Christmas Treats from Deli Snack of Century Park Hotel

Take the hassle out in thinking what’s the best gift to send this holiday. Let your family, friends, and business associates experience a delightful taste of home with Deli Snack’s Christmas treats. Bring home some famous international gourmets of pastry chef Romy Reodique’s finest cake selections, assorted cookies, and freshly baked Danish pastries. Of course, a holiday table will not be complete without the traditional Christmas ham. Be sure to try the award-winning Century ham with mountain honey (Php850/kg) and hackfleish (Php770/kg) of butcher master Teddy Barro, famous for its succulent, tasty, and tender taste. Duck, pork, calf, and chicken pates are also available to add a zestful flavor to any plain bread. Santa’s favorite carvings such as whole roasted turkey (Php1,400) and (Php1,650), authentic wine selections, party platters, chocolates, and fruit cakes are also available. For a luxurious appreciation gift that will surely delight, try the holiday hamper (Php5,450) and yuletide treat hamper (Php4,850), or arrange a tailor-made hamper according to your specifications.

Send your warmest thoughts and wishes this Christmas to special people in your heart. Choose from Deli Snack’s festive and indulgent gift choices that suit any one’s fancy.

For inquiries or reservations, please call 528-5855 or 528-8888.

The Way We Bury the Dead During Old Times

(Photo Source: Artes de las Filipinas)

Journey to the afterlife is believed to be the inspiration behind the Manunggul Jar's design. A vessel of history, burial jars were found on several sites in the country.

Found inside are not only the remains of the dead, but the person's riches (belongings etc.), too. Thus, even such coffins spoke of status symbol.

Now, didn't we have a culture of our own?

If you'd like to see a Manunggul Jar in the flesh, you may visit the Metropolitan Museum of Manila at the BSP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Star Cinema's latest flick, One More Chance

Seasoned local thespians Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz are about to make long-time sweethearts, who are on the verge of ruin, contemplate and check their relationships--as they star in a movie which theme revolves on losing love and gaining it back.

Aptly titled One More Chance , the movie is a comeback of the local loveteam after My First Romance, Now That I Have You, Close To You and All About Love. The flick is directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.


A story of a couple who are predicted to eventually walk down the aisle together suddenly falls apart when Basha( Bea) decided to quit the 5-year relationship with Popoy (Lloyd). Stumbling to regain a loss, Popoy accepts the out-of-the-blue state and starts dating other people.

Are Popoy and Basha up for another chance? Are the struggles of the two just part of a rough road of true love? Will they eventually fall in each other's arms again?


To be shown on Nov. 14 on theathers near you.

Reacting to excerpts from inquirer; on Ely Buendia

(still have to look for the exact date when the article cited was published. Pardon for using first-person narration--si Ely po kasi:))

Though placed next to two movie advertisement, the article of Francis Ochoa didn't fail to catch this writer's attention. Dubbed Don't you dare die on us, Ely Buendia, the article spoke to me; as if I were the only one who has been influenced by Ely Buendia.

And I quote:(pertaining to ELy)

"You are a music icon who is as rare as they come. You are a vacant cab with an accommodating driver during the holidays. You are a cop who's actually out to protect the citizentry. You are an honest politician. You are a critically-acclaimed Cueshe hit."


I didn't immediately like E-heads music, but through my brothers' non-stop playing of Huling El Bimbo, Minsan, Alapaap, and Eheads' other more famed songs, I surrendered listening to "melodramatic songs."

It is seldom that you find songs whose lyrics are almost like lyrics of a poem. So concrete but universal. So honest but not destructive. In fact, UP's book, Linangan, included Huling El Bimbo on the songs listed in its pages.

Another strength of Eheads' music is that the melody itself, though sometimes a bit pop, mixes with the lyrics in such a way that you don't get the feeling that it only tricks you. I don't know. I hate being too technical about it. You just know when a group does its job like it's not a mere self expression, but serves as a passage of communicating with their listeners as well.

Now, that's art.

It saddens me that we no longer produce bands like E-heads. No, sometimes it's not bad to be a "copycat" (per se) of E-heads. As someone averred, when you are a beginner, you can't get away from tradition. You have to know your tradition to enable you create your own. No one becomes good in a vacuum. But, it will take time to produce another Ely Buendia (or anothers E-heads to be fair). Believe me, it's hard to find an artist whose craft is produced with conscience.

Ely was taken to a hospital after having a heart attack (after a gig, i think in the south) I don't know the clinical term for it, but there is no need to worry as her wife said in a tv interview. Pero matigas din ang ulo ng lolo mo, he is endorsing an alcoholic drink-- we've seen that on tv.

Here is another excerpt from the article:

"Die, Ely, and Hale's going to write a tribute song for you. That should jolt your heart back to life."


I almost fell on my seat when I read that line. It was of course written in a funny yet sarcastic tone. But isn't that such a dangerous joke? no, let me ask that again. Isn't that dangerous to young minds?

When we are only fed with lying-on-the-surface, "puetry" works, I would rather listen to the music of the Ifugaos, far better than letting my guilty pleasure prevail over the ones worthy of listening to.Or better yet, succumb to Indian music (which feels like it's coming from the 8th level of hell).

We,sons and daughters of various literatura, appreciate Ely(and his gang).
We would remember how the band starts a song. There’s a particular detail, nothing ambiguous, nothing vague. He gets you into the scene.

They tried to tell us we're too young
Too young to really be in love...
...
Bahay namin maliit lamang...

A comic relief, a delightful deceit,or a mere humor instilled on expecting-to-be-fed souls.

We could only wonder.

Never mind if his (Ely's) songs now with Pupil are not that outstanding. I still look at him with deep sense of respect.

(taken from this writer's friendster blog in January 14, 2007)

Will Never Get Over E-heads!

Marie Claire or Tikman ang Langit: An Anthology on the Eraserheads?

The former never fails to be mounted on tall mag stands, while the likes of the latter will take you another undefinite time to wait.

A bizaare comparison?

Definitely.

Why in the world would a bookstore place a seeming-to-be feminist magazine beside a collection of essays on an ertswhile local "groundbreaking" band (soon to be a legend, though, I must say)?

This writer asked a baffled-looking sales lady about the above-mentioned query and her answer was a blank stare.

Why would she bother asking herself that question anyway?

Sigh.

For those who're still in denial on the sudden break up of Eraserheads, the book is a must-read.And yes, will help your soul somehow cope with their long-time lost.

Priced at P180.00 at National Book Store (or is it priced lower than other book-selling stores? ), Tikman ang Langit will give you fresh insights,untold non-and-heard-it-through-grapevine stories, and clever future forecast about our music icons (will they ever get back together?:().

