If you've never heard of Laser Tag much less tried it before, then you've missed a lot from your childhood so you might want to pay attention to what I'm about to say next.
FAQ 1: What is laser tag? It's basically a shooting game except you don't get hurt... much--that of course depends on how silly your moves are.
FAQ 2: What do I need to bring? Just yourself really. All the gears you need will be provided. You get a phaser gun (the laser gun so-to-speak) to shoot people and a vest that's used to keep track of the number of times you get "hit".
FAQ 3: Will it hurt? Apart from the hurt you get from doing stupid stunts (see FAQ 1) , it doesn't hurt at all. You will get tired though from all the fun!
FAQ 4: How do I win? Well, at the end of the game, each player's stats will be printed out for you.
Pretty simple right? If you still didn't get it, you might want to check thesesitesout. I'm sure you're pretty excited to try it out right now. Yes? Good! So let me help you out on that. Me, together with JC and some other friends will be playing this Saturday.
FAQ 5: Details please?
When: Saturday August 30 at 4pm
Where: Lazer Extreme - 4th level of Market Market at Fort Bonifacio Global City
Cost: P190 for the first game and P170 each for the succeeding ones.
FAQ 6: How do I join? If you want to come and play, you're more than welcome to do so. Just leave a comment here or send me a message with your contact info so I can get you in the loop.
FAQ 7: Is it going to be fun? Not without you there! So join us! See ya! :)
We were looking for a place to eat dinner this evening and out of habit, we dove in to the heart of Chinatown yet again. While going around Binondo, we chanced upon a banner of Yoshinoya Binondo announcing its Buy 1 Take 1 promo. Need I say more? (Don't worry, I intend to hehe)
No, you're not having double vision... it's buy one take one!
If you're a fan of Yoshinoya, of excellent offers or both, you'd definitely like this, as did we. The promo was pretty straightforward. You get to choose from either Beef Gyudon bowl, Beef Yakiniku bowl or Jumbo Plate B (which is a combination of Beef Gyudon and Yakitori) and you get another one for free. This promo is valid both for take-out and dine-in anytime between 6pm to 9pm. They deliver too (3574663), but it's not covered by the promo.
This flyer actually says it all.
My sister and mom each had a bowl of Beef Gyudon. Beef gyudon is beef and onion simmered in a mildly sweet sauce. A regular sized bowl is P72, while the large bowl goes for P119.
They chose the large bowl to take full advantage of the buy 1 take 1 promo (especially since I was paying hehe)
My brother and I went for the gold of course, Jumbo Platter B. Yakiniku literally means grilled meat in Japanese.
Quite satisfying at 2 for P155 but quite expensive without
I've always enjoyed Yoshinoya's fare. While the service leaves something to be desired (not exactly bad, but I won't say they're happy to serve either), the food is quite satisfying. I found the beef tender and juicy, and I thought the flavor was just right.
What takes the taste over the top is their secret spices "seven spices".
Their Binondo branch is quite new and actually looks rather nice. And this is the only place where they offer this promo.
Look, they're handicapped-friendly too!
Promo duration is up until September 9, so I suppose you've plenty of time to visit. Here's a blow up of the map.
It's easy enough to find, it's just adjacent to the Binondo Church
If you've read Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, then you might be familiar with her concept of "tessering" (however innacurate that was). Tessering involves the use of a tesseract, a 5th dimension of sorts, that enables one to fold the fabric of space and time and thus do time travel through such "wrinkles in time".
I saw the play "Noli at El Fili Dekada 2000 (Dos Mil)", a contemporary adaptation of Jose Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" last thursday. I'd like to think this very play passed through such wrinkles in time to remind us Filipinos not to be complacent and to remain vigilant for we are facing many of the same things that Jose Rizal and our country's forefathers gave their lives up for today.
Poster for the play. Depicts the 2 faces the main character, from the idealistic reformist Ibarra to the I-want-change-now rebel Simoun.
I like this photo I took of the cast page in the souvenir program. Surely this one "tessered" to the present.
A fitting reminder as we celebrate National Heroes Day next week don't you think? If you want to see the play and haven't yet done so, you have until tomorrow to do so.
Want to join photohunt but don't know how? Want to see other photohunters?Click this -->PhotoHunt
There are a few congratulations I feel needs to be given before this day ends.
