Dark ... and delicious!

Yeah, I gotta admit...it's delicious! I thought I tasted it all. But then again, forgot that I haven't tried the dark side of Mocha ever since. Tried java, cookies n cream, cappuccino, latte, mocha, brewed ... but never dark.

But who doesn't fear the dark. When we were still kids, our parents, yayas, relatives and friends always scared us with stories, figures and imaginations of the dark. Sometimes we pee'd on our pants just hearing the names. Ha! Figment of our imagination. We feared the dark ... for almost a decade ... then ... came the girls! That's when we embraced darkness! Hyarhyarhyar! =P

'Nuff of that! I love dark chocolates, dark rooms...ehehe...shush! Haven't tasted dark because when it's coffee, it's always associated with bitter, sour, pweh pweh pweh (ya know what I mean). But this! Ah, the sweetness of dark mocha. I'm beginning to love this from my fave Javanilla. But a fave's a fave. A little getting used to it and wham! Dark is super!

So when you order froccino, blended or any cold coffee beverage, don't forget ... sometimes dark is delicious!

why not?

This is my fave hangout in Makati. Seattle's and Tokyo Tokyo. Every time I look at Seattle's, I crave for Javanilla. And every time I look at Tokyo Tokyo, I crave for the Red Iced Tea.

Whaddaya know! I can't help it! Every time I go to Makati, it's like a whole new me. Watching all those people passing by, students smoking Hookah pipes at Bollywood, people dressing up their dogs, looking at showbiz people shopping at Adora...crazy isn't it? But why Makati? I also love Greenhills because of the shirts...love it! You see, Makati is like the "in" place. Classy ambiance, crazy sale, beautiful girls...well anyways. It's like being social when you're not.

And you know, you can just eat at Landmark and drink coffee in Greenbelt and still retain your class. No pun intended. Really!

So every time you go to Manila for business or vacation, why not stop by at Greenbelt at 6 and just relax. Take a sip, a dunk or a crunch. Because sometimes after working hard, you deserve a break. As we all know, we can't bring a single cent to Heaven, so why not enjoy and give yourself a reward. Keep it cool and just enjoy the day! Why not?

up there but down there

Learned something today on my client call. Yeah. Thought it'd just be business.

Lifestyle. That's what we talked about. Live by your means. Don't succumb to peer pressure. But sometimes you have to taste it to live it.

Just look at your limit. Live with your limit. When you're living in the corporate world, you tend to get the perks. Blackberry. Business Class. BMWs. The complete B. But you have to differentiate THAT world from your own world. Why? Because it's not you. Definitely not you. You have your home, your family, your friends. Then there's your corporate friends, business friends, party friends and then there's peer pressure. It's kinda tiresome to catch up with things. Specially your lifestyle. You tend to catch up with your friends and live a life that is not yours.

Just step down. Put your foot down. And be humble. Enjoy what you have. Love what you have. Live what you have. Living in a corporate world is not easy. And when you get home, relax. Don't place your family in the corporate world. Because once you've tasted chocolate, you tend to eat the whole box.

As Casey Casem once said "Keep your feet on the sky...and keep reaching for the ground." Gets?

fries, fries and everything nice

Had lunch with the kids at McDonald's Ayala and YES to say it boldly...the BEST FRIES EVER!

I tried to compare it with the other brand, even with the burger, but then the other doesn't get any better at every grind. Yikes! And then again there are others like the BACONATOR in Wendy's Auckland, NZ, then Burger King and then there's even Burger Joint's Wasabe Burger! But with the fries...nothing beats McDonald's Fries!

Eat it without ketchup, I can even wander around, floating endlessly, imagining things and still putting the fries in my mouth. Not like the other. After a minute, you tend to spit it out. It's like eating raw potato. It should be fries not potato. So every time I eat out, it's always McDonald's because it's fries, fries and everything nice. =)

the journey starts here

...and then we miss a mother, a wife and everything in our lives. In everything we do, there's always a sacrifice. Opportunity knocks only once and you know that regrets are never at the beginning. If we don't take a chance, then we will always think of it as a better alternative than what we have now. And we can always turn it down if it doesn't suit us.

