Guesting at Poptalk GMA News TV

A friend of mine asked for a food blogger to volunteer and be part of Poptalk. It seems that Poptalk will be invading the food markets and wanted to know what people thought about it.

Call time was at 6am and I fell asleep at 230am. Yep, kape kape din pag may time was my drama. So I was there at 610 am and there was no one there except the Make Up Artist or MUA as she is fondly referred to. At around 630a, guess who took a stroll inside the meeting place? It was none other than Gian Magdangal.

I am truly happy that it was Gian who was the celebrity guest because I have always admired him as a singer and an actor who did not air out any personal problems he may have even though he was a celebrity. After we were made up and fed, we proceeded to the first market which was Centris Walk.

Centris Walk  is not just a food market but a hobnob of other things as well. You can buy fresh produce, clothes, hats, bags, plants, and other food items. Here are some behind the scenes shot of our time at Centris Walk.

Gian, myself, and Joyce

with our MUA, Ate Lou, and our host

After gorging on food, we then trooped to Legazpi Market. Now, I have to admit that I was more comfortable with Legazpi Market than Centris simply because it was in Makati and the tents were high and I could feel the breeze flowing in. They also had roaming guards which made me feel more secure.

The variety of purchases that can be made was also wider and I couldn't help but explore.

Our last stop of the day was Mezza Norte. Luckily, we had a 3 hour rest between Legazpi and Mezza Norte because by the time we were done with Legazpi Market, we were so full we could feel our pants literally bursting. Literally! The food was simply awesome. Shrimps were fresh and the bagnet was sinful.

Mezza Norte is located near Trinoma and SM North. It is another weekend market, this time, catering to the people of the North. I liked this market coz eventhough it was raining, you could barely feel it. The place had a huge tent covering and there were a lot of trash bins, ensuring that there won't be any litter. They also had very active and fast staff that cleaned up after every table.

This was truly a WONDERFUL experience for me. I saw how the shows are made and the hardship and efforts of the staff. I have more appreciation now for the tv shows I see and I definitely have more appreciation for celebrities who need to maintain an image even though they may just wanna lie down and rest.

Thank you Poptalk for this wonderful opportunity! Thank you GMA!

our Make up Artist Ms. Lou Rivera 

Workshop: Life Design

Business Hat Inc sponsored another workshop for this very lucky blogger and this time around, it was called Life Design. Now, I knew that I needed this since my life somewhat fell apart 6 weeks ago but I was quite apprehensive to actually go and have a look at what the team has to offer.

When I woke up, I literally had to drag myself to the place. I was worried and scared because I was still in a bad place and I felt that I might not have much to offer. During the last workshop, I was bubbly and charming and felt in control of everything, this time, I felt that I would be a total waste of space.

Thankfully, I made the right choice and attended the Life Design workshop.

Some of the highlights and things that rattled me to my core were questions such as, "Who is the person you respect the most and what traits do they have that you admired?" Normally, I would have been able to easily answer this but since 1130 am this morning until now, I still don't have an answer. Events in my personal life seem to have been placed in a state of questioning where I am still looking for answers even as I type this.

There were also worksheets that took time for me to be able to answer when normally, I would have been done in 5 minutes or less.

I was lucky to have been paired with Coach Nature and Coach TJ. They may have been strangers but I felt that God touched them to touch my life and tell me what I needed to hear and what I needed to know. It was such a life changing moment for me when we discussed where my life was and what it was that was bugging me and hindering me from making my life design a reality. Nature in particular really hit the nail on the head. I was so consumed by my emotions that I could not make heads or tails of why I was feeling the way I was feeling and she was able to simplify everything for me.

I have made a commitment to do something for the next 2 weeks and I plan on keeping this commitment. It will be very hard and I might falter but knowing that she understands and that she has been through the same, knowing that this stranger believes that I can do it, will definitely be a big boost.

Life Design has added so much to my life ... it has helped me change perspective and reminded me that sometimes, you need to take control of a few things like your attitude and perspective and sometimes, you just gotta TRUST and LET GO.