Edited by Ms. Ces Rodriguez and was first printed January of this year.

Grab a copy now!

Urge Iowa Vet Board to Take Action Against Vet Who Defended Cruel Pig Hanging!

PETA has joined the Humane Farming Association (HFA), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Animal Welfare Institute, the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, and The Humane Society of the United States and sent a letter to the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association calling for an investigation into the conduct of Dr. Paul Armbrecht, a veterinarian who testified under oath that strangling pigs to death does not constitute cruelty to animals.
During an undercover investigation conducted by the HFA at Wiles Hog Farm in Creston, Ohio, employees were documented killing sows by fastening a chain around their necks and then attaching the chain to a front-end loader. The loader was then lifted as the sows struggled and were slowly strangled to death over a period of four to five minutes.

As a paid witness for the defense, Dr. Armbrecht's testimony at the trial of the owners and employees of the pig farm appears to have violated the Iowa Veterinary Practice Act, which prohibits "knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representation in the practice of the profession." Dr. Armbrecht testified to the following:

Hanging is an acceptable method of killing downed and disabled sows, despite the fact that the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and the National Pork Board don't list hanging as a humane method of "euthanasia" in their guidelines.

Wiles Hog Farm's practice of dragging, kicking, and dropping sows off a 4-foot ledge was an acceptable means of transporting sows to their deaths.

Killing methods that cause animals to take up to 10 minutes to die are acceptable.

Dr. Armbrecht had observed at least one similar strangulation elsewhere in recent months but failed to report it.

Source:http://www.peta.org/

Sophie Monk Poses Nude to Promote Vegetarianism

Source: http://www.goveg.com/f_sophie_monk.asp

Australian pop singing sensation and actor Sophie Monk is as compassionate as she is beautiful. That's why she jumped at the opportunity to speak up for animals by shedding her clothes and posing nude in a bed of chili peppers alongside the tagline "Spice Up Your Life—Go Vegetarian" in one of PETA's sexiest vegetarian PSAs to date.

Sophie Monk poses naked to promote vegetarianism.
As a longtime vegetarian, Sophie wants fans to know that giving up meat is one of the best things you can do to "spice up your life." Eating a diet of vegetarian foods will give you more energy, help you stay trim, and improve blood flow to all of your body's organs.

"If you are going to take your clothes off for something, it better be a good cause," says Sophie in her interview for PETA. And a good cause it is! Going vegetarian will not only help spice up your own life, it's the best thing you can do to help the environment and save billions of animals from suffering in factory farms.

Ready to take Sophie's advice and spice up your life? Order a copy of PETA's free vegetarian starter kit today and find hundreds of recipes at VegCooking.com.

Watch Sophie's interview for PETA and behind-the-scenes footage of her photo shoot at PETA's blog, The PETA Files.

Self-Awareness

“A tulip doesn't strive to impress anyone. It doesn't struggle to be different than a rose. It doesn't have to. It is different. And there's room in the garden for every flower. You didn't have to struggle to make your face different than anyone else's on earth. It just is. You are unique because you were created that way. Look at little children in kindergarten. They're all different without trying to be. As long as they're unselfconsciously being themselves, they can't help but shine. It's only later, when children are taught to compete, to strive to be better than others, that their natural light becomes distorted.”



~ Marianne Williamson 21st century spiritual teacher

Kape Isla: Promoting Phil. Coffee

I might be a little vocal about my love for Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf over Starbucks, but still, nothing can stop me from supporting this wonderful advocacy of promoting/upholding the coffee industry in the Philippines. I am a self-confessed coffee lover and for me, coffee shops are one of my tranquil zones...perhaps, it'll be a lot magnificent if i'd be spending my i-love-coffee-moments promoting Philippines' very own products. And definitely, Kape Isla is the place to boot if you want the finest-tasting Filipino coffees. plus, instead of serving foreign gourmet dishes, Kape Isla offers its patrons and clients native delicacies such as bibingka, locally-made and flavored cheesecakes and pana cotta, adobo pandesal, and etc.
if you are in one with me and the rest of the other patriotics of our Motherland, support the Phil. Coffee Board's advocacy. Start sipping coffee at Kape Isla!

***
to know more about Kape Isla and the Phil. Coffee Board's advocacy, click on the link below:
http://guides.clickthecity.com/metro/?p=1530

Join us in celebrating the taste of Pinoy coffee at the Coffee Break 2007. The schedule of the activities are as follows:

Celebrate Pinoy Coffee in Coffee Break 2007

YTRiP activities in the Coffee Break are:

OCT 17 (WEDNESDAY)
Glorietta 4 lobby
:All-day free coffee sampling

Kape Isla
: FREE COFFEE SAMPLING w/ Serendra & High Street merchants
: Coffee 101 Classes @ 3-5 p.m.


OCT 18 (THURSDAY)
Glorietta 4 lobby
:All-day free coffee sampling
:Coffee Cocktail Reception @ 6:00 p.m.

Kape Isla
: FREE COFFEE SAMPLING w/ Serendra & High Street merchants
: Barista Classes by Kape Isla In-House Coffee Trainer Henry Magalona @ 3-5 p.m.

OCT 19 (FRIDAY)
Glorietta 4 lobby
:All-day free coffee sampling
: YAHOO & GLOBE COFFEE & CONNECTIVITY SESSIONS
: RockEd Live Music w/ SOUND & WAHIJUARA @ 6 p.m.


Kape Isla
: FREE COFFEE SAMPLING w/ Serendra and High Street merchants
: Coffee Classes @ 3-5 p.m.
: Live Music @ 8 p.m.


OCT 20 (SATURDAY)
Glorietta 4 lobby
:All-day free coffee sampling
: YAHOO & GLOBE COFFEE & CONNECTIVITY SESSIONS


Kape Isla
: FREE COFFEE SAMPLING w/ Serendra & High Street merchants
: Coffee 101 Classes @ 3-5 p.m.


OCT 21 (SUNDAY)
Glorietta 4 lobby
:All-day free coffee sampling
: YAHOO & GLOBE COFFEE & CONNECTIVITY SESSIONS Kape Isla : FREE COFFEE SAMPLING w/ Serendra & High Street merchants
: YTRiP General Assembly @ 2-5 p.m.

OCT 22 (MONDAY) Glorietta 4 lobby
:All-day free coffee sampling Kape Isla
: FREE COFFEE SAMPLING w/ Serendra & High Street merchants
: Barista Classes by Kape Isla In-house Trainer Henry Magalona @ 3-5 p.m. & 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.


