tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66177009484757568422024-02-02T21:50:06.175+08:00One Day, KayeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-62063290025232768322017-12-04T15:52:00.000+08:002017-12-04T15:52:52.856+08:00What's New: From Kko Kko to Coco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtY0xCU61nXcqetph0R1WGU_xZOQ1nChv3GMU6y1dDwl0o_EGmGIDkGRXNM0DU0D7lme-CrpjxfdZ_qNlLeuhF2qALGVUnjyOwMnviU-naGtYecLIHMTdyK_twQC7ntQVKhC9Hf24EvEHN/s1600/The+Yard+Street+Food+Cinema.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtY0xCU61nXcqetph0R1WGU_xZOQ1nChv3GMU6y1dDwl0o_EGmGIDkGRXNM0DU0D7lme-CrpjxfdZ_qNlLeuhF2qALGVUnjyOwMnviU-naGtYecLIHMTdyK_twQC7ntQVKhC9Hf24EvEHN/s640/The+Yard+Street+Food+Cinema.jpg" title="The Yard Street Food Cinema" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The newest concept in food parks: The Yard Street Food Cinema</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started this week by doing something that scares me: meet strangers. I've been getting invitations from a guy named <a href="http://www.aldousatetheworld.com/">Aldous</a>, who turns out to be some ringleader of bloggers that gets people together for events. As a freelancer, my schedules are fluid and I had been unable to join his group until this Monday. It was a chance to check out the latest in the food park industry: dining with an open cinema. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDSB_f6THgn2JafFZotjARROOVDFyn0w41Xpu7UrwRLWO5dKYhaqQnsomiAww2nVgkvLt2HO3EiK3OjlKw4fL5_SDfbUFuQQPKo9gYoQQDaippA9wgZCpgS_4xoG1HkoiLoCJYWGEHKXK/s1600/Projected+Movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDSB_f6THgn2JafFZotjARROOVDFyn0w41Xpu7UrwRLWO5dKYhaqQnsomiAww2nVgkvLt2HO3EiK3OjlKw4fL5_SDfbUFuQQPKo9gYoQQDaippA9wgZCpgS_4xoG1HkoiLoCJYWGEHKXK/s640/Projected+Movie.jpg" title="Open-air cinema" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Movies were projected one after the other on the large screen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I immediately liked the place because parking was easy, and the space can accommodate about 12 cars. It has an industrial design that somehow feels homey; it looked and felt like going to a friend's house party. Upon entering, my eyes were immediately drawn to the big screen in the middle, as it was flashing a chaotic chase scene from an action film. Looking around the three-storey warehouse, I noticed that some of the merchants had movie-related names: Godpasta is a play on the Godfather, and they claim they'll "make you a pasta you can't refuse," while the Lord of the Ribs is pretty self-explanatory. Upon closer inspection, one restaurant used puns of celebrities' names on their menu, with offerings like an Egg Sheeran pizza.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRnYd6k8kXhEP0X8vUPC4_k3AifGMoIqQkC5HEcoi1JfffdYA1XrIA9f6ttihXpk1gVQzNyxB2qe9R46pBlQfgzhqxsoN9OYaSGHzIKgAj-FABBluwQRtdmHQHG9UpCrXzPvJ-xqMVd-a/s1600/Mac+n+Chicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRnYd6k8kXhEP0X8vUPC4_k3AifGMoIqQkC5HEcoi1JfffdYA1XrIA9f6ttihXpk1gVQzNyxB2qe9R46pBlQfgzhqxsoN9OYaSGHzIKgAj-FABBluwQRtdmHQHG9UpCrXzPvJ-xqMVd-a/s640/Mac+n+Chicks.jpg" title="Mac 'n Chicks" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Buffalo Wings and Mac 'n Cheese</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I met with three bloggers at Mac 'n Chicks, and started off with small talk as we waited for the food. Despite my awkwardness, I enjoyed talking about our common interests -- mostly food -- and, with this other girl, <a href="http://www.xtintina.com/">Tin</a> -- hiking.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdVd9yZG7dSuDxiXKsbYTGu3o4HwrFf1Z_nunyn-kfVr6HN2VYYJ5PNghXhWOix2MoHrzTCjk_Ie3GksoafCMJ53QMOCkDELIyM-q6SgaQ32xYRswdSnZ-UQ_qgvJLddjaA-NS6sBpPE2/s1600/Wings+Variety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdVd9yZG7dSuDxiXKsbYTGu3o4HwrFf1Z_nunyn-kfVr6HN2VYYJ5PNghXhWOix2MoHrzTCjk_Ie3GksoafCMJ53QMOCkDELIyM-q6SgaQ32xYRswdSnZ-UQ_qgvJLddjaA-NS6sBpPE2/s640/Wings+Variety.jpg" title="Buffalo Wings from Mac 'n Chicks" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Half a dozen wings per variant: clockwise from top are garlic parmesan, honey sriracha, soy garlic</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2EeE_owFX9lVy49jDNKpdxsz6h5jTmu6Svy6tF8oB4QAWkXBmdGkZsvs44ndg3gWoa_MOlDaMQSIIXtSgoEDw-AFSB6U3r4I6jrHdb18Wr001bUff2gw_-TcMmumOvYb_ml3Ouyd5Rcg/s1600/Honey+Sriracha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2EeE_owFX9lVy49jDNKpdxsz6h5jTmu6Svy6tF8oB4QAWkXBmdGkZsvs44ndg3gWoa_MOlDaMQSIIXtSgoEDw-AFSB6U3r4I6jrHdb18Wr001bUff2gw_-TcMmumOvYb_ml3Ouyd5Rcg/s640/Honey+Sriracha.jpg" title="Honey Sriracha Wings from Mac 'n Chicks" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Honey Sriracha Wings: I like my heat, but if you can't take it, this sweet blend is for you</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y9e3_FmjJ1laWnQSl0ma-3FvR3mcyFjD5_bzpGfHIqw_E4DQLmEKyWdy0If15TvpGyTS1TT_V4wz9NAIZ4RfcT0B72u-cisy7s3MVN_TwNOWZr7YRcJXg7ijJk07egWECHxj834w7sdz/s1600/Garlic+Parmesan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y9e3_FmjJ1laWnQSl0ma-3FvR3mcyFjD5_bzpGfHIqw_E4DQLmEKyWdy0If15TvpGyTS1TT_V4wz9NAIZ4RfcT0B72u-cisy7s3MVN_TwNOWZr7YRcJXg7ijJk07egWECHxj834w7sdz/s640/Garlic+Parmesan.jpg" title="Mac 'n Chicks Garlic Parmesan" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Garlic Parmesan Wings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjGGmyi-jSXSkMuXaSqu6dDWhjPId5Q0zAaS3UKr3fNuW4qYLYD0rRm-SDfQrhJzh-Z3o-Ek9rjjAp0kl7OwtkdmNFn-fdVeWLactWfyaHEwDLpewDUvxM3-w1WGeBfgLgwbF3hR6Ow7K/s1600/Honey+Soy+Garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjGGmyi-jSXSkMuXaSqu6dDWhjPId5Q0zAaS3UKr3fNuW4qYLYD0rRm-SDfQrhJzh-Z3o-Ek9rjjAp0kl7OwtkdmNFn-fdVeWLactWfyaHEwDLpewDUvxM3-w1WGeBfgLgwbF3hR6Ow7K/s640/Honey+Soy+Garlic.jpg" title="Soy Garlic Wings from Mac 'n Chicks" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I liked the Soy Garlic Wings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fzODroko7lt9bFy6qQG0PmTo5S5ZGUsPkFjd6WqYH694zfXk6ysNpTD0x5LG9mLW1AMNT-YaHVxPo-G2WTzBunFT9XHOTdV4UNEpn3xNnjXrVrfe2k_CbbVpv4wb4Q-uyz3GyNIQM3hB/s1600/Mac+and+Cheese+Balls+plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fzODroko7lt9bFy6qQG0PmTo5S5ZGUsPkFjd6WqYH694zfXk6ysNpTD0x5LG9mLW1AMNT-YaHVxPo-G2WTzBunFT9XHOTdV4UNEpn3xNnjXrVrfe2k_CbbVpv4wb4Q-uyz3GyNIQM3hB/s640/Mac+and+Cheese+Balls+plate.jpg" title="Mac 'n Cheese Balls from Mac 'n Chicks" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mac 'n Cheese Balls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDKRAX0b7Ared9vu-CBvhBXTZlm9qAK2leMKGd-Ftvx-SA_cNV7sdcd25KtPvC1gS-Rpi8lrxtot6MWtDjDKdXk66Du8jRczjhzBzTLDUiAZiRyeBkV9HxlkL_7sPWuEWppT9DVoMVl9C/s1600/Mac+and+Cheese+Balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDKRAX0b7Ared9vu-CBvhBXTZlm9qAK2leMKGd-Ftvx-SA_cNV7sdcd25KtPvC1gS-Rpi8lrxtot6MWtDjDKdXk66Du8jRczjhzBzTLDUiAZiRyeBkV9HxlkL_7sPWuEWppT9DVoMVl9C/s640/Mac+and+Cheese+Balls.jpg" title="Cheese balls from Mac 'n Chicks" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Melty cheese in each ball</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-85aIHOT0eiterzhgu_g4q3LTFB9aNBBINGPI73LmIx1_FOMTQf_8eXUkyyzM5tinfPvQ7BX4f0CD0O1W2e4VY7N3aQxDWGAjZmxAg7uqojU22p66PTIRH9Z_HcEXfnVVV5-rk0Cvq9NH/s1600/Lasagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-85aIHOT0eiterzhgu_g4q3LTFB9aNBBINGPI73LmIx1_FOMTQf_8eXUkyyzM5tinfPvQ7BX4f0CD0O1W2e4VY7N3aQxDWGAjZmxAg7uqojU22p66PTIRH9Z_HcEXfnVVV5-rk0Cvq9NH/s640/Lasagna.jpg" title="Lasagna from Mac 'n Chicks" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lasagna</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When the food arrived, the conversations dwindled as we scarfed down three orders of wings with potato wedges, a plate of lasagna, and some bite-sized mac and cheese. The chicken was tender, and the mac and cheese balls were cheesy, easy pickings. With prices ranging from P120-180 per dish, this joint can get you stuffed with a couple hundred bucks.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y2XMkQRrGJhtw5sw4MCp4EIViIMNkrTFD5730jbxPkp4fh47Iw3-nSh2n8reqY5OyRZP3eqvQtRDvfwxDneLDOm22P8k15kr0DnBEbikLHEyhv1Z73cjLqR_CnFkDpofnzhk3AlUxHiV/s1600/House+of+Griddle+stall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y2XMkQRrGJhtw5sw4MCp4EIViIMNkrTFD5730jbxPkp4fh47Iw3-nSh2n8reqY5OyRZP3eqvQtRDvfwxDneLDOm22P8k15kr0DnBEbikLHEyhv1Z73cjLqR_CnFkDpofnzhk3AlUxHiV/s640/House+of+Griddle+stall.jpg" title="Game of Thrones-themed House of Griddle" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Game of Thrones-themed House of Griddle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Among the restaurants that were influenced by on-screen titles is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hogriddle2016/">House of Griddle</a>, with its playfully accurate <a href="https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones">Game of Thrones</a>-theme. I didn't read the books nor do I follow the TV series, but talking to the chef and owner made it clear how big of a fan he is of the franchise. He takes pride in every detail, from the logo to the banners fronting his establishment, and every reference he makes to the epic saga. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Even more impressive was his dedication to the food. Having worked at a top restaurant before starting his own business, he got a taste of other cuisines that broadened his culinary horizon. Aside from giving these dishes his own spin, his interpretations have made them more affordable, and thus accessible, to even the Piso-pinching Filipinos. The price is comparable to other fast food chains, but you get a meal made from scratch. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">All orders come with their signature fried rice with meat trimmings, string beans, and corn bits. It's a good way to sneak in those veggies into your diet!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlzX9qyVo3-9sRjkYCVOKv8J0429lnTJ2VJvWH9QX875OAT07xspJa2KmAZ99Nw4gMnz3he13e2d1dhTbT6-DKircTQHPp0Eb2DBE360RDN4jPGM7s8fmpzSAny2EeI8RXObdl6mM9xlI/s1600/House+of+Griddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1600" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlzX9qyVo3-9sRjkYCVOKv8J0429lnTJ2VJvWH9QX875OAT07xspJa2KmAZ99Nw4gMnz3he13e2d1dhTbT6-DKircTQHPp0Eb2DBE360RDN4jPGM7s8fmpzSAny2EeI8RXObdl6mM9xlI/s640/House+of+Griddle.jpg" title="House of Griddle Spread" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Clockwise from top: Bunless Burger, Shrimp Gambas, Herbed Pork, Beef Bulgogi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0xPOStc7gl1bOygcijgCQfIt3IRTBGK7AuKJLMCXVoBwLUi7v_rjFM-EvzcmSwJQ-ygYjBW9P-4INor7mYivKwcDlmw1-lj-3izOAIKEgtVPr5YlcBGyy1NphS2B1bZNvw70ualxp0mc/s1600/Shrimp+Gambas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0xPOStc7gl1bOygcijgCQfIt3IRTBGK7AuKJLMCXVoBwLUi7v_rjFM-EvzcmSwJQ-ygYjBW9P-4INor7mYivKwcDlmw1-lj-3izOAIKEgtVPr5YlcBGyy1NphS2B1bZNvw70ualxp0mc/s640/Shrimp+Gambas.jpg" title="Gambas of House of Griddle" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Instead of Spanish, this is a French take on Gambas</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYHnhYcYR31Xop5diHUq82cMy1xp-uk9-C0GI9q4b0B6T3dXI4TkOnYsTSyFtsI3csS0YZHfO40LDmIBuqp8ZHRMXBLrwkX4XxWgcN8pe6hQU0S7u9wJPBN-P98z6y9S7ivS7CTiaqJay/s1600/Bunless+Burger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYHnhYcYR31Xop5diHUq82cMy1xp-uk9-C0GI9q4b0B6T3dXI4TkOnYsTSyFtsI3csS0YZHfO40LDmIBuqp8ZHRMXBLrwkX4XxWgcN8pe6hQU0S7u9wJPBN-P98z6y9S7ivS7CTiaqJay/s640/Bunless+Burger.jpg" title="Bunless Burger of House of Griddle" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bunless Burger with hickory barbecue sauce and melted cheese</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6unWAjQj66umiGI6_yrsxKAZZj-arcAO4LqqeLqZQQuCVSWiNJ0eFexEZ5YvmihCrkIQWr7w4xE1CAO3piOaSzWPX6n9EtMFAqf8G1mz2vjnMwvFHwhDOCh31LDc5r1qRWtqzrYKwVJFI/s1600/Beef+Bulgogi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6unWAjQj66umiGI6_yrsxKAZZj-arcAO4LqqeLqZQQuCVSWiNJ0eFexEZ5YvmihCrkIQWr7w4xE1CAO3piOaSzWPX6n9EtMFAqf8G1mz2vjnMwvFHwhDOCh31LDc5r1qRWtqzrYKwVJFI/s640/Beef+Bulgogi.jpg" title="Bulgogi at House of Griddle" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bulgogi Beef Sirloin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NAOH_xlizhwT6YX8urIYJHGQpM42jMoeWHxuvOO5VVqKLPgNEBti16fzaJG5LJWP5xxAD31TWdlDI7Edq3Ret9zaK3QIEPp8QvUTFB1J8mA3fJl1jx05FxQWl6oRk91FhK-bpG81SkGE/s1600/Herbed+Pork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NAOH_xlizhwT6YX8urIYJHGQpM42jMoeWHxuvOO5VVqKLPgNEBti16fzaJG5LJWP5xxAD31TWdlDI7Edq3Ret9zaK3QIEPp8QvUTFB1J8mA3fJl1jx05FxQWl6oRk91FhK-bpG81SkGE/s640/Herbed+Pork.jpg" title="Herbed Pork at House of Griddle" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Herbed Pork with mushrooms and gravy on the side</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIEHUs4BkugtUtpQbMi4cSaDdSE-xhl4VnCvU8A8onNPSBVgeiDCUF3jo0pVIjg6cpUK-PswKG0kWlOceMiS8nEDcrxiCYWbPehWzn41McObX_wzBTA941oDymDpdf7EskHTpcO47MIVn/s1600/Herbed+Pork+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIEHUs4BkugtUtpQbMi4cSaDdSE-xhl4VnCvU8A8onNPSBVgeiDCUF3jo0pVIjg6cpUK-PswKG0kWlOceMiS8nEDcrxiCYWbPehWzn41McObX_wzBTA941oDymDpdf7EskHTpcO47MIVn/s640/Herbed+Pork+2.jpg" title="Herbed Pork and mushrooms at House of Griddle" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This well-seasoned pork belly was my favorite that night</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There were heaps more places to try, and I'm especially curious about the fried pizza place, a stall that offers a sushi donut, and two dessert bars that both have a variant of fried bread. This is telling -- yes, I have a thing for fried bread.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXIzMYXWkCN_QfILY0m6oHMPNdWc_ZHzc9MNb1YCZ-AjlRdoTRWpTAwmWaXfGiS9T6WFSK1ABECksbjs-g5DuZrKXoH7uqRkUhiX93GRj29aHLgQrArWchKdsMilndx8zVmQqh3eLkJKs/s1600/Water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXIzMYXWkCN_QfILY0m6oHMPNdWc_ZHzc9MNb1YCZ-AjlRdoTRWpTAwmWaXfGiS9T6WFSK1ABECksbjs-g5DuZrKXoH7uqRkUhiX93GRj29aHLgQrArWchKdsMilndx8zVmQqh3eLkJKs/s640/Water.jpg" title="Food at The Yard Street Food Cinema" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Water and Info</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.theyardph.com/">The Yard</a> Street Food Cinema is a good place for the <i>barkada</i> who have a hard time agreeing on where to eat, fun for people who love to eat while watching a movie (or love to watch a movie while eating, which I do a lot at home,) or whatever -- if you just want to go on a food trip.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/theyardstreetfoodcinema/">The Yard Street Food Cinema</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Timog Avenue, Quezon City</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Follow them on <a href="https://twitter.com/TheYard_PH">Twitter</a> and their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theyardatxavierville">Xavierville branch on Instagram</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWayejj12wnYn3c0AhOduL3yTu3fss-mwD8fPHv42ifAiWkPnZa7FRvkFoTVa7_o5QiLSxhioP3TLndkz6bEZ8GLVt-hlyl5tFOwqKGM1Ooclv4yYe-Wese0JMC1hk6Iv43YNNkr8OifK8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-11-28+at+5.09.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1244" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWayejj12wnYn3c0AhOduL3yTu3fss-mwD8fPHv42ifAiWkPnZa7FRvkFoTVa7_o5QiLSxhioP3TLndkz6bEZ8GLVt-hlyl5tFOwqKGM1Ooclv4yYe-Wese0JMC1hk6Iv43YNNkr8OifK8/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-11-28+at+5.09.50+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After work last Tuesday, I had late lunch at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KkoKkoPH/">Kko Kko</a> in Kapitolyo, which has only been open for a month. The newest of five other branches (Sapphire Bloc, Market! Market!, Paseo Center, and UP Town Center), I got a table through <a href="https://ph.phonebooky.com/">Booky</a>, which promised P500 off a P1000 bill. I'd been wanting to try the Chicken Cheese Fondue since I saw it on a friend's feed, and my mind was set for beautiful cheese pulls.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I ordered it as soon as I had settled in my cute booth by the wall, because the menu warns it could take 20 minutes to prepare. The fondue comes in a bread bowl, with chicken, onion rings, and fries as dippers. There were choices to be made as regards the cheese, fries, and chicken because they had several ways of seasoning them. I got my mozzarella in garlic-mustard, my fries with chili powder, and my chicken in Oh My Garlic.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To while me through the wait, I wanted to get some Mandoo, but it wasn't available. Such is my life eating out, unfortunately. I settled for their complimentary appetizer platter, of which I could only eat the kimchi; their delicious home made raspberry tea helped with the anticipation.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJWmniFpB2E-rEdPBDDbz6M-jeVIqboaHxldRuw518EJKhbYRhyota1puRPL_w4IGdjqERy_hZC5G9whT0p-ITNKRkpyXiPtaL-tX4l9o89Kd6h2sTtldx368xbYVCtkYcPJFxlMnwY-7/s1600/Kko+Kko+Home+Kapitolyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kko Kko Home of Seoul Chicken" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJWmniFpB2E-rEdPBDDbz6M-jeVIqboaHxldRuw518EJKhbYRhyota1puRPL_w4IGdjqERy_hZC5G9whT0p-ITNKRkpyXiPtaL-tX4l9o89Kd6h2sTtldx368xbYVCtkYcPJFxlMnwY-7/s640/Kko+Kko+Home+Kapitolyo.jpg" title="Kko Kko Home Kapitolyo" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Kko Kko Home, Kapitolyo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7XxFDafl21VlEV38f6MJxWrMhhCt2lLRk7kP2t4vjYfC2kplkex5oKjijxTS2Azn-VgMH2nrfPYzyBlNIPlqB6Kk5tC21QtMfgqd7TZcNa3JnzG2GCU3bnfPzgg8H7ZubuOtohzf6HgE/s1600/Kko+Kko+Menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kko Kko Home of Seoul Chicken" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="984" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7XxFDafl21VlEV38f6MJxWrMhhCt2lLRk7kP2t4vjYfC2kplkex5oKjijxTS2Azn-VgMH2nrfPYzyBlNIPlqB6Kk5tC21QtMfgqd7TZcNa3JnzG2GCU3bnfPzgg8H7ZubuOtohzf6HgE/s640/Kko+Kko+Menu.jpg" title="Kko Kko Home Kapitolyo" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Digital menu on an iPad</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-dnF1eWWN0RiMzaGC-roExI8hA0iQ-C9-xXIsshXnEnToK3uU7qTetPWheWiwaGo3DtqIe00UNQI5137PzxjpeBSO20osKwmxVz9gsD3sopwk2-TNJylqqbHW2xhKuCgHXFJKe4JU8Jz/s1600/Kko+Kko+Raspberry+Tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kko Kko Home of Seoul Chicken" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="912" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-dnF1eWWN0RiMzaGC-roExI8hA0iQ-C9-xXIsshXnEnToK3uU7qTetPWheWiwaGo3DtqIe00UNQI5137PzxjpeBSO20osKwmxVz9gsD3sopwk2-TNJylqqbHW2xhKuCgHXFJKe4JU8Jz/s640/Kko+Kko+Raspberry+Tea.jpg" title="Kko Kko Home Kapitolyo" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Home made raspberry tea</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8dyyIH0cJI-LZ1ooVbzOUqJizxO7bkRliBCYhEQDl8Mrn0LSeeLu7W_0v0EGneMB00sVPpl1KypZr8ZDagN6SJCTc80UNRRVdr4KPoglet9Nm1Qpre5VM0Pg9hGw6Ndw0Am2qi_XhsHa/s1600/Kko+Kko+Chicken+Cheese+Fondue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kko Kko Home of Seoul Chicken" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="984" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8dyyIH0cJI-LZ1ooVbzOUqJizxO7bkRliBCYhEQDl8Mrn0LSeeLu7W_0v0EGneMB00sVPpl1KypZr8ZDagN6SJCTc80UNRRVdr4KPoglet9Nm1Qpre5VM0Pg9hGw6Ndw0Am2qi_XhsHa/s640/Kko+Kko+Chicken+Cheese+Fondue.jpg" title="Kko Kko Home Kapitolyo" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chicken Cheese Fondue, half order (P658)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3vvr-64fLNezy2NnYuynZn7w8fHr4KaLyJQEPp4lhqw7e4QnhPhuch7aAB3AiKqATBoTB1u5gzHdXW60bw2vL8aQCuAeJVGSrdAODJlESJrS2aS-Gj8Kw36-j0iG3GKZ0MyIIjFd9ug7/s1600/Kko+Kko+Oh+My+Garlic+Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kko Kko Home of Seoul Chicken" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="975" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3vvr-64fLNezy2NnYuynZn7w8fHr4KaLyJQEPp4lhqw7e4QnhPhuch7aAB3AiKqATBoTB1u5gzHdXW60bw2vL8aQCuAeJVGSrdAODJlESJrS2aS-Gj8Kw36-j0iG3GKZ0MyIIjFd9ug7/s640/Kko+Kko+Oh+My+Garlic+Chicken.jpg" title="Kko Kko Home Kapitolyo" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Oh My Garlic chicken with garlic-mustard mozarella</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6HXXfxoyriU" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I got my cheese pulls and so much more. The chicken was perfectly done, juicy on the inside with a crispy exterior, despite being drenched in a flavorful, sticky sauce. Calling this a dipper is an injustice, because it can rightfully stand on its own; and yet somehow it goes remarkably well with the cheese. The fries and onion rings were carb stuffers to enjoy the cheese with, but the bread bowl beat them both, tasting like a sourdough (was it?) I guess it's clear I loved it, and I'll be back to try different combinations next time.</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YImfGooW2V4m8NjBBAj-zb9VexDMK9uvVvlA9-_Aswwu7pQeeYWiBtfmuDeB65ElSRt6BI5Mr_sFtSz7vZR3KnO4nI5nAzTLTWB-WT6xNV2yc4a4r9Tma6wzmfITfbc5aV3nzc3BNJMS/s1600/Coco5936f029264c3-692x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="692" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YImfGooW2V4m8NjBBAj-zb9VexDMK9uvVvlA9-_Aswwu7pQeeYWiBtfmuDeB65ElSRt6BI5Mr_sFtSz7vZR3KnO4nI5nAzTLTWB-WT6xNV2yc4a4r9Tma6wzmfITfbc5aV3nzc3BNJMS/s640/Coco5936f029264c3-692x1024.jpg" title="Grabbed from FSM-Media" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Grabbed from <a href="http://www.fsm-media.com/disneypixars-coco/">FSM Media</a>, the poster I like best from all those released</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After Kko Kko, there was its homophone, <a href="https://twitter.com/pixarcoco">Coco</a>. For the sake of all those who haven't seen it and happen to stumble on this entry, I'll keep it spoiler-free. All I'll say is WOW: visually arresting, the colors as vibrant as the culture and heritage of its characters. I consider it timely, when it's becoming easier to get more and more disconnected from the songs in our hearts and those we should hold dear. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We had time for one more movie, so we bought tickets to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OrientExpressMovie/">Murder on the Orient Express</a> on its first day out in the theatres. We had just enough time for a quick coffee break at <a href="http://www.tobysestateph.com/">Toby's Estate</a> before heading back to the cinema. With an all-star cast, many of whom I am gaga for, I didn't expect anything less than stellar performances... and I wasn't disappointed. It was thrilling, thought-provoking, and despite having read the book decades ago (and remembering absolutely nothing), still left me baffled. I can't put my finger on it though, but I wasn't blown away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So it was a good mix of new things, but as the title suggests, my Wins of the Week were Kko Kko and Coco. Thoughts? Let's discuss!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-51002001289817457452017-11-27T16:57:00.000+08:002017-12-04T16:39:01.331+08:00Rail Skating: Only in the Philippines?<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Back after an extremely long hiatus āš½ I have so many stories pending that are waiting to be told, but let's start with something light and unexpected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After having just returned from London, we went to a small city in </span><a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/879801/a-blend-of-history-adventure" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Bicol</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> for work. </span><a href="http://www.camarinessur.gov.ph/" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Camarines Sur</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> is famous for its untouched natural beauty like </span><a href="http://caramoanislands.com/top_12_islands.php" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">white sand</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://caramoanislands.com/" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">beaches</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, and lush </span><a href="http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2008/05/mountain-index-bulusan-volcano-sorsogon.html" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">mountains</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://langyaw.com/2014/05/14/see-5-volcanoes-in-bicol/" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">volcanoes</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> with hundreds of </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQIcj1tjAay/?taken-by=kaichypoo" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">hot and cold springs</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQFHpqDjnP_/?taken-by=kaichypoo" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">waterfalls</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. We didn't have time for any of those, but wanted to try something different. One of the guys assigned to take us around suggested the </span><i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">"riles,"</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and without fully knowing what he meant, we all just said, "yeah!" and hopped in the van. When it stopped in the outskirts of town, we realized he meant it literally: he took us to the train tracks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a strange activity to try, but I was excited anyway. I've seen this done in Manila as well, where inactive tracks are repurposed as routes for makeshift carts as a form of transportation (it has even inspired an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Along_Da_Riles">old TV show</a>). I don't find myself in those areas, so Iriga was the perfect place and opportunity to experience it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ever heard of the phrase, "<a href="http://www.filipiknow.net/things-youll-only-find-in-the-philippines/">Only in the Philippines</a>?" This might just be another perfect example. With the Filipinos' <a href="http://www.wheninmanila.com/pinoy-inventions-that-changed-the-world/">ingenuity and resourcefulness</a>, <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/isabellelaureta/sewing-tools-in-cookie-cans?utm_term=.gsDXKvVGZ#.yr26o2yGw">a knack for unique hacks</a>, and <a href="http://www.bazurabags.com/">a natural inclination for upcycling</a>, it's no surprise that we came up with something like this. Makes me wonder if other countries have something similar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bbO7Kx09XyA" width="560"></iframe></center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Would you try it? Know of any other nations that have had the same idea? </span></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-89196898044947031132017-06-14T11:48:00.003+08:002017-06-14T11:49:55.571+08:00Fly, Work, Fly, Work<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am terrible at this. I missed all of May (my birth month!) when I wanted to share about the trips leading to my birthday. I went to Camiguin and Ilocos Norte in a span of two weeks, and I was exhausted but so, so content.