Thank you Miss Jac Caniza for such a wonderful workshop. I wish that every one can attend this because it is definitely an eye opener.

Business Hat Inc Facebook Page

My awesome classmates during the workshop with our Coach Jackie.

Thank you also to M Cafe for the awesome lunch and merienda. :)

Katy

I first heard about this musical early this year. I had no idea who Katy was or what the play was about so I didn't really pay much attention to it. It was only when I heard stellar reviews that I became curious. However, I was a bit too late as all tickets were sold out.

I felt sad missing out on this.

Much to my delight and surprise, a second staging of Katy will be done this July 25 - August 4 at the Meralco Theater which easily sits over 1000 people and therefore allowing more to catch and watch this show.

I was one of the few invited to attend the press conference for Katy last May 22 at the Mabuhay   Restop Travel Cafe and Museum in Rizal Park, Manila. The cast and the crew allowed us to have a sneak at what is in store for those who will be watching and can I just say that I was moved to tears with one of the songs they performed.

The first staging was well received and tickets ran out, leaving a lot of theater goers asking for a restaging. Finally, the show's producers "Spotlight Artist Centre" is ready to deliver what the audience wants. Based on the limited run and the theatergoer's reaction to it, the cast feels that Katy is something that they need to share with the Filipino community.

Led by Isay Alvarez-Sena in the title role, the cast includes well respected actors such as Tirso Cruz III, Epy Quizon, Dulce, Lou Veloso, Gian Magdangal, and Aicelle Santos. Music from the big band era will be used in showcasing the casts' singing and tap dancing flair, dazzling their audience with brisk and swinging renditions of jazz, Broadway, vaudeville, and cabaret type theatrics.

Interested show buyers may avail of premium discounts for special booking packages with guaranteed return on investment. Katy is directed by Nestor Torre, with original music composed by Ryan Cayabyab and interpreted live by the AMP Nonet Band under the baton of musical director Mel Villena. The libretto is by Jose Javier Reyes.

Katy is a licensed property of Actors Studio East Production Inc. For more details, log on to www.spotlightartistscentre.com or call 899-8089 for more details.

Transform yourself with Schick

If I had the powers of the Man of Steel for a week, I would use it for the greater good as cliche as it may sound. I would try to do whatever good I can and ensure that the lives of the people I know will somehow improve and be better because of these powers.

If there is a need for great strength or speed, I will use it in apprehending criminals and saving lives. You have been given a miracle and so you need to spread miracles in any way you can.

You need to free people around you, just in the same way that Schick does. Schick. Free Your Skin

OR ... 

I could also use those powers and get all the books, music, and DVD's that I can and have a mini library and home theater right in my own house. :) 

Per DTI-NCR Permit No.1843 Series of 2013.

PS. Do join Schick’s Superman promo contest. Details can be found on the poster attached and the website: http://schicktransform.com/manofsteel

You can win movie tickets and premium items. Wouldn't it be cool to see the look of envy on your friends faces when they see you have a Man of Steel stuff? I know I would be envious!

chasing red cars

When FM and I just broke up, every red car I saw that even looked slightly similar to his became a beacon of hope. I had this insane thought that maybe, just maybe, he realized that it was worth another chance and he'd surprise me. I don't know why I even thought that but it was something I secretly held on to.

When I'd go walking around the village, I'd see red cars and I'd think for a split second that maybe its him. Then I'd see the plate number or the window and realize, its not. My heart breaks just a tiny little bit.

When I was looking for a job and it was in Ortigas, Tiendesitas, or Eastwood ... heck, even Makati, I'd see red cars and I'd think, "oh, its him!" Then I'd see the plate number or the window and realize, its not. My heart breaks just a tiny little bit again.

When I would be lost somewhere and trying to remain calm, I'd see a red car and think, "he's come to my rescue." Then I'd see the plate number or the window and realize, its not. My heart breaks just a tiny little bit more again.

When I was walking home last Monday night after the interview, a red car went up to me and I thought to myself, "see, he couldn't help it. He'll take me home because its past midnight and he wants me safe." Then I saw the plate number and the window and realized, it wasn't him. My heart broke and it wasn't just a tiny little crack.

