13: Heavy+Light = FUN

Heavy + Light = FUN
2012 Food Trip # 13

Brothers Burger

February 28, 2012

Please read this link (2012 Food Trip) if you haven’t already.

Heavy and light combined is fun.

My office mates and I were hungry but couldn’t get up and buy food due to piles of work that day.

Solution? Food delivery! We tried Brother’s Burger and ordered the following:

 Brothers Burger @ P125-

Baby Brothers Burger @ P65-

Hotbites @ P105-

French Fries @ P65-

Work can be hectic sometimes. Actually, it happens that way oftentimes. But I believe happiness is a choice. We can rant all night and complain about our workloads …OR… we can also choose to find ways to find fun in what we do.

When the food arrived, we acted like little kids. Our eyes lit up while we unwrap the burgers. We shared our foods – tasted this and tasted that, comment on how this tastes and how that tastes. “Can you pass the mayo please?”  “Ketchup please?” Laughter. Jokes. Comments here and there. Noise. Working noise with fun and a lot of food.

Work, no matter how heavy, becomes lighter when we put fun into it.

The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work. – Richard Bach

12: Not Easy

Not Easy

PG-13 Pinoy Grill

Edsa Central, Mandaluyong City PH

February 28, 2012

Project: Food & Thoughts No. 12

Not easy.

Lunch time is at 1AM.

Yes, it is at 1AM! Very typical for call center employees.

We were hungry and were determined to try a new restaurant. Our hunger brought us to EDSA Central where we found a place we haven’t tried. Thanks to my awesome friends who were very supportive of my Food Trip blog adventures.

We went to PG-13 Pinoy Grill and tried the following:

Pork Adobo Tops @ P59 

Adobo Flakes @ P59

Pork Tapa Tops @ P59  Glass of Iced Tea @39 

This food trip is our way of welcoming Thel back after her sad bereavement leave. We wanted to make sure she is getting all the love that she needs after the devastating death of her mom.

She bravely told us of how things went inside her home after the funeral. I could sense that it, still, is not easy for her. And to be honest, I don’t think it will ever be easy even in the future. However, this kind of ‘not easy’ is good. It is good to keep a memory of someone very important no matter how that person has been taken away from us. Despite the pain their absence gives, we know in our hearts that it is our honor to have been given a chance to walk this earth with them.

.Photo from Jem (not in the photo)

I know that through God’s grace, Thel and her family will get over the pain. But as sure as I am that they will soon be healed, I know that the memory of her will not leave them. Forgetting is never easy. And in these cases, we would rather take the ‘not easy’ than to forget.

Love one another in brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

                                                                                - Romans 12:10

Champ and the Feathers

Photo Clips and Pieces - photos of any kind which may not necessarily be good in quality but is worth sharing. 

Champ and the Feathers

I woke up and saw feathers scattered on my floor. For a moment I thought I own a poultry business until I saw the culprit hiding behind the cabinet finishing what he has started.

The Jailbreaking Series: Jailbreaking Danielle Alamares as a Traveler

Jailbreaking Danielle Alamares as

 a Traveler

A ship is safe in the harbor, but that's not what ships are built for. - Gael Attal

Just like young birds, our life starts in our hometowns - a safe, familiar, comfortable place which becomes our entire world for quite a while. As safe as it is for us to stay where we were born, it is also a must to go out there and explore what the whole world has to offer. 

Join me as I jailbreak the traveler in a good friend of mine, Danielle Alamares.

1. What started your interest in traveling? What was your very first travel experience?

Hmmm... it all started when I traveled in Hong Kong (my first one) with my family in 2008 which is also our first trip outside the country. It wasn't a good experience coz it was arranged thru a travel agency so there's limited time and places to go to. It made me want to return and explore the place more. From then on, I make sure that when I travel, I plan it on my own to see and try the best of the best. 

Hongkong with Family

2. Name the places you have been to. Name your top three. Which place do you see yourself going back to every now and then? Why?

I'm living now in Qatar. I've been to United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi), Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur), Indonesia (Bali), Sri Lanka (Colombo, Yala, Unawatuna, Gale, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa), Philippines (Legazpi, Camarines Sur, Bohol, Cebu, upcoming trip to Puerto Princesa and El Nido in Palawan)

Udawalawe, Sri Lanka

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

My top three,so far, are Bali (Indonesia), Macau and Bohol (Philippines).

Bali, Indonesia

Cirque du Soleil, Macau

Bohol, PH

The place that I see myself going back to the most (and will ensure to stay for weeks!) is Bali, Indonesia. This place relaxes me. During my stay, all the worries, problems, stress are gone in a snap! There's just really something about this place. Bali is also a really cheap place to go to.

