Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year to all Chinese, Half Chinese, Chinese Looking, and Filipinos who loves Chinese (hahaha) Anyway, I got up at exactly 6:00 this morning only to find out that my professor wont be attending our laboratory experiment for the day.

Since it's Chinese New Year anyway, I decided to go shopping at China town down at the heart of Manila. To my dismay, there weren't that many lion dance anymore unlike last night.

A lot of people are still coming, buying this and that. Chinese believes in a lot of things and New Year has probably one of the most "numerous" beliefs there is.

Ornaments are used to fight against bad luck or to push your luck to its maximum. But of course they are just guides and everything is still left for you to unravel.

Living in a Chinese Oriented family, we do celebrate Chinese New Year in many ways, but one thing is for sure, no matter how lucky a tikoy maybe, I sure had enough of those living my 20 years of life. Giving and accepting tikoys during this great event has become a tradition here in the Philippines so we do give out a lot of tikoys (and I am so happy that some gave a different product)

Chris gave me a different lucky food. It's made from honey though I forgot what it is (I was relieved it wasn't a flavored tikoy)

Circling the entire China Town sure is exhausting so we ate at Chinese Deli (I was trying to figure out if it was indeed the name of the store or their selling product)

I did like the place but Chris didn't have the luxury of time to eat so we just ordered their special milk tea and we went out already.

That's it for now, today is also the wedding anniversary of my dear ol' grandmother so we ought to celebrate later on. But before I leave, I want to show you this...Ain't he adorable? found him at the Salazar Bakery at Ongpin.

P.S


I think my next post would be this Friday since I'm gonna be busy busy busy!

Again, to everyone, Xin Nian Kuai Le.. Gong Xi Fa Cai - Happy Chinese New Year!




Alvin

Time Is All That Holds Me Now

Its been awhile since my last post. I actually thought of letting my blog die just like that but I guess my life is too exciting to just simply keep it to myself. I had a tough week considering that I ended up losing something I never thought I'd lose that way, Feasibility work is getting on me again and my messed up self taking up my messed up schedule.

Thank you to those who are kind enough to listen and to those who we're there when I least expect them to be. To Chris and Jewel, thank you for being there for me (and this is the reason why I hate drama!) O well, life goes on. I hope by tomorrow I could share something important to you guys! Keep posted!

(No more angel under your lamp post)

P.S


I'm on a flight and it's taking me closer home to a heart that's been left for so long. Time is all that holds me now.



Happy Chinese New Year to all Chinoys! Got to celebrate tomorrow!

Happy New Year!

Yesterday, I woke up at around 9 in the morning simply because I needed to buy some supplies and hoping to have my hair cut since I would want to look good for the first day of 2009. Sadly, I was numbered 22 for the list of customers and time is a luxury I cant afford for the moment so I went to buy the remaining supplies.

When I got home I started to help my Grandmother by baking a cake and lasagna for our Media Noche. It turn out good (probably not that good since the cake was rather gooey) But of course, by simply adding some final touch, it turned out nice anyway.

But since those are reserved for the night, I simply ordered pizza and bought another cake so that we could at least celebrate earlier (only to have it all by night time)


I really hated the fact that this year is about to end but there are still issues which have not been cleared yet. Well I do hope that for the rest of you guys, you have already settled your disputes among one another (far fetched)

O well, since I slept by 3 this morning I woke up at 2 this afternoon (what the? 11 hours?) I really thought that the start of my year was rather lonely since my sister went out, my Grandmother went out, my mom is not here and my friends are rather having a time with their family, I was left out. But then again, lucky me, I get to watch 90210 from start up to the latest! I never imagined it was that good. Next thing I knew, it was already 10 in the evening. So much for the day I think. See you guys and have a great year ahead of you!



P.S

I'm trying to find a job this year and its rather complicated. I wish I could end up in the airlines. I wish for a greater opportunity this year. So cant wait for January 7!


Alvin

Road Trip part 3; Krispy Kreme Treat

What a way to celebrate the first day of the year 2009! Home Alone! But as much as bored you think I am, the truth is, I had fun but that's another story. This was the last of my road trip for the year 2008 and it sure is fun!

