Harvest Moon: Animal Parade

I never knew how much I missed console games until I started playing last week and fell immediately back in love with whole concept of being a casual gamer. It's something I look forward to on the weekends and my chill time after work. Although I've noticed that I spend most hours playing than anything else, it's a good escape from my temporary set-back. It keeps me from squandering cash outdoors, instead I squander time indoors. Fair enough.

The current apple of my eye is Harvest Moon Animal Parade. It brought me back to those days, long ago, when life was less complicated as my problems only composed of what tool to upgrade and what gift to give to a villager? Now it's a question of what now, and where to go from here? But as long as I have crops to grow and animals to feed, this is where my satisfaction level becomes shallow, temporarily. Oh humanity! 

I look forward to finishing the game so that I can start with the next. But in the case of Harvest Moon, it never really ends...so just until I get bored, then I go on with my life.

Les Miserables

Les Miserables is memorable to me in a sense that it gave me some of the darkest days and sleepless nights a few years back. I was 3rd year or 4th year   high school when I was tasked to be the scriptwriter of a 20-minute play, the Les Miserables. As an ignorant high school student, it was the first time I heard of the term, and reading the plot had caused so much confusion that I never really understood the story even after writing the script. 

Now, after seeing the 3-hour movie, I finally understood that the story was as confusing as the script I did. A lot of characters, multiple plots, and a span of over eighteen years of story progression...I just did the impossible, make a 20-minute-12-page script for Les Miserables. 

Here are my observations of the movie:

1. About half-way through the movie I realized that it was a musical because they were all singing even in times that they shouldn't. "Oh I was shot!" -Éponine. And after seeing wikipedia and the 50 songs of the movie, I knew they were darn too many!

2. I became a bigger Amanda Seyfried fan after she hit those high notes without losing breath or cringing.

3. I finally understood the irony of "I Dreamed a Dream" thanks to  Anne Hathaway's rendition. I always thought the song wasn't as tragic as she sang it.

4. Javert has a thing about walking on the edge of really tall places and singing there. Sad that Russell Crowe's voice didn't match the beautiful melodies of his songs. I wish Gerard Butler was Javert.

5. Éponine was the classic example of being friendzoned.

6. Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen were perfect for the role!

7. The movie felt 158 minutes long. My bum hurt at the end of it.

8. My friend beside me was crying in most parts.

9. The only one not miserable enough was Cosette...why she's the logo of the play is not fully understood.

10. Hugh Jackman deserved his Golden Globe.

Life of Pi

When a story taps into the question about man's purpose of existence and God, then the story blows up far beyond the straightforward context of the simple storytelling. In this case, Pi's life became far more ambiguous than man's innate nature to survive. For a story that's about survival, it turns to something involving faith, a question on life, and humanity. I haven't read the book...so I have no basis of comparison.

I didn't realize that there was so much water-time involved, until my friend mentioned that about 80% of the movie was at sea so at the end of it he feared sailing even more. I wouldn't argue that because I'd much rather die than endure the hardship that Pi had to go through to make it out alive...but then again, when you see the end of the movie, that he had a good life after the incident, it makes you wonder...is it worth it?

I wish I had watched the movie in 3D because the movie, beyond the intricacies that goes on between Pi and Richard Parker, was visually appealing; especially the part where glowing jellies floated beneath his boat, and with the whale suddenly leaping off the water, could have been beautiful in 3D--but to my friend, he simply felt like he was going to drown. I love the sea when I look at it, I never get sick...just don't put me in it.

The story was summarized at the beginning when old Pi said, "I found my faith in Vishnu, but I found God's love in Christ." then he said something I had forgotten about. It made me understand why a man chooses to have three religions: because religion was made to get people to feel closer to God, and if that is how he sees Him, then who am I to argue? My impression? He's very open-minded Hindu-Christian-Muslim.

Now see how the movie makes you think deeper than you're supposed to? That's why it's beautiful, because it is.

New Year's Resolution for 2013

I didn't know you have to pay for the picture until I was 100 meters away.

Hats down to this guy, he laughed off the horse's kick.

