Marica Gonzales is a viral campaign

I'm sure a lot of you have received this email from a certain Marica Gonzales. I tweeted about it immediately because I knew there was something fishy about it. It was well-constructed with correct grammar and punctuation. It was sent directly to me, but I knew right away that it was spam.

Well, it turns out that it was a big viral campaign for Datu Puti's soy sauce (or toyo), according to Azrael.

They have set up a YouTube channel as well.

I don't know what to think about this. Before, I vocally hoped that Pablo Banila is a viral campaign for a hair product or something.

But this Marica Gonzales thing is a bit different. It was an email directly sent to individuals, whereas that Pablo Banila thing created a buzz when a lot of users got freaked out by his weird viewing habits, gross looks, and disturbing website. But the email was a bit uncreative in the opinion and pushing it too far. How did "she" get our emails by the way?

It was a great idea, but should've been executed better.

Click here.

Secluded

Click here.

Post-Valentine's

Click here.

Tweet

• 22:11 American Idol is getting too predictable. #
• 22:43 Blogging all my future posts. Thanks to Blogger's scheduled posting. #

Click here.

Lechon Cebu

All those Anthony Bourdain mania which hit the country the past few weeks left me craving for lechon. Lechon Cebu to be specific.

So last week I dragged my lazy ass to Mall of Asia after review classes to eat Hecky's Lechon at the SM Foodcourt. The almost one-hour commute time spent on a jeepney on a hot and humid day was so worth it.

Click here.

Sanctuary

Click here.

Tweet

• 08:58 Now off to an interview in Alabang. #
• 09:52 Now at AWS. Good thing the lobby is homey and comfortable. #
• 10:42 And I thought the Japanese were supposed to be punctual. There's for of us. I hope I'm next. #
• 10:44 I think there's an exam aside from the interview. I forgot to bring my pen. #
• 10:51 And I'm not yet next. If I'll be the last I'd be silently cursing this damn company. #
• 11:17 And I'm last. It would be 2 hours of waiting for this interview. #
• 11:55 That company was so not worth it. #
• 12:13 Lunch at Brooklyn Pizza. Hhmm. White Pizza. #
• 13:26 ienne's cupcakes are so good. Moist and sweet. Just how I like it. #

Click here.

Tweet

• 07:30 I let a pregnant lady take my seat. It's my first time. #
• 08:04 Water leakage near DFA must be fixed. Precious water is wasted. #
• 13:10 Lunch in Dondon. It's been months! #
• 15:38 Renovations on my room till tomorrow. Will have to sleep in the living room. #
• 16:28 Oh, I'm liking the new detailed Google Maps for the Philippines. Everything's easier! #

Click here.

Chicago Popcorn Shops

Chicago popcorn is a mix of cheese and butter popcorn. The mix of sweet and salty is divine and addicting. It just works. I think this is a best popcorn readily available to masses right now, along with Chef Tony's.

Single costs Php 65 and it's more than enough for one. You can buy a tin can with the Chicago mix for Php 280 and your next refill will be at a discounted price of Php 280 200.

Chicago Popcorn Shops is located at the 2/F Entertainment Mall of Mall of Asia.

Click here.

Tweet

• 08:06 Finally saw Mayor Lim in the flesh. But I still hate him for painting everything yellow. #
• 17:42 AWS interview on Thursday. Ugh. I really have to miss my review class. #
• 21:22 My parents are looking for house and lot for my brother around the area. Any tips? #

Click here.

Amici

It's a shame that I have only tried Amici (and the newly-opened SM Megamall Atrium branch at that) just last week, thanks to an evening interview in Ortigas. Although I've known about the original eatery since 2005, I never really had enough time to go all the way to Pasay Road to try it out. Too bad regulars said the quality has really gone down since those glory days a few years back.

But I enjoyed my meal nonetheless. I ordered the le polpetti con parmigiano panini, which is a generous serving of panini with meatballs and melted cheese as fillings. I love meatballs, and I loved the panini as well.