We always have this so called prayer thing that we do every year with all our relatives and they have been doing it for more than 20 years now. So, I am religious but as the case may have presented, their chosen medium of language was Visayan dialect. I do understand it somehow but I am in no position to begin a conversation using it nor use it when I am praying. I tried my best (for the past 20 years) to keep myself in tact but as it figures, I usually fall asleep.

After the prayer, I asked my family to go strolling and we ended up at Mall of Asia. We ate at El Pollo Loco but the real reason why I asked for a treat at a near by mall is that I wanted a box of doughnut (specifically, that of the Krispy Kreme)

From that box of 12 I only ate 3. I really got pissed off but the thing is, I woke up late so that was my punishment.



P.S


Stay posted for my New Year's eve celebration entry and that "thing" that got me occupied all day this New Year's day!

Alvin

Road Trip part 2; Ice Cream indulgence

I was actually planning to visit once again the night market located inside the BF resort here in Las-Piñas not because I wanted to buy something but simply because I wanted to eat something so yesterday, when Jen told me she wanted to go out I didn't hesitate one bit and immediately said I'm on my way. (haha, strike of desperate measure)

We strolled along the mall when I decided to buy an Ateneo Jacket from Addidas but they only have extra large sizes (they have a lot from La Salle but, sorry I'm not a fan) Moving on, Jen decided that we should just watch a movie but to our dismay, they only cater Manila Film Festival movies. Still, with not much choice we ended up watching one (and I wont tell you what it was, hahaha)

Before we hit the floor, we bought some Ice Cream at Dairy Queen and we chilled, literally and it sent shivers all over my body.

I love it. Strawberry chocolate filled. I got to go now but before so, maybe I could give an entry about Road Trip part 3 huh?


Alvin

Christmas Party 2; Our Resolution

Yesterday, I celebrated with my Klaud and surprisingly there was Mikko, Jan and Cla with Tin. It was our version of the said "well planned" Christmas party that they suggested long before the months ended with a "ber" (talk about planning)

We're just simply catching up that's all so we chose to eat at California Pizza Kitchen (did I mention it right?) Afterwards, the parade of cakes was issued.

We ordered 4 cute cakes and believe it or not, we ate it all. Like I said, we we're just catching up but our mini talk went sideways and detoured back to the topic I was avoiding. Who's fault is it? That was the question.

All I can say is that, I don't care and it's something I wont bother finding out. Then, who would have thought that my words would be the turning point of everything? (Hahaha, talk about being smooth talker)

And just when I thought everything was over and done, poof, another revelation (that happened this morning)

I really love this group, you guys never fail to make me laugh, get angry, be happy all at the same time and you're driving me crazy. Let's just be happy and again (do take note of it!) it's all our call, we make choices and we make the most out of it. Understanding is the final key!

Wooot, I am so good it amazes me from time to time. Anyway, we get to celebrate when they come back so let's just be happy and celebrate the new year with smile on our hearts (hahaha, corny!)

Got to go guys! Stay posted!


Alvin

Christmas Party; A Realization

Ok, another missed event that I forgot to blog. Last December 22 (I know, it's been awhile) I had a Christmas Party together with some of the closest H.S friends I have (Jewel, Grace, Marvin and Chelyne)There's only the 5 of us but that's far more better than having no one for a Christmas Holiday feast right? (I'm not pertaining to any, hahahaha)

It's really new for us to celebrate things this way. Usually we'd celebrate per 2-3 groups and just simply catch up, have a little talk and eat outside, that's about it. But for this year, we thought it would be more fun if we do things together. We went to the grocery store, bought stuffs from our own account and then cook for everyone else. It's rather amusing that everyone agreed to my idea.

The fun part rises when we ought to showcase our talents in cooking and baking and poof, the dish is ready to be serve.

1st stop, Chelyne and Marvin's Pork Sliced.. uhm.. (I forgot, but it's a Chinese Cuisine) It's really good and I find it rather aromatic in a sense. It resembled the dish that Klau and I ordered at the Highlands. It goes perfectly with the wine that Marvin bought.

2nd stop, my Beef Casserole. I never expected that it would turn out good but my bad for not even thinking about the after effects. Beef + Potatoes + Cheese, It's already packed with everything we needed for that night's dinner. But nevertheless, it was good (very good! haha)

3rd stop, Roast Chicken by Jewel and Grace, I actually loved the aroma and the flavor of the Chicken. The presentation was rather cute thanks to those potatoes that we miscalculated (just kidding)

And if it seems that it was enough, there's still more. And when I say more, I mean it.

