Dear Makati, My City

Dear Makati, My City

by: Trixie F. Torralba

I hear you now at the break of dawn

Waking me up from a good night's yawn

Inviting me to your sweet, sweet solace

While the rest still slumbers with a quiet embrace

The break of dawn kisses my cheek

Plans for today, I still have to seek

Calling me now, to this day I must wake

Each footstep brings, a step closer to take

With billowing shadows of skyscrapers' tease

Hunching over, watching as they please

This, but a routine, a daily partake

I must cherish each moment, each word that I seek

Oh Makati, my dear dear city

'Tis but a clear and cold morning breeze

I savor each footstep I take in your CBD

It is but a good feel that you bring to me!

Alas, the morning starts hustling

And the people are coming

Dressed in black, brown, corporate and chic

This ends my day, my morning's retreat

Trying Out Focaccia's Rolled Pizza

Last week, I came home from my dad's province with a sore body and a flu. That's why I decided to eat a lot of vegetables to help boost my nutrition. There was one day I wanted to eat rolled pizza--much like Yellow Cab's Dear Darla pizza, which I absolutely love. So when I found that Focaccia- Slice of Italy had their own set of rolled pizzas, I was so excited to try it. I didn't want to order from Yellow Cab because (1) I was going to eat it by myself. I can't finish Yellow Cab's serving, (2) I didn't want to wait for delivery, and (3) I was already in A Venue so I might as well just order to take out the dish.

I ordered the Tartufo al Funghi (mini) to take out because I wanted to go home before dark. Plus I was going to eat it on my own so I just had the mini. I wish it came in a smaller option still but it was already acceptable for the price (P299). What I really liked about Focaccia was that they offered different toppings and flavors for their rolled pizzas. Unlike Yellow Cab, which only offers Dear Darla.

Their cute wall!

While waiting for my order, they served me complimentary Focaccia bread along with Balsamic Vinegar mixed with Olive Oil (ala Italianni's). I didn't like the bread though because it was too dry for me. So instead of munching on it, I just had a glass of cold water to quench my thirst. Luckily, my order arrived in just 10 minutes.

Complimentary Focaccia bread

When I got home, I was eager to eat my dinner. I didn't like that it was stored in a plastic container because the pizza didn't retain its shape. I was sad to discover that they didn't have the chili oil that usually came with the Dear Darla.

Tartufo al Funghi, Focaccia
P299

Also, the crust was a bit soggy from the oil. I think this is because it was stored in plastic so the excess oil was absorbed by the crust.

What it looks like when rolled

Overall, I found it okay. I'd eat there again but maybe not take out anymore. Well, I'm excited to try their pasta and gelato.. There's always next time! After all, it's just in my neighborhood! ^,^

Focaccia: Slice of Italy is located at the Ground Floor of A. Venue Mall, Makati Avenue, Makati City. For inquiry or reservation, call them at +6327299403.

My Japanese Friend Loved Balot!

PETA, please don't be mad...

I've never seen anyone eat so many balot in one night, definitely not a foreigner. So last night, I was hanging out with my friends at Botongs Up, A. Venue Mall, Makati. What started as a night with a few bottles of beer turned into a crazy night. Of course, the fun started when Mark and CJ (my Korean friend) arrived. By then, Ryo and I had already drank 3 bottles each.

Me and Mark (Margaret), whom I haven't seen in MONTHS!

But when CJ arrived, he treated all of us to shots of the bar's Blue Fuck-- a drink with Cointreau and Blue Curacao. It was strong and I could taste the alcohol. After the shot, we had another couple of beers each before deciding to head home.

Ryo and CJ-- the Japanese and the Korean

Well, I know I went home after but I heard the two guys went to a KTV somewhere... Hmph. They didn't bring me. Probably picked up some girls. Haha! Kidding guys! 

Because you guys didn't bring me to KTV, here's my pay back ^^

Oh by the way, can anyone link this video as a video response to Mikey Bustos' tutorial on how to eat balot? :)

Why I'm So Excited That It's Finally March

It's March! A few days to go before my whole world will have a complete re-vamping. I am so excited for the exciting things that this month has to offer. It's like this has been the moment I have been waiting for. I'm finally going to be alone. :)

For the longest time, I have always wanted to live on my own. I was just never permitted and didn't have enough money to do it. But now that my sister is getting married on the 25th (yes, this month too), I am finally living my dream! I am so happy because now I can finally be independent. Since I've chosen to move to Makati, who else should I feel like but none other than Sarah Jessica Parker's character in the hit TV series Sex and the City! For one, she's a writer and she's living in the big city. Although my taste and knowledge in fashion is not as deep as hers, it's still a rough imitation of life. 

Umm... no... this is Carrie Bradshaw's bedroom

if only I had a Mac already... 

Aside from this, I am going back to school. Yes, school. But not culinary arts--this will forever be a part of me that I can never get back. I mean, I still like to cook and experiment on new dishes. But as far as the stress involved with professional cooking, I'll pass thankyouverymuch. 

I will be starting school next week. It's just a short course on iOS Programming (e.g. learning how to create iPhone apps). It will last for the next 6 months. 

Another change that is going on with my life right now is that I have started meeting new guys. For those who can remember, the last time I dated was in 2009 and that did not end well. So this time, I'm still on the stage where I meet new guys of different culture, family and lifestyle backgrounds. I guess it's safe to say that I'm not playing around. I am just meeting new people. Period.

