Si Melai!

by Stephanie Manhit

The three contenders for the Big 4 slot bravely faced Kuya’s endurance challenge: to stand atop a small platform in the middle of the pool for an undefined number of hours. No excuses were accepted to leave their roost. The three had to grit their teeth and hold against the call of nature, even if it was to relieve or feed themselves.
They had various strategies for keeping their post. Melai distracted herself with singing, Tibo chose minimal movement, Paul Jake massaged his frozen joints. All three tried stretching their limbs by crouching, taking care not to let other body parts touch the platform, aside from their feet. They kept warm from the sharp nip of the air by layering clothing and blankets. Nine hours after, all three were still standing strong.

The remaining housemates kept vigil over them, camping by the poolside. They kept the stories flowing and regaled their friends with jokes. Jason led the rest in an ongoing serenade. They cheered the three on and kept them going. For what or for whom did they endure such sacrifice? Paul Jake and Melai did it for themselves, their family and those who believed in them. Tibo thought nothing of himself, but offered the moment for his family.

A few minutes past the ninth hour and Kuya decided to push the housemates harder: only one leg was allowed on top of the platform! Though shifting legs was allowed, they had to focus on keeping their balance along with dealing with fatigue and natural factors. After a few moments, Kuya granted them a minute of rest, after which his instructions got even harder. Only the best leg could be used, with no shifting allowed.

Paul Jake could feel his strength waning, and apologized minutes before he plopped into the water. It’s been a hard day’s night for all three, but soon it was down to Melai and Tibo, standing on their best leg to the end. After another bout of rest, Kuya ups the challenge by making them lift their arms, too! Almost an hour passed with both holding on tight, but in the end, Tibo chooses to give up, leaving Melai as the last housemate standing! Too exhausted, Melai broke down in tears while the rest finally got to heave a sigh of relief.

Source

Is the iPad just a bigger iPhone?

The iPad is probably most talked about topic in tech blogs today. It is sleek and portable; and after watching the video demo, I can't help but want one! The iBook store had me sold. I've always wanted a Kindle but it's not available here and I didn't want to order online since I won't be able to maximize its benefits.

Now that the excitement has somehow died down, I actually now have doubts. Do I really want one? See, I'm not really a MAC user. I know how some people profess their undying devotion over any Apple product (never mind if it's overpriced). I briefly considered jumping ship when I was looking for a new laptop but after trying out my friend's MacBook Pro, I still felt that I would have less compatibility issues with good old Windows.

I also had another dilemma when I was looking for a new phone. I considered the iPhone because I enjoyed Tap Tap Revenge but after seeing the many problems with it (Em-J's had his iPhone replaced due to some known issues, a friend also had her cable replaced thrice) and the potential problems that I may have with it seeing that I'm a bit clumsy, I decided to stick to my BlackBerry.

Now with the iPad, it is easy to get carried away as it really seems revolutionary...but is it really? I'm not the least bit technical so I'll comment on an end-user perspective. It does everything that an iPhone or an iPod touch does only with bigger screen and better resolution. I'm under the impression that before transferring files over, you have to sync it using iTunes which can be a hassle. Also, it doesn't have a usb port which is really useful if you're going to be using your device much like a laptop or a netbook. Likewise, similar to my beef with the iPhone, it doesn't multi-task. Seeing the many applications available, not being able to do this basic thing is a bit of a spoiler.

Then again, if all I'm after is an e-book reader, I shouldn't really be complaining as the iPad comes with heaps of extras.

For a blow by blow account of the launch, click here.

I know it has been getting some criticism because of what it's called and rightfully so. Check out the video below:

24 Season 8 Ep 5

After the exciting back-to-back episodes last week, last night's episode was still exciting even if it was not as action packed. Understandable since per previous seasons, the 5th ep is usually used to fill the gaps and set the stage for the adrenaline ride coming up. Check the recap above.

*The Dana Walsh storyline is a bit tired and I hate it. (Bawal ba magtrabaho sa CTU ang ex-con? or baka nagsinungaling siya s application nya kaya on the line na rin ang trabaho nya?)

*Renee is totally out of character. Are we forgetting that this is the same person who flinches everytime Jack tortures someone to get information integral to national security?

Resorts World...First Look

The most anticipated resort, Resorts World Sentosa, opened officially last Thursday after several delays. Save for a few shops and the hotels, most places of interest were still closed and under construction. Even so, the place already looked amazing. The following are the entryways that lead to the different inter-connected hotels and shops.

You eventually end up here where you either head to Festive Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel or the more exclusive Crockfords Tower and Hotel Michael. Em-J was checked in at the Hard Rock so we headed that way.

Lobby of the Festive Hotel filled with excited guests checking in.

We exited the hotel and headed to Hard Rock Hotel.

As the hotel was pretty busy, it felt a bit chaotic. There was no one to welcome us, the lobby was a bit too dark (picture below was already edited) and the floor a bit grimy.

The room was impressive and personalized. You can actually check your messages and account through the TV, the bathroom, however was a bit small. The shower area is about the size of a tiny closet. :(

The view is breathtaking. You can see the shared pool of the hotel complete with lounges and white sand!

