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July 17, 2011

Reinventing My Blog-- A Freelancer's Journey

I'm nearing my second year as a freelance writer and in line with this, I decided to give my blog a new approach. Instead of blogging about random things, I decided to reinvent my blog and talk about the many different things I do as a freelancer. Since I'm always asked how I am able to handle my daily activities, I decided to share this on my blog. At the same time, this is a great way I can monitor my work and be able to improve my work behavior. So my blog is no longer limited to just featuring food and restaurants. I now talk about many other things that I encounter everyday.

I hope you guys enjoy reading about my adventures as a freelancer! I hope with this blog, I get to inspire other freelancers. My second year as a freelancer, I need to do it right this time. :)

July 14, 2011

Why I Don't Plan on Watching Harry Potter 7

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix- Part 2
As everyone else is getting excited to watch the final Harry Potter movie, I find myself retreating to a corner--nonchalant to the fuss everyone is making. It's not that I don't want to watch it or the first part of HP7. It's really just that I don't want to put an end to the movie. I know I've read the books and have been finished with them a long time ago, but I just can't gather the nerve to say goodbye to a movie franchise I've continued to watch with my friends.

L-R: Kristia, Snap, Cristel, Mimi, Trixie, Andrew

L-R: (Angel in the background), Mimi, Trixie, Tricia) 
In fact, I can't believe it's been 10 years! I can still remember the very first book was what brought me and my friends together. I know there were other things-- WWF, Incubus, Love Stories books, and our indifferences; that attributed to the start of a decade's worth of friendship. But it has always been Harry Potter, his friends and enemies, yes even Voldemort, that stood by us throughout these years.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
I can still remember the first time I heard of Harry Potter. Mimi or Cristel (I can't remember) came up to me one day and asked if I had already read Harry Potter. I said no and stated my reason: I never had the chance to buy a book. But before that, I had already seen the book in a few bookstores (both in Bacolod and in Cebu). All the while, I thought Harry Potter was the name of the author and The Sorcerer's Stone was the title of his book. Boy, did I give Mimi and Cristel a laugh!

L-R: Trixie, Tricia, Riza, Mimi, Carissa, and Danika
L-R: Sam, Jomelle, Riza, Mimi, Trixie, Cristel, Paula, Maffy, Tricia
That was the start of it. Mimi let me borrow her books. Every time a new book came out, she would always be the first to have a copy and we would all take turns borrowing it-- patiently waiting until the other had already finished it. Fortunately, we were all book lovers and we could easily finish a book; so the waiting really didn't take long. We also had our own favorite love teams to support: Harry & Hermione, Ron & Hermione, Harry & Ginny, and yes, Harry & Ron. I remember reading fanfics of HP back then and always favoring those that supported Harry & Hermione's love affair. So I was really disappointed when Harry & Ginny were paired.

When the first movie came out, we watched it together at Robinsons' Bacolod. By then, that was the only decent mall we had. It was also the only mall where we could all hang out during Saturday afternoons, play billiard and Dance Revolution. Even though we were all separated in College, we made a point to try to watch the new movie together. If not, at least talk about it-- inform each other that the new movie is out.

L-R: Carissa, Cristel, Trixie

Top L-R: Trixie, Mimi, Carissa, Riza, Andie, Cristel

Top L-R: Carissa, Riza, Mimi, Cristel, Andie, Trixie
L-R: Trixie, Angel, Chris, Carissa, Sam

Last year, I said that I won't watch Part 1 because I can easily forget what happened and will only end up spending money buying a DVD to give myself a review of the movie. But as the days and months went on, I became more and more busy. I forgot about buying a DVD. Now that the second part is here, I still haven't watched Part 1.

So yes, I don't think I'll ever muster the strength to watch HP7 Part 1 and Part 2. I think all the while, I was lying to myself because I could not believe it was the end. We grew up watching these movies and they've always been part of our childhood. Now that this is the last movie, I feel like I'm saying goodbye to my childhood and affirming the fact that I am now an adult. I think this is what many HP fans are also feeling now- a melancholic state of a decade past.