I had to order the gelato. I've been reading and hearing that they serve one of the best in the metro and one of the cheapest too! Blueberry gelato it was and for its price, I can't wait to have more. It was heaven.

The view of Ortigas is amazing.

I can't wait to go back. Now if only I have a date to share the food...

Click here.

Betta

My friend Tammy recently gifted me with a Siamese fighting fish or a betta. I named the new pet Eric in honor of her. Eric is a joy to watch.

Thanks to the wonderful Tammy.

Anyway, she is selling fish and dogs. So if you're interested, hit her online shop Paws and Fins

Click here.

Tweet

• 13:21 All these Anthony Bourdain talks had me craving for lechon cebu since last night. #
• 13:42 The trekk to Mall of Asia for lechon cebu was worth it. Now to satisfy another craving: Chocolat! #
• 13:59 Scratch Chocolat. I had Chicago Popcorn instead. Best. Popcorn. Ever. #
• 15:45 Finally able to bathe the dog! #
• 17:48 Got my diploma! Woohoo! I'm officially a graduate. #

Click here.

Who we really are?

After watching Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" episode on the Philippines, his last question kept on resonating in my head.

"Who are we really," Mr. Bourdain said. He said he was a New Yorker first, then American second. He also suggested that the whole concept of national or ethnic identity is already quaint and might be getting outdated.

So I asked myself the same question, who am I really? I don't know myself. I'm a multi-faceted person who loves a lot of things, from math to the arts. I'm a proud Filipino but also do not prefer afritada or papaitan.

Is it really important anymore?

The question isn't limited to national or ethnic identity. More importantly, it is a question an individual should ask oneself. And I need to do this myself, fast. Especially since I'm turning a new chapter in my life.

I'm fast approaching my mid-twenties and I think I'm already having a quarter-life crisis. What do I really want? What career should I really pursue?

I think I need to take some time and think hard.

Click here.

Tweet

• 06:25 My right knee hurts from all that walking yesterday. #
• 20:02 Researching on Siamese fighting fish. I'm completely a noob with regards to fish. #
• 20:09 Anyone else received the spam from Marica Gonzales? #

Click here.

Tweet

• 13:16 This G-Liner is frustratingly slow. I should have eaten lunch first. #
• 15:28 Viewing art at Megamall. Hhmm. I'm not easily impressed. #
• 17:36 The road to San Miguel Properties Bldg is rocky, figuratively. #
• 17:37 I meant literally. #
• 17:49 I'm at HP, sitting at uncomfortable red Kenneth Cobonpue rattan chairs while waiting. I'm anxious. #
• 18:08 Advanced World Systemr said I passed their exam. They wanted an interview but I temporarily declined. #
• 18:46 OMG it was horrible. Buh-bye HP. #
• 22:19 Finally figured out that Helvetica made the websites appear weird. So I uninstalled it. #
• 22:48 Watching Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations Philippines" in YouTube. #

Click here.

Tweet

• 07:12 I so wanna watch Dragonball: Revolution. #
• 14:52 Merienda with the parents. Happy cream puff! #

Click here.

I'm loving the wider layout! It took me a couple of hours, which I should've spent reviewing.

Click here.

Tweet

• 07:01 Rain rain go away. Come again another day. Oh wait. Don't bother coming back. #
• 08:42 The new paint job of the Manila City Hall is just plain tacky and amateurish. #

Click here.

Tweet

• 06:12 It's Friday the 13th! #
• 14:36 Missed a chance at getting the adidas La Salle jacket for 50% off. #
• 15:43 I'm this close to punching this guy beside me who keeps on singing in falsetto. #
• 17:56 Crumpler Bags for Beer! ping.fm/cKMG2 #
• 21:11 A company wants me to take a test tomorrow, Valentine's Day, at 9PM. 9 freaking PM. That would make me such a loser. #
• 21:15 Oh, it turns out to be 9 AM. Damn them. #
• 21:32 Suddenly, I realized I don't wanna work yet. I thought I do, but with all these interviews and exams, I think I don't. #

Click here.