4th stop, Cheesy Penne (Supposed to be baked but, well) Another dish of mine. It may seem that every dish that I make consist of more than enough of what is needed for our party. But I really am happy since for me it was really really good. Grace liked it a lot (I guess)

And now, for the finale. We all made this possible even if we are terrorized with missing ingredients and time pressure (and not to mention, drowsiness)

For our dessert, Bitter Sweet Chocolate Truffles. Well, there was no trace of it the next morning, need I say more?

Prior to my Family reunion last 24 where I was able to make my two masterpiece was this. Not a complete failure. It only lacks a greater presentation.

The party was a success and it was great. Something I will surely remember for a long time. We are actually looking forward for our next reunion. Something Grand and Exquisite.

Stay posted for my next entries about Road Trip part 2 and my Christmas party full of cakes with Jan and my Klaud.




P.S


See, some people think they are the only ones capable of having fun. (hahaha, again, I'm not pertaining to anyone) All I want to say is that, it's our choice, lets make the most out of it. That's my realization. Let's all be happy! Happy New Year!


Alvin

Merry Christmas!; My Bitter Sweet Holiday

First things first. Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you. I do wish everyone a happy holiday this season of hope. I really need a long nap but before so, I'd like to thank those who remembered to greet me and my family. We are having a family reunion and up until now, everyone is still hyped out. But while they are singing along with the tune of that "magic sing" my sister bought, I'll be here blogging about my Bitter Sweet Holiday.

Early morning (1:30 am) this day of the 24th. I baked 2 cakes for my family and relatives. It turned out very nice, far too good than what I expected. I slept at 6 am when I received the bitter part which is reserved for the latter part.

I baked my own version of a Bitter sweet chocolate truffles. This time, I added coffee in it just to give a twist to my masterpiece. I was kinda sleepy when I was doing the presentation so it might seem like it was melting but its not! (haha, I'm not being defensive)

I come from a long line of great cooks. Its quite funny since I never thought I had the talent in me and from our family, I'm the only one who knows how to bake.

The second cake that I baked is the Molten Chocolate Cake but since I fridge it for more than 6 hours, the molten part have been the frozen one. It taste good but I was disappointed since I wanted the molten chocolate to ooze out of the cake (O well, at least now I know)

For those of you who wants to order cakes from me, I'll be more than happy to bake for you. May it be for birthdays, parties even wedding!(dream on)

Kidding aside, I think I have done a good job.

Now, for the bitter part. I had my hands burned (1st degree that is) but worse than that, my Christmas party together with Chris and J.C didn't pull through. But just like what I kept telling to everyone else, its always our call, whatever happens is the result of the choices we make. And I choose to be happy! and so should everyone else ok?

I'll be going for now since it's movie time! Stay posted for my entry about my other Christmas parties that I have been attending. I think I'm gonna be so fat after this season. See you all!


P.S

Thanks to everyone! To my mom, I love you always!

To J.C, there's always the next time. Sorry for what's been happening.

To Chris, hey keep me updated and by the time you get back, do tell us. Have a Merry Christmas to you and your family. I keep true to my word haven't I brother? hahaha.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!

Love,
Alvin

Road Trip part 1; Food Safari

Christmas break has finally arrive and its now time for that Christmas shopping spree with all that out of the blue road trips.

Speaking of which, last Sunday while my sister made a lovely afternoon snack. Burger bacon in creamy mushroom and peas, with German franks and a bread, along side a cold jasmine tea.

Perfect for me since I woke up at around 2:30 that day so I already skipped breakfast and lunch. While I was busy munching on that, my Grandma wanted to go out and simply "hang out" as they say, so we did. We wanted a place where dinner can be relaxing and great.

We went to Gateway mall and meet up with my Auntie Myrna and her daughter.

I chose Burgoo as the perfect place for the night since they do serve exquisite American style cuisines, and of course the scenery in that place is perfect. Just right outside, you can see a Christmas tree as tall as a two storey building.

I really love the Christmas holiday, it gives you that certain feeling of joy and the people around you shows the same aura.