OCT 23 (TUESDAY)
Glorietta 4 lobby
:All-day free coffee sampling Kape Isla
: FREE COFFEE SAMPLING w/ Serendra & High Street merchants
: Idea!s Table Talk : Designs with a Difference @ 7:30 p.m.

Itaguyod ang Sariling Atin!

Century Tsukiji Restaurant

Century Tsukiji Restaurant: Making A Positive Mark on Filipino Appetites


How would you categorize a positive restaurant? Or better yet, how will you know if the place you’re dining in could very well stir up a positive effect in you?

Like most bon vivant, the first thing that would draw me to a certain restaurant would be the taste of their foods. It doesn’t matter whether it's a posh bistro or just a modest tuto-turo along the highway or whether or not they serve the finest-tasting plain rice there. However, being the not-so-adventurous one when it comes to eating, I would rather have my all-time favorite tocino and menudo over and over again than to try other dishes from other regions and countries.

And yes, Japanese foods are no exception.

To be perfectly frank and honest, if you’re going to ask me which I like better, the siomai or the sushi, I would definitely answer siomai without batting an eyelash. Back then, I used to think of Japanese foods as weird since they are mostly eaten raw.

Nonetheless, an invitation from a dear friend to eat at Century Tsukiji Restaurant located inside Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila, changed this quite judgmental impression.

Upon entering the place, I immediately felt the relaxing ambience that Century Tsukiji offers. The music playing in the background—which I believe is an instrumental version of a Japanese song—seemed like a welcoming embrace to anyone who wish to dine inside. And I must admit, I was completely awed with the interior of the place. It’s like a combination of the traditional and modern-day Japanese motif, very oriental yet subtly elegant. Even the garbs of the food servers and other maître d'hôtels are so Japanese. These alone could already give diners a delightful feeling that they’re really dining somewhere in Japan.

But wait, the food is yet to be served.

When the food attendant handed me the menu card, the first thing I did was to look for any familiar cuisine on the list. Gladly, out of all the foreign food names on the menu card (which, I swear, almost made my nose bleed if not for my friend’s presence), my eyes caught Pork Tonkatsu. I didn’t know how they do or prepare it, but at least I saw “pork” there. Never mind what tonkatsu means. But my friend, who was very eager to make me try and taste the wonders of Japanese foods, ordered for me Shokado Bento. Don’t dare ask me what does that mean. I just remembered the food attendant putting on my table a big lacquered box, which I immediately thought of as a gift. When I opened it, I saw different variants of Japanese foods. According to my friend, Shokado Bento, which actually costs P1,200, is the well-loved full-course meal at Century Tsukiji.It which includes dobin mushi, sashimi slices, ebi and vegetable tempura, pickles, four selection of appetizers such as sanriku, hokkigai or shelled fish, and the main dish which is a grilled blue marlin with Japanese rice and assorted vegetables. Honestly, I didn’t really know how to eat all those things. Everything was superbly new to me. My friend, however, asked me to try it, and so I did.

I must admit, my first official fine-dining experience in a Japanese restaurant, which actually happened at Century Tsukiji, was really a wonderful one. Moreover, I must say that it was definitely an eye and taste-opener episode. For over 20 years of my life, I was very pointblank on the taste of Japanese dishes. In fact, I never even thought of trying that before since I’m not really fond of raw foods. Perhaps, that hearty food trip at Century Tsukiji made me understand and appreciate Japanese foods more, and why they’re well-regarded as the world’s healthiest food.

And after that first try at Century Tsukiji, believe me, I am now hooked on Japanese food--though, my taste bud still can’t tolerate the tartness of wasabi. In fact, I love it even better now than grilled pork. What’s even great about it is that I didn’t feel bloated after that dinner. Every bits and pieces of the food that I took that night were like distributed in their proper places inside my stomach. Was it because of the green tea that I gulped down after that meal? Oh well, perhaps it’s more of the very essence of how Japanese foods are being prepared.

As we waited for our dessert, one of the world-class Chefs at Century Tsukiji, Chef Seiji Kamura, pleasurably sat with us to our delight. He talked us on the wonderful things about Japanese foods and just why they are considered the healthiest foods of all time. Furthermore, Chef Kamura gladly shared with us some trivial stuffs about Century Tsukiji. According to him, the foods they are serving at Century Tsukiji are guaranteed fresh and of really finest quality since the ingredients they’re using are being transported from Tsukiji in Tokyo and Fukouka in Kyushu to the Philippines, which are renowned for its freshest produce, from vegetables and fruits to meat and seafoods. The couple behind Century Tsukiji’s delectable taste and oriental ideas, Yusuke and Minny Katayama, personally hand pick all these best-selected ingredients and flies in at least twice a month to these major cities.

Not quite stirred yet?

Allow me to boast more about Century Tsukiji here for I believe that this posh restaurant must really be regarded an A mark in the positive card; positive in the sense that they only serve the finest and the freshest ingredients to their patrons and clients. Century Tsukiji’s menu echoes the four seasons of Japan—winter, spring, summer and autumn. Each season has a distinct effect on the fresh catch from the ocean or the type of vegetables that can be harvested. Thus, diners are definitely assured of only the finest and freshest foods on their table when they dine at Century Tsukiji. Plus, at a reasonable price of P350-P700, diners could already feast their hearts out on the budget Japanese dishes which are sure to entice their taste buds more and more. Nonetheless, if you are on a I-want-to-splurge-mode, you may want to try their specialty Wagyu Sirloin Steak for P3,000. According to Chef Kamura, this dish is really worth your money since it has Wagyu beef for its main ingredient, which is said to be one of the finest and high-quality cattle meat in the world. Better yet, Century Tsukiji’s Sashimi Mix which has fresh uni, hontoro, chutoro, hamachi, tai, maguro akami, shime saba, and ama ebi is also worth a try for P1,200.

It’s quite taxing to categorize a certain restaurant as positive since most of them are just out to provide diners fodders to feed their stomachs. But one thing’s for sure, Century Tsukiji must be on top of the list of the positive restaurants. It does not only serve the freshest, finest, and most authentic Japanese foods, it could also inject a very sanguine feeling to the diners through its cozy ambience and very accommodating service. Surely, my Century Tsukiji fine-dining experience was a blast I almost forgot I once despised Japanese foods.

Gilmore Station

Nakita ko na naman siya. Masasabi kong plinano ko tlagang puntahan ang building na nakita kong pinasukan niya noong araw na sinundan ko siya mula sa Gilmore station ng LRT2. Subalit sa maniwala ka man o hindi, hindi ko tlaga inaasahan na makikita ko talaga siya noong araw na iyon na napadaan ako sa Gilmore.