</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTJU773hTM-/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-04-21T11:28:51+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 21, 2017 at 4:28am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTL8Q2lhMwa/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-04-22T11:50:58+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 22, 2017 at 4:50am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTL-UdaBbKc/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-04-22T12:08:56+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 22, 2017 at 5:08am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTOslfvhkA5/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-04-23T13:31:42+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 23, 2017 at 6:31am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTSfs3lBU_k/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-04-25T00:56:04+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 24, 2017 at 5:56pm PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 37.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BU0jkSKB4xq/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-06-02T02:55:25+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 1, 2017 at 7:55pm PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 28.14814814814815% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTjTJJBheiX/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-05-01T13:33:25+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 1, 2017 at 6:33am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BT6jGwSBelH/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-05-10T14:15:26+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 10, 2017 at 7:15am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's June now, and I'm flying to the US in a few hours: primarily for work, but it's easy to enjoy anywhere. If anyone is interested in watching our concert tour of the west coast, go to <a href="http://www.musicartsevents.com/">Music Arts Events</a> for the details.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-35536734876415603172017-04-17T20:23:00.001+08:002017-04-17T20:35:38.296+08:00Old Manila, New Eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjWCpaAGHqNCIBIe918CmCaLPcyrXpRTW6rpqyTg50ANrxnMHXw7nqaq_lWPVZeh-rL6Sf-tcmibikir_IxnrDTRM6OQLE8yhpEMPt3jWQhKHuZxN7emWwmf7CClV_4lprQUtmn2HG338/s1600/Old+Manila+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjWCpaAGHqNCIBIe918CmCaLPcyrXpRTW6rpqyTg50ANrxnMHXw7nqaq_lWPVZeh-rL6Sf-tcmibikir_IxnrDTRM6OQLE8yhpEMPt3jWQhKHuZxN7emWwmf7CClV_4lprQUtmn2HG338/s640/Old+Manila+Cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On palm Sunday, I was a tourist in my country's own capital upon the invitation of one of my best girls, </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/clarissadlp/" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Clarissa</a>. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She wanted to show her Romanian friend around, who was in town for the weekend; so </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">through a simple <a href="https://www.google.com.ph/">Google</a> search, she found </span><a href="http://www.oldmanilawalks.com/" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Old Manila Walks</a> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and easily booked and p</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">aid online. I didn't know which tour outfit she picked, but when I arrived at the meeting place, I was told to look for a certain Ivan. When I saw the man holding the telltale blue umbrella, I recognized him from a few years ago, when I did the <a href="http://oldmanilawalks.com/binondotour.htm">Big Binondo Food Wok</a> that his group also offers. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://oldmanilawalks.com/intramurostour.htm">Walls of This Content!</a> was a walking tour around Intramuros that took us through some of the more important landmarks of this "walled city." I'd been to Intramuros several times before, but nothing beats having someone narrating your journey with stories from 400 years of history. We started at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_de_Roma">Plaza Roma</a>, and worked our way through the <a href="http://manilacathedral.ph/">Manila Cathedral</a>, the <a href="http://intramuros.gov.ph/">Intramuros Walls</a>, and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Agustin_Church_(Manila)">San Agustin Church</a> and monastery. Each stop highlighted different periods and events, which added value to all the physical structures we were surrounded with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuGAXSQYlECmIeQTINN1RQm7_Du6seGtSaCCjiH2nXw8EXpGyLPL4SyvY8rCLfLlgzcxJ_0eA4OD-oFq3m2vlN7vpzQMNv-D_rJot95xq8M4SH7oPomdBSD0I2-9YEviDnZwqVEBBAf2N/s1600/Postigo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Entryway" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuGAXSQYlECmIeQTINN1RQm7_Du6seGtSaCCjiH2nXw8EXpGyLPL4SyvY8rCLfLlgzcxJ_0eA4OD-oFq3m2vlN7vpzQMNv-D_rJot95xq8M4SH7oPomdBSD0I2-9YEviDnZwqVEBBAf2N/s640/Postigo.jpg" title="Postigo = Wicket Gate" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gates to the Walled City</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOAn_FtQXhLcgAsZJxPQlfPbx6DVMmfIhh60HPiFLRXhlfnvchyk8dDYC28SdbNJ_acWcncurVnqeVpeoIZmtrVL5UJ054LzNKyrVzJx0jOCPoCq0XZpKlW47ND0YlSP99iW31BGRk0YD/s1600/Our+Lady+of+the+Philippines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Filipiniana Mother Mary" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOAn_FtQXhLcgAsZJxPQlfPbx6DVMmfIhh60HPiFLRXhlfnvchyk8dDYC28SdbNJ_acWcncurVnqeVpeoIZmtrVL5UJ054LzNKyrVzJx0jOCPoCq0XZpKlW47ND0YlSP99iW31BGRk0YD/s640/Our+Lady+of+the+Philippines.jpg" title="Mother and Child" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the Manila Cathedral, captioned Our Lady of the Philippines</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWp_JJTn1KgfmbEq1tyH-ukgNkEqjsX4bb8KIVCu-h11AHfGK61VzbTZDG7uTiMLOGiJH50-sGGy6Z3_HCS1yUc8WCOowpmqWFAQUJR01eyjpGvx1jVMkvPwox7-mr1Ux5Oz8C-7wN6TA/s1600/Pieta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Death of Christ" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWp_JJTn1KgfmbEq1tyH-ukgNkEqjsX4bb8KIVCu-h11AHfGK61VzbTZDG7uTiMLOGiJH50-sGGy6Z3_HCS1yUc8WCOowpmqWFAQUJR01eyjpGvx1jVMkvPwox7-mr1Ux5Oz8C-7wN6TA/s640/Pieta.jpg" title="Mother and Child" width="354" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Replica of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo">Michelangelo</a>'s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piet%C3%A0_%28Michelangelo%29">Pieta</a> made from the same mold</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSqisIfB4rF/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-04-09T12:32:34+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 9, 2017 at 5:32am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRLFTwPUsrjodLzgFt4rp5KDApv2sf24yByfuYqLDn1e7AVwBPhfZ3wpadfGdGscEKtp5EZWdkXderQtyJp-fN8IMAvdnQ-fDpxDvVKvpo-jAC0yMRbLcPZUZ-AFxlVro4M49xEW6lZbQ/s1600/Streets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stone Structures" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRLFTwPUsrjodLzgFt4rp5KDApv2sf24yByfuYqLDn1e7AVwBPhfZ3wpadfGdGscEKtp5EZWdkXderQtyJp-fN8IMAvdnQ-fDpxDvVKvpo-jAC0yMRbLcPZUZ-AFxlVro4M49xEW6lZbQ/s640/Streets.jpg" title="Intramuros Streets" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The streets to ourselves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a hot and humid day, and by the time we reached San Agustin, we welcomed the roof over our heads and the air-conditioning in the museum. The place was lavish, with wide halls and high-ceilinged rooms filled with expensive artifacts that all betrayed the corruption of the Spanish friars. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqD5yBz37wJVPXxAOEBgE-ec62Nbt7MY4yIfdSIL6lawsiMhIb-2JdiMRpthHxAhOvHVFba0U85fW9l1STJTD_SgBHppT24xx0qk0BWOziYrB5nBhSZPc5MK21m2mGjtLEV1lWwmD-C35/s1600/Handless+Saints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqD5yBz37wJVPXxAOEBgE-ec62Nbt7MY4yIfdSIL6lawsiMhIb-2JdiMRpthHxAhOvHVFba0U85fW9l1STJTD_SgBHppT24xx0qk0BWOziYrB5nBhSZPc5MK21m2mGjtLEV1lWwmD-C35/s640/Handless+Saints.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Handless saints - the ivory appendages are stored elsewhere for safekeeping</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNSS6IqTVxflWyoLm-K-1XRCBAQBmvSNrV4WIn5xFZmc9oL6cBdfK-9Z4KDgv1YAhMGlwWoszYg4fqd1NrMcbTHsBYjoxg9thJCPHk4bGIGSbmkRKzMMRnaFYPxgGmJlJE1e7RkW69CSn/s1600/San+Agustin+Quadrangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fountain" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNSS6IqTVxflWyoLm-K-1XRCBAQBmvSNrV4WIn5xFZmc9oL6cBdfK-9Z4KDgv1YAhMGlwWoszYg4fqd1NrMcbTHsBYjoxg9thJCPHk4bGIGSbmkRKzMMRnaFYPxgGmJlJE1e7RkW69CSn/s640/San+Agustin+Quadrangle.jpg" title="Baroque Church" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At San Agustin's courtyard</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OX4KdmCACtGDwik6Z3Ez8djjtZcywVLTnuGRez66ffSAuC4meqqcZDSIxgXposcs1Iqoh9bML1FDFG3_2SIHBKWV8n18Ae6BEnuqNVmWVfxwHuBE-ofn59KFtBRYpkbTNe9U_82imR9/s1600/AlessiTriplet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Reflections" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OX4KdmCACtGDwik6Z3Ez8djjtZcywVLTnuGRez66ffSAuC4meqqcZDSIxgXposcs1Iqoh9bML1FDFG3_2SIHBKWV8n18Ae6BEnuqNVmWVfxwHuBE-ofn59KFtBRYpkbTNe9U_82imR9/s640/AlessiTriplet.jpg" title="Happy Baby" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2-year old Alessi, enjoying the cold marble in San Agustin's museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCN9HyInd90SqbZqf7xfqU3T9GfSEnKG_33JBo8QU57mwxEH9OGm5ldpcj3Rs11FTlSXBidtc71uM_MOXpb2asSneD9GTHvJs12VNcjKWpVvihDXCZ6TS-vUUuw8-mpaUojTW9dHF9a0AK/s1600/Brick+Facade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Courtyard" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCN9HyInd90SqbZqf7xfqU3T9GfSEnKG_33JBo8QU57mwxEH9OGm5ldpcj3Rs11FTlSXBidtc71uM_MOXpb2asSneD9GTHvJs12VNcjKWpVvihDXCZ6TS-vUUuw8-mpaUojTW9dHF9a0AK/s640/Brick+Facade.jpg" title="Fountain" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brick facade</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZOfLQyX8kcTElCc-7mZCYrwiCJyd3h20zh5_XsTmo80XzojgDkGV33_APGSl4Y3KKchQoE0b1mNiCTOoRYwDrmsf5s8YukKDk8nPLeKH3cQ_qdtXEu8MJh_Cs5CzF3j4x-PCKegXBsZN/s1600/Bambike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bike Tours" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZOfLQyX8kcTElCc-7mZCYrwiCJyd3h20zh5_XsTmo80XzojgDkGV33_APGSl4Y3KKchQoE0b1mNiCTOoRYwDrmsf5s8YukKDk8nPLeKH3cQ_qdtXEu8MJh_Cs5CzF3j4x-PCKegXBsZN/s640/Bambike.jpg" title="Bamboo Bike" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A baby <a href="http://bambike.com/">Bambike</a> (bamboo bike) from the thoughtful owner</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The tour ended with a visit to </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Manila" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Casa Manila</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, one of the reconstructed colonial dwellings in </span><a href="https://intramuros2007.wordpress.com/2007/02/25/barrio-san-luis/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Barrio San Luis</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. As we entered the complex, we bumped into the </span><a href="http://bambike.com/intramuros-experience" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bambike Intramuros Experience</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">; and while the tourists were returning their wheels, the owner lent our little girl a tiny version! After allowing her to play for a few minutes, we proceeded inside the </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">casa</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was my favorite part of the tour for two reasons: 1) it was my first time there, unlike the other places we visited, and 2) there were so many unique items in the house that let me imagine what it was like to live in the start of the century, like betel nut spit bowls, a literal ice-box for refrigeration, and a manually-operated ceiling fan (see in video below).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsa3jDoXRdWeVDvHm7x4SVGqR7hQIE0rbeuvsUI5gh4fZNXn9Ch3LU06XBCC4ZeXQw3QVW7CzYYmJ18puTTOw2tUPZDya9XmUXDkWT49isGCm_D-jsNEZXol1VdtGQcbvRcSrfMHdxX6M/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Artifacts" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsa3jDoXRdWeVDvHm7x4SVGqR7hQIE0rbeuvsUI5gh4fZNXn9Ch3LU06XBCC4ZeXQw3QVW7CzYYmJ18puTTOw2tUPZDya9XmUXDkWT49isGCm_D-jsNEZXol1VdtGQcbvRcSrfMHdxX6M/s640/Kitchen.jpg" title="Pugon" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Turn of the century kitchen with molds, irons, oven</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6257jJhM98DYJtijPZ_ylKFvlhndmBE0ayqQ4hoSHrf0ldu1wY9JIgq5PHvXajEqrMwjfb9HGmLXW47ouJerH3eP-sqHGgH5JYAqw1_nwyNdNvpic0T45u_dRvHS966vr8qaMWwoC54g/s1600/Biscuit+Molds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vintage baking molds" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6257jJhM98DYJtijPZ_ylKFvlhndmBE0ayqQ4hoSHrf0ldu1wY9JIgq5PHvXajEqrMwjfb9HGmLXW47ouJerH3eP-sqHGgH5JYAqw1_nwyNdNvpic0T45u_dRvHS966vr8qaMWwoC54g/s640/Biscuit+Molds.jpg" title="St. Rafael Biscuits" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Biscuit molds with religious themes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXRlATWPBNekwD-5AgdVaFxTPlKNNsRO3l-N1RxI8PZ1wuwbrAUkczBGQ24Ib5G8SIJmz8VqE5a4EB5S93DJf7C2oxbDxJdQb_3Of8kjop-1StAMKZVKIYYOdFvdReNsAkZEHncIeY_JV/s1600/Toilet+Twins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXRlATWPBNekwD-5AgdVaFxTPlKNNsRO3l-N1RxI8PZ1wuwbrAUkczBGQ24Ib5G8SIJmz8VqE5a4EB5S93DJf7C2oxbDxJdQb_3Of8kjop-1StAMKZVKIYYOdFvdReNsAkZEHncIeY_JV/s640/Toilet+Twins.jpg" width="406" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Love toilet?? Apparently for gossiping in the bathroom!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was an afternoon well-spent, educational for our foreign guests and a reintroduction for me. Our package cost P7,920 for a maximum of 6 people (and P1,320 for every additional person) and it was worth it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2wzusYbKGOxx61Wv190-CR0TOydRQi9ATRctd6gOeC-6X0q7oqG4qUW2DvO4Befjm1E6uaBWvWJewEfxBq6tO7l4YeAkCTnWnh5VG7_mwjVv-5bHCaYiEk_nc5g5F91II3lJbcGebSm6/s1600/Pandango+sa+Ilaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Candle Dance" border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2wzusYbKGOxx61Wv190-CR0TOydRQi9ATRctd6gOeC-6X0q7oqG4qUW2DvO4Befjm1E6uaBWvWJewEfxBq6tO7l4YeAkCTnWnh5VG7_mwjVv-5bHCaYiEk_nc5g5F91II3lJbcGebSm6/s640/Pandango+sa+Ilaw.jpg" title="Pandanggo Sa Ilaw" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Twirling in this exuberant candle dance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lF2Ang4oO9RIVBhSISER6tN89hsqPP-4o7WwiJv2www8hCuDkUmqLmKm0fAmm6oHrVUJoz4xM8wB2HZ7s_Z8_ZlbUtCSJTiEtbeUfWMTJ_d9XqPhXtYfIQFk8eJlc5l7xKUapGWywHkr/s1600/Pandango.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Candle Dance" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lF2Ang4oO9RIVBhSISER6tN89hsqPP-4o7WwiJv2www8hCuDkUmqLmKm0fAmm6oHrVUJoz4xM8wB2HZ7s_Z8_ZlbUtCSJTiEtbeUfWMTJ_d9XqPhXtYfIQFk8eJlc5l7xKUapGWywHkr/s640/Pandango.jpg" title="Pandanggo Sa Ilaw" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In traditional Filipino <i>fiesta garb</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We capped the day at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BarbarasHeritageRestaurant/">Barbara's</a>, an iconic restaurant on the cobbled road of Plaza San Luis. The dinner buffet was P699, which already included a cultural show. We arrived at the perfect time, with dinner service starting at 6:30, and the show at 7:15. The menu included squash soup, buttered fresh beans and corn, steamed fish with mushroom, <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callos">callos</a> madrileƱos</i>, chicken with peanut sauce, roast beef, baked mashed potato, fried heart of palm <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumpia">lumpia</a></i>, pasta, paella, and dessert of sesame banana, sweet potato fritters, and fresh tropical fruits. My favorites were the soup, fish, <i>callos</i>, chicken, <i>lumpia,</i> and all the dessert. I came in very hungry, so I managed to eat a lot. I wasn't expecting much, as with many buffets, but I give it many happy thumbs up! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-cWIq02lpYY" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On top of that, the performers at the show were young but well-trained. It started with an excellent <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rondalla">rondalla</a> </i>ensemble that played <a href="http://tagaloglang.com/music/tagalog-folk-songs/">Filipino folk songs</a> and Spanish-inspired pieces (like the Prelude to Act I of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmen">Carmen</a>), and later the same musicians traded in their strings for gongs and other native instruments. They accompanied the dancers in numbers like the <i><a href="http://philippinestravelsite.com/philippine-folk-dance-pandanggo-sa-ilaw/">Pandanggo sa Ilaw</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglalatik">Maglalatik</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singkil">Singkil</a>, </i>and the most popular <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinikling">Tinikling</a>. </i>I was entertained from start to finish, even for someone familiar with the craft. I'm adding the place to my go-to <i>balikbayan</i> and foreign visitor musts the next time I need to play tourism ambassador.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">What places do you usually bring your guests to? I'd love to have more suggestions.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-84506333686063546572017-04-05T16:36:00.000+08:002017-04-06T14:43:49.871+08:00Masungi Georeserve: Benchmark of Conservation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGPepIt5QoM3-2eeeoJUPaQZrg7_j7jJMbnu6zJfD0fspNGFvafTZ8GfBV3NFdTeCDvZG0cFSWMjyxTP7GW4KnxFMUK_ityPIEQcYw4TO5sZa6DLxW0eHLUOl2mT1ZueBV2vcsJUF-muE/s1600/Masungi+Spider+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGPepIt5QoM3-2eeeoJUPaQZrg7_j7jJMbnu6zJfD0fspNGFvafTZ8GfBV3NFdTeCDvZG0cFSWMjyxTP7GW4KnxFMUK_ityPIEQcYw4TO5sZa6DLxW0eHLUOl2mT1ZueBV2vcsJUF-muE/s640/Masungi+Spider+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The iconic giant spiderweb made of steel wires</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Since Masungi opened its gates to the public in December of 2015, I've been intrigued by the photos on my social media feeds. Visits are by reservation only, so after two foiled plans of going, I was invited by fellow Mabuhaykers with only two days notice and finally went. Lately, spontaneous has always worked out the best for me, despite my propensity for thorough research and detailed itineraries. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Located in Baras, Rizal, it was just a surprising hour and a half away from my part of the city, even on a Wednesday morning. We left at roughly 6:30 am, and arrived at San Andres, Tanay by 8:30 am -- we had apparently gone past it on the highway for several kilometers at that point. With time to kill until our 12:40 pm tour, we decided to look for Kinabuan Falls, which was said to be nearby. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Entering through the same arch as I did a month ago en route to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQCKt4LjjQs/?taken-by=kaichypoo">Mt. Batolusong</a>, we asked around for Kinabuan on Mt. Ibid, but received mixed information. To cut this part of the story short, it turned out it was at least 10 km away from the highway on very rough roads, and the hike a good 14 hours to and from the falls, so we knew it was an adventure for another day. Even the alternative <a href="http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2016/06/mt-maynoba-728m-in-tanay-rizal.html">Mt. Maynuba</a> and <a href="http://katewashere.com/2016/09/7-things-to-know-before-climbing-mt-cayabu-and-mt-maynuba/">Mt. Cayabu</a> with its "8 Wonder Falls" would've had us pressed for time, even if it was much closer to where we were.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf2jMIiAe_wu6jpMNbv2N-t0e2FUqfRda3xNtWNhq3zdWiH0CJ8wJ5vPKIaq49X9RWcUSY9rXvxILlxybol7cTCOv4a_YkKzjvWneAwVByP9aKfmNq3bvyTXCW2uTcYmYbX3q2aeXLdhl/s1600/San+Andres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf2jMIiAe_wu6jpMNbv2N-t0e2FUqfRda3xNtWNhq3zdWiH0CJ8wJ5vPKIaq49X9RWcUSY9rXvxILlxybol7cTCOv4a_YkKzjvWneAwVByP9aKfmNq3bvyTXCW2uTcYmYbX3q2aeXLdhl/s640/San+Andres.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Idyllic landscapes and cool, crisp air</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_elOT_ENvh50oJLjkMf2uHS5-GNv41_H3E7OXV9FhSumBFpL_Gygxnqjsc8_zy8Lq1XRoa6SotGMyATOnitKIwj-zfzfaGyqZKIxhmaJ1ENge1fTNXvD8RxrGWg8g3XjzozqZl1wPI6xV/s1600/Cafe+Katarina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_elOT_ENvh50oJLjkMf2uHS5-GNv41_H3E7OXV9FhSumBFpL_Gygxnqjsc8_zy8Lq1XRoa6SotGMyATOnitKIwj-zfzfaGyqZKIxhmaJ1ENge1fTNXvD8RxrGWg8g3XjzozqZl1wPI6xV/s640/Cafe+Katarina.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Crispy Talong & Calamari at Cafe Katerina: delicious food, beautiful view, and golden retrievers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We killed time at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CafeKaterina/">Cafe Katerina</a>, a restaurant by the highway further down, and apparently frequented by cross-country bikers. Our <i>al fresco</i> table had a killer view of the mountain ranges, the winding road below, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laguna_de_Bay">Laguna de Bay</a> in the horizon, and even the <a href="http://katewashere.com/2016/09/7-things-to-know-before-climbing-mt-cayabu-and-mt-maynuba/">windmills of Pililla</a> to the far right. It was cool enough for my companions to sport their jackets and leg warmers. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We were greeted by a friendly Golden Retriever, and as it led me in, I saw that they were a pack of about 6 dogs! Anyone who knows me can guess what happened after that... I played with all of them, except a black retriever, who was chained up, looking moody. The staff warned that he was known to snap at people on "off days." Oh yeah, we were talking about the restaurant, count on me to get sidetracked by dogs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Ate </i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/isayasena/">Isay</a> ordered <i>longganisa</i> with garlic rice and a side of crispy eggplant, <i>Kuya </i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tataynimiong2/">Robert</a> got some sort of beef stew, and I got the calamari and crispy <i>talong </i>pictured above. All the food were well seasoned and prepared, with hefty servings good for sharing, and prices ranged between ~P90-200 only. Certain value for money, and I'd definitely eat there again next time.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://elmoresylvan.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_1636.jpg?w=480&h=617" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://elmoresylvan.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/img_1636.jpg?w=480&h=617" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Photo grabbed from https://elmoresylvan.wordpress.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was introduced to the rest of the group when they caught up with us there for lunch, and then we convoyed to Masungi. The entrance to the place is easy to miss with its classy minimalist sign bearing its logo and the words "KM47 Baras, Rizal." From the highway, only a small parking lot is in view; and it's not until you take a short walk down a path past a tower with buzzing power lines that you will see the receiving area. They had tables to gather people for the welcome orientation, shelves for bags and helmets, and clay pots to refill bottles with mineral water. The paths were lined with colorful flowers and marked with sketched wooden signs.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QF11DUiBfk_4nNkPsP96XAKz71VySDrWqHob-foZElX4CJ5UCP1mRthcRK-rnaQ-rlPb5jvpRJ4Y1C-u4fogVGMHiqrM6GIjtKO_wnLibJUPutNZkx6grCA8Bu7d0MmMjAxqvuZ4wZ-H/s1600/Masungi+Wild+Tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QF11DUiBfk_4nNkPsP96XAKz71VySDrWqHob-foZElX4CJ5UCP1mRthcRK-rnaQ-rlPb5jvpRJ4Y1C-u4fogVGMHiqrM6GIjtKO_wnLibJUPutNZkx6grCA8Bu7d0MmMjAxqvuZ4wZ-H/s640/Masungi+Wild+Tomatoes.jpg" width="438" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wild tomatoes by the path that a caretaker gave me to plant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We were assigned a tour guide who took us around the trails and gave a little information about each highlighted area. From the top of my head, she took us through 3 hanging bridges, the famous spiderweb, 3 prominent peaks nicknamed <i>Tatay, Nanay, and Ditse, </i>a small cave with great natural light (yes, good for pictures), and numerous hammocks of different sizes, styles, and shapes. She coordinated with the other guides to ensure well-timed stops at each location.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXJWG0SBAw_70-fdgCrtoxFn3E2VQ0VhqmrlUcJFm40ef_h6BwCktaftHDCOKBP15mWrcvmlpLKIl7DF6wzdtPeIDmycgaQCT7xqemiERekmw7bjYLLA3nCOxAePsz5ZwYiy0cpmOd_rV/s1600/Masungi+Cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXJWG0SBAw_70-fdgCrtoxFn3E2VQ0VhqmrlUcJFm40ef_h6BwCktaftHDCOKBP15mWrcvmlpLKIl7DF6wzdtPeIDmycgaQCT7xqemiERekmw7bjYLLA3nCOxAePsz5ZwYiy0cpmOd_rV/s640/Masungi+Cave.