Tuwing sasapit ang pasko,
namimili ang mommy ko
ng mga pangregalo
para sa araw ng pasko–
Namamasko po!

The carollers.

*hides*

<cue in the song of the same title>
The SEA Games are over and hooray for the Filipino athletes because we are the champions! I wasn’t able to watch the closing ceremonies much except for this short clip on the news. I suppose that feeling the support of the country was something that inspired them a lot.

I have been hearing on the radio last week that our athletes didn’t really get much support and that is sad. I hope that on the next SEA Games that will happen here, the private sector would also participate and show support to our athletes through some things like food, clothing and other things they need. Currently the government could not really allocate much to them so it is difficult indeed. Anyhow, I am still glad that at the end of this year’s games, our athletes have shown the region that they could excel in sports. Even though there are issues and accusations, I believe that our athletes did their best.

I wonder, for every time that such games would be hosted in other countries and the host country’s athletes keeps wining in the events, would they be accused of some form of cheating? Anyhow, just my thoughts.

Where in Manila can you dance with this fountain?

A couple of months ago, I posted about my unforgettable dining experience in Italianni’s. A reader commented that Bellini’s inside the Marikina Shoe Expo is much better.

I’ve been hearing about Bellini’s for years now, but it wasn’t until last Monday that I was able to dine there.

First off, the location is pretty off, in my opinion. It’s a bit far from the malls so you have to go out of your way to go there. Although there are lots of things to see inside Marikina Shoe Expo.

The restaurant was very cozy inside. The ceiling and walls have murals of famous Italian landmarks and on the table, a bottle of Chianti. The menu offers the Italian favorites: pasta and pizza.

I ordered the Risotto Parmigiana and the Minestrone. The Minestrone is fabulous. The Risotto was pretty good; I’m not a cheesy rice person. The Tiramisu gelato I ordered for dessert is divine.

As for the price…at first glance it would seem that they’re lower than Italianni’s. The difference is, Italianni’s servings are big while Bellini’s are smaller. The gelato is overpriced, but then again, it’s gourmet.

I’m not totally satisfied with what I ordered and the price I paid for it, but I’m willing to try it again. After all, I haven’t tried their pasta and pizza yet.

Being a commuter in the metro, you get to ride all sorts of public vehicles like jeeps and shuttles that go to anywhere. Anyhow, it has been interesting what I have been hearing in the shuttles I have ridden in the past few days. Let’s say that I wasn’t eavesdropping but the proximity of the people in one shuttle makes it virtually impossible to not overhear each other.

One time I as in a shuttle (I think that was Friday night), I heard two people talk about relationships. The part wherein someone has fallen out of love but has lied to his partner about it. He said that he had other priorities so they were breaking up but the girl finds out the following day he is already with someone else. That hurts right? Hmmm. But that made me ask the question: Is it better that there is closure even if it is not the best closure rather than to be left hanging?

And just this morning I was hearing two women talk about gender issues and HIV, etc. Part of the conversation was the MTV Staying Alive Music Summit – they went to it, apparently. They were pointing out that it is good that there is awareness being raised through such activities but there is still a need for the people who are in relationships to both say their thoughts about the matter of sex, etc.

Such conversations give me other people’s perspectives and it also makes me aware of what is going on in our society that I don’t seem to see because I am too much absorbed in my own dilemmas.

In the past 12 months, I’ve watched more Pinoy flicks than I had in my last 4 years of college and the 2 years of so-called work that came after.

Since piracy has slowly killed the local movie industry and SM cinemas banning most R-18 movies, it seemed that studios are now using their money to make one good movie instead of a bunch of low-budget crap. Add to that the emergence of indie film makers who are making waves not only locally but also internationally.

Christmas 2004, I watched Happy Together, Sigaw, and Enteng Kabisote. Last Saturday I watched Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. This Christmas, I’m guessing I’ll be watching a couple of Film Fest movies as well.

I was semi-living in Makati when the first Shopwise opened in Pasong Tamo (I know it’s called Chino Roces now, but it will always be Pasong Tamo to me).

After years of living in Quezon City and growing up to SM supermarkets and Cherry Foodarama, Shopwise is a fresh and welcomed change.

Since it’s under Rustan’s, Shopwise is like the average shopper’s version of Rustan’s Supermarket. It does not carry as much imported brands, but it has enough to give variety.

I was at Shopwise Cubao yesterday, and I love what they did to the former Fiesta Carnival. There are mini-tiangge stalls outside the supermarket, food kiosks both inside and outside, and the supermarket itself is HUGE.

Aside from the usual food and household items, they also sell appliances, apparel for men, women and kids, toys, books (albeit a very limited selection) and stationery, home decor, and bags.

Some items can be a bit pricey, I must admit, but there are good bargains if you take time to go through the supermarket. I was able to buy Disney story books for only Php64.75 and a pajama set with a small bag for only Php125.00.

My friend and I were looking around Farmer’s in Cubao when we came across this store called Value Point. It’s at the 4th floor, and it’s like a compact department store.

It’s a great alternative to going to Divisoria. There are toys, bags, clothes, accessories, housewares and decors, that’s sure to fit your budget. It’s perfect for those who have a dozen inaanak and a gazillion relatives.

Next time you’re in Cubao, don’t just breeze by Farmer’s when you get off the MRT. There’s plenty to discover.

Yes, I am now slowly getting over leaving Makati and Greenbelt behind.

I really love what they’ve done to Cubao. Before, it was just a place where we ride the bus going to Bicol, where I take the jeep to go to Proj. 4 and where I go to buy my baking supplies or go to German class.

But now…it’s different. Sure, the crowd is still way different than Greenbelt and there’s really not much to do. If you’re like me who just want to sit around with friends, chat and people watch or even just to look for great bargains, Cubao’s the place to go.

saan
Originally uploaded by i’m not Jom..

Which station in Manila is this?