Here are some of the photo ops we had before and after dinner

I apologize for the poor layout of the pictures. I really am in a hurry right now. So, back to the topic. First we ordered Spicy mushroom and fries then Shrimp Fettuccine
Each plate has 2-3 servings so it's quite plenty for a group of four (but not for us) After which, we ordered Cheesy Baked Zitti (I think) and A family size Burgoo specialty Pizza.

The pizza has 8 big slices but we only ate 3 since we are already full. I should have known better. Oh yeah, I ordered a fresh kiwi shake and it was extravagant(funny, using such word for just 1 drink?)

P.S

Stay posted for my next road trips and more photo ops. Christmas is soon to arrive! have a great week ahead of you!

Alvin

Christmas Break; Applause for J.C

Wooohooo! Its my Christmas break! Time to relax and enjoy this season! I am quite happy since things are finally falling into their rightful place. I am so happy that I invited a bunch of my friends to eat at Oakwood tomorrow (or the next day).

Speaking of that delightful place, I found some pictures of that place this morning while I was browsing my laptop and securing my schedule for this month (and man, I am loaded!)

The place as a whole is remarkable. The ambiance is great and comfort is the very first thing you'll love about this place.

You will also love the way they serve the food. Its fast and they always add a dramatic effect through the way it was designed and from the way it was served. A true fine-dining experience.

The taste was exquisite in a way and the amount was just right.

I spend wisely when it comes to leisure and stuffs that I want or need but when it boils down to food, I can spend a hefty amount of a price. (and from my past entries, I think it's already obvious)

I can easily fall in love when food is the topic and in this season where calories is not a matter to be discussed, I think love is definitely in the air.

Though one must eat healthy and wisely, you should also consider what you want for this season. besides, what you want is what really matters in this time of the year. So go out there and find your peace/love or whatever it is that you want. (I think that's a bit far fetched)

Now, back to the topic. I think I did enjoy the dessert although it only took me 4 scoops and poof, it was gone. I think they made it look too good that they have forgotten to add another scoop of ice cream.

But just like what they said, an ice cream and a Mocha Blend tea isn't much of a combination

O well, time for me to go. But before so, Congratulations to J.C Tiuseco for being the first Pinoy Sole Survivor of the great Survivor Philippines Season 1. I think Charles was the happiest and the reasons are still unknown. So many questions to ask but I guess there's the right time for that. Cant wait for the upcoming Christmas parties I'll be attending.

P.S

Since I am struggling for the right cuisines to cook for all those events (what? am I a cook or am I just to great?) I'll be leaving for now. Hope to see you guys soon!

Thank you Jewel! I miss you too.

Chris, I think we should re-calculate and re-estimate everything. Have a great weekend!

Alvin

My Stress Relieving Idea

I really am sad for the fact that my feasibility work was rejected by my professor. I have been doing that nonstop for the past 2 months and here I am, telling you my misfortune. I feel bad for what happened but I feel bad even more for my group mates since I really got close to them and this is where our ideas took us.

I remember the time when I am stressed and the only thing that could get me moving and smile again are, well, chocolates. I miss my Fidani chocolates. Klaire use to have these chocolates and she would always ask me if I like them and that's when I started loving it.

Ooooh, I want one of those last night since I am so sad. And to my surprise Janna gave me a whole bunch of those. Her reason? She doesn't want them and I might as well take it.

P.S

I do hope my stress goes away for good, I want my life back.

Alvin

Post Thanksgiving Entry

Okay, so it was thanksgiving last Friday and I wasn't completely aware of that. My friends wanted to go out for the night and the reason was, well, it was thanksgiving. But rather than eating turkey on our table and saying long graces before the meal, we went somewhere far more conducive for bonding (and to use the word conducive, it must mean something)

So we went to Oakwood for dinner and to our surprise, they were serving chocolate desserts for about 25 different kinds. I got to admit that I was born with a sweet tooth but with regards to my friends, well, I was the different one. They don't like sweets that much unlike I do but among other stuffs, we do get along very well (but this time it means war!)

Since they are my friends, they already know that trying to lecture me wont get them nowhere. So I did enjoy the rest of the thanksgiving.