Bottom L-R: Cristel, Trixie, Carissa, Andie, Riza, Tricia, Angel

L-R: Carissa, Trixie, Mimi, Andie, Cristel, Riza, Angel, Sam, Tricia
(almost complete: without Chris)
 
L-R: Cristel, Riza, Andie, Mimi, Sam, Carissa, Tricia, Chris, Angel
(without me)
 
It has been, indeed, a hell of a ride. And amidst our quarrels and misunderstandings, we've stayed friends all these years. With all our busy schedules, I miss my friends and just being able to hangout on Saturdays with them. :(

Footnote: I don't plan on watching HP 7 without you guys... Let's have DVD marathon this Christmas? :) 

July 13, 2011

Adora's Move to Educate Everyone about the RH Bill

I know you guys have probably walked by Adora in Greenbelt 5 numerous times and have seen the new window display. I've done this a hundred times already. But I just really wanted to blog about it and one particular experience I had when I passed by the display a few days ago.

The New Display


Entrance to Adora

Adora in Greenbelt 5


I really like it that Adora is making an effort in letting people know about the RH Bill. I am PRO RH Bill because I believe education is the answer to our population problem. We just have to wake up and accept change. Like in Bangkok, they are supportive of their movement against AIDS and their population problem. They even have a restaurant that serves as a venue to let tourists know about the cause. Known as the Population and Community Development Association, they have the ever so famous Cabbages and Condoms Resort and Restaurant, which I was able to visit last 2009.

Me and Sam outside Cabbages & Condoms

Mannequins dressed up with condoms

What? No mint? Take a condom instead
Posing with Angel
Anyway, going back to the topic... I've seen a number of cars with bumper stickers for "Anti RH Bill." Whenever I'm driving, I just really want to bump my car into them because I am so shocked to see that there are still so many people who have a closed mind. But because I've always been trying to keep myself in the middle of things, I behave and keep my thoughts to myself.

These stickers are posted on several cars in the metro
But when I first saw the new window display of Adora, I was very pleased that this luxury brand was not oblivious to the developments in our country. I am very pleased with their decision to choose this as their new campaign. It really goes to show that they are not just a fashion brand.

The Shocker


On a normal Sunday a few weeks ago, I was passing by Adora and admiring the window display when I happened to overhear someone talk about the display. As pretty, tall and skinny that she was, I could not help but frown at disbelief. While passing by the store, she asked her friend: "Ano yung RH bill?" It was a huge shock for me because I reckoned she was someone who studied in an expensive university and she did not look young not to understand it. She was probably around 19 years old and was in college already. I was just really shocked that she did not know what the RH bill is. Amidst all the fuss about the RH Bill, where has this girl been?! Whether she's pro or against it, I think she needs to know what it truly is.

Makes me wonder... what do colleges teach kids these days? hmm....

July 12, 2011

Hooray for New Shoes!

I don't like bazaars. I don't like staying in crowded areas where I'm surrounded by people and I can't get out of the venue as quickly as I can. This is why I avoid huge malls during the weekends and concerts.

But when I found out about the I'm Shoe In Love: Find Your Perfect Pair event, I made a date with destiny! Being a huge shoeaholic that I am, I made sure I went to the event. (Yes, for those who don't know, I am a huge shoe lover-- sans my blog Imeldanisms).

I'm Shoe in Love: Find Your Perfect Pair
Unfortunately, the event was postponed due to the bad weather during the last weekend of June. I had initially planned out my trip to the event because my birthday was just a few days after it. I wanted to give myself new shoes as my own birthday present-- I had already set up a budget (P3,000) and made sure I don't buy any new shoes before the big shoe bazaar. So when the event was postponed, I grew impatient. I checked out different stores and was already eyeing some new styles.

I invited my friend Jesna to come meet me after her 7am shift last Saturday. We planned to go to the event together. But because I woke up late and she wasn't feeling well, the trip was canceled. Or so I thought.

