Walkway Surprise

A lot of people pass by the Dela Rosa walkway (near the parking lot) going to Landmark/ Greenbelt area. But have you noticed the artworks on the walkway's ceiling? It's quite unnoticeable given that a lot of people are in a rush going home. So if in case you're one of the busy people who haven't noticed it yet, here it is!

[Note: Sorry for the poor angle, I almost had a stiff neck taking these pics] 

The artist/s did a great job giving life to the blank spaces. Art truly changes anything. I'm sure a lot of you are wondering how come you haven't seen these before. Yes it's just up there (look up!) The next time you go out, don't forget to take some time to look around, breathe some air, enjoy your walk and you will discover little surprises =) 

Coffee - More fun in the Philippines?

After having lunch, I was so full that I was craving coffee to melt everything that I ate. On my way to SBC, I passed by the trade fair happening at the carousel court at festival mall hoping to buy Tantamco's Ube. Unfortunately, there was no ube for me but instead, there was coffee! Who would have thought I'll find coffee there? I have to admit seeing the price convinced me to try it (P10.00/ cup). The sales lady even opened the dispenser to show that it was really brewed. It was Kalinga Brew ground coffee which is a combination of different coffee beans: arabica, robusta and excelsa and is proudly from the Cordillera region.

I have to say Pinoy coffee can match those imported coffee shops. If I'm not mistaken you can buy it for P200.00 (500g pack). In other places that amount would only bring you 2 cups. As for the taste, it had the right mix - not too strong and not too mild. Next on my list will be to try the famous Alamid or "Civet" coffee.  

Eventhough I already have my coffee, I decided to push through with my SBC plan (hehe I sneaked my coffee in) to buy something that would go well with my hot drink (probably a pastry or a cake). I ended up buying cinnamon which I did not really enjoy so I didn't include it in the pic.=P What caught my attention is the beautiful photo wall gallery in the dining area. I really wish I could create something like that for my room. I enjoyed my quiet time sipping my favorite drink, browsing magazines and admiring the view. What a way to cap off my Saturday afternoon!

Asian Unity in Diversity Exhibit

A photo contest was organized by Asia Society Philippine Foundation Inc. together with Shangri-La Plaza, AirAsia, Inc., Metrobank and Smart Infinity Business group. I dropped by Edsa Shangri-la last November 3 to check it out. There were selected judges who will have the final say but viewers can vote for their favorite entry to win the People's Choice Award. So I grabbed the pen got a ballot and voted. The photos were all beautiful and inspiring but I could only vote for one so I chose the photo entitled "Unity in Anonymity" by Michael Steven Ibarra.

I'm not an artist nor an expert or anything but I liked the against-the-light effect which shadowed the faces of the children. In unity, there's really no selection nor judgment. It happens when the people are all overpowered by the will to be as one. You don't look at one's race, gender, religion or background. In the picture you will just see the silhouette of the children hand-in-hand but not knowing their identity. For me this perfectly matched the theme.

[Note: Dear Mr Ibarra, I hope I'm not violating anything by sharing this.] 

I would also like to congratulate all those who joined as they were all deserving to win. =)

Weekend Eye Candy: Dreaming of a White Christmas

Saw this at Edsa Shangri-la mall. (Rustans g/f) last weekend.

Who said Christmas is just red, green or gold?

No ornaments just plain lights on a white tree, yet it was a lovely sight. =)

Sound Check with Sony

I don't think I'm the only person who had several earphones. As far as I can remember I think I've had 4 or 5 already. I have used 2 ipod earphones, my third is a generic one and the latest was my favorite Sony earphones which lasted about three years and so far the one that lasted longest. After three years the left side suddenly didn't work. I still kept it but after a while it felt uneven so I had to buy a new one. Since Sony is my trusted brand, I decided to get the same pair and this time in lime green. 

Highly Recommended: Sony Stereo Headphones MDR-E9LP Lime Green P495 @ Octagon (comes in different colors) -- if you're looking for a good one and pasok sa budget! =P

I told myself I'll make this last longer than my old one. So for those music lovers and who just can't enough of their ipods/mp3 players (like me) here are some tips to take care of your precious earphones.

1. Control volume - Most of the time keeping it in high volumes could blow up the speakers. This could help prevent losing your eardrums as well =P


2.  Tangle-free - if it's always tangled, there's a tendency that you would have to pull it which could break the wires inside. A cable organizer/roller like my 'pink doughnut' could help.

3. Case - Lastly, put it in a nice case to keep it away from dirt and water.

Hope this helped you. Enjoy your sound trip! =)

MSCI Halloween 2012

Our office had our first official Halloween party wherein teams were grouped by different themes (rhyming pa). Let's have a short tour and check out what used to be our workspace =P 

Theme: The Addams Family (I'm proud to say that this was our team's creative work)

Hands down to my colleagues who created the door.

The family portrait of the Addams Family fronting our living room.

Our spooky dining room

and ofcourse the bedroom

As for the creepy lady, I'll tell you about that later.

Meet the Addams Family

Theme: Nightmare Before Christmas

Theme: Plants vs Zombies

Theme: Shake, Rattle and Roll

Someone is back from the dead

"Manananggal"

 

Remember the alien-looking monster who comes out in the toilet? Thats the "Undin" and the manananggal's other half (literally)

The creepy voodoo altar 

Theme: Scooby Doo

Too bad I wasn't able to capture all the themes.=( (Ghostbusters, Monsters Inc, Hellboy etc)

There were also fun games for the kids c/o Mcdonalds, face painting for everyone and endless treats =)

 The cute kids wearing their costumes.

 As for my costume, I dressed up as a lady in a funeral being a relative of the Addams family.

I just wore a sheer black top c/o grandma, a black long skirt c/o auntie belle, bought a headdress (P45) and a half yard black tulle fabric (P95) as veil at Carolina's and an old black headband. I only had to put baby powder on my face to make me extra white and a dark red lipstick. 

After the snacks, we just went crazy taking photos:

It was a super fun event and it was even more fun for the kids because they took home a lot of candies (inggit?) Til our next halloween party. =)

Photo Credits:

Pics grabbed from Sir Chris Garcia, Sir Lloyd of SCAS, Cheryl Tiu and Julie Borlongan.

Inspired by Masterchef Christine Ha

One Thursday afternoon, I went to our pantry to wash my mug and someone left the big LCD TV on  showing re-runs of Masterchef Season 3. Since they were all making apple pie and I was already starting to drool, I decided to sit down and listen to what Gordon Ramsay had to say. When it came down to this contestant who was being assisted on the stand, I just realized that she could not see. I think I left my mouth open while Gordon was describing how wonderful her apple pie turned out. Later on, tears were already flowing from my eyes as Gordon was telling the contestant to stop being upset with herself and to start believing in herself more. I immediately had to get paper towels to wipe my tears or else I would look crazy crying in our office pantry. Upon checking her standing on the Masterchef website, I found out she also won the title of Masterchef which ended last month (sorry if I spoiled anyone).

Thanks to Youtube I would be able to share to you her auditions for Masterchef and the apple pie challenge.

I myself don't know how to cook that's why I was very very impressed that she was able to create those wonderful dishes just by memory. I love her positive outlook in life and how she makes use of her talents. Her smile and the brightness of her eyes are full of hope and not everybody has that. Most of us back down or just isolate ourselves when challenges come our way but she does everything she can to be the best she can be and that is just outstanding. I was also touched by how her husband supports her. I would love to meet Christine someday and I would love to try her dishes. In the meantime, I'm following her blog as I join her in her cooking adventures http://www.theblindcook.com/