There were chocolate truffles, white chocolates and my favorite bitter sweet dark chocolate in whisky was there. There were also chocolate cookies, brownies, cherry oh chocolate (well that was the name). I remembered Chris eating the chocolate temptation and it was, for me the second most delightful of all (after my bitter sweet dark choco in whisky)

And of course, chocolate fountain is present for this one time event. I did enjoy dipping over and over again but never actually able to eat one (since I got full with the other 24 desserts)

Ooooh, I have a glutton for delicious food and it's really hard to say no when it comes down to this.

I so love my friends, they take me to places I never thought I could come (well, not right now but I certainly have)

So I guess I'm a bit sleepy now, and I'm done reminiscing with my thanksgiving getaway. I think I'm going to be busy this week for my feasibility work (I wonder when will this end?)

Tempting? Go get one for yourself. Its a season to be sinfully delighted anyway.

P.S

Again thanks to my friends (Chris, Klauie, June, Charles, J.C, Cheryl, Cla, Jan and all others)

Cant wait for my Christmas break!

Alvin

Congratulations Chris; Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards for Favorite Athlete

Congratulations to Chris Tiu for winning the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2008 for Favorite Athlete. Sorry if I wasnt able to come, though I've got a pretty good excuse for that, still. Anyway, congratulations once again and more power!

P.S
I really have a good excuse for that, want to hear?

Alvin

Singing Frenzy; My Grandma Aunt's Birthday Bash

Finally got the time to blog some of my missed events due to some minor problems. Last November 13 we celebrated my Auntie Minerva's birthday at the Island songs KTV at Island Cove, Cavite (Geez, another redundancy of words) Anyway, as most of you know I love to sing but never in front of a crowd (ok so that was a bit exaggerating)Since it's my favorite aunt's birthday, I decided to go. The food was what thrilled me the most rather than the chance to sing.

The food was great. They serve fast and clean and the cocktails are just as great as I remembered it was from a long time ago (funny)

We also ordered some cakes in small sizes. It was really cute and very tasty indeed.

Here are some of our pictures during our stay.

(Aries, Mark, my sis, me and our favorite auntie)

(with my sister)

P.S

Stay posted for my next entries about Thanks giving day and more of my leisure trips.

Alvin

Subic Ocean Adventure; Ice Cream Indulgence

The answer on my last entry was Subic. Credits to Charles! (you we're there with us, ayt?)

So anyway, half the day we spent in there was in Subic Ocean Adventure. We watched (well they did) the dolphins play around and do some crazy stuffs. But the thing is, it stopped raining and the sun started glaring at us. Well, it's a covered area but then again, its still hot. I was thinking of getting out or eat some ice cold desserts when I noticed Chris munching something.

That was a great idea of course! Ice cream would do the trick. (and he's the only one munching on it!) You should see the look on his face when he told me how sweet it was (and he does not have a sweet tooth so I wondered)

Huh? it was watermelon and coconut ice cream? Oh for the love of God! Let him have it, I think I'll buy my own this ice cream.

By the time we got back at our seat, the show was over. Ok, at least I got my ice cream. I have to thank Chris for all this, and my group mates.

I think I need to get back to reality now. Feasibility again, finals in the next two weeks.

P.S

I'm really running late so beat you there! Stay posted for my next entries!

Alvin

The Demise of my Story

Lying wont really get you anywhere. That's what I learned for this month of November (or so,) But in any case, I will remember it for quite a hefty amount of time. I went out together with my friends to a place I will reveal in time. It's really funny since I never told anyone about it, didn't ask for a permission from my family and even lied to some of my group mates just to be excused from our meeting. Anyway, here's the place.

It was raining that day but it was still quite a catch. I wasn't expecting that there would be people around since it isn't a season for you to be jumping into the sea. The color of the sea was gloomy but nevertheless it was breathtaking.

The food was what made me say yes for this trip. I know for one that we will be staying at our friends rest house but still, that would be something right?

After that sweet lunch and some heavy duty story telling, it was finally time to go home, and to my surprise, the deadline for my work was due tomorrow. It was changed and I don't have the slightest clue.

O well, so much for not telling the truth, it was karma I suppose. But then again, to regret is not my thing so I'd rather enjoy things and be responsible for the consequences later on.

P.S

Guess where I was and I'll definitely give credit for that. That's it for now!

Alvin