moving on, this post was about the time when me and Tapioca were still dating. We realized that we were too old to go clubbing and we found out that we both love Jazz Music. One weeknight, we went out for some Jazz Music. Due to lack of research, planning and timing it was a total failure. We went from North to South without any luck. So we just settled for whatever place we could get something to drink and some good conversation.

store front . . . 

 . . . beers paradise

 

 coaster . . .

 

 . . .  Hephaestion and Tapioca

Hephaestion came along to join us with our failed Jazz Bar hunting. LOL!
 

 beers on display . . .

This place boasts of their wide variety of beers from all over the world. However, I do not recall trying out any imported beers. Based on the photos we just had San Mig Light. So sad when we have so many to choose from. I wonder what we were thinking back then?

 . . . pizza

 shrimp kebabs . . .

Food was just okay. Based on the photos, pizza looked pitiful. The shrimps looked yummy. Honestly, we were not really focused on the food. It was just simply hanging out and enjoying each other's company.

  . . . Hephy playing with the pizza garnish

time for some desserts . . .

Told ya, this post is so old I still have my braces on. 

Right across Beers Paradise, we saw a Korean convenience store. We check out the fridge for some ice cream treats. Here we are posing with our picks.

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Out And About

We just came back from a week-long vacay for some r&r, family reunion and our dear daughter's baptismal. It's a first for our small family of three. First time for the year 2015. I wanted to do a more detailed post but as a busy mom (yes until now I'm still amazed how I now call myself a mother) and wifey I can only do so much. I didn't want to let the opportunity and once again let go of the chance to update this blog in a timely manner. So here are snippets of our little adventure.

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Jellybean Learns How To Shoot A Gun

We celebrated our first month of being husband and wife with a bang (literally) by learning the basics of handling and shooting a gun. (Yay!) We were able to scout some discount vouchers from Deal Grocer. (Another yay!) Tapioca was super looking forward to this. He was the one who pressed for it or he won't let me buy anymore deals from Deal Grocer :-(

I told him he can attend the class himself while I will be the supportive wife and watch from behind. He, of course insisted I join, too. He said it would be best to learn how to shoot a gun. I am seriously afraid of guns like I'm afraid of knives, needles and anything sharp and pointed objects.

"It's time to face your fear and give it a go. You never know, you might overcome your fear once you learn." his argument. I think he's right. Just like I've been learning to face my fear with knives by learning how to cook. Time to make a change and face my fear with guns.

. . .  Jellybean @ Stronghand Shooting Range

Uma-aura lang!

Tapioca checking out the shooting range . . .

. . . locker area

safety area . . .

Can I just stay here instead?

. . . unload here

kiss kiss bang bang cafe . . .

The shooting range is located at the basement level of La Defense Building together with this small cafe with a name that's just appropriate with the theme.

. . . the classroom

In this room, we were introduced to the basics of guns, a little bit of history, some info about the laws regarding owning a gun and more. The lecture lasted for an hour or so. At the end of it the course, we learned the following:

• The 4 rules of gun safety
• How to handle a pistol
• How to clear a pistol
• How to shoot a target

Now time for some actual gun shooting and applying what we've learned.

Finally, this is what Tapioca has been waiting for. To shoot a gun, a real one. Before, he can only do this through his PC games like Battlefield 3 or the Call of Duty series. It's his dream coming true. Made him so happy. Just look at that smile.

the targets . . .

. . . ear muffs, magazines and an HS 9mm

According to the instructor, the HS 9 is one of the safest handguns in the world. It's lighter too because it has a plastic frame.

eye protection and toxic-free ammo . . .

. . . Tapioca prepping up his pistol

smiling and trying to stay calm . . .

The instructor gave us one-on-one coaching on handling a pistol. It was nerve-wracking. When the others started firing, hala mas lalo akong kinabahan. I really don't know what to do and I was having a hard time calming my nerves. I was palpitating the whole time! What if I dropped the gun and it fired? What if I shoot someone accidentally? My thoughts are splattered everywhere. Buti na lang Tapioca was very enthusiastic and encouraged me a bit. He was like "This is supposed to be fun. Stop over thinking." Parang ganun lang kadali, noh?

waiting for my turn - afraidy me . . .

Meet our instructor - NROI Chief  Range Officer Joey "The Storm" Rivero. Please don't ask why he's called The Storm. I have no idea and we didn't ask him why either. Anyway, he's very nice and a really good instructor. He explains everything very well . He's a little strict but super patient (especially to hard-headed people like me) LOL!

I have to thank Tapioca for taking this video. Watching this allowed me to see my mistakes and how hard-headed I am. Now I know what I can improve on next time we hit the shooting range (Naks, talaga naman may next time daw oh?).

Oh, ha? After 48 years bago iputok LOL!