Also, I was very shocked to hear that Anywhere Philippines chose me to be their February Blogger of the Month. In line with this, I get to join them on a trip to Baler. SO EXCITED FOR THIS! 

Plus, just last week the DLSU-Writers' Guild asked me to be their guest speaker for their event called Nomnomnom Food Blogging Talk together with a friend blogger, Smarla (Everyday Sweet Notes). The event went really well. 

image c/o Smarla (Everyday Sweet Notes)

With all these changes, the one that I'm most excited about is the big move. One thing I'm not too keen on is the fact that I'll no longer have free Wi-Fi at home. I do have a postpaid Smart Bro Plug It. But I'm worried about my iPhone and iTouch. I still want to be able to download new games and chat with new people on Skout. Plus I want to my laptop to be free of any USB connections and cables. 

So this got me thinking... that this is the best time for me to subscribe to a personal broadband connection. Since I'm already using Smart Bro Plug It and I am thoroughly pleased with the connection I have been receiving, I think I should subscribe with them too. 

I am not only assured of the speed of their internet connection, I just discovered that it's the best time to get  a Smart Bro broadband connection because they have an ongoing promo called Smart Bro's Broadbandest Blowout.

If I subscribe to the SMART BRO Unlimited Home Broadband Plan 999 or 1995, I can get several freebies such as:

• Free All-in-One HP Printer
• Free Call & Texts with SMART Gold Lite Plan 300 for 6 months subscription
• Free 1 Month Broadband Subscription

Since I'm sure of Smart Bro's consistency in surfing speed and stable signal, I will have no trouble submitting my work in time. I do have to think about it intently since this promo is only running from March 4-June 4, 2011.

Wish me luck guys! I'll be starting to haul my stuff to the new place tomorrow!

If you're interested in the SMART BRO Broadbandest Blowout promo, you can get more information by visiting your nearest SMART Wireless Center or any SMART BRO accredited agents. This promo is covered by the Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 1871, Series of 2011.

Makati Residents: Beware! Snatcher on the Loose

Wow.

This just in. A stranger stole my friend's laptop while she was walking home in Legaspi Park, Makati City. Her house is just 1-2 minutes away from the area and some guy suddenly snatched her laptop from her. I know I'm being stupid because there are really thieves everywhere but I did not expect there would be any in Makati City.. Let alone the CBD area! Wow! Where are our policemen? Ever since Vice President Jejomar Binay turned over his post as the Mayor of the city to his very own son (yes, his own son), things have been getting out of hand.

When VP was still the Mayor, there were no workers allowed to work on the streets of the city during office hours. I remember going home in the wee hours of the morning and they were hard at work. What's more is that they end each shift by setting aside their things and making sure that everything has been returned the way they started. Now, they leave the streets cluttered with their tools and do not even bother to finish the work they started on time. What has happened to Makati???

And wow, I was planning to transfer to Makati sometime next year. This is a HUGE disappointment since, like my friend, I am fond of walking in the streets of Makati. We have long trusted that the CBD area is safe and is being patrolled by Makati cops. Last time, I heard that there was a mugging incident in the Paseo-Ayala underpass in mid-noon yet no one did anything! It was the middle of the busy day and knowing this, I'm sure there were a lot of people in the area.

What has happened to the city I have long admired? Is this still the neighborhood I choose to live in? How can we be assured we are safe if they [Makati officials] can't even keep their residents safe? They can't even patrol the CBD streets!

My heart goes out to my friend. Good thing she was not hurt. But it looks like the thief followed her from Greenbelt, as she left work. As she told me, the thief was waiting for someone in Legaspi Park, with his motorcycle running and a helmet on his head. When she came near, he yanked her bag away.

CBD. Central Business District. W-O-W!

my friends and I with Mayor Vice President Jejomar Binay

Of Hair Cuts, Breakups, After Parties, and Sex

When it comes to hair, I love to experiment. One minute you’ll find me growing my hair, the next a cropped hairstyle. And although I may have never had the best hair, there’s just something about a haircut that makes me feel empowered after one. With me, you can always tell that there is something bothering me—once I get a major haircut: a breakup, new career, change in life, and many more.

Yesterday, I went to Mr. Shin of Beautybrick to have my hair cut. This is my second time with him and he has not disappointed me. The result of today’s haircut is a 20s hair style that I have always wanted to go for. The reason for my haircut was so I could exude a new me, through my hair, a new personality. A few days ago, someone really angered me so much. I couldn’t believe that anyone could be so mean, so evil. But I met the devil and made a terrible deal with him—one that stomped on my dignity, pride, and my essence of being a woman. Thus, I decided to get a haircut along with my change of personality.

And it (the haircut) was perfect for the Sex and the City After Party I attended last night. Along with my editor, Carla Sibal, we went to Shangrila Makati to attend the exclusive event Moet & Chandon hosted for the success of the movie.

Earlier, I was able to watch the movie with my family. I couldn’t stop laughing at Samantha! She was so horribly funny! And oh, everything is such a marketing strategy. Looking at it in a marketer’s ideals, the movie was a perfect way to promote Abu Dhabi, new designer apparel, and new terms (e.g. Black Diamond instead of Blue). I recommend anyone to watch the movie. It’s really good.

As for that devil: be careful ladies. You might find yourself face to face with him.