My childhood TV crush

I'm very sorry John Lloyd Cruz but you're not my first tv crush. Ironically, he was not a celebrity. Umm, maybe to some extent (because he appeared on tv) but not the showbiz type. I can still remember it, I was a freshman in highschool. The show was Battle of the Brains. Yeah, those were my type of tv shows when I was young. I would always long for Saturday morning when the show would air. I would answer the questions as if I was a contestant. And how I wish I were! It made me study more because I want to answer more questions correctly. I read, read and read to gain more knowledge outside what was taught at school. I felt proud of myself when I get them right but not the studio contestants, I feel so smart haha!

Anyway, back to my story about my tv crush. He was a contestant of BB, from De La Salle Zobel. Soshal di ba? That time I didn't know that there's a De La Salle school in Ayala Alabang. I only know about their Greenhills campus and Taft. He was a defending champion for many weeks. It was the first time that they had a cute contestant, beauty and brains! Haha. I was glued to the show even more. I will look forward to their time slot and no one can change the channel of the tv. Everytime he will get the correct answer, I would like to kiss him (more of the tv) hahaha!

But of course, it has come to an end. And since then, I haven't heard about him. I have had many crushes in school, then eventually I started working and my issues in life are more serious. Nyahaha. So I forgot all about him and the show. Then all of a sudden today, I don't know why but I thought about that guy. And thanks for Google, I was able to find him!

He's now married with 2 sons, both also studying at DLSZ. He's still good-looking with his dimple on his left cheek. And I'm happy to say that I'm more beautiful than his wife. Honest ha!! His wife looks older than him and without that pasosyal air.

Here's what I got from his LinkedIn profile:

He graduated with a degree in Applied Economics and Commerce. He was a University Academic Scholar, Most Outstanding Student, 1st place at DLSU Freshman Entrance Examination.

Hanep di ba?? Ang galing ko mang-stalk no? Hahaha! I even found out the FB account of his wife and I now where he now works! He actually started as an Assistant Branch Manager at BPI Family Savings. Then he moved to Globe, then went back to BPI as Product Manager, then now he's a Cash Solutions Manager for UBP.

Haay, feeling teenager lang sa kaka-stalk!

myB, if mabasa mo 'to in the future, wag kang magseselos ha. He was just a childhood crush. At may dimple ka rin naman! Mas maganda ang mga eyes mo. And I love you dearly! Mwah mwah! Tsup tsup!














 

Food: Ikkoryu Fukuoka

During one of our first dates as bf-gf, he brought me here, at their EDSA Shangri-la Mall branch. I was not really a ramen person. I find it not worth it to spend money on some bowl of hot noodles. Feeling ko pa kulang, hindi ako mabubusog haha! I'd rather spend my money on some good cut of steak.

But Ikkoryu Fukuoka made me a convert. I love sipping the hot broth, I love the noodles! It started our own ramen craze! Since then we make it a point to eat at the different ramen houses, we want to try them all! But it's always nice to come back to Ikkoryu Fukuoka.

As usual, I ordered Tantanmen. I forgot how they call it, it's new in their menu.

It was so spicy!! I was tearing on my first sip haha! But it was so good, I actually finished ALL of it! Broth included! For the first time we tried to have it with the very hard noodles version and it turned out great. Although I find Yushoken's version much creamier and with a more distinct sesame taste.

MyB ordered the Spicy Tobanjan Tonkotsu (sorry nahalo na nia before I can take a shot). He said it was also very spicy, of course hehe.

Happy happy tummies!!!

Happiness: ♥♥♥♥♥

Ikkoryu Fukuoka

Alabang Town Center

Food: KEI Japanese Restaurant

I've been craving for ramen since the rainy season began but never had the chance to have one. We bought a 3-seat recliner sofa so there goes our extra money, no expensive ramen for the meantime :-p

But well, since today is extra special (it's our 6th wedding monthsary!) we decided to have one. It was so thoughtful of myB to suggest to dine out today.

We've been seeing KEI Japanese Resaurant since we've been passing through the street every morning going to work. It's within our village (a good 2-minute drive from our house) so it's so convenient. So it's like hitting 2 birds in 1 stone- celebrating our monthsary plus ending our curiosity about this japanese restaurant in our village. 

As usual, I order Tantanmen Ramen so I could compare it with the others.

The bowl was so huge! Their menu didn't say it's good for more than 1 person so maybe 1 hungry folk can actually finish it off. It turned out the bowl is just thick and the soup is just too much giving it the impression that it's a lot. Well, if you like soup, there goes your money! 

My husband ordered Gomoku Ramen with lots of seafood:

He says he found the noodles not enough. He actually emptied this out! Good thing I was not able to eat all of my ramen so I gave it to him as well. 