1. I'd like to congratulate my friends who took the Licensure Exam for Physicians this month. The results came out today and they passed with flying colors (whatever that expression means).
Allan Louie E. Cruz, MD (5th place) and Mark Henry Y.C. Joven, MD Right before our Baccalaureate Mass as we neared the end of our PT days in UST.
Mary Nel B. Bolante, MD post-internship make-up duty at UST CD (if I'm not mistaken)
Needless to say, it was a memorable evening. The play was well acted and directed, the lines were witty and surprisingly contemporary, and Nic Tiongson's adaptation of Rizal's magnum opus was brilliantly written--you can see the same problems of corruption, greed and political power-struggles that hurt individuals as much as it does the nation.
Tonight's performance felt special for some reason. I'm not sure if it has something to do with today's holiday--Ninoy Aquino Day, but the audience that came were of a kind I've never been part of before. Perhaps it was the play that connected with the audience on many different levels. The laughter were genuine, the claps were heartfelt, and there was a sense of consensus, a general agreement on the message--I can almost imagine people saying to each other, "Yes, yes, all too true I'm afraid." All this in no small part due to the cast I'm sure. They were great, they were natural and thus they were able to connect with the audience. Now as exemplary as the cast were, the audience glittered as well with personalities like Randy David and ZTE Star Witness turned public hero Jun Lozada who came with their families.
If you haven't seen it, they only have 3 playdates left, tomorrow until Sunday if I'm not mistaken, so go, watch it. You won't regret the time and money you will spend to support such a worthy endeavor. (You may see some of the photos I took here.)
My friend She Maala who played Juli among other characters in the play. Thank you for inviting me to the show, it was a worthwhile experience indeed!
3. This actually happened yesterday but just the same I'd like to congratulate
Odessa Andal - Select Distinguised Area Governor for Area 12
Maharlika Toastmasters Club for winning Division B club of the year (actually 1st runner up to El Presidente for District honors)
UEC Toastmasters (my club actually) for being Area 12 Club of the year (with thanks to Maharlika for getting the bigger prize freeing this one for us hehe)
Special thanks to outgoing District Governor Gina Mapua for the hearty dinner and equally heart warming evening. (You can read about this event and see beautiful photos here.)
And in the text body whatever greeting you might have in mind
Now if you do it within his birthday (and he ends up believing this meme is true) then he'll invite you to an ultra-secret, mafia-only, killed-if-you-squeal (or sing in a "squealy" sound) gathering where you'll get a taste of delicious and inexpensive food.
Citismash - for my weekly badminton fix, incidentally we've resumed doing it weekdays, Tuesdays 8 to 10pm (leave me a message if you want to come and play)
We're back!
2. Four people who email me regularly: Nobody emails me regularly, so I'll list down the most common sources of my email instead
Princesa Musang just gave me this award. How did I win it? Probably no bigger reason than because she won it and needed to pass it on. No criteria was set, but she was kind enough to add some flattering words to it.
To philos, for never failing to make me salivate with his stories about food and restaurants, and for being one of those few people who always left me comments when I was just starting to make my way in this blog. And also for that brilliant interpretation of the photo hunt clouds when you used steam clouds! I think that’s really cool.
Further research confirmed that this is in fact a hoax and no such award ever existed. It is because of this that I've decided not to forward it (because I'm lazy like that). Still, I posted it here to show PM that this gesture is much appreciated.
There are however real awards in the blogosphere. And one such, the most prestigious in the country in fact is upon us--The 2008 Philippine Blog Awards!
In an ironic and landmark fashion, 36 years after after the declaration of Martial Law to the day, we will celebrate our ever growing love for freedom by giving away 36 prizes that recognize and champion the fruits of free speech!
That's right! With 36 prizes up for grabs--it's both bigger and better than ever! 15 categories will be recognized each for the Best Blog and Best Single Blog Post division, and 6 Special Awards will be given away! Unfortunately nominations are closed now. The good news however is you still haven't missed the show!
For those who missed their history lessons, the date is September 21 (Sunday). Registration starts 5pm at One Esplanade (Coral B room) with the program commencing at sunset and you don't want to miss the sunset view. See ya all!
