Now Playing: I Need an Energy

I Need an Energy
Greg Holden

There's not a thing that you could say that could talk me down,
From all the things that I eat, sleep and dream about.
I've got a feeling that the whole world is watching now, oh
But I'm alone for the final minute of this hour.

I need a lift, I need a shake,
I need to find another chance that I can take,
I need a fight, I need an energy,
I need something that will take me quickly.
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh

In my dreams there was a whole lot more than this
Now I wander for the journeys that I chose to miss
For a feeling I have chased almost all my life
It sure feels that it's burning for the final time, oh

I need a lift, I need a shake,
I need to find another chance that I can take,
I need a fight, I need an energy,
I need something that will take me quickly.
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh

It's all that I know, it's all that I see,
It's all that's been here controlling me
It's all that I know, it's all that I see...

I need a lift, I need a shake,
I need to find another chance that I can take,
I need a fight, I need an energy,
I need something that will take me quickly.
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh

FOOD TRIP: The Flavors and Colors of China in Manila

What started as a commercial partnership through barter, ages ago, became a lasting relationship. From our language, to our daily products, food, fashion and lifestyle, the Chinese culture has blended well with our own. One of the best ways to experience the color, feel, and flavors of China in this country is to visit the Manila Chinatown.

Chinatown Manila was established in 1594, which is said to be the oldest in the world. It is located in Binondo, Manila. Binondo is the home to a very old church founded in 1596. Binondo Church is also known as Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, named after the first Filipino saint who served as an altar boy in the same church. Lorenzo Ruiz is Filipino-Chinese by descent.

A trip to Chinatown cannot be complete without a dining experience. In fact, when you mention Binondo, food comes to mind first. There's a long strip of eating places to choose from. You will never go hungry in this part of the world. Today, we decided to try Chuan Kee in Yuchengco St. corner Ongpin St. just behind Binondo Church.

The place was full for a morning visit. Looks like every day is a busy day for this place.

With Chinese songs in the background, Chinese-speaking guests coming in and out, and Chinese characters everywhere you look, you will surely be transported to a country, which is miles and miles away.

We asked for their most affordable bestsellers and here are what we were advised to taste:

From the inside of Chuan Kee, you can't help but notice this signage. It's inviting so why not give this a try too?

Cafe Mezzanine was featured in CNN's World's Best Chinatowns as a Must Visit Restaurant. Read more from this link.

A portion of this cafe's income goes to the Binondo Fire Department, whose iconic purple truck is parked beside Binondo church.

The place is cozy and is a nice place to hang out and chat. You will find interesting photos of firemen in action and other related displays.

You may try their signature coffee, Mezza Blend, which is refillable at P70. Not bad at all!

Or if you want a sweeter coffee, you may try their Cafe Latte. They also serve pasta, burgers, pancit, halo-halo and sandwiches.

Like I said, the food here never stops. When you pass by the newly established Lucky Chinatown Mall, you might be lucky to stumble upon any of their fun events such as this one below. We happened to have experienced their Weekend Asian Street Food Market.

We tried the following:

Dynamite (Chilli Cheese Sticks) @ P10 each

Pork and Chicken Isaw @ P20-

They're a little bit expensive compared to its real street prizes but, hey, extra bucks for the comfort.

Weekend Asian Street Food Market goes on Saturdays and Sundays of September.

This isn't my first time in Chinatown. In fact, visiting this place again brings so many childhood memories. I was born in Manila. My parents used to work in Escolta and my regular trips to Sta. Cruz, Quaipo and Binondo are memories I will always treasure.

Chinatown has, indeed, a world of its own. While walking the streets of Binondo on my way home,  I hoped that it gets to preserve its distinct culture and that it will never sell out. When I saw this roadside chapel still there, I was rest assured.

FOOD TRIP: Gayuma ni Maria

August 25, 2013

Gayuma is a tagalog word for love potion or love charm. Who would not be interested in what this place has to offer? I first heard of this place from a TV show. A fellow blogger, Bryce, and I have ear-notched this as a must go to.

With us are two great friends, who also got curious of what this place is all about.

We called in advance for a reservation. It was a rainy Saturday evening and from Mandaluyong to Quezon City, traffic can be horrible. We wanted to make sure we get ourselves good seats.

The place is homey and very simple. I didn't get to see the second floor though. It feels like home and, I guess, it's exactly what the owner wants you to feel. There's a certain touch of mystery and darkness in it, which makes it even more interesting.

The fun journey starts when you decide what food to order. I guarantee a smile or a giggle when you browse through their list of dishes. Here are what we ordered (the captions are taken from their menu):

Let this creamy combination of ox tongue and mushroom drive you wild.

Bistek pinoy made to make you fall in love.

Magical take on the well-loved Filipino dinuguan with your choice of sides.

Tomatoes and fresh basil roasted in garlic olive oil and drowned in cheese. Want the hottie version? Ask that it be added with pepper flakes.

Here's a quick look of a few of their other dishes:

And there's always room for desserts:

Rich chocolate mercilessly topped with butterscotch, cream and chocolate bits.

With a sprinkle of magic dust and a swish of a wand, seduced with this foamy Australian fruity delight.

Other than food, you may check out their great finds around - from fashionable belts and accessories, to adult items, all are worth your attention.

You may also find interest in reading some of their wall posts such as The Top Ten Aphrodisiacs, How to Obtain Love from a Specific Person, etc. There are also days when they offer free (or paid) tarot reading too. Am not into witchcraft, or potions, or fortune telling, but this is definitely a must-try experience.

Gayuma ni Maria

123 V. Luna Extension (near Maginhawa St.)

Sikatuna Village, Quezon City PH

Phone Number: (02) 4414872