Bali, Indonesia

3. From whom do you get advice on traveling? Name 5 tips you always remind yourself of when traveling?

No one. I usually get tips on places from blogs, websites.. I just do my own research and learn from there. :)

Tips? Always pack light, leave some space for your souvenirs & great finds. ;-) Never forget your photo and video essentials, they're a top priority. Make sure to visit a church in the area, I make it a point that I give thanks to Him for my blessing of travel. Food is a MUST, I make sure that at least I try one of the place's delicacy or recommended food. Lastly, just savor and enjoy each moment. 

4. One of my ultimate dreams in life, and maybe a part of my bucket list, is to travel alone. Do you wish the same?

Yep, I dream of that too! I wanna travel around Europe or go to Maldives by myself. :) 

5. Part of the excitement of traveling is trying new experiences and new food. What was the bravest adventure you've done and the weirdest food you have tried. Which food makes it to the top favorite?

Oh my! For those who know me, I'm afraid of heights! My bravest adventure was in Singapore, I did reverse bungy jumping. It scared the hell out of me!! I was really really scared and almost cried before doing it but my cousin really pushed hard  that I try it. If not for him, I wouldn't have had the courage to do it. It was really fulfilling in the end. I was able to conquer my fear. All thanks to him! :-) 

Hmmm...Duck maybe? Haha! I haven't tried anything really weird yet. You know how I love and appreciate food. To name a few of my faves, Casa Verde's Brian Ribs and the Pink Panther (Cebu) and KFC's egg tarts (Hongkong).

Ped Palo (Duck)

Sting Ray

Sting Ray! Really good! It's so good coz it's spicy. It needs to be eaten with strong spices and calamansi to get rid of the malodor.


6. What was your worst mishap while traveling?

None so far. I just hate delays, I'm always on the go. Every minute for me counts.

7. Like you, most travelers are also into photography. Which came first to you? What is your favorite travel photo?

Bohol, PH
Danielle's favorite travel photo.

I guess both. It was during my first travel that photography came to me, I was only using a digital camera then (a Canon Ixus 75). I fell in love capturing the sceneries, the moments.

8. Traveling can be expensive sometimes, what traveling items have you invested in to make your experience more worth it?

A Canon DSLR with a good set of lens and a GoPro Hero camera  for my underwater and adventure photos/videos. A good, light travel luggage (I use Delsey) or a sturdy light backpack (preferably Northface) too.

9. There are places that I dream of going to like Brazil, China and a lot more. Mind sharing your list?

I dream of going to:

1. Rio de Janeiro, Maldives, Seychelles, Cancun, Goa, Thailand (Phuket, Pattaya & Phi Phi Islands) -- I just love beaches!

2. Spain, France, Netherlands... all over Europe. It's all about their food and the landmarks.

3. South Africa for the real safari adventure!

4. Las Vegas. It's not the casinos I'm after but the shows (Cirque du Soleil, concerts, etc.).

5. Japan for ramen! haha! I really dream of that. :-) And see their Cherry blossom festival too!

6. Chiang Mai, Thailand for the Yi Peng festival (Sky lantern festival). I just have this fascination for sky lanterns. :-)

     CWC Camarines Sur, PH

And so much more! My list will just go on and on and on ... 

10. Backpacking, to me, is one thing every traveler should try to complete the experience. I have traveled with you and I noticed that you are more of a flashpacker than a backpacker. Flashpacking is backpacking with a budget and a lot of preparation. Have you ever tried backpacking? If yes, how was the experience? If not, do you plan on doing so?

It's actually the first time I've heard of flashpacking. :-P I haven't tried backpacking yet, not sure if I will, coz like you said, I travel with preparation. Preparation in terms of the places to go to, the must-tries, etc. I just got to have my "list" with me before I travel. :-)

11. What has traveling taught you?

A lot! Travel has taught me to embrace life. We only live once, right? To be honest, I don't have savings. Whenever I have extra money, I make it a point that I travel because we never know when our time is up. It's a life lesson that I learned from someone. That's why am giving a part of my life to explore the world, to see God's beautiful creations, to appreciate every little thing there is... the places, the people, the culture, the food...everything. It has taught me to live life and am grateful that I'm so blessed to experience that. 

_ End of Interview_

Traveling is more than just booking a flight, grabbing that backpack and all the travel items that go with it. It is tastier than trying new food and braver than jumping off the cliff.