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Labeled as <i>Suotan, </i>loosely translated as pathway or somewhere you can squeeze into</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbcpyK5asu_r5BhhqVNG0HaDV4UPwnk3ZGH73gzLC03l5xSFMgLHE75CJQNfIgPXn62LLJEsjAuYFZQhTeD0hLOitUaS3Fm_qXBrBtymG1q7PRmLRqAh6Iejutc6MAoU17L88E-cRQSEC/s1600/Masungi+Hanging+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbcpyK5asu_r5BhhqVNG0HaDV4UPwnk3ZGH73gzLC03l5xSFMgLHE75CJQNfIgPXn62LLJEsjAuYFZQhTeD0hLOitUaS3Fm_qXBrBtymG1q7PRmLRqAh6Iejutc6MAoU17L88E-cRQSEC/s640/Masungi+Hanging+Bridge.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of several hanging bridges</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQwIkTOUHOzZmLtQR2gfhSAeeaBkJkEOJjBdTTf1bpHYj716utRbgB41OPc2H7_2CQurtX3QVz2mR45XKGXDtcsSLFjrZ2aBbTSnwPoMjqsfs1FfBtDCZ00YPzpK5OKJ3VoviiqyAfczk/s1600/Masungi+Hammock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQwIkTOUHOzZmLtQR2gfhSAeeaBkJkEOJjBdTTf1bpHYj716utRbgB41OPc2H7_2CQurtX3QVz2mR45XKGXDtcsSLFjrZ2aBbTSnwPoMjqsfs1FfBtDCZ00YPzpK5OKJ3VoviiqyAfczk/s640/Masungi+Hammock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Could this be the biggest hammock in the world?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyQw7bI2ZQ-JBo7kWOc6HEGFUUef69ZMC82GQzwrX5uI_l_g5nNGrZrapAGeG7CAuMdbzdUY3IJ7xs0Wa87QcMspf2kxy2lbKlLA-3J8vkz2szLWMKxgfLYV3JADxxckuC77HvButip3f/s1600/Masungi+Hut+Swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyQw7bI2ZQ-JBo7kWOc6HEGFUUef69ZMC82GQzwrX5uI_l_g5nNGrZrapAGeG7CAuMdbzdUY3IJ7xs0Wa87QcMspf2kxy2lbKlLA-3J8vkz2szLWMKxgfLYV3JADxxckuC77HvButip3f/s640/Masungi+Hut+Swing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Swings inside a hut: unusual but fun</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTO_d54wVNiUbDIzALT7lOGvX_6tmzn1Ya6cJMcqsEQA91iGl1dZrtlUSfKTd0Lv3xIjkwv-VhimZNAy00ekaAlTZS6XDKSaw_EldBCiQrD4z5OdpY6LZGh0bsj03CnedxevLsWv8AFR-/s1600/Masungi+Mouse+Deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTO_d54wVNiUbDIzALT7lOGvX_6tmzn1Ya6cJMcqsEQA91iGl1dZrtlUSfKTd0Lv3xIjkwv-VhimZNAy00ekaAlTZS6XDKSaw_EldBCiQrD4z5OdpY6LZGh0bsj03CnedxevLsWv8AFR-/s640/Masungi+Mouse+Deer.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mosaics that feature some of the endemic animals found in those mountains: this one is the mouse deer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gfdjX1gVx39n9IaUWYAz6XQm6U6YKl2OH2-v_XuNEogky1SqQQ2sY3cuubde_7DBVggrZMi5-pfvWfySvPWK3ju7siq-wqyn6QiMr8N4Ki86zmvMAXRUsV9KpTNNrTmN7qFGUkCaGBkr/s1600/Masungi+Rope+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gfdjX1gVx39n9IaUWYAz6XQm6U6YKl2OH2-v_XuNEogky1SqQQ2sY3cuubde_7DBVggrZMi5-pfvWfySvPWK3ju7siq-wqyn6QiMr8N4Ki86zmvMAXRUsV9KpTNNrTmN7qFGUkCaGBkr/s640/Masungi+Rope+Bridge.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After descending a rope section, it extends to the other side of the forest</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKo5zUDzn2gGRHVbWf5nXnl_wumF5zfAYt4n6kvB3zMikuzkGD24tDHs0WJMDfW7KPhyphenhyphenJiU6Snm04ailJ8hWtamF_ulb6UuLseVo3-S_QjLKI4HFH9yKsJBZumqGr7-cKk2esY6AwIgw9/s1600/Masungi+Tatay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKo5zUDzn2gGRHVbWf5nXnl_wumF5zfAYt4n6kvB3zMikuzkGD24tDHs0WJMDfW7KPhyphenhyphenJiU6Snm04ailJ8hWtamF_ulb6UuLseVo3-S_QjLKI4HFH9yKsJBZumqGr7-cKk2esY6AwIgw9/s640/Masungi+Tatay.jpg" width="406" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I took this from the highest point of <i>Tatay,</i> my companions on the way up</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuifiqdDLyOOvAe5fAzu6eaf-IyHSzhyjp9uUTqgbuuajgy3YTKqTHtVAm-2YLTFEGwLLcKQxoDNa_33RHxdQUZ77ft-dlY30DvpYibCHQqB6jtrPnqdSlWkIPr0Xan0JfJk1N3noGm8II/s1600/Sunset+Masungi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuifiqdDLyOOvAe5fAzu6eaf-IyHSzhyjp9uUTqgbuuajgy3YTKqTHtVAm-2YLTFEGwLLcKQxoDNa_33RHxdQUZ77ft-dlY30DvpYibCHQqB6jtrPnqdSlWkIPr0Xan0JfJk1N3noGm8II/s640/Sunset+Masungi.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sunset of a really good day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 160px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 7511px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 160px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 7511px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LOVE </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the entire project, from its beginnings of stepping up against illegal loggers and miners, to their dedication to the conservation of the environment. Their values really reflect in </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the guide's opening spiel about respecting everyone and everything in the mountains, which you can hear a snippet of in the short video below. I'd love our hiking guides to say a similar spiel in all the destinations in communities around the country. I wish all people could hear it and live it. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>LOVE</b> the bathroom facilities, built into the natural rock of the mountains, with amenities like sunscreen, lotion, and mosquito repellant. <b>LOVE</b> the many hammocks, but being a timed visit, we couldn't really stay and lounge in them for very long. <b>LOVE</b> the cleanliness and maintenance of the trails, it's a really good way to ease new hikers into going outdoors. <b>LOVE </b>the included snacks at the end of the hike, so thoughtfully packed under a net; it was like opening a gift to reveal a loaf of bread, lettuce, tuna salad, bananas, and <i>calamansi</i> juice.</span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br />
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>LUKEWARM</b> about the cave scented with <i>ylang-ylang</i>, although it did mask the smell of guano that I despise. <b>LUKEWARM</b> about our guide who came late and who, in the end, seemed very irritable toward us (though she told a story about visitors that appreciate the surprise appearances of wild animals that I liked). </span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Overall, it's a safe and wonderful place to re/introduce nature to city-dwellers, and I highly recommend it to anyone with a couple of free hours -- because really, that's all it takes. A short drive to Rizal and 3-4 hours of walking = breathing fresh air, appreciating birdsong and silence, and burning a few calories in the process.</span></center>
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EMVOPsjHQzk" width="560"></iframe><br />
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>PREP </b></span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. Go to the <a href="http://www.masungigeoreserve.com/">Masungi Georeserve Website</a> and <a href="http://www.masungigeoreserve.com/reservation/">request a visit</a>. Again, they're by appointment only, so walk-ins are not accommodated.</span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We paid P1,500/person for a group of 7. Accepted group sizes are 7 and 14, no more and no less.</span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check the weather to dress accordingly. I was in shorts and a tank top, and it was fine; but I can imagine it getting nippier in the rainy season or in our cooler months. Wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals, though I discourage slippers (I don't know if they have official regulations against it). No need to worry about scratches, as the trails have been well-manicured, though for those who want extra protection from stray branches or itchy tree trunks, you may want to wear pants and gloves. They provide helmets, and because the trails weave through the many rock formations, you will really need it. They sanitize them, and in fact, we saw them out drying under the sun after a wash. </span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. Must be fit enough to walk up to 4 hours, though there are many resting areas along the way; and rope sections need some sort of upper body strength and good grip.</span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. Always be aware of your surroundings, look at where you are going and stepping.</span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6. Listen to your guides and adhere to their rules. Some photos are not worth stepping (or jumping!) into danger for.</span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'd love to hear what you think, and hope to see you out there soon. That's a lot of things done, just in One Day,</span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Kaye</span></center>
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 33px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 3291px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 33px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 3291px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com2Baras, Rizal, Philippines14.5365625 121.2740813000000314.413600500000001 121.11271980000004 14.6595245 121.43544280000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-45980307528840155712017-03-06T13:51:00.001+08:002017-03-06T15:02:22.654+08:00The Catch-Up Storybook: Half a Year <div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been away. I didn't realize that 6, almost 7, months had passed since my last entry. Since the last one was written at a sad time for me, some of you might've wondered if I had given this up altogether; but no, I'm still </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">here. Just taking</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> it one day at a time.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let's see, I was sick for half of August, but still managed a trip to my favorite island, <a href="https://www.coron-travel.com/">Coron</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 34.074074074074076% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJhxkxRDNpk/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-08-25T10:06:55+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 25, 2016 at 3:06am PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g729733-d1639431-Reviews-Mt_Tapyas-Coron_Busuanga_Island_Palawan_Province_Mimaropa.html">Mt. Tapyas</a></span></center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 30.833333333333336% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJjuQZlj0ox/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-08-26T04:16:24+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 25, 2016 at 9:16pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mt. Dalara</span></center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJo2ZargF7F/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-08-28T04:03:45+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 27, 2016 at 9:03pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kayaking in the mangroves</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKX02XggeXu/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-09-15T09:54:31+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 15, 2016 at 2:54am PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Caught in a storm at sea</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I kicked off September with the launch of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRCS7/">our</a> third album, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cblockquote%20class=%22instagram-media%22%20data-instgrm-captioned%20data-instgrm-version=%227%22%20style=%22%20background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJo2ZargF7F/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Kayaking at the #mangroves in Villa Khadine that eventually led out to the open #water, and the soil gave way to sand and #sea grass. #Coron exploration after a hearty breakfast of garlic rice and danggit at Darayonan Lodge %F0%9F%91%8C #philippines #travel #travelPH #nature #adventure #kayak #palawan</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-08-28T04:03:45+00:00">Aug 27, 2016 at 9:03pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>">Sa Panaginip Lang</a> (Only In Dreams,) and spent most of the month promoting it on TV, radio, and other platforms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="633" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheRCS7%2Fphotos%2Fa.10150100555113858.324982.53361888857%2F10155185015968858%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Come October, we were off on our US concert tour, spanning New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Honolulu. At every stop, I managed to escape work to roam in and out of cities for a few hours, and I'm grateful for all the friends who shared their time to be with me.</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLZUjG9DVBE/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-10-10T20:22:09+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 10, 2016 at 1:22pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watchung Reservation, New Jersey</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 28.10185185185185% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLeA3bLDriH/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-10-12T16:06:22+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 12, 2016 at 9:06am PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Park Avenue, New York</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLpQVgkjxFv/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-10-17T00:53:11+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 16, 2016 at 5:53pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Muir Woods Redwood Forest, San Francisco</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLu-4RNDUTE/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-10-19T06:16:06+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 18, 2016 at 11:16pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lake Hollywood Park, Los Angeles</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BL94YlmjoUN/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-10-25T01:07:57+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 24, 2016 at 6:07pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Topanga State Park, Los Angeles</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMCjbWjDcrG/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-10-26T20:41:01+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 26, 2016 at 1:41pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Waikiki, Honolulu</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BME5y1njFaw/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-10-27T18:34:57+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 27, 2016 at 11:34am PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Halei'wa, North Shore</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 37.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMIeGSTD-VG/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-10-29T03:49:54+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 28, 2016 at 8:49pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Koko Head, Oahu</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 28.14814814814815% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMad2HYj_UE/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-11-05T03:34:01+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 4, 2016 at 8:34pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stairway to Heaven, Oahu</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 28.14814814814815% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMnn12GDsz6/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-11-10T06:11:30+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 9, 2016 at 10:11pm PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ka'iwi Coast, Oahu</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BM0zFffjCAj/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-11-15T08:59:53+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 15, 2016 at 12:59am PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Golden Gate Bridge view from the residence of the Philippine Consul General</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BNJExkQDqLD/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-11-23T05:59:15+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 22, 2016 at 9:59pm PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lulumahu Falls, Oahu</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When we arrived in Manila in November, it was back to work for everyone. I spent those weeks picking up the backlog from my clinical practice, setting make-up therapy sessions with my clients, and finishing progress reports. In December, things started to get busy with holiday events. We were invited to fly to Cebu for a gig, and it gave me the chance to visit its less-traveled spots afterward. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 28.14814814814815% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BN37tP5j0LM/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-12-11T10:44:20+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 11, 2016 at 2:44am PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">OsmeƱa Peak, Dalaguete, Cebu</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BOCHPBKjsa5/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2016-12-15T09:37:28+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 15, 2016 at 1:37am PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kawasan Falls, Moalboal, Cebu</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Night by night, I was glad to have the time to attend get-togethers with friends, and appreciate how we'd all grown, yet again, as adults through the year. We celebrated quite early, because I was going to be spending the holidays out of the country for the first time in my life. Since my sister is currently based in Sydney, we decided to travel to her, so we can all experience a different kind of Christmas and New Year's Eve. I'll post separately on it, but for now, here are some shots from when we visited the beach and the Blue Mountains.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 33.33333333333333% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BOtAjIxDaYj/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-01-01T01:26:23+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 31, 2016 at 5:26pm PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Manly to Shelly Beach, NSW Australia</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 33.33333333333333% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BOvtBsdjKgd/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-01-02T02:33:31+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 1, 2017 at 6:33pm PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Blue Mountains, NSW Australia</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since we were already in the region, we went even further south and spent a couple of days in New Zealand. That deserves its own post as well, because I was so happy to be back after 10 years; and perhaps because of how much I've changed since then, it seemed even more beautiful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 35.324074074074076% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BO9epgGj0i8/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-01-07T10:57:15+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 7, 2017 at 2:57am PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I dedicated all of January to work, and started writing my friends' second <a href="http://lifestyleupgrade101.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/lifestyleupgrade-book.jpg">book</a>. The process was slow because I was whisked away on all weekends of February. We had gigs with a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Papica-Foundation-311749335208/">foundation</a>, for a baptism, and I got the opportunity to sing with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lanimisaluchaofficial/">one of my favorite local artists</a>. Sometime in and around that period, I took a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cblockquote%20class=%22instagram-media%22%20data-instgrm-captioned%20data-instgrm-version=%227%22%20style=%22%20background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQzHBoDBMwX/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Sand(wo)man: achievement unintentionally unlocked %F0%9F%98%81 because I'm almost the color of this sand, it looks like I emerged from it! Back in La Union after more than a decade, and it has changed. The waters are still perfect for surfing and not for swimming, but this time I'd go back for the island vibe of the community %F0%9F%91%8C Thanks for this %F0%9F%93%B7 @missusgraham ! . . . . . . . . . . . . . #launion #elyu #lu #beach #sand #travel #travelgram #instatravel #traveling #traveler #outdoors #adventure #surf #surfing #ocean #open #water #nature #explore #philippines #tourism #visitpinas #destinations #island</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-22T03:21:12+00:00">Feb 21, 2017 at 7:21pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>">friend's fiancƩ</a> to see the clouds, and I hiked through some canyons and visited several shores</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 28.10185185185185% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BP9iK99jfi1/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-01T07:59:25+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 31, 2017 at 11:59pm PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Duhatan Ridge, Mt. Batolusong, Tanay, Rizal</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQFHpqDjnP_/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-04T06:41:36+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 3, 2017 at 10:41pm PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mt. Isarog, Naga, Bicol</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQIcj1tjAay/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-05T13:42:02+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 5, 2017 at 5:42am PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Panicuason Hot and Cold Springs, Naga, Bicol</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 41.342592592592595% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQauDRDDdIk/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-12T16:01:12+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 12, 2017 at 8:01am PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Canyoneering adventure, Badian, Cebu</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQcKBPxDM9w/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-13T05:24:50+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 12, 2017 at 9:24pm PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hermit's Cove, Aloguinsan, Cebu</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQqEDprhYo3/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-18T15:02:06+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 18, 2017 at 7:02am PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thunderbird, Poro Point, La Union</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQzHBoDBMwX/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-22T03:21:12+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 21, 2017 at 7:21pm PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flotsamandjetsamhostel.com/">Flotsam and Jetsam</a>, San Juan, La Union</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Whew! It's March now, and I'm renewing my passport in April. Let's see where else this year takes me. I'm, more than ever, encouraged to keep exploring and finding wherever happiness leads me... and I wish everyone could have a piece of that. So, I'll put it out there for commitment: I'll be sharing my travel itineraries! If I help even one person put together an enjoyable trip, it'll all be worth it. Bye for now, and MABUHAY!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-83720903638578251232016-08-07T17:17:00.001+08:002016-08-07T17:17:24.673+08:00Passing of a Pet<center>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/c22GnlhoZH/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A video posted by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2013-08-11T02:57:48+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 10, 2013 at 7:57pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You always stood out: from being the whitest in a litter of browns, to your peculiar personality of oral fixations and expressive faces. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will feel your loss the most in the everyday things. I'll crane my neck after parking the car, just to glimpse your form on the driveway; I'll think you're nearby when I hear the soft tapping of your nails on the ground. I'll miss you welcoming me home with a leaf, a bowl, or occasionally a t-shirt grabbed from the <i>sampay</i>. I'll hear you in every high-pitched whine, thinking you want to be let inside; and I'll never forget when you peed and trampled my plants for stealing my attention from you. I regret not ever having captured the affection you showed Bruce, with your vigorous and thorough licking despite his seemingly disdainful face.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope you know how much I love you, and how loved you made me feel with every soft nudge of your muzzle or every time you laid your paws on my hand. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What a character. What a life. What a way to love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Knowing that my own "one day" will inevitably come, you are my reminder to love without restraint every day. I wish you could #StayKani, but I'll see you on the <a href="http://www.newrainbowbridge.com/NRB/rbpoem.htm">rainbow bridge</a>. </span></div>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-56609435832511976992016-07-29T18:06:00.001+08:002016-07-29T18:06:39.025+08:00Growing Food<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Maybe itās all the time Iāve been spending in nature lately that has catapulted me into this, but Iāve become increasingly interested in the idea of living off the earth, planting my own food, and eventually feeding many mouths from my crops. My parents have a garden, but itās landscaped for decorative flora. When I was given the weekly task of mowing the lawn, I took it as a sign to start with my new project.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGg9KXtBoeC/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Grateful for #green in the concrete jungle. I bought my first #plants for my #fruit and #vegetable #garden: eggplant, two kinds of chili, and an avocado #tree š±šæš³ Kuya Joel taught me how to treat them right š #nature #farmingš</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A photo posted by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2016-06-11T12:54:45+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 11, 2016 at 5:54am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Itās been 6 weeks since my first visit to the nursery, where I bought my first seedlings: 2 different kinds of <i>sili</i> (chili,) eggplant, and avocado. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since then, Iād attempted to care for chives, a Malaysian chili plant, and most recently planted passion fruit seeds from my trip to the mountains, where I saw them crawling lazily on other tree trunks. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="608" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkaichypoo%2Fposts%2F10153694283858321%3A0&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I joined a gardening forum I found online, and Iāve learned so much off the internet; but the best teacher has been every single day of sun and rain, observing what my plants like and donāt like. Unfortunately, I also learned the hard way, and that was watching some of my plants die. The biggest lesson so far has been to plant seeds and tiny seedlings in pots first. I think most of them drowned from the heavy rains, and Iām guessing my soil needs to be better prepped. Iāve been reading up on composting, and I love that it also functions as organic waste disposal.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Losing some of my plants was sad, but I donāt give up so easy. My eggplants, one chili, and avocado are thriving and are growing new buds every week. Iāve replanted some of my chili seeds in pots (instead of directly on a garden plot,) and some have grown into seedlings. </span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sili's first flower, strong and white š My other plant almost bore some until it drowned <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gardening?src=hash">#gardening</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Krops?src=hash">#Krops</a> <a href="https://t.co/8tU7guvqsm">pic.twitter.com/8tU7guvqsm</a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
