Milo Soft Serve Ice Cream

Speaking of yogurt, I happened to come across a stall in Robinsons' Ermita this afternoon. The stall, called Milo sells soft serve ice cream.

I purchased one serving and put some toppings in it. At only P40, I felt like I was eating yogurt.

It didn't taste too well though. I felt like it needed more Milo as there were more water/ice in its taste. But well at P40, I don't think it would be wise to complain.

July 15, 2010: No Pay + No Electricity = :,(

So there’s still no electricity at home. Boohoo. I end up with no pay for the magazine but at least I was able to get the money from my other gig. [Salamat!] Paid the bills… Globe and HSBC. Still have pending balance for my other card though but with the amount of work I have left, they should be enough.

With no electricity YET, I decided to spend the evening at Greenbelt with my friend, Angel. Sadly, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf did not have internet connection too! So I was stuck editing photos and did some grocery instead.

When Angel and I met up, we decided to eat dinner at Yellow Cab. We got the Pepperoni and Mushroom 10” pizza and waited for Martin and his friend Mark to show up. Out of the 10” pizza, Angel and I were only able to eat 2 slices each. So the remaining 4, she had to take home.

After a while, Martin and Mark showed up. We chatted for a bit and talked about a particular scenario that just occurred during the day. Private info though as he might be reading this…. [Who’s the stalker now?] ^,^

Martin looks scary here...

We then went to Red Mango to get our (Angel & I) addiction remedy: YOGURT! Seriously, Angel and I loves yogurt so much there was one time we ate a serving every other day! And of course, that meant we ended up broke for the next few weeks. Lately though, I’ve been MIA (missing in action, mind you) since my birthday. And I told her that I would be saving money from our yogurt trips. Last night was an exception though since there was still no electricity at home.

Martin and his huge order, Me, Angel

I got the small Original yogurt topped with grapes and crushed Graham crackers. It was so good!!! =) Angel got small Green Tea yogurt and topped it with motchi while Martin got large [?] Green Tea yogurt. We took pictures and the two boys talked about Toy porn, Katrina Halili, and what-nots. While Angel and I chatted about make-up, work, and our pets: Ponti and Motchi.

Eat Batman Eat!

We’re going to watch Inception later.. I can’t wait!

Lola Basyang's Aftermath: July 14, 2010

I wasn't able to blog yesterday due to 'Lola Basyang.' So this blog will be about the recent storm (typhoon?) that had just hit our country..

Don't get me wrong. It's not that I like calamities or experiencing another system blackout + no water supply. But there's something about the aftermath of a storm that makes me feel a little bit better about the whole calamity.

Tuesday night, I had the worst time falling asleep since the electricity went out at our house 12am while I was sending my report to SPARK. I was initially planning to sleep early since I had a full schedule the next day (a photo shoot at 9am + work + go to office + Louis Vuitton event at 7pm). But Basyang would not let me. The wind was so strong, it was frightening. I could hear tin rooftops passing outside my window and was worried it might hit our car. I also had this fear that the rain would be so strong, our roof would collapse and water would come gushing in. Plus, it did not help that Ponti was barking like crazy. I decided to let him in my room.

Ponti kept looking out the window

But I couldn't sleep. Apparently, the hallowing wind and the effects of the storm had a different effect on my Toy Poodle. He kept walking around on my bed, tearing apart my pillow, and barking. So I decided to let him out.

I was finally able to sleep at 2. When I awoke, everything was quiet. There was still no electricity and we found out the water supply in our little subdivision was also affected. I took a peek outside our door and everything was a mess. The clouds were still a bit dark, indicating that the storm was about to leave. I had to hurry though, as I was going to be late for the shoot.

We left the house 7 am and arrived 10 minutes later in Makati City. On a normal Wednesday, the ride would have taken us at least 45 minutes. I was early for the shoot so my sister and I decided to eat at McDonald's Valero. Just before 8am, I got a text from our Creative Director that the shoot was postponed to an indefinite date. I didn't know what else I could do since there was no electricity in the office (SVT). My sister and I decided to go to Glorietta.

We ate at Krispy Kreme so we could surf the internet for a few minutes. During lunchtime, she took me to Rustan's for a makeover by Bea/ Ms. B. of Bobbi Brown. And later, we decided to go home.

There was really no electricity yesterday and everywhere was a mess. Trees had fallen, leaves scattered, electric lines tangled together. Even in Makati, generators were operating non stop through all the biggest buildings. I was unable to work and do any blog. Needless to say, all my plans were disrupted.

