A “Very Fine” Dining Experience at Florabel

I kept on mistyping Florabel to “Florable”.

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It was a rainy night after work. Last Thursday was the last day of the working week, and the traffic jam along Ortigas was undeniably heavy. Chronic I must say.  I thought of asking my older sister Karis and her husband out for dinner while waiting for the heavy traffic to “subside”.  We wanted to spend dinner somewhere that we haven’t dined at yet.  We went to The Podium in ADB Avenue and saw a cozy place---it’s Florabel. 

One of the hardest part on going to restaurants for the first time (and you just heard about it also for the first time), is that you really don’t know what to expect.  So I looked on their menu list, and saw some interesting and seemingly great dishes.

I usually base my orders on the food presentation.  If it looks like it’s delicious, I’ll take it as my order.  I got for myself a serving of Vegetable Barley soup and my favourite Apple Juice. 

Aside from what I had, we really don’t know what to order.  We were thinking to have a combo platter meal, and it was good because Florabel has one—the Inihaw Platter, with a serving of Pork Barbeque, Liempo, Chicken, Pusit, Bangus, Oyster, Eggplant and Atchara, with two special sauces.  Ate and Kuya Romel ordered a cup of rice, each for the two of them.  I had dinner rolls.  What made me happy on this restaurant is the excellent service of the crew.  I just sipped a portion of the water served and they’ll fill my glass up again.  And they also give you another serving of dinner rolls if they saw that you ate yours up.  I just don’t know if they give an unlimited serving of that.  Their furniture and centrepieces are also elegant.

The Inihaw Platter

Their centerpiece

The vegetable barley soup is a good kind for those who are watching closely on their weight, or currently diet-ing.  It tastes good, I mean good enough for a vegetable soup.  The inihaw platter is also a great choice.  I guess it is too much for three persons, even for “big ones” like us. I loved their barbeque sauce (I just don’t know if it is a special soy sauce but I super liked it).  Kuya ordered a cup of coffee and ate for a serving of their desserts. I’ve had enough and more than satisfied with the food.

The place is cozy and quiet, the part which I liked most.  The staff were also warm and accommodating on our requests.  That night, I was happy because I was able to talk and chat with Ate and Kuya, one thing I missed the most.  If I were to ask I wanted to spend more time that night with them, but given our busy schedule on the days ahead, we have to go home.

Ate and I

Kuya Romel, Ate Karis and me

I recommend Florabel for those who want to spend their fine dining and chill out family nights together.  It is a great place for warm moments with your families, friends and loved ones.  Their selections are quite pricey, but it’s all worth it.

Here’s their page and their details: Florabel Facebook Page

My Feature Article for the JIL Website: My Boracay 2012 Experience!

Here is an excerpt of my feature blog post for Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide website.

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Every year, our beloved JIL pastors and staff from all over the Philippines and the world come together to be a part of the celebration of God’s goodness and faithfulness to His church. Conferences, strategic planning and evaluation, submission of various reports and meetings are also part of their itinerary. But, let us come to know the fact that they also deserve a treat: a chance to relax, unwind, and mingle with their fellow pastors and workers.

I was given a chance to join these people to spend a short vacation in Boracay. I was thrilled because I will be given a chance to get to know them beyond “church hours”. And also, this is a perfect time for me to savour the Lord’s greatness through His creations. The sea, the fine white sand, the skies, the coconut and palm trees—which come together perfectly just through the command of His voice. Truly His power is way beyond measure.

Read more in this link:  Boracay Moment: Thank you Pastors!

Wala akong maisip na title, basta tungkol sa JEEPNEY.

Transferring this FB note here. :)

*****

Nung nag aaral pa ako, ayaw na ayaw kong sumasakay ng jeep. Marahil kasi maarte ako. Gusto ko lagi aircon. Hindi niyo ako mapapasakay sa jeep kapag ang biyahe ay lagpas sa distansiya ng minimum fare (more than 4 kilometers). Isa ring dahilan kung bakit ayaw kong sasakay ng jeep dahil sa polusyon sa Maynila. Pero may mga extreme cases naman na wala akong choice kundi sumakay ng jeep kahit malayong biyahe. Isang halimbawa nito kapag pupunta sa JIL Campsite sa Norzagaray. Lahat ng inarkilang sasakyan ay jeep. So walang choice. Kailangan lang maghawak ng plastic bag dahil… You know… Yun na yon.

