Thursday, September 17, 2009
Reeboks
My brother and I used to share shoes and clothes. We were almost of the same size back then, and it was a healthy symbiotic relationship. Then he got married, and took with him a couple of shoes. So When he invited us to play badminton a month ago, I realized I do not have a pair of tennis shoes anymore. So naturally, I have to buy one.
It was of perfect timing that Royal Sporting House was having a big sale that time in Festival Supermall. I got this nice pair of Reeboks for a thousand bucks. Sweet!
Click here.
Posted by topdog at 10:15 PM|Permalink 3 comments
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Can't finish The Alchemist
I've only started regularly reading books last year, starting with Dan Brown's "Angels & Demons". It was such a positive experience that I vowed myself to pick up the habit of reading books.
Yes, I finished several books before that as well. But I hated it. I was just being forced to read because my Literature grades would surely be inked in red if I don't. But that was before.
As I was searching for books to read, I decided I have to read some sort of modern day classic. Several names came to mind: John Grisham, Paulo Coelho, Tom Clancy, Anne Rice. I settled on Paulo Coelho. My friend Grace, board topnotcher and classmate for more than a decade, is a fan. Of course, "The Alchemist" was the obvious choice among his best-sellers.
But it was harder than I thought finding this book. I searched several bookstores inside the malls but to no avail, until I found this small stall outside Trinoma selling used and new books at a bargain.
I browsed through several books, with my mind set on not buying anything, until I found this little thin yellowish book covered in plastic.
Paulo Coelho. "The Alchemist". Jackpot. I bought it in a heartbeat.
That was weeks ago. And I haven't finished the little book yet. "Angels & Demons" and "Da Vinci Code" were much thicker books which I finished in a week.
No, I'm not saying that "The Alchemist" is bad. It's actually a good book. A simple and inspiring read. Nothing too fancy - just a well-thought-of genius of a book.
But it's not a compelling read for me. Maybe it's just not my alley. I'll try picking it up before sleeping and hopefully, finish it tonight. Click here.
Posted by topdog at 11:47 AM|Permalink 2 comments
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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Cafe Bola revisited
My college friends and I were having dinner after a month of not having seen each other. Nothing new, just the usual - Friday night, Makati area. But it was not an ordinary Friday night - it was Payday Friday. And God knows how long the waiting queues are on Payday Fridays.
Glorietta restaurants were packed. With nowhere to go, I suggested National Sports Grill, even as we were trying to pinch pennies. Not all of us, after all, have graduated. But the big servings coupled with live sports (and need I say hotter than usual waitresses) would make the higher price-point worth our moolah.
But alas, it's the Wimbledon men's final. Understandably, nobody is giving up his seat.
By that time, it was already past nine in the evening. And we were starving. We came up with the consensus that any restaurant that can offer us seats would be the winner. We went to Cafe Bola upon my suggestion.
And again, Cafe Bola delivers.
It would be a sin to dine in Cafe Bola without ordering their famous Adobo Flakes and Kesong Puti rice bowl (P180). It's a generous serving of rice topped with crispy adobo flakes, kesong puti, tomato slice, and spring onion. The slightly sour kesong puti is a good foil to the salty krispy adobo flakes. I can finish this in minutes!
Cafe Bola is also know for their, what else, bolas or meatballs. The Carambola on pasta (P210) packs three meatballs (beef, chicken, and seafood) on top of spaghetti with a choice of classic tomata and peas or parmesan cream and ham sauces. It's the best way to sample the meatballs in one dish. This is incredibly filling and the mish-mash of the different flavors of the meatballs is a wonderful experience.
Of course, the ambiance adds to the experience. The red and orange interiors and circular patterns are extremely modern, while the local movie posters add that Filipino touch without the use of salakots and barongs.
I'd have to say it's one of my favorite restaurants. Click here.
Posted by topdog at 4:12 PM|Permalink 0 comments
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Monday, September 14, 2009
The Bellevue Manila
My niece recently went home from California to celebrate her debut here. As they are frequent guests of The Bellevue Manila, it's a no-brainer that they've decided to stage the occasion there.
It was my first time to step inside the hotel and I have to say - I'm pretty impressed! It's nice to know that such a good-looking hotel is within minutes from home.
The food boasted of fresh salad, bread, main courses, and desserts. The main courses have refined flavors. Nothing memorable, but still pretty good.
More photos after the jump.
I can't get enough of the pumpkin soup.
This painting would look good in my room.
Click here.
Posted by topdog at 10:41 AM|Permalink 3 comments
Sunday, September 13, 2009
It pays to have generous friends
A friend of mine gave me his uncle's used Ballys. They were causing his uncle some foot problems, and no one else is of the same size.