For the side dish, we had their gyoza (sorry no photo!) and dynamite roll:

The waiter initially asked if it's okay that we have the gyoza fried, I wonder why. I suspected it was in a not so good condition and frying it will help conceal? It was good though. I ate 3 out of 4. We liked their dynamite roll! It has the right kick and crunch. It was by far the best one that we had tonight.

You know what they say that the best Japanese restaurants are those that serve only their specialty. Like if it's just sa ramen house or just a katsu one. If it serves a variety of japanese menu (ramen, sushi, maki, shabu-shabu etc), it means the restaurant is just so-so. Unfortunately, I find it true in KEI's case. Their Tantanmen is nothing compared to Yushoken or Ippudo. It's lacking the sesame-peanut taste. You can tell that the broth didn't undergo the 12-hour process. It lacked flavor. Plus the egg is not tamago but an egg-drop one. Reminds me of the chicken noodle soup that we make at home using those instant noodles where we drop an egg for extra flavor haha! If you want ramen, just go to those ramen houses not here. 

I think we'll still come back next time but to try their rice toppings or bento meals. While we were there, most of the delivery orders that they got are for those kinds so maybe those are their specialty. Definitely not ramen. The price range is okay too. Their ramen is just in the 210-260 range. 

Happiness count: ♥♥

KEI Japanese Restaurant

Gloria Diaz Street

BF Resort Village

Las Piñas City

Food: Starbucks

I initially want ramen. This freakin' typhoons/ monsoon rains really made me crave for hot spicy soup. But as we don't have a good ramen place in our office area, hot Coffee Mocha to the rescue! Yes, I had all of these for lunch =) Who's hungry? Lol.

I devoured the french toast as soon as I got it. So yummy with butter and honey syrup. I remember the time when I did this for my family. It became an instant favorite. Now, that sausage roll is a new favorite. I like it that the sausage is peppery and had enough kick. Perfect for this rainy weather. 

Happiness count: ♥♥♥♥♥

Starbucks

Cybergate Tower 2

Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong

MyB Episodes: Bed hoarder

For the record, I am a "neat sleeper". Imbento ko lang yang term na yan but what I mean is that I usually wake up in the same position that I slept at. I remember during one of our teambuilding, I had to share the bed with a teammate (girl shempre). The next morning pinagkakalat nya na kung ano daw itsura/posisyon ko nung natulog kami, ganun na ganun daw nia ako nakita kinaumagahan. Parang hindi daw ako gumalaw magdamag. She'll recount that incident every so often. She was that amused/amazed at me.

But now if you'll ask my husband, he'll probably tell you something like this:

Exaggg!

It has been more than a couple of times that he told me that muntik na raw sya mahulog sa bed kasi inokupa ko na lahat. I refused to believe it. I'm just not the type.

But when we analyzed it, it could probably be true. Ang sarap kasi ng may kayakap! And I'm addicted to his hugs hihi! So what happens is that I "follow" him wherever he "goes" in bed until he has no more space left to his left (I sleep on his right)! Crazy marital "issues"! Hahaha!

Note: photo from the internet.

South living

I've been a "North" girl all my life. I was born, raised, studied, lived in the Northern part of Metro Manila for more than 30 years now. But since I got married and we decided to build our home in the South, slowly I've been loving it here.

Though it's actually much closer to the business districts, I find the South area much more laid back. There's a certain vibe here that makes me want to stay more at home than go out. Or is it because I'm still knowing my way to the shopping malls? Haha. Unlike in the North where I exactly know the stores like the back of my hand.

I also love that the air here feels more fresh. Maybe because the factories are far far away in the provinces. Unlike in my parental place where there's a paper mill, a log factory, and a big brewery just around the corner. The water and air are so polluted.

But now I'll tell you what I like best living now in the South. This:

Yes! Seeing airplanes this big crossing the expressway every single day is so cool for my life! :-)

My Papa

Today is Father's Day and I would like to honor the man responsible for the being that I have become, my Papa.

He didn't reach college level. Parang hindi nga rin ata sya naka-graduate ng high school. My grandparents were so poor that they couldn't afford to send them to school, all 10 of them.

But based on their stories, my Papa was a smart kid. Honor student. It didn't matter that he had to walk 4-5 kilometers (1-way!) a day to get to his school. He was also a student athlete, sprint was his sports. Sya ang pambato ng school and even of their regional division. If I remember the stories rigt, he got scholarship because of this.

I don't know what happened along the way, why he didn't finish school. Must be because of their family's condition that he felt obliged to just work to help his family with the daily needs. He became a cab driver in Metro Manila. He's the best cab driver! He's honest with the fare and won't ask for anything extra. He is a very careful driver so you know you're in good hands.