My horse, Black Beauty

2012 may be a total bitch, but for 2013, things are looking up as my year began with me riding a black horse that almost killed me. We were supposed to gallop in the white sand beach as the sun rose out of the east horizon with our hairs whipping in the air and the clear blue waters splashed in the background. That was the plan. We got there on the 31st in the afternoon, but the horses were out and the owner said that the horses are more relaxed in the morning when they're refreshed and had their rest. With the British owner of the stable agreeing that we go there by 6am of January 1, 2013...me and my brothers left for the Horse Stable at 5:30am. With the rain pouring in the night on the 31st, the streets were flooded, but we arrived around 5:30am anyway. We sat and waited and waited...and around 6:30, the very drunk caretaker who promised he won't be drinking came in with red eyes and a zigzag walk. He kicked the other caretaker who will be our guide to wake up from the floor. They were both a mess but I wasn't about to give up on that perfect shot of me riding a black galloping horse on the beach with the hair and all!

I was giddy to know that the black horse was awake. His name is Black Beauty. Right before riding him, I brushed his mane all around...he seemed nice. The moment I rode him, he kicked the intoxicated caretaker on the stomach...how painful if was, I couldn't tell because he simply laughed and slapped the horse after the kick. As we were about to leave, Black Beauty went almost berserk. I said an awful lot of bad words that moment. Riding him was one of the scariest thrill and the scariest horse ride of my life. Ever. I couldn't control him, he wouldn't budge, and he was not afraid of threatening me to fall off his back. We passed cliffs with a drunk guide and a very grumpy horse. My only prayer? I don't die on new year's day.

So, under very bad conditions and rising tides, we didn't make it out on the beach. I wasn't very disappointed, I was more relieved that I get to mount off the horse sooner than planned. At least riding a black horse named Black Beauty is off my bucket list...the beach on a horse thing is still pending though.

And since I made it through the first day alive, I've come to reflect on what I want this year to happen in my life:

1. Feel Younger

I went home from Boracay with a terrible body pain. For crying out loud! I'm feeling far older than my age! So, I need to gain back the vitality I once had when I was...well I can't really recall when I felt younger than my designated age, but this year is a good start.

2. Reach a 6-digit Savings Account

This was actually last year's one and only New Year's resolution...didn't even make it half-way. This year, I'm more positive about making it happen. Swear!

3. Well...two resolutions is all I could handle. So for my third resolution, it's actually to make my two resolutions happen. At least I'm being realistic about it because I couldn't even fulfill that one single resolution I made last year. 

Crazy Chicken

It's one thing to go in a restaurant, order whatever, make your observations, take a few photos, and write your review a while after; it's a whole other thing to know a restaurant before it came to be and know that the owners' eyes are hard on you, eagerly waiting for a hopefully biased article because you're relatives. Well...I shall deny that this one is a one-sided review because I shall, kindly, also include the other side of the spectrum.

Unlike my other articles, I actually know what this restaurant is all about and how it came to be...I was even involved with the look of the place. Yep, the looney chicken logo was designed by moi, as well as most of the food shots you'll see for the ads and stuff. This was one of the bigger "free"lance projects I did...well, I got my pay in kind. Still, despite the emphasis on free, I enjoy doing such projects and if this thing gets big I shall be proud of it. My brother is also the one responsible for the look of the interior.

We were doing a photoshoot, that's why the tables look messy.

The idea of Crazy Chicken came about due to the lack of existing buffalo wings place here in the metro. So the concept happened before Bon Chon arrived to our shores and made the spicy wings a local staple. A relative of mine, together with her husband, travelled all over USA trying out the different wings being offered, from San Francisco, to Chicago, to Los Angeles, and New York. And as foodies should notice, it's those people who've tasted the actual authentic thing who wind up with a proper-tasting recipe. As my cousin is a foodtech and food taster for the likes of Pizza Hut, KFC, and other big food industry names, she knew extaclty what to whip up for her menu the moment they returned to the country. It was a long process of trial-and-error to the point where her kids grew wings, but the reward was a really good buffalo wings and burger place.