As the clock struck 9, I made a wild dash for my bathroom-- I bathed, clothed myself and hurried to the car. With no breakfast and intake of my L-Carnitine medicine, I hurried to NBC Tent. But just as I made an exit at Estrella Street, ack! the traffic! A normal 15 minute ride took me 30 minutes to get to my destination. I was racing and was so excited to grab whatever would fit into my budget.

When I made a left right before NBC Tent, my heart dropped. At only 10:00 am, there was already a queue outside NBC Tent. People were lining up and were all patiently waiting to get into the venue. Unsure of myself, I parked in the nearest parking (in BHS) and walked to the end of the line. That's when I had forgotten to bring my umbrella.

Yes, that's just the queue to get in
It was already 10:06 and the queue wasn't moving at all. I grew impatient and the rain was about to start. The family in front of me kept hitting me with their umbrellas (the dad wasn't holding the umbrella high enough). Hungry, annoyed, pissed, and frustrated, I gave up and went home.

Later that night, I met up with my relatives for a dinner at Manila Peninsula Hotel. I overheard one of my relatives (Noelle aka KikayRunner) talking about her new shoe finds from the event and how she was able to score 2 pairs for only P500. Quickly, I asked her what time she got there. 10:30. And yes, the line was already moving by then.

When I woke up the next day, I decided to give it another shot. I hurried to the event and was pleased that luck was on my side. I was prepared for the rain, early, dressed, and was able to park just beside the tent. Since I was 20 minutes early, I decided to wait inside the venue. Thanks to EastWest Bank, I got to save P50 from the entrance fee.

Free entrance!

So peaceful compared to yesterday!

When they finally opened, I hurried in. I found a number of shoes that made me want to hug them and never let go. But when I asked if they accepted Visa or Mastercard, they declined and said they only accepted cash. My heart was broken. Here I was, about to buy my favorite pumps from Katie shoes and Gold Dot but they didn't accept any other payment method except for cash. This was so frustrating-- I felt like I wasted my visit for nothing. So I decided to go around.

Trunk Show

Cole Vintage
That's when I finally saw them. I finally found something that caught my attention. Here are the shoes I bought from the event.

1. Possibility by The Ramp

This was such a huge deal! The original price of these shoes are around P2,500-- I bought them for only P820! They were also available in black and yellow combination, but I found it was a dull mixture. That's why I settled with this.

Possibility by The Ramp
P 820

2. Virtual Mae



At first, I was looking at the purple suede pumps and wedge heels that they had on sale. But I realized they were too HIGH for me. I couldn't walk in them. :( After several minutes of looking around, I finally found a pair I liked. These wedges are so awesome because they're so comfortable! Bought this at only P1,500.

Wedges from Virtual Mae
P 1,500

3. Virtual Mae


As part of Virtual Mae's sale, they gave away a free shoe for every purchase. After waiting and choosing from different shoes, I settled with this pair. Cost: FREE!

Heels from Virtual Mae
FREE

Plus, I got to meet Kat Agarrado from Sino si Kat?-- she was helping out sell Virtual Mae shoes. She was so friendly and accommodating that I was so in awe of her! Plus she was so skinny! I think she's just half my size. *dies of shame* I was too shy to ask to get a picture with her though-- after all, the event was for shoes not to meet your favorite singers.

Kat Agarrado, a total vixen with the attitude to boot!
Kat is also the model for Virtual Mae
My total for that day: P 2,320! I didn't reach my budget! Anyway, I went back in the afternoon because Jesna wanted to get shoes for herself. I thought she was going to buy heels but all she got were flats. :( 

July 9, 2011

People of Negros vs. Coca-Cola

Hey guys! I know everyone's been blogging about the new Coke-WWF plant billboard and everyone's getting curious to see it -- yes, I've seen it already. It's on the building just before you turn right (from EDSA) to enter Kalayaan Ave. and go to BGC area. It's better to see the billboard if you're using the flyover from Buendia to BGC than to stretch your neck just so you can see the billboard on top of the building.

