Suddenly Salsa

     A planned reunion of fellow researchers commenced at last! Former colleagues decided to meet up in Greenbelt and set up a video chat with Froi, who now lives in New Jersey. Everyone present seems so excited to see each other. I was hoping to take a nap before going to the meeting place but sleep seems impossible already. I was too giddy. And there they were, the same 'ol group, with  few pounds taken off from them. Everyone looked slimmer than the last time I saw them. Mommy Cheng, you really surprised me. I love the legs! Hahaha. Yvette, with still the same glamarosa aura I like. Kelly, my lovely Mrs. Smith (yes, I agree, for me you are no Nina Fuentes but an Angelina). Vin, my fellow GERD brother, why must this happen to us! Ian, I still can't believe how you've maintain that body all these years. It's all those marathons' fault noh? Jigs, you're late but that's fine, still as good looking as ever, I forgive you. Hahaha.

     Everyone is healthy, happy and hungry. Yes, I'd say they all looked great and I'm just glad we had this reunion this year, 2012, before the end of the world. Anyway, going back to the reunion...never-ending and untold stories were told; crazy antics were revived; updates on current life were revealed. Sadly, some were not able to make it but that's fine, they have to make it up next time (you know who you are, hmp!). Besides, the fun must continue.

     The group first decided to go to Glorietta 5 and see where we can set up a laptop. After what seemed like 30 mins of strolling around, looking for a suitable place to eat and hang out, we came to a decision to just go and find some diner along Makati Ave, near A.Venue and landed at Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar.

Hot Sauce Collection

Sarap ng Kanin-Baboy 

     It's a nice and cozy  typical Mexican diner of some sort so we just planned to have our stomachs filled and change to another place to chill and have some booze. We ordered huge servings of burritos and taco salads. They also have this huge collection of hot sauces from tabasco to hot insane ones. I haven't tried their margarita though. Too bad I can't take in any spicy food or alcoholic drinks anymore due to my GERD, right Vin?

Mirror mirror on the ball

     Upon entering the diner, I noticed the big vacant area inside. I thought at first that maybe this place provides jamming sessions for bands who'd like to play their thing but then again there were no instruments there. At 11:00 pm, much to our surprise, the place was transformed into a mini dancing hall and we were all asked by Reana, the event host, to join Salsa 101.

Focus!

     I have always loved dancing but never learned Salsa. Without hesitation, I stood up and found myself a place for the tutorial. Together with my friends, we breezed the dance floor and just let our feet do the talking this time. It was a great night! Everybody was enjoying the lessons. I immediately got into the groove and danced the night away.

Midshift

Dancing the night away

     After the lessons, the real Salsa dancing took place. A lot of salseros, (both male and female; Pinoy and foreigners) were there and danced like no one was watching. Everyone seems to have a world of their own on the dance floor. I so envy them. I miss dancing like that, like sweat is blending with your emotions as you sway away to the beat of the music. Its sooo hot and sexy. It's a must see and FEEL event! Let me just practice some more and I shall return.

Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar

7838 Makati Avenue, Makati (Infront of A.Venue)
Schedule of Salsa Events: Every Saturday
10:30 PM - 10:45 PM Salsa Lessons
10:45 PM - 4:00 AM   Anything-goes Salsa

Ratings
Food: 3 out of 5 stars
Event: 5 out of 5 stars

P.S. Thank you Vin for the photos and Jigs for the title

Waxing Season

     Summer is officially here and it's waxing season. I'm sure everyone is busy looking for the best beach tour bargain this March, my birthday month. So together with that, bikini shopping and waxing comes next. Summer = less clothes + more skin exposure. Everybody wants to look best in their sexy swimsuits so you don't want to be caught dead wearing any outfit with hairs poking out, right? It's just too appalling if someone sees you like that so I went to my regular appointment just to be ready for any unexpected trip to any body of water.

Cubicle at SM Marikina, my fave branch

     As I made my visit with Lay Bare recently, the only waxing salon I trust btw, I remembered my first Brazilian wax experience. It was more than a year ago when an idea struck me together with my Nursing classmates: "How does it feel to be bare down there again like a small girl?" Hehehe. Curiousity strikes again! They made me guinea pig it. I have no problems with that so I conditioned my mind by reading articles about Brazilian wax just to ease up my tension. Keep in mind that there are no room for shyness and embarrassment here,  their personnel is very professional. My classmates had to wait outside the reception area, anticipating any screams that I would be making, while I lay bare on a salon bed. Prior to that I took 2 tablets of ibuprofen to counter any discomfort I may feel during the procedure. Preparations were done but nothing really could prepare you until you've had the taste of the excruciating pain of hairs being pulled out from the most sensitive skin area of your body.

     Holy Mother of God! Torture! I'm not going to sugar-coat my reaction. It's best that you know this early on.  First timers, you really have to deal with the pain. It's a given fact. The waxed area will be red, puffy and stinging like hell. No pain, no beauty...er gain, whatever. Think of it as part of an initiation rite needed for making yourself more beautiful down there. Its okay, everyone experienced that. But once you get past the first wax, you'll eventually learn to tolerate the pain and feel better. 

And now on the positive side, after the stingy feeling fades away, you'll feel naked. Its breezy, clean, smooth, and light, feeling like a little girl again. Confidence level increases as well. That's the secret of models having their photos taken wearing an itsy-bitsy-tiny-winy bikini. Make yourself a model too! You're sexy and you know it!

Happy summer waxing!

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.