Tweet

• 06:12 It's Friday the 13th! #

Click here.

Finally

After 18 long years!

I'll miss this!

Click here.

Tweet

• 06:31 Roti for breakfast. Not really ideal. #
• 19:03 Feels so good to exercise because I've been idle and bingeing last week. #

Click here.

Pop Art

Click here.

Tweet

• 07:26 In a bid to stop my caffeine addiction, I now use half regular and half decaf. But now I'm groggy. #
• 20:03 Lunar eclipse from 2030 to 2400. #

Click here.

Tweet

• 04:36 I feel like a zombie. The week's activities have taken a toll on me. #

Click here.

Tweet

• 17:41 I've uploaded the photos. I've watched new episodes of TV series. Now I need to study a bit. #

Click here.

Tweet

• 11:55 I think I'm gonna be late for my interview. Last night was great but now I'm slightly regretting it. #
• 12:48 Made it early! Thank you bus driver. #

Click here.

Tweet

• 07:37 Durex looking for condom testers. Maybe my jobless friends are interested. #
• 10:57 At the College Recognition Rites. Congrats to my friend Grace for being the top engineering graduate! #

Click here.

Tweet

• 09:33 Bus carrying Hanjin employees falls off a cliff. That company is cursed. #
• 10:55 At PRC. I hate red tape. No wonder our country remains 3rd world. #
• 11:13 Why are government workers so grouchy? #
• 11:41 I hate PRC. #
• 11:47 Lunch at Kitaro. #
• 12:14 That gyoza was HOT! #
• 13:21 Finally done with the twisted PRC system. #
• 16:46 I've got an interview with HP! I'm anxious, excited, and scared. #
• 17:38 Why do these nursing review centers feature male models on their tarps? #
• 18:12 Good thing the stylist repaired his hair job done on me for me. #
• 19:44 Good thing the stylist repaired his hair job done on me for free. #

Click here.

Tweet

• 22:44 Congratulations to Nadal. Job well done. Fed again was in tears. #

Click here.

Food post, part III

Dad's

Although the quality has gone down a bit, I still think Dad's ultimate buffet is worth every peso. Just because of the sheer amount of choices you're given, Php 580 might not seem that much expensive.

I think I could eat here at least once or twice a year. More than that, then I think it's overkill already.

I especially like the Japanese and desserts section. Typical me.

Piadina

It's a shame that I haven't tried their piadina yet. Go figure. But I think it's worth it. The serving of pasta polpette was just right. It was quite good too. Lots of spices which I really like. But their mozarella toasts were too oily for my taste.

I'll definitely be back to try other items on the menu, especially the piadina. This is a good alternative to Sbarro, which I'm starting to get sick of.

Sbarro

This is what my usual comfort meal is like: a slice of Chicago deep-dish pizza and a slice of blueberry cheesecake. Sbarro is a lifesaver for us. Whenever we can't decide on somewhere decent to eat at SM Southmall, we usually go to Sbarro. It's good enough Italian food but not so expensive.

Kenny Rogers

I also love Kenny Rogers. It's also one of the go-to places for us what with the few dining choices at SM Southmall. I also love their fresh fruit shakes and juices, and their yummy healthy sandwiches. I love their Philly Cheese Steak!

Mocha Blends

I've been meaning to try Mocha Blends for the longest time already but I just had the time to do that when I was in Megamall. I didn't like it. The blended coffee had large chunks of ice. I didn't like it. But I guess I must try their brewed coffee next time.

Click to see more!
Happy Cream Puff

The best cream puff in the Philippines. It was nice that they opened a branch in SM Southmall. When they opened, I ate their cream puff everyday for like two weeks. I was addicted.