I really wanted to share what this billboard looks like but I've been unable to take a picture as I'm always driving when I'm in the area. And you can't see it from the MRT because the track is underneath EDSA. Anyway, I borrowed some of these images from other bloggers to show you all what it looks like.




Personally, I really like the concept and the movement. I'm not sure how they were able to do this but I think it would be good if we had more of these billboards. I just hope this billboard will stay longer so we could enjoy it more.

I know there are a lot of other bloggers who have already shared this information but I think, I'm the only one who's informed about this ongoing issue between Coca- Cola and the Negros Sugar Industry. I found out about this through their Facebook campaign "Coke- FREE Negros."





Here are the reasons why there is an ongoing boycott for drinking Coca Cola products:

“People of Negros vs. Coca-Cola”

We, the sovereign, united and concerned people of Negros, do hereby prosecute Coca-Cola for the following violations and wrongdoings:

1. It has been deceiving the Filipino people.
For years now, it has been intentionally mislabeling the sweetening ingredient it is importing to be mixed in its products. They label it as pre-mix sugar to be classified not as sugar, thus making it merchandise free from mandatory tariffs imposed by the government on imported sugar. However, inspection and examination by a government regulatory agency showed that this so-called pre-mix sugar actually contains over 99% sugar, which according to law is supposed to be taxed.

This skillful deception is costing the Philippine government and the Filipino people millions of pesos in form of evaded importation taxes and tariffs.

2. Its unfair trade practices have brought perils to the sugar industry, to Negros and its people.
In its desire to earn skyrocketing profit, the company resorts to the mislabeling of its imported sweetening ingredient. Because this good is evading importation taxes and tariffs, the price of this pre-mix sugar is cheaper than the locally produced sugar. This has caused an artificial intrusion in the law of supply and demand of sugar in the country, thus distorting the market value of the harvested sugar canes and produced sugar in the country and in the province.

These unethical and self-centered practices of the company leave the sugar industry and its stakeholders, especially Negros, which is the sugar bowl of the country, at the brink of crisis.

3. Its High Fructose Corn Syrup ingredient had been found to be hazardous to human health.
It has been using High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), which is one of the reasons why obesity and diabetes are now epidemic in the United States. Even the US Food and Drug Agency found out that this HFCS contains a certain volume of lead, which is very dangerous to human health. Aside from that, many studies show that Coke drinkers are more prone to diseases like. Because of these health hazards, Coca-Cola resorted to even paying huge amount of money to doctors in the US just to endorse them so as to improve their marketing.
Coca cola is silently destroying the economy of Negros. This is a call to all Negrenses to stand up and defend our land. 



*copied from the Facebook page.





Currently, some of my favorite restaurants and establishments are already supporting this cause. Here is a list of the establishments where you cannot order Coca-Cola products instead, you can only order Pepsi:


1. Ting-ting's Native Food - Shopping Area, Bacolod City
2. Chicken House - all branches
3. City Lunch - Shopping Area, Bacolod City
4. Hungry Pete's - Piazza Sorrento, 13th Lacson St., Bacolod City
5. Mother's Grill - Shopping Area, Bacolod City
6. Sharyn's Cansi House - Shopping Area, Bacolod City
7. Enting's Special of Sagay - Lacson St., Bacolod City
8.Pizza Hut - Bacolod City
9. Tater's
10. Kikoy and Kikay - Triangle Island Plaza, Shopping Area, Bacolod City
11. Mad's Dimsun - Triangle Island Plaza, Shopping Area, Bacolod City
12. Tatay Tony's - Art District, Lopue's Mandalagan, Bacolod City
13. Eleven Degrees - Art District, Lopue's Mandalagan, Bacolod City
14. Felicia's - 6th Lacson St., Bacolod City
15. Pantries - Convergys Bacolod, Lacson St., Bacolod City
16. The Garden - Convergys Bacolod, Lacson St., Bacolod City
17. Imay's - 6th St., Bacolod City
18. Ted's Old Timer La Paz Batchoy - Robinsons Place Bacolod, Bacolod City & Triangle Island Plaza, Shopping Area, Bacolod City
19. Max's Restaurant - Robinsons Place Bacolod, Bacolod City & SM City, Bacolod City
20. Camino's Place - Gatuslao St., Bacolod City & Brgy. Sum-ag, Bacolod City
21. Ceres Pasalubong Especial - Bacolod City
22. Taste Station - Lacson St., Bacolod City
23. Precy 24 Hrs Sugbahan - Lacson St., Bacolod City
24. Angel's Hamburger - Bacolod City
25. Mila's - Hinigaran, Negros Occidental
26. Apollo Restaurant - 888 Chinatown Square, Bacolod City
27. Hyksos Tulahan - Old Pala-Pala, Bacolod City
28. Cafe 1925 - Silay City, Negros Occidental
29. Tri-Point Kitchenette - North Terminal, Shopping Area, Bacolod City
30. Remings East - Lopues East Centre, Bacolod City
31. Nena Rose 2 Inasal - Narra Extension, Shopping Area, Bacolod City
32. Japs - Beside CSA-B, Shopping Area, Bacolod City
33. Mushu - Lacson St., Bacolod City
34. 18th St. Pala-pala - East Block, Bacolod City
35. Tio Sid's Burger
36. Bacolod Lechon Haus
37. La Consolacion College Canteen -  Bacolod City
38. Chicken Burger - East Block, Bacolod City
39. West Negros University Canteen - Bacolod City
40. Technological University of the Philippines - Visayas - Talisay City, Negros Occidental



Hopefully, this issue will end soon. Even with the plant billboard, Negrenses are still angry with Coca-Cola and are serious about boycotting it.


*Photos from CFN Facebook Page. Billboard photos from internet.

July 6, 2011

Starbucks: Sorta Like a Real Library

Today, I held office in a new place -- Starbucks in Standard Chartered Building, Makati.


Although having office in a Starbucks branch was not alien to me, it was the fact that this particular branch had a new set up that truly attracted me to it.



I felt like I was being transported to one of those movie scenes in the US libraries. It truly felt like it.

But other than that, it was a great move for Starbucks to have switched a portion of their regular coffee tables to this sort of library desk. Since cafes have now turned into the modern day's internet cafe and library, it is good to know that Starbucks has gone the extra mile for this. Plus, these tables can actually accommodate individual guests who want to use their computer while drinking their coffee or tea (a.k.a. ME). They also have available power sources for these tables!



Great job Starbucks Standard Chartered Building! More please!

This branch is located at Standard Chartered Building, 6788 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Telephone: 02 886 7143. Operating hours: 6:30am - 12:30am (Monday-Friday) closed on weekends. To check out other Starbucks' branches in the Philippines, open this link: http://philippines.starbucks.com/en-US/_Our+Stores/

July 5, 2011

Women vs Men: The Question of Equality

This video truly hits home. No matter how much we try to claim that men and women are equal, men are still the more dominant gender. It sucks but it's true.

Here are some of the things I've realized about our gender:

  • Once a woman is successful, other girls are wondering how many guys she slept with to get to her status
  • A woman who sleeps around with men is a whore, while a man who sleeps with lots of women is admired
  • Women like to talk bad about other women, especially if they are jealous of their success
  • Women are now expected to be an all in one package: they should work hard, support their family, be in control of the household, and serve her husband. 
  • When a girl is with a foreign guy, she is instantly perceived as a prostitute
Sad but so true. I have to admire Daniel Craig though, for his courage to cross-dress in support of equality between both genders!


July 4, 2011

A Note to all Using GCash to Shop Online

Do you love to buy things online and pay through GCash?

Do you pay via GCash?


I know I do! It's a tough addiction-- especially now that they're on Facebook too! But anyway, I still buy some clothes through the internet and pay either through bank deposit or GCash.