Ganon pa din ang itsura niya. Medyo nagmukha lang siya mas bata ngayon. Siguro kasi wala na yung bigote niya. Sa tingin ko, parang mas maputi din ang kulay niya ngayon.

Malayo pa lang ako tinatanaw ko na ang itaas ng gusaling pinasukan niya noon. Sa isip ko ay naghahabi na ako ng maari kong sabihin sa guwardiya kung sakali mang tanungin niya ako kung ano ba ang kailangan ko o ano ang pakay ko sa loob ng gusali na yaon. Sa totoo lang, wala talaga akong maisip. Ni hindi ko kasi alam kung ano ba ang mga klase ng kompanyang nasa loob ng gusali na iyon.

Bahala na.

Nang malapit na ako at ang kaibigan ko sa gusaling tinutukoy ko, para bang may hangin na bumulong sa akin na tumingin ako sa may bandang ibaba, sa may kanto ng gusali. At may parang kung anong kamay na humawak sa ulo ko at iminuwestra nga ang direksyon na yaon. Sa aking pagkagulat, nakita ko siyang nakatayo doon sa may kanto. At sa aking pagkamangha, nakatingin siya sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung natatandaan pa niya ako dahil dalawang beses lamang kaming nagkasabay sa LRT2, at yaong isang beses nga ay nang sinundan ko pa siya. Subalit, mahigit isang taon na ang nakalipas mula ng huli ko siyang makita.

Aaminin ko, nataranta ako. Para bang hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong tumuloy sa paglalakad patungo sa direksyon niya o tama bang bumalik na lamang ako sa pinanggalingan ko.
Subalit ang mga paa ko ay ayaw paawat. Para bagang nais nitong malaman kung ano ang mangyayari kapag ako'y dumaan sa harapan niya. Kaya't ako'y nagpatuloy.

Nang nasa tapat na niya ako, hindi ko mawari subalit parang gusto ko na siyang kausapin. Para bang may munting magnetong nagnanais na ilapit ako sa kanya. Subalit nagawa ko pa ring pigilin ang sarili ko.

Nagpatuloy ako sa paglakad. At nang ako ay nakalayo na ng konti sa kanya, nilingon ko ang kanyang kinatatayuan. NAkita ko siyang nakatingin sa akin. marahil ay sinusundan niya ako ng tingin. Lalo akong naguluhan.

Naglakad pa ako ng naglakad hanggang sa malayo na ako sa kanya. Subalit huminto ako ng sa tingin ko ay hindi na niya ako makikita. Makalipas ang halos sampung minuto, may dumaang taxi sa harapan ko. Siya ang nakasakay. Kapag daan niya sa aking kinatatayuan, tumingin siya sa akin at ngumiti. Napatigil ako. Sinundan ko ng tingin ang sinasakyan niyang taxi hanggang sa ito'y mawala na sa paningin ko.

Aaminin ko, nagalak ang puso ko ng makita ko siyang muli. Hindi dahil sa makisig siya o kung ano pa man. Isa lamang ang dahilan: kamukhang-kamukha niya ang aking nasawing kabiyak. Sa tindig niya, sa kilos, sa lakad, sa pangangatawan, maari silang pagkamalang kambal ng aking minamahal. Marahil nga ay kung makikita ang lalaking yaon ng mga magulang ng aking mahal, maghahalo ang tuwa at pananabik sa kanilang mga puso. Katulad ng aking naramdaman ng una kong makita ang lalaking iyon. Ang sabi pa nga ng kaibigan ko, kinilabutan daw siya ng makita niya ang lalaking iyon sapagkat para niyang nakitang muling nabuhay ang mahal ko.
Ang sabi ko noon, kapag nakita ko muli ang lalaking iyon, lalapitan ko na talaga siya at sasabihin ko sa kanya kung bakit ako tingin ng tingin sa kanya. Pagkaraka ay hihilingin ko sa kanya na kung maari ay yakapin ko siya kahit saglit lamang. Ninanais ng puso ko noon na maramdaman muli ang yakap ng aking mahal sa pamamagitan ng lalaking yaon na kawangis na kawangis niya.

Subalit hindi ko iyon nagawa ng ang lalaking iyon ay makita kong muli. Marahil ay pinanghinaan ako ng loob. O sadyang hindi ko talaga kaya. Hindi ko alam.
Ang sabi ko noon, kung talagang siya ang masasabing "reincarnation" ng aking mahal, hindi ko siya kinakailangang hanapin pang muli o sundan pa sa gusaling iyon. Kung talagang siya nga, ipapakita siyang muli sa akin ng langit.

Alam ko sa puso ko na ako'y mahihirapan lamang. Iisa lamang ang lalaking gusto kong makasama habang buhay. Iisa lamang ang lalaking nais kong mahalin at pag-alayan ng buhay ko hanggang sa dulo ng walang hanggan. Naisip ko, marahil nga ay kamukhang-kamukha niya ang aking minamahal, subalit hindi maaring siya at ang mahal ko ay iisa. Nag-iisa lamang ang lalaking kilala ng aking puso. At alam ko, naghihintay lamang siya sa akin sa kabilang buhay.

Datapwat kung sakaling nahabag sa abang kalagayan ko ang langit at sa wakas ay pinakinggan din ang matagal ng dinarasal ng aking puso, na ako at aking mahal ay pag-isahin muli, alam kong hindi takot ang mararamdaman ko kundi walang patumanggang kasiyahan. Sapagkat sa ngayon, sa nararamdaman ko ng makita ko ang lalaking yaon, ako'y may takot at pangamba. Para bagang ako'y nakatayo na naman sa isang pintuan, na ni hindi ko alam kung ano ang nasa loob.

Ayoko na. Minsan na akong nagbukas ng pintuan na inihain sa akin. At sa pintuang yaon ko naranasan ang walang hanggang kaligayahan at pagmamahal. Isang uri ng pagmamahal na walang kapantay at hindi kayang tumbasan ng anupaman. Tama ng iyon na lamang ang aking paglagian hanggang sa ako'y magpaalam sa mundong ito. Ayoko nag muli pang magbukas ng panibangong pinto. Maaring ako'y makasakit lamang.

Hindi ko alam kung makikita ko pang muli ang lalaking iyon. Pero isa lamang ang sigurado, hindi ko na siya muling hahanapin pa. Kung sakali mang iaadya talaga ng langit na ang landas namin ay magkrus muli, marahil sa pagsakay ko muli ng tren sa LRT2 papuntang Gilmore, alam ko na hindi ako maaring malinlang ng aking damdamin. Dedepende na lamang ako sa tibok ng aking puso. Alam kong puso ko lamang ang makapagsasabi kung nagbalik nga ba panandalian ang aking mahal.