My first shot, I didn't know what happened. Second shot I was still nervous like hell. Third shot, I was getting the hang of it. Fourth shot, naka-tsamba! Fifth shot, I wanted to get it over with. The hardest part was when we shot using one hand only. Then, they move the target further to 20 meters. I can barely see it. Actually, di ko na talaga makita yung target. I forgot my glasses kasi. At nakakangalay. Twenty meters pa lang yon, ha. What about those guys from Top Shot who shoot targets as far as 100 yards? Hands down! 

Anyway, after shooting 20 rounds, we were handed our certificate and we also got to take home our targets. Here's Tapioca showing off his target.

. . . nice groupings, pre!

Our instructor complimented him and said he's a natural. And his response? It's PC gaming! He was like "See? Playing video games has its use". Okay, fine.

This is definitely one of a kind experience. A hobby that Tapioca would like to pursue. As for me, I am still afraid of guns. At least, I know how to handle them, aim and shoot (the easy part). I just needed more courage to pull the trigger. LOL!

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Our Wedding

The day before the wedding, we did our last minute shopping and went home late. We woke up late also but felt better because we're well rested. We felt  more relaxed. Everything has been set up. We have plenty of time to get ready before the ceremony. No rush. No worries. Or so I thought.

It was raining in the morning. Blessing daw yun. By noon, the sun started to shine and said hello. Tapioca headed to the barber shop for a haircut while I went to the newly opened nail salon in Daily to get a mani-pedi. It took forever for my nails to get done. Our call time is at 4:30pm. It was past 4pm and I'm still at the salon. When I got home, I immediately put on my dress, (wala ng laba-laba), put my kikay kit and shoes in a bag and we hurried to Alba. Since it was rush hour, traffic was bad. I did my hair & make up inside the cab. We arrived at 4:40pm. Pinoy time!

See, I told you, relax na relax lang kami :-)

. . . saying the pledge

Tapioca stating his vow . . .

Tapioca never believed in marriage (but it's funny he proposed to me, though). Being together for two years, I thought our relationship was better than ever and that marriage is nothing but a piece of paper. But now it all made sense. While Tapioca was saying his vow, I finally realized why a couple needs to get married. As Tapioca was saying his vow in front of everybody, I felt like crying. I mean, this is it! We're finally getting married! Every word felt like it's being carved in my mind, heart, body and soul. I really wanted to cry and cry hard. I couldn't shake off the reality happening right in front of me. The emotions were all there. I was overwhelmed, overjoyed, flabbergasted, blown away - unbelievable & indescribable. I wanna sing 'A Whole New World'! Seriously speaking, there are no words to describe the feeling hearing your other half's pledge of love. I tried all my might to fight the tears. Surprisingly, I won.

. . . put a ring on it - single lady no more!

oops, it won't fit . . .

In two months time, Tapioca gained more weight. The ring did not fit. Everyone was laughing. Blooper!

. . .  the parents and the witnesses' turn

the kiss . . .

Sorry, the photographer missed it. Since our wedding was a family affair, we hired no professional photographer. The relatives took the post. Our camera was not so friendly to strangers therefore the blurry photos. This is one thing we regret. Somehow, we're still glad we got some decent photos. We also didn't have ninongs and ninangs (to the dismay of the wedding officiator and the parents). We had Kuya Noli & Mommy Oz as witnesses.

. . . Tapioca signing the contract

Jellybean's turn . . .

. . . the wedding officiator's turn

And now I'm officially Mrs. Tapioca!

with our parents . . .

Here's a nicer photo of the wedding bands . . .

. . . his & her

and of course, the engagement ring . . . my precious!

. . . the mariachi for our entertainment

Pwede mag-request kahit anong song, they will play it :-)

The guests enjoyed the buffet spread. They had seconds, thirds, fourths, err let's just say they loved it. Superb. Alba did not disappoint. They're now our favorite Spanish restaurant. Highly recommended!

The Appetizers:

breads, crackers, butter, assorted spread and pâté, cold cuts and ceviche . . .

. . . salad greens

mussels, mushrooms and chicken croquettes . . .

The Main Dishes:

. . . two kinds of paella

creamy vegetables & bolognese . . .

. . . roasted chicken & breaded fish fillet

callos & embotido . . .

. . . cochinillo asado & roast beef - the highlights of dinner

Desserts:

fruit salad, lemon squares and creme caramel . . .

. . . canonigo - my favorite

the family photo . . . blurry pa rin hahahaha!

Dinner at Alba starts at 6pm but we asked if we can go as early as 4:30 for the wedding ceremony. We're thankful Alba and it's management accommodated our request. They even started the buffet at 5pm. It felt like we rented the entire restaurant for the event. Thank you Alba for making our wedding day really special!

To all our friends who sent us their greetings and best wishes - thank you! We hope in the future, you'll be able to join us for another wedding (vow renewal maybe?).

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