Earlier today, I made my second purchase at OldFashionedLove Shop through Gcash. I think I've seen this from last time but did not really mind it. Anyway, I just thought that you guys would be interested to know that GCash now requires each sender to input the Occupation and Date of birth of the person you're sending GCash to.

Yes, "Other details of Customer"


So sellers, please provide this information to us! Thanks! :)

July 3, 2011

Mary Grace Cafe: A Homey Place to Work

With my work requiring me to spend all day hooked to the internet, it comes to no surprise why I can be spotted in different cafes around the metro. If I'm not drinking coffee, I'm usually ordering tea. While there are some cafes that have exceptional food, I really can't say the same for the rest. But because I need to be hooked to the internet and to a power source, it is only practical why I would sacrifice taste just so I could get work done.

With so many people who are now frequenting cafes and are staying there for several hours, it can be hard to spot an area you can stay in. When I'm in Greenbelt, my first selection would always be the CBTL branch in GB3. But since there are so many people who are always there, I would walk all the way to CBTL-Residences to try my luck. Often, I am lucky. But for the rare instances where I don't have a place to work in, I check out Seattle's Best and then Figaro (Greenbelt 3). My selection has always been so limited. 

Thankfully, Mary Grace Cafe opened a branch in Greenbelt 2. I think they opened around April or May this year. Since I'm no stranger to this quaint cafe, I found it only fitting that I should try out this branch. I usually eat in their Serendra branch but it's too far. So when I discovered the GB2 branch, I was so excited!

Mary Grace Cafe in Greenbelt 2
Mary Grace Cafe in Greenbelt 2
When I first dined in this branch, I was very pleased with their interiors. It had the same appeal as their other branch-- only it was more spacious this time. I was really pleased to know that they have installed free Wi-Fi to all their guests. Plus, most of their tables had an extension cord so diners could plug in their laptops. I only have an issue with their extension cords because they plug each extension cord to another extension cord. My laptop's plug has a melted portion on the top because of this. I even encountered one incident where it kept sparking. :( I wish they would change their extension cords so they could avoid accidents. 

Handmade Chandeliers
I especially love the second floor-- where there was a children's corner available on one side of the room.

Children's Corner
I also like the garden area because it's so warm and colorful-- green and vibrant. Unfortunately, the time I sat there, two girls sat next to me and smoked cigarettes. Despite all the hullabaloo about MMDA's new ordinance against smoking in public places, this did not seem to apply to them. Because I did not want to get another acute pneumonia condition, I decided to transfer inside. 

Garden area
It was too perfect! They had homey interiors, cozy ambiance, free Wi-Fi, plugs, and delicious food-- the only downfall was that their food was a bit pricey.

I know they offer quality food and the price is fine for how delicious the food is-- but I can't go there on a daily basis. Well, I can but I'll just have to end up ordering my favorite drinks and snacks. I think this is no problem though because their food has never disappointed me-- ever. Here are some of my favorite foods and drinks from Mary Grace Cafe:

1. Smoked Salmon & Cream Pasta

The pasta for those who are on a semi-diet. Let's just call it a cheat day okay? :) 

Smoked Salmon & Cream Pasta
P 251
2. Grilled Cheese Roll

You can choose to have it grilled or classic-- either way works.

Grilled Cheese Roll
P 42/ each
3. Homemade Iced Teas

You can order by glass or by pitcher-- the pitcher serves 2-3 people abundantly. My favorite is the Wild Raspberry

Peach Homemade Iced Tea
P 75 (glass)/ P 224 (pitcher)
4. Sansrival Cake

Oh and did I mention they have the best Sansrival cake in Manila?

Sansrival
P 90 (slice)/ P 230 (mini)/ P 610 (whole 8x8x2 inches)
So if you want good food, ambiance and a relaxed dining experience, Mary Grace Cafe in Greenbelt 2 should be your choice!

*Pictures of Mary Grace (the establishment) have been borrowed from their Facebook Page. Visit their website to find out more information about them. www.marygracecafe.com/
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