A close encounter with Veronica Domingo

I was casually strolling along Morayta¹ last night basically minding my own business when something happened that caused me to stop minding my own business. Now I will try to narrate what happened as accurately as possible--unfortunately a lot of what happened is now a blur to me.

Now I'm not sure if I noticed the lady about 10 paces in front of me first or right after a group of college students literally stopped on their tracks after she walk passed them. I'm using the word she, but truth is, I'm not really sure at this point if she was a she. See she was tall, nice long hair, rather sexy in my opinion, nice legs (she was wearing shorts) and all, but she looked a bit too tall and she had broad shoulders. She could easily have been a model type or a pretty gay guy (see it's hard to tell looking at her back especially when she's ten paces away). I only heard a few words from the group when I walked pass them, but my interest was especially piqued because I heard one of them (a seemingly gay guy come to think of it) say something about coming across people like her or something to that effect.

So what did I do next? I did my best to overtake her so I could have a look. Trust me, a lot of men do this. Inasmuch as I was a fast walker, I couldn't overtake her--it was a good thing she went inside a 7/11. I went in and I purchased something just as she was--accidentally bumping into her in the process--it was really an accident, honest! I said sorry, and she was all nice about it and even gave me a smile. That's when I saw that she couldn't have looked like a gay guy if she tried. See she was rugged, probably tougher than some guys I know. She's got a few nick and bruises here and there. She looks really tough but still very pretty--she had this gorgeous pair of eyes and a really lovely smile to match.

Now getting back to my tale, I apologized and left. That's when I saw the same group of students and they're now hanging outside the store. And this time I heard what they're talking about loud and clear.

Hey, do you know Veronica from Survivor Philippines? That's her in there.

Guess what I did next?

This.²

Don't get me wrong, I'm not in love with her or anything. Sure, I might have a little crush on her. I mean how could you not? She's pretty, and nice (and that was before I shamelessly told her I'm a fan) and she's tough. I like tough women. She reminds me of that girl in My Sasy Girl (not that I think she's anything like her).

And my, this has got to be the most star-strucked I've ever been. Heck, I've never felt giddy about a celebrity sighting ever before--and she's not even a big celebrity yet! I'm just sorry I haven't shaved in a while. Man! I must've looked like a bum to her. Oh, and I'm sorry I didn't ask for her email address then tell her I'd email her a copy of the photo (not that I'd want her to have a copy nor did I imagine that she'd want one). She was pretty nice about the whole thing after all... and who knows? Right?





Nah! Guess not.



¹ Morayta is University Belt in Manila.
² I know that's not exactly a flattering photo of her, so here's another one.

Sorry, this is all I could find online, just go watch the show so you can see her better. Oh, and you can read more about her here.

Photohunt: Family

I know this is late, and I'm sorry. I was busy the whole weekend. That's why I couldn't post an entry until now. Let me just say though, that what I was busy with is totally related to this week's theme.

See, my grandfather's youngest brother and his wife arrived recently from Canada. He's only here for a week, so last night we all gathered at my uncle's house and had dinner together.

That's him 2nd from left wearing the blue shirt.


Here's a photo of my cousins and their moms.


Of course, no family gathering is complete without food. Lots and lots of food!

Now you might be wondering, Saturday night? Why didn't I post an entry Saturday morning or afternoon then? Unfortunately, I was stuck at home cleaning for Sunday's activity.

A close family friend who's also a priest, Fr. Alfred Yap, just came home from Australia to join us for my brother's wedding. My mom thought it might be cool to have him officiate the house blessing.


That's my room! You see 2 beds because I still share this room with my brother at least until next week.


And how can I forget? More food!

PhotoHunt

You can visit here to see more photos!

I'm not lazy... just a little busy

I know, I know... I haven't been blogging much--not since I move anyway. I'm still trying to get used to the new setup I guess. I'm still trying to get used to the new time I need to be up and stuff too. My travel time is now 1hr, and that's still pretty tight. There's too little time for error, and very little I can do to make up for lost time once I lose it. Unlike before where I can easily hail a cab, and reduce my travel time by almost half, now if I take a cab I actually increase my travel time. Still I'm not complaining. Everything's new and I love the feeling of trying things out for the first time. The sense of exploration is makes each day interesting.

Speaking of new things, something big is about to happen to our family. My little brother is getting married. Yes, you read that right, my little brother. I don't care that he's getting married ahead of me. Anyway, he's not so little anymore of course, he's turning 26 at the end of the month. And guess what? He's getting married on the 26th! Hehe... corny I know, and it really has nothing to do with that.

Yeah, that's them. Aren't they sweet?

It's exciting, yet a little bit disconcerting as well. Sure we love Minette (that's my soon to be sister-in-law's name), and she's been part of the family for almost 9 years now-- well less than that really, since she's rather shy, and it took her a while to warm up to us, but that's how long they've been together (and how long I've known her add a couple of years or so). Still there's bound to be a lot of changes--one which is the roommate I'm losing. I've shared a room with my brother for as long as I could remember. Heck, we shared a double deck bed when we were kids, and when it wasn't safe for me to be on the top bunk anymore (not safe for him hehe...), we still used the same beds (disassembled of course). We've moved houses more times that I care to remember, but we always shared the same room. Not that he's going far away though, he'll be at the room across the hall in a couple of weeks. It's still a welcome change after all. Much much better than if he suddenly lives miles away.

