power of three

It's a rare opportunity to have both of my pretty, strong-willed girls at the same time. Kryzelle, my friend who has been working abroad since college is now in the country and is staying here for quite a while. (Hmm, I think I've mentioned that on my previous blog.) Tin, my hot momma friend, on the other hand has been around ever since and is now doing a great job with her two-year-old daughter, LA.

We are not in the same circle; we don't really have the same friends. But during highschool, we found each other and just clicked. ;) We are the kind of friends who do not see each other always nor talk often. In fact, there were times when we lost contact with each other. But I'd like to believe we still have that "connection". And that was proven last Saturday night. :D

Kryz and I went to ATC to check some swimwear. The mall was about to close so we rushed off to Nothing But H2O. After picking up the best one that fits me, we headed off to Town's new wing. It looks fine but most of the shops are still closed. So after roaming around, me and my friend went to Starbs.

We went out for a couple of times already since she arrived last year but it seemed like there's more to tell. Gossip, you know. Haha, just kidding! So anyway, after about an hour or so, Tin showed up. I don't know how long Kryzelle didn't see Tin but surely it's way too looong. I let them chat for a while because I know they missed each other and they wanted to catch up as well. Of course I wasn't silent all the time.

We started talking about our highschool days and it was interesting because we have a totally different perspective of things now. We didn't agree with each other in everything, all the time but we certainly understand what the one was pointing out. We were laughing about some of our choices way back then, especially when it comes to boys. *ehem! ehem!* That night, we were also asking ourselves or one another the reason/s behind some unarguable decision/s during our younger years but all we could thought of is stupidity. :)) One really gets a lot of that during teenage years, right? :p Anyway, everything's done. We are all happy because whatever mistakes we have committed, we were still able to stand. This is the proof.. the three of us moving forward and just living our lives. ;)

Around eleven, I brought them to Soderno. For those of you who do not know the place, it's like the South's Mercato.. of course by Anton Diaz's team. Kryzelle and Tin loved it.. they even bought some food for their parents. :)

Our night-out (an-oldie-kind-of-night-out) ended a little after midnight. Stomachs were satisfied and of course, the three of us were pleased to have spent the night together. Minsan lang yun eh! :p

*pics to follow

the katy perry experience

Katy Perry: California Dreams Tour was the first ever concert I went to. I'm not Perry's number one fan but I like her.. I mean, who doesn't right? :p

I wasn't really planning to attend this event because Lawrence and I had plans for the long weekend. Unfortunately, the out-of-town trip didn't push through so we resorted to the Thrilla in Manila event.

I was just kidding when I brought this up with Lawrence. I know he wouldn't enjoy going to the concert, but despite the fact, he still agreed and even bought the tix. Oha?! ;)

So Lawrence picked me up and my friend, Kryzelle around four and got into MOA right away. Wala namang traffic kase Sunday. The problem arose when we were in Mall of Asia.. no parking space!!! Nakakaloka lang. We decided to line up at San Miguel by the Bay's parking area and got a slot around seven.. just in time for the concert! :p

It was less than an hour then but I still wasn't feeling the Katy-Perry-concert rush. I was feeling lazy and also worried because Lawrence had a gout.. he was having a hard time walking because his right foot hurt.. poor Lo. :(

Anyway, when we were inside the concert grounds, we headed to McDo booth first and bought some food. DJ, umm I forgot his name (haha), started the event around eight and played a couple of songs which made the people high. But the people lost this mood after two hours.. yesss, we waited for TWO HOURS! I don't watch concerts, but Lo told me it was too much.. he said usually the delay is only one to one hour and a half.

I was already feeling sleepy and tired but I won't deny, when Katy Perry appeared, I got kilig! HAHA. She sang Teenage Dream when she came out and everyone was singing with her. :D

After almost ten songs, she paused and asked a guy to remove his shirt.. Ivan, the lucky guy was then called to the stage. She got a kiss from Katy Perry. Grabeee! Swerte lang. Sana girl na lang.. HAHA, JOKE! :)) I'm telling you, the crowd got crazy that moment.. di ko alam kung dahil kay Katy Perry o kay Ivan of PBB.. or maybe both? :p

After the pa-kilig moment, Katy continued with the concert. My fave song, Firework was her second to the last song.. she ended the night with her famous, kinky song of course, the California Girls. The show finished past eleven and we were all hungry!