Ngunit simula nang magkatrabaho ako, unti unti kong hinubad ang pagka-maarte ko (tanong para sa mga kapatid ko: Hindi na naman ako maarte, dava?). Dito ko natutunang sumakay ng jeep kahit sa malayong biyahe. Lalo na pag sa probinsiya ako naaassign, dahil kadalasan, wala namang FX o taxi sa mga napuntahan ko. Jeep lang ang meron. Kaya walang choice. Naranasan ko ng araw araw, bumibiyahe ako ng 40 minutes by jeep papunta sa client.
At sa mahabang biyaheng ganito, madami akong naobserbahan at napansin sa paligid—sa loob at labas ng sinasakyan kong jeep. Gaya ng…..

1. May mga jeep na kahit nasa malayo ka pa, hihintayin kang makalapit papunta sa kanya (I’m referring to the jeep), umaasang sa kanya ka sasakay. Tapos pag nakalapit ka na sa naghihintay na jeep, pipilitin kang sumakay. Tapos pag hindi ka sumakay, bibigyan ka niya ng instant steam facial dahil magbubuga yan ng usok mula sa tambutso at sisiguraduhin niyang mabubugahan ka non. Pang asar lang. Pinaghintay mo kasi eh. Minsan naisip ko pag may mga ganyang jeep, dapat may nakahanda kang signboard na may nakalagay na “SORRY MANONG, HINDI PO AKO SASAKAY SA INYO. BIYAHENG CEBU YANG JEEP NIYO EH. PAPUNTA AKONG DAVAO. SORRY PO TALAGA.” Siguraduhin mo lang na sa malayo pa lang basa na niya yan para di na siya umasa.

2. Kahit nakatayo ka lang sa may bangketa dahil tinignan mo lang kung madumi yung kuko mo sa paa, may titigil na jeep sa harapan mo at magsusumamong sumakay ka na sa kanya. Applicable din dito ang effect pag di ka sumakay sa kanya, pati din ang suggestion kong “CEBU-ka-DAVAO-ako-scenario”.

3. Pagsakay mo ng jeep, kahit di ka pa nakakaupo, umaandar na agad. Nakakawalang poise. Matapos mong sakyan yung jeep, masasaktan ka pa. kaya ang suggestion ko diyan, humawak sa safety hand rails para di sumubsob at mapahiya sa mga kapwa pasahero (o sa driver kung ikaw lang ang sakay).

4. As much as possible, dapat EXACT FARE ang ibabayad mo sa jeep. Kadalasan kasi, hindi ka na sinusuklian. Nakakalungkot. Sabi ko KARAMIHAN ha. Mga 9 out of 10. Osige 8 na nga lang.

5. Kadalasan ang mga pasahero gusto maupo malapit sa entrance/exit ng jeep. Mga ayaw kasing mag abot ng bayad sa driver. Hehehe. Minsan naman may mga tao, kapag wala nang choice kundi dun sa malapit sa driver uupo, pag may magpapa abot ng bayad, biglang makakatulog, magtetext, magbabasa, o magbibingi bingihan. Madalas ako sa may bukana nakaupo.

6. May mga pasahero naman na pasaway. Sinabi nang No Smoking eh, naninigarilyo pa din.

7. May mga pasahero talagang nagwa-WANTUTRI.

8. May mga sumasabit pa din sa jeep kahit sinasaway na ng driver. Mga pasaway. Hindi ba nila alam na delikado yon?

9. May mga pasahero nagfifeeling model ng shampoo commercial, pinapahanginan ang buhok habang nakatanaw sa may bintana ng jeep. Samantalang ang katabi niya, alam ang brand ng shampoo niya dahil nalalasahan niya. Humahampas kasi sa mukha ng katabi niya yung buhok niya dahil sa hangin eh.