While I'm not as well traveled as most people I've met in the blogosphere. I'd like to think of myself as an outdoorsman. I'm a scout and I've been camping since I was 8. In fact I was part of the Philippine contingent to the 1st ASEAN Jamboree last 1993 which was hosted by our country.
Last year alone, I was able to go to 2 church camps, UECP YWC Joint Camp in Pililia, Rizal, and the AZCOP Young Professional's Camp at Clark, Pampanga. On top of that, our family took 2 trips, to Davao June and then to Baguio October. And when Chin and Chloe came over, last November, we were able to bring them to Subic among other places.
This year has one of the most number of long weekends in no small part due to the law that moves holiday to the closest Monday. You would think that I will get to go out more this year, but it turns out no. Sure I went to Laguna a couple of times already, 3rd YWC Joint Camp at Butterfly Farm, and then to Pagsanjan with my friends, but that's about it.
These are the places in the Philippines where I've been to. Those areas with a darker shades of blue are those places that I've frequented (or have actually live at).
How about you? How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!
My less than admirable Lakbayan grade: (special thanks to Tiohem for sharing this one).
Right now I'm face with what is to be one of the longest non-Christmas break I've had with nowhere to go but home. This 4 day weekend consist of the usual Saturday and Sunday of course, and then tomorrow we celebrate Ninoy Aquino Day (which should actually be Aug 21, JC's Birthday by the way) and then on Tuesday, Quezon City Day, the city were my work is at. Still I welcome the break.
Maybe I'll just hop on over to other blogs and live vicariously through them hehe... Here's an update on the dating meme. I'm happy to announce that they rose up to the occasion. So why don't you hop on over to their sites and check out:
I attended a friend's wedding about a month and a half ago, and I must say, theirs was rather unique but not in a strange way. I would use the term colorful to describe them.
You can tell right away how colorful they are by the centerpiece they chose for each table.
This actually served as an appetizer as well. Excellent choice of fruits too... I particularly enjoyed the sweet tamarind. The dishes were colorful too!
Smoked Salmon and Grilled Tiger Prawns served with Mesclun Greens and Sesame Aioli
They even threw in something with an earthy color.
Black Bean Soup with Tortilla Strips, Crushed Black Pepper and Sour Cream
I loved this!
Caramelized Gindara Fillet on Sweet Potato Ragout, Ginger Pakchoy and Sesame Mirin Sauce
A little sherbet to wash the taste of fish away.
Calamansi Sorbet
And the main dish...
Australian Tenderloin, Potato Crush with Herbs and Olive Oil, Green Asparagus, Baked Pumpkin and Broccoli
The perfect end to a perfect meal...
Banana Crumble with Stewed Fruits
I'd have to say that none of these delights were as colorful as the couple themselves. They were able to stamp their personality throughout the wedding celebration from the photo board that welcomed the guests at the function room lobby to their favorite 80's songs playing in the background during dinner.
Is that a cool photo board or is that cool? (I'm merely trying to model the board hehe...)
A photo that shows just how colorful the newly weds are...
Here, Kit laughs as she reveals the secret to her light-footed gaiety: sneakers.
We went to Duty Free Philippines last Sunday, and my, the place is in an awful state of disrepair. This is the place that's supposed to greet our millions of vacationing OFW (and hopefully get a share of their dollars) each year?! Except for the expensive merchandise and cute merchandisers, you'd think that you were in some seedy supermarket that's about to close. Someone must've thought that "duty free" meant they didn't have to do their duty anymore.
Anyhow I just wanted that off my chest. And it wasn't a total waste of time--I did mention that there were cute ladies manning the merchandise right? And they're still pretty well stocked. In fact I chanced upon a bag of Lays that's on sale...
This bag at 50% off baby!
Aren't they pretty? They're hot and raunchy crunchy too!
At a conversion rate of $1 : P43.30 and at 50% off, that's just a little over P50, not bad at all! Now why the double tag? (Chickenmafia.com investigates)
The catch? It expires by the end of the month--which matters little to me since a bag as small as that won't usually take me more than half an hour to finish anyway. But wait! It doesn't say "Expires on" or even "Consume before"...
Best sold by? What does that even mean?
