Tin A Pie's Furnace
'rewriting the world one word at a time'

 

It has become tradition that every second week we go out to grocery. And more often than not, it also means we are out to eat out. One of our favorite restaurants would have to be this one, Flavours of China.

What I usually liked about Chinese restaurants is the Yang Chow Rice. It’s always lovely to eat and the servings are usually such as this. It’s as if they have too many rice cookers cooking at the same time just to keep up with the volume of this baby.

Caramelized pork with walnuts is also nice, although you can get by with a slice or two. And yes, this dish really have walnuts on it. Lots and lots of it.

This hotpot also packs so much taste this was the first one to have been fully consumed. It was simple and the ingredients are well cooked. We also had their fried chicken, which is surprisingly none too oily; it was so unlike this chicken chain that won’t hold the oil you feel like getting to hospital afterwards.

 

Full cost of meal? 1165 pesos. That also includes a pitcher of iced tea and 4 pieces of buchi. Not bad compared to their 999 meal promo. The only complaint I have of this restaurant is it’s long preparation time. But who would not forgive them when the food is just too wonderful? And so we’d come back for more and more and more…

The second batch of Food Adventure food trip hasn’t made both of us satiated so without hesitation we went straight to The Ramen Bar. Last time the only food that was served to us were kakuni buns and not a bowl of ramen which is obviously it’s specialty. I know for a fact that my boyfriend will not let any ramen opportunity go so we pondered on the offerings in the menu.

  There are so many choices in ramen alone but only one stood out, which we also knew was the house specialty. R.B.S. #1.

Okay so it doesn’t look very much appealing. Not anything like the colorful ramen bowls we are so familiar of. There aren’t no food arrangements, no familiar naruto slice on top. I was trying to break a smile when it was served and I was getting a bit scared that I may not enjoy it. But I can’t back out now, so I dipped my spoon and into my mouth.

One of the reasons why I”m not fond of noodles is because it’s always too hot or too cold. I could never make it to the right temperature and blowing air into my food at every spoonful is a much extended effort to eat. But what was served in front of me was ready to eat and I was slurping away. And you know what? I enjoyed it. The flavor is so rich you can taste so much in sip. What was also amazing was how the pork was so tender you don’t even need to bite it at all.

Too bad I didn’t get to finish the entire bowl (it was huge) but we had our shares to go. It was so worth the 380, it is truly a good idea to try out the rest of the ramens available. I wonder if they’d ever make an R.B.S. #2…?

 

I’ve been lingering in voucher sites for some time now and this is the first time I bought a food voucher (the first and only one being the Flip offer) to try. The best pick so far that pushed through (buffet meals would only frustrate me) was a 5 course meal from Shiro Shiro—it’s Japanese, we haven’t eaten there yet and it’s cheap. In other words not hard to convince the bf.

As usual we came in late from our reservation. I was frustrated at our demise (stuck in traffic, I have to call to move the reservation) only to find out that we really have no table competition at all. There was only one guy at that time (lunch hour) and it looked like the 100+ customers who bought the vouchers have no intention of coming in today.

We gave our printed out voucher to the waitress who was clueless on their OWN OFFERINGS. We even logged in (lucky they have WiFi) just to check what package we’re getting. And when we chose one of the sets, it was even unfortunate that it wasn’t available so we settled for the Okinawa Set. They should have at least prepared a print out of the menu yet they haven’t. What, they expect all of their customers to remember the sets?? There’s absolutely no reason why they don’t come out prepared for this.

 No one’s around so they let us choose this comfy table and seats.

Inspite of lack of customers, our food came out just as if the house is fully packed; but when the food came, the intervals of the dishes served are not as long.

That’s stir fried veggies as side dishes and a couple of potato chips. Notice that the dip for it is mayo. I never tried it before but I never thought that the two complement each other. 

Not much of a stretch to your good ol’ asparagus wrapped in bacon.

The salad was perfect. The crispy fish in greens are a nice play of flavors in the mouth, together with that yellow sauce. Although it quite missed the sharing part. (Yeap, that’s already for sharing)

This would have been better if it was served in rice. The flavor was just too intense to finish it without anything else. I think at this time I was already munching on my part of the tamago.

If it were the Tokyo set, it would have been ice cream, but instead we were stuck with fruits.