Hanggang sa muling pagdaan ko sa Gilmore Station....

A Poetic Scene of Love, even without saying it

He is reserved; she is unfolded.

The girl lean on her man's shoulder. The two mention not a single word. After a few moment, the man places his head on the girl's head, too. They sat all night just staring at one direction.

Cultured CCP

The Koiné Theater Foundation will stage
critically acclaimed director and award
winning playwright, Niel de Mesa’s new
romantic play “To Really Like Crying
Over Spilt Milkshake” on October 18,
2007, 6:00 p.m. at the Tanghalang Huseng
Batute for the CCP’s "Waiting In The
Wings Program."

The play tells of a woman torn between a
secret admirer and an ardent suitor, and
shuttles from past to present disclosing
the ardor of a college flame that was
never fully realized. Forty years later,
the old couple waits at a restaurant,
expec ting the secret admirer to finally
reveal himself and rekindle old
passions. The play will feature seasoned
Koiné thespians; Kenneth Keng, Lesley
Leveriza and the Koiné Scholars.

Wai ting in the Wings is an annual
program of the Cultural Center of the
Philippines for works-in-progress.Following each performance, is an
audience interaction with the artists –
to share their thoughts and opinions on
the show. All performances are FREE. For
seat reservations, please call Nikki
Torres at 832-2314 or 832-1125 local 1607.

Feminist's creed

"I'm just someone who contends that believing and practicing equality between men and women is not a crime--though you may argue it's unconventional."

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf: Quality Not Popularity

Of Coffee Beans and Loose Tea Leaves.....

How well do you know your coffee beans? Most coffee drinkers don't bother to look into their cups as they sip the brew which, chances are, isn't what they think it is. But who cares? All that people on the go want is a quick fix of caffeine as they dash off to office or to wherever.

We have been drinking coffee for most of our adult life and come to think of it, have never looked to see what's in the mug. So long as it looked like coffee and tasted like coffee, that was good enough for moi.
Well, not anymore. Not since Walden Chu and Paolo del Rosario invited us on a discovery expedition to Los Angeles to learn about coffee as it is made and served at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Walden and Paolo are partners, among others, of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Philippines, Inc. which opened its first shop at Greenbelt 3 in Ayala Center, Makati City.
My daughter Elizabeth would often bring home a cup of CBTL which she declared was the best of the coffee brands (including StarBucks, Figaro and Seattle's Best). "Mom, you should try it ... not just the coffee but also their tea," she would urge me.
Well, I needed no urging during the L.A. visit where we visited several CBTL shops including those in Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Universal Studios, the first of some 90 in Greater Los Angeles, plus in Arizona and Texas, 16 in the Philippines, 77 stores in Singapore and Malaysia, a few more in Europe for a total of 400 shops.

For me it was a learning trip, not just about coffee but also about tea which is served hot or cold, a new addiction for "chai latte," made 16 kinds of tea, and "ice blended", a frosty CBTL bestseller,

The CBTL story goes back to 1963 and to Mona and Herbert B. Hyman, merchants of coffee beans and loose leaf teas, in Brentwood, Los Angeles. James Stewart, founding chair and president of Seattle�s Best Coffee, was said to have worked and trained under Hyman where he learned the tricks of the trade, then went on to put up Seattle�s Best Coffee in1971.
Years later, Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, wrote in his autobiography that the frappucino of Starbucks was inspired by an "ice blended beverage" from southern California. "Copied" sounds more like it! That ice blended drink is an original invention of CBTL.
It was in the 1990s that the Sassoon brothers, Victor and Sunny, who got the franchise to open the first CBTL in Singapore, then bought the business from Hyman.

The curiosity of Sassoon, who was also a show producer, had been piqued by the request of many of the Hollywood performing artists for a supply of CBTL beverages during their concert tour in Singapore.

During a visit to Hollywood, Victor Sassoon was introduced by Paula Abdul (of American Idol fame) to the CBTL in L.A. Sassoon was instantly hooked. He joined a league of CBTL aficionados, among them actors and artists.

Indeed, according to showbiz chatter, Britney Spears is so addicted to it, specially to mocha ice blended and chai latte (as I am, too), she has her Coffee Bean fix flown in by private jet to wherever she is shooting or performing outside of Los Angeles.
Likewise ... Paris Hilton declared that "my favorite drink is the pure chocolate ice blended. And when I'm at The Coffee Bean on La Cienega, I like looking at my Guess? Billboard next door."

When Matt Lauer on Dateline NBC asked Madonna if she's able to walk into Starbucks like any normal person, the Material Girl replied: "Can we go to the Coffee Bean instead?" She reportedly loves "all the whole leaf teas" of CBTL.
Also fans of Coffee Bean's ice blended drinks are Matthew Perry and Ben Stiller who said so during interviews.

And by the way, Hollywood stars and other celebrties are treated like everybody else at CBTL. They line up for their orders like the other customers.
At the CBTL shop in Hollywood's Sunset Plaza, chances are, you'll see the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Kelly Osbourne, Brad Pitt, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Robert Downey Jr., Matthew Perry, et al, standing in line. Even Renee Zellweger was spotted holding an ice blended.

CBTL shops or a facsimile of it have been used as location sites in several movies such as ... for instance, expect to see Coffee Bean in the movie remake of "Bewitch" starring Nicole Kidman... it was in "Nutty Professor 2" with Eddie Murphy.
Coffee Bean's Ice Blended beverage are a mix of coffee and fruit flavors, aside from mocha. They were created accidentally (don't many good things in life happen by accident?) by a CBTL barister, Diane Martel. We met her at the CBTL headquarter on La Cienaga Blvd. (a main thoroughfare parallel to Wilshire Blvd.)

Now director of training and development, Diane, a bubbly woman in her late 30's, worked as a barister (coffeemaker) at CBTL. She had just returned from a European holiday where she had gained a lot of weight. Naturally, her first thought was to lose the pounds. She got hold of a reducing drink powder and blended it with fruit. But the taste was "yuck!" she recalled, laughing. She continued experimenting. She added coffee to the mix but, alas, it still tasted "yuck!

Finally, scrapping the Slim Fast, she mixed coffee, chocolate and fruit power in blender, added some ice and milk, and ... voila! A milestone in coffee history... the now famous CBTL ice blended was born.

CBTL, which is sometimes simply called The Bean, serves your classic coffee brews and more, such as hot and cold blends made of coffee or tea, including 32 delightful tea lattes, which appeal to the new generation of coffee shop habitues.

While we were in L.A., they were introducing the banana caramel and strawberry cream ice blended. But my all time favorite is chai latte, a sweet blend of 16 teas with milk (or soymilk if you wish) and vanilla. Another big favorite is vanilla with caramel.