When I was around four, he went to Saudi Arabia to earn more. He was the superstar driver! His employers liked him and will give him anything he wants. Except for long and regular vacation with us.

Yes, my Papa was unlike the other fathers with high-paying prestigious jobs. Yes, my Papa was not with us during my formative years. Yes, my Papa was not able to shower us with Disneyland trips whenever we liked it.

But my Papa taught me the value of independence. That I should not rely on anyone for my financial needs. That to reach my dreams I should study hard and work hard for it.

My Papa taught me honesty and integrity.

My Papa taught me the value of hardwork.  

My Papa taught me the value of friendship. He doesn't have many friends, but I can see that many people have high regard of him. They respect him.

These are the things that money can't buy. And I am glad that I have my Papa as an inspiration. I am so proud of you Papa. I love you very much!

MyB Episodes: Passive for now

MyB has been experiencing lower back pains for a week now. We rushed him to the emergency room last Tuesday as he really was having difficulty getting up from the bed. After urinalysis, x-ray and some pain killer and muscle relaxant prescriptions, he was released from E.R. 

He returned to the hospital the next day for his x-ray results. MRI was recommended. Today he just got back from his appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. Verdict: normal sign of aging!

With the kind of work that we have, we're very susceptible to back pains. The doctor advised to get up from the desk (at least every hour), stand up and walk around for a few minutes. When the doctor learned that he just recently married, he also advised him to take "passive action" for now.

Me: What does it mean?

MyB: Ikaw daw muna magtrabaho. Woman on top! Eh sinabi ko kasi pine-pressure nako nila daddy na magbigay na ng apo kaya panay panay tayo.

OMG. 

Buti na lang hindi ako kasama ng pumunta sya sa doctor kundi, I died of embarrasment perhaps! At kung ako naman ang may back pain next week, alam nyo na! Bwahahaha!!!

Beauty: Facial Care

After my lunch, I went to Facial Care. My appointment was actually at 3pm but since I don't know where else to go (Glorietta/SM is a far walk), I just decided to wait at their reception hall. After 2 hours and 1 glass of hot calamansi juice, I was finally ushered to my treatment room! I was attended by Bernie, she has been my therapist since 2009! 

I am a loyal client of Facial Care since 2009. It started when I have an acne problem that I can't get rid of no matter what facial wash or facial regimen I follow. Then I realized I really need professional help.

Their services (not to mention their rates) are comparable to Belo's. In fact, when Kris Aquino had a falling out with Vicki Belo, she went to Facial Care for her skin care. So I know I'm in good hands.

After just a few sessions/weeks, I was already able to notice the result. My problematic pimples has slowly diminished and has been manageable. In no time I have healthy skin again!

From their anti-bacterial facial, I switched to seaweed facial then got a couple of other treatments as well to complement it.

Their treatments are not cheap though. Umiyak talaga ang bulsa ko that time! By with the results, I know it was all worth it. I got the succeeding packages only whenever they have promo, mostly during their October anniversary. Either buy 1 take 1 or with other free treatments (ie. I once bought their diamond peel package with free lasertones!). That way you get much worth for your bucks.

Food: Green Tomato

I went to Makati today. I've been waiting for this for 2 weeks. Hopefully soon I'll be able to tell you about it!

Anyway.. my meeting ended at around 11am. It was still too early for lunch and I don't know where to go. Oh actually, I initially wanted to try Ukkokei Ramen Ron at Pasay Road. MyB and I have been meaning to try it for the longest time. But either we're too late for lunch/too early fir dinner or we just can't find a parking space! 

And since I felt guilty that I'll try it this time without myB, I decided to just walk towards GT Tower (where my next appointment is) and if I see something interesting then that's it. 

Later I realized that I made a long walk (from Gil Puyat then Makati Avenue then Paseo Roxas then Ayala Avenue) when I got to GT Tower. Nawili ata ako mag-sightseeing ng buildings haha! I could have just made right turn to HV Dela Costa for thr short cut to GT Tower. Anyway, it's okay as I'm not in a hurry and it was my first time to roam around that side of Makati anyway.

When I finally got to GT Tower, I just thought of trying whatever they have in their cafeteria, kahit Mini-stop okay lang. I was actually craving for some siomai.

So imagine my surprise when I saw Green Tomato! MyB and I used to go to their EDSA Shangri-la mall branch or their kiosk at Philamlife Building. Needless to say, I went to Green Tomato for lunch today.

I ordered Spicy Anchovies. It was late when I realized that what we usually order here is their Shrimp and Anchovies pasta. But it's okay, Spicy Anchovies is tasty as well! It was too spicy for me though. I was not able to take a photo since I got hungry already when I smelled the newly-cooked pasta hehe!

Happiness count: ♥♥♥♥

Green Tomato

GT Tower 12th Floor

Ayala Avenue Makati City