Merry Christmas!

Have a happy and meaningful Christmas. :)

Baby, you're a firework

2013 is almost at an end. I can't help but reminisce about the year that has been and look forward to another great year that will be (fingers crossed). It's been so hard to get a good 8-hour sleep. what with the reunions/parties/dinners/gift-shopping that have been piling up, filling my social calendar to the hilt. Aside from spending time and catching up with my loved ones, the two things I always look forward to the most are Christmas food (hello ham!) and New Year fireworks.

To get all of you excited about the upcoming festivities, here are some shots I took from The International Pyromusical Competition earlier this year. These photos didn't do justice to the fireworks. They were breathtaking. Enjoy!

IHOP

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Agree? I sure do! I always feel more full and energized when I don't skip breakfast. And really, who can resist the smokey smell and sweet-salty taste of bacon?! Not me!

Breakfast food has always been my weakness. I especially love bacon, boneless bangus (milkfish), sinangag (garlic fried rice), kamatis (tomatoes), scrambled egg, tuyo, pancakes, and tapa (fried/cured beef). I can eat these the whole day, every day. So when I heard that IHOP is finally in the Philippines, I immediately coerced asked my boyfriend to take me there.

International House of Pancakes, otherwise known as IHOP, has been around since the 1950s. They specialize in breakfast food, but also offers a wide variety of dishes for lunch and dinner. I first tried IHOP when I went to Cali 5 years ago and God, the food was sinfully gooood!

Judging by the crazy line that welcomed us, I'd say people were pretty stoked! We waited for almost an hour just to be seated. Crazzeehhh! I ordered their Quick Two-Egg Breakfast (P295) and Strawberry Banana Pancakes (P265). My boyfriend had the Quick Two-Egg Breakfast as well and Whole Wheat Pancakes with Blueberries (P225). The food took a while to arrive, which wasn't surprising considering the crowd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Munchpunch:

• Quick Two-Egg Breakfast: two eggs, hash browns and your choice of two crispy bacon strips or two savory pork sausage links, served with toast
• Strawberry Banana Pancakes: two pancakes filled with fresh banana slices and crowned with cool strawberries, more banana slices and whipped topping
• Whole Wheat Pancakes with Blueberries: two whole wheat pancakes topped with sweetened blueberries and powdered sugar, servied with a slice of lemon

Here are the different syrup options for their yummy, oh-so-fluffy pancakes! I tried each one and, being a lover of everything basic, still preferred the Old Fashioned syrup the most.

Here are the "after" photos. Wow, ang linis!

 

Now that they're open in UP Town Center, I can't wait to go back and try their Bacon Temptation Omelette and New York Cheesecake Pancakes (this was out of stock then)!

IHOP:

Facebook 

Twitter

Branches: 

• W Global Center, 30th St. Cor. 9th Ave., BGC, Taguig; 808 9589
•  UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave., QC

Dog personalities

My friends know that I'm a dog lover. You can probably tell as well from my posts here and here. With all the dogs I've encountered, I noticed that they also have different personalities. Some are happy and energetic, while some are melancholic and apathetic

But are these personalities really natural (from birth)? Or is it possible that these are learned personalities? Both my dogs are very playful and energetic. They get so excited that their whole body shakes, not just their tail. They jump up and down, run excitedly around the house, lick my hand, then repeat the whole excited/exercise thing again. They have an unending supply of energy and I think they can play 24 hours straight if given a choice and playmate. Playing with them has even become my regular exercise. Then there's my mom's very quiet dog. She sits in the sofa corner and keeps to herself the whole day, just sleeping and staring at our other dogs playing. She comes to you, not to play, but to cuddle and ask for massages.

Seeing all three of them in our living room got me thinking... Is it a mere coincidence that both my dogs have the same personality? Or is there a correlation between their personality and mine? Whenever I come home, I always greet them in my excited voice (if you're a shopping addict, it's the same OMG voice you use when you find out that your favorite bag is on sale). My mom, on the other hand, just calls out her dog's name the same way she calls us for dinner. My mom's not the playful type either, unlike me who plays hide and seek and runs after my pets like crazy.