ā One Day, Kaye (@Kaichypoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kaichypoo/status/757853358422040581">July 26, 2016</a></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is much to be learned, and I'</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">m a willing tudent. Barely a month into it and Iāve already been rewarded with some fresh chives that I was able to share with my my two girlfriends. Best feeling.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.14902) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0px; width: 648.90625px;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f8f8f8; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 316.453125px 0px; text-align: center; width: 632.90625px;">
<div style="height: 44px; margin: 0px auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BHrFPeJBpVV/" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">A baby harvest of #chives for @macysfields and @missusgraham š Food is love, and love is meant to be shared. Happy Sunday! #Krops #gardening #green</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A photo posted by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2016-07-10T07:49:09+00:00" style="line-height: 17px;">Jul 10, 2016 at 12:49am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-54823763441228683702016-06-22T14:49:00.000+08:002016-06-22T14:52:52.892+08:00Day Hikes and Nature Walks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SC-LGfSSGloymhCKgbL5LkumnX24-6POK8kqro8g3e5j5IXH8l3XDIWbOfiljcxhrAzWB6BJlxmeycVani56kwbP_1UfFmIzta_GSNjKGYURRAEE7wZx4k4p8AatEGwmVO3Op4MXaMjt/s1600/DayHikesNatureWalks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SC-LGfSSGloymhCKgbL5LkumnX24-6POK8kqro8g3e5j5IXH8l3XDIWbOfiljcxhrAzWB6BJlxmeycVani56kwbP_1UfFmIzta_GSNjKGYURRAEE7wZx4k4p8AatEGwmVO3Op4MXaMjt/s640/DayHikesNatureWalks.jpg" width="402" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The cover of the handbook features the author atop the Monolith, if I'm not mistaken</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">I got my copy of "Day Hikes and Nature Walks from Manila: Itineraries and Backpacking Notes" by Gideon Lasco. A </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fidesgimenez/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: start;">friend</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">coordinated the order for 5 books, and we got free nationwide delivery.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dqGFx6vKA-5PV3rXHkuTt1NDu_kv7CjTi4NMhilD7c_rHCmTL3s_A87MIYBLYYrJXBJFlQwBq2pMtLUr8g1vlg1XMCOBotzBQ9wxSf3Z695_MyGWdF_gYtZNfTDzbO-F0LNuZhe0ng_l/s1600/Mabuhaykers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dqGFx6vKA-5PV3rXHkuTt1NDu_kv7CjTi4NMhilD7c_rHCmTL3s_A87MIYBLYYrJXBJFlQwBq2pMtLUr8g1vlg1XMCOBotzBQ9wxSf3Z695_MyGWdF_gYtZNfTDzbO-F0LNuZhe0ng_l/s640/Mabuhaykers.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Signed to "Kaye of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mabuhaykers/">Mabuhaykers</a>" </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Gideon Lasco is a licensed physician, and was apparently my sister's junior at PGH at one point. He is more popularly known as the <a href="http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/">Pinoy Mountaineer,</a> and his blog at </span><a href="http://pinoymountaineer.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">pinoymountaineer.com </a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">has become</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">my #1 reference before hitting up the trails. His blog </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">is not only extensive with details on altitude, difficulty, and trail class, but has beautiful descriptions of the terrain. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlodMHHtYpzN9arehrmMsm1X3j148DkE5JOzexnxwFGlVCykdDnvEGvB32pZwoyd6dtyMkoBnAlZcTkQ6HRy8FUMsbv51ivX9BuxNf7-zzptuAmwx-4kfUkf1QTeMXZHUrEhaCHR_zm3Dm/s640/Sample+Pages.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sample pages and itinerary</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlodMHHtYpzN9arehrmMsm1X3j148DkE5JOzexnxwFGlVCykdDnvEGvB32pZwoyd6dtyMkoBnAlZcTkQ6HRy8FUMsbv51ivX9BuxNf7-zzptuAmwx-4kfUkf1QTeMXZHUrEhaCHR_zm3Dm/s1600/Sample+Pages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The chapters are based on topography, like tropical rainforests or seascapes. Within these segments are lists of mountains or water forms, and each of those include short narratives that paint a picture of what to expect. Tips, sample itineraries, and sometimes estimated expenses are recorded as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wish I had gotten this sooner, because the rainy season has really put a damper on my hikes, literally and figuratively. For now, I'll have to read about the remaining summits on the lists, and wait for a perfect, sunny day to get back out there.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-10386727195809011862016-05-23T16:24:00.002+08:002016-05-23T16:37:31.303+08:00The Miracle on Kalepa Ridge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPcliZhqkXidicTs93XeDVTvvmqRMZa0IbR8N8uLm9GaOBPDPnHh_DAw6JwE25Nm9WfqhWNVc1MhFS6VF8tjlP5qixL1e7nh_2TQvf6JwQImn9aAF7A-l-0Pg8_AVYgrN2RDVQOl0QRP9/s1600/ODK+-+AcroSnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
It was a Wednesday, and our first full day in <a href="http://www.kauai.com/">Kauai</a>. We planned a hike around the <a href="http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/waimea-canyon-state-park/">Waimea Canyon</a>, and then have a peek at the <a href="http://kalalautrail.com/">Kalalau</a> cliffs, one of the most beautiful and remote areas on the island. We knew we couldn't attempt to hike the latter trail, because it spans 11 miles and usually requires overnight camping; but we wanted to have a glimpse of it anyway. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Lbq4XJ_28-UK-z820aQnLyr5D34fmvqZUR_EfltnR_2w-1tUk-URVghg5aLA3AyOZudUkd49hYbqZeLsMzAm4HAySAdauYvnC6Umi6xECYWLqt0sM9kbFsedfVuyUoOIhIizubPvFZZk/s1600/ODK+-+Waimea+Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Lbq4XJ_28-UK-z820aQnLyr5D34fmvqZUR_EfltnR_2w-1tUk-URVghg5aLA3AyOZudUkd49hYbqZeLsMzAm4HAySAdauYvnC6Umi6xECYWLqt0sM9kbFsedfVuyUoOIhIizubPvFZZk/s640/ODK+-+Waimea+Canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The red, cream, and green layers of the Waimea Canyon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
We had gone around the <a href="http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/kokee-state-park/">KÅke'e</a> trails of Waimea, having gone as far as the <a href="http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/kokee-state-park/">Waipoo Falls</a>, and were back on the road by 2:30 in the afternoon. By the time we got to the Kalalau Lookout though, the day had turned foggy and the entire range was covered by a sheet of white. For a tourist spot, there were hardly any people, possibly discouraged by the obscured view. Luckily, we met David, a quirky man sitting on a mat in the middle of the lookout, selling his own photographs of Hawaii and making bracelets, earrings, and necklaces from local seeds and stones. Aside from making good conversation (and entertaining us by sounding like <a href="http://pixar.wikia.com/wiki/Crush">Crush</a> from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266543/">Finding Nemo</a>,) he tipped us off on an unofficial trail that may take us below the clouds, where we could hopefully see the Kalalau landscape. He vaguely pointed at a hedge to the side, and told us to try to be back before sundown.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90cqydAhWd8BnLSFesU07vA9pr16iCMz_RadLpl48CkCARNWWCidj8oCP66D97sOFqzcf5xvw575wba2HYDhapjRSkYnpMlXOZQwM-pu6NMiGgjTeuFgHAniiASokNwp1jF1DU3vTjbXy/s1600/ODK+-+David.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90cqydAhWd8BnLSFesU07vA9pr16iCMz_RadLpl48CkCARNWWCidj8oCP66D97sOFqzcf5xvw575wba2HYDhapjRSkYnpMlXOZQwM-pu6NMiGgjTeuFgHAniiASokNwp1jF1DU3vTjbXy/s640/ODK+-+David.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David with his favorite whale photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU55V0sD5AQoeZ99l-r9TBPO42GqXuBai2vGbqSvmccj8fcvkgncbn1O1rwJ57uagZ7ePL6ERBcRGTvoS_o-kFHy80VkWAc9k433SslnhzkClngIZpOMPrCS8V9TAeztrXETWKBmO1EiPb/s640/ODK+-+Kalapa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did this mean it was forbidden?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;"></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"></span> <span style="text-align: center;">The Kalepa Ridge Trail started beyond a padlocked chain-link fence, torn from its post, leaving a gaping hole just big enough for me to crouch through. It had very narrow paths, some did not appear well-trodden and led to drops. For most of the hike, we were walking along the edges of the cliff, keeping our weight toward the mountain to avoid falling off. Like many of the trails in Hawai'i, the vegetation </span><span style="text-align: center;">was lush and varied, from fern, to wheat, and other shrubs I couldn't identify (and David said he knew of other 'happy weeds' that grew there, if you catch my drift.)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<span style="text-align: center;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8a6Yhu5rFhO0yAtEjwSLOOSyiEuCOjyadyeDmC-bdCTQzNL9SRZruEnr-t1i-F5lXb9QZzsyiXmDT3PX63cwsCUs-LNnz-8mZkyDuZ2BRV4U2SsXdP38F4R_xHhliDh6y-GO7akxduCo/s1600/ODK+-+Kalapa+Shrubs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8a6Yhu5rFhO0yAtEjwSLOOSyiEuCOjyadyeDmC-bdCTQzNL9SRZruEnr-t1i-F5lXb9QZzsyiXmDT3PX63cwsCUs-LNnz-8mZkyDuZ2BRV4U2SsXdP38F4R_xHhliDh6y-GO7akxduCo/s640/ODK+-+Kalapa+Shrubs.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could just about fit, and some of the barren branches kept snagging on my pants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToXjJGnqQo64WcKmu8cvHwA5e9CMiZXCdYQxS8wwEg6NLYBH2fATz0dAgGAimDilw8t3GKXu3woa19fqMLuEjihOlSiUPzYGZGwAdHSv2rupgyf1gpwTzcz850w_Rq3anu3aaesl3dwqI/s1600/ODK+-+Wheat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToXjJGnqQo64WcKmu8cvHwA5e9CMiZXCdYQxS8wwEg6NLYBH2fATz0dAgGAimDilw8t3GKXu3woa19fqMLuEjihOlSiUPzYGZGwAdHSv2rupgyf1gpwTzcz850w_Rq3anu3aaesl3dwqI/s640/ODK+-+Wheat.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only trail where I saw wheat (?) growing in the mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJeF4lbWK18UgiK1cVl8tNwbwbB8MfY_p3E-_m4ym9q-6ADrH9CfWPlq0GaQKPBb7DJTASwDaJoRl9wKkcPX4wBBRkNsu0e3ke09e6aCRornv-L7ZU6rTNyFPCh02LcAkLwVCN563vNzL/s1600/ODK+-+Kalapa+Edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJeF4lbWK18UgiK1cVl8tNwbwbB8MfY_p3E-_m4ym9q-6ADrH9CfWPlq0GaQKPBb7DJTASwDaJoRl9wKkcPX4wBBRkNsu0e3ke09e6aCRornv-L7ZU6rTNyFPCh02LcAkLwVCN563vNzL/s640/ODK+-+Kalapa+Edge.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On some parts of the trail, that excess brown earth was absent, so we were literally walking on the edge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">My favorite part was when we suddenly found ourselves in an enclave of trees. The sun was just peeking through the canopy of foliage, bending outward and forming the most glorious halo. Coupled with the thick, white fog, it reminded me of those enchanted forests I used to read about in fairytales. We took a breather, as we had probably been walking for half an hour at that point, and only continued on after trying to capture the scenery many times on our phones' cameras. We went for a couple more kilometers, until we decided to turn back because it didn't appear that the clouds would thin; and since the trail was somewhat perilous, we didn't want to risk running out of sunlight. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSeewf4mcDeB41QYo6oT9i7Nc_Fklp0Hp7cfZazwJkhgbkjK7_mQKPhPKp8-y3uS5Dg1lUoP6mvDEDfhGWf7ZrmtXJcQWbz7TPLHxokOKPygPb9kVXKk0-QtnLxx0Aw0CBys_AErSvO_V/s1600/ODK+-+Kalapa+Fairytale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSeewf4mcDeB41QYo6oT9i7Nc_Fklp0Hp7cfZazwJkhgbkjK7_mQKPhPKp8-y3uS5Dg1lUoP6mvDEDfhGWf7ZrmtXJcQWbz7TPLHxokOKPygPb9kVXKk0-QtnLxx0Aw0CBys_AErSvO_V/s640/ODK+-+Kalapa+Fairytale.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethereal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we were back at the lookout, I realized I had misplaced the sunglasses I borrowed from my friend, and I quickly recalled removing them to take a jump shot somewhere at the far end of the trail. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToXjJGnqQo64WcKmu8cvHwA5e9CMiZXCdYQxS8wwEg6NLYBH2fATz0dAgGAimDilw8t3GKXu3woa19fqMLuEjihOlSiUPzYGZGwAdHSv2rupgyf1gpwTzcz850w_Rq3anu3aaesl3dwqI/s1600/ODK+-+Wheat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDU9J0Bhoda/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Giddily jumping over clouds āļø They wouldn't dissipate to reveal Kalalau, but we had fun with the thick, white fog. #TakeMeHawaii2016</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A photo posted by One Day, Kaye (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2016-03-24T07:29:36+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 24, 2016 at 12:29am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">On principle, I volunteered to go back and get them on my own. I ran. I was doing good time, and had reached the beautiful clearing in less than 10 minutes, when two women emerged from the other end of the path. I don't normally make small talk, and I'm very awkward with strangers; so I surprised myself when I spurted, "This is my second time on this trail today, because I left my friend's sunglasses somewhere up ahead." They both smiled at me, then glanced somewhat incredulously at each other, and one of them said, "That's so funny..." while she reached back and pulled the very sunglasses from her pack. She said they picked it up thinking one of their friends had left it, as they frequent the place. We made our introductions, while gushing at the small twist of fate that saved me from searching pointlessly for the shades that were already in their possession. Considering how fast I was running along the trail, I could've easily zipped past them without making any contact; but I stopped and uncharacteristically initiated a chat and got the best ending I never would have expected. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After thanking them profusely, I ran back to my friends, excited to tell them what just happened. I found them on the lawn, practicing some <a href="http://www.acroyoga.org/">acroyoga</a>, and they were surprised that I was back so quickly. I told them about the small miracle that just happened, and it made for a great story. Some time later, the two women stepped out of the fence, allowing me to introduce them to my friends. Turns out, they practiced acroyoga themselves, and we got to play with them before we parted ways.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEZq3tPAiVdLS1kHheTy5z79qJhm9QzqJInX-9VuyPY7hm-RfFunCbPOnxCOhCbjkrAre7wSipF_qZ9kJXX7OJTvfRXMjOFX7L9meglJuZaTAI4Hi6ZxJwaDIJ-AtZ5H2yD-7V6WdC-yj/s1600/ODK+-+Snow+and+Jen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img 300="" 500="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEZq3tPAiVdLS1kHheTy5z79qJhm9QzqJInX-9VuyPY7hm-RfFunCbPOnxCOhCbjkrAre7wSipF_qZ9kJXX7OJTvfRXMjOFX7L9meglJuZaTAI4Hi6ZxJwaDIJ-AtZ5H2yD-7V6WdC-yj/s320/ODK+-+Snow+and+Jen.jpg%20height=" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Snow and Jen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPVJWlyTgH0Y0pJh-OzemiNLK8pQen1slOGSrCsvPCaEY6FA7iP2rTFR7YqnvTnZQrLC0SA-D-XiRnctHoeVUFIOk2XcKIA1L6KXW7oazFycLGmEYVX5Yxlv5FCUMwAgJ2RjQ-7yCH1bZ/s1600/ODK+-+AcroSnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPVJWlyTgH0Y0pJh-OzemiNLK8pQen1slOGSrCsvPCaEY6FA7iP2rTFR7YqnvTnZQrLC0SA-D-XiRnctHoeVUFIOk2XcKIA1L6KXW7oazFycLGmEYVX5Yxlv5FCUMwAgJ2RjQ-7yCH1bZ/s320/ODK+-+AcroSnow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Downward Dog Stack</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It may seem like a small thing to some, but it was so significant to me because there was undeniably providence at work in those moments. Maybe we don't need to wait for miracles to happen to us, maybe we can make everyday miracles happen when we follow our instincts, do things out of our comfort zone, are thoughtful of others, and make new connections. Those were the things that turned a seemingly innocent, chance meeting into an extraordinary event. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">May you fill your week with miracles!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One of the angels I met that day was Snow, and she is the founder of this great wellness movement called <a href="http://wildwomensway.com/">Wild Women's Way</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<script async="" defer="" src="https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-83098489824747402522016-04-24T17:54:00.003+08:002016-04-25T13:54:42.563+08:00Mabuhay!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been back in Manila for a few weeks now, and I've been trying to sit down and write my stories, but it's so hard to start describing a trip that unexpectedly changed my life. Without getting into too much detail at the moment, I'll just share some of the things I've been up to since coming home - the product of an awakened sense of adventure, the longing to always be in nature, and the urge to share love and kindness to as many people as I can reach.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During our time in Hawai'i, my travel twin, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bebefabs/">Celine</a>, and I were initially so caught off guard that everywhere we went, the majority greeted everyone else with <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloha">aloha</a></i>. This word is popularly known to mean both "hello" and "goodbye;" but it became apparent that it was more than just a greeting, it's a culture. </span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a particularly moving, serendipitous meeting with a tribal leader during our stay in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kauai">Kauai</a>, we learned that <i>alo</i> means "to share the present/a presence face to face," and <i>ha </i>means the "breath of life." To say <i>aloha</i> to another acknowledges that we share this life and this world with every breath, and it is perhaps this thinking that is the root of their respect and compassion toward one another. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was struck by this one particular day, when we chanced upon a <a href="http://www.halaukumana.org/">public school</a> at the mouth of the woods. The campus is nestled by mountains, with its paths occasionally fenced in by small vegetable gardens that seemed to be tended by the school's attendees. We arrived at a busy time, at dismissal, with teachers and students hugging and saying goodbye to one another. Some were already pulling their cars out of parking, some were busy </span></span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">segregating garbage or </span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">gathering their bags (we later learned they had just arrived from a camping trip,) while others were just chatting and enjoying each others' company. Despite their business, most everyone greeted us with </span><i style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">aloha</i><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> as we passed through, and several children (the youngest to approach us looked about five) asked if we were lost, and offered information and help. I was positively floored by this treatment; and then immediately felt sad that those acts of kindness were jarring to me. What had I grown accustomed to? Shouldn't this be the norm? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgV7780gWHxvhHYXGyIAvHJDcAJY2KRgdMMI_L9qTO7QJUs2Eo-7JYRpgTPZi1uUu6e4013MZeEzz5EUHiyzupRWqgO8yyCMehCUbcsNVWL0jeAVzL3xHmRzwCL3msNjrvopEKSYBol4x/s1600/ODK+Halau+Ku+Mana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgV7780gWHxvhHYXGyIAvHJDcAJY2KRgdMMI_L9qTO7QJUs2Eo-7JYRpgTPZi1uUu6e4013MZeEzz5EUHiyzupRWqgO8yyCMehCUbcsNVWL0jeAVzL3xHmRzwCL3msNjrvopEKSYBol4x/s400/ODK+Halau+Ku+Mana.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif;">Patches of vegetables and herbs to the left, and happy people to the right</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ7DRsGm51uhsJY5t0QAxh7vJUY0Hyw3JkYSsM37zzIXoPa4AUdys9by1fqPxTT8RGsG8j532D5SmhZlbQTHXlNCvzKFAu0G-ZqUDlV1Kc-r9KKrfZQBH3vRFEIYfOlmw2H3OsQS6jRKL/s1600/ODK+Ha%25CC%2584lau+Ku%25CC%2584+Ma%25CC%2584na.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ7DRsGm51uhsJY5t0QAxh7vJUY0Hyw3JkYSsM37zzIXoPa4AUdys9by1fqPxTT8RGsG8j532D5SmhZlbQTHXlNCvzKFAu0G-ZqUDlV1Kc-r9KKrfZQBH3vRFEIYfOlmw2H3OsQS6jRKL/s400/ODK+Ha%25CC%2584lau+Ku%25CC%2584+Ma%25CC%2584na.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lucky we got lost here: teachers and students chatting before saying goodbye</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; white-space: pre-wrap;">This became food for thought for many days, and got me thinking about home. I pondered on <i>aloha</i> as a greeting, and searched for something similar in our language. Instantly, <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabuhay">mabuhay</a></i> came to mind, the word we tell foreigners to use to say hello (but don't use ourselves.) It was easy to see that both greetings focused on a common theme: life. I realized that our traditional (but neglected) greeting has an equally beautiful message: to say <i>mabuhay</i> could be a command to "Live!" or it could be a toast, "(Long) live!"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; white-space: pre-wrap;">Inspired by this, I told Celine that I'd start saying <i>mabuhay</i> to everyone when I get back to Manila (and she jokingly retorted that I might make it to the news for being a crazy <i><a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/balikbayan">balikbayan</a></i>!) To cut the story short, </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">both of us agreed that we want to ignite the same sense of community of love and kindness in our home islands... and where better to start than in the source of all life: nature. So, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mabuhaykers/">Mabuhaykers</a> was born, a p</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;">ortmanteau of <i>mabuhay</i> and <i>hiking</i>, </span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">the spontaneous merging of the things we love: nature and culture. We started planning trips between us, and invited some of our friends to come, and what an adventure we've had so far!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'ll tryWithout </span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BD5g6LwhoS1/" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Waters so clear, you can see the bottom of the flowing river; mountains of marble in a rainbow of colors; a blanket of trees so green, it calms your mind. My greatest love will always be the #Philippines ā¤ļø #Mabuhaykers š· @irracenina</span></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2016-04-07T12:14:42+00:00" style="line-height: 17px;">Apr 7, 2016 at 5:14am PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uX7LtlvTn8U" width="560"></iframe> </span></center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BELmNASBoZE/" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The top of the top š#mabuhaykers #HikingHuwebes š· @martyarnaldo #hiking #Philippines</span></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2016-04-14T12:47:17+00:00" style="line-height: 17px;">Apr 14, 2016 at 5:47am PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RTBGHE2OixE" width="560"></iframe></span></center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BES54raBoei/" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Discovered a different high this morning, rolling up and down hills flanked by trees and carpeted by roots, leaves, and rocks. It was a long, bumpy, but emboldening (and liberating) ride. Thanks for lending me your bike and helmet, @ydalydal! Let's do that again š² š· @bebefabs #biking #trail #Philippines #cyclingo #fitness #nature</span></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2016-04-17T08:53:58+00:00" style="line-height: 17px;">Apr 17, 2016 at 1:53am PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<center>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IqU0tqv1QqE" width="560"></iframe></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On all our trips, we've been trying to share our mission with our friends, and encourage them to say, "Mabuhay!" to greet people we come across. The responses have been varied, but all positive. Some assume that we're visitors to the country, and start responding to us in English; most reply with <i>mabuhay</i> as well. Filipinos are not used to "small talk," so some respond shyly, often others respond enthusiastically, but definitely all receive it happily. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Isabuhay ang Mabuhay! Let's live and spread the spirit of Mabuhay! Love and kindness make little changes that matter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For more pictures, check out our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mabuhaykers/photos/?filter=albums">albums</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mabuhaykers/">Facebook</a>. Our rough itineraries and budgets are also posted on every event. Message if you wanna join us!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-36010900267275034172016-03-09T18:04:00.000+08:002016-03-09T18:04:12.360+08:00Hello Summer, Goodbye Manila<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The late sunrises and cool evenings have come to pass. I don't know what the weather bureau has to say about it, but I think summer started on Monday. It's not so much the sun -- we have that all year round -- but the humidity feels like a sweater I can't remove. In this heat, all I do is daydream about being by the ocean. There, my body will match the brine, and I will float aimlessly...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Friday, I'm going to visit a friend in Hawai'i. We've been planning this trip together for months, listing down all we want to do, eat, and accomplish. Once we started making plans, I found it harder and harder to concentrate on my daily routine (thus, this extremely delayed post!) I think the anticipation of a vacation is one of the things that heighten the overall experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrE6WBiTt644PFuXe0Z1kt6jhAmzo2-uZlT6yXTExWOhyphenhyphenCJz9ol9XneJh2JwBfBpJDE27XOLNzBMPYH5cLXv51B_h_u5Xb62ejBDPUVAuV8vMimI2upRC0ZeFbDc0hR0okW0WIItKF6PD/s1600/ODK+Plans+and+Stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrE6WBiTt644PFuXe0Z1kt6jhAmzo2-uZlT6yXTExWOhyphenhyphenCJz9ol9XneJh2JwBfBpJDE27XOLNzBMPYH5cLXv51B_h_u5Xb62ejBDPUVAuV8vMimI2upRC0ZeFbDc0hR0okW0WIItKF6PD/s640/ODK+Plans+and+Stickers.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love making plans, especially on my cute <a href="http://www.kikki-k.com/">Kikki.K</a> planner with stickers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The friend I'm staying with in Honolulu is a yogi, and she has prepared a pretty packed itinerary filled with the things I love most: food, nature, and fitness. She and her husband have also graciously included a trip to Kona and Kauai, after having mentioned that I'd never been and have always wanted to go. On top of my excitement to explore another side of the world, I'm looking forward to being in the company of two strong ladies I'm proud to call my friends. That in itself will make this a great vacation. I'm so grateful to have found people with the same thirst for adventure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">By my next post, I should already be on another island, miles away from my beloved, native islands.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, so long, farewell, Manila! See you soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-23604627456835859912016-02-07T16:56:00.000+08:002016-02-07T16:56:06.328+08:00Love and Brownies<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">February, by virtue of Valentine's Day on the 14th, has now become casually referred to as the month of love. I've never placed any specific importance on celebrating Valentine's, but I've never hated it either, even when I was single. I'd taken the opportunity to do little things for my family and friends, like writing them little notes or giving them small tokens. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My boyfriend and I also celebrate our anniversary on this month, so we've been extra appreciative of one another these past few days. He gave me flowers and new charms for my </span><a href="http://www.pandora.net/en-ph/pandora-club?ReturnUrl=%2fen-ph%2fpandora-club%2fwelcome" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pandora</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> bracelet, and I baked some </span><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-strawberry-truffle-brownies" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chocolate-Strawberry Truffle Brownies</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and prepared a strawberry-white wine sangria for the weekend.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRR_dnYvDoyLhycq-y3v_TewJWTA2YhhY_CBtHr-8V6scCawfLjTeSbVcGneLOw27sJybMxcCdf9zHaBJnzediA6jQt7OAO1-JoXgF8QvDyB6IXNSXHQadYin9uI1YFinFf2rX2ZOMc_9/s1600/ODK+Choco-Coffee-Strawberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRR_dnYvDoyLhycq-y3v_TewJWTA2YhhY_CBtHr-8V6scCawfLjTeSbVcGneLOw27sJybMxcCdf9zHaBJnzediA6jQt7OAO1-JoXgF8QvDyB6IXNSXHQadYin9uI1YFinFf2rX2ZOMc_9/s640/ODK+Choco-Coffee-Strawberry.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chocolate Brownies with Choco-Strawberry Cream Cheese Ganache. Recipe from <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-strawberry-truffle-brownies">Taste of Home</a>. I love this because it has some of his favorites: coffee, strawberry; and some of mine: chocolate, pistachios.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2ejHEB4Eh2qVzjWOpc07nsnfQQLTG9M8ZyW0IBP5irqRiRTbCif5RZpH5SlcgUB9Ha9U_9YW5gTMYQg8Ri3k_dudfducaiyjXE2p40m2ZrVANXITuEd8saOGVBDWSM1D9NyVO3YM5Ix3/s1600/ODK+Choco-Strawberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2ejHEB4Eh2qVzjWOpc07nsnfQQLTG9M8ZyW0IBP5irqRiRTbCif5RZpH5SlcgUB9Ha9U_9YW5gTMYQg8Ri3k_dudfducaiyjXE2p40m2ZrVANXITuEd8saOGVBDWSM1D9NyVO3YM5Ix3/s640/ODK+Choco-Strawberry.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I modified the recipe slightly by putting some slices of strawberry before the final layer of ganache, and topped it with roasted pistachios.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_RjSERpedluWLwUHaw6OrxLBz8ulxLUzjwToGA7GMsUO6yxI-S16CPRSkOw9ElUfD232LqqtIKEal8y5ECPZtgJtl1e3oN1ARR-BAK-MEVGULum4Hlw5XR0G0x0G78VxPYauuGJEUNF7/s1600/ODK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_RjSERpedluWLwUHaw6OrxLBz8ulxLUzjwToGA7GMsUO6yxI-S16CPRSkOw9ElUfD232LqqtIKEal8y5ECPZtgJtl1e3oN1ARR-BAK-MEVGULum4Hlw5XR0G0x0G78VxPYauuGJEUNF7/s640/ODK.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sangria made from white wine and fresh strawberries; in a champagne flute because <i>why not!</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOAnmENhv7thnBSsqK0tgslptbrT37nGEFRiMCThm8HEKc0d-vpbK8s7TkFnAR19VlcI_j7k9iu14oOUCfLkTO9SOEHfQVlPvhyUGuksJRQL4ltTY7YmLQB3vQCj1VwbmvP-AROO-Zz-w/s1600/ODK+Cherry+Blossom+K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOAnmENhv7thnBSsqK0tgslptbrT37nGEFRiMCThm8HEKc0d-vpbK8s7TkFnAR19VlcI_j7k9iu14oOUCfLkTO9SOEHfQVlPvhyUGuksJRQL4ltTY7YmLQB3vQCj1VwbmvP-AROO-Zz-w/s640/ODK+Cherry+Blossom+K.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My initial, and his enabling of my cherry blossom obsession</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dlXobAV2fZYxe_WH6cthQbojL8YAaZvaLcxiCmhd6LYJmajMaAPheHoROY3NzURg9X5D6-Pc3y3pxpgqySiGCiNJMWnahEM114b4FVXcukf4SFts9p2FUOG5XpukmWljkS7x-Ul8wukP/s1600/ODK+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dlXobAV2fZYxe_WH6cthQbojL8YAaZvaLcxiCmhd6LYJmajMaAPheHoROY3NzURg9X5D6-Pc3y3pxpgqySiGCiNJMWnahEM114b4FVXcukf4SFts9p2FUOG5XpukmWljkS7x-Ul8wukP/s640/ODK+Flowers.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Beautiful bouquet wrapped in pink and green (can anyone tell me what those long, pink flowers are?)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What's so interesting is, we were both subconsciously aware of each others' love language, and these were the best ways we thought we could make each other feel special. If you haven't heard of the <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/">5 Love Languages</a> yet, it's based on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Five_Love_Languages">a book</a> originally released in 1995 that talks about ways people receive and express love. The author, <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/about/gary-chapman/">Gary Chapman</a>, claims these love languages are gifts, acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, and physical touch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWngFFEGSum2btmRbcREFLtfoAVni4syW03_EKGeoYBWmUGZRKOGBEpMNOOs9fNEYw_gQejB1S62mPXkqWU9Y7SIg_kkbS7hKusxSaaYXR_lucSC4GE8Rk6rrsO9j3fYz-tMiwpTwRI0tX/s1600/Love+Languages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWngFFEGSum2btmRbcREFLtfoAVni4syW03_EKGeoYBWmUGZRKOGBEpMNOOs9fNEYw_gQejB1S62mPXkqWU9Y7SIg_kkbS7hKusxSaaYXR_lucSC4GE8Rk6rrsO9j3fYz-tMiwpTwRI0tX/s640/Love+Languages.jpg" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brief descriptions of the Love Languages. This screenshot is how mine were ranked when I took the quiz on <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/">his website</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I love the gifts themselves, I appreciate his acts of service of taking time out of his whole days at work (sometimes even 24 hours,) and how he knew what kind of flowers I'd find pretty, and what charm would be significant. My act of service was preparing food I know he loves (strawberries!) Both of us blocked off an entire day to just hang out, watch movies, and play with the dogs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I find these love languages to be helpful, not only with him, but with friends. It's nice to know what makes people feel valued, and on the flip side, good to be aware of what could damage a relationship if not nurtured. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This month, I'm going to choose love every day, and hopefully it becomes a habit that I can keep up for the rest of the year. Happy Sunday!</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-D5LjuislBck%2FVrbPw2l0N_I%2FAAAAAAAAAak%2FCEQpwqB9b9g%2Fs640%2FODK%252BChoco-Strawberry.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 728px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-D5LjuislBck%2FVrbPw2l0N_I%2FAAAAAAAAAak%2FCEQpwqB9b9g%2Fs640%2FODK%252BChoco-Strawberry.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 728px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-D5LjuislBck%2FVrbPw2l0N_I%2FAAAAAAAAAak%2FCEQpwqB9b9g%2Fs640%2FODK%252BChoco-Strawberry.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 728px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-D5LjuislBck%2FVrbPw2l0N_I%2FAAAAAAAAAak%2FCEQpwqB9b9g%2Fs640%2FODK%252BChoco-Strawberry.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 728px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-D5LjuislBck%2FVrbPw2l0N_I%2FAAAAAAAAAak%2FCEQpwqB9b9g%2Fs640%2FODK%252BChoco-Strawberry.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 728px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-D5LjuislBck%2FVrbPw2l0N_I%2FAAAAAAAAAak%2FCEQpwqB9b9g%2Fs640%2FODK%252BChoco-Strawberry.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 728px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-D5LjuislBck%2FVrbPw2l0N_I%2FAAAAAAAAAak%2FCEQpwqB9b9g%2Fs640%2FODK%252BChoco-Strawberry.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 728px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-D5LjuislBck%2FVrbPw2l0N_I%2FAAAAAAAAAak%2FCEQpwqB9b9g%2Fs640%2FODK%252BChoco-Strawberry.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 728px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-10661135521892788932016-02-02T09:34:00.001+08:002016-02-02T18:07:08.745+08:00Win of the Week: Rope Climb<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicP6KUarhmKr-G_oMCTlq_rpMaQvlgMbEwaU0GLbvt_OAHuhCKh4oJGeOytpFyrFJCm6iRuq6S_RjBkDuZ5oIGAe3hjsIE6dbPdRDIOTd_bwqZ-4oMJHhNUC-cvVA6Nj4LMXp1mtYXlKQj/s1600/ODK+Rope+Climb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicP6KUarhmKr-G_oMCTlq_rpMaQvlgMbEwaU0GLbvt_OAHuhCKh4oJGeOytpFyrFJCm6iRuq6S_RjBkDuZ5oIGAe3hjsIE6dbPdRDIOTd_bwqZ-4oMJHhNUC-cvVA6Nj4LMXp1mtYXlKQj/s640/ODK+Rope+Climb.jpg" width="455" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Made it more than halfway! Photo from my friend Aly (who climbed all the way to the top!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Only on my second day back at <a href="http://crossfitgreenhills.com/">CrossFit Greenhills</a> (after a month-long hiatus,) and I conquered the rope! I tried this once late last year, and couldn't understand the footwork; but took a mental note to pursue it as a new goal. Earlier today, with my Morning Crew, and with the help of "unusually-perky" Coach Stephen, I managed a few squat breaks (will double check this term) and almost made it to the top! I probably could've done it, but I belatedly realized that it was a bad day to wear shorts. š„ I got rope burn on my thighs! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As with many skills, this can't be done by anyone at just any point in time; but it <b>can</b> <b>be done after some training</b>. I'm proof of that, and that's why I love CrossFit so much: I always win at something after I put in the work. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wanna try the rope climb? Here are some of my tips as a newbie climber.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1) Wear pants!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) Put the rope between your legs, and twist it around one leg once (refer to picture.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3) Clamp the lower end of the rope with the other foot.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4) Position your hands slightly higher than your head and engage your arms for a pull. (The boys said they engaged their lats.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5) Scooch your legs up closer to your butt, like a reverse squat (or a ballet pliƩ!) without losing your feet's clamp on the rope.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6) Stand up from the squatting position to hoist yourself upward.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7) Repeat from #4.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it for my Win of the Week (I should launch this as recurring theme.) Off to work! Happy Tuesday!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">P.S. It's my first time to post from my iPad, and there aren't many formatting options!</span></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1066113552189278893&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xvLMvJK5DUc%2FVrBzJL2tfLI%2FAAAAAAAAAaQ%2FBbEJ8lI5Jrg%2Fs640%2FODK%252BRope%252BClimb.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 125px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1066113552189278893&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xvLMvJK5DUc%2FVrBzJL2tfLI%2FAAAAAAAAAaQ%2FBbEJ8lI5Jrg%2Fs640%2FODK%252BRope%252BClimb.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 125px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-86160184233330357182016-01-31T16:42:00.001+08:002016-01-31T16:44:34.198+08:00Four Weddings in Four Weeks<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some people don't like attending weddings, but <b>I love them</b>. I see them as opportunities to dress up, take photos, get together with friends, and in some instances, reconnect with old ones. With my choral background and my current profession, I've also been asked to sing for many a ceremony and dinner reception; but whether I'm there as guest or as hired service, I try to enjoy every moment.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Every wedding has a distinct quality, because most of the time it reflects the personalities of the bride and groom. It may be grand or simple, of mixed religious denominations or races, in a church or on the beach -- one thing is always constant: and that's love between two people, witnessed by many more who love them. More than the fun, I always feel inspired and hopeful after every wedding.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was blessed to start the year with, as the title suggests, four weddings, one for every weekend. Eight very different people, and four loving unions, in various locations. I attended a traditional Catholic one at a church, another on a beach, the third was on a garden by the bay, and the last was atop a hill.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMEpnq0BRxGfPGH71Op1kAqckZHU3vsk0MAn1GomIEws83_NzOyZ4u-9f0aOX_x6cOH-tSL0jqg08SHTRnXKRoYbTr12WcmXq_NtBaoBov-BYFbYVAJLlvlk92DTUb1g0AvJjrGx0N8OQ/s1600/ODK+Unsay-Serrano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMEpnq0BRxGfPGH71Op1kAqckZHU3vsk0MAn1GomIEws83_NzOyZ4u-9f0aOX_x6cOH-tSL0jqg08SHTRnXKRoYbTr12WcmXq_NtBaoBov-BYFbYVAJLlvlk92DTUb1g0AvJjrGx0N8OQ/s640/ODK+Unsay-Serrano.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Singing and dancing with the bride and groom at the center</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On the first Saturday of January, one of my sisters from the <a href="http://www.upconcertchorus.com/">UP Concert Chorus</a> got married. At their dinner party, they asked us to help entertain their guests with a few love songs, but the best part was when both the bride and groom sang and danced with us. That is simply how we celebrate best.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K2RB5c2-NQnNSn5sEMy8-oWJYBcLgji8Ef1_-xjCYaghfABGeGpq2YfF4Vellhc4NIBRAowXUd_PVapr17J6FAIME320-6XEp7xgEHvUJ1RBGMfEAAVhecEYVoBwwUnlsGxGs58-vUnI/s1600/12492029_1078169268901957_2912257667071476638_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K2RB5c2-NQnNSn5sEMy8-oWJYBcLgji8Ef1_-xjCYaghfABGeGpq2YfF4Vellhc4NIBRAowXUd_PVapr17J6FAIME320-6XEp7xgEHvUJ1RBGMfEAAVhecEYVoBwwUnlsGxGs58-vUnI/s640/12492029_1078169268901957_2912257667071476638_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Their dream wedding by the beach. Photo by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Veejay-Jimenez-Photography-178434608875432/">Veejay Jimenez</a> at <a href="http://www.acuaverderesort.com.ph/">Acuaverde Beach Resort</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Friday after that, one of my best girls from the same <a href="http://www.upconcertchorus.com/">university choir</a> tied the knot on the beach. "Twice a bridesmaid, never bride," is hopefully not true, because this was my sixth (6th!) time as bridesmaid! As with so many of my friends' weddings, I helped in the preparations from crafting bouquets, to putting make-up on some members of the entourage, and singing for the service and party (<a href="http://onedaykaye.blogspot.com/2016/01/4Weddings4Weeks.html#more">see us dance in the cut</a>.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZdUxo76dH0u29N8T6-q1VBDAjqoOa09OuBaGG2jooE91kgVHkttgBCJB4a3mjGEPT3c3QIK9huABHVcbdrBL6kAvlku_tJaOSa-4QdQste808VyTevi0vq1Yrj5GKra0AWypLBNv6Nuy/s1600/ODK+6xBridesmaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZdUxo76dH0u29N8T6-q1VBDAjqoOa09OuBaGG2jooE91kgVHkttgBCJB4a3mjGEPT3c3QIK9huABHVcbdrBL6kAvlku_tJaOSa-4QdQste808VyTevi0vq1Yrj5GKra0AWypLBNv6Nuy/s640/ODK+6xBridesmaid.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Arm-in-arm with Chuck, determined to give the fiercest walk down the aisle =)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6siIvEGuE7-T-XUm9ysG4SJR_fT57VrauzhgSxa34TGIpbp6z1gvuhqxKvsAb8QBf1_0jZCZzCGMsMYMPXY-tlGhDOBBufN626_wCNXDLY5fQgyAd8GewrhAJYBG6-vREaiSmqfJOZNZh/s1600/ODK+Bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6siIvEGuE7-T-XUm9ysG4SJR_fT57VrauzhgSxa34TGIpbp6z1gvuhqxKvsAb8QBf1_0jZCZzCGMsMYMPXY-tlGhDOBBufN626_wCNXDLY5fQgyAd8GewrhAJYBG6-vREaiSmqfJOZNZh/s640/ODK+Bouquet.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My handmade, personalized bouquet, labeled our mutual pet name, "Forvy" (short for Forever) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0hG2IavVlUyBPBzeMhLYXPRNZVP6jCwbfpVLL4Qxac7FAq2O7sghjxGqDsOENB61hzLrWiGeRAK_Q64NXmMnRwo2Go9FMqJVhkOMO2lKwtN0-nlJr8-_yTVVWog6jRvSGtOsggpgEbCY/s1600/ODK+Sparklers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0hG2IavVlUyBPBzeMhLYXPRNZVP6jCwbfpVLL4Qxac7FAq2O7sghjxGqDsOENB61hzLrWiGeRAK_Q64NXmMnRwo2Go9FMqJVhkOMO2lKwtN0-nlJr8-_yTVVWog6jRvSGtOsggpgEbCY/s640/ODK+Sparklers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sparklers that evening, photo by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Veejay-Jimenez-Photography-178434608875432/">Veejay Jimenez</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwFcY4XwbfGVJSGvQIwFWOr1bUxsCsr8Q5WPnBShBvuPzSnaiLMtbvspJanAGJmceWo_ZwAmCDKSk4ZVhxGDM77TY2D2HuuzrztVOFD1KRpxCknoOsogsoD0DRsReNHThqNm0RbFV4Pd7/s1600/ODK+Girlies+and+Girlettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwFcY4XwbfGVJSGvQIwFWOr1bUxsCsr8Q5WPnBShBvuPzSnaiLMtbvspJanAGJmceWo_ZwAmCDKSk4ZVhxGDM77TY2D2HuuzrztVOFD1KRpxCknoOsogsoD0DRsReNHThqNm0RbFV4Pd7/s640/ODK+Girlies+and+Girlettes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My best Girlies, and their little Girlettes, with the new Missus in white the day after the wedding</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaoqpk0tRP9A5d6rQGDNXmDOkWAKsfZLgxGsNcI04ogjSG3iT-DEcUrJRE4tOiUzzAAvuxtTuyW2xjqY5iGzzlDmM05bBsGzPYx8MpTZUQqgLGnckp2VgzTVTUkDEOM7QT6cEWRtdFBwd/s1600/ODK+Prado-Gatdula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaoqpk0tRP9A5d6rQGDNXmDOkWAKsfZLgxGsNcI04ogjSG3iT-DEcUrJRE4tOiUzzAAvuxtTuyW2xjqY5iGzzlDmM05bBsGzPYx8MpTZUQqgLGnckp2VgzTVTUkDEOM7QT6cEWRtdFBwd/s640/ODK+Prado-Gatdula.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Beautiful garden wedding that caught the sunset at the bay. Photo by <a href="http://proudrad.com/">Proud Rad</a>, at <a href="http://www.sofitelmanila.com/en">Sofitel Philippine Plaza</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I felt truly valued to be invited to such a small, intimate wedding, by one of my oldest and dearest friends. Aside from finally seeing her marry her love of almost a decade, I got to spend time with some friends whom I hadn't seen in a while. (See more of their gorgeous photos in Proud Rad's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1293264687357739.1073741889.812329608784585&type=3&pnref=story">public album</a>.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yesterday, I went to my fourth and final wedding of the month. The funny thing was, I saw the groom at the third (garden) wedding last week, and he asked if I could sing at church for his wedding in a week. After some last minute coordination, some of my friends from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GalaQuintet/">Gala Quintet</a> agreed to join me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYFi50p54H2UoM4Tk85QThuNtO9citLQX7QHl-5e6ZT7923_qnDILV-5sc-MWuOHNtQce5kB4mjn7fc43UptizrZJ8sD2CyccQKQE6wkn8QTb9g7fP2PlnD6I8e4KBni4iFeOmi5ZWjIG/s1600/ODK+Montecito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYFi50p54H2UoM4Tk85QThuNtO9citLQX7QHl-5e6ZT7923_qnDILV-5sc-MWuOHNtQce5kB4mjn7fc43UptizrZJ8sD2CyccQKQE6wkn8QTb9g7fP2PlnD6I8e4KBni4iFeOmi5ZWjIG/s640/ODK+Montecito.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A quaint chapel on a hill in <a href="http://www.montecitonuvali.com/">Montecito, Nuvali</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoweDP1i349w1JjKP7vhZFdNugZ3N9kjNuMuXZS8dkIVlEwMJ8W9HZtIaDZnXFmRhCAIzhzGnaoJFWknvdW6FHhyphenhyphenSj4Qqhxj41WyoCMoMZehg3R-CMer0QPVAZsGmkVMhyphenhyphenAbflRANvsP6N/s1600/ODK+Gala+Quintet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoweDP1i349w1JjKP7vhZFdNugZ3N9kjNuMuXZS8dkIVlEwMJ8W9HZtIaDZnXFmRhCAIzhzGnaoJFWknvdW6FHhyphenhyphenSj4Qqhxj41WyoCMoMZehg3R-CMer0QPVAZsGmkVMhyphenhyphenAbflRANvsP6N/s640/ODK+Gala+Quintet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sunrise singers, the Gala Quintet *love*</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MGCz-zBZ9Cbajf5cn9gUYpiOhWE1MKk8VdkHG_GxzKh2YU7g2zj2Qs0yZGC-mTxlP7GCdLrB6Gnf4pVd8ZncIJHbJgK-DvCGl586u-_tcnGjmVvnf9HfOoE8lLJo4Ql0_g3TjbTZ0nuP/s1600/ODK+Libunao+Mejorada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MGCz-zBZ9Cbajf5cn9gUYpiOhWE1MKk8VdkHG_GxzKh2YU7g2zj2Qs0yZGC-mTxlP7GCdLrB6Gnf4pVd8ZncIJHbJgK-DvCGl586u-_tcnGjmVvnf9HfOoE8lLJo4Ql0_g3TjbTZ0nuP/s640/ODK+Libunao+Mejorada.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perfectly packed chapel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At this age, I have a better understanding for practicality, so I never take it personally when I'm not invited to friends' weddings; but consequently I have a deeper appreciation for when I am invited. I'm grateful for all my friends who have wanted me there on their special day. I have loved every single one, and continue to pray for their marriages and families.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Goodbye, January. You flew by wonderfully!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">P.S. -- Funny, I saw through Timehop that in January 2015, I attended four weddings and a baby shower. This year, I attended four weddings and a baptism. I'm glad I always start the year with love and life.</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="/dale.alojipan/videos/10154178820406874/">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/dale.alojipan/videos/10154178820406874/">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dale.alojipan/videos/10154178820406874/"></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another 'Hingal Sa Awit' number as a special request of the newlyweds; Paul & Jael! Pagkatapos nyo kaming busugin, pasasayawin nyo kami ng ganito! Laban Lang! Cheers! Video courtesy of Christopher Francis Graham.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Posted by <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6617700948475756842#" role="button">Allan Dale Mancebo Alojipan</a> on Friday, January 15, 2016</span></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-74486674292713125502016-01-22T16:04:00.002+08:002016-01-22T19:08:19.513+08:00The Catch-Up Storybook: Favorites from the Holidays<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">December came and went, and we're more than halfway through January <u>2016</u>! WHAT HAPPENED. I don't like saying, "I've been busy" because that's a lousy excuse for anything and everything; but rather, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">other things needed to be prioritized. But I'm back, and this year is looking up and up. To transition, I want to share some of my favorite things and photos at the moment (acquired and taken sometime during the holidays.)</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzxqIJFxStRuqa_UPxsmo8AUZzjUCIsPuheFVQ7_oYLEseee8QrLTEZHsNKQ7Lu955mzO_Tf3eiSHJCQChvyEXnsOx5Oo30ucr3DKriyzhhXtvIR6HV_GwBDIhQWzU1sVU0f576jd8Ook/s1600/ODK+-+City+Sneaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzxqIJFxStRuqa_UPxsmo8AUZzjUCIsPuheFVQ7_oYLEseee8QrLTEZHsNKQ7Lu955mzO_Tf3eiSHJCQChvyEXnsOx5Oo30ucr3DKriyzhhXtvIR6HV_GwBDIhQWzU1sVU0f576jd8Ook/s640/ODK+-+City+Sneaks.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Obsessed with my tropical printed <a href="http://www.payless.com/city-sneaks/">City Sneaks</a>!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB1opOS7RPEFPxJmoQce68cHDtJFErxINsj5C09qhqGrA50SLp3BgRghuKYh8sTb9pq4yK4TvFfp38qjB4yPejQoOzit37CW_sskQ1kkFKX6rZI7tYkzI3KBNL5r1XZuiLYdn0ucLHPsg/s1600/OD-+Fave+Tank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB1opOS7RPEFPxJmoQce68cHDtJFErxINsj5C09qhqGrA50SLp3BgRghuKYh8sTb9pq4yK4TvFfp38qjB4yPejQoOzit37CW_sskQ1kkFKX6rZI7tYkzI3KBNL5r1XZuiLYdn0ucLHPsg/s640/OD-+Fave+Tank.jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Currently my favourite tank from </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GingersnapsPhilippines/" style="font-family: '"trebuchet ms"', sans-serif; text-align: start;">#GingersnapsPH</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PQUTogpHzr6rMdQTGQpWrdMHCObscF9uCtnEgcF2uROsEZx4YTE3fQ5pESeTs9TyR0MhfoXi5Fguv_zTgBNgIxiKu2FdWxnxOo78W-I0bS7C_RZATB6Y4ELlR6sM2J8Lo88vYvFpPO0C/s1600/ODK+-+Director+and+Stylist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PQUTogpHzr6rMdQTGQpWrdMHCObscF9uCtnEgcF2uROsEZx4YTE3fQ5pESeTs9TyR0MhfoXi5Fguv_zTgBNgIxiKu2FdWxnxOo78W-I0bS7C_RZATB6Y4ELlR6sM2J8Lo88vYvFpPO0C/s640/ODK+-+Director+and+Stylist.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A </span><span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChefsClassics/">Chef's Classics</a><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif; text-align: start;">holiday product shoot w</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ith Carl, director of <a href="https://instagram.com/videobybelle/">Belle Studio</a>; things are really not fancy behind the scenes (: </span><span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">#LetsCookPH </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">The final videos are embedded <a href="http://onedaykaye.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-catch-up-storybook-favorites-from.html#more">in the cut.</a></span><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDNIF_uiPMQSMo6hTm4dwXIHDeDsFKGUPQIjiXkSOTQI63T2T5mgwfdWOUvTLZNad1eD8h5ofsewxIs1wrd3t2qRsIxvUEUsoXu7FAbGd0c5-rW4gnM49Y3Oju7htvvP2R9tcpmQyn3E5/s1600/ODK+-+Swiss+Miss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDNIF_uiPMQSMo6hTm4dwXIHDeDsFKGUPQIjiXkSOTQI63T2T5mgwfdWOUvTLZNad1eD8h5ofsewxIs1wrd3t2qRsIxvUEUsoXu7FAbGd0c5-rW4gnM49Y3Oju7htvvP2R9tcpmQyn3E5/s640/ODK+-+Swiss+Miss.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Finally have these limited <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SwissMissPH/">Swiss Miss</a> Knitted Tins that I'd been eyeing for 3 years! <br />