I believe traveling is a journey for the soul. It is a phenomenal opportunity to walk, fly, run and swim the world we live in. It lets us discover God's awesomeness in each person we meet and in each place we go to. It generously allows us to rediscover ourselves during the process. It sends us back home with a grateful heart and desire to do it again. It leaves us in awe making us grateful for life and the air we breathe. It humbles us to see the dominion of God's grace over all the earth and beyond and how they all work together in harmony. 

And above all, just like what it continuously does to Danielle, it shows us how little we are yet equally reminds us of how precious we really are. 

11: Stepping Up

borrowed image.

Stepping Up
Fiorgelato

Market Market Mall, PH

February 26, 2012

Project: Food & Thoughts No. 11

Stepping Up.

I always go to church with my friends every Sunday, but today I had to go alone because we had different plans for the day. Some had to go somewhere else and the others will attend a different service schedule. I do not have problems doing some things on my own like eating in public or going to church. In fact, I think that it is healthy for an individual to, sometimes, allow oneself to celebrate independence and individuality. 

Before I left home, I checked the net on where I can grab coffee before church. I’m a little bit sleepy and I don’t want to doze off in church. I also left early because I have a lot of thinking to do about a decision I was about to make. 

I ordered a chocolate donut and a Caramel Chill. (Sorry I forgot the exact prices).

I know I should have ordered ice cream because that's what Fiorgelato is famous for but I was really after coffee. I spent an hour reading the book I have been trying to finish and also to say a silent prayer in my heart asking for direction.

More or less P200- total.

This week is our Church's Volunteer Week. This is when church members are encouraged to sign up and have an opportunity to serve God through any of the ministries. According to Ptr. Paolo Punzalan (from his blog) there are 1, 588 volunteers working for our church which when translated tells us that 99.76% of the church work is volunteer driven. 

I like volunteer work. In fact, I do for The Project Tenfold Circle and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society. But now that I think about it, I don't understand why I haven't signed up for one that is directly associated with the church. This isn't new to me, I have worked as a church volunteer in the youth ministry in the past but for some reason today, I was both scared and excited. I prayed for this since last week. I wasn't sure which church, which ministry and how much I can really give but today I made a choice. Right after the church service, God gave direction. I signed up and I feel really good about my decision. Which ministry did I sign up for? Now, that's a surprise. I'll probably talk about it on my next entry.

If I can gladly give so much of my time to do volunteer work for charity, why can't I do the same for His work and for Him - the Author and Finisher of my faith, the source of my every strength and ability. He is, after all, the reason I exist and He deserves my heart, my soul and my time. 

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31

Credits

 Thank you to Ptr. Paolo Punzalan for allowing me to post the figures from his blog.

The Now Serving image is borrowed from Victory Church.

10: Gratefulness, Acceptance and Hope

Gratefulness, Acceptance and Hope
Butter Diner

Cubao, Quezon City PH

February 24, 2012

Project: Food & Thoughts No. 10

  

Grateful, accepting and hopeful.

Today is a very important day for me. I was finally able to hand over the money I collected from my birthday project for PAWS.  With the help of Project Tenfold, my plan was to start our own TNR project. However, due to the demands of work and our crazy schedules, we decided to just wait for PAWS’ next spaying/neutering efforts. Yesterday, I found out that PAWS will sponsor a free spaying/neutering of pets owned by families who can’t afford so I hurriedly went to the bank to withdraw the money I kept for more than four months, careful not to ever touch it despite my recent financial issues. I went to PAWS, together with a good friend Jem, to hand it over. This will help them fund either the current project or other spaying/neutering projects in the future. P8000 is actually too small to sponsor efforts like this but little help still helps. Too bad I couldn't stay long to help out due to work.

With PAWS admin, Cha.

After work and PAWS, Jem and I decided to go on a food trip. He brought me to Butter Diner. More like, his feet brought us there. Haha! I have always been fascinated with restaurants with the 50’s theme. I love the ‘Diner’ concept. We treated ourselves with a hearty breakfast. We ordered the following:

Jeff's Tuna Sandwhich @ P110.
Tuna chunks with melted American cheese in sliced bread.

Eggs and Meatloaf @ P99.
Two eggs and four slices of meatloaf.

Double Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae @ P125.

We also ordered a cup of hot chocolate for P60 and a glass of Iced Tea for  P55.

It turned out that we didn't go there by accident. Jem decided to go there for a reason. Although he was hesitant to get in at first. I liked the place at first sight so I left him at the door checking out the menu and I got in.

When we sat down, he confessed that this restaurant carries a good memory of him and his ex 5 years ago. We talked about how they celebrated his birthday here, the good things they had talked about and the good feeling it brought him that time.