There's something about aftermaths that make me feel gratified. I know that there are a lot who don't share the same emotion with me but it's really during this time that I feel thankful nothing bad happened to me and my loved ones. When I awoke yesterday, I made sure to text everyone I loved: friends and family, to check if they were also okay. It's during a storm's aftermath that everybody realizes they have to go back to their roots and not to depend on too much electricity. The network was down in our house too so it really felt like I was experiencing another storm back in our province during my childhood years.

I remember last year, I made a short video for Ondoy. We should all be thankful we're okay. Now let's move on...

Stories of Now- Northern Lights

Stories of Now

If you’re looking for a new song to include in your iTouch, you can check out Stories of Now. They have awesome songs such as their original hit single Northern Lights, Roadtrip, and Story.

Aside from these hit songs, they also play their own version of hit songs such as Sweet Disposition (Temper Trap), Closer (Ne-Yo), Pure Shores (All Saints), Use Somebody (Kings of Leon), and Sex On Fire (Kings of Leon).

(From L-R): Angelo, Shark, Marlon, Altair

Composed of 2 sets of brothers, I was lucky enough to interview these boys for SPARK. Watch out for my next update when their interview will be ready for viewing.

Fan girl moment with the boys

If you want to catch this band play live, here are their usual schedules:

Freedom Bar (Katipunan)- Thursdays

Il Ponticello (Makati)- Thursdays

Centerstage (Tomas Morato)- Saturdays

To get updates, here’s their Facebook page.

Listen to an original Stories of Now track by clicking this link: NORTHERN LIGHTS

Music: Esly Sings Fall in Love

With the advent of technology, I was able to get acquainted with one of the upcoming hit artists of our generation-- Esly. I first found her when I saw her Facebook account being promoted. I didn't know that clicking on that link would show me a different world in music.



The thing I like most about Esly (although I've never met her) is that she seems like such a young Korean girl ready to face the Western world and show them that she has real talent. She is beautiful, talented, and funny.





From what I've learned (through constant communication with DJ Lyon), Esly is still a student. And while I do believe the world is ready to be stunned by her powerful voice, I seriously hope she finishes her education before she pursues music.



Nevertheless, I think her fans from all over the world (currently over 12,000 in Facebook, 3,000 of which are from the Philippines) will understand the reason why this artist still cannot go on tour. But I do hope that when she does, she will visit our country as well. And despite the fact that I am agoraphobic, I will really be first in line to get to her concert! She just might be the first concert I ever go to. :)





Some of Esly's songs include Night and Day and Unfair (original), Fall In Love (Estelle), and Like A Star (Corinne Bailey Rae). All I can say is: I can't get enough of her awesome voice! MORE!!! :)



Listen to an original mp3 track I got thanks to DJ Lyon: Fall In Love by Esly.



Add Esly's Facebook Page

We <3>Facebook Group



*Photos and MP3 used in this post have been supplied by DJ Lyon.

I COMMIT TO CHANGE: My Wardrobe Malfunction

Have you ever felt the sudden urge to go to a clothing store and purchase some clothes to make you look and feel better? I usually battle with this problem since I don’t have a lot of clothes to wear. Correction: I do have several clothes it’s just that they are mostly shirts and jeans. Since I have big arms, wearing shirts make me look bigger than I really am. And this is why I frequently feel the need to change my whole look whenever I’m in the mall, killing some time before I attend meetings.

Aside from this, I often find myself ransacking through my closet just so I could find the right clothes to wear to the events I go to and the scheduled meetings with my boss. And this sometimes takes me forever! Before, I could just throw on any ‘pambahay’ clothes and work the whole day in the comfort of my own room. While this has been acceptable in the past (when I was still working at home as a freelance writer), it no longer is okay for what I do now.

At the 2010 Hot Air Balloon Festival, Clark

As many of my friends know, I have been given a job as a Web Marketing Manager for SPARK Magazine (thank you Sammii!). I started on the last week of April and I’ve been very happy about the job. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to work for a magazine. I always thought that if I could just get at least one article posted, even without any remuneration, I would be happy. But I could never get the part. This is because I lacked the education and background for working in the industry.

But hey, I love to write. Ever since I was 11 years old, I’ve been writing poems and short stories. If you do a Google search on Trixie Torralba, you would be directed to several links all containing previous poems I have published on a certain blog (unfortunately, I forgot the password). I knew that if they (magazine editors) would just give me a chance, I would prove myself to them.

Luckily, I was well into my 8th months of being a freelance writer when I happened to overhear Angel’s friend, Sammii, asking if anyone was interested in working for an upcoming magazine. I knew I could not let this opportunity pass. So I told her that I was interested and luckily, I was accepted.