Every red car was a beacon of hope. Eventually, every red car became something that broke my heart. Can you imagine how many red cars I would see in a day? Can you imagine how many times my heart would break in a day?

Now ... after 5 weeks, I have managed to train myself to not always look at the red cars or check their plate numbers. I now know that my fantasy of him just sprouting out of nowhere isn't going to happen.

It will remain a fantasy and I can't keep chasing red cars.

here comes the bride ...

A dear friend of mine is getting married today. I'm happy for her, really. However, as with any weddings, be that of a friend or a perfect stranger that I happen to see in a church, I feel a little envious. Okay, I feel very envious.

You see, when I was young, I loved weddings. I love how the bridal gown looks like, the way everyone just seems so happy, the way the groom gets teary eyed when the bride walks in, and the way the bride simply looks radiant. I grew up imagining my own wedding.

In my head, it will be at a small church with a lot of flowers and candles illuminating everything. I do not want one of those big weddings. I want a small one with family and friends only. I imagined a friend singing "From this Moment" by Shania Twain when I do my walk. I imagined my Mom walking me towards the altar, ready to give me away to my future husband. I imagined that day to be full of love and promise of a future TOGETHER no matter what.

However, it seems that this dream will remain just that ... a dream. Mistakes in the past and mistakes recently made has ensured that there will be no groom for this wannabe bride. It seems that my simple dreams of being married in church, wearing a white simple gown, having a family of my own with a husband by my side, and that little apartment will never come true.

They were all so simple dreams but it seems that is all they would be. Simple dreams.

munimuni # 80

I am on the second to the last stage of my interviews with a company that I am interested in working for. I have passed 3 tests, 1 interview, and 1 panel interview where I had to charm 5 people into thinking that I am actually a thinking and functioning woman in spite of the mess that I have been lately. In fact, the feedback given was that they were very impressed with me and they thought I looked really good.

Please pray for me that I pass these interviews and finally get a job. I really need to work. Seriously.

I've cut ties with my Dad and it seems my brothers soon. Lets leave it at that. They're not really the people I need in my life right now and they may be family but my son will always come first and any person who puts my son's future in jeopardy is dead to me.

I've been spending time with friends lately. I've been seeing them and since they know my financial woes, they've been treating me and for this I am truly grateful. I will give them kick ass gifts on Christmas. That or just be there for them when time comes they need me as well coz that's what friends do.

This past week has been filled with back to back to back to back events. I loved that I was able to cover a lot of different events which ranged from the launching of a burger to seeing Vin Diesel in person to the opening of a bowling alley and finally capping it with a wine tasting. It was simply diverse and amazing. I was also able to visit the Ayala Museum (finally) because it was International Museum Day and admission was free. Among everything they had, it was the Gold of Ancestors and the Diorama that really blew me away. It was simply awesome.

I've also been walking at least 30 minutes every day. Since I've been pretty busy, I've ensured that I walk at least 30 minutes a day. It's not a full work out but its still something. I'm proud that I managed to stay on track with my goal of becoming healthier.

As for him, well, as I said, I'm leaving it to fate  and him now. It's really in his ball if our story continues or not. I'm just happy that he's still there for me when I need someone. I appreciate that a lot. Really, I do.

B and I have been having daily conversations about life and lessons in life. It's been a constant struggle to get him to be more brave or courageous. He's such a sensitive little guy with a soft heart that he easily gets hurt. It's been hard to balance that sensitivity with courage. I want him to be tougher but not lose any of his sensitivity. How does one do that?

If anyone knows, drop me a line will you?

Carlo Rossi Sweet Red

I have never been a wine drinker. True, I have always been fascinated with people who drink  wine and think they look really fancy and classy but the first time I drank wine, I did not like it. The 2nd time, I also did not like it. The 3rd, I still did not like it.