The Sassoon brothers isn't rushing expansion of CBTL despite its runaway success in Singapore. In the Forbes magazine which featured Victor on its cover, Sassoon gamely admits that Starbucks may be numero uno in the business, but there's space in second place for CBTL.
And CBTL is trying harder to please its customers.

"It's a cliche to say you scour the world to look for the best coffees, but not everyone's doing that," said Jay Isais, CBTL's director of green coffee at their Camarillo facility.
"We are always looking. We get coffee from 14 countries but we're buying from a pool of less than 1 percent of the coffee in the world." Isais continues: "If there's something good coming from Costa Rica, I�ll know about it. I know who's growing it, who's buying it and what their paying for it."

With 20 years in the business, he figures he's roasted 10 million pounds of coffee in his life and the amount is growing at 60,000 pounds per week.

Still, CBTL COO Melvin Elias insists: "it's not about how big we can get. It�s about how good we can get."

The Sassoons are choosing their partners carefully, declaring a policy of pleasure before business. They have to like whoever they are dealing with before they get into a deal with that person.

Luckily for Filipinos, they chose Walden Chu, a young entrepreneur with an uncanny acumen for spotting a good product. Walden is the man also responsible for bringing to the Philippines, the massively successful Redbox karaoke complex in Greenbelt and Breadtalk bakeshop, also Banana Leaf and China Star restaurants.

Walden, a graduate of the University of Michigan, works with a core team composed of his siblings, and Paulo del Rosario, an AIM graduate and childhood buddy. His siblings are Wilson Jr., Winward, Elizabeth and Emmelyne who are given charge of the different enterprises under the company umbrella.

Walden believes we have the "nicest" CBTL outlets here in the Philippines, including the Greenbelt 3 store and the latest, at Alabang Town Center. While the shops copy that CBTC standard "look" like the red rooftiles, Walden has added a tropical charm to it.
Also, their food because Filipinos always order food along with their tea or coffee is great, specially their caesar salad, sausages and breakfast sets. The pastries and bread are always fresh (everything is homebaked) and the sandwiches are splendid tummy fillers.

Their contribution to CBTL international is mango ice blended, now a global bestseller.
By the way, it's good to know there are more tea drinks other than oolong, jasmine, green tea and chamomile and you can take tea in so many ways, besides adding milk and sugar. But let me tell you about it at another time.

Source:

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2005/07/02/SCTY2005070238497.html

***I just feel so proud to have been part of this company--even for just three days. It's really the best! Super promote aq noh..hahahaha!

Think of Philippines. Think of Home.

Think of Philippines. Think of Home.

How well do you know the Philippines?

Ask me that question when I was in elementary and I’m sure to answer you about my memorized definition of the Philippines through my Sibika book. Back then, I could only find myself interested in the topics about the beauty of the Philippines whenever there’s a scheduled quiz or if there’s an assignment. But that interest will already end right after the school year. To be perfectly frank and honest, I was not that fascinated of our country back then and studying about it is not an essential matter since I’m already living here.

As a young girl, I’ve always been fond of watching foreign films, particularly those from Walt Disney Pictures, as I love seeing the scenic spots and beautiful places in those foreign countries. Back then, those places I used to see in American flicks were the epitomes of a perfect destination for me. Young as I was then, I promised myself that as soon as I grow up and could already earn my own money, I will live in that place and will settle there for good.
Good thing I grew up thinking very differently from that young, harebrained girl I used to be. I don’t know what came of me, but as I aged, I started seeing and realizing the wonderful things about the Philippines. Never mind if it still has billions of debts from the World Bank and other countries, or if more than half of the government officials are corrupt, or if it carries negative reputations on some aspects. Really, I care less about those trivial stuffs now. The worth of my country is far much important than those filthy spots.

I didn’t know when and how my genuine love and appreciation of the Philippines started. It’s just that one day, I woke up thanking Heaven for choosing this country as my birthplace. And from that day on, I can’t stop admiring the beauty and natural splendor of the Philippines. Perhaps, the love for my motherland is actually innate in me. I only need to grow up and discover many things to unleash that natural affection. And thankfully, I already did.

I am just as thankful that the concept of home and perfect destination of that “young girl,” who only knew of the Philippines through her Sibika book, was long put into oblivion. Because now, I am sure that when I think of home, I could only think of the busy and crowded streets of Metro Manila; the cool and romantic spots of Baguio; the remote and exotic caves and underground rivers of Sagada; the pristine waters of Hundred Islands; the white sands of Boracay, Puerto Galera, and Zambales; the enticing beaches of Bohol and Batangas; the historic provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, and Cavite; the alluring Pagsanjan Falls of Laguna and its other hot springs; the picturesque landscapes of Davao and Cebu; the mangrove forest reserves of Siargao Islands; and definitely everything about the beautiful island of the Philippines.

Oh well, I haven’t been to all the aforementioned places—only some. However, traveling around the Philippine archipelago is one of my goals. I just need some moolah to help me get on with it (*winks*). After all, it feels a lot better knowing and rediscovering your own motherland before digging up other’s soil.

And with all my might, I would love to scream from the top of my lungs that I am indeed, very proud to be a Filipino. “I AM PROUD TO BE A FILIPINO!”

A Raise in the Salary

"I simply want a raise in my salary," says an employee to his boss. "There are two more companies after me."

The boss says"Oh, I see there are two more companies after you. May I please have the pleaseure of knowing the names of these companies."

Pleadingly the employee replies" the electric company and the telephone company".


Source: http://www.funmunch.com/jokes/office/habit.shtml

Insiang at CCP

INSIANG
Limited Engagement
Oct. 5-7, 12-14 8pm
Oct. 6-7, 13-14 3pm
Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio
Theater)Ticket prices: Php700, Php500

“Insiang” was first developed as a radio
play then dramatized for television and then
adapted for film and eventually the
stage. All versions were written by
Mario O’Hara. The film version directed
by Lino Brocka (National Artist for
Film) won accolades at international
film festivals and made Hilda Koronel a
household name. The Tanghalang Pilipino
version won the Aliw Awards Best Play
including Best Actor (Ricky Davao), Best
Actress (Malu de Guzman), Best Director
(Chris Millado) and nominations for Best
Actress (Sheenly Vee Gener), and Best
Supporting Actress (Mae Paner).