What do you think? Any thoughts on dog behavior and personalities?

Here I am with one of my dogs, Hershey.

#YolandaPH

I'm sure you know by now that Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda, the strongest in the world this year, hit the Philippines very hard. I think to use the word "hit" is a very mild adjective. A more accurate word would probably be "smashed", "destroyed", or maybe even "bulldozed".

Lives, houses, schools, churches, cars, malls, even evacuation centers... all gone in mere minutes. And this after an earthquake with a 7.2 magnitude hit Bohol and other neighboring provinces. As of yesterday, thousands of casualties have been reported and many more missing. Due to the massive destruction, cell sites and other such technologies are down so families haven't been able to contact their loved ones. Imagine all these feelings of despair: dead loved ones... the house that you worked so hard for is just a pile of rubbish... you're safe in Metro Manila/US/etc, but you can't contact family members so you don't know if they're safe, dead or in immediate need to help. I will not even post photos here. They are too heart-breaking. :(

In these times, the best thing we can do is pray and help out. Let's pray for everyone's safety and help out in any way we can.

• What to donate: cash and in-kind donations are much-appreciated. You may check the image below for priority items.

Photo from Rappler

• Where to donate and/or volunteer: more details here. For Cebu readers, if you can't drop your donations off yourselves, you may contact Psychology Volunteers on Bikes. Just send them a message and they can pick up your donations. This is so helpful!

Photo form Psychology Volunteers on Bikes

• If you are outside the Philippines, you may check out this link
• Can't reach your loved ones? Just tweet Red Cross, use the hashtags #TracingPH and #RescuePH, and fill out this form

Let's continue to pray. God bless everyone.

WIM x Insane Instax giveaway

Instax cameras have been enjoying the limelight for quite some time now. I'm sure at least one of your friends have one, so by now you know the wonders of this camera. With companies spewing digital cameras left and right, an Instax camera is a breath of fresh air. Each print out is special because it's not something you can capture ever again. Plus, let's not forget the films that are a bit pricey, ensuring that you capture only the most special moments with your loved ones.

Join the Instax craze by checking out When In Manila's latest giveaway, in partnership with Insane Instax PH. Click here for a chance to win this very cute Hello Kitty Instax Mini 7S Package! Good luck! :D

Where to donate old clothes?

I'm in the process of cleaning my closet and I've got tons of clothes I haven't used for the longest time! I've been searching online as to where I can donate these but so far, I haven't really found anything.

Any suggestions? Schools and/or churches in Quezon City are preferred. Lemme know!

posted from Bloggeroid

Friday Favorites

Sharing with you some of the things/photos/videos/etc that caught my attention this week. Have a great weekend loves!

Kung Fu Divas Trailer: I don't get the story, but Marian's still stunning as ever. The visual effects are amazing too.

I've done ALL. How about you?

Photo from FB

Always take risks!

Photo from FB

Health benefits of banana.

Photo from FB

Never stop exploring. :)

Photo from FB

PUSO! Gilas Pilipinas

Hachiko, the loyal Akita

Have you heard about Hachiko?

Photo from Wikipedia

He's an Akita dog born in Japan. His loyalty to his human, Hideasaburo Ueno, even long after his death, made him famous in Japan and all over the world. This was even made into a Hollywood movie featuring Richard Gere as Ueno.

Photo from IMDB

When Ueno was still alive, Hachiko would always wait for him at the Shibuya Station and they'd walk home together. He did this every single day until Ueno died of cerebral hemorrhage and did not return to the station. For nine years after Ueno's death, Hachiko would go to the station at the exact time Ueno's train usually arrived. His faithfulness and loyalty impressed the Japanese so much that several Hachiko statues were erected in his memory. In Shibuya Station alone, there are two ways Hachiko is remembered. One is with the statue near one of Shibuya Station's five exits called Hachiko-guchi (The Hachiko Entrance/Exit). There are also bronze paw-prints on the exact spot where Hachiko always waited.

