Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
Why not surprise you date with this song? Sing like you mean it.
Von Saw‘s debut music video, featuring Aine Abella. The song is written by Ronald Ray Tiu Ensalada and Bisdak social media celebrity Medyo Maldito, co-written and produced by Jude Gitamondoc and arranged by Jad Bantug of 1032 Recording Studio. The music video is directed by Kurt Diores Fick and shoot in shoot in USJR Basak Campus and Golden Peak Hotel. 2D-animation by Lee Anthony Paderes Pada.
Before facebook dominated the virtual life of the Cebuanos, an institution was built that paved the way for a new breed of prominent online influencers. They are called bloggers, the Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc.
Founded on February 14, 2008, while I was dateless (hmmmmf) and waiting for the result of the 2007 bar exam, Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc., (CBSi) was organized in a simple meeting of the then fledgling but determined bloggers who dared to dream big for Cebu.
CBSi has become an institution that produced not just famous bloggers but also leaders in the burgeoning online communities in Cebu and in the Philippines.
The organization was instrumental in enlightening the public of the significant role of social media in modern day society. Through social media, humanity has never been so well connected to the word and to each other.
Along the way CBSi has became a family for us; always committed of loving its members regardless of their careers and motives. It has remarkably propelled growth and promote ethical practices among its members.
On its 7th year, CBSi will hold a reunion of all its past (almuni) and present members at Cebu Marriott Hotel on February 15, 2015.
Happy 7th, CBSi!
Select Photos during the event.
Group picture with all the attendees, old, new, and current members of CBSi.
Trivia Night Groupings.
Table 3 – Trivia Night Winner
Mini after-party.
Don’t be misled by the lousy “tagalized” poster of “The Taking of Deborah Logan” because it is in for a good fright with its footage horror film element. It is “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” meets “Blair Witch Project” that deals with common fears — an old lady, black snakes, and a murderous neighbor.
The plot—spiritual parasites exploiting their vulnerable host; as an offshoot of an unfinished ritual of immortality— is not as exciting as the execution, Jill Larson (Deborah Logan) delivers her best. The movie gets interesting as it progresses. It develops in you while shedding off some logic from you and startling you off your seats, in so many unpredictable scenes.
7/10
#EthysMovieReview #TheTakingofDeborahLogan
In a span of two months I have collected the best movies I watched which unfortunately (most) have not seen the light of day in Philippine theaters. I am definitely sure they are way better than most of the Metro Manila Film Festival entries; they all display a high degree of craft and aesthetic ingenuity. The following are the 7+ raters of #EthysMovieReview and #NindotKaayo.
1. Whiplash: A jazzy musical score, a drummer, and an intense acting; 9/10.
2. Philomena: Brave, funny, and powerful true story of a mother searching for her son with a surprise beautiful ending. 8.5/10.
3. Citizen Four : A glimpse of the life of Edward Snowden and his impact on modern civil liberties; 8.5/10.
4. Selma : Humanizes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; 8/10.
5. Pride: Pride as in gay pride. It is not about what you are but it is about what you do with your privileges and gifts that make people respect you. A very inspiring true story; 8/10.
6. Boyhood: Another Richard Linklater’s breakthrough that is 12 years in the making of the time lapsed life of a boy who was brilliantly acted by Ellar Coltrane; 8/10.
7. The Hundred Foot Journey: Unrealistic but the passion and tension is very real. The food are very too, as pretty as France; 7.5/10.
8. The Theory of Everything: The story of the heart of the world’s greatest mind, Stephen Hawking; 7/10.
9. Million Dollar Arm: Tour India in search for the best pitch. A feel good true story of baseball’s best players. Predictable but keeps you entertained; 7:10.
10. Lilting: Quite and sometimes hilarious due to cultural differences. Language barrier is not an impediment to understanding the people around you. Love and acceptance are best served when they are not in words; 7/10.
My friends and I planned a weekend getaway to Cagayan de Oro. Our plan is simple, the trip should be relaxed, no pressure, and always open for anything, in other words, chill lang. Our itinerary includes Dahilayan and some of the best restaurants in Cagayan de Oro City.
Obligatory Airport Pose with my new Brics Duffel bag.
Upon arrival we took an exclusive shuttle to SM for 750 pesos. It is slightly higher than usual price since we don’t want to wait.
Quick lunch at Bukidnon Roadhouse Cafe at Centrio before taking that one and a half (1 1/2) hour road to Dahilayan.
Their best selling sizzling pochero is luscious, fatty (in a good way), and fall-off the bone. It is a must-try.
Photo-op on the way to Dahilayan. I can feel the sudden temperature change. Around 20 degree Celsius here.
Just in time for the sunset.
Finally, we were able to settle down in our beautiful family suite at Forest Park. 3 Huge beds with a wide veranda outside. No air condition needed. Ambient temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius at 8PM.
Fogging at 7:30 PM.
Dinner is served at Cowboy Grill just a few meters across Forest Park.
An evening stroll ensued.
Day 2, February 7, 2015 5:58 AM. Good Morning!!!
Coffee and breakfast at Forest Park Hotel with a little morning exercise at the park after it.
The best proof of a cold place is when they grow strawberries.
… and these very familiar poses.
We’re winding down with an outdoor picnic just outside our room.
We’re off to the city after we checked out at 12:00 NN. It was a difficult goodbye to a beautiful place like Dahilayan. A little consolation was on the way when we had lunch at Del Monte Clubhouse in Cawayanon. We settle for Wagyu Ribeye Steak and Roast Beef “lang naman”.