The original deal was supposed to be priced at 1000 php but the voucher discount slashed a huge chunk of it and we only paid it for 399 pesos. What the deal hasn’t told you was that, no rice is included in the set, and no drinks. What you see up there, the tamago sushi and the iced teas are only add-ons we opted to make. The thing is, it hasn’t established this impression that will make you come back because there was nothing in the package that is not found anywhere else, for instance, those fruits. Sure, 399 is already a deal for 2 people but claiming that this was previously 1000 pesos is a stretch.

While I may not know if catering to only a few customers at a time where lunch is served a normal occurrence, I would suspect it the case given that the promo was supposed to drive in more people. But seeing how they come unprepared (no printed menu of the promo set ; 1 out the 3 sets not available), add to that that their dishes are not something you will come back especially for,  I suspect a lot of them voucher customers will not be excited in coming back at all. The location is not exactly that accessible and really, they ought to be any more convincing. We all know that location is really important in setting up a business but it only takes a few recommendations to spread the word around. :-)

 

The actual deal: http://www.metrodeal.com/index.php?dealId=MjY1

 

 1 of 3 Food Trips: Food Adventures, Food Extreme, Food Cookout

After a successful trip the last time, we braced ourselves for the last 6 restaurants in our passports. I was already eyeing the gelato.

July 29, 2011 For the Anorexic

The first restaurant we went to, Blackwood Bistro had it’s own sister company as well, Pinchos so we also agreed having their oysters served together with Blackwood Bistro’s salad.

There was a bit of crab in there but there wasn’t anything in this salad you would find in any other salad. I immediately went to baked oysters.

If it was prepared as such because it’s free, I honestly wish it to be so because there’s no way I will order this dish if it really tastes like this. I can’t help myself but ask for water to gargle the after taste; water, which was not given voluntarily on any restaurant today, like it was in the entire trip last time.

Closest to it was Empire Deli & Restaurant and it’s what we visited next.

Thank goodness the salad taste nothing like orange so I was able to pick out the single orange that was in the salad. The baked macaroni was tasteless and the taste does not compromise the flimsy serving.

Up next is YoSwirls.

Whatever made the yogurt original or vanilla we can’t make out. Both yogurts simply taste the same and the mango in the original mango flavor was really sour. It looked way better, and more in the photo.

Right after we finished our servings we went out back, where Pho Hoa and Sol Gelato was hidden away.

Little Asia served much more but both tasted the same so there’s nothing to write about. Although the staff could be a bit more friendly, and accommodating at that. Unlike the rest of the restaurants where they have people assigned to greet and check your passports, their assigned staff was intentionally ignoring Food Adventure customers. We sat ourselves in when we grew tired waiting outside, the passports are on the verge of getting lost (good thing we remembered our passport numbers) and the staff wasn’t happy serving too much ‘promos’. Better get an attitude check.

Next door was Sol Gelato.

You’d be greeted by a display of different flavor of gelatos available, one of which was my favorite, mint chocolate chip. I was already readying myself for your good old vanilla flavor and not my mint chocolate but to my surprise each passport holder can get 3 flavors in one cup yay!!! What I got were Ferrero, Mint Chocolate and Reeses. My bf got Ferrro, Cheese something and another flavor he sort of forgot. Yum yum!

 

And that now concludes the end of the Food Adventure. If it was any consolation we did have a few wonderful meals although some of them really are being scrimpy. But then next time we visit Mckinley, we will know where the good eats are. I’m just not sure we’d do a food adventure part 2 though. :-)

 1 of 3 Food Trips: Food Adventures, Food Extreme, Food Cookout

While I don’t consider myself a foodie, there’s no reason for me not to be excited at food promos such as this. For a month (May 28-Jun 30), Mckinley Hill’s Venice Piazza held a one of a kind food adventure where you get to experience a 12 course meal coming from 12 different restaurants for 550 pesos a passport! But is it worth the price? Or this just some foolish attempt to lure in customers? What we did was try it out and visit—or make that two visits to make the best out of the passport.

July 16, 2011 Loosening our belts

The passport as it is can be consumed on any order so we went for any food we can. Our first stop was at Red Crab, in which we thought that since it’s crab, they may take a long time to be cooked which can make or break our intentions of finishing 12 meals that is only available from 6pm to 10pm.

We arranged our date today that we got really hungry when we got there and eating a few bits of crabs clinging on the shells only made me hungrier than ever. It also ruined my poise since mine kept flying all over the place. Next was The Ramen Bar.