More often than not, people who say "what if" are those who don't take risks. So how can you be at peace with yourself if you didn't try?

More often than not, people always tell the story over and over that "if I had done it" but no. They threw the opportunity away.

More often than not, people blame being married for not having to do what they really want to do, doing what they dream of doing, and most often sacrifice happiness.

But why do you have to sacrifice your own happiness? We can always do it both ways. You can be happily married and have your own Hotwheels collection. Or even have your own classic car collections. Don't let anything stop your dream. Your family will always understand. People will start to understand. And when they do, the journey starts here.

and then you think you knew everything...

Just remembered our "migration" to Auckland, New Zealand. It was a very important and memorable experience for our family. Why important? Well my kids began to appreciate their yaya's, I began to appreciate household chores, Carol began to appreciate staying home. And why memorable? It's not only the experience that's memorable. It's the "no-guessing-what-may-happen" that we experienced.

If we didn't migrate, then we would've still have been on a high and blabber about the beauty of New Zealand, New Zealand this, New Zealand that. But no. We got to say "Ah, that was New Zealand". We get to cross the bridge. We get to experience the other side. No guessing games. You get to see the other side of the coin. And boy, you should see it to realize it. Yeah, realize that not everything on the other side is green. Not everything you hear is music. Not everything you imagined is glorious.

That's why you should appreciate everything that you have. Family. Friends. Yaya's. And even your pirated DVD's! You'll learn to face your demons, not to escape from them. You'll learn that not everything is Paradise.

And when you do ... the butterfly that you so eagerly want to catch will simply alight on your hand, when you stop chasing it.

Remember: People will never be contented in life. But when you learn to accept what you are and what you have, you will appreciate the sun set on your BMW.

The world is a better place...

Have you considered having actually satisfied yourself with self content? Well, that's the biggest question everybody asks everyday. Yeah. Being contented is as hard as the kryptonite Superman can't break.

That's our kryptonite.

Modesty aside, I'm trying to practice that. And oh man, it is hard! But one things for sure. Every time I listen to House Music, everything's just perfect. You don't need anything else. Money, iphones, DSLRs, brand new car, expensive jewelries...

Chill out. That's what they call it. Just chill out on any cravings you want. It's just temporary. When you achieve self content, then you can enjoy life. And I love what I read on the net "I asked God to give me all things so I could enjoy life...but instead God gave me life so I could enjoy all things." Awesome!

House Music. Been in this genre for years now. Like in the 80s, I was into New Wave. I like to be different. I like to listen to alternative music. Music that's not played on the FM regularly. I easily get bored that's why maybe I like house music. It doesn't overkill. It keeps your adrenaline alive. You feel that adrenaline rush. Just like Superman.

And just like House Music, you can practice self content. Just dance to the groove. Don't change channels. Just go with the flow. And when you do, you can practice self content. You don't want anything else. Just pure House. And when you do...the world will be a better place!

Thank You Auckland!

To Browns Bay: Thank you Tony and Jenny Jenkins. It was wonderful living in your house.
To Sartors Avenue: Thank you Benny and Dores. It was a wonderful vacation.
To John Downs: Thank you Das and Moi Fong for having wonderful conversations.
To Mangere East: Thank you Arvind, MaiMai and Allan O.
To Blockhouse Bay, Lynfield & Manukau: Thank you Wahoo, Chona, Gandi, Heyzl, Gail & Eddie!
To Glenfield: Thank you Donna, Kuya Rene & Ate Alice for being wonderful friends.
To Albany: Thank you Rolly and Gina for the great tennis!
To Wellington: Thank you Jimble.
To Christchurch: Thank you Botoy, Abigail & Marissa.
To Westfield, Pak n Save, Foodtown, Warehouse & New World: Thank you for the delicious groceries!
To Browns Bay & Takapuna: Thank you for the cheapest flea market!
To Auckland CBD: Thank you SkyCity Tower, Viaduct & Fish Market.
To New Market: Thank you Crocs & Kathy Van Zeeland.
To Party Bus: Thank you for being a wonderful school bus.
To Sherwood Primary & Long Bay College: Thank you for taking care of my children.
To Manila: Thank you Uncle Nemesio, Auntie Lata, Ahia Steven, Achi Sandra & Achi Angeline
To Japan: Thank you my twin brother, Stevenson and his family Mika Therese, Christian Haruki & Joshua Naoki.