Imagine this scenario:
Merchandiser: "Boss, I don't get this, Best sold by? Is that it's expiration date?" Boss: "Nope. They lace it with enough preservatives to keep it fresh for a hundred years. That's why they call it Lays by the way. Anyway it's not likely to expire--at least not in our lifetime. " M: "So why are we selling them at 50% off?" B: "Oh, that's because it explodes after that date. Best sold before it explode."
It does make a bit of sense in a rather twisted way though.Might explain why they don't even bother dressing the place up. Sure the %50 off and the cuties help, but what happens if they miss one?
KABOOM!
NB: Yeah yeah... so that scenario isn't even funny. Do you have a better idea? (Who knows? They might even be lacing it with one of those Gun Powder Green Tea, hence all the green on the packaging.)
Yeah yeah, it's another meme. If you don't know how I feel about memes, read this. However since I was tagged by Miss Elle who's a kick-ass blogger, so I really can't help doing it (or risk a kick in the ass). So let's just get it over with, shall we?
1. When was your first kiss and where? Hmm... I'll take the bait and answer this honestly. I was 8 years old and this happened at my tutor's house. One of my co-tutee stole a kiss on my cheeks. Apparently, she found me cute, even had a cheek pinch before the kiss. She's a year older if I'm not mistaken, and I actually had a crush on her then. I chanced upon her a few years ago and she remained cute... too bad she doesn't remember me.
2. When was your first real relationship and how long did it last? Never had one. Yeah yeah, I'm such a loser. I probably should go and buy this cap.
3. What age were you allowed to date? Err... funny this should be asked. I was never disallowed, of course I never did ask permission so I wouldn't know if I wasn't allowed to date then. Highly unlikely though so long as I don't ask for date money.
4. What's the craziest thing you did (for love) when you were a teenager? That right there might be my biggest problem--I was never crazy enough to fall in love.
5. How long is your longest relationship and what's the secret? Refer to no. 2.
6. How long did you date before you decided to settle down? Permit me to change "did" with "will" and you got a question. A question I unfortunately have no answer for.
7. How long did you know he was the ONE? I hope to God I never ever end up thinking of a he, any he for that matter, as the one.
8. Now, at what age will you allow your kid(s) to date? (if and only if I end up having kids) For my boys, when they can show me that they're responsible enough to pay for their dates. For my girls, when they can show me that they've met someone responsible enough to meet me in person and ask permission. This question of course assumes that they actually ask permission which doesn't happen anymore these days now does it?
9. When it comes to your kids dating, will you be a cool parent or a strict parent? I'd like to think I'd be a cool dad, but I'm liable to be strict. We'll see.
10. What piece of advice can you give to your child when they start dating? Ask your mom.
Seeing as I rather dislike memes, I'm not going to impose this one on anyone else. I'm tagging the following person but only if they so choose to do the meme, feel free to decline via the comment section. So Cams, Aline, Little Light, Prinsesa Musang and her Neuroticsister, consider yourselves tagged albeit rather loosely.
If you've read this far, permit me to thank you for wasting your time with me.
I'm happy that 4 of my nominees won. Though of course I might have selected a few others there had I encountered their blogs before tonight. Maybe they should put a separate category for food blogs next year, there being so many of them hehe...
2. The 10 winners of $100 each! (libre naman dyan hehe...) They are, drawn in this order, nos. 53, 61, 6, 2, 71, 31, 92, 24, 28 and 75 of this list. And can I just add somewhat bitterly, that my own no. is 25--a close but no cigar situation right there.
5. Janette Toral of course! Thank you for doing this. I'm sure a lot of bloggers, particularly newbies like me are encouraged by projects such as this. Congratulations for a job well done! :)
Now I know it's going to be tough to fit in everyone I need to thank on the next 5 spots, so I'm going to cheat a bit and use the "sum is greater than its part" rule.
6-10. All those who participated in this writing project without whom the art and possibly the science of blogging in the Philippines will be hard-pressed improving as it continually does each year.
The statue that stands above the EDSA Shrine--Mary Queen of Peace (Our Lady of EDSA).
This statue has been witness to the many dark moments in Philippine history including the EDSA 2 and 3 revolutions. This shrine, dedicated to the one of the biggest yet peaceful uprising in history, was first conceptualized 2 days after the first and in my opinion, the only truly useful EDSA Revolution. Click here if you want to read more about its beginnings, and here to see other photos taken around the shrine.