Photo from Annemarie O'Brien

This led me to think... Dogs and humans... How are we similar? How are we different? There's no denying the fact that yes, we are more intelligent, we can do more physically, we know more spiritually, and so on and so forth... But how are we emotionally?

Photo from funzday and dogvacay

I think we've all heard, at one point or another, an excuse (whether for us or for another person) that goes something like this "Well, you know... it's not his fault... you can't really blame him for doing that... I mean, he experienced (insert bad experience here)."

I'm a firm believer of Randy Pausch's quote, "It's not about the cards you're dealt, but how you play the hand." While it's true that we are who we are because of our past and the people we're with, it's also true that IT'S ALL UP TO US. I've heard stories where people who've had bad experiences (physical abuse, etc) become abusers themselves. I've also heard stories where people, who've had the same experiences, become inspirations. What made them different? Their CHOICES. How about dogs? Do they have a choice? A say in things? I don't have any scientific fact to back this up, but I think they do in abusive cases. Same with people, I also hear stories about dogs becoming violent because they're in violent/abusive environments all their lives. But there are also those who become meek, seeking affection from other people.

But how about if we place people and dogs in a different environment? I've heard stories about kids whose parents, while good people, don't have time for them because of work, etc. Some of these kids turn out brats, druggies, criminals, etc. While some turn out...normal. It is in these situations that dogs have the upper hand, I believe. I have 2 dogs, Hershey and Frappy. I also have friends who are pet-parents. Usually, the stories are the same. We're very busy, we have 9-5 jobs, we go out with friends, we go out with families, etc. And in the small amount of time we're home, we're so tired we rest, watch TV, surf the net and do other mundane things. What about our babies? What do they do? Do they act out? Ignore you? Become bratty? NO EFFIN WAY. Instead, they're all happy and excited, full of love, and shaking with joy, whenever they see you. They eat up the small amount of time we give them, if we do at all. And when we're too busy to play? It's ok. When you wake up the next morning, it's like nothing even happened. Our babies are still their same, lovable, hyper and loyal selves. Wow, right? That's what you call unconditional love.

I'm not saying dogs are better than humans, oh most deinfitely not. I guess this whole post is really to share that dogs are blessings. We should take care of them. We should be responsible pet owners because they are not things we own. They are family members and, like our human families, crave time and affection from us. They have feelings and deserve our love and attention. If you can't give it to them? Well, you DON'T DESERVE TO BE A PET PARENT. Your babies might seem ok and unruffled, but really, IT'S NOT OK.

I will end this post with three wonderful photos which hopefully inspires you guys, not just to be good per parents, but to be good people. :D

Photo from squidoo

Photo from bestimagequotes

Photo from jotoexplorer

Yesterday, today, tomorrow

Sorry for the long hiatus. I've been feeling kind of uninspired and all over the place lately. My grandfather died last week. He was 81 years old and had Alzheimer's Disease. I'd like to think he's in a better place now. :)

His death made me realize how short and unpredictable life really is. Even if you die in your 80s, I think we can still consider our lives short in terms of the amount of time we actually decide to do what we want to do in life. His death has led me to question my life and where I want it to go. Do I like what I'm doing now? Am I happy? What do I wanna do tomorrow and for the rest of my life? Who do I wanna be with? Where do I wanna go? Who do I wanna be? These are questions that, as of today, I don't have answers to. All I know is that I need to take it one day at a time. Savor each day and squeeze it for all it's worth because today will never come again.

Cherish and learn from the past. Be present and embrace today. Be hopeful and optimistic about tomorrow. This is all we can every really do in life. Whatever happens, we need to keep moving forward and keep the hope alive.

How about you? How are YOU living your life?