Upon arrival in the City, we checked out a famous, dainty, and artsy milktea place, Chingkee Tea Cafe. I ordered Vanilla Milktea. It is surprisingly good and cheap.
Late afternoon, we chased the setting sun at High Ridge Restaurant. It provided a great view of the city and a pink sunset. Consumable entrance fee is 100.00 pesos.
Finally, we settled in at Courtyard Pueblo De Oro (Thanks, Kristine!) for a quick nap and prepare ourselves for dinner at Prawn House and chillout at Lifestyle.
Dinner at Prawn House. Thank you, Mr. Roa.
We cap the night with a full body massage just above Hollywood Diner where we drank our beers and jump shoot induced numbing legs.
Day 3. Goodbyes.
It is a fun filled trip and our regret was only that we should have stayed a few more days longer.
Because goodbyes are usually sad, here’s something to appease our sobbing heart.
Redtail Shrimps and More.
Certified #NindotKaayo. Chada kaayo!
Thank you, Cagayan de Oro City!
Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar opens its 65th store at A.S. Fortuna Mandaue. Located a few steps from home and from Oakridge, their 3rd branch in Cebu is at G U3-4 Lightsite Parc A.S. Fortuna.
MUST TRY:
Synonymous to Gerry’s are my favorite and personally recommended Inihaw na Pusit, Crispy Pata, Sisig and Chicken Skin. If you haven’t tried these yet, what are you waiting for?
They also reward loyal customers through their Circle of Friends Loyalty program. Enroll yourself and get instant gifts and freebies for every P1,500.00 food purchase while accumulating points. You may pay your bill with your points.
Gerry’s is open from 9:00AM – 11:00PM on weekdays while 9:00AM -12:00MN on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You may call them for reservations at 0922-5243097 or 505-8859.
INSIDER INFORMATION:
Gerry’s will introduce their new brand concepts in Cebu on March 2015 . They will open Yakitori Binchotan, their first branch in the country and their second branch of Ramen Sora, a popular ramen from Sapporo in Japan. Both stores are beside Gerry’s – AS Fortuna.
“That Thing Called Tadhana” is an unexpected wandering by two sad —but not lonely—hearts with the intent to bolt from the past despite all wounds and heavy baggage. Every line in the movie is like an arrow piercing your heart tempered with the ever funny antics of Angelica Panganiban and the brooding and boyish charm of JM de Guzman.
It is a movie that needs to be seen by the world. It is the best Filipino version of Richard Linklater’s “Before” trilogy with a little inspiration from E. E. Cummings’ poem, “I Carry Your Heart With Me”. It was effortlessly romantic despite the absence of any kissing scene; funny without trying to be. Let alone the movie poster, which is taken from an airport scene in the film, tells you how polished this film is made.
The movie provided a stirring start and with an even more provoking ending. It tells a story that even how dark, cold and tedious your night was, the sun always rises again — beautiful as the glorious Sagada Sunrise—to usher in a new day for your renewed heart ready to make and fight for your destiny.
8.5/10
#EthysMovieReview #ThatThingCalledTadhana
Several seasonal food treats flood us on facebook and instagram last December. From simple gift items like paper straws and mason jars to cakes and pastries. It was a stiff competition and only the best shall endure. @takenbyjars started just like that. It must be so good that it is able to maintain its ever growing sales. Right now, it has consistently served its loyal customers for two months already.
@takenbyjars offers cheesecakes in 4 classic flavors : blueberry, strawberry, oreo, and black forest in 4, 8, 10 oz.
They accept orders in their social media accounts, @takenbyjars.
After several visits to Kushiyaki Chikuzenya Japanese Restaurant, I can definitely say it is Cebu’s best Japanese restaurant.
The first time I had their Tonkotsu Ramen I knew I’ll be coming back for more. The firm noodles in pork bone soup seasoned with fresh milk, miso and other japanese spices are waves of flavors potent to cure your weary soul. (TIP: You can ask for free extra soup. Just be polite.)
The special assorted seven kinds of sashimi (Jo Sashimi) platter completes the Japanese restaurant experience along with other staple food like sushi and tempura.
In every Japanese Restaurant cleanliness is a must. The proper handling of the raw ingredients is of utmost importance. Chikuzenya champions that by maintaining an open kitchen, you’ll see your food as it is prepared.
Located at the food avenue of Mandaue, it is close to home but trips should be planned wisely to avoid coming during heavy down pours, we all know the perennial flooding problem at AS Fortuna, right?
They seem to be always full every time I visit, most with Japanese patrons probably because of the authentic Japanese experience. Reservation is therefore advised. Their telephone number is 239-8976.
Cebuanos are always known to level up their game. Always going global. The famous lechon of the stars is no exception. Cebu’s pride Rico’s lechon in partnership with Pages Group has opened its new full service restaurant at Acacia, just a few meters to the right from another Cebuano hotel chain at Ayala area, Island Stay Hotel.
Designed by the renowned young Cebuano artist, Vito Selma, the place by itself is a celebration of Cebu’s best, from its modern tropical interiors to it’s famous spicy lechon. So nice, you can’t help but take a selfie.
Rico’s Lechon opens from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It can accommodate up to 450 dining patrons with at least 20 parking slots.
For bringing in innovation in Cebu’s lechon and making it a world class experience, it’s 8/10.
#NindotKaayo 