Meaty Red Spaghetti

Insanity Burger (Php 195.00)

Funky Burger (Php 125.00)

Korean Soy Garlic Chicken

The addicting Jalapeno Sticks (Php 59.00)

Potato Wedge (Php 49.00)

An open-faced Overload Burger (Php 155.00)

Shoe-string Burger (Php 140.00)

The Nachos are good for sharing (Php 70.00)

If there are such things as hole-in-the-wall places, this is one of them; but it's more of an out-of-the-way restaurant because getting there is not easy, and finding the place will take you through sub-streets down smaller roads in far away Marikina until--lo and behold--you see the awesome logo of Crazy Chicken! Good for those living in Marikina, bad for everyone else...but if you have a car, give it a whirl though because it's worth the effort for chicken lovers. The idea of the interior (because I know firsthand) came about from retro American diners with the striped wall on one side, and a bright fiery red on the other. The cushioned seats and the stainless tables are illuminated by the warm industrial lamps at night. The canvas hanging on the wall are streets in New York and it feels right to look at them as you dig your teeth down those spicy chicken meat. But--and I know--elements are still missing on the red side of the wall because I'm still in the process of doing the artwork to be hanged...so I didn't take a photo of it. 

Personally, I'm a sucker for spicy food. I remember trying Buffalo's Wings N' Things's nuclear wings despite the warning that it's only "for those who dare"...I was disappointed as it tasted more buttery than spicy. That said, I tried Crazy Chicken's level-2 spicy wings and it caused me to wallop the table as I grasped for air. It was hot like peeking your face down in hell, but it was also bursting with flavor down to the bone that it made the experience more delightful than painful. The lemon pepper was also a nice combination of this citrusy-zingy bite then kicks you with a slight spicy aftertaste. The garlic parmesan was crispy and reeked of the beautiful pungent taste you get from two strong flavors. The Korean soy garlic had a nice Asian flare as the sauce is thick and gooey that sticks perfectly well on the chicken. Like most chicken joints, they double-fry the wings for a crispier experience before smothering it with the desired sauce. The chicken parts served are also big despite the cheaper price, so this makes it affordable.

Another notable food item on their menu are their ginormous burgers. They use Australian beef angus which is a plus, and they don't put much extenders which is a plus-plus; and they serve it on a chopping board which adds another plus to their plus-size burgers. They're not kidding when they say that they use 1/3 pound beef patty because as you see in the picture, it is as big as the bun itself. Now, imagine ingredient topping off another ingredient after the other; it's basically a meal that will stuff your stomach full. Sharing it is completely understandable.

I'm not a big fan of the Filipino-style spaghetti, but it you like it sweet and saucy, the one served here might hit the right spot because I describe the taste as nostalgic, the kind you'd eat in children's parties back in the 1990s. Now, if you have cold beer at home, try the jalapeno sticks or eat it as a snack. As the fried chili wrapped in lumpia wrapper and stuffed with cheese is gaining its fair share of fans, you shouldn't let the opportunity of a possible addiction go. It's crispy and oozing with cheese but the bang is not as tear-jerking as you may think because it perfectly gains your favor. The nachos is also something that I will mention because they make darn good salsa made out of fresh onions, tomatoes, and cilantro; and if you can imagine those with the ground beef and cheddar sauce topping the crispy tortilla, then you'll know what I mean. Special mention on the thick-cut potato wedges and the iced tea that reminds me of Tokyo Tokyo's red iced tea.

Here's a copy of their latest menu.

Also Like their Facebook page on: www.facebook.com/crazychickenlove

*Crazy Chicken has been rebranded under a new management as Chicken Studio.

Bye 2012!

Yesterday was the end of the world according to the Mayan Calendar. I'm here to update the day after...I must be a survivor, or Armageddon was cancelled again for some reason as it has been on several occasions now. Who knows, maybe next year will be the end of the world again?

It's been a long wait, but finally I can breathe a sigh of relief as the year closes to an end. This has to be my worst year yet. I thought this was going to be my year because it's the Year of the Dragon...but no, the dragon was a total bitch! Seriously, had the world ended this year I'd be in deep crap because I know I will get no rest until I find redemption. Imagine me becoming one of those unrest souls in a world of an apocalytic aftermath...what's the point of being a ghost if there won't be any humans left to scare?

If there's one thing I look forward to this year, it was to end it...not necessarily via apocalypse, just get it over with December 31, 2012 - 23:59:59. 2013 better be good to me or else I'd be damned to endure another terrible year. My only consolation was buying myself a bunch of new stuff because, as a must for all, we must prioritize ourselves this Christmas season...therefore, before buying everyone else's Christmas present I bought myself these well-deserved gifts.