I'm not really in-charge of any parts of the wedding so that's good. We have yet to finalize plans for his bachelor party though. We're thinking of a nice cozy place good for perhaps 1o maybe 15 people. Not necessarily cheap, but nothing expensive either. Some place where we can maybe drink a few rounds, sing a few songs, maybe play poker or something. Right now, I'm eyeing Red Box, but I'm still looking for a cheaper place--I'd appreciate any suggestion you might have. Also, since we're at it, perhaps you can suggest a nice package for his honeymoon as well. He wants to go to Hongkong. He hasn't found the perfect date yet (as in cheap flights, inexpensive accomodations) nor tour package. If you know anything about this kinds of stuff, if you own a travel agency and think you can help--please, don't hesitate to drum up a little business for yourself.

Anyhow, I might not be back in full swing bloggingwise until after the wedding I suppose--that's a couple of weeks from now. I'm still almost always online though, so feel free to shoot me a message or something. Thanks for reading this, have a good week you all!

PS Another thing that's keeping me rather occupied is the impending start of the NBA season. I play fantasy basketball you see, and we do the draft around this time of the year. By the way, if you play too, me and JC are starting an auction roto league, shoot me an email if you want to join us (or want to know more).

Photohunt: Lazy (Wii Party at Red Box)

Too lazy to play sports? Play Wii Sports!


Now I've never really played tennis before, but this looks like a fun way to try it.

Wii Sports your choice...


The get-out-of-my-way-because-I'm-crazy mode (not-so-lazy-me stage left) and the really lazy way (JC stage right)

Now I'm sure you'd have lots of questions (or not), so here's the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions. (Feel free to ask me some more via the comments if you're left unsatisfied by the FAQ's.)

FAQ 1: Was it fun?

Do I look like I'm having fun? You bet! Btw, that's me preparing to catch a serve.

FAQ 2: And where did we do this fun thing?

Why at Red Box of course! Yep! They offer Wii now! Weee!

FAQ 3: So who won?

Marcelle won the costume contest with his best impression of Solid Snake (aka person-hiding-under-a-cardboard box) of the Metal Gear Solid fame (not that they have it on Wii mind you)

Now if you mean the Chicken Mafia open, it ended with one chicken beating another chicken 2 set to 1. Oh, and did I mention I took the opening game--my Wii sports debut?

FAQ 4: Aside from playing Wii, what else can we do at at Red Box?

That's the best part... eat, drink and sing all you can!

Oh, and one last thing!

Buffet rules! Yeah baby!

Check out their website or just go visit them at Greenbelt 3 or Trinoma to have your own fun! And please feel free to invite me!

N.B. You can also check out their Daily Super Promos! And feel free to visit my multiply site to see more photos.

PhotoHunt

Photohunt: Sad

(click to enlarge)

One evening by the road near the PICC I chanced upon this poor kid just slumped there dead tired from working all day. I imagine kids his age sitting down spent from playing all day, not selling sampaguita flowers to make sure they get to eat dinner.

PhotoHunt

Rethinking Pizza: A CPK Experience

About a month ago, I got an invite to the California Pizza Kitchen's "Make Your Own Pizza" party at the Glorietta 3. I really didn't know what to expect. See I'm not really a fan of pizza. I'm not likely to choose it over hamburger or pasta. Sure I've tasted a few good ones, but to me pizza's just bread. Strange looking bread to be sure, but they're no more fun to eat than say a Floss Bread in Bread Talk.

Yes, call me strange but a slice of pizza holds no more excitement for me than a day in the mall. But not being one to shy away from food, I went anyway. Little did I know how the way I perceive pizza is about to change.

It was a cold rainy evening when I went to CPK. It's been raining for days in fact.

It's a good thing that we were warmly greeted by the following appetizers!

Garlic Cheese Foccacia with Checca

Sesame Ginger Chicken Dumplings

The concept for the event was that each blogger gets to choose and make one pizza from a selection of delectable delights. I've seen this one TV, I'm not sure I'm up to the task of spinning pizza doughs, chopping ingredients and all that stuff. It was a good thing they took out all the work in the process and just left us to use our hands to add art to their pizza.

Here's Archie Rodriguez (Philippine CPK Franchise Owner) showing us how easy-to-do and fun it is!

I chose the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza because I like to Reggae!

First, spread the Carribean sauce on the dough

Then the mozarella cheese... make sure to spread it evenly though, not like the mountain I made right there.

Then throw in the rest of the ingredients! (sorry, couldn't very well take photos while making pizza right?) Anyway, here's the recipe if you want to know.

Next they cook it in this large flaming oven.


And no matter how silly I was making it, it still came out perfect! (Or so I'd like to think!)

Now while waiting for your turn, they had this contest where you get to decorate a pizza box and think up a creative pick up line to entice the ladies (or guys) to take you home.

That's me with RJ Ledesma (the host) and my little inside joke.


Taran! Surely you didn't think that did ya?

Needless to say, I did not walk out with the MP3 Player. She did.

"Don't stop topping me up.


Although Liz might have given her a run for her money.

All in all it was a fun evening. I love the pizza. I think that thin crust is the only way to go. The flavors were unique and satisfing--not the run of the mill flavors one gets used to ordering. I went home full and happy. Now, I can't say I'm a pizza fan, but I'm sure a CPK fan now!

Bong with his Tri-colore Salad Pizza


Jeff (and Arpee) with his Greek Pizza (he says the name Greek Salad Pizza sounds more wicked though)

AJ who incidentally was celebrating his birthday that night with his Santa Fe Chicken Pizza


I shared a table with Regnard, his girlfriend and his Mango Tandoori Pizza


Also on the table was Sha and her Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza


And Karla with her Goat Cheese Pizza.


Arpee who was kind enough to share with me a slice of his Thai Chicken Pizza.


And that's Mica with her Tostado Pizza.

NB If you want to see the rest of the photos, feel free to head on over to my multiply site and check them out.