The three of us went to Ibayo for a very late dinner. We were all exhausted but happy.. aaand mad at Smart, HAHA. They blocked the Globe network during the event. I couldn't reach my friends who were at the concert as well.. sayang, mas masaya sana kung magkakasama kami. Oh well.

Anyhow, it was a memorable experience. I just don't know if I'm going to see another concert again. Tamad talaga ko pagdating sa mga ganun e. Maybe I should try when the venue is in Araneta.. just to compare. ;)

*photos c/o Kryzelle

december, baby!

Wow, 2011 was fast; time really flies!

Today's the last day of the year. And this is actually my first (and well, last) post for December 2011. Yes, I've been busy with work this month. We are actually thankful in the office because we really thought there would be no sales and activities for us this month.

So let me see.. what have I been doing this month? Of course, aside from working my ass off. :p

Early this month, my Pinoy Pasta girls and I reunited. Elaine and Cla were my college buddies. We haven't seen each other for so long and honestly, we rarely talk nowadays.

Thank God, Cla's mother found out Elaine is pregnant through Facebook. Ha, that's when we started messaging one another! :p When we got the confirmation from Elaine herself, we decided to meet right away.

Our dear friend is due on Feb and she's having a baby girl. Love it! :D Me and Cla are really shocked. We really didn't think she would be the first one to be a mom, haha. Life is indeed full of surprises.

Anyway, we talked about her (very easy) pregnancy and future plans over lunch. Elaine makes it a point to schedule and plan out everything, even when we were in college.. so she got all the answers to our questions.

Even though we hardly talk to/see each other, I'm glad that we still have this bond. It was just like during our MC days. The only difference is that there were no more non-sense talks. ;)

We didn't promise to keep in touch regularly, but at least update each other once in a while. And also, to be there when one needs a friend. :)

This month, I was also back at the party scene.. but just once. :p As everyone knows, I used to go out a lot before. As in, A LOT. Nowadays, you would never see me near any bar because I'd usually be spotted in restos or food bazaars. Hehe! ;)

Greg celebrated his 23rd birthday in Distillery, Fort. I was actually having a second thought of going because I'd rather stay at home or go out and eat. Yes, I have become a boring individual now. :))

So anyway, only few people were invited. Yung asa inner circle lang kumbaga, hehe. Partying doesn't appeal to me anymore but I thought it was Greg's day (and Mandy's as well) so I should just go and join them on their special day.. and I did. :)

That night, I also met Chesca, Sugar and Thina. I used to go out with them years ago and I was happy to see them again. They were in Bugsy's so I dropped by for a while. I also saw Gee when I got back in Distillery. O diba, party-goers parin mga blockmates ko! :p

On the 24th, after our family gathering, I went out to meet an old friend who I haven't seen for more than a year. Kryzelle just got back from Singapore and this time, she might stay here for a while.. that's a good news.. we missed her. :)

We just had a hard time looking for a place to stay because most of the establishments were closed. We forgot it's Christmas Eve, hehe. Anyway, we ended up in Gloria Jean's. Grabe, we talked about too many things.. too many emotions felt in a span of few hours. But nonetheless, we are both pleased too see each other again. :)

Around midnight, we decided to check the new hotel in Alabang. Kryz got curious with Acacia so we dropped by the place. It was love at first sight for her so we decided to get some drinks.. then headed home around two or three in the morning.

On Christmas day, me and Nico decided to meet. He actually helped me do my last-minute shopping. We also dropped by Love's place because she visited their home in South for the holidays. She was with her husband and husband's family.

It was nice seeing her because we are always together on this day. But of course, you all know she got married already and we really don't get to see her these days. At least, kahit papaano parang yung dati parin.. kami yung magkakasama. :)

Then last night, I had a year-end dinner with my bestfriends, Nico and Kryzelle. We tried the buffet in Acacia Hotel, and man, we got sooo full! :D

After the sumptuous dinner, we went to Bo's for coffee and Lawrence followed. I was really happy I got to spend the last days of this year with the people who are dear to me. :)

Today, the last day of 2011, I only stayed home. It's NYE so I should be with the family. :D

This month is amaziiing! I got to see my friends who I haven't seen in ages and got to have those inspiring convos with the important persons in my life.

Can't wait for 2012! I'm ready for the new year.. bring it on! :D

PFW 2011

It was three years ago when Soi introduced me to Ziggy one late night at the Fort. I didn't know he is a Fashion Designer until PFW 2008 came. He invited us to see his collection, and since then, we never fail to catch his show.

I always attend the Fashion Week with Soi, Greg and Diana, but this year Diana wasn't able to come with us. However, Mandy and Greg's sister joined us.