10.Meron din naman feeling model sa video ng videoke dahil nakatingin sa kawalan, tulala, tapos bigla na lang ngingiti. Ngiii.

11. Meron din naman na sa sobrang layo ng biyahe nakakatulog. Minsan sinasandalan ka pa.

12. Meron din naman na parang magpipicnic. Panay kasi ang kain habang nasa biyahe. Hindi man lang mag-share.

13. May pasahero din na sa wari ko, laging nananalong Mr./ms. Friendship o darling of the crowd sa lugar nila. Kasi bigla ka na lang kakausapin about anything under the sun.

14. Tapos meron ding kung makipag daldalan sa kasama niya sa lakas ng boses niya parang wala ng bukas. Alam na ng ibang pasahero yung pinaguusapan dahil sa sobrang lakas ng boses. Guilty ako dito. Pero hindi naman ganung kalakas yung boses ko eh.

15. Meron din naman na ginagawang library at study area ang jeep. Siguro hindi nakapag aral kagabi kaya sa jeep nagrereview at nagbabasa. Masakit kaya sa ulo yung nagbabasa ka habang nasa biyahe. Kayo ba hindi sumasakit ang ulo pag ganon?

16. Kadalasan, kaya nagtatagal ang biyahe kasi yung driver tinitigilan ang bawat taong nakikita niyang nakatayo sa sidewalk. At bawat kanto, nagsstop over para maghintay ng pasahero.

17. Nga pala, hindi ko maintindihan minsan ang mga barker. Sinasabing maluwag pa yung jeep eh ang sikip sikip na nga. Baka maluwag para makaupo yung langgam. Tapos kakalampagin yung gilid ng jeep kapag ayaw daw umayos ng upo yung mga pasahero.

18. Bakit pag sasakay ka ng jeep, walang bawal bawal? Pero pag bababa ka na, ayaw ka agad ibaba, kasi bawal daw magbaba sa hindi tamang babaan?

19. Ang mga pasahero, laging nag uunahang sumakay o bumaba ng jeep. Kahit lima lang silang sasakay at bakante naman yung jeep na kasya sa 20 na tao.

20. Dapat alam mo yung pwesto sa jeep kung saan walang direct sunlight na tatama sa yo. Para dun ka maupo sa walang araw.

So far, yan pa lang ang naobserbahan ko. Sanay na akong mag jeep ngayon.

Some Takeaways from the Ipis

Last night, I hurriedly went to the restroom to pee upon entering our house from work.  Dahil ihing ihi na ako, I did not notice a small cockroach crawling on my right foot.  I freaked out and I shook it off my feet.  The cockroach seemed a bit surprised too.  Nangisay ngisay din siya sa sahig, and I immediately crushed it under my feet.  Tinapon ko sa basurahan pagkatapos.  And I almost freaked out again because there was a larger ipis hanging on the bathroom curtain.  I picked up my slippers and attempted to “sandwich the insect” between it.  And I succeeded.  It slipped off my slippers and “accidentally” flushed down the toilet bowl.  I sighed in relief.

But after my restroom moment, I sat on my bed and I just don’t know… I went to think of the two roaches that I “murdered”.  I thought, what is really their purpose of existence?  Do they exist para sigawan? Katakutan?  Pandirihan? Apakan? Paluin ng tsinelas?Patayin? Itapon sa malayo? Hahaha, the last three questions made me remember a line from a hilarious local movie.

Anyway, I was brought to a moment wherein I made a self assessment.  Do I really know my purpose of existence?  I am thankful to the Lord kasi hindi Niya tayo tinulad sa mga ipis, o sa kahit ano pang insekto o hayop.  It seems that these creatures have the same reason of existing here on earth.  Walang kaibahan sa isa’t-isa.  Hindi unique.  But to us who were called by God, He has instilled on us a very special reason for living, totally unique and different from each other.  We were created to live on a mission specifically designed for each and everyone. 