 

The Ramen Bar is kind of known for it’s, well you’ve guessed it, ramen. But what they served us was chicken and kakuni buns with chicken. Tasty. You don’t find me complaining snacking on this one.

Sister restaurants were next which we only discover later on, when we sat in the Old Vine. They offered us serving the offering of Kuse as well to which we happily said yes. We have yet to be satiated.

 

If don’t eat sashimi, there’s no way you would appreciate this. I haven’t tried a carpaccio anywhere but eating sashimi was a good practice for me to also enjoy the raw salmon.

Okay so stop it drooling memories!! If you ask me at this moment if 550 was worth it, I would answer with a caps locked yes. There’s no way you can’t enjoy this Adobado with a sauce that deserves an extra rice and it’s meat peeling off the ribs and then melting in your mouth. It’s a shame a lot of the food adventurers who went out before us left so much of the meal left I hope our (me and bf) effort to finish the dish was enough to apologize for those people.

At this point I was already half full but we still pushed on, going next to Little Asia.

If you may notice the passport says ‘or’. We forgot to tell them that we want each so we can try both (we do have two passports anyway) but they proactively chose it for us. Nothing that you may have tasted before, my only suggestion was adding a few more lettuce cups. We failed to ask for more since we believe asking extras would only result to payment or something. We didn’t get to finish the minced chicken.

Last two meals have been heavy so I was half wishing that our next stop, Sweet Pea would deliver exactly what it looked like in the photo: flimsy.

But it weren’t to my dismay. Whatever that look in my shot, the chicken was larger in real life and the taste will make you love fried chicken all over again. It has this unique taste on it’s own, and progresses when you dip it in the buffalo sauce. Quesadillas was, well. quesadillas. After this there we were so stuffed there’s no way we can squeeze in our stomachs for 6 more. We called it a day.

And so we planned going for it the second time. There’s no way we could not finish this. (See next post)

 

 

 

No spoilers I promise.

I never knew her a few days ago. In fact, the only reason I got my hands on her book was when I came back to (re)claim the Coelho collection that made me hyperventilate and glazed my eyes with greed. But a small squeaky voice planted a firm no, so I walked away with heavy feet; although with a light conscience. But as if it’s a drug, ever since I resisted the temptation, I purchased books more than I ever thought I would buy in a span of 2 weeks. I wasn’t supposed to do this yet I did without ever thinking what damage I’m doing: to my shelf and my pockets. And because of that,  I owe my copy, The House of Leaves (let’s use THL) an explanation of why I haven’t seen him lately.

When I came back I didn’t get to see the collection anymore but next to it’s supposedly place, a book I haven’t seen before was sitting there telling me it’s new. It had this cover that made me curious and reading the synopsis made me feel like I really have to have it. I haven’t read a love story for ages (not deliberate of course because most books have that angle anyway) yet it already caught my interest. So I bought it.

A few days later, after finishing another book I’ve made another treachery with THL. I ripped the plastic off Before Ever After and I started reading a few lines. A few lines that will make or break if I made a successful buy or a disappointing one (I have a lot of books that were like this). A few pages later and I know I already love her.

While I’m not a fan of too much metaphors she has lavishly sprinkled hers with it and I envied her. Yes there were some times when the metaphors really didn’t work out as smoothly as the others (e.g. the elephant made me confused if she’s referring to ‘the elephant in the elephant in the room OR a real elephant) but the rest are creatively written.

Humor is also another interesting angle in the book. I wasn’t able to grasp the intensity of the grievances and whatever sad feelings she wanted to invoke on the readers (which is probably just me since I’m quite happy at the moment) but her narration is something I’m perfectly comfortable of reading. Her ending is also something you’d expect as the theme of the story goes, none too grand and overly complicated. I was with a happy heart when I closed the book.

“Mystery” abound the book as well, which was unraveled in another curious manner, travelling in different timelines, making you guess of the link in the ‘present’ story. It wasn’t at all hard, but it became like a guessing game on who’s who until of course, you notice the pattern. This is actually one of those books that are effective in print since she can tell the story without ever giving away who she’s even talking about.

Now this is the part when I reveal to you that Ms. Sotto is as you’ve expected with the surname, a Filipina. I honestly didn’t know this when I was already 50% convinced I wanted to buy the book but you could say it attributed to the half of the percentage why I bought it in the first place. I wanted to know if it was as good as it claims to be; which is for me, really was. Reminded me of The Time Traveler’s Wife when I watched it (hmm I have to have that book too!!) which I have yet to compare. But no worries. Before Ever After ended in a manner that I think if you’re really optimistic, you have the choice for a happy ending.