(The chocolate is okay, too!) </span><span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">#TheSweetLife</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJ-DyDiZzyYMvgOsRvj_UxioOwjDzhj8HBm-lC7clpAx45ieENCw2BsDsXpIF4NZdphdcDoSbKmVjMC1N9RePBOOg1KObZwLAUzQktQ-K1IiSE2pSMwegz664MgkavhxjEACxozlF2eaf/s1600/ODK+-+Mario+Kart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJ-DyDiZzyYMvgOsRvj_UxioOwjDzhj8HBm-lC7clpAx45ieENCw2BsDsXpIF4NZdphdcDoSbKmVjMC1N9RePBOOg1KObZwLAUzQktQ-K1IiSE2pSMwegz664MgkavhxjEACxozlF2eaf/s640/ODK+-+Mario+Kart.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bought all the <a href="http://www.mariokart.com/wii/launch/">Mario Kart</a> <a href="http://www.happymeal.com/">Happy Meals</a> from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph/">McDonald's</a> in one go because I can't resist <a href="http://mario.nintendo.com/">Mario Brothers</a>!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvZWDYQ-VXqSlbxcLsy4tT6VIh5R4zjbZCVjdhtw4ruXM54GOGsqIusI0DEUpWpaLl76ufEt7kh2vtCyHMkf10sRwqlUXQyONjTOjCkwebMeFgMJIylkIZbnuOIWgqkk-pLiMSho6AImd/s1600/ODK+Elvis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvZWDYQ-VXqSlbxcLsy4tT6VIh5R4zjbZCVjdhtw4ruXM54GOGsqIusI0DEUpWpaLl76ufEt7kh2vtCyHMkf10sRwqlUXQyONjTOjCkwebMeFgMJIylkIZbnuOIWgqkk-pLiMSho6AImd/s640/ODK+Elvis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Elvis Press Me: secret menu at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MrGrahamsShop/">Mr. Graham's Sandwich Shop</a> uses the same pan cubano as the Cebuano, but is a sweet-savory blend of bacon, bananas, peanut butter, and marshmallow cream. I swear, it works!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymOeiSFjtziOuVSo59Z7K3KgPQwYykR831_ZFQQCN-USvgUQR-XXp5jgr1w3CfM0MlUvB72pTY3EAW8gIrL6FCwEuRwpt3P0sCrhSbF9gkpS-nQMwwt-DzVdykk0qQgafuO0kz7DIezmW/s1600/ODK+Terno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymOeiSFjtziOuVSo59Z7K3KgPQwYykR831_ZFQQCN-USvgUQR-XXp5jgr1w3CfM0MlUvB72pTY3EAW8gIrL6FCwEuRwpt3P0sCrhSbF9gkpS-nQMwwt-DzVdykk0qQgafuO0kz7DIezmW/s640/ODK+Terno.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not sure I'll ever get to wear this beautiful Filipiniana <i>"terno" </i>again, but I want everyone to know that <a href="http://reneesalud.com.ph/">ReneƩ Salud</a> remains one of the best designers in our country. I LOVE this gown, I'm so honored to have worn it.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucNeyjT4VH4jm6J-IPuPvKcmwqC7qEcO-FWt3oG068VNS4qyW3342zfdk16XGniQUucWs43uyDN_pnF2qYeb15x5hYaUoNpwzgARE6wGmiggtk3BcomJsTpPpGZXGtyNEvLGn8oGyW3hb/s1600/ODK+-+KikkiK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucNeyjT4VH4jm6J-IPuPvKcmwqC7qEcO-FWt3oG068VNS4qyW3342zfdk16XGniQUucWs43uyDN_pnF2qYeb15x5hYaUoNpwzgARE6wGmiggtk3BcomJsTpPpGZXGtyNEvLGn8oGyW3hb/s640/ODK+-+KikkiK.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My <a href="http://kikki.k/">Kikki.K</a> planner, band, and matching pen from Ate Karen has arrived. It's been tradition that I get my planners from my sister at the end of each year, so she sent one from Australia. The K makes it look customized for me!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-F3-5pao2_RrSd00rbFG4uFpgAhhDJrLfK5lb4B_D73UKAdolwucJE5c0j-4kKPpGoNQeo7PaWMdkN3cvdqIGG0KeUxk3qFY0YQMDNII7-c_aMVXxVK5lc6HVae0hI4hshoLq2b0CePr/s1600/ODK+Kick+Line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-F3-5pao2_RrSd00rbFG4uFpgAhhDJrLfK5lb4B_D73UKAdolwucJE5c0j-4kKPpGoNQeo7PaWMdkN3cvdqIGG0KeUxk3qFY0YQMDNII7-c_aMVXxVK5lc6HVae0hI4hshoLq2b0CePr/s640/ODK+Kick+Line.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DJUXxKOHK_vdX02w6S96PMWwzwLmKjME4zIcC8UWrG93mmatjw7BINUI4nEw7Wljw4uOh-_qV64MP_JbQxAGhOSm7L6oVh9TvLwOiGfVJ7YudaOPyZiITKb7XT-3KSSHQulnSbdUcWTh/s1600/ODK+60s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DJUXxKOHK_vdX02w6S96PMWwzwLmKjME4zIcC8UWrG93mmatjw7BINUI4nEw7Wljw4uOh-_qV64MP_JbQxAGhOSm7L6oVh9TvLwOiGfVJ7YudaOPyZiITKb7XT-3KSSHQulnSbdUcWTh/s640/ODK+60s.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The new RCS in 70s garb. Special thanks to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BaihanaGirls/">Baihana</a> sisters for these tutus! #PLDTPasasalamat2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahgzn9W_6c8gou3j4Ya_h3QZF8tjv6vtCYSACPeJLX_m3oGbgm9i-tdmfnbt0uzEmcFLJAe-N2LHOn8KLS8w4Muhh3HAFzDmn6CVbXmAYyrL7zegIO_Ao65CxxRNuFeJz-D-NNlKvIkqk/s1600/ODK+KonDog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahgzn9W_6c8gou3j4Ya_h3QZF8tjv6vtCYSACPeJLX_m3oGbgm9i-tdmfnbt0uzEmcFLJAe-N2LHOn8KLS8w4Muhh3HAFzDmn6CVbXmAYyrL7zegIO_Ao65CxxRNuFeJz-D-NNlKvIkqk/s640/ODK+KonDog.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't judge my junk! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bonchon.Chicken.Philippines/">BonChon Philippines'</a> Bacon Kimchi Krazy Ko-Dog is battered and fried for a crunchy exterior and has a pretty good flavor profile (sorry, cheat food.) #BonChonKrazyKoDog</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_YLW2UhocQ/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2015-12-17T03:25:52+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 16, 2015 at 7:25pm PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"On top of many other things like work, mentorship, and countless free meals, I'm so lucky to have a boss who's a great gift-giver that considers both wants and needs! So sorry, but we are living in a material world and I am a material girl!" #HerschelSupply #Klimt </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span> <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_0jZEEBofe/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">My mom used to give me #books on Christmases and my birthdays, from fairytales, to children's stories; and later poems and young adult fiction (the latter is still my favorite genre.) The book that transitioned between those and more adult ones was a collection of Edgar Allan Poe's greatest works -- and I loved it. I fell in love with his unusual plots and dark characters and influenced my early writing of shorts. So receiving this today was more meaningful than, I think, the givers thought it would be. It's beautifully hard bound, with a ribbed spine, and gold leafed textblock. Thank you so much, @shmapet and @martyarnaldo!</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2015-12-28T03:54:37+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 27, 2015 at 7:54pm PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGs_B9TUJLHwBR0VyhtVT0-g0Yg5nzsTmYhq_KAbXTjYk2vHhTnQnTA1yJSh63PptmRRwISh_flAmA5xBosZPxtdvHNO5EE2nL4gEDrQEbTII6f1kwS9ONIpCtwMpZF9XGqAhWA5z8QC9/s1600/ODK+TBoli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGs_B9TUJLHwBR0VyhtVT0-g0Yg5nzsTmYhq_KAbXTjYk2vHhTnQnTA1yJSh63PptmRRwISh_flAmA5xBosZPxtdvHNO5EE2nL4gEDrQEbTII6f1kwS9ONIpCtwMpZF9XGqAhWA5z8QC9/s640/ODK+TBoli.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm thankful my job lets me try on different hats (pun intended) and costumes, like this traditional T'Boli garb from the indigenous tribe in Southern Mindanao. We shot a music video for the Department of Tourism's program in #ASEANTourismForum2016, where we also performed live.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's it! </span><span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif;">What I'm not highlighting is the holiday inches I've put on, but that's why in the next couple of entries, I'll be talking about the diets that I've tried recently (and through the years) and let you know which ones worked for me, and which ones I couldn't stomach (literally and figuratively.) I'm determined to dedicating 2016 to good choices for health, finances, work, and relationships. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br />
<div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="/ChefsClassics/videos/vb.170532819667236/914937668560077/?type=3">
</div>
<br />
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br />
<div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="/ChefsClassics/videos/vb.170532819667236/926720970715080/?type=3">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-11292634914166921572015-11-23T07:34:00.002+08:002015-11-24T15:19:39.611+08:00The Catch-Up Storybook: November Food<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's been two weeks since my last post, and I've been at a loss for words over the amount of life I've been living. This month, I visited an art fair, celebrated Sandwich Day, attended a brunch party, tried new dishes and/or restaurants, styled another product shoot for the holidays, became a godmother for the fifth time, took a tap dance refresher and learned a new routine, hoarded Mario Kart toys, memorised lines for a corporate musical, and spent time at my best friend's going-away garage sale.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In my previous blog, I used post "storybooks," especially when photos could tell the stories better than words in a short amount of time. Mostly, I made them to recap a trip, to show photos of food, scenery, people, years before the age of Facebook and Instagram. Now, I'll start a storybook series: pic-heavy and as word-sparse as I can manage. Catch up with me :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>November 3 - Sandwich Day at Mr. Graham's Sandwich Shop</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">#SandwichDay #MrGrahamsSandwichDay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On top of offering some of their sandwiches at Buy 1, Take 1, they had live performances by local singer-songwriters, and a sandwich eating contest. That last one must've been the highlight for me; we were all blown away when a </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rix.francisco" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">professional competitive eater</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> inhaled the 14" Cebuano (Lechon) Manwich in 1 minute and 13 seconds! 0_0 (Click the link to see his Facebook </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">fan page</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, but I'm warning you, they videos are not for the queasy!)</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/9nJO2vhoZ5/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">It's International #Sandwich Day, and it's Buy 1 Take 1 on the Cebuano (lechon sandwich with pickled mangoes,) Submariner (fish on baguette,) and Sloppy G (beef patty with white sauce!) Free beer from 5:00 pm until supplies last, performances at 4:00 pm (Bullet Dumas š Hello.) #MrGrahamsSandwichDay</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2015-11-03T05:53:07+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 2, 2015 at 9:53pm PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>November 4 - A Birthday Brunch</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We surprised our Coffee Crew buddy on his 25th birthday, with a beautiful brunch spread by his wife: bagels, bacon, bananas, butter!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/9pOMCMBoU9/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Breakfast is served š³ššššš¼</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2015-11-04T01:14:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 3, 2015 at 5:14pm PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">November 5 - Long Overdue Date with my <i>Barkada </i>at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raintreechelseakitchen/">Chelsea Kitchen</a>, Eastwood</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">#LoveChelseaKitchen #RaintreeRestaurants</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4AAZGAPcX9QOWLkqBM2Y8bqxMsM5NSmvzTyzT01DbyaIIWetj2-Jof3ZHRlmx7nPxGdcU0RItR-5uQ7S9eA40P360BQxLEmKxTtHzWY-8JSfGmSTo_-k_ubFZ857Ob6HEJYzDLnq5oL3/s1600/ODK+-+Chelsea+Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4AAZGAPcX9QOWLkqBM2Y8bqxMsM5NSmvzTyzT01DbyaIIWetj2-Jof3ZHRlmx7nPxGdcU0RItR-5uQ7S9eA40P360BQxLEmKxTtHzWY-8JSfGmSTo_-k_ubFZ857Ob6HEJYzDLnq5oL3/s640/ODK+-+Chelsea+Kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/raintreechelseakitchen/">Chelsea Kitchen</a> marquee</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3e8tfUcLWmaBVEoDxtmewYRHmQNsyzdrWg6Ugp_vu-QuESrqpe1cdxs1zx_RxTCcJTmOcRwq3jqM69xKWpQmFBMzTbwlNNcTOouT8d1fBG5ky2JPdQvB9KYVcQK47DpVuw_bWZiHOftV5/s1600/ODK+-+Chelsea+Iced+Tea+Chicharon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3e8tfUcLWmaBVEoDxtmewYRHmQNsyzdrWg6Ugp_vu-QuESrqpe1cdxs1zx_RxTCcJTmOcRwq3jqM69xKWpQmFBMzTbwlNNcTOouT8d1fBG5ky2JPdQvB9KYVcQK47DpVuw_bWZiHOftV5/s640/ODK+-+Chelsea+Iced+Tea+Chicharon.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This raspberry-rosemary iced tea was a balm on that hot day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkDz-xb_2d8ke06hY-jRxQTt0Do_bNBuKcyUlvMSmAWCplp1tSC2xkkTKPph91iioOBGGETiRmRuuZDYOP-ZcH2XzcjSgeCCMJ9UUP08NeG19H_LAf3HckLZ_IpcN2MSoumqnxDJkJZXt/s1600/ODK+-+CK+Mushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkDz-xb_2d8ke06hY-jRxQTt0Do_bNBuKcyUlvMSmAWCplp1tSC2xkkTKPph91iioOBGGETiRmRuuZDYOP-ZcH2XzcjSgeCCMJ9UUP08NeG19H_LAf3HckLZ_IpcN2MSoumqnxDJkJZXt/s640/ODK+-+CK+Mushroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Crispy, light, perfectly seasoned Shiitake make these the healthiest <i>chicharon </i>you'll ever have</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZAoWlKMPwvLx8LI2o-jmgQc6pI5LUNIoydGCvw__U2ealwCi0IzsG4cld3XIT2wr0gY1bFZ_EkdaUFeC5-z6OiDtY1U6Iqf6LgXCNBMNO1USKHn4WC-o-q0D6vk15ErselcmOE8wgb_2/s1600/ODK+-CK+Chicken+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZAoWlKMPwvLx8LI2o-jmgQc6pI5LUNIoydGCvw__U2ealwCi0IzsG4cld3XIT2wr0gY1bFZ_EkdaUFeC5-z6OiDtY1U6Iqf6LgXCNBMNO1USKHn4WC-o-q0D6vk15ErselcmOE8wgb_2/s640/ODK+-CK+Chicken+Salad.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I couldn't decide if I liked the Peanut-Plum or the Basil, Cilantro, and Mint dressing more -- so I just enjoyed both with this CK Chicken Salad</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmgdIIbjgtoBFsYxaTG3zvyDhixKsHB7jykvRZIx4wSAmu6cSD4sSQzOIl-IKU8Q-sWD6SNEZ7_Je8b-t3wPxjYalgDqiHa6oaxGjitt-eNw3MnAtUnth5ZRuhidA7GrAb4W4-STamyjW/s1600/ODK+-+CK+Arrabbiata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmgdIIbjgtoBFsYxaTG3zvyDhixKsHB7jykvRZIx4wSAmu6cSD4sSQzOIl-IKU8Q-sWD6SNEZ7_Je8b-t3wPxjYalgDqiHa6oaxGjitt-eNw3MnAtUnth5ZRuhidA7GrAb4W4-STamyjW/s640/ODK+-+CK+Arrabbiata.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My favorite dish from lunch was this Spicy Arrabbiata & Ricotta Cottage Cream Rigatoni. The tomato sauce was velvety smooth, the basil gave a fresh bite, and the ricotta balanced the heat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxPbewWuoy_yoD3uWfx2oi2uFVZh2Bzuh2c4LhqjGAY7SlUJSZsyoLHbYhv-IkZAtsX7-oB77FlQZ3BpTFvBZZkoslm-5syri-F_qvUDgr4VBFr6PnnN56UkcOtjTjfhyphenhyphenK4lOcp2uJ25A/s1600/ODK+-+CK+Hot+Tapa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxPbewWuoy_yoD3uWfx2oi2uFVZh2Bzuh2c4LhqjGAY7SlUJSZsyoLHbYhv-IkZAtsX7-oB77FlQZ3BpTFvBZZkoslm-5syri-F_qvUDgr4VBFr6PnnN56UkcOtjTjfhyphenhyphenK4lOcp2uJ25A/s640/ODK+-+CK+Hot+Tapa.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This hot tapa sandwich came with an Au Jus and Dijonaise, and the most flavourful caramelised onion "French Dip"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORQA4dzIRo4pQS1Ds4YEFqoGEXvr7B_j9LHyiijk1PkTCGOpSkdRk4o-1TBXdwtTdT2vRiDzFAE7x5vR27nxR7bko4mjF1ujZHek4GFMStoSGe9WvkB78lVtX33dY1MkE1at5EWdJXGb8/s1600/ODK+-+CK+Salted+Caramel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORQA4dzIRo4pQS1Ds4YEFqoGEXvr7B_j9LHyiijk1PkTCGOpSkdRk4o-1TBXdwtTdT2vRiDzFAE7x5vR27nxR7bko4mjF1ujZHek4GFMStoSGe9WvkB78lVtX33dY1MkE1at5EWdJXGb8/s640/ODK+-+CK+Salted+Caramel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Something moist and salty sweet for dessert? Try the artisanal salted caramel cake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKIcjQbZusPzFQYeG6brf73cqJmmIWVj_KZCAa3x7Ui77bFayV4eLXnDGjvS5ENK2mI5VxwTKLX87axIwG0KzJ8JbGegFjOagh41Twt8XrW_Q91tAQSXN7o-UaBa7zcr4UUe_U-l93KtS/s1600/ODK+-+CK+Donut+Holes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKIcjQbZusPzFQYeG6brf73cqJmmIWVj_KZCAa3x7Ui77bFayV4eLXnDGjvS5ENK2mI5VxwTKLX87axIwG0KzJ8JbGegFjOagh41Twt8XrW_Q91tAQSXN7o-UaBa7zcr4UUe_U-l93KtS/s640/ODK+-+CK+Donut+Holes.jpg" width="410" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chewy and filled with dulce de leche, these Donut Holes with a warm chocolate dip was perfect with my afternoon coffee</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnpPtpuxhwKHoRaVQzAt-Sp44w6y4CuGF9NL1SG6eqYEZJpHofiRoBgHzPw6RAYWBWnS9O7Ui06Btbb2GMhRu4kS_vGosHHFzEq38YwqB1lkxPAHblKGjMkzn7rtJKsfmH3aLCU8ySIW2/s1600/ODK+-+CK+Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnpPtpuxhwKHoRaVQzAt-Sp44w6y4CuGF9NL1SG6eqYEZJpHofiRoBgHzPw6RAYWBWnS9O7Ui06Btbb2GMhRu4kS_vGosHHFzEq38YwqB1lkxPAHblKGjMkzn7rtJKsfmH3aLCU8ySIW2/s640/ODK+-+CK+Coffee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They offer Illy and Yardstick coffee, but I opted for the stronger Americano</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>November 9 - Artists' Buffet Spread at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raintreemcafe/">M Cafe</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">#LoveMCafe #RaintreeRestaurants</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We had a gig for the company that <a href="http://www.convergys.com/">I used to work for</a>, and our holding area was at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raintreemcafe/">Museum Cafe</a> across from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theayalamuseum/">the venue</a>. We love gigs that feed well!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiuAX4dpFK2SDNzD6NiLGIfwzTiXiGHFGFae2_iX-jouJimFdqi-ntGZQPcpx9VJMe22HltNcCzsY22RjxsUKEA9UIntFe9d__yAq67qlpRxgvyDTe3si-bkI3g0-G_ToUU2H5zuJ_XRc/s1600/ODK+-+M+Lumpia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiuAX4dpFK2SDNzD6NiLGIfwzTiXiGHFGFae2_iX-jouJimFdqi-ntGZQPcpx9VJMe22HltNcCzsY22RjxsUKEA9UIntFe9d__yAq67qlpRxgvyDTe3si-bkI3g0-G_ToUU2H5zuJ_XRc/s640/ODK+-+M+Lumpia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not sure if this semi-naked vegetable lumpia was from the M Cafe menu or Kabila's, but I loved its flavour and ingenuity</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeegeX2JDYw2KWhs3hmlA9cTscBzCcd6EAhOwGwmCAuYCTzD9AGHx2LnzTpowcjnldi9Q1apZbiAqj9s3x5rEwAxPfEgvhFMB-eNzad9Lq5q65qJZnsWPXMeETBkgbSpX2uuS5r1KroA-t/s1600/ODK+-+M+Carbonara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeegeX2JDYw2KWhs3hmlA9cTscBzCcd6EAhOwGwmCAuYCTzD9AGHx2LnzTpowcjnldi9Q1apZbiAqj9s3x5rEwAxPfEgvhFMB-eNzad9Lq5q65qJZnsWPXMeETBkgbSpX2uuS5r1KroA-t/s640/ODK+-+M+Carbonara.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not bacon bits, but bacon slabs on this creamy carbonara!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvwWgLBhUCCmlTl8epjWM0mecmUHkZcMDMXBy-BYvTaWLSwfaW9rGRyKKB9JnnMH02CvcCV4XJRJrJxDeSuxAnGg6W_xmvSQ-Oo8xPV4nzACCbbMVz6LZ7-pHMqvHeKYyR8i7v-MM8gE9/s1600/ODK+-+M+H+Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvwWgLBhUCCmlTl8epjWM0mecmUHkZcMDMXBy-BYvTaWLSwfaW9rGRyKKB9JnnMH02CvcCV4XJRJrJxDeSuxAnGg6W_xmvSQ-Oo8xPV4nzACCbbMVz6LZ7-pHMqvHeKYyR8i7v-MM8gE9/s640/ODK+-+M+H+Chicken.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Steamed juicy Hainanese chicken...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGd8BVSO4SPsMkEz0oeYMv1I9CSLv6weFEeQfQCuq8AKaYDf4tXrnH3ayLmh5r1Ir_CZlPMnmPxpaEZp0oHyWFNCV-lgiBv-315vwpRhWge9tKilbHQtxJPrV1i_JElLufP8nIS26GMRn/s1600/ODK+-+M+Hainanese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGd8BVSO4SPsMkEz0oeYMv1I9CSLv6weFEeQfQCuq8AKaYDf4tXrnH3ayLmh5r1Ir_CZlPMnmPxpaEZp0oHyWFNCV-lgiBv-315vwpRhWge9tKilbHQtxJPrV1i_JElLufP8nIS26GMRn/s640/ODK+-+M+Hainanese.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">... best paired with this fragrant Hainanese rice, and mixed in with ginger and chili condiments</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar_jWajjIx00KSXc5R28Nld8TcD_IYuW6vi71jrqDWrZFoG6fYHsj1WpUcHopi11VJm_XTIEgcly6hzx09qCZU5wt8epJ7w2KhfWGnuGsy-36q9Y5BXj5iGntNe-K6dp4LP7jW3w9eVUv/s1600/ODK+-+M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar_jWajjIx00KSXc5R28Nld8TcD_IYuW6vi71jrqDWrZFoG6fYHsj1WpUcHopi11VJm_XTIEgcly6hzx09qCZU5wt8epJ7w2KhfWGnuGsy-36q9Y5BXj5iGntNe-K6dp4LP7jW3w9eVUv/s640/ODK+-+M.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With the iconic M of M Cafe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42IbQk07dSuMOL8n8AcgEgAt-bLYQTBb4xYOOaW6SnecJir7WaeIaKDxWohW_BUVYAhya-V8yMli6nOuP77gipW9ej4YAPFqMedk4JWIi6eNctpd5jp0dGDJzQGtXARhDRZfgphZNu0te/s1600/ODK+-+Sunset+Session.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42IbQk07dSuMOL8n8AcgEgAt-bLYQTBb4xYOOaW6SnecJir7WaeIaKDxWohW_BUVYAhya-V8yMli6nOuP77gipW9ej4YAPFqMedk4JWIi6eNctpd5jp0dGDJzQGtXARhDRZfgphZNu0te/s640/ODK+-+Sunset+Session.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Post-show night cap with my favourite M Cafe cocktail, the Sunset Session: berries, lemongrass sake, chambord, dalandan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>November 10 - Hors d'oeuvres after our show in <a href="http://solaireresort.com/">Solaire</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">#Solaire #MomentsAtSolaire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I loved the selection they had from the smoked salmon bites, mini patƩ bruschetta, to the surf and turf skewers, and </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">super cheesy spinach lasagna.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QSXMemHhrrp1neZFBAdD8h1RkPgkouwC4-Nj5Q9sg0IMddEKfTbpsJJdoe2sRG8TmQxpOkFe-jyaHRG2j4IljLgmaoTfTwyO4fmg_NyRtfZ7tFzOHOz0EwaHnYqarGFKHzrZ4Q7JZNeW/s1600/ODK+-+Parma+Grissini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QSXMemHhrrp1neZFBAdD8h1RkPgkouwC4-Nj5Q9sg0IMddEKfTbpsJJdoe2sRG8TmQxpOkFe-jyaHRG2j4IljLgmaoTfTwyO4fmg_NyRtfZ7tFzOHOz0EwaHnYqarGFKHzrZ4Q7JZNeW/s640/ODK+-+Parma+Grissini.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Grissini wrapped in parma ham, with grana shavings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdjtT7JnbY9KcpWrwu3ru-gAbKPSY0U3giT_TYUHzUKo4J1V9R_M1DEXJGjf1U_dkfKvojxT5y4QdAbs_H0wTiplvusKyffn7ZXr9Bh7TL7wEx8I25teE6qN172xXa8m6Ali_r6SQ6T-R/s1600/ODK+-+Scallop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdjtT7JnbY9KcpWrwu3ru-gAbKPSY0U3giT_TYUHzUKo4J1V9R_M1DEXJGjf1U_dkfKvojxT5y4QdAbs_H0wTiplvusKyffn7ZXr9Bh7TL7wEx8I25teE6qN172xXa8m6Ali_r6SQ6T-R/s640/ODK+-+Scallop.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They didn't scrimp on the imported scallops!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">November 11 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ooma-Japanese-Rice-Bar/">Ooma Japanese Rice Bar</a> at the Fashion Hall, Megamall </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">#OomaJapaneseRiceBar #Ooma</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was shopping for a shoot, which brought me to Megamall after scouring two other places. Decided it was time to try this out, since we loved <a href="https://www.facebook.com/senseiph/">Sensei</a> in the South so much. Sadly, the Gyudon and Ebi Tempura Maki were underwhelming; the former was served room temperature instead of warm (which I expected from a freshly steamed rice dish) and the latter didn't have much flavour. While we did like the Corn and Oyster Kakiage and its dipping sauce, it was not photogenic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3NKRElnchbX81Wc_zuypoOxu8ppOTzb-N6tGpyo2oaFDQg7-NoFQ0YKA_LYZIFCz_TjroWTpJ7pb5tnapcDeN0tO3f5wUSpR5dHVilPvJFD6b06XJ9kGQ4M5WgX8geYVIemVYlZcTTPW/s1600/ODK+-+Aburi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3NKRElnchbX81Wc_zuypoOxu8ppOTzb-N6tGpyo2oaFDQg7-NoFQ0YKA_LYZIFCz_TjroWTpJ7pb5tnapcDeN0tO3f5wUSpR5dHVilPvJFD6b06XJ9kGQ4M5WgX8geYVIemVYlZcTTPW/s640/ODK+-+Aburi.