This is my third month in the business and I’m feeling more ecstatic than ever! I get to practice photography, meet new people, and do what I’ve always wanted! But most of all, I get to show people (especially my editor) what I am capable of. I may not be perfect or the best, but I am trying to be.

My tasks in the job include writing articles, doing photo shoots, featuring restaurants, attending events, and talking to several people. And because I have nothing DECENT to wear to such events, I always end up heading to the mall and scouring for an outfit that will fit my budget while still being able to look tiptop.

Knowing this, I decided I COMMIT TO CHANGE my whole wardrobe. I always had a knack for pretty clothes but I always thought that I wouldn’t get to wear them. I always made alibis (palusot) that there was no point in buying such clothes as they will just get stuck inside my closet. Well, now’s my chance.

During a trip to Bangkok with my friends

I COMMIT TO CHANGE not only my wardrobe. I will also change my bags. Before, I used to buy just about any bag large enough to fit all my essentials but below P500. I have to keep in mind that the magazine I am working for is a luxury lifestyle magazine. And although I may never have the chance to own a Balenciaga (except if it’s free), I do have to look for bags that are of good quality and design.

A bag I got in Chatuchak, Bangkok

I COMMIT TO CHANGE my shoe collection as well. If you ask anyone close to me, they will honestly tell you that I have really cool shoes! And I promise I really do since I’m a shoe person not a bag lady. But I will look for more designs and comfortable footwear that will make me able to face people I talk to without any insecurity.

Yes, that's my super white leg in the middle.

Lastly, I COMMIT TO CHANGE my look. When I started with the magazine, I decided to chop off my hair and had it cut short by Basement Salon. A few weeks later, I got Mr. Shin of Beautybrick to fix it for me. Aside from my hair, I also need to learn how to put on makeup. I used to be a big fan of cosmetics back in 2008 but I stopped using them when I started being M.I.A. from the events of VIBE Manila. My sister, Bubot, sponsored my makeup class from Suesh as my 24th birthday present. I will be attending the class tomorrow and already, I’m excited!

A fully made up Me with hot Toni Santos in 2008

Hopefully, with these changes, I will be able to learn how to become a better talker since I always shy away from crowds because of my insecurities on the way I look. *Crosses fingers*

Kate Torralba: The Long Set

June 16, 2010-- Kate Torralba unleashed her vixen as she serenaded the diners of Cafe Alfonso, Makati City. Presented by SonicLogo.TV, Kate sang some of her original compositions as well as some of her own covers of artists past.

Many already know KT for her brand in the world of fashion. However, only a few people know that she also has a knack for other talents such as singing and playing the piano/keyboard. This, she demonstrated during the evening entitled as Kate Torralba: The Long Set.

Singing tracks popularized by Tori Amos, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, Astrud Gilberto and many more-- Kate sang non stop for 3 whole hours. Not only that, she also played the keyboard to accompany her beautiful voice.

Strumming the instrument, Kate moved like a little girl as she hit random (well, they looked pretty random to me) notes while entertaining the crowd not only with English songs. She also sang a few songs in French and her native tongue, Bisaya.

Ever so often, Kate would take a break and indulge the crowd with random tidbits about her endeavors such as plans for her upcoming album (finally!). One incident, she even talked to her friend through the microphone as he was about to leave. It proved just how randomly and down to earth Kate is, despite her huge success.

Indeed, Kate has proven she is one talented woman. It would take a while before the public will be able to unwrap this little package with a colorful ribbon named Kate Torralba.

Me, Kate, Angel, Ice

What amazes me most though, is the fact that KT sang nearly 3 hours straight. To some musicians, this may seem ordinary. But knowing that KT was feeling under the weather earlier, this boosted my opinion of her.

KT played at Cafe Alfonso, LPL Center, 130 Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City. For reservations, you may call them at +632 812.9270.

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.

Intellipen Pentastic Launch

May 27, 2010-- Intellipen unleashed 2 products to the public by bringing some of the top bloggers in Manila to rendezvous at Café 1771, Ortigas. The team released their wireless and wired Intellipen products to this small group of writers as well as friends from the media. TheGypsyWrites was lucky to be a part of the event (thank you Vince Golangco) and was able to witness this cool pen!

There are two different types of Intellipen: the wired and wireless. Depending on the user, these pens will be able to benefit each individual according to his needs. Take me for example, there are times that I don’t want to bring my laptop along with me when I leave the house. Instead, I carry a small notebook and pen so that I can write some ideas. But there are several times when I have been able to construct a well made article on paper that I don’t have the time or even am too lazy to type those words into a Word format. So instead, I end up having a notebook packed with write-ups that are stuck inside the pages of those notebooks. With the wireless Intellipen though, I can simply clip the receiver onto a piece of paper and write freely like I normally would. When I arrive home, I can then attach the receiver to my computer and it will be converted to a file in my computer.