Morning Shade

This is not the first time we talked about his past. Every time there is a chance to talk about our lives, we would; that's what good friends do. Although I know Jem has already moved on with his life and is so willing to embrace his future and let go of the past, the thought of it may bring a sad moment sometimes. The sadness is no longer coming from our desire to get the person back but more from the question "Why did it have to end that way?". How can a person who has loved us so much at the beginning leave us hurt and broken? 

I have had my own share of this feeling but God is good all the time. He heals even our broken hearts.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." 
                                                                                            - Psalm 34:18

Don't get me wrong. Today wasn't a sad day for us. Just because we talk about the past and the pain it gave us doesn't mean we are sad. This food trip was about Gratefulness, Acceptance and Hope. Grateful for birthdays and second chances, accepting of break ups and the heartbreak that goes along with it and believing and hoping that the best is yet to come.

Sorry for the quality, forgot to shift to auto-focus
before giving the camera to the waitress.

I celebrate life every day because I know that I have every reason to. To the God of second chances and to the God who is in the business of changing lives, I cling to. Despite what I have been through in the past; whether be it about family, friends or relationships, He never failed to show His faithfulness and provision. Today I am grateful. We are grateful.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."                         - James 1:2-5

8-9: First Impressions

First Impressions
Holy Cow Steak Ranch and American Grill

Icebergs Eskimo Bob Ice Cream Diner

SM Megamall Mandaluyong PH

February 20, 2012

Project: Food & Thoughts No. 8 & 9

We did plan for this food trip. We were going to go to a famous restaurant in Quezon City. We were to leave at 12noon yesterday so we can go around, look for it, eat and chat. But the rain didn’t stop since Saturday night. We decided to move it to an afternoon treat and check out the places we can go to in Megamall instead.

Today was a little more special because TRIPOD has a special guest, Henie. Ha! TRIPOD is a name given by JB to the triad - himself, Kim and I. We were supposed to celebrate our Training Graduation in Tagaytay last January. Due to a lot of mishaps, only the three of us made it. Since we are a bunch of happy people and would never let it ruin our spirits, we pushed through; and boy, we had a blast.

It's Henie’s first time to join us. It was my first time to eat with her. Having someone new in my food adventures coupled with friends dear to my heart is always a treat to me.

We went to Holy Cow Steak Ranch and American Grill. We tried the following:

Ranch Style Porkchop @ P155.

Ranch Style Beef Strips @ P195.

Parmesan Chicken @ P170

Pasta Ala Pesto @ P190

This food trip was a day of ‘first impressions’. I thought it'll be sweet to talk about our first impressions of each other. I don’t know if they were just patronizing me (I hope not! haha!) but I was glad to hear they thought of me highly when they first saw me. It was also refreshing to hear Henie’s first impression of me since we never really had a chance to hang out before.

I thought Henie was shy and timid. She didn’t really talk much before. I’m glad that Henie decided to break that barrier and joined us. We hope to have her in our other adventures soon.

Kim, to me, comes across as very friendly even from the beginning. She is fun and easy to be with. She is also very stylish. You can talk about anything and everything with her. You can be yourself and you will gladly be accepted. She never forgets to say ‘thank you’ in everything. She gives a tight hug and a sincere greeting. She gladly gives good words. 

JB came across to me as a little arrogant at first.  It was probably because of the swagg in him. But it didn’t take long before I was able to prove myself wrong. JB is a very expressive man. He would really talk about things that matter to him. He also listens in return. He’s not hesitant to ask help when he needs it and is more than willing to lend a hand when he sees someone needs it. You don’t even have to ask sometimes. JB has proven his worth to me many times. He is a man of his word, values his work ethics, always returns a favor even if he doesn't really have to, values others no matter who you are and has a sense of direction.  I’m glad my first impression of him was wrong. I thought he was arrogant. He isn’t. He is proud and he should be.

We topped the day with a sweet treat and another first for me. I have always had a chance to eat at Icebergs but I have no idea why I hadn’t. Thank God for little second chances. We tried their Ultimate Big Bob and their Ferrero Indulgence.

Ice cream, fruits, cream and chocolate?! Sugar rush was unstoppable!

Ultimate Big Bob @ P388

Ferrero Indulgence @ P185

 There is nothing wrong with first impressions. It is a human way of coping with our awkward feeling of dealing with someone new. But we should never forget that while others say “first impressions last”, how we deal with it is still a choice we make. We can live in our first impression of others forever and miss the magic of knowing an individual wholly or we can decide to take a step, break the silence and give them a chance to show themselves and rediscover our own qualities in the process. 

Friends do not plan to be friends, they just become.

Do not be overconfident with your first impressions of people. (a Chinese proverb)