The White Hat

I've been heaaring a lot of good reviews about White Hat. It is a frozen yogurt station which a lot has been popping up lately, ever since the Pinkberry craze in the US. What makes White Hat unique is that it uses Italian yogurt, instead of the usual Korean yogurt of the other fro-yo stations.

I like the White Hat. It is creamy, a bit sweet, but still retains that tangy flavor which I love about yogurt. It also serves fresh fruits as well, not just frozen ones. This is a healthier dessert alternative to frappuccinos, doughnuts, and cupcakes. But it's quite expensive as well.

I'm quite disappointed though, probably because I expected a lot from White Hat what with all the raves and buzz around the Internet community. After eating my cup, I was like "That was it?". I really was expecting more.

A Veneto Pizzeria Ristorante

What started out as a small unassuming Italian restaurant inside BF Paranaque has turned into a quite well-known Italian joint that has several branches around the metro.

It serves decent Italian fare with really affordable price points. I love this place. The servings are huge and I like their pizzas. I loved their carbonara with chicken fillets as well. Aside from Sbarro, this is my go-to place for decent but affordable Italian fare.

Martabak Cafe

I never really had much Asian fare before. So lately, I've been trying a lot of restaurants that serve Asian food. And I fell in love with Asian cuisine when I had lunch at Martabak Cafe recently at Mall of Asia.

I had nasi goreng with chicken. I cannot quite describe this meal but it was amazing! The flavors just burst inside your mouth. I really wanted to close my eyes and savor all the flavors. I'd definitely be back again to try more Indonesian fare.

Kaya

I've never really had a lot of Korean but I like almost everything I've had in Kaya. The beef bulgogi of course is a staple. I'm not a big fan of kimchi, but I appreciate it's distinct pickled taste. I'd like to try more Korean dishes next time.

World Chicken

I'm not a big fan but if you really want to eat a lot, then World Chicken is a good choice. Lots of pasta choices as well as for side dish, paired with chicken fillet topped with a your choice from a wide array of sauces, but then again the food is not stellar but it's not bad either.

Savory Chicken

I love love Savory Chicken. Best fried chicken for me. Their gravy is the secret. It's buttery and salty but oh so delicious. Too sad that their prices have gone up lately. This is better suited if you're gonna dine as a group.

Hula Hula Seafood and Barbecue House

Hula Hula is a self-proclaimed Hawaiian restaurant. But they just offer standard grilled fare with an addition of pineapple slices and juice here and there. The place is filled with tikis and the servers are dressed in Hawaiian costume for added effect.

We ordered the luau feast which consists of several grilled chicken, tilapia, and squid served in fresh banana leaves. It was literally a feast but I didn't particularly like the food. What I like though is the small Hawaiian song and dance number the servers perform while you eat your food.

Cello's Doughnuts

Still the best doughnuts for me. They are sweet but not too sweet. What separates Cello's from other doughnuts is their dough base. It's soft and not too greasy. I really can't describe it. Props to them for making a cheese doughnut work. Staple orders for me are the cheese and chocolate doughtnuts.

Cibo

Quality Italian food. No wonder Cibo has survived for more than a decade already. It's not too expensive considering the quality of the fare they are serving. I love the very innovative pizzas. They are my favorite.

Cyma

My family didn't really like Cyma but I liked it. I loved the lamb gyro I had. Cyma's food is not really the kind that I could eat every week but I appreciate the flavors of Greek food. I'd like to try their other stuff. Hopefully the next time I'd be in Boracay.

Kopi Roti

Best brewed coffee ever. I love the idea of condensed milk at the bottom. Lovely effect and tastes great as well. The kaya toasts are too sweet but I like them. The sweetness gives me goosebumps but they are not too overpowering that makes me want to drink water at once. They are addicting.

Hotshots

Overrated. I'd much rather have Wham!

Click here.