As far as recommendation goes, of course it’s totally recommended! Men may not have a taste for it but I think most women will find this rather entertaining. Not bad for her first book; I will surely wait for a second serving (if she wills herself to). But while she’s still writing, I’m now off to find that baked egg and cheese recipe…

 

Image:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10230881-before-ever-after

NOTE: I know that at some pointif it reaches bestseller status a lot of bandwagon guys will jump at yet another ‘I’m proud to be Pinoy moments’. Puhlease. Don’t ruin a good book. I beg you.

 

I rarely hang out at EDSA Shangri-la and if it weren’t for Egai Sai I would not have stepped foot in the place after a very long time (last was when I was in college). And since our date is not complete without dining anywhere new, we end up at ClawDaddy’s.

Found right next to Starbucks parallel to the cinemas, it’s hard not to be reminded of the ambiance akin to Bubba Gump. It has all those fish scupltures and frogs and what-have-yous you normally expect on a seafood restaurant.

Before anything else, the waiters serve you boiled corn. I don’t know if they get to say how many pieces they serve you or it’s standard three because I overheard from the next table asking for another piece since there are four of them. A few minutes later, our first order came which is the appetizer. that one has 4 finger foods right there. I can’t exactly remember what’s on the breaded ones but a pair of them is cheese and then there’s the spicy buffalo chicken or so I want to believe, the other bread pair has the same consistency although I can’t tell what that is exactly.

While there are a lot of curious things on the menu, we opted for the Famous Seafood Boil, priced 1k++ and good for 3-4 people. That’s all the seafood you wanted right there boiled to some “broth”. This choice was seriously regrettable because it’s just too bland. Even my dad can ‘boil’ mussels much better than this.

After engorging too much seafood in one seating (remember, it’s just me and bf), we ordered (after much bargaining on how many we should get), we had their apple pie for both of us to share. It was a nice ending to a rather sad hour of forcing ourselves with tasteless meat.

 

But my love for seafood is endless so even if, let’s say I won’t be eating any seafood for a few weeks or so (to lessen cholesterol levels from too much of a good thing) we will still try out a few of their dishes. Maybe that Crab Maritess I always read about…

 

Verdict: A second chance may finally hit the spot. :-D

 

P.S. I would like to note how we were supposed to get nachos for appetizer and mud pie for dessert, and both are not available. I always find this annoying at any restaurant who doesn’t inform you what’s not to order for the day. I still crave for that mud pie dang it.

 

 

 

I listened to the SONA yesterday (7.25.2011) in FM while at work and it went something like this:

 

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Bla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwang bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwang bla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwang blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwang bla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwang bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwang blabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blabla blawangwangbla bla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwang bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwang bla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwang blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwang bla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwang bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwang blabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blawangwangbla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blablawangwangbla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla bla blabla blawangwangblabla bla blabla blawangwangbla.

 

 

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At the end of the speech, I could not remember what wangwang means anymore.

 

Link of photo & full script of SONA:http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/07/sona-2011-transcript-full-text.html

 

 

It’s been weeks (July 15, 2011) since I’ve seen the last movie (and years since I’ve finished the book; and yes, I”ve cried too) and I still can’t come up with my own goodbye part 2. I have too many draft entries but nothing I can come up with that would make a very nice tribute and you could say I gave up. But I guess this is my subconscious saying I shouldn’t allow myself to let go of the HP universe until I grow old. So I’ve decided I won’t say goodbye at all. Not now.

 

 

I’ve left this unopened since I’ve read most of the books when I was in college and was still a regular reader at PB Greenbelt. Deathly hallows was bought on the day of the release but the compilation wasn’t ready yet so I decided to buy the last one first (since I can’t bear anyone knowing the end before me haha) before I finally bought the entire collection.

 

Links:

Poster

Part 1 Goodbye Part 1

 

Found on the park itself, I never would have found the reception area if I was just visiting the actual park, which was where, on the third floor? Reception queue was almost always packed (better have your companions wait at the huger lobby on the right) and the demand for what type of room is great, especially if what you wanted was the Aqua room. As much as I wanted the Aqua theme (one of your walls is an aquarium where at some point a diver would clean while you watch) I just pressed (kindly) how I wanted a room at that instant (I was early on the check in time) so they gave me the park view.