As said in Ephesians 1:11, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will…”  Our existence is based on His will, on what He is planning to happen to our lives.  We should not worry because everything, His will and plan for us, shall all come to pass.  All we have to do is to be sensitive enough to know and obey His commands, be more intimate with Him, and live in accordance to what He has designed for us.

Oh well, I’m still scared of cockroaches, especially the flying ones.

The Day He Proposed (Again)

So it was our 11th month, I was only "expecting" a simple dinner with him after church.  Never did I know that he has another plan.  Here's the raw video courtesy of Kuya Florence.  Edited version c/o Zham will be posted here. :p

We went to Bubble Tea Wilson, our favorite place, not knowing that he is about to show and give me something. Upon watching this video, I said to myself, "grabe wala man lang kapoise poise yung reaction ko! hahaha!"



Thank you Kuya Florence, Ate Thea, Ate Esther, Ate Tonette and Kuya Arnald for being Zham's apprentices. hehehe. :)

When I thought True Love doesn't Exist...

Nung college pa ako, photography enthusiast na ako. Though I don’t have the money to buy a DSLR (that was the time when digital photography is just starting to become popular), I only have a point and shot film camera.  I love taking pictures of anything.  But I must say, I’m not really good in compositions and stuff. That’s why I always dreamed of one day that someone will teach me how to take high-impacting images.  So I stumbled on a Multiply site, named ZHAM MAKES HISTORY.  I was curious.  Ano kaya tong site na to?  Google just suggested this site for me to take a look.  I was browsing all the way to the oldest post, with several albums of glamour shots, high end fashion photos, and conceptual images.  Sabi ko, sino kaya tong photographer na to?

Yeah, his name is Zham Libunao.  Andami niyang fans and followers sa Multiply niya.  And automatically, nadagdagan iyon ng isa—that’s me.  I mindlessly said to myself na sana maka attend at makaafford akong maka attend ng photography classes niya, if in case na magkaroon siya.  Since then, I became a stalker of his works, lagi kong binabalik balikan ang site niya for his new uploads, and from there I gained more inspiration to shoot, and I became more motivated to have my own DSLR someday.

Come the years before I graduate, and the preparation for my CPA Board exams, I have to cut down my internet surfing time to focus on my studies, so nawala ako sa loop sa site niya.  For a while, I have to set aside my photography dream. 

I went through tough times during my singlehood days.  Lahat ng guys na nalink sa akin, kung hindi ayaw akong ligawan, di daw kami talo.  Or lalaki din pala ang gusto.  In other words, lahat hindi nagprosper, hindi nagiging kami.  I cried over this several times ‘til it came to a point na sumuko na ako. I brought it all to God, sabi ko sa Kanya, “ibigay Niya sa akin yung tamang guy for me in a time na hindi ko ineexpect na ibibigay na pala Niya.”  So then, I focused on my career as a CPA, and became busy sa church.

Last January 2011, I signed up to join our church’s training for a new batch of worship singers.  Aside from photography, singing is also my passion.  Kahit minsan nahihiya akong kumanta sa mga videoke gatherings na pinupuntahan ko.

I was late for our first training session.  Overtime kasi sa work. Huli akong dumating and the session already started.  The attendance sheet was given to me. When I was about to write my name, one of the names on the list caught me by surprise. Parang naexcite ako bigla.  I saw his name—ZHAM LIBUNAO—and I was surprised kasi magkabatch pala kami sa training! Fan mode on.  I looked around and saw him (well I assumed na siya yon kasi di ko pa sya nakita before in person).  But I was right, siya nga iyon, and right there and then, naging friends na kami. At ease ako sa kanya kasi marami kaming napagkakasunduan.  He was like an older brother to me—hence calling him KUYA ZHAM.  Nagkataon na magkakaroon siya ng photography class sa summer.  So I signed up right away and even bought a new lens for my DSLR just for that class!