RIP Angkong. I'll see you when I see you. :) (PS. That last sentence might be creepy but really, we're all "going away" someday... We don't know when or how, but I'd like to believe we all aspire to be up there. :) )

World War Z

Photo from TGDAILY

Nope, this is not a review. :D

I watched this with my boyfriend at The Podium last Saturday, June 22. I must say, IT. WAS. AWESOME!!!VERY INTENSE! I was on edge the whole time. I really recommend this movie to everyone and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. My heart was beating real fast, even minutes (or was that an hour?) AFTER the movie.

It wasn't a totally new concept. I mean, honestly, how many zombie movies/shows have you watched in recent years? 5? 10? More even? It's just the storytelling and the way the movie was made was really fresh and unique. Brad Pitt... hmm... I was never really a fan. I think even if the role went to someone else, it still would've been successful and, again, I must repeat, AWESOME.

You guys should definitely watch!

Next up, Despicable Me 2 (those cutie patootie minions!) and Monsters University (that cute snail in the trailer!).

Photo from Movie-On-Up

Photo from Wikipedia

Globe has the worst customer service!

logo/image from the internet

This is gonna be a rather long rant but I think a lot of people will be able to relate...

The night before I was to leave for Hong Kong, I made the stupid decision to update my iPhone 4S to the latest iOS. This bombed big time. My phone's wifi broke down! I couldn't turn it on or off!!! Imagine my panic at that time. I tried to restore it to factory settings but nothing happened, plus, because of this stupid number 2 idea, I lost all my phone's content: contacts, messages, photos, etc. That was April 5. (TIP: NEVER EVER update your phone before traveling haha!)

April 12 (Fri): I brought my phone to Globe, Eastwood Mall (Globe) so they could check it out and repair/replace it. BUT, since my phone no longer had warranty, I told them to call me first for the total amount before doing anything. The store personnel (SP) told me that they'll get back to me within 3-5 weeks.

May 7 (Tue - 4th week): Someone from the store called and informed me that they will just replace my phone for P10,700. Whaaat?!?! Quite expensive right?! So I told her I'll check my options first.

May 9 (Thu): I went to Globe and told them I will just get my phone back and try to have it fixed elsewhere, ie. Greenhills. Unfortunately, the SP said that since I didn't inform them of my plan, my phone was still at their warehouse. Fair enough. She told me I'll receive a call for pick up within 3-5 days.

May 17 (Fri): This was the 5th day from my last visit (excluding May 13 which was a Philippine holiday). NO FEEDBACK. What the hell?!

May 18 (Sat): I called their hotline to inform them of my dilemma. The account specialist (AS) told me that unfortunately, the latest update regarding my phone was still April 12. WHAT?!?!?! That was when I really lost my head. I mean, I've had a couple of interactions with them already and that was the latest update?! How could that be?! AS said he will just make an escalation report, which I didn't find satisfactory. I wanted him to call the branch to ask for an update. (side note: Sorry if I keep changing genders, I talked to different AS's and SP's.). And you know what he told me?!?!?!

A (me): What's the number there? Call them or, if you want, I can be the one to call them. Just give the number.

AS: Unfortunately, we only have their store hours and fax number.

A: I also saw those from the internet. I don't need them. I want their landline. How do you communicate with them?

AS: We only communicate with them through email.

A: WHAT?! I don't believe you! You're a telco company! WHAT KIND OF EFFING TELCO COMPANY DOESN'T HAVE A LANDLINE OR EVEN A CELLPHONE?! 

Anyway, eventually, I just asked to be transferred to his supervisor 'coz he obviously knew nothing. The supervisor told me she'll have an update within 24 hours.

May 19 (Sun): This was the supposed 24th hour. NO FEEDBACK.

May 20 (Mon): I called again and asked for an update. AS said that the latest update was still April 12. I blew my top again. I mean honestly, WHY?! I didn't even had my phone repaired or replaced, I was just asking for it back! Wala namang bagyo o lindol, bakit hindi pa nadedeliver?!?!?! He even told me that the AS I talked to made a mistake re 24hrs commitment. That only covered business days. Since the conversation was AGAIN useless, I just went to the store only to be told that my phone wasn't there yet. SP told me that she will personally see to it that I get my phone within the week and to expect a call by Friday that week.

