Dessert: KFC's Bananapple pie

I'm not much of a sweet-tooth but when Michael treated Kathleen and I for desserts at KFC, who could ever refuse. KFC's Bananaaple pie has proved to be really yummy. Not too sweet, light but not too bland. Just right for my palate. Looks like I'll be looking forward to eating my desserts next time I eat here. And its all your fault, Michael. Pfft.  

Salivating Michael

Mrs. Capt. Kathleen America

Within 30 mins, the whole store was filled immediately with customers. I remembered that today is the Jose and Wally Concert at Araneta which would explain the sudden gush of people in the area. Too bad I was not able to get myself a ticket. It must have been very entertaining. :)






Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

From Russia with Love

BEPHOCTb KAYECTBY Chocolate - 65% Kakao

We celebrated valentines late this year due to so much work and all, but like they always say: "It's better late than never". 

I got these chocolates from Rey, along with some flowers (red roses, no photo). Compliments from Vladivostok Air.

Верность качеству Chocolate. Even if I don't know how to pronounce that, I won't forget the richness of its taste and has 65% Kakao (Cacao). Wait til you taste the 75%, 85%, or even 99% versions. Hmm, curious? Yes, me too. Next time, I'll let you know if there is any difference.

Movie Review: Ghost Rider - Spirit of Vengeance

Been a long time since I did a review on movies so I might get a little rusty on this. Last night we saw this movie. Ghost Rider, Spirit of Vengeance. The plot was unexpected of the character from the movie. Who knew the devil in him turns out to be the abducted angel from heaven (oops, sorry for the spoilers).

Anyway, It was kinda refreshing. Cinematography is cool for an amateur critic like me. The quality is crisp. Though I'm not too sure about the movie and how it somehow looked like a low-budgeted film. Its advertisement was not as grand as its previous movie.

What I do not like about the movie really was the filming style. Damn, but those dudes with the cameras are very annoying, they should be banned from holding one. How can you move a camera like that and not feel like vomiting after watching it. Audience like it better when its steady, well at least I do. Ok, yeah I know it creates a really good scene when you add some roughness in the filming style, but for me it's only activating my motion sickness. *puke*

Over all I'd give it a 3 out of 5 stars. Nicolas Cage is still the man. :)

I love New Bombay!

I was ever curious of this restaurant just beside 7-11 store near our offices. Faye recommended we have our lunch here and so we did. I like the ambiance, ever authentic Indian atmosphere.  Luckily, it doesn't smell like a typical Indian place (hehehe... if you know what I mean). Wooden chairs and tables were carved and designed meticulously by some artist. Drapes hung the ceiling to give it an Indian feel. The owner is also authentic... yes, that he is.

Error in the orientation :)

Baked prawns

Today is the first Friday of the Lenten season so we opted for a vegetarian/fish meal. For starters, we ordered some spicy naan and samosa (empanada with beans & curry inside). For main entree we ordered fish curry, baked prawns, and chili curry rice topped with peas and chopped string beans. 

As for the drinks, my lunch buddies just had softdrinks to neutralize the spiciness of the dishes. Not me. Because of my GERD, I had to order a mango lassi, an Indian drink, sort-of like a mango shake but more delicious. I would highly recommend that drink. Got to learn how that was made.

Samosa and naan

All yellow! Go People Power!

And onto our ever Mr-Swag-hunting. Yes, it was now my turn to be played at. We've been eyeing some guys across the table. Good looking as they were, we decided to just let them be. They might be in the middle of a business lunch meeting for all we know.

Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars. Some of the ones in the menu we ordered were not available. Yes, they have to do something about their availability issues. But it was immediately forgotten when we began emptying the plates. The dishes were simply delicious.

I love Bonchon!

Microbabes decided to have a regular lunch habit. Every week we would tweet ... I mean, meet (or both) to have a lunch somewhere near our offices. Or if time permits, we would go to Ayala triangle and check out some restos there. 

Our first lunch date this 2012 happened at Bonchon, Ayala Triangle Branch. First time I tried their chicken and it was superb. No need for gravy, their breading is already tasteful. It has two flavors: Soy Garlic & Spicy. We ordered the 12 pcs combo (mixed thighs, drumstick and wings) or whatever you call it and ate to our heart's content.

at Paseo de Roxas Underpass

Mr. Swag: approved

Along the course, Mr. Swag hunting is in progress. One man targeted. Harriet's Bonchon hubby. In fairness, he's a good catch. Oh look...no ring on both hands? Hahaha.

And an hour lunch turned out to be two when  heavy rains began showering over Makati. We had to wait for the rain to stop before returning. Faye is overbreak already but who's to blame her... lunch was fun. Until next time! =)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Twitter

It was only recently when I found out that my Microbabes girls all work in Makati and we are practically neighbors at that. Small world! If not for that twitter thing (mind you, I'm not much of a fan of social media stuff) and my brother Jay, I would not have gotten in touch with them this frequently. I mean really, the pressure! After what seemed like months of encouragement, I gave in, at last. And the rest was history. We constantly exchange views and messages real time as if the other was just sitting right next to me.