If you were in outer space for the last couple of years, I'd understand why you may not be aware about the significance of tomorrow's date 08/08/08, in short 888. The Beijing Olympics is set to open tomorrow. Then there's the countless weddings scheduled on this day--a record of 9000 couples tying the knot in China alone. And get this, many expectant mother's are actually doing the silly thing of getting C-section just to make sure they deliver their child on this day.
What's the fascination with the number 8 anyhow? Easy to remember perhaps? If that's the reason, then I guess it's a good one. We men need all the help we can get. If the wedding anniversary and your child's birthdate will coincide on the same auspicious date, why not?
Lucky? Apparently, some Chinese consider this lucky because the Chinese word for 8, 八 (bā), sounds a lot like 發 (fā ) as in 一路發(yí lù fā) of the 168 or 一六八(yí liù bā) naming craze. This word means something like prosperity and 一路發 means "prosperity all the way". If that's the case, then I'd say they should've gone for 01/06/08. Much simpler that way.
Still there are others who chose this date because they say the 8 takes the shape of the infinity symbol ∞ albeit fallen to its side. However one of the explanations given (the one which I subscribe to) for the choice of the infinity symbol is of "an hourglass turned 90° thus taking infinite time to empty". In which case, this makes 8 not only inappropriate but also finite.
Of course, people are taking this 888 business a tad too far, in this article they said that
Many marrying couples are carrying eight even further, with eight-course dinners, eight bridesmaids, 8:08 p.m. first dances.
Whatever, as long as I can eat 8 times tomorrow its fine with me (888 pun intended).
Here's a promotional video of their upcoming concert.
So it's SONICFLOOd at the Araneta Coliseum, 8pm on August 15, Friday. Here's the poster and you can reserve your tickets here (and see the rates of course). Spread the word! Bring your friends along! Have a blessed week everybody! God bless you all!
Who: Physical Therapists (any level of training, varying degrees of skill, all areas of specialization)
What: 2008 Philippine Physical Therapy Convention Theme: “Improving Physical Therapy Through Lifelong Learning” When: September 20-21, 2008 (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Traders Hotel Manila, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
As health care practitioners, we should strive to achieve excellence in our practice through advancement of our knowledge and skills in different areas. As we move through the different stages of professional development, it is imperative that we recognize the importance of maintaining and expanding our abilities based on evidence that we may be able to effectively respond to a dynamic health care system. It is our responsibility to support and advance our profession through continued competence in our fields by participating in both formal and informal learning encounters.
Other pertinent info:
Registration Fees:
Early Reg
(Aug 30)
On-site
PPTA Member
2500
3500
Non-member/Other professionals
3200
4000
Undergrad students
1200/day
1500/day
Day Registrant for professionals
1800/day
2000/day
Registration fees inclusive of compendium, snacks and lunch for two days. For every 10 registrants paying as a group, an additional 1 registrant may sign-up for free!
Official Registration Sites:
1. Angeles University Foundation c/o Carmelo Cunanan
College of Allied Medical Professions
McArthur Highway, Angeles City, Pampanga
Tel no. (045)888-8636
2. Emilio Aguinaldo College c/o Mike Gabilo
College of Physical and Occupational Therapy
1113 -1117 San Marcelino Street, Paco Manila
Tel. no.: (02)521-2710 loc.5350/ 5351/5509
3. University of Santo Tomas c/o Donald Lipardo
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
España, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel. no.: (02)406-1611 loc.8280/ 8454/8455 or (02)740-97-13
4. University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center c/o Josephine R. Mata
College of Physical Therapy
#64 Barangay Doña Imelda, Aurora Blvd., Quezon City
Tel. no.: (02)713-3312
5. Philippine Heart Center c/o Arthur King
Cardiac Rehabilitation Section
8th flr. Medical Arts Building
Tel. no.: (02)925-2401 loc.3800/ 3801
6. Manila Central University c/o Carmie R. Castelo
College of Physical Therapy
Contact no.: 09228185458
If you cannot apply personally, you could also register by mail: 1. Thru any Security Bank branch nearest you, deposit your payment to: Account No. : 0171-007992- 205
Account Name: Philippine Physical Therapy Association
2. Send us (1) validated copy of the deposit slip. Our mailing addresses would be any of the registration sites mentioned above.