May 21 (Tue): Fine, 24hrs only covered business days right?! Where the hell was my update?!

May 23 (Thu): I know, I know. It wasn't Friday yet but I was getting impatient. I called again and still there was no update. AS offered to make a follow up on the escalation report through another report. Again, I lost my patience. I mean honestly, how stupid of a suggestion was that?! Why make another report to follow up a report that was so obviously ignored?!?! Reports DO NOT work!!! I wanted answers! Again, I talked to a supervisor and he told me he'll call me within the day or tomorrow.

May 24 (Fri): Superverisor called me to inform me that he had nothing because the store was ignoring his calls and emails. WOW. WOW. WHAT A SUPERB CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!! WHAT A GREAT AND EFFICIENT PROCESS!!! WHO THE HELL IS GLOBE'S OVERLY STUPID OPERATIONS HEAD?!?!?! So I went to the store again to rant and shout to my satisfaction. Finally, they became transparent and said there was a mistake on their checker's part (as if I cared and understood) and that he already scheduled a delivery guy to go to the warehouse on Monday (today) so I could pick my phone up on Tuesday (tomorrow).

Wow. 2 plus weeks to get my phone back. When you read my timeline above, you will know at the onset that there is something seriously wrong with their processes. I mean, why even have a hotline when they obviously can't do anything but create escalation reports? They can't even call the store?! And what will happen if the store conveniently ignores the reports made by the specialists?! Wala na, tapos na?!

UGH! I HATE GLOBE! I will transfer to Smart as soon as my contract ends next January. Sayang, because technically, I've been a Globe user since elementary. Bulok lang talaga ng signal and customer service.

Cinco de Mayo

It's the start of a brand new month and I am excited!

I'm reviving my blog, doing at-home workouts (thank you Nike app!), being more responsible, etc. I'm also tweaking my budget for the rest of year to make way for my travel fund, woot! Last April 6, I went to Hong Kong with my colleagues/friends. I have to admit that I've been bitten by the travel bug. I've had this "bug" since forever but for some reason, now that I'm turning 25, it's more intense than ever... In fact, it's Boracay for August, Kuala Lumpur for October and Taiwan for March 2014 and I'm itching for more! Not that I have unlimited funds but a girl can dream, right? :)

As proof of my leaf-turning efforts, I've got quite a number of posts lined up. A travel diary, another review, and another dog post. I'm also in the process of writing a post on the upcoming Philippine elections on May 13, but I'm not yet sure how to attack this considering I'm not a registered voter. Booo... In my defense, I TRIED to register but the lines were just ccrraaaaaaazzzeehhhhh...!!! I know, I know, it's a weak defense... :( I vow to register next time. Hehe

Anyway, it's late. I just did a quick post to let y'all know I'm alive and well hahahaha! XO

New year, new me

It's 2013!!! Woot!

It's been a looong time. Didn't know blogging would be so hard for a lazy gal like me haha! Will try my best to update as often as I can. Got lotsa backlogs from the holidays so hopefully, I'll be able to post those soon.

Anyway, on to my post. It's 2013 and what better way to start the year than with your usual New Year's Resolutions?! Ohyeah! Here are mine:

1. GAIN WEIGHT!!! I so have to achieve this. I feel like I'm vanishing right before my eyes. Seriously. Some people just don't know how hard it is for thin girls like me, especially because the focus everywhere is losing weight. :(

2. Be more organized. 'Nuff said.

3. Save, save, save. I'm turning 25 this year so I need to be serious about saving for my future. Top expenses in my mind are wedding and house/condo. Side note: still debating whether to rent or buy. :|

Yup, just 3. You have to keep your resolutions short and simple. Having too many resolutions might just lead you to fail at achieving even 1. Of course I have mini resolutions that pop up now and then like when I skip my nightly skincare regimen, I add "be more diligent in my skincare" ('coz I'm getting old :( )

Here's to a better, more fruitful year to us. Cheers!