Story

The virginal Insiang boldly holds on to
her dreams as she makes her way through
the comic, complicated and reckless
surround ings of the slums. Still reeling
from the untimely death of her father,
the young girl seeks affirmation from
her mother who continues to be
embittered by their situation. She
discovers that love and comfort are
short lived in the arms of her boyfriend
and stepfather. A dangerous flower
blossoms in the midst of the squalor as
utter desperation sets in. Friends and
neighbors can only watch helplessly as
the jolting finale unfolds. The
wrap-around set and the environmental
sta ging puts audiences in the middle of
this unsettling tale about the
ruthlessness of power and the failure of
forgiveness.
Audience
May be inappropriate for 13 and under.
Insiang is recommended for mature
audiences – for strong language, brief
nudity, and adult themes. Children
under the age of 4 are not permitted in
the theatre.

Aren a Seating

On each performance a limited number of
seats are available which offer an
eiting and unique way to experience
the performance with the action of the
show taking place all around you.
Please come forty-five (45) minutes
prior the performance time and indicate
to the ushers that you want to be seated
in the arena area.

Special Event for Class, Community and
Corporations<>
A Q&A session with select members of the
cast and creatives will be arranged
speciall y for your class, community or
company regarding themes in INSIANG i.e.
gender, women, poverty, “soap” an
adverstising, design, stage fight, etc.
Please contact Bright Eyed Boys
Events&I deas, Inc. for more information
on how to collaborate with us on making
Insiang a unique experience for your
student, community and staff.

The Best of Manila Sound: "Hopya Mani Popcorn"

Are you a kid of the '70s? '80s? You surely have heard of the term Manila Sound. It was the "in" thing during that time. It vibrates soothing sounds. It is pleasant to the ears, even when it appears noisy. I can't explain it any further, though.

This is a compilation album (as written in this article's title) featuring some of those decades' most memorable songs, but played by today's most contemporary musicians. Songs featured include songs from VST & Co, Rico J. Puno, Sampaguita, and Florante.

The tracks of the album are Macho Gwapito (Protein Shake), Ako si Superman (Sound), Ipagpatawad Mo (Mayonnaise), TL Ako Sa'yo (Kitchie Nadal), Rock Baby Rock (Kala), and No Touch (Rocksteddy), Tao (DRT), Kapalaran (Radioactive Sago Project), Handog (Join The Club), Hanggang Magdamag (Kapatid), Bonggahan (6 Cycle Mind), Bitin Sa'yo (Up Dharma Down), and Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko (Soapdish).

CDs are available on your favorite records bars.

Tongue Twister

The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick.

That's the hardest tongue twister according to Guiness Book of World Records.

Source: text messages

Sampling La Mesa Grill's cuisine

(published at One Philippines Magazine in 2006)

Various non-Filipino restaurants sprouted like mushrooms in the metropolis. There are still few Pinoy eating rendezvous, but even the ones who claim to offer authentic Filipino dishes seem to not stick to the traditional Pinoy food preparation,taste, and presentation. This is how the newly-opened La Mesa Grill different from those mentioned above. It aims to bring authentic Filipino gastronomic encounter to us Pinoy food lovers.

Owned by Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Mike Sicat, and Enrico U. Dee, the idea of coming out with a purely Filipino diner was an old tale between the three. Only early this year when the concept finally materialized. “This was created to fill in a demand . There's always a clamor to bring balikbayans to good Filipino restaurants,bring a foreign guest to a good Filipino restaurant, and the question is always, where to bring them?”Said one of La Mesa Grill's owners, restaurateur Enrico “Rikki” U.Dee.

With its modern Filipino style interior, one could never mistake the place's identity to something else. Emulating the bahay-kubo, the La Mesa Grill's indoor dining area takes the customer not only to an enticing food treat, but also to an entirely different environment. One could feel the easy and cool ambiance that the bamboos contributes to the place. Designed by some of the best architects of the country, the original style and indigenous furniture (like the Ifugao chairs) of La Mesa Grill are undoubtedly eyecathers. Outdoor seats are also provided. One could feast at the majestic and breathtaking view of the Manila Bay while sampling the best Filipino cuisine. The huge SM Mall of Asia at Pasay City houses the first-ever branch of the La Mesa Grill.

Why La Mesa Grill?

The joy of having to grill your own food at the dining table is something new to Filipino restaurants. This is being introduced by La Mesa. Apparently, this is also the reason why it is named the La Mesa Grill. The do-it-yourself manner of grilling barbecues etc. is done by Korean, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants, but not with Pinoy diner. This is another breakthrough that La Mesa initiated. Not only that, La Mesa chooses to use charcoal during inihaw time. This traditional way of grilling is a heritage proven to sustain a more flavorful inihaw delight. A perfectly purposeful bamboo-exhaust is provided, another first by La Mesa Grill.


...And the Food
Lechon, anyone? Seldom does a restaurant nowadays serves the popular Pinoy fiesta-main attraction dish Lechon. La Mesa found a new way of presenting it to the fastidious eye of customers. They call their lechon “Crispchon”, short for crispy lechon. You could either eat it the traditional way with choice of rice or wrap it in Pandan Crepe with Wansuy, Cucumber, and Leeks garnishes. Eating lechon is never complete without dipping it to your choice of sauce. You could choose from six different dips: garlic, wansuy-infused, Rikki's choice, spicy pork liver, curry mustard, or sweet chili.

Crispchon is the bestseller of La Mesa. For only Php 2,900, one could treat the whole family with One Whole Crispchon. Order of Crispchon can also be in One half (½) for Php 1,450 , One fourth Php 780 (¼) and One sixth (1/6) Php 480.

The economical prices of the food offered by La Mesa Grill attract customers from all walks of life, affordable without sacrificing the quality. Versatility is the name of the game, that's why people behind La Mesa made sure they have meat, seafoods, and vegetables and fruits in their menu.

The Appetizers (Mga Pampagana) that are expected to elicit Ooohs andAahs when served include Tahong with cheese (Php130),Halaan Ala Pobre (130),Scallops in Garlic Butter (Php150), Tokwa't Baboy (Php100), Tinapa Roll (Php90), Peanuts (Php55),Kropeck (Php50), Hito Flakes with Mangga Salad (Php150), Gambas (Php190), Mangga with Bagoong (Php75), Crispy Tenga (Php130), Mixed Seafood Ala Gambas (Php170), Sisig (Php150), Sisig Mayo (Php160), Sisig with egg (Php160), Crispy Pusit Sisig (Php150), Tofu Sisig (Php150), Lumpiang Sisig (Php125), Magga Salad (Php95), Calamares (Php125), Pinsec Prito (Php95), Sizzling Litid (Php140), Crispy tawilis with mangga (Php100) and the Sari-saring Pampanga (a platter of Crispy tawilis, tinapa roll,calamares, pinsec, kropeck, crispy tenga and peanuts) for only Php 190.