World Economy and Me

Hey! Don't look at me? Everyone's been hit by the US economy and there's nothing we can do about it. Or are there?

Don't push the panic button yet. And I hope you never will. Experts say this is temporary. And I hope you'll think smart. Because ignorance is the next target. Not the rich, the investors, and specially not the banks. And you might ask what about the financial institutions that's creating havoc in the States?

It's just temporary.

Global warming is not.

We can fix what's going on with the stock market. But not Global warming. So the next time you watch the news, look at the BIG picture.

Me?

I'm just warmin' up my barbecue...

What's in it for me?

Apple announces the iphone as the cheapest PDA ever at $199?!?!?! duh? only to find out that your telecom company is selling it at $617 the cheapest! Iphones are a no-brainer. Why buy a phone that's $400 more? Are you giving away your life's savings? I hope Apple can address this because if Steve Jobs once told us that he wants everyone to have an iphone, then it remains to be a dream. And a phone you wish you'd have but remains in the magazine. It will be just a phone made popular by YMs, gossips and street talks.

And what's in it for me?

Nothing. Just waiting for an alternative from Samsung and Nokia which by the way is already available...

and waiting for the iphone to just fade away...

Compre, Apps and What-have-you's

Hay! It's been a while since I've got this jitters. The last time I think was when I took the NCEE exams in high school. Jitters, really. It's not the problems. I can handle problems. It's just like mathematics. But jitters? Count me out! I don't know why suddenly I have these butterflies in my stomach. And it's not falling in love...really.

Good that I have a brother like Son

Hay naku! With all this hulabaloos! Wow! Talk about nervous breakdown. You know, when He gives you something, always remember that it's already fixed. If you still doubt it, then just pray hard. Then he'll give someone to guide you. And for me? That someone is Son...my beloved twin.

It's not easy deciding specially when it's really major! Way too major! And with friends who you trust, well and good. But with friends who you think you trust, that's where you get a brother like Son. He balances everything...he's been there and done that! And lucky for me...I have a brother like Son! :o)

Olmos, almost...

Olmos.
Hehe...if you remember who Edward James Olmos is right? Lt. Martin Castillo of Miami Vice? Yeah, that was my time.

Almost.
This is the time I dread but if you've got these jitters like butterflies in your stomach or just little things running round and round in your tummy...well, that maybe are the nerves when you've got big decisions to make.

I don't know. Maybe it's just that you're living in your comfort zone and suddenly...Wham! Wake me up before you go-go! Sometimes it's just hard to let go of things you already are used to. But time changes, people change, and probably your address too. Time flies too fast. Yeah, that's right. Too fast, one day you'll wake up and see a different perspective in life. Physical perspective that is. Geographical to be precise.

And what is geographical? To be continued... :o)

Oh My Goddess!

Hey I'm at Changi Airport in Singapore makin' this entry. And what you think I was writin' last blog, it's quicker than I thought. Man, talk about Too Fast Too Furious! And now I'm freakin' out! Blastin' freakin' out! No decision can be made with this kind of situation I'm in!

What the **** am I gonna do!

A Different Life

Have you ever considered living away from your comfort zone? I mean, away from your usual hullabaloos? No familiar faces, no familiar streets, different set of directions, no cozy clubs, just the laid back kinda life. Have you ever imagined getting away from it all and doin' the 360? I wish I had a choice.

But life gives you no choice.

Not everyone was born with a silver spoon. I mean, heck man, we just laugh and say hey, life's a bitch. You want this, but you need this. You just can't have them all. But hey, who's complainin'? What if you count your life by tens? Just divide your life like 1-10 years old then 10-20 then 20-30. Now I'm figurin' out what did I do with my life for the past ten years? From 30-40? Have I done my best to make people happy? Have I done my best to make my family live the life they wanted? Have I lived my life to the fullest within those ten years? Then you say "just cross the bridge when you get there". Man, that's a total sham. You just can't say that and wait till you cross the bridge? How did you do with your ten years. If you count your life by tens, then hey, life's too short. I'm goin' 40 and when I look back on all those tens, I said hey man, I haven't made so much of my life. I just wasted my life on things I don't wanna do. Because of all the limitations, we have to do something about it. And man I just wasted all those years.