Below is our photo with Mr. Ziggy Savella. If you want to know more about him or his collection, you may check his website here.

Kape 108

Beverly and Christine. Relatives. Business partners. Proud owners of Kape 108. And two of the the most makulit persons I've ever met. Really. :p

One afternoon, these two ladies went to the academy and inquired on our offered courses. I gladly attended to them, thinking of "sales". Lucky me, I was able to convince them to take two of our classes. And lucky them because after attending the Cafe Management seminar and Barista 101 training, they're now ready to play in the coffee industry. What a win-win situation! ;)

As everyone knows (because I think Bevs have already told everyone :p), they were not really planning to put up a coffee shop. Everything was an accident. From what I remember, they were looking for a space for their food business. But you know, sometimes planned things do not really push through. And since everything just fell into place, they felt that they were meant to have this coffee shop.

So anyway, as I've mentioned on my previous blog, I really don't go to cafe/coffee shop openings. This was the first time I visited a students' coffee shop. Lucky you, Bevs and Tin! Haha, just kidding! :p

The coffee shop was supposed to be called Cafe 108. Unfortunately, someone already registered the name so they ended up having Kape 108 as their business name. Why 108? Nope, it's not the address nor their combined lucky numbers. Its opening was set last October 8 but due to typhoon (Quiel?), they had to postpone and move the opening to October 28. I don't know why they chose the 28th (I forgot to ask) but I think it's a good date (and a good number as well). I remember a Chinese friend telling me that opening a business on October is a good one. Plus 8 is infinity.. umm, meaning continuous sales? Haha, I'm not sure with that one though. Well, as far as Feng Shui is concerned, I think their preferred date was lucky.

Kape 108 has a good location as it is just beside FEU-FERN College and outside Ferndale Village. The coffee shop is just small but you won't be able to miss it because of its red-colored signage outside.

I also like their tagline --Kainan, Kapihan, Kwentuhan. Very simple. That's what almost everyone does in a cafe, right?

That night, there was an acoustic band playing outside. I immediately had that good-vibe feel so me and Lawrence got in right away. There are about four tables inside and Lo chose the different one. I talked to the owners while my friend took his seat and checked the menu. The cousins shared how the ribbon cutting went. They wanted to have the ribbon cut by someone from the academy, but since all of us were not available, one of their classmates did the honor.

Our chit-chat was cut off as they had to entertain orders and other friends. That was also my cue to go back to our table. The menu was on the wall so we didn't have a hard time choosing. I got a dessert coffee, an Almond Coffee Breeze while Lo got a milkshake. (He doesn't drink coffee, BTW.) Tin made our drinks and it was good. :) I just had a hard time finishing my drink because it was big. They only have one size for the dessert coffees so I really had no choice. I'm not sure if I was just full then or the drink was a lot for me to consume.

They're using plastic cups even for the dine-in/for-here drinks since they do not have mugs/ceramic cups yet. I think they're planning to have customized mugs/cups but they're still looking for a supplier. They also serve food, BTW. I just didn't get to taste one because we already ate before going there. I'll make sure to try Bevs' pastries next time.. I heard they're really good! :)

After a couple of minutes, Bevs returned and showed me the bar.. their equipment, consumables, etc. Tin joined us and they pointed out the chairs, tables and even the windows were designed by the ever-creative Christine Ison. Naks namaaan! During their training, they've also mentioned that they would be getting stuff from their houses and well, everything was displayed there. They really wanted to make the shop their "own" and very unique that's why Tin really worked on it. Even the lights were actually different. And the gate. Gosh, I don't know how I missed the detailed gate and Lawrence didn't! He was really being observant that night. Bevs had to take me outside to show what was written on the gate. Tsktsk.

It was almost midnight when Lo and I left Kape 108. There were still people in the coffee shop and some were on their way (according to Bevs). I wanted to wait for their classmates but it was already late and we still had to go to Makati before heading home. Anyway, I'm planning to go back with friends so they could also try Bevs and Tin's coffee. :)

Sooo, to all FARviewers (HAHA).. scratch that. To everyone who loves coffee, please visit Kape 108. It's a good place to stay in.. whether you're just going to study/finish a paper or chill/catch up with friends. They also have acoustic nights but you have to check the schedule with the owners. Plus there's WIFI and an internet cafe upstairs in case you need to do something online. :p

Once again, congrats to Bevs and Tin! Happy brewing, Kape 108! :D