Fun Dining

Okay, let me correct the title, it was actually both fun and fine dining.

It was our "farewell lunch out" for my officemate and friend, Winky, who was leaving for the You.S (US) in a week's time. My boss, another officemate/friend, Ms. Emi, Winky and myself headed towards San Juan to find some place to eat. My boss brought us to a place called Cafe Ysabel.

My first time to dine at Cafe Ysabel, a classy yet affordable restaurant tucked in an old but homey ancestral home along P. Guevarra St., San Juan, Metro Manila. The very first thing the caught my attention was the pond at the front yard, big and beautiful fishes swarmed the shallow, glistening water. Out of excitement (and ignorance I guess), I asked one of the guys in uniform (who I assumed works there) if they get their seafood dishes from the pond, the answer was negative, and thank God, these creatures are too beautiful to be served on the table, they're better off left swimming to their hearts' content. My eyes were transfixed on them for a brief moment. Then, I reminded myself, we're actually there to dine.

Inside was a cozy, welcoming ambiance. It was roomy, the furniture looked ancient and really matched the old house. It felt like going to grandma's house.

My boss who was the one more familiar with the place and the menu, took the liberty to order our food. Here's what we ordered.
(Arroz Valenciana)


(Lengua, some fish-the green one with nuts on top, and chicken-the one that looked like inverted triangle - forgot their names).

The food had very nice, creative presentation. And the taste Two thumbs up!

I vowed to bring another friend there one of these days.

Kelly Clarkson - Because of You

One of my favorite songs. One of Kelly Clarkson's best! (Credits to the owner of this video)

Awesome Graveyard!

Hong Kong, China - We were on a bus on the way to Ocean Park in Hong Kong when we passed by this huge cemetery. I don't know what it's called (probably Hong Kong Cemetery? - I'm guessing here), but it is by far the biggest cemetery I've ever seen, alongside commercial areas and towering buildings. Oddly, I find it beautiful.

Life and Nature
Hong Kong Ocean Park
May 20, 2010

Amateur video clips taken at Ocean Park, Hong Kong, China.

Election Day

May 10, 2010
Election Day
Philippines

Did you vote? I hope everyone who is qualified, did. Despite the glitches, the long lines of voters waiting for their turn to vote, the defective PCOS machines, the human errors unintentionally committed by untrained COMELEC representatives/teachers - we should still persist and have the patience and perseverance to be able to cast our votes. This could be the one chance we've been waiting for that could change the future of the country. Some didn't want to vote because they believe whoever gets the position won't change anything. With due respect, I believe otherwise. I prefer to never stop hoping that there is HOPE in the country. And if that most coveted CHANGE happens, I can proudly say, I am part of it.

I voted, and I felt good.

COMPANY OUTING - KABAYAN BEACH RESORT

Kabayan Beach Resort
April 27, 2010 Tuesday
Laiya, San Juan Batangas
Philippines


The employees gathered at the company's Corporate Headquarters as early as 4:00am. Some even stayed overnight at the clinic(office) to avoid coming in late and risk being left behind by the bus. As always, there were those who just can't come on time, so we had to wait for them, I should say, unhappily. Even the bus was late (huh!). We were able to leave the office at a little past 6:00am. We had to prepare ourselves for a long trip, about 3 to 4 hours from where we came from.

The bus was a mess - aside from being late, it was running slow apparently due to some mechanical problem, and the AC wasn't working properly. To top it all, the bus driver wasn't familiar with the place and it took longer for us to reach our destination. Good thing, the long trip was all worth it when we finally reached the resort.

Entrance to the Resort


A Grotto welcomes all visitors, found right after the entrance/gate.


A picture of the beach




Serene...but steaming hot!


This is where they do ceremonies like weddings, birthdays, and other events.


Some employees played beach volleyball...


...while waiting for the food, which was being prepared right in front of our cottages


Swimming time!!!


Everybody enjoyed the day. Overall it was a fun-filled, memorable company activity.

Family Outing - Morong, Bataan

After spending the whole morning looking for a beach resort first in Subic, then in Morong, Bataan, we finally settled in a newly opened beach resort, The Bonito Beach Resort, located in Morong, Bataan. According to the receptionist, they opened just a few days ago, and indeed, the rooms were very new, cozy to the point of being elegant, and ours was big enough to fit 11 heads (six adult and 5 children). Well, the sand wasn't as white as Boracay's and other beaches in the South, but it was so fine, and it was surprisingly beautiful.

Day 1

We started swimming at around 4pm, when the sun was not so high and we were spared of sunburn. Just to be sure, I applied a lot of sun block on my kids' body. It was effective.









Day 2

The sky was so clear, the sun was up as early as 6am, still my kids braved the sun and basked in the sea. Oh, how they love the beach!





We went to the other side of the island, about 30 minute travel by a banca (boat). There we were able to visit a small sanctuary for "pawikans" (tortoise).



A "pawikan" (tortoise)


Life cycle of a "pawikan"


Getting ready for home.


It was worth the long search. We had so much fun!