But life gives you a choice.

Just like what the management guru, Sir Anthony Pangilinan said, even if you're too old to think you can't make it, you can do a career shift. And that was the best advise I got from the man. That's what makes America a first world country. I made my choice. I did my best. And let God do the rest. If you think it's too late, then you're afraid to change. If you think your too old, then you've changed.

And life gives you a chance.

That's what they say. Strike while the iron is hot. Grab the opportunity. Ask for blessings. That's what I did. And when you ask for them, man it's rainin' cats and dogs! Life is really special. You won't know what's next. You thought you know, you feel you know, but in the end, life is full of surprises. Why? Just look up at the sky and thank God you're alive. Thank God for the air that you breath. And thank God you have Him as your God. It's what they say "It is better to believe in God then die and learn there's no one there than not believe in God then die and realize there is one".

And God gives you life.

With all the heartaches and pains, the stress and oppressions, you can breath easy. Life is a balance. I don't know what life holds for me next. But one things for sure, it's a one way ticket to happiness.

Live life to the fullest.

I'm now back counting my tens. And I want my next ten to be full. Full of happiness, full of laughter, full of joy. To my family and friends, what do you know? Let the party begin!

a year long hiatus

Sigh...never thought I'd blog again. It happens all the time. Boredom, loneliness, blanks, no more magic. Well, what's there to write? Good news, old news, kicker Sundays... and why can't I change my script to white? I was fascinated with this blog site before...all because of my classmate having a fascination with the name Bianca. History just kicked my butt...and I'm at it again...bloggin'.

Haven't had a good writing flurry in months. Been cocky lately. And for pete's sake changes don't come in handy for years. Been through a lot and man, my mojo's hot! Moody, yeah that's what they call it.

Wow, 3:28 am. Gotta dive.

Mom & Mama, We’ll always miss you…

I have two moms in my lifetime. My mom and my mother-in-law. Two of the sweetest mothers one could ever ask for. Two of the kindest people. Two of my mom’s.

But tragedy struck. We didn’t know that both our mom’s would leave us for a good reason. To finally rest. No more hassles. No more problems. No more hurts. Just eternal bliss. At the peak of their lives, they already have helped so many people in so many ways…without expecting anything in return. The Lord God knows, the children they left behind followed in their footsteps. Footsteps spawned during the Second World War. Hiatus during the American era and congealed by war’s endless afflictions. Mom and Mama concealed the pains they brought during their adolescent years. Ravished by time elemental. Sweetened by values immemorial. They nurtured their children with principles and loving doctrine. Never would they allow the ravages of war to wound the future of the next generation. Lessons learned. Lessons taught. Lessons passed through generations of Alloso’s and Alvarico’s.

Now they’ve gone. Joining our Creator in never-ending tranquility.

Peace at last.

Home.

We’ll miss you!

Which ADAM are you?

As I sat back and watched the earthen skies under the bright, starry night, thoughts ran through my mind and I went back to the first story of the Bible. Adam and Eve. And Adam had two sides on him. The first Adam was the obedient Adam who didn't ask any questions from God and just obeyed Him throughout his whole life. He was given Paradise. The Garden of Eden. The second Adam ate the fruit from the forbidden tree and had the mind to reason. He questioned and disobeyed God. Reason was his rationale. What happened? God banished him from the Garden of Eden and made him work if he wants to have a comfortable life.
So, which Adam are you?