1. Hedgren Sling Bag (Php. 2700++ from Travel Club)

I have been eying this bag for a long time at Bratpack now, it's just that the ones available then were either too big or isn't the right shape I want. When I saw this on Glorietta's Travel club, I knew this was "it". I can still recall the priceless look the sales lady gave me when I said I was going to purchase the bag. You see, I was not in the mood to wear shoes that day, so I wore a shirt, some jeans, and the slippers I use at home. As you may well know by now, sales people were trained to not mind the people who look incapable of spending, so I went around the store unnoticed. When I finally inquired about the price of the bag, the sales lady wasn't enthusiastic about telling me that it was a little pricey. I recognized it as an all-purpose rude expression. That's wasn't my concern. Upon hearing that the price was in my budget range of below Php 3000.00 I immediately said, "Okay, I'll buy it." It took less than a second between the closing of her mouth and my decision to get it. And you should've seen the face of the woman, wide-eyed and jaw falling in disbelief that a woman dressed unfit to enter their store could do impulse buying under such quick circumstances. I had to dissuade myself from suddenly doing my signature evil in-your-face laugh...to see her send a telepathic apology as she handed me the paper bag was in-your-face enough.

This Hedgren was designed in Belgium, but made in China...and one of North Face's sister company. I love the words written on the print:

range results of Book or Life,
between and written those words!
Before the nebula of thoughts
history for the whole purpose
cleaning, beating flights crying
those starting art

Okay...I did not get that one either...must be a Chinese translation of a song or something.

2. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 2013 Planner (Priceless in my opinion, but if I add up the bill of 12 stamps in total, it will cost somewhere around Php. 1600++)

This may be the shortest amount of time I got to collect the stamps. In a span of two and a half weeks I was able to get the planner...simply because they gave it sometime mid-November, and knowing that I'll be leaving for Bacolod early December, I was pressured to drink CBTL almost every day for the planner. I'm thankful I was able to make it because other planners for 2013 doesn't seem all that perfect to carry around everywhere and write on...CBTL's planner had the perfect size, the perfect paper thickness and color, and the perfect daily space-size to fill up...I still wish the Saturday and Sunday boxes were bigger though because it's the only time of the week that I actually get to do a lot more than work a routine. Their coupons aren't all that interesting compared to two years ago though...sad.

3. Hardbound Notebook (Php. 200++ from a'postrophe)

I love this new fad of using the Brit-post-war ad campagine of "Keep Calm and Carry On" thing. There had been a lot of rendition and rephrasing going on, but I think the original thing is where the point of it all comes from. It's made in China--I know...but they did good with the paper quality used for the pages because the lines were dark brown and cleanly printed. I'm quite particular about where I write because it affects my thinking flow for some reason...those notebooks with blue lines irritate me and distract me from writing striaght because all I could think of is how ugly the lines look. But a closer inspection on the cover will tell you that it is made in China because behind the British tag line is a sentence saying, "New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area etc."

4. Five pairs of Muji Knitted Socks (Php. 695.00 from Muji)

Muji, though clearly is a Japanese brand, is chuck-full of Made in China tags. In my campaigne to avoid made in China products, I often look for the tag to see where it's made...unfortunately 90% of which are from China. When I got a glimpse of the Made in Japan text though, I gotta have it! It's one of the few items in Muji actually made in Japan. The thing is from recycled yarn which means it's eco-friendly other than the fact that it looks perky and cool.

As a side note, I forgot that this is one of the things I wrote on my wish list for our Secret Santa exchange gift program game thingy. Wait--come to thing of of it, I bought this after I wrote it on my wish list because I was so excited of recieving it that I actually bought it for myself instead. Anyway, I had a lot on my wish list that I thought I was gonna get the CBTL tumbler because it was cheaper than the socks...but Katrina was happily counting her gold bars when she decided to get me my secret gift. Now I have 10 pairs in my closet. Sweet!

5. Capri Cloth Wallet (Php. 1850.00 from Muji)

With my leather wallet self-distructing itself with its self-inflicting tears, it looked pitiful in my new bag...so I went to hunt down my new wallet for the next two or so years. I had three qualifications: it must be a three-fold, it must fit the back pocket of my pants, and it must not scream its beautiful branding. Check. Check. Check. The material was durable, it had a few slits to fit the few cards I carry, there was a copper zipper detailing on the inside which looked totally sophisticated...plus I have a thing for the blue and brown color combination lately thanks to Tricia Gosingtian's photos of guys wearing those color pairing in Paris. The only thing that was really hard for me was that it was a lot over my price budget. But it is lovely to grab and fill cash with. I think this will be a lucky wallet.