The photography class was soooo fun! Sobrang ang saya ko kasi at last magagawa ko nang tama yung passion ko, and may nagmementor na sa akin.  Never did I know na Zham has a crush on me then. As in di ko inexpect.  I was so at ease with him kasi gusto ko talagang matuto sa kanya.  Kaya pala tuwing may shoots siya ako lagi ang sinasama niya, yun pala para makilala niya pa ako.  That time nadedevelop na yung feelings niya for me—lagi na niya akong minemessage to check me out. Palagi din kaming magkasama sa mga event coverages sa church (we were both a part of the photo club of our church). Shooting pictures with him was so enjoyable.

July 2011, I flew to Canada for a mission trip. Almost a month.  Though we’re oceans apart, palagi kaming nagkakausap sa Facebook and BBM.  Up to this time, di ko pa alam yung feelings niya for me.  Pagbalik ko from the trip, mas lalo siyang naging close sa akin.  But I just assumed na he’s just being friendly. Ayoko na din kasi ulitin ang pagkakamali ko noon—ang umasa.  Pagod na din kasi akong masaktan.

August 12, 2011 is a significant day sa aming dalawa. Why?  Because that night, naholdup ako sa FX na sinakyan ko pauwi.  A guy took my valuables, tinutukan ako ng baril sa mukha ko mismo. I was so scared that I just had a blank reaction after that incident.  Na-trauma talaga ako. Pero thankful ako kay Lord kasi He spared me.  That same night, muntik nang maaksidente si Zham.  Yung cab na sinasakyan niya muntik nang mabangga ng van.  But God also spared him.  Maybe because hindi pa niya nasasabi yung feelings niya for me. Maybe because God has something better for us to discover it ourselves.

After that incident, mas naging close si Zham sa akin. I was now wondering why. But still I don’t want to expect.  Until one night, he finally told me his feelings for me.  I was shocked. I was confused.  He’s too good to be true, he’s too good to be the one for me.  For weeks, I prayed to God to guide me, na huwag kong pairalin ang emotions ko, to give me the discernment to know if he’s sincere or not.  He has been in bad relationships in the past—another thing that we had in common.  Tsaka ko narealize, na unknowingly, I also fell for him already.  I enjoyed so much of our friendship that I almost forgot that it will be more wonderful if we will take our relationship to the next level.

He courted me, my family and my close friends =).. naging kami last 11/7/11.  After that, we eventually started to hold photoshoots for a cause named Project Miracle, and went again to the photography business—fashion, glamour, ad, events, and now, wedding photography coverages.

The Lord gave Zham to me in a moment when I least expect it.  He gave him to me in an instance when I was about to believe that true love doesn't exist; when I was about to say to God, "ayoko na pong magmahal ulit kasi po pagod na pagod na ako." He’s my best friend, my mentor, and now, my soon to be husband.  Up to now, hindi pa din ako makapaniwala. Ibang klase talaga pag inallow mong si Lord ang sumulat ng love story niyo—mas nakakakilig at nakakainspire pa sa pinaka cheesy na movie na maiisip niyo.  All we have to do is to enjoy the things that we have at the moment, excel in what you do, be a good person to everyone, and most of all, LOVE GOD above everything and everyone else.  I know that there will be more tougher trials to face, and harder times to endure with Zham, but I also know that since God is the center of this relationship, the author of our love for each other, we shall break through all these.

True love is really worth the wait.  Just be patient, and it will come. J  

Just Tried the General Motors Diet!

Hello! I just want to share my GM Diet experience. As a background, this diet program has rumoredly designed for the employees of General Motors and their families on the 1980s, but I was able to read that it is just a hoax. But I tried it anyway. I need to see myself again in my clothes na di ko na masuot kasi i really gained weight.


I weigh 110 lbs way back college. I eat much especially rice. I can consume 3 cups of it in one meal. But I don't watch out on my weight because I dance and do basketball.

When I was operated due to appendicitis, I have to slow down on my physical activities, but my eating habit did not change. I was reviewing for my board exam then, so drained brain means more food to eat. It came to a point when I ate 4 cups of rice, even with a little serving of ulam, to satisfy my hunger. That's when I started to gain weight. It became worse when I went to work, where eating much is "a must". Now, before I tried the diet, I weigh 165 lbs. I became too big for my current clothes and I am getting bigger than Zham (my soon to be husband). So that's a wake up alarm for me to start losing weight.