CHRISTmas 2005

2005

Christmas. A time to celebrate. A celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. A celebration of life. Life. Quite amusing. This year has been a trying year. The good ones and the bad. Life really is full of surprises. Friends and relatives passed away. Early this year, the father of Rene Fajardo passed away. Then later on this year my friend Anthony Te, an exFEBTC officer Benny Turno, my mother in law, ex-mayor Ronald Duterte, a very good friend of mine Michael Francis Go and my loving Auntie Laya. I also have friends who are suffering from various illnesses right now. People I know. Is this the worse year or a blessing in disguise?
Surreal. But what can we do? Maybe there’s a grand plan to all of this. I don’t have to question it since I’m part of the plan. Only God knows. Some of my friends are also going abroad. Maybe for a brighter future not seen here in our country? But what can we do? We can’t beat the system. That’s what they say, overworked, underpayed. Like you’re not totally compensated for your work. This kind of work is paid ten times abroad. So? That’s why everyone’s going out! I have a nurse friend who told me her salary for a year is equivalent only for a month abroad. So what’s keeping you? 2005’s Christmas is all too different from the past ones. I hoped to celebrate it with a big bang, but then… Times are hard. Friends pass away. There’s only one word you can give to all of this. Philippines. But then, is there any other country that can give you this much tension all year? This much hardship all year? This much excitement all year? NO! At the end of the day, you can sit back, relax and watch the sun set and give a sigh of relief. Only in the Philippines.
Prayers. This is all we can do for now. But not only now. Always. Only His touch can heal all wounds. And always remember “Ask and you shall receive.” Because if He gives us everything, then why pray? Why ask when you have everything? That’s why we pray…pray…that’s why we pray just to make it today (MC Hammer). He’s right. That’s why we’re called Christians. Because without CHRIST we are nothing. Cancel CHRIST & what is left? IAN which means I Am Nothing. Pray for peace of mind. Pray for peace. Pray.
Thanks. As always this is the time of the year that I give thanks to everyone. Thanks to my family for always being there. My friends who’s always been there through thick and thin. And to God, what else can I say? I love you all!
Carol, Niko, Rian, Mommy, Son, Mika, Haruki, Naoki, Bobby/Juvy, Nats, Lindale/Almira, Leonard/Ledy, Mike/Gigi, Brojan, Reagan, Paul, Bianca G., Jillsabs, Jen, Emi, Donna, Arlyn, Joy, Maricel, Carmina, Bing, Kathlyn, Dennis, Atty., Titing, Marc, Jaime, Nethla, Mau/Meye, CFC-Richard/Gereine, Robert/Bing, Tommy/Joan, Tomas/Honey, Rey/Lorna, Ano/Lery, Nars/Ellen, Khe/Sheila, Nelson/Susie, Kenneth/Myla, Barbers/Ella, Jun/Jeanette, CHI-John/Michelle, Myla, Susie, Jill, Mathel, Sarah, Tina, Pamangkins-Tyron, Abegail, Debbie, Itin, Mia, Carlo, Mac2x, Mickey, Harriet, Hannah, Harriel, Lynjie, Jessa, Irenn, Rene, Iris, Philip, Michelle, Mark, Cuz-Andoy, Jeanette, Unyot, Boy Dako, Boy Balbin, Bebe, Mila, Luz, Inday, Jeff, Chona, Steven, Philip, Angeline and to all those I forgot to mention…Thanks!

Sweet 18, Love Story in Harvard & Sassy Girl Chun Yang

Koreanovelas

Three Koreanovelas I highly recommend. If you want that love story with a romantic feel and yes, a light comedy too with a bit of action, these are what you seek. Sweet 18, romantic with light comedy. Love Story in Harvard, very romantic and a real tear jerker but a story you’ll fall in love for years to come, and Sassy Girl Chun Yang, romantic, light comedy with full of action (either kung fu fighting or just hurting each other :P).
And what’s common about these films are they only have a few actors for the whole series. You won’t get tangled up on who’s who, who’s what, or what’s happening. The plot is simple, the stars don’t fall in love with their rivals (in case they won’t end up with their supposedly love team) and the acting is superb. And most specially, the songs are great. Why don’t we have these in our tv series?
I’ve watched them over and over again and it really takes your problems away specially since the whole story is simple. No complications, no frills and most of all, it’s from KBS. That’s what you have to look after if you want a good Korean series. Produced by KBS. I don’t know but I can’t get enough of these three. It makes you fall in love over and over again.