I find it bitter and just not to my liking. When I was invited to the Carlo Rossi event, I thought to myself, "Why not? It's been years since I last had wine. Maybe my taste have matured and I'd end up liking it." A couple of days before the event, someone made me try red wine again. I still didn't like it but I drank about 12 shots. Yeah, I say shots coz I drank straight from the bottle. It wasn't my finest moment but that would be  something that will never be shared on this blog.

When I got to the Carlo Rossi event, I was excited and apprehensive. I've heard good things about it so I was excited but apprehensive because I might not like it.

Luckily, I would be proven wrong.

I had a sip of the Carlo Rossi Sweet Red and truly, it was sweet. I also liked that it was served chilled. I didn't like the warm red wines I had before so possibly, the fact that it was cold made a difference. I liked that it was made especially for women and that it didn't have an instant buzz the moment you take a sip.

I had a lot of fun at the event last night and loved that I saw old blogging friends and finally met a fashion blogger that was truly fashionable.

Next time you bond with your ladies over dinner or a late night chat, grab a bottle of the Carlo Rossi Sweet Red to add more fun to the night.

SM Southmall now has a Bowling Center

Yesterday, SM Southmall had a new addition to its wings. The SM Bowling Center officially opened and now it offers full entertainment in the South. South people no longer have to troop to the North just to be able to play bowling. They can now stay within the vicinity and enjoy the 14 automated and synthetic bowling lanes, 12 billiard tables, 20 PS3 Gaming Stations, Kinect Consoles, 10 Arcade Machines, and Videoke Rooms.

I was invited to cover this event and was told to bring my family as well. My sister, son, and their friend came along and they were able to test and play everything from 11am to 5pm. Trust me when I say the kids had FUN FUN FUN! Even I tried the shooting station, the videoke rooms, and I bowled.

It was a really exciting time and we had lots of fun. Food from RACKS and GREENWICH tide us over and though my mouth still wanted to eat, my tummy begged to differ.

souvenir item ... 

Conveniently located across the basement carpark, SM Southmall Bowling Center is a one-stop entertainment hub that offers total recreation and fun experiences to family and friends. It's an ideal place for bonding all year round.

So what are you waiting for? Head over to SM Southmall and visit the place that you'll keep visiting throughout the years.

Asian Red Carpet Premiere of Fast and the Furious 6

When I first encountered The Fast and the Furious, I thought it was a ridiculous title. Little did I know that years later, I would have all 5 movies on DVD and that I would be such a fan. May 15, 2013 was a remarkable day because the Asian Red Carpet Premiere of Fast and the Furious 6 happened here in SM Mall of Asia.

I had no ticket, I had no event pass. All I had was charm and guts so I gathered all that I could and asked a blogger if he had extras. He told me he wasn't sure but he'll let me know. I hounded him that day. Eventually, at 30 minutes past 3, he said "come over! I have an extra!"

I dropped everything and went rolling towards SM Mall of Asia. The event invite said it would start at 3pm and I got there at 430pm. I thought I was later. Boy, was I wrong. The event started almost 8ish and by then, almost everyone was restless and tired from standing for hours. However, the cast did make it all worth the while because they went around the audience and held their hands, kissed, took photos, and simply made the Filipinos feel loved.

Here are some select photos from the event.

Thank you again Ross!

This car is being auctioned off for charity! Signed by all 4 cast members. 

found extra passes someone had and so here's my best friend ALL SMILES!

It was tiring but fun. It was truly worth the wait and the hassle. I loved Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez. It really was a sight to see. Hopefully, Fast and Furious 7 will indeed be shot in Manila. I'd definitely audition to be an extra haha.

May 24, 2013 - Catch Fast and Furious 6 in Cinemas Nationwide.

Successful giveaway of Amazing Aloha at the Madrigal Branch

Since I was part of the select bloggers who was able to try the Amazing Aloha a day before it was launched back to the market, I wanted to share the love with my family. Last May 14, we trooped over to Jollibee Madrigal and got there at 235pm. According to the Marketing Manager, they were supposed to giveaway the stubs starting 230pm but when we got there, it was almost gone. It seems that Madrigal gave it away at an earlier time and outside the store.