3. After depositing the registration fee and sending your deposit slip, please notify us immediately through text (0916-5615061) or e-mail (pptaconvention2008 @yahoo.com)
Ok, I actually have lots and lots of cloud photos but I couldn't single one out for this entry. This is why I decided to take a different route and in the process share with you an interesting experience I had a few days ago... let me present "steam cloud!"
This faint wisp of cloud is just a sign of things to come.
Last Tuesday evening, I got schooled in the art and science of eating shabu-shabu. It seems this method can be traced back to 13th Century Mongolia to none other than Genghis Khan himself. The story goes that with his army constantly on the move, finding good food that's both nutritious and easy to prepare became a neccesity. The solution? A large pot of boiling water to dip thin slices of meat that they can eat right away and even provide them with soup to drink. It's both fast and easy, thus conserving not only their supply of fuel but the troop's energy as well.
The school: Healthy Shabu- Shabu at EDSA Shangri-la Mall
The Professor: Candy Hwang, owner of the Healthy Shabu-shabu, local pioneer of the "one-person, one-pot" style (which is definitely more hygienic and allows you to create and innovate)
As you can see, each seat has their own stove and pot.
Course syllabus: I enrolled for the combination of meat and seafood of course
Lab Equipment: plate, bowls, Chinese spoon, chopsticks, soup ladle, shabu-shabu ladle and your own pot and stove of course!
My school things
Special sauce base w/ spices, chopped garlic, spring onion and chilli pepper, raw egg, and sate
Vegetable platter: Taiwan and Baguio pechay, tofu, taro (gabi), black mushroom, carrots, sweet corn, 2 types of noodles: vermicelli (thin and translucent a.k.a. "bihon") and egg noodle (flat & white), fish cake, and an assortment of balls ( squid and beef I think)
Seafood set: Prawn, squid, sea cucumber, oyster and fish fillet
The meat in the combo: thinly sliced Angus beef!
Here's a peek at my seat work. What can I say? I love veggies! (Not as much as the angus beef though)
I actually came to class with quite an extensive experience in shabu-shabu, despite this though, I still went home learning quite a number of things. Permit me to enumerate.
Corn and taro are the first in because they take the longest to cook, plus they give the soup a certain flavor right from the start. I personally prefer leaving the taro in the pot until last so that it crumbles--it actually gives the soup a thicker texture.
Veggies, tofu, the vermicelli, and the balls should not be soaked for more than 30 secs.
You'd want to put the shrimp in early (and other seafoods too for that matter) to add flavor to the soup (fish should not be left longer than 5-10mins. though, otherwise it ends up crumbling to pieces)
You soak the meat only when the soup base comes to a boil. The meat (and oyster) should be soaked for no more than 20 sec.--just enough to make it tender and juicy. Overcooking the meat will make it rubbery and thus unpalatable. Beating an egg and pouring it over beef or lamb (meats that tend to be tougher) will help tenderize them more before the actual cooking.
The special sauce! Mix the special sauce base, garlic, onion, and sate (add chili pepper as prefered). What makes it special? Why the egg yolk of course!
Don't forget to mix 'em all together of course!
And one last thing, how can I forget...
My classmates!
NB: Click here for more pictures. By the way, do we have any classmates from the south? JC (who lives far far from Alabang) got GC's for Alabang Town Center. If you want to contact him for a swap, just give him a shoutout at Chicken Mafia.
School's out! Time to practice what I've learned... yuummm!!
Other campuses: Powerplant Mall, The Podium, SM Mall of Asia, Robinson's Galleria, The Block, Alabang Town Center, Robinsons Midtown and Shangri La Plaza Mall. For inquiries, feel free to call (632)-627-3721 or (632)-672-3290.
I'm Arthur, sometimes styling myself as Hearthur (Art with the Heart), a.k.a. philos of the http://chickenmafia.com. I'm a Christian, a Boy Scout, a physical therapist (also a PT educator), a chicken mafioso, a Toastmaster, a fantasy NBA player and now a Blogspot blogger.