 

The semi-hidden lobby**

The room we got was at the 2nd floor almost at the end of the hallway. The minimalist decor they got going made it look so homey and inviting. I particularly enjoyed the comforters.

Our sister actually forced us not to rush in before taking a decent photo. **

 

If you can make out of my reflected image, that’s the water park right there from our room

Wi-fi is free when you checked in so don’t forget to ask for a temporary account. It’s valid for 24 hours so you don’t need to ask (call) each time you wanted to log in. What I’m not sure though is if you can ask for multiple accounts because when we tried logging in using our phones, we weren’t able to use it simultaneously with the laptop anymore. 

Room service includes a pay per view movie which you can avail if you want to. It’s either that or you actually experience the park.

One of the features of the hotel was how all the bathrooms are not for the conservative. The doors of both the bathroom and the shower room are walled in glasses, frosted at the middle for semi-privacy. The doors aren’t lockable so basically, it’s not a good idea sharing a room with a friend who loves to do pranks. Good thing I brought my sisters.

    

I have to note how I loved the overhead shower. I can stand there for hours.

The morning after, it was a fun being able to be in the grounds with no people. A nice change for the second time I’ve been in the park. We were also near Baywalk that runners and those who love to exercise have the option to go out instead of the in house gym. We would loved to if weren’t excited about the buffet breakfast courtesy of Makan Makan. We went there really early so we won’t be stuffed with the rest of the visitors. By the time we were done people are already piling up.

The waiters are really accommodating. They ensured I never got out of my chair when I sat in with my plate by lavishing me with all his recommends.

Choosing H20 over Shangri-la or Bora was to me, a better option as part of the company outing (we had a choice of where to go and who to go with). Not only we were able to relax, but we were able to experience the park for a good two days. While there is almost nothing for me to complain at the hotel itself since it got everything for a sedentary person like me within reach, there are a few things which is something to be concerned of.

For instance, water in H20 is extremely expensive especially if you wanted to opt for room service. For a hotel named H20, it’s totally not right. I can’t remember the price now (since we’ve been here like months ago) but it was just too much steep for a bottle of water. Next time we’d be bringing water for sure. Another issue that was totally disturbing was the intermittent aircon service. I only realized this as a prevailing issue when those who also went for H20 were having problems as well and raised this via a blast email; although not as tolerable as ours. And again, the shower. I would never dare to check in with my friends there not ever.

Over all, I would recommend this hotel for families to bond at the most convenient place ever. It has a pool, it’s own park kids will enjoy and accessible to practically anything. Not a bad idea to come back soon for another 2 days and 1 night.

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I’ve included all the albums I’ve uploaded below but not the rest of the pics/videos like the Water and Lights show or the animal show.

Albums:Jellies,Seriland MIrror Maze,Seriland Trick Art,Other Hotel pics,Ocean Park*

 

*Not the pictures from this trip but from another visit.

**From my sister’s camera

 

Situated at the 2nd floor Atrium right on the very corner, a restaurant is hidden away from everyone it’s almost like a secret. I didn’t even know it existed not until we tried it out on one of our lunch outs and I was shocked that I’ve been this way more than a dozen times yet have not noticed. One of our lunch buddies recommended this and the experience was so good, this has officially topped my favorite restaurant list. Since then I’ve been scheming how to sneak my camera phone to snap a few photos so I can make a decent review which no one would ever dare read without photos as proof. The opportunity came a few visits later, when I’ve brainwashed my family to celebrate Father’s day here instead of Tong Yang (they’re on my checklist still)

The few times I’ve visited I cannot not order my favorites: the Tinapa Rice and the Boneless Tilapia with four Sauces. Sure they have real good bagoong rice but never would I go here without the two. Boneless Tilapia is always a scene stealer because they’ve arranged two tilapias in a plate like a butterfly, the fish meat in cubes served with four dips. Sure there’s nothing new with fried tilapia. But it sure beats the hell out of everything out there. Plus, you get to impress first timers on the presentation.

 How could you?? Why make me miss you so much?!

We also ordered Hito. I never would order this in my life but since it’s Father day, by default I could not complain, especially when my father specifically pointed it. I’ve never enjoyed any hito dishes, not to mention how it’s head is a bit scary, so I requested the servers to point the head away from me. I may not have any appetite left when it’s fried head kept on staring.

