The Rape of the Manila Metropolitan Theater

After today's grind, I happened to pass by this beautiful structure called the Manila Metropolitan Theater. Since high school, I have always wished that this structure will come back to life again and open its doors to those who are seeking the arts. Until this day, that dream is still alive.

The theater was designed by Juan Arellano during the 1930s. Architect Arellano is also the man behind the Legislative Building and the Manila Central Post Office. This is how the theater looks like now.

Umiyak ang umaga

Anong sinulat ni Enteng at Joey diyan

Sa pintong salamin

Di ko na mabasa

Pagkat merong nagbura

Ewan ko at ewan natin

Sinong nagpakana?

At bakit ba tumilapon ang Spoliarium

Diyan sa paligid mo?

-Spoliarium, Eraserheads

3 Major Takeaways During Personal Collection's ALFA-1 Launch

It was an honor to be invited by one of the biggest direct selling companies in the Philippines, Personal Collection, during the launch of their advanced men 's care line called ALFA-1. It was held at Blue Water Day Spa in San Juan. Here are my three major takeaways from the event.

1. A complete set of ALFA-1 products. ALFA-1, as a brand, encourages all men to use only products formulated for them. They say that men have thicker, tougher skin than women because of higher levels of testosterone and larger amounts of collagen and elastin. They say men also tend to have larger pores and oilier skin. As a product, ALFA-1 is infused with CoolActiv Technology, a unique formulation that gives a superior overall clean, a fresh scent and an extremely cool after-feel. During the event, I got a shampoo, facial wash, body soap, body lotion and body spray. How's that for a loot bag, eh?

2. Opportunity to meet ALFA-1's endorser. Albie Casino is ALFA-1's newest endorser. I may not have been able to really talk to him but my fellow bloggers liked him so much. They said he was nice, down to earth and approachable. No wonder why he was chosen to be the endorser of this important brand by Personal Collection.

3. Awesome experience at Blue Water Day Spa. Though it was only the first time for me to attend an event by Personal Collection, I would say that they already have the knack for making a blogging event really fun and enjoyable. Although they could have done the launch at just any events place but they chose to go the extra mile and decided to hold it at the heavenly Blue Water Day Spa. We were offered foot, back and massage at the theater room while we were watching Captain America. It was my first time to experience something like that as I was accustomed to going to regular spas. I really like the experience and I'm definitely be going back to Blue Water Day Spa!

Overall, it was an awesome experience. I can't wait to be invited again to the next events of
Personal Collection!

To know more about the brand, please like their Facebook Page.

Batangas, The Beautiful

Batangas is my mum's province. Every summer of my primary years, I will ask my parents to allow me to spend my vacation in Talisay, my mum's hometown. Even until now, I will never forget all the wonderful days that I spent in that place. The river where my cousins will wash our clothes every other day. The sinaing na tilapia, a slow-cooked dish using young tilapia fish in soy sauce and dried kamias fruits. This dish is usually cooked using firewoods and palayok (or claypot). Now, cooking using firewoods and claypot is a work of love. Since so much love is required in doing this (read: very difficult to do) the finished product usually never disappoints. This dish is loaded with flavors and textures. Next, sumang yakap and its sauce called kalamay-hati - this is definitely a must-try. Almost every household in Talisay has this delicacy every Undas or All Soul's Day. Also, the hills. Taal Volcano. Fruit-bearing trees such as duhat, chico, sineguelas, mangga, santol, guyabano, dalandan and coconut which are all just practically growing anywhere. Did I miss anything?

If there's one thing that always makes me excited about going back to this place is, I think, the warmth of the people and the simplicity of their lifestyle. (Yes, these two things are to be taken as one.) The cold breeze coming from the mountains during the night is nothing compared to the hospitality that my aunts and uncles had shown me throughout the years everytime I decide to stay with them during summer. They may have always felt that they weren't able to provide everything that I needed during those times because in their minds I was just a silly-needy city boy trying myself to get used to the life in the province but what they do not know is that Batangas will always be a big part of me and that I never needed to "try to get used to living in there" for by blood, I will always be a true blue Batangueno.

Di ga?

Best Tasting Spanish Bread

Spanish Bread is very popular in the Philippines. Despite its name, it is believed that the Spaniards did not actually hand down this yummy bread to the Filipinos.

My favorite Spanish Bread can be bought at PhP 5 each in an old bakery in Pureza St., Sta. Mesa, Manila. A few years ago, Julie's Bakeshop built one of their stalls in front this old bakeshop. Guess which one still stands until this day?

It's the old Spanish Bread bakery.

Angel's Burger

Angel's Burger is a popular burger stand in the Philippines. They popularized the Buy 1, Take 1 promo of burgers and they are open 24 hours. I was very surprised to see some of their stands in places as far as Talisay, Batangas and Tagaytay. I think Angel's Burger is all over the Philippines by now.

I like Angel's Burger a lot. During late night works, it is my companion being near my place in Sta. Mesa. Aside from satisfying my stomach hunger, it's a huge marketing case in my head. How can a humble burger stand be as big as this now?

The Magnolia Residences x Real Living Magazine

Last October 2014, a group of interior designers worked on the few units of The Magnolia Residences. Below are the photos of their works.

This project by Robinsons Land is located in New Manila, Quezon City. For two consecutive years, 2013 and 2014, The Magnolia Residences was awarded as Best Mixed-Use Development Project in the Philippines by the Asia Pacific Property Awards Development. 

The Magnolia Residences is still at pre-selling phase! For sample computations and viewing of sample units, please contact Mark Delgado at +63-998-367-0545 or at markjosephdelgado@ymail.com.

Splendido

It was my first time to step into Splendido in Tagaytay. I was there to sing for a wedding. This place looks stunning especially during the night.