I was baffled. Luckily, after speaking with the manager, they were able to sort it out and the kids and I got our stubs.

There was a pretty long line of people waiting to have a taste of the Amazing Aloha. It was cool coz I saw some oldies who most likely missed it and kids who have never tried it.

The staff were all smiles (not just because of the camera) but also because the turnout was really great and the feedback given about the Amazing Aloha was really good.

My sister and her friend both loved it. They gave it the thumbs up sign.

Here are the wonderful staff of Jollibee Madrigal. Thanks guys for the warm welcome and free drinks. We loved it! However, we loved the Amazing Aloha more. Haha. Cheers!

love beyond faults ..

I read this tweet earlier from someone I met yesterday and it simply hit me. It's true you know. When people love, they love something about someone and when that something is lost, then the love is lost. I know someone who claimed to have loved someone without any reason. I thought it was ideal. Soon, I realized it wasn't true. Though he never admitted it, he loved the hopes he had with that person. He hoped and when those hopes did not materialize immediately, his love diminished and became weaker. 

One should never love something or an idea. When you love, you simply love that person. Yes, that person may still irritate you and make you want to throw them off a cliff but definitely, that same love will make you come rushing down the cliff to catch them so they won't go splat on the ground. I know this for I have felt it. I have felt it for FM for even the times he was truly hurting me, I couldn't let him go. Even during moments where he would drive me insane or make me see red with anger, I couldn't imagine life without him. I simply love him, flaws and all. 

I love him beyond all his faults and more. I simply love him with a love beyond faults. 

Last Sunday night, I was overcome with a sense of loss. I think it was then that I truly accepted what I have lost. All these time, I was deluding myself thinking that maybe he'll come back to me. Now I know that it could happen, it could also NOT happen. I had to accept that. 

I wept. I cried myself silly for over an hour. Imagine big fat tears rolling down my cheeks, me gasping for breath because I couldn't breathe properly because I was crying too hard complete with shoulders shaking while hugging the gigantic teddy bear he gave me. Pretty pathetic huh? 

Some of you may ask, why blog it? Why tell this story? It doesn't paint a pretty picture. To that I say, so what? It's the truth and I need to let it out. It's my truth, my blog, my story. What if he reads? I doubt it. As far as I know and as far as he told me, he doesn't really read my posts anymore. If he does, so what? It's true. It's not like it will change anything. As he said, there really is nothing I can do to change his mind. I accept that now. It took 29 days but I truly accept it now. 

Let fate decide. Let him decide. 

So I cried. I loved and I lost ... I tried to win it back and I lost ... but you know what? At least I tried. I TRIED. Right now, this is what matters most. I TRIED. I didn't just give up. I TRIED twice, thrice, many times. I kept trying. 

I fight many a battles that no one knows of. I fight a lot of battles on my own. Small ones, big ones. What matters is that I continue fighting and I will continue fighting. 

I may have loved and lost ... lived and lost ... but I never regret the moments that put a smile on my face and more steel to my spine. I am stronger now and with these added strength, I am once again ready to take on life and every opportunity it will give me. 

Bring it on LIFE! Bring it on. 

Amazing Aloha is Back

The last time we saw the Amazing Aloha of Jollibee was back in 2009. After that, it went MIA. Thankfully, Anthony Bourdain rediscovered it in LA and since he loved the taste, decided to let the whole world know about it. Now, its back and even better than before.

I was one of the few lucky ones to try it yesterday before it is launched today and OMG, it is simply to die for. The juicy patty and the pineapple simply complemented each other. It was super duper yummy!

Amazing Aloha Php99 solo, Php135 value meal 

fellow bloggers and our host 

This is available for a limited time only so please grab it while you can. The Amazing Aloha is a bite after bite delight of two juicy burger patties, crispy bacon bits, cheese, and lettuce, doused in honey mustard dressing, topped with a fresh slice of pineapply and sandwiched between two buns. Definitely extraordinary.

only fate ...

Two people met
fell
loved
fought
parted ways

Still in love

Now ...

Only fate knows
let fate decide.