 

Looks yummy eh??

We also had those baby pusit which is also one of his favorites. Or mom’s. I’m not pretty sure now.But anyway we ordered it and it was okay. The taste is non too grand.

And then of course, the meal would not be complete without rice, or for the purpose of this blog THE rice. You would be missing something big time if you dare go with plain rice. Besides, those specialty rice of theirs are the only ones meant for sharing. And they’re so good you’d be mad not even trying! You have 4 choices, 3 of which are below. They also have bagoong rice but we didn’t order one this time. Although that’s a recommend as well.

Sisig Rice: Well not this. I’m not into uncooked egg combined with rice.

 Laing Rice: Really tastes like laing.

Tinapa Rice: Heaven in each bite. I will never ever ever get tired of this.

And lastly we ordered Fried Leche Flan which I was intrigued of. I was thinking something like fried ice cream of sorts. So happens that it’s only leche flan wrapped in your standard lumpia wrapper and fried. And the end result is a crispy stick of gooey lovely stuff.

Total cost? 1472 pesos. Yes. I couldn’t even believe myself. I wonder how long it will take for them to extend branches. Amazing food that won’t eat back your budget. I haven’t tried in any existing branches nor the sister company, La Mesa Grill, but in case you and you’re family are up to Filipino food and is around the Mega area, try to visit it in Atrium 2nd Floor. Hurry though. A lot are on the “secret” already.

I’ve changed browsers lately and I’ve accidentally clicked on a button on my IE: this enables me to post via Windows Live on any site and this is a sample of it. Let’s see if it works!

It's been weeks since the big day but I can still feel the good ringing in my ears of the twang of guitars and a screaming crowd. I've been meaning to write a blog about this since the day I came home tired and sleepy but was too exhausted (and busy) to do so. So now I'm exerting some huge effort to recall all the things I've experienced for more than 2 hours of a really wonderful evening. I know I won't be making anyone any favors by writing something too late but it's an experience worthy to be immortalized.

Unlike from the last concert, today we had plenty of time in our hands to wait for an overly packed MRT and a slow (unfortunately salty) dinner for two. Also, we weren’t that worried that time because Mr. Big have two front acts, Lip Service and General Luna. And when we came, well, first band was already playing. Call me rude but I really can do away with no front acts—although it will save the flamer who would hate me to know that I’m not updated with any local acts. Anyways, I’ve no idea how many in total both front acts did (I only half heartedly videoed a single piece each from the bands, just for the sake of keeping) but  my date was right when he said guys would enjoy General Luna, if not for the music then for, well, the fact they’re all females.

It wasn’t even 9 and they were all done. Then the dome was dimmed. Call it hyping but really, the roadies are actually setting the stage in the dark! You can’t even videotape that thing. Everyone was screaming for a sight of a guy or two and I’ve got nowhere to point my lowly digicam since everything is barely seen. At 9:04 I raised my hands for the third time with my camera on in case this time they’re actually on stage. Blindly, I pointed it on the stage and thank heavens I didn’t dare moved away because in 38 seconds since I videoed, they’re suddenly on stage, with their first song, Daddy, Brother, Lover Little Boy, and as expected the crowd went in fanatical craziness!

The Unveiling

One does not need reminding that the band is really old. I have an officemate who was somewhat bothered that I have any interest in Mr. Big since it wasn’t in my time period. To be honest I don’t know all of their songs but enjoy them just the same, most often with songs I can really sing with. Like (probably) 3^rd song, Green Tinted Sixties Mind—you can literally hear my amateur voice on the video I took singing along, so don’t ask why I don’t upload videos. (Imagine the horror) And to add to that liking, you have no idea how happy I was when I learnt they were playing in our country, with the knowledge that Paul Gilbert will be there-- whose biggest fan just so happens to be on my right, making the Patron seats totally worth it. You can say he was in heaven that time, and so does the rest of the audience. There was even one guy who yelled ‘Paul Gilbert anakan mo ako!!!’ (Paul Gilbert have a baby with me!) which resulted to my manly voice being captured as well, laughing together with those who have heard.

What's left of his voice...

Majority of the audience was probably around the age of late 20s to 30s (I’m on the early 20s just so you forget). Granted, it wasn’t a full house, there are just too many empty seats, BUT, if it’s any consolation, the higher the ticket got, the more who availed. Patron area was really full in contrast to GA.