And what do you know, I just happen to be sporting a size 7! It's about time my poor feet get a taste of luxury. Hehe.
Thank you, generous soul. I love them.
Click here.
Posted by topdog at 8:17 AM|Permalink 2 comments
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Saturday, September 12, 2009
Of shopping and Taco Bell
While waiting for a business contact to arrive, I found the time to do some quick shopping. Bought this heather grey jacket from Dean & Trent, a local brand that offers stylish men's apparel for a reasonable price. Love the color and the oversized collar cum shawl.
After that, I filled my empty tummy with Taco Bell. Nothing like Mexican fast food for brunch.
The question is, why the few branches? I was especially disappointed that the Taco Bell in SM Southmall closed down. Until now, that spot remains empty. Paging the Aranetas: will you open there again so I could get my quick fix? Click here.
Posted by topdog at 9:19 PM|Permalink 0 comments
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Good bread
One of my favorite bread is the milk bread loaf of Le Coeur de France. It is simple, nothing fancy, but just really soft and delicious bread. Click here.
Posted by topdog at 9:15 PM|Permalink 3 comments
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New Golas
Posted by topdog at 8:03 PM|Permalink 0 comments
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Saturday, May 23, 2009
Tweet
- 06:00 The A1H1N1 virus is now in the country. What a nice way to welcome the day. #
- 06:49 Even the middle-aged working ladies in the shuttle are talking about Haydengate. #
- 12:53 Lunch at Reyes Barbecue in Forum Robinsons. #
- 18:58 Reading art books in Powerbooks Live! #
- 20:56 DLSU dinner reunion at Super Bowl. #
Posted by topdog at 1:08 AM|Permalink 0 comments
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tweet
- 11:26 Another half day at work. I better enjoy this while I can. #
- 13:01 Car anomaly happened to an officemate. #
Posted by topdog at 1:06 AM|Permalink 0 comments
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tweet
- 08:50 I need to be blind and deaf right now. #
- 20:04 Watching the American Idol finale #
- 20:30 Dial Idol has Kris leading Adam by 1 percent. Hope they get it right again. #
- 20:54 Bring back the two winning singles format. Two different contestants, two different styles. #
Posted by topdog at 1:08 AM|Permalink 0 comments
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tweet
- 05:42 That was a terrible dream. Felt scaringly real. #
- 07:40 Hoping we'll get to work today but not the whole day. I ain't ready. #
- 07:45 Why do girls squeeze their feet on small sandals? Dangling toes are not sexy. #
- 10:25 Undergoing SQL crash course. #
- 18:24 I'm getting used to arriving home all sticky and gross. #
Posted by topdog at 1:07 AM|Permalink 0 comments
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tweet
- 13:51 Is this work or a month-long retreat? #
- 19:05 Can't believe I could stand dealing with javascripts before Firefox 3.5 b4 #
- 20:52 I suddenly crave for chicken inasal or any barbecued chicken for that matter. #
Posted by topdog at 1:08 AM|Permalink 0 comments
Monday, May 18, 2009
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- 09:07 Was able to convert yet another faulty flashlight to be AA battery-powered. #
- 12:58 Finished bathing the dog. He's running around like crazy, as usual. #
Posted by topdog at 1:05 AM|Permalink 0 comments
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Tweet
- 05:38 Woke up early today. Excited for numerous reasons. #
- 07:36 I'm not liking the wishy washiness of some people. #
- 23:15 Just got back from an Angels & Demons night with my officemates. #
Posted by topdog at 1:07 AM|Permalink 0 comments
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tweet
- 21:04 Making a report. Must get used to this again. #
- 21:09 Need to catch up with my blogging this weekend. #
Posted by topdog at 1:08 AM|Permalink 0 comments
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tweet
- 13:54 Lechon for breakfast. Screw the diet. #
- 13:54 Saw: Tinda ni Citas, Antipolo's version of Tiendesitas. #
- 13:56 To Antipolo and somewhere else. #
- 14:06 Mass at Antipolo church #
- 20:36 Watching American Idol whiile doing a report #
Posted by topdog at 1:05 AM|Permalink 0 comments
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tweet
- 06:24 The first Ortigas shuttle is filled with noisy middle-aged women. I wanna nap ladies. #
- 08:04 Either I'm late or too early for work. #
- 13:20 Claimed my free doughnut at Krispy Kreme Galleria. #
- 15:51 CDR King does not excite me anymore like it used to. #
Posted by topdog at 1:07 AM|Permalink 0 comments