My church friend referred this program to me, so I gave this a shot. Let's see how was it:

Day 1. All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

- I ate rambutan, lanzones, two servings of Dole sliced apples, and a serving of Dole mixed fruits. I drank 12 glasses of water.

Day 2. All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

- I consumed four servings of KFC Asian garden salad and two large KFC mashed potato without gravy. I was not able to prepare my own baked potato that's why. I drank 14 glasses of water.

* I lost two lbs after this day.

Day 3. A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

- I bought two packs of Dole sliced apples, a cup of Dole mixed fruits, one small pack of del Monte pineapple tidbits (I set aside the syrup and ate only the fruits), one serving of chopsuey, and two servings of KFC asian garden salad. I drank 13 glasses of water.

* I lost another three lbs after this day.

Day 4. Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

- Medyo sumablay ako dito. I was only able to eat six bananas. I drank two glasses of milk and a bottle of soy milk. This is my least favorite day. Nag LBM ako and had stomach cramps. I also ate a portion of HongKong noodle soup. Sablay talaga. I drank 12 glasses of water.

Day 5. Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

- Mas lalong sablay day. I was not able to eat even one piece of tomato. I ate a portion of beef oriental with mushrooms and roast beef. But I ate a bite of barbeque, a bit of sapin sapin, and a small chicken piece. I was realllllyyyyy guilty. I drank 11 glasses of water and a large Serenites green apple tea without sinkers in 25% sugar.

* But I lost a pound.

Day 6. Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

- I ate a serving of beef steak and chopsuey. But..... also a stick of crab egg and squid balls. Sablay again. But I drank 14 glasses of water.

Day 7. Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

- Parang walang nasunod. Hehe. I ate a serving of pepper and tofu, Fish fillet, steamed veggies and mashed potato. I drank Serenitea Hokkaido drink without sinkers in 25% sugar.

- May GM wonder soup na supplement ang diet na ito, but I did not follow it, because I have no time to prepare for it. I might try this the next time I do this diet again.

Conclusion: I lost six pounds in total on this program despite several cheats haaaayyyy... Ang catch dito is you have to drink lots of water which is not my thing before. This is important kahit pabalik balik ka sa CR to pee. I was thinking if I followed this strictly I should've lost more. Take note that you can repeat the program if you wish, pero mas ok if you'll repeat two weeks or a month after. This is really a low calorie/energy diet so better if you will ask your doctor first before ding this program. Since I found this effective for me, I might do this again, but probably next year, before my wedding. :)

If you were able to try this before, you may want to share your experience by commenting on this post. :)

Please Like This!

Okay, at past midnight, I was on my last batch of my load of two day's laundry.  While the load was spinning dry, I went to my room to check my Facebook feed.  Several message boxes were popped up on my screen, and I checked them one by one.

One is from my Filipino/Norweigan friend who is now here in the country. One is from a fellow member of our church's photo team.  And there are other two--asking for a favor:  please like this picture.

I clicked on the first one.  What I saw is a group picture of a local JIL church members in Batangas, posted on our church's FB page.  I replied to her and said that I was able to like that picture some time ago.  She said thank you.

Then this.  Next is from a friend, asking me to like a picture through the link he messaged me.  I was a bit sleepy when I clicked the link--and I just had the most freaky mini heart attacked since college!  What I saw is a picture of close up shot of a man in a coffin, with his eyes opened and looking at me!!!! I was so pissed off and in shock.  I cannot understand why people have to do that.  I just don't understand, really.

It took me a while to go downstairs and finish my laundry, but I prayed to God to help me overcome my fear.  I breathed deeply, and went downstairs, and finished what I have to finish.  But before that, I unfriended the person who sent me the link.  Sorry.

From now on I will:

- be cautious on what links I should click and what I shouldn't.
- will ask the person who is asking the favor--"why should I have to 'like' the picture/post?"
- will not like a picture/post right away unless you're my parent, sister, brother, best friend, or my boyfriend.

Now tell me, we should really think before we click, right?