Up close the ones on the back are like broken teeth.

I’ve not been into many concerts, this is by far, only the second time I have paid, the rest were just free by default courtesy of malls so to me the counter is just two. My point here is that it’s amusing to hear Eric say in the 2^nd or 3^rd song that we stop with our cameras and just enjoy their show which a lot of people did. I refused this since I wanted to video every moment but 2++ hours with no breaks? I’m too embarrassed to say that my only task being is raising my hand to video I gave up after a few songs while the band were playing in full vigor nonstop as if they were younger than I am. I took some breaks (also to conserve battery) so I wasn’t able to video everything but fortunately I videoed EVERYTHING I want to keep (although Alive and Kickin is abruptly cut at the end part)

And then… Just Take My Heart was played. I haven’t said this part yet I’m sure, but a greater part of those who came were couples (those in my perimeter anyway). Again, and I’m mentioning them again, where in the Script, most of those who came are girls with guys, this time it’s the other way around. Near us you could see the guys tearing up with the sight of the band while most girls they’re with have blank faces. There was even one who was sitting at the entirety of the concert while the rest were standing, including his boyfriend who was in full concentration with every piece. I’ve been viewing my video and you could say almost everyone was all cuddly at the song. (blush) And I’m so going to buy that tripod thingy like he has so I don’t need to stand on the seat when I wanted something to be videoed that bad.

He's what most of the audiences came for

I’ve repeatedly said how I feel like I have bad ears. I’ve proven this time and again, the latest when I voiced my observation that “Dancing Queen” and “Dance with me” sounded alike. I wasn’t able to convince my officemate who’ve been playing for ages. Dang it. And because of that I know I won’t get that much out of the skill they’re showing. My meter goes to the people who surrounded me who you can feel is exceptionally thrilled. Paul have a lot of solos almost with every song I think, but both he and Sheehan had their own solos. Sheehan’s was around 1 min, not sure if I was late, but I’m much sure I missed a few minutes of recording with Paul. I only recorded 4 minutes. If jaw dropping has any sound, you could probably hear it resounding at the dome.

He's not Mr. Big for nothing

What’s not to be missed are Eric’s Bieber jokes. Yes he did. But they were tame, maybe just to add comic relief, like when he said (not exact wordings) ‘Have you heard of that Bieber booth? The kids are all there and the parents are here’ (much better if you heard it since it was funnier), acknowledging the fact that they are playing on the same date with a kid who have hauled more audiences which is, I’m repeating an officemate who went (he says it’s because of the girlfriend) who was able to do so since the parents can’t possibly leave their child alone.

They did play Wild Wild World but with a disclaimer when they wondered how that song was particularly popular in Manila. You could say it was some lip service they did, only because they were here. They also did To Be With You but to be honest, both songs, in my opinion sounded like they played half heartedly. Wild Wild World have an amazing PG solo but there never was here live, and To Be With You that although the cute solo was there (oh please don’t get me started with the local acts who tried to copy), it was just as fast, even Eric wasn’t singing that much. They followed it with ‘a much specialer song’ (Eric said) which he claimed they haven’t played for ages which to me is way more intimate in how they played it.

The Bow

Can’t remember how many songs they’ve done in total but there were two encores, have solos, there was a guitar duel between Sheehan and Paul which left me in awe so much so I forgot I wasn’t recording. They’ve totally exhausted all the energy I reserved for the day in just 2++ hours but it was truly awesome. Imagine how it was for guitar lovers who went. On the last encore they did something unusual (for me it is) which was, for a commoner like me deserved a huge applause, where they traded positions and instruments. Even Pat sang. It wasn’t their song they did but really, it’s something that have plastered our faces with smiles on the way out. Eric promised it won’t be long till they come back (well, it’s not surprising since every one of them singers love Manila especially when they’re old J) and we would undoubtedly come back for more. They’re out of the loop somewhat but you cannot deny how talented that lot was and still is. I don’t even care if the people who would be going are lesser than they were now because I know it’s impossible to go home without being impressed and see your money’s worth. Both of us haven’t heard what we expected that night (Shine for him, Nothing but love for me) so obviously there is more room for that on the next concert whenever that maybe. But whenever that would happen, I’d make sure we’d get seats waaaaay closer than we did last time. And we’d be totally going home with a guitar pick.

See? He's so happy it's almost criminal!

Poster Image from: http://rockersworld.com/mr-big-live-in-manila/