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Torched Scallop and Tuna Aburi Maki was the only thing we really liked</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>November 14 - Trying the New <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caffe-Pascucci-Robinson-Galleria/">CaffĆØ Pascucci</a>, Robinson's Galleria</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>#Coffee #Caffe #Pascucci</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcHXqu5BY7YauoX1v4Evb3rnW7I9K3_5izG3KBMy5nP50uFkpgWh7E5m6jueR9d8ElOJuxX7uBtgdjGoizgFzUHIcY6ia-CKKXblbP00PmeMbUnxiaAh2pa-sjtu_ulYP2aJPhEw_QnpT/s1600/ODK+-+Pascucci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcHXqu5BY7YauoX1v4Evb3rnW7I9K3_5izG3KBMy5nP50uFkpgWh7E5m6jueR9d8ElOJuxX7uBtgdjGoizgFzUHIcY6ia-CKKXblbP00PmeMbUnxiaAh2pa-sjtu_ulYP2aJPhEw_QnpT/s640/ODK+-+Pascucci.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Good coffee at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caffe-Pascucci-Robinson-Galleria/">Pascucci</a>, Robinson's Galleria before a gig</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fil-Mex at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tacovengo/">Taco Vengo</a>, Kapitolyo</span></b><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>#TacoVengo</b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUuoR7BjMzceC6Fj9fsub9GbKhWxsK8_k71xK6sdzuS5Xx8EMD8mR_H3w8qSaHZk-6QH8Ef87JBBkwrvLw3oxh_Ukfn0yUY7CAoswPM4iJXbK2HMOSDuFuekNjKdPqOAVT7DQ33yoi1q_/s1600/ODK+-+Taco+Vengo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUuoR7BjMzceC6Fj9fsub9GbKhWxsK8_k71xK6sdzuS5Xx8EMD8mR_H3w8qSaHZk-6QH8Ef87JBBkwrvLw3oxh_Ukfn0yUY7CAoswPM4iJXbK2HMOSDuFuekNjKdPqOAVT7DQ33yoi1q_/s640/ODK+-+Taco+Vengo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Macho Nachos (?) with sous vide egg from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tacovengo/">Taco Vengo</a> was just alright. <a href="http://missusgraham.com/">Anna</a> has been raving about their fish taco, but it was unavailable that night. Ended up getting the shrimp which was also just alright. Now I'm really curious about that fish taco, so it warrants a revisit.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>November 18 - Breakfast Before Rehearsals at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allys-All-day-Breakfast-Malingap-St-QC/">Ally's All-Day Breakfast</a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>#Allys #AllDayBreakfast</b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZkhcdF5iAEERnRaH7tw6qN5WLo_7QD7d8x016hiGo6-k6SgDm3ofv2jG3afhY3f05Tt5fho8rdjuwyxI6mZzMk7xiWV1mA57z660pmchg_1NUimiXK3qzSJH23hEOyaTxRY8Tg9wqzhf/s1600/ODK+-+Ally%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZkhcdF5iAEERnRaH7tw6qN5WLo_7QD7d8x016hiGo6-k6SgDm3ofv2jG3afhY3f05Tt5fho8rdjuwyxI6mZzMk7xiWV1mA57z660pmchg_1NUimiXK3qzSJH23hEOyaTxRY8Tg9wqzhf/s640/ODK+-+Ally%2527s.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Milky Strawberry 3-layer pancake stack from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allys-All-day-Breakfast-Malingap-St-QC/">Ally's All Day Breakfast</a> on Malingap St. reminded me that they have the best pancakes in the country: fluffy, soft, and melts in your mouth, absorbing everything you put on it. I still prefer their Tiramisu and Chocolate, though.</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We also tried the 3-cheese waffle, but it had nothing on Pancake House's.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">November 19 - Podium Grub</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chicken and Pumpkin Waffle from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/boroughph/">Borough</a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">#BoroughPodium</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmkzzGtkwwQOtgiRNb00vFDV9h7D3ik_1Yg576Y4K5kM6KS2VW_PTPqaNj9cL5K20ZLnwwXl7iraoEyFB5UKbPkCaaN-WSfK118SH_kSZr8fCdph_9ZEiNN1ucMOXbO0gLaUgvARtAVnb/s1600/ODK+-+Borough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmkzzGtkwwQOtgiRNb00vFDV9h7D3ik_1Yg576Y4K5kM6KS2VW_PTPqaNj9cL5K20ZLnwwXl7iraoEyFB5UKbPkCaaN-WSfK118SH_kSZr8fCdph_9ZEiNN1ucMOXbO0gLaUgvARtAVnb/s640/ODK+-+Borough.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It doesn't look great, but this sweet tea infused fried chicken from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/boroughph/">Borough</a> just made it to my top 5 fried chickens in Manila. The pumpkin waffle was a little bland, but was a good complement to the chicken; it would've been nice if the butter were more flavourful.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Green Mango Sorbet with Nam Prik (Thai Chili Sugar) by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sebastians.Ice.Cream/">Sebastian's Ice Cream</a></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">#SebastiansIceCream #Artisanal #IceCream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSl5qgybP6IjJENolqq6HMnZLDtujMMSwiwXPokQmAguav6-gR7LzOmGkFaL66datovszsLeDXwX0hrQqooeeKDZMlikCq-3WsMYZKtj2UjFEFugeLFjrlF8CWUsvM8Ve91qkZBCzEPtS8/s1600/ODK+-+Green+Mango+Sorbet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSl5qgybP6IjJENolqq6HMnZLDtujMMSwiwXPokQmAguav6-gR7LzOmGkFaL66datovszsLeDXwX0hrQqooeeKDZMlikCq-3WsMYZKtj2UjFEFugeLFjrlF8CWUsvM8Ve91qkZBCzEPtS8/s640/ODK+-+Green+Mango+Sorbet.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Deliciously different: Green Mango Sorbet with Nam Prik (Thai Chili sugar.) I prefer this over the <i>bagoong </i> variant from the ever inventive <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sebastians.Ice.Cream/">Sebastian's Ice Cream</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What have you been eating lately? Leave me a comment or Tweet me on the sidebar and show me pictures!</span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-49592975406405326942015-11-08T18:08:00.000+08:002015-11-08T22:03:53.419+08:00Accepting the "Athlete"<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I think of the word "athlete," images of Olympic contenders would come to mind: lean, muscular, strong, and determined. I used to love watching all kinds of sports on TV, especially gymnastics, ice skating, tennis, and the NBA. My parents never pushed us girls toward sports, which had always been odd to me, considering how many basketball and tennis trophies my dad brought home and added to his collections stored in cabinets and displayed on our piano. It's a shame, because I was always full of energy, enjoying physical activities that not many girls in my school could relate to. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was the typical 90s kid who biked and rollerbladed around the village with my neighbourhood friends. I even had a street hockey phase, after <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104868/">The Mighty Ducks</a> was released. I loved arm wrestling, and became embarrassingly infamous for the game called, "Mercy!" In grade school, my classmates would set up challenges for me, like pushing rows of lockers across the hall. While many dreaded PE class, I looked forward to playing Filipino games like <i>patintero</i>, and later on basketball, softball, and table tennis. Despite all that, I was a fat kid; and I don't mean chubby, I was obese. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLEJZTcpz-5pQ9DHqo2nyXw4LEI-ZXJCEFSwwN95Qq79AW8qW9JYTLO52gMMKpr_NXzkDMPQLXErPKRCOyzTVWvwrinNU3nCcT9zhfjhFGFHDnrpg2R_rDFygRH3704_KiDkR8yUo8rGW/s1600/ODK+Fat+Kaye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLEJZTcpz-5pQ9DHqo2nyXw4LEI-ZXJCEFSwwN95Qq79AW8qW9JYTLO52gMMKpr_NXzkDMPQLXErPKRCOyzTVWvwrinNU3nCcT9zhfjhFGFHDnrpg2R_rDFygRH3704_KiDkR8yUo8rGW/s640/ODK+Fat+Kaye.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That was me at 136 lbs, and with a rat?! on my lapel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On my freshman year of high school, I was 5 feet tall and weighed 136 pounds. I used to eat plates full of rice at every meal, and snarled when told to eat less. How I eventually lost all the weight is a different story for another time, but I wanted to give a short background on why I'm so incredulous to be the <a href="http://crossfitgreenhills.com/katherine-tiuseco/">"Featured Athlete"</a> on my <a href="http://crossfitgreenhills.com/">CrossFit gym</a>'s website this month. I never thought I'd ever be considered an athlete in this lifetime; but by definition, I guess I could credit myself with this title by the way I've been living the past year. I've been working out by lifting and doing some gymnastics at least 3 times a week, and I have a more conscious effort to eat better every day (but I have to admit, this continues to be the struggle!) I even joined <a href="https://www.facebook.com/manilathrowdown/">a competition</a> to experience CrossFit as a sport, which I mentioned briefly <a href="http://onedaykaye.blogspot.com/2015/09/bars-and-bell-peppers.html">here</a>. So while it may seem shallow to some, I'm more than tickled by this recognition. I'm proud of how actively I've reversed my health and fitness by the choices I've been making, and plan on continuing to make the right choices as I get older.</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3KdvKBolkqaXLtj3HpO_Pufvm6XLQWu-X9ZXeM8egk2-eI4eRT4zS6QVbtcxy1hcflOsh1uZHgissL0QMujOuwCqXNveRaQjcoIyG14RzNuKor_T4oXlpHfB-tVjZPrC5qCS0tpm18Uc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-11-08+at+1.59.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3KdvKBolkqaXLtj3HpO_Pufvm6XLQWu-X9ZXeM8egk2-eI4eRT4zS6QVbtcxy1hcflOsh1uZHgissL0QMujOuwCqXNveRaQjcoIyG14RzNuKor_T4oXlpHfB-tVjZPrC5qCS0tpm18Uc/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-11-08+at+1.59.17+PM.png" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Definition from Google: proficient in (...) physical exercise</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://crossfitgreenhills.com/cfgh/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/624ac75e4301f716b55bae33106e783b90342bfe8c310120e7d712533356507c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://crossfitgreenhills.com/cfgh/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/624ac75e4301f716b55bae33106e783b90342bfe8c310120e7d712533356507c.jpg" height="640" width="584"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Kaye, our morning crew resident, CrossFit choreo pioneer, and a CFGH athlete in the recent Manila Throwdown Team Qualifier scaled edition has come a long way here at CrossFit Greenhills. Sheās a Speech-Language Pathologist, a performer with the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, a freelance writer, and an event host by profession. Talking about #NoExcuses with her hectic career and busy life, sheās managed to put in consistent work here at the box for over a year now! Sheās definitely much stronger and fitter now than the day she first started."</span></span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif;">Read more of my feature </span><a href="http://crossfitgreenhills.com/katherine-tiuseco/" style="font-family: '"trebuchet ms"', sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif;">. </span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To anyone who is still fighting fat, I encourage you to <b>keep on going</b>. Start with small changes, like eating less carbs and brisk walking for 30 minutes, and you will feel the benefits of a healthier body. I'm positive you will surprise yourself, just as my own capabilities continue to surprise me!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">CrossFit Greenhills </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br></span>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Address:</span> 4th Floor Intrawest Centre,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;">33 Annapolis, San Juan, 1504,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Metro Manila, Philippines</span></div><div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Landline:</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="tel:(02)%207289730" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(02) 7289730</a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mobile:</span> <a href="tel:(+63)%209178218848" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">(+63) 9178218848</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-7294999941971912212015-10-30T21:54:00.000+08:002015-10-30T21:54:20.690+08:00Halloween: Treats and Treats<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love Halloween. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
When I was a kid, my sister and I used to go trick-or-treating around our village. I remember I usually got so much candy from those to last me an entire year (though the best chocolate bars would be gone within a week!) I don't remember dressing up back then, though I found this photo of me and my sisters recently.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="5" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/1VbtmZBoUP/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">I'm a witch, @karentiuseco a clown, and @ktiuseco a skinny Ate. What randomness. #nationalsiblingsday #nsb</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2015-04-11T12:37:07+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 11, 2015 at 5:37am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For thirteen years or so, <a href="https://instagram.com/mela_superstar/">my</a> <a href="https://instagram.com/acinommm/">friends</a> <a href="https://instagram.com/ydalydal/">and I</a> <a href="https://instagram.com/caaaaarmel/">dressed</a> <a href="https://instagram.com/kechipot/">up</a> and went trick-or-treating at one of the private villages in our city, where one of us lived. In the beginning, we used to show up in whatever we had wanted; but during and after our college years, we came up with fun themes like Geeks, Cartoon Characters, <span id="goog_1603424719"></span><span id="goog_1603424720"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>Nationalities, and Crayola (these were the most recent that I remember.) That fizzled a few years ago when our host moved to Paris. Boohoo. Now, only our friends with children keep the tradition alive.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjvx784vHC5-c7uZhixdgADhxRJO2A5aKbYHsQGPU23C9Xi22x7rkp5UmkAMH-XS_oIBjHwpQsYSUbYaNmHqhgpyyGSVxn7hl1WGcqGDgAlVknPlwKzcJH0pZuAhdcu5IG69R81HOzTFM/s1600/ODK+Mario+Yoshi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjvx784vHC5-c7uZhixdgADhxRJO2A5aKbYHsQGPU23C9Xi22x7rkp5UmkAMH-XS_oIBjHwpQsYSUbYaNmHqhgpyyGSVxn7hl1WGcqGDgAlVknPlwKzcJH0pZuAhdcu5IG69R81HOzTFM/s1600/ODK+Mario+Yoshi.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I even made us <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Bros.">Mario</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshi">Yoshi</a> costumes for 2010</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to dress up at last year's Halloween party at my home box, <a href="http://crossfitgreenhills.com/">CrossFit Greenhills</a>. I went as Nikki Minaj, another pink-haired friend went as Katy Perry, I hung out with a Starbucks frappe, and one of my favourites was a very convincing Beetlejuice! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1InLjtZ2idYm7yBVyqGtPd0f5AuTNgIEbsnlQkw1Xg79cQ8jvVB39-0GtstLs3eYZDx_YtamiMpueRS3MB3qJgh9iYg0IelkXT9z2gsMoLvnWau1O2-rxS2ZFcgRmzsJa2dEpmNctrFC/s1600/ODK+Halloween+CFGH+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1InLjtZ2idYm7yBVyqGtPd0f5AuTNgIEbsnlQkw1Xg79cQ8jvVB39-0GtstLs3eYZDx_YtamiMpueRS3MB3qJgh9iYg0IelkXT9z2gsMoLvnWau1O2-rxS2ZFcgRmzsJa2dEpmNctrFC/s640/ODK+Halloween+CFGH+2014.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I even choreographed a short <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA">Thriller</a> copycat!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<center>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KcNfA8mJ44U" width="560"></iframe></span></center>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year, I'll be missing all the festivities because of a gig out of town (I'm not complaining, work is good!) I'm just a little bummed I won't be able to join our box's party, and some of these special promos and events in the city.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhGTLIkh5KDxANlSE-k5SFXW13CeG-5C66dKTvhC8J_87x0lB-uSj-zaxzUehafeVV-uMce0NfmpoLkKMMyjehOydMzNAbS2_lcrIYMf_2RRWo4oMXMi57gQ-o_mZFnGuRB2B7ob0K6rg/s1600/ODK+Cake+Macaron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhGTLIkh5KDxANlSE-k5SFXW13CeG-5C66dKTvhC8J_87x0lB-uSj-zaxzUehafeVV-uMce0NfmpoLkKMMyjehOydMzNAbS2_lcrIYMf_2RRWo4oMXMi57gQ-o_mZFnGuRB2B7ob0K6rg/s640/ODK+Cake+Macaron.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First, the Pumpkin Spice macarons are back for a limited time. Its warm and earthy orange hues give me the feeling of autumn, even in the Philippines. I love these pumpkin shaped, cinnamon-spice filled cookies; and this year, you can get one for free when you buy the Ghost Fluff. What is ghost fluff? It's a 3-layer moist chocolate cake with salted caramel ganache, coated in ghost fluff, errr, I mean marshmamaw... I mean marshmallow! I've had it, and it was everything it said it would be. I especially loved the texture of the salted caramel, a little chewy and nougatine. If you come in costume on the 31st, you also get a free treat. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mrs. Graham's Cafe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">51-C Scout Rallos, Quezon City</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MrsGrahamsCafe/">facebook.com/MrsGrahamsCafe/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/mrsgrahamscafe/">@MrsGrahamsCafe</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPpVghoOID-vsKCQqwiUK98RlTqVGtKQwEc6yclPlIIwEcgVEBFr1rODk7bzbVOPSAgvyoFG5Gua103G5TG8L-b3AD3_9j__q6Ut_EZ_9dDzMD05E2e6h2fkctkXaY3yQrGIFc166mtAo/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPpVghoOID-vsKCQqwiUK98RlTqVGtKQwEc6yclPlIIwEcgVEBFr1rODk7bzbVOPSAgvyoFG5Gua103G5TG8L-b3AD3_9j__q6Ut_EZ_9dDzMD05E2e6h2fkctkXaY3yQrGIFc166mtAo/s640/unnamed.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In another part of the city, a different kind of Halloween will be celebrated with Trick or Turtles. There will be a reading of a new book out called, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1645174139104441.1073741833.1580296132258909&type=3">"The Legend of Juan Pawikan and the 7,107 Islands"</a> to promote marine conservation and sea turtle awareness. Guests are encouraged to come in ocean/sea-themed costumes, and there will be art activities, games, and prizes. If you want your kids to get all the fun that comes with Halloween, but with an educational twist, you wouldn't want to miss this. The event is hosted by Celine Fabie, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">sea turtle advocate and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">creator of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/juanpawikan/">Juan Pawikan</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">October 31, Saturday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3:00 pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4<br />
Facebook Event: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1649619788626591/">Trick Or Turtles</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Instagram and Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/juanpawikan">@JuanPawikan</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">#AMarineKindofHalloween</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope everyone has a memorable Halloween for the books!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-17149507106026742322015-10-26T12:57:00.002+08:002015-10-26T13:04:55.604+08:00Forgive Like Animals<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is often a negative connotation when people are likened to animals. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In Filipino, it is an insult when you're told, </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Hayup ka!"</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I wonder if this thinking is rooted in the primal nature of animals, because I can't find any other reason why they would deserve that undertone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My dogs, for example, as my biggest and most constant exposure to animals, have more wonderful traits that some humans lack: simplicity, loyalty, kindness, empathy, sensitivity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="5" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/3gMb-ChoW3/" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Negatives, brothers from another mother. #Bruce #Kani #sharpei #labrador</span></a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2015-06-04T09:58:04+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 4, 2015 at 2:58am PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="5" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/kWhmkmBoX0/" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">These total opposites - black & white, aloof & goofy - have a love for each other that looks beyond fights over food and attention, and a love for me that holds no grudges and can fix all wrongs with a happy wag of a tail or a lick on the hand. </a></span></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2014-02-13T09:54:08+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 13, 2014 at 1:54am PST</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This morning, Bruce, my black Sharpei, didn't finish his food. Kani, my labrador, saw his dish and started chowing down on it. Bruce got mad, and bit Kani in the ear to try to keep him away; but Kani had started to stand over the dish, growling territorially. Their little riff last about 2 minutes, even as we tried to pull them apart, but finally Bruce backed down. Upon inspection, I saw drops of blood on the floor and saw that Bruce had bitten Kani quite hard, leaving 5 punctures in his ear. We brought Bruce out of the house momentarily, while I dressed Kani's wounds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Within minutes, Bruce had knocked on the door to be let back in (yes, he knocks.) We were wary at first, not knowing if the fight would continue; but I was touched to see them both walk toward each other. Bruce sniffed Kani, and Kani started to lick his face repeatedly. They continued to do this, walking slightly around each other, for about a minute, until it seemed they had made their peace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How wonderful it must be to forgive like them, bearing no grudges, ready to reconcile and forget the past <u>within 5 minutes</u>. So while I see where the negative connotations come from (they <i>did</i> fight and bite first,) I want to recognise that there is more good in animals than some realise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="5" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/c22GnlhoZH/" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not sure who's taking who for a walk. Enjoy your Sunday! #Kani #Bruce #dogs</span></a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A video posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo) on <time datetime="2013-08-11T02:57:48+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 10, 2013 at 7:57pm PDT</time></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-22667211377187265702015-10-25T18:41:00.001+08:002015-10-25T21:53:18.890+08:00A Night of A Capella: Akapela Open 2015 <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sSeXJ5zV18V5b_jcN24RYhagLPmvPbkWltHiIoF1zlXNDNwVDPvG5aoMnPmrieJPszh459vs6T7WypRqJ-QSrjcP74AXKRr2n3Qf_NwzkceXJhi9oLb66LkV4gFfIsKJxw6l5KOUUfng/s1600/dbe2e7b80184c01ae1fc2b33ce794dbc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sSeXJ5zV18V5b_jcN24RYhagLPmvPbkWltHiIoF1zlXNDNwVDPvG5aoMnPmrieJPszh459vs6T7WypRqJ-QSrjcP74AXKRr2n3Qf_NwzkceXJhi9oLb66LkV4gFfIsKJxw6l5KOUUfng/s640/dbe2e7b80184c01ae1fc2b33ce794dbc.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Taken from the <a href="https://twitter.com/akapelaopen" target="_blank">Akapela Open Twitter account</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.akapelaopen.com/" target="_blank">Akapela Open</a> is a contemporary a cappella singing competition, created by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/themusicschoolofryancayabyab" target="_blank">Music School of Ryan Cayabyab</a> (TMSRC.) It has clearly promoted a cappella music and performance since its inception, because the contestants at last night's finals were of a much higher caliber. Still held at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Meralco-Theater/177768335701205" target="_blank">Meralco Theater</a> on its third year (the event is sponsored by the <a href="http://www.onemeralcofoundation.org/" target="_blank">One Meralco Foundation</a>,) the house was teeming with a cappella lovers before the show started. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThePart4" target="_blank">The Part 4</a>, a male quartet who were all scholars of the TMSRC, kicked off the evening with introductions and a medley of songs that, in retrospect, were some of the songs sung by the contestants that evening. It provided an overture for the rest of the night; and they sounded so good, they got me rightfully excited for the finalists' presentations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm9uQFq9u3y3gZPH4gOm3oSy42Zw3BTsNrc4UNDhlBJZ_Zr5OulqZfa0-BZ906G_l1mehoo9dr4Co5zBbl2FnXqZ-iua3veztwshDnVqjL9SCBykQK0JszjJNAZKO7b87dwX3GVGC35Ae/s1600/Part+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm9uQFq9u3y3gZPH4gOm3oSy42Zw3BTsNrc4UNDhlBJZ_Zr5OulqZfa0-BZ906G_l1mehoo9dr4Co5zBbl2FnXqZ-iua3veztwshDnVqjL9SCBykQK0JszjJNAZKO7b87dwX3GVGC35Ae/s640/Part+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Part 4: hosts, singers, comedians</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not sure if my memory serves me right, but I recognised 6 out of the 10 groups' names, meaning they had already participated in the previous years. I was disappointed that some groups were missing from the line-up (like my friends from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fourteenfifteenacappella" target="_blank">1415</a>, who bagged the Best Vocal Arrangement and 2nd Runner-Up in 2013,) but I had some of my other favorites in the competition that I was still rooting for. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYQH3ecuRusvlAwINDqh0s35C0KNqJhiyzOS2zSHEmalJXn2vdKUn7G-KkXhL0AR89Fq9HQ_eA28hvgDwC-ei9PPtUoJwaN_0yldqD2JT7u02iDTmOFFXxWgjqmtTePo0j4XJ43CCM2ia/s1600/Ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYQH3ecuRusvlAwINDqh0s35C0KNqJhiyzOS2zSHEmalJXn2vdKUn7G-KkXhL0AR89Fq9HQ_eA28hvgDwC-ei9PPtUoJwaN_0yldqD2JT7u02iDTmOFFXxWgjqmtTePo0j4XJ43CCM2ia/s640/Ready.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Waiting for the show to begin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The finalists, in the order that they performed, were </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">D' Mortal Instruments, 10,000, Mouthfools, Voices, Five Percent, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/acapellagofficial" target="_blank">Acapellago</a>, Iskala, G Harmonic, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pinopela" target="_blank">Pinopela</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dynamixaccapellaofficial">Dynamix</a>. I commend all the groups who joined, because I know that a cappella isn't easy. It takes a lot of time to arrange a piece, learn an individual part, color it with different vocal productions, then try to make sense of it all when the group comes together. It sounds like a lot of work, and it is; but the pay-off is euphoric, at least for me. Maybe that's why I've joined choirs since I was a child, attempted to form singing groups with high school classmates, trained and <a href="https://youtu.be/kO5GqS2g0pg" target="_blank">toured</a> with the <a href="http://www.upconcertchorus.com/" target="_blank">University of the Philippines Concert Chorus</a> for most of my college life, enjoyed singing stints with a <a href="https://youtu.be/XLEn1RLEgdA" target="_blank">handful of friends</a>, and eventually ended up <a href="https://youtu.be/MchbwYHYfDc" target="_blank">singing professionally</a> with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRCS7" target="_blank">Ryan Cayabayab Singers</a>. It's no exaggeration when I say that I feel closer to God when I sing in beautiful harmony with other people. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's why I think everyone last night was already a winner even before the show began. They had already accomplished so much in preparing for that endeavour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeotzew-8AMEnsnkVFC3EfaLoXh9QFHVVpPGg0HcQXgIoJYg70OyPXJRYiCrr044Vjp_vrhrC7JN83nzyFW4gWVZBgbiQdKT4e2ppFz986VFp7RYElDOyMai8pdLTW4nPz2DhYD0pSiW_/s1600/Voices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeotzew-8AMEnsnkVFC3EfaLoXh9QFHVVpPGg0HcQXgIoJYg70OyPXJRYiCrr044Vjp_vrhrC7JN83nzyFW4gWVZBgbiQdKT4e2ppFz986VFp7RYElDOyMai8pdLTW4nPz2DhYD0pSiW_/s640/Voices.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Loved these girls in pink from Voices</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That said, it was still a competition, and it was evident who were confident in their craft the moment the first notes were sung. Un/fortunately, every detail that they decided to showcase affected their entire package, from choice of songs, clarity, and costumes, to blocking and choreography; if those things complemented their talents, then this allowed the groups to shine. The downside is that those who sang arrangements that were too complex for their level, wore ill-fitting or uncomfortable clothing, or those that attempted choreography but were awkward in its execution could not be ignored either. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year, one requirement was to sing a song from the <a href="http://www.philpop.com.ph/" target="_blank">Philippine Popular Music Festival</a>'s (Philpop) repertoire. There were duplicates in their choices, with Joey Ayala's "Papel," Thyro and Yumi's "Triangulo," and Jungee Marcelo's "Salbabida" performed twice each. I loved the simplicity of Voices' "Pansamantagal," which suited their pretty-in-pink ladies so well. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There were fun parts in G Harmonic's "Musikaw," especially the rap and the fade out before the final chorus.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Pinopela's "Salbabida" with it's wide chords and long vowels was so broad, thick, and powerful; and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Acapellago's "Triangulo" really knew how to build a climax with that no-beatbox break. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I liked how Dynamix's arrangement of "Papel" was so fresh and inventive (though it reached a point when it deviated too much from the original for my taste.) These were the arrangements that stood out for me, for no reason other than it matched their capacity to execute; and I think this is something that future contenders should consider from the very start. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVbP7t6V_T8egad-aZqk0Be1gFcO5U6hAKYdIVHDMyc1bO_1bPFcLISeCBIugwt_p_af95JwrhGOqz4lEckMZN5DtsZGqUtoNE6FFfyTG5MB-UDE76y2cZNdYvmaYuTUU677jEFn5uvB_/s1600/Thyro+Yumi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVbP7t6V_T8egad-aZqk0Be1gFcO5U6hAKYdIVHDMyc1bO_1bPFcLISeCBIugwt_p_af95JwrhGOqz4lEckMZN5DtsZGqUtoNE6FFfyTG5MB-UDE76y2cZNdYvmaYuTUU677jEFn5uvB_/s640/Thyro+Yumi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thyro & Yumi singing "Dati" for the intermission</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was betting on the same winners, though I wanted Pinopela to place first runner up. There was something about their classiness that just permeated throughout their music and movements. They stuck to blockography, ditching the fancy dance moves, but they walked with such confidence that every formation appeared grand. What I liked about Dynamix, whose style and fondness for the semi-chromatic harmonic runs (much like Pentatonix) was that they knew how to play with their voices to imitate instruments for the back-up parts. They also live up to their name, and manage their dynamics really well, swelling and hushing in perfect sync. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl3A6Ljf1f0Si0TmtCEI2R6sPpfpjuHm5bmzRcMN2KZchllOAqPv-oWzJZ4LLZOCruEgexfhGvi_9-cS0e00ALpI48iMJMf-jCsSXlDblWcQcyhqnBVgZSp0jwUn6DgzcVmsnQ13pznAE/s1600/Pinopela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl3A6Ljf1f0Si0TmtCEI2R6sPpfpjuHm5bmzRcMN2KZchllOAqPv-oWzJZ4LLZOCruEgexfhGvi_9-cS0e00ALpI48iMJMf-jCsSXlDblWcQcyhqnBVgZSp0jwUn6DgzcVmsnQ13pznAE/s640/Pinopela.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pinopela in clean pantsuits</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16aQwuos4JXuCaxDREU19W_qyeTQAzEbKatoT1GH5Yyu8ILfF7x94BbvD9mzhQx4ZtrUUXo3IYzfyMuavwdqDgp3QATfYz0n-OShZdgHcr89Tzjyohw2cGkmlQ3elOPQoTIhGla506f4r/s1600/Acapellago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16aQwuos4JXuCaxDREU19W_qyeTQAzEbKatoT1GH5Yyu8ILfF7x94BbvD9mzhQx4ZtrUUXo3IYzfyMuavwdqDgp3QATfYz0n-OShZdgHcr89Tzjyohw2cGkmlQ3elOPQoTIhGla506f4r/s640/Acapellago.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The champs: Acapellago</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But winners are winners for a reason. Acapellago had everything a contemporary a cappella group should have: excellent musicality, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">creativity in their arrangements, </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">soloists with limitless vocal abilities, sensitivity to their group's balance, energy, flair, and character! The beatboxing gave just the right percussive depth to their songs, an amazingly accurate likeness to real drums. All the singers fit like pieces of a puzzle, properly indistinguishable as individual voices, until the need to provide an extra pop or element of surprise. Lastly, that tenor soloist. He was oozing with personality, from the tips of his curly hair right down to his fingertips. You know that saying, "Anything a man can do, a woman can do better?" Well, this guy makes me think, "Anything a woman can do, a fabulous gay guy can do better!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiU_ZQ78kgoeEUphV-N5JdOVVzhJ7KFhpQ0PkZ1KdOgWQX0ossnV1mP4xQHnpmiiHh6_KDwp0wJ0skbIeSWXEjK0khHvJYJE2VRYnJbvvSeveVc5Tz80ABFDlN9sdgOrc2Ds68vqxDkBe/s1600/Fabulous.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiU_ZQ78kgoeEUphV-N5JdOVVzhJ7KFhpQ0PkZ1KdOgWQX0ossnV1mP4xQHnpmiiHh6_KDwp0wJ0skbIeSWXEjK0khHvJYJE2VRYnJbvvSeveVc5Tz80ABFDlN9sdgOrc2Ds68vqxDkBe/s640/Fabulous.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the end, I only wish they'd figure out how to get the results out faster; because while the crowd enjoyed the antics of Part 4, there was a palpable drop in attention and excitement when it took more than 30 minutes to announce the winners. Despite that, I think the audience expected who would finish on the podium, and it was a joyful end for everyone on and off stage. As Acapellago reprised their performance, enjoining the contestants to snap and clap behind them, everybody sang along and just had fun -- which is what the Akapela Open is all about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyr1w976ngSgEb9gfe_i0RCynOxK7CSGBbOhzQ_iUFOa3nJ6pTb9P8M9mYNcHYP26g_1l1hQN_EU5PrygmMebwrukTRblmluTUIAclwihez-8CHe2NCqjAQ5t9To8M-vORIPbYpQ8HX3k/s1600/Akapela+Open+All.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyr1w976ngSgEb9gfe_i0RCynOxK7CSGBbOhzQ_iUFOa3nJ6pTb9P8M9mYNcHYP26g_1l1hQN_EU5PrygmMebwrukTRblmluTUIAclwihez-8CHe2NCqjAQ5t9To8M-vORIPbYpQ8HX3k/s640/Akapela+Open+All.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Reprise of "Burlesque," all the finalists snapping behind them</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you're interested in joining next year's Akapela Open, visit their website <a href="http://www.akapelaopen.com/">www.akapelaopen.com</a> and "like" their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AkapelaOpen">Facebook page</a> to be notified on the call for auditions. The grand prize this year was P300,000.00, and P150,000.00 and P100,000.00 for the 1st and 2nd runners up. P30,000.00 was awarded to all finalists, with special prizes from PLDT Telpad, and a People's Choice Award.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jy9WRkgwTpc%2FViywGSy40OI%2FAAAAAAAAAMo%2FdKKF83Bf7nU%2Fs320%2FFabulous.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1682px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jy9WRkgwTpc%2FViywGSy40OI%2FAAAAAAAAAMo%2FdKKF83Bf7nU%2Fs320%2FFabulous.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1682px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jy9WRkgwTpc%2FViywGSy40OI%2FAAAAAAAAAMo%2FdKKF83Bf7nU%2Fs320%2FFabulous.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1682px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jy9WRkgwTpc%2FViywGSy40OI%2FAAAAAAAAAMo%2FdKKF83Bf7nU%2Fs320%2FFabulous.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1682px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jy9WRkgwTpc%2FViywGSy40OI%2FAAAAAAAAAMo%2FdKKF83Bf7nU%2Fs320%2FFabulous.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1682px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jy9WRkgwTpc%2FViywGSy40OI%2FAAAAAAAAAMo%2FdKKF83Bf7nU%2Fs320%2FFabulous.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1682px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2266721137718726570&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_uaU0K6MgC0%2FViymGqw9stI%2FAAAAAAAAAMY%2Fxdl-KH5vYyM%2Fs640%2Fdbe2e7b80184c01ae1fc2b33ce794dbc.jpeg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2266721137718726570&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_uaU0K6MgC0%2FViymGqw9stI%2FAAAAAAAAAMY%2Fxdl-KH5vYyM%2Fs640%2Fdbe2e7b80184c01ae1fc2b33ce794dbc.jpeg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2266721137718726570&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-uZ2lZwj2zps%2FViy29lw5zpI%2FAAAAAAAAANo%2FO9w_D2_rhwg%2Fs640%2FAkapela%252BOpen%252BAll.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5319px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2266721137718726570&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-uZ2lZwj2zps%2FViy29lw5zpI%2FAAAAAAAAANo%2FO9w_D2_rhwg%2Fs640%2FAkapela%252BOpen%252BAll.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GeEg1BW6_9BF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5319px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-34710821374383422872015-10-23T19:27:00.001+08:002015-10-23T19:27:45.656+08:00Quit the "Versus:" Fitness is Personal<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I just read something that left me feeling sore. The head of a particular gym <a href="http://www.completethecircuit.com/differencebetween360fitnessandcrossfit/" target="_blank">compared his fitness program with CrossFit</a>, in the guise of clarifying certain points on what makes the two different. He might have written this with good intentions; he even peppered his article with apologetic disclaimers, but unfortunately this came off slightly patronizing instead of sincere. While the author tried to be careful with his phrasing, he did not avoid making negative implications regarding the "competing brand."</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I'm not against making comparisons, but before anyone does it and posts it on an official website, I think their opinion had better be substantiated. He kept repeating the noncommittal statement, "there are good boxes, and there are bad boxes;" but the way I read it is he made all his comparisons based on the best features of his advocated program against the most ill-rumored features of CrossFit. How can you compare something with a bad version of another? If he really meant to differentiate the two, he would've been better off presenting <a href="http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/what-crossfit.html" target="_blank">the definition of CrossFit</a> and have made an easy, objective point without defaulting to his biased views.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
If we're going to compare fitness programs to find out which will be better suited to our interests and goals, then by all means break down the components and find the advantages of each. Comparing fitness programs to one-up another, or to attract clientele by posting uninformed claims about the other, is not a classy move. It's definitely not befitting of the motivational community he is professing to belong to. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The fact of the matter is we should support all sorts of fitness, if it gets more people living more active, healthier lifestyles. Fitness is personal, and something that each individual should be able to incorporate into their day-to-day. In effect, there is no hard ranking of what is better than the other, nor should that be the focus. Whether people choose boxing over HIIT, long distance running over tennis, or circuit over CrossFit -- if they love it and do it regularly, that is already better than doing nothing. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-2512813180937778342015-10-18T21:57:00.001+08:002015-10-18T21:57:49.500+08:00Bright and Jazzy Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This weekend has been gloomy on many fronts, so I welcomed some new distractions. Mom was in Osaka for a few days, and I asked her to visit some of the craft stores mentioned on <a href="http://itrydiy.me/2015/05/arts-and-crafts-supplies-guide-where-to-buy-in-osaka/" target="_blank">I Try DIY's</a> guide. I was so relieved that she was able to fly back in this morning, unaffected by Typhoon <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CBwQqQIoADAAahUKEwiEsMiwkMzIAhUDLqYKHcIHD8c&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rappler.com%2Fnation%2Fspecial-coverage%2Fweather-alert%2F109760-20151018-lando-pm-update&usg=AFQjCNENzu_DXAHYpD9hqWcB57k2pxvtGw&sig2=tdVAd7UA4QR5AOjjRFL5gw&bvm=bv.105454873,d.dGY" target="_blank">Lando's</a> havoc; and it was like waking up on Christmas day, with her hoarded goods laid out on a table. She brought home Royce' (not enough!) the strange but delicious square persimmons that I love, a designer bag for herself, and a mountain of cosmetics. She also bought some USB-powered reading lamps, and she was so cute when she happily showed them to me. She scored these calligraphy holsters and nibs, Copic pens, and Kuretake brush pens for much cheaper, that I almost couldn't believe the conversion!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRn43e4ti6bcKlwjVEE10cT4S6VpcE2E0jtzZrh6p3KW6Qq5-9BUbDh3hWuaW9RTjYoCT2XKarPY8l0W-Mdv9K3KEr9IhrXwt9tOi_Cjl-Zq2pvHo8IKbYql_2rYfTunK9Ino0y6WbuK36/s1600/ODK+Craft+Loot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRn43e4ti6bcKlwjVEE10cT4S6VpcE2E0jtzZrh6p3KW6Qq5-9BUbDh3hWuaW9RTjYoCT2XKarPY8l0W-Mdv9K3KEr9IhrXwt9tOi_Cjl-Zq2pvHo8IKbYql_2rYfTunK9Ino0y6WbuK36/s640/ODK+Craft+Loot.jpg" width="634" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Calligraphy nibs, holsters, Copic pens, Kuretake brush pens, music note puncher</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="5" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/fteE3NBoeG/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Katherine (@kaichypoo)</a> on <time datetime="2013-10-21T01:08:52+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 20, 2013 at 6:08pm PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before I can get around to playing with those, I've been taking a break from drawing, and pretty much everything else, because I'm speed learning a couple of songs for gigs next week. I'm both excited and freaking out (more of the freaking out!) that I'll be performing with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BaihanaGirls" target="_blank">Baihana</a> to sub for their alto. I absolutely love and look up to these girls, who sing harmonies so seamlessly, in their signature bebop/swing/big band jazz. Every free moment of this weekend has been spent trying to sight read their pieces, and then attempting to sing along with their recordings. Not yet there, but I will get there. Maybe tomorrow.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT2Va3NfptmLNr9mxEWrWPfRe-tHEbvHozgif1JPBPGxbkI0AVOigKloRbC0JkVeC48MrrXzNK7vQgJAGV41OEw1M0ercDYEm7GJS4uar6cf4D_47XY9Eqjc6kfauUElf5H7szgiDJyj4/s1600/ODK+Donna+Lee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT2Va3NfptmLNr9mxEWrWPfRe-tHEbvHozgif1JPBPGxbkI0AVOigKloRbC0JkVeC48MrrXzNK7vQgJAGV41OEw1M0ercDYEm7GJS4uar6cf4D_47XY9Eqjc6kfauUElf5H7szgiDJyj4/s640/ODK+Donna+Lee.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Learning jazz pieces for Baihana (c)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-42791619892634286592015-10-15T21:46:00.001+08:002015-10-15T21:46:05.639+08:00Drawing Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I accidentally skipped a chapter today and leapt to the one about Perspectives. I learned about the concept of Vanishing Points and Converging Lines. Here's our library (minus many details like the view outside the window, the blinds, and the carpet.) Those cabinets frustrated me the most, and there is an obvious lack of shadow grading. Why can't I see the different levels of darkness clearly? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWHy5EsbuVYflKpWFwQ3_73lXVqMfNWVXporu24H89OkTJJd5AuWfkuYl_eaPxv8EjWavMa9wJwmYbVfdpzSwaG3xnkI17hhljyz_F5EJxmRDC0s-CNXTENgCq6w5WyuxCwxQ6BZ6DRf6/s1600/ODK+Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWHy5EsbuVYflKpWFwQ3_73lXVqMfNWVXporu24H89OkTJJd5AuWfkuYl_eaPxv8EjWavMa9wJwmYbVfdpzSwaG3xnkI17hhljyz_F5EJxmRDC0s-CNXTENgCq6w5WyuxCwxQ6BZ6DRf6/s640/ODK+Library.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My one-point perspective</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAQuaxRmtvX3zCCNEVNTcca58IV1QXhT_Vc0vu1tUJgB12rc79xGCG6h51dn0X5R3uZrJJlwEvpZRiBM_HhGbBo25LAQJf0ySjYl2gaUkGIDVJn0-UahrBFr4UG3RwkNkOz3j0-PFT5xd/s1600/ODK+Library+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAQuaxRmtvX3zCCNEVNTcca58IV1QXhT_Vc0vu1tUJgB12rc79xGCG6h51dn0X5R3uZrJJlwEvpZRiBM_HhGbBo25LAQJf0ySjYl2gaUkGIDVJn0-UahrBFr4UG3RwkNkOz3j0-PFT5xd/s640/ODK+Library+Photo.jpg" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our library with a sofa, a TV on the left, and a reclining office chair</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was wondering why I found it hard to start this, considering they were mostly vertical lines; but when I went back to the chapter I had missed, I understood -- it was the lesson on Basic Unit. Now I've read it, and I started to do the exercise on drawing negative spaces, but my brain and eyes must be tired, because I wasn't progressing well. It also involved my ultimate waterloo: proportions. This was the first exercise that required me to scale up the drawing, and as expected, I was struggling. I'll continue the drawing tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">P.S. Drawing is <u>not</u> easy. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6617700948475756842.post-60848827472869170292015-10-14T22:13:00.000+08:002015-10-15T12:52:19.744+08:00Drawing Hands<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quick update regarding my progress on <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/23903750/Drawing-on-the-Right-Side-of-the-Brain-The-Definitive-4th-Editio" target="_blank">Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain</a>. The chapter I'm on (6) talked about edges, and it taught a technique called Contour Drawing, which encouraged focusing on capturing the details of a subject by never taking your eyes off it. Not even to look at what you're drawing. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That was fairly mind boggling, and I'm not sure if it did anything for me, but I hope it did. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just finished a section that introduced the concept of a picture plane, an imaginary "window" artists look through; a perspective that allows you to copy the 3 dimensional world onto a 2 dimensional surface through drawing. Two artists, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAAahUKEwjD-4imkcLIAhXIH5QKHSEOChk&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FFilippo_Brunelleschi&usg=AFQjCNHDIJuhVGIe14fYTSiC4q8jShEStA&sig2=OvczPf7JeNGycgRw43pLfw" target="_blank">Brunelleschi</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CBwQFjAAahUKEwjE3fKxkcLIAhVBqZQKHdh4AX0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLeon_Battista_Alberti&usg=AFQjCNFF4ybmnDm0YD3S8umHRQq7ySwOxA&sig2=1CrWqvP0xV9resxdrT52Vw&bvm=bv.104819420,d.dGo" target="_blank">Alberti</a>, were first in history to have recorded speaking of it, but <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAAahUKEwjmp4--kcLIAhXKjpQKHQUrDfs&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHans_Holbein_the_Younger&usg=AFQjCNHN3-KjSnNwHk_DiAOdmhXMm4SHLA&sig2=GsZBDeW0AeyHt4Ka71RRWA" target="_blank">Holbein</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CBwQFjAAahUKEwjPjZXKkcLIAhUKoJQKHQaUBhU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FVincent_van_Gogh&usg=AFQjCNFQRhoKAylEc9oMQuFRzxoXTJn4UQ&sig2=VSbw7uBdLephMRnqR_SLYQ&bvm=bv.104819420,d.dGo" target="_blank">Van Gogh</a> also employed it in their work. Since I'm not an artist (yet,) my teacher (aka the author) instructed me to create a picture plane, to help with the visual effect of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CDoQFjAFahUKEwiHn6P1kcLIAhWKipQKHQKdBjs&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FForeshortening&usg=AFQjCNG16RrwjFkLpWA_FJ4xoOHmUDAXaw&sig2=guwrIIKTGa6wPuGpk56NCg&bvm=bv.104819420,d.dGo" target="_blank">foreshortening</a>. I didn't have all the materials that the first chapter required me to gather; so I went to a craft shop this morning, bought a graphite stick, fibreglass pane, and the prescribed pencils, prepped the viewfinder and picture plane, and got to work on the exercises. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKS6J80xKTvNmly53OeApuSbHMyvKrJ6g2kzNCFN0O8TZcmX6G_np7hMi0Koihy0bt6X5itffH9WyIAW3sY3Pg03ZGCxJSpTe376q1s70tezEIFEp9hqGdBnVW7lydQ8oVX1iIEfSxOCZ/s1600/ODK+2nd+Hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKS6J80xKTvNmly53OeApuSbHMyvKrJ6g2kzNCFN0O8TZcmX6G_np7hMi0Koihy0bt6X5itffH9WyIAW3sY3Pg03ZGCxJSpTe376q1s70tezEIFEp9hqGdBnVW7lydQ8oVX1iIEfSxOCZ/s640/ODK+2nd+Hand.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My second attempt at drawing my hand holding a glue stick</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's not the best, but I was pretty pleased that I came up with this (please <a href="http://onedaykaye.blogspot.com/2015/10/ReadingDrawingStyling.html" target="_blank">refer to my first drawings</a> to understand my amazement.) Either all the explanations and exercises have been very effective in changing the way I see (I'd like to think so,) or the combination of viewfinder + crosshairs + graphite stick are magical. I'd never understood how to shade before, but when I was instructed to "erase the highlights and darken the shadows," this just happened. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Things I learned from this activity include 1) smudging just enough when erasing an error (or no amount of rubbing will even out my toned ground) and 2) darkening the edges a little more. I'd never spent this much time and energy on trying to draw something realistic, and now I wonder if I'd been able to manage if I just did; but it just reinforces that time and patience are definitely important factors in this creation process. </span></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-o3rmXd3kIp0%2FVh5fO_3HNxI%2FAAAAAAAAALg%2FzbKio9yTwng%2Fs640%2FODK%252B2nd%252BHand.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GyWsHXxXVyLz&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 63px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 328px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6617700948475756842%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-o3rmXd3kIp0%2FVh5fO_3HNxI%2FAAAAAAAAALg%2FzbKio9yTwng%2Fs640%2FODK%252B2nd%252BHand.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=GyWsHXxXVyLz&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 63px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 328px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102883072511330420noreply@blogger.com2