The good thing about this device too, is that I can doodle and design logos using my own handwriting. Although I don’t have the best handwriting, I can have a unique font that other people cannot use.

I prefer the wireless version. The wired version acts like a Wacom pen tablet that is connected to the computer. But instead of using a tablet, you can draw onto a piece of paper and still be able to get your drawing inked on the material.

SRP for Intellipen Pentastic is P4,500.00 for the wired version and P5,995.00 for the wireless. *Please correct if I am wrong :)

Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo is something lot of people have heard of but only few know where or what it really is. Located in the midst of Makati Central Business District, Little Tokyo is a cluster of authentic Japanese restaurants with a unique setting. And because of its diversity, a lot of people get confused about where to go. Lined with red lanterns called akachōchin, each adorning Japanese characters, you can determine what food a restaurant serves. Unlike the other Japanese restaurants in the city, Little Tokyo has various restaurants each with their own special dishes.

Aside from its authentic taste, the whole premise is patterned after a little village in Tokyo. For this reason, you can get lost, especially if you don’t know where to go. Depending on what you feel like eating, you can be able to try the authentic Japanese food in the area. But if you don’t know what each restaurant does best, you can get lost and end up disappointed. In order to have a pleasant experience in Little Tokyo, here are the restaurants that you must know of:

OISHINBO

The first restaurant in the vicinity is called Oishinbo. As a combination of the two Japanese words: oishii (delicious) and kuishinbo (someone who loves to eat); the term roughly translates to ‘the gourmet.’ Despite its homey appearance and size, this restaurant serves up the finest dishes. Known for its Teppanyaki dishes, the restaurant is perhaps the only one in the area that is serving several items on their menu. When dishes have been cooked using an iron plate, it is called Teppanyaki.

URAMESHI-YA

Next stop is one of the famous restaurants in the area called Urameshi-ya. This little restaurant is patterned after a Japanese funeral ceremony as they have made use of sotoba (grave sticks) for their decoration. The food that you can find in this restaurant is the highly recommended, Yakiniku. Translated into English, it simply means grilled meat. These are thinly sliced pieces of beef, pork, and offal (internal organs and entrails) which are cooked over a grill. When served, they come with a soy sauce based dip.

KAGURA

If you’ve never heard of Japanese pizza, then this is one restaurant you should not miss. Kagura is most famous for its Okonomiyaki. When translated into English, okonomi means ‘what you like’ while yaki translates ‘to cook’ or ‘to grill.’ The reason why this dish is considered as a Japanese pizza adaptation is largely due to the fact that it is circular in shape and is served in slices. Prepared with a pancake batter and noodles, you can ask the cook to combine any other topping along with your order. When it is cooked, it is then topped with okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, nori, and thinly shaved bonito flakes that seem to be alive when the air conditioning hits them.

Okonomiyaki by Kagura

Bacon and Potato

HANA

If you are a big fan of Takoyaki that is usually seen in the malls, then you have not tried authentic Takoyaki. A visit to Hana will introduce you to how well their version is different from those cheap ones in the malls. Because they are authentic, Hana cooks their Takoyaki according to order. So while waiting for this dish, you can try out the restaurants other specialties such as their donburi plates and salads. But make sure you try their Kakigori, a Japanese dessert composed with ice shavings, flavor, and milk.

CHOTO STOP

When you want to eat something heavy, Choto Stop is the ideal place you should visit. Armed with a big serving for Bento dishes and Ramen noodles, you can fill up your empty stomach with just a couple hundred Pesos before calling it a night. This restaurant not only resembles a small and casual home but also has its own grocery lurking in the side. At only P75 a piece, you can buy just about any authentic Japanese item in the grocery. Don’t forget to try their ice cream imported straight from Japan.

Shake Bento by Choto Stop

NODASHO

Finally, the last restaurant on the list is Nodasho. Unlike the other restaurants in the area, this one caters to the people who have a higher budget. At the same time, the dishes here are good for one person only. But the good thing about this restaurant is that they are the ones that are really serving authentic Japanese foods. Nodasho is most famous for its sushi, sashimi and maki.

~o~

Little Tokyo is located beside Makati Cinema Square along Pasong Tamo, Makati City. Although there are a few restaurants open for lunch, it is best to come here at night when you can really see the intricate Japanese designs of the vicinity.