La Mesa's Sisig is highly recommended as it sticks to original Kapampangan recipe, which uses strictly chicken liver.Tinapa Roll, Hito Flakes with Mangga Salad, and Crispy tawilis are some of La Mesa's experimental appetizers.

Classical Pinoy favorites (Mga Paborito) ,that do not fail to satisfy our taste glands, are also present at La Mesa's mezza. Some of these are Kare-kare, Beef Kaldereta Bulalo,Grilled Blue Marlin,Stuffed Squid, Lengua, Estofado, and lots more. Satisfy your curiosity by trying Pinatayong Manok, Sizzling Blue Marlin Belly, Steamed with latik (choice of Apahap or Tilapia) ,and the festive Sama-samang Inihaw Platter and Sama-samang Yaman Dagat.

Scrumptious Grill sa La Mesa food on a stick and on a platter are offered like Pork BBQ, Pwet ng Manok, Balun-Balunan, Atay ng Manok, Chicken soft Bones, Corn, Mushroom, Eggplant, Okra, (On a Platter) Pork Lengua, Pork Belly, Pork Ribs, Tadyang ng Baka, Hita ng Manok, Pakpak ng Manok, Tahong Acallops, Halaan, Hito, Pusit, Sugpo, and Tiyan ng Bangus.

Seafood lovers will be delighted with La Mesa Grill's Lutong Asin Dagat(Rock Salt Cooking) and Kinulob sa Asin Dagat.

Desserts (Panghimagas) inlcude Toffe Banana, Turon, Dalandan Sorbet, Kamias Sorbet, Leche Plan, Cassanova Cake, Mais con Hielo, Mango Torte, Halo-Halo, Sago't Gulaman, and more.

For a complete Filipino dining experience, La Mesa Grill plays OPM Music . Hear Filipino artists like MYMP to Sharon Cuneta serenade La Mesa goers.

Discover and explore the Pinoy in you! Visit the La Mesa Grill at SM Mall of Asia. Open everyday, with extended hours.JCM

Sunday is Pacquiao Day

This Sunday, October 7, brace yourself, hold on to your seats, fasten your seat belts, and ready your popcorn and soda for one of the year's biggest event. Pacquiao vs Barrera. Mark your calendars. Be there. It will surely happen.

GX-Con: The Philippines' First Gaming Convention

Ever heard of E3? TGS? Leipzig? GDC?

No?

Well, these are the big events on gaming happening every year on different countries. These are where the latest games and video game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Gameboy, etc.) are showcased, demoed, reviewed, previewed, and well, played. These events are where there are a splurge of news and information, confirmation of unconfirmed speculations, wave of screenshots, trailers and gameplay videos are unveiled, and where game developers make public appearances to speak.

Are these events also happening in the Phlippines? Unfortunately no. These events only happen in the US, Japan, Germany, UK, ours not included. But we have our toy conventions, anime conventions, Star Wars conventions, and other similar interests. But those are far from gaming, in which lots of Filipino youth finds very addicting.

Well, now we have our own, though not as big. This October 7, at SM Megamall Megatrade 3, GamEX magazine along with its publisher PSICOM will organizing the Philippines very first console gaming convention. In this event, visitors can play some of the latest games released on Sony's PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable, Microsoft's Xbox 360, and Nintendo's Wii and DS. Tournaments are also planned for the event. Prices to be won includes a PlayStation 3 and an Xbox 360.

There is also a cosplay (costume play) competition, but instead of portraying anime characters, contestants will have to focus on game characters.

For a ticket price of P100, visitors may have the chance to visit some of the invited communities the cater to gaming such as PinoyPSX, Pinoy-N, and PinoyXbox. These community sites will showcase some of their games too, their systems, and what their systems can do.

The event is open from 10:30am to 9:00pm. Sponsors include Toy Kingdom, Yoshinoya, AMDG, and Kellogg's.

Click GamEX's site for more info at www.gamex-mag.com.

Gantimpla Theater's Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing is Finally Here in Manila

Inspired by the comic strip drawn by our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, made into a children’s play by multi-Palanca award winner J. Dennis Teodosio, with music composed by award-winning musical director Jesse Lucas, and directed by Gantimpala Theater’s Tony S. Espejo, Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing is finally here in Manila for a limited engagement.

The original story of Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing is about a gentle turtle and a wily monkey who plant halves of a banana tree. Thinking that the upper part with leaves would bear fruit soon, the greedy monkey plants the upper half, but it withers. The turtle, on the other hand, gets the unsightly lower portion with the roots.After some time, it flourishes and soon is laden with fruits. Since the turtle cannot climb the tree to gather the fruits, the monkey volunteers to harvest them. However, he eats all the bananas while he is up on the tree, throwing the skin down the turtle. Angry, the turtle plants some pointed snails around the banana trunk and hides under a coconut shell. The monkey comes down and gets his just desserts. Wounded, he searches and finds the turtle. As punishment, he gives the turtle two choices: to be pounded with a mortar or be thrown in water. The clever one chooses the mortar and deceives the monkey thinking that he joss afraid of drowning. The monkey throws the turtle in water, where the latter soon surfaces laughing.

This time, director Espejo presents a 2K07 version that comes in the form of a spectacular musical that gives kids and the young at heart valuable lessons about friendship, fairness, forgiveness, sharing, and love for the environment, all presented by singing and dancing humans that take on animal and plant characteristics.

Michael King Urieta (Pagong). Francis Ong (Matsing). Meldea Flor Formacil (Suso, the turtle’s best friend) and Anthony Cruz (Tarsier, the monkey’s sidekick), Rommel Ponseca (Mango), Ronald Concepcion (Acacia), John Paolo Garcia (Mangrove), Rene Nisperos (Upper Banana part), and Rommel Aratan (lower banana part) make up the cast of this appealing extravaganza.

Fresh from its successful performances in Subic, Pampanga, and Tarlac, this special pearl anniversary presentation starts its limited Manila run on October 18, Thursday, 10 a.m. (sold-out) and 2 p.m., at the AFP Theater in Quezon City; October 24-26, Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the SM Southmall in Las Piñas City.

It will also tour Cavite (SM Bacoor on November 28-30) Baguio, Cebu, and key cities in Mindanao and Hong Kong early next year.

A special public showing of Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing billed Handog ng Gantimpala Para sa Kabataan ng Maynila is set on December 2, 7:00 p.m., at the Concert at the Park Open Air Auditorium in Luneta, Manila.

Call, 899-5745 or 896-3503 (Manila shows); 528-0603 or 536-5860 (provincial performances) or write to: gantimpalaproduction@yahoo.com.ph