About: A Late Introduction

I know I've always been late for different things and many reasons. It's my daily ritual to be late for work at least 4-5 days a week...which is everyday if I don't get lucky with the traffic. I hate the idea of rushing myself, and I definitely hate the idea of being too early (unless the meeting place is a coffee shop.) My concept of good timing is either be less than five minutes early or be a little late, but not so late that you become an ass--YES! I'm talking to you people who don't have the common decency of ignoring the concept of Filipino time--I for one find it non-existing. I cannot say that I often make excuses for being late, as for me, it is often a choice.

I think it's only proper for every blogger to explain what her blog is all about to set things straight to her audience and ward off any confusion for those who plan to regularly check for updates.

Sometimes I have to deny that I'm lazy because I want to juggle so many tasks that I end up doing none because the thought has overwhelmed me. So many instances wherein I set a day to get everything done then cancel it the minute after because...okay, I think I'm lazy. But hey! Looking back at life, I think I've done a lot, despite the fact that I could have done more, because I easily get bored of doing the same things over and over. One thing I will not deny though is that I've got a terrible-aweful-shameful grasp on memory that it has gotten me so much down time due to its sadistic nature. I remember being scolded at on so many occasions even before reaching puberty because I forget so many things at the same time. So sorry if I don't call you by name--I've probably forgotten what it was. I know I easily get distracted, but deep down, I know it's genetic.

So...before I forget and everyone thinks that I'm doing a food blog...well you're darn wrong! Though partially right...still, let me explain!

This is a personal blog that I'm doing, mostly I'll be talking about cafes though. A means to share my thoughts and experiences that tackles on the subjects that I like and of course, things I could bother to write about. Obviously, I love dining out, in cafes most especially because of my love for sweets and my need for caffeine. I'm a cafe hunter (if ever there's such a word.) But this is really a personal blog about what goes on in my head and out of it; those I can share and those thoughts that couldn't fit in my journal. This is an extension of my journal...a detailed write up about what cannot fit in those small spaces on my daily planner, yet also a less explicit execution of my thoughts. This will become my new go-to place whenever I want something written and not drawn. I know I'm an artist and I'm suppose to draw a lot...but after years of doing just that, I found my refuge in writing as a break from what I regularly do. Besides, words can paint a better picture in ones imagination than an actual painting because there is no limit to the canvas. Words can go further and create a world entirely out of context. That, and that it's also easier to use a keyboard than to pick up an actual brush. I've always been fascinated by lines and the words that come out by connecting a few of it is something that drives me page after page of aimless scribbles. This blog will be those scribbles typed into a more readable thought...my handwriting may be bad, but I try to make it so for me to descipher that it's mine.

Eight years ago I began writing my journal in a notebook...the first was a Bugs Bunny the second was Tasmanian Devil. Sometimes I wrote two pages of journal, and at times half a page. After three years I felt detached to the simplistic nature of how my journal looked like, so I switched to a planner five years ago. Then a few years back, I did livejournal entries online but ended up forgetting my password...this time, I'm doing a blog to store my memories in a more accessible form. I suppose age has its ways of letting you be more confident about expressing nonsense. This is my proof.

Why My Bittersweet Cafe you say?

Cafes are places where people can comfortably hang out for hours and is a good escape for some. For now, this is my escape from my fantasy and my glimpse of reality...or it could be the other way around on occasion. Well...for those who don't know, my highest aspiration is having my own cafe someday. I'm working on it during my spare time actually, the menu and brand concept...but there's still a lot of things missing...like actual execution. Anyway, my parents are partial to the idea because I haven't told them what my real plan is, I just tell them I want a coffee shop. So, in the process of fulfilling that aspiration, so far this is what I have, an online blog that will take me around different cafes and the feeling is bittersweet. I don't plan to call my cafe Bittersweet because I think there's already one, but I do intend to make the cafe happen. I don't know exactly when, but until then, this are my bittersweet cafes.

This blog, my blog, is a package of me...my interests, likes and dislikes; the places I've been to, and the music I listen to; the movies I've seen, and the food I've eaten. This is a personal blog because these words are my thoughts, and those pictures are my memories. These are the things I hear from people close to me, or read from the things that matter. These are the stories running through my head when I sit silent and stare into nothing. This will show my progress through the days that will teach me how great the world we live in and how lucky we are to have the ability to share it.