Good thing about twitter is that you get to read about almost anything you want, provided they also have twitter accounts of course. I thought this will be more complicated than Facebook but it turns out to be the opposite. After weeks of learning the ropes, I got the most out of my twittering. I'm like absorbing so much information in such a short time on different topics from different people. I think I'm going to like this twitter a lot.

Calm Calaguas

Halabang Baybay

Travel time again together with Rey's colleagues. I love the way they plan their travel, so carefree yet so organized (see Anawangin post). We didn't travel via bus this time and instead rented a van to take us there. I just shelled out some amounts of cash to pay for the whole trip and everything was taken cared of. Bring some extras for emergencies ,rule of the thumb, as I don't want to experience what happened to me during my previous Bohol trip. Na-ah!

Paracale Seaport

Calaguas Island (Halabang Baybay)
Vinzons, Camarines Norte

Itinerary c/o Bibing

Macho men of LTP upon arrival at the beach

DAY 0 (10-June-10 Thursday)
1900H - ETD Paracale via CUBAO

Day 1 (11-June-10 Friday)
0500H - ETA Paracale
breakfast, market
0800H - ETD Maculabo (by boat)

Lunch in progress

0900H - ETA Maculabo
beach bumming, explore, photo ops, hill trekking, lunch
1330H - ETD Maculabo to Mahabang Buhangin, Tinaga Island, Calaguas (by boat)
1430H - ETA Calaguas Island
Set camp, explore, beach, beach, beach, dinner
2030H - Socials, Bonfire, Lights off

Day 2 - (12-June-10 Saturday)

0700H - WakeUp Call, Breakfast
beach, beach, beach
1130H - Lunch / wash-up / break camp
1330H - ETD Calaguas to Cumalasag Island (by boat)
explore, photo ops
1500H - ETD Paracale
1600H - ETA Paracale / wash-up
1800H - Dinner / ETD Manila
(OPTION: BAGASBAS beach for surfing activities then lunch or Cam Sur, a 2.5-hours drive from Paracale)

DAY 3 (13-June-10 Sunday)
Manila - HOME SWEET HOME


ESTIMATED EXPENSES

MNL-Paracale-MNL (via Superlines aircon bus in cubao) - 485*2 - 970
boat 4500/15pax - 300 (depending on the confirmed participants)
food - 300
camping fee - 150

1720php + pocket money =)


THINGS TO BRING:

* tent (rain proof)
* footgear: rubber slippers, beach sandals
* wide brim- hat
* sunglasses
* sleeping bags
* Insect repellant and or soap with critonella to ward of mosquitoes
* sunscreen, sunblock, sun tan.
* Flashlights / headlamps
* first aid kit / medicines
* Camera with enough battery and memory cards
* cellphone (warning: signal can still be patchy at times

Play volleyball, sunbathing or just plain cam whoring

* a waterproof pouch and bag to store your valuables in
* moist towelettes
* Tissue Paper
* kikay kit
* Huge garbage bag to protect your gear while on the boat, it's better to
water proof your things...
* waterproof jacket or raincoat
* snorkeling gadgets
* utensils... (be earth freindly, no to disposables, EVER!)
* stove / cookset (optional)
* BOOZE!

Crystal clear sea water

Beach front

My second camping trip was a great experience. It was a long boat ride from Paracale Port. Luckily, my motion sickness were held at bay. It was the longest hour ride I've been. Everyone was getting a little restless already and hoped that we'd arrive there sooner to avoid the scorching heat of the sun as it reaches its highest point at noon.

Gorgeous fine sand

As soon as the beaches were on sight, everyone was ecstatic. Much more when we arrived at Halabang Baybay (Long Beach), the longest stretch of fine beach among its group of islands. I was deeply fascinated with the place. Some would say Boracay might lave looked like this in its earlier times. Well, I've never been to Boracay so I could not compare. But of all the beaches, Calaguas is the most exquisite, unspoiled island I've ever been to. Its sparkling turquoise-like waters are so clear, for a minute you'd think you're in a swimming pool.

Summer nights here are really lovely. You only have the sea of stars to light up the whole place (apart from rays coming from a nearby ship hundred miles from the shore). When you look up, its like the whole universe has descended. The stars are so hypnotic it can mesmerize you up to no end. Those twinkling heavenly bodies will also find its way in the water when you swim at night. When you create a swirl in the water, you'll see lights dancing around your hand, its like magic. Also you can skinny deep for all you want and no one would really care. Its like a paradise you've never dreamed of.

Suvivor Calaguas... oh yeah!

View from campsite

There are no resorts here but there's this one concrete house with one restroom (you're free to use it). No more digging up of pit somewhere to do your thing. Just make sure you maintain the cleanliness in the area. The caretaker of the place also has a mini sari sari store where you can buy junk foods and sodas.  But I suggest you bring your own since prices here can soar way way up.  There's a poso or water pump for all your kitchen and bathing needs. A mystical, untouched place, I would say it's the best place to camp if you want to escape the city and just laze in the sun.