There was a constant drilling sound when we checked-in, we asked to be transferred to another room but the hotel was fully booked. (I actually didn't get to spend the night so I didn't know if the drilling sound continued on.) There was also cement all over the table and the drain was clogged. Minor inconveniences since it was still new. Though, I thought this should have been ironed out during the dry run. Overall, while impressive, given the rack rates currently published, I feel it is a bit overpriced.

...Plus

Here's the Universal Studios globe peeking...

...and rows and rows of shops still being constructed.

A Mashup of the Top 25 Hits of 2009

I know this is already a month too late but I just discovered this and loved it!



http://facebook.com/earworm
http://djearworm.com

Formula

Signs that you're watching a Tagalog movie:

1. Sasayaw ang loveteam sa likod ng puno ng buko kapag nasa beach ang eksena. Alternate na lalabas ang ulo nila from behind the puno.

2. Ang kontrabidang babae yayakap sa bidang lalaki, sabay taas ng kilay at ngingisi.

3. Ang pansit, nagdadala ng malas. Uuwi ang bida na may dalang pansit para sa kanyang nanay na si Anita Linda. Tatawagin ng bida ang mga bata para kumain at kukumustahin niya ang pag-aaral ng mga bata habang kumakain sila. Biglang may titigil na sasakyan sa harap ng bahay at pauulanan ng bala ang pamilya. Mamamatay si Anita Linda at sisigaw ang bida ng “Inaaayyyy!!!” at mangangakong ipaghihigante ito. Moral of the eksena: Ang pansit ay nakakamatay.

4. Kapag may magkaribal na babae, ‘yung mabait derecho ang buhok at may bangs. ‘Yung salbahe, laging kulot.

5. Sa Pinoy action movies, ang bida hindi nauubusan ng bala.

6. Sa Pinoy action movies, kapag tumakbo ang bida, sa lupa lahat ang tama ng bala ng kalaban.

7. Kapag may mob na pupunta sa bahay kubo ng manananggal, si Vangie Labalan ang laging lider.

8. Alam mong moment of truth na kapag sinabi ng bida ang title ng pelikula (sample: Isang Bala Ka Lang or Kapag Puno na Ang Salop).

9. Ang tawag ng kontrabida sa kanyang mga goons, “Mga bata.”

10. ‘Yung nakababatang kapatid ng bida habang naglalaro, mabibitiwan ang bola at mapupunta sa gitna ng kalsada. Pagkatapos, may darating na sasakyan at itutulak ng bida ang bata at ‘yung bida ang papagitna ng kalsada. Naka-cross ang arms ng bida who is covering his face. Sisigaw ang bata ng, “Kuyaaa!” Next scene: Nasa ospital sila. Simula na ng drama.

11. Kapag bakbakan, hindi nasasaktan ang bida pero umaaray siya kapag ginagamot na siya ng leading lady. Next scene: Nagla-love-making na sila.

12. Kapag sinabi ng kontrabida sa bida ang masama niyang plano, sasabibin ng bida, “Hayop ka!”

13. Ang bidang babae, kapag katulong ang role siguradong iri-reveal ng amo na anak siya nito.

14. Ang nanay ng mayaman ay laging may pamaypay na pang-mayaman at ang nanay ng mahirap ay laging naka-duster.

15. Ang hideout ng kontrabida ay parating mansyon na may chicks na naka-hilira sa paligid ng pool.

16. Ang mga bida sa drama, kapag nakatanggap ng masamang balita laging may pinto sa likod nila para puede sila sumandal habang nag-i-slide dahan-dahan pababa, todo iyak at kung minsan with matching uhog.

17. Kapag hindi nahuli ng mga goons ang bida, sasabihin ng boss sa kanila, “Mga inutil!”

18. Laging nakakapulot ng baril na may bala ang bida kapag kinakailangan niya.

19. Laging mas maganda ang yaya'ng bida kaysa sa kontrabidang anak ng amo niya.

20. Kapag ang ending ng movie ay song-and-dance number sa beach o sa resort, ang huling frame shows the cast na tumatalon, sabay freeze.

Lifed from: http://philippinefacts.blogspot.com/

Glee Promos

PBB Update

Napabagsak na ni Cathy at Rob ang torre.

Nagdecide ang housemates na itayo uli ang torre.

Si Jason at Melai ay nagdesisyon na hindi na tumulong dahil sa paniniwala nila na hindi daw yun ang tunay na task.

Narealize ni Hermes may ibang ibig sabihin daw ang task at hindi na rin tumulong.

Nagkampi-kampihan na ang mga housemates. Sa isang sulok naguusap si Hermes, Melai at Jason.

Sinabi ni Hermes na in case mali ang desisyon nila:

Hermes: Pag matalo yung weekly task natin, yung daily supplies lang ang kakainin ko kung mabubuhay pa ko next week, hindi ako kakain ng kahit na isang pirasong karne dahil sa paninindigan iyun sinunod ko yung gusto ko.

Melai: Ako? Kakain ako.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Only a few weeks after I finished reading the last installment of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, I find out that there's another book soon to be released. The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary!!! Based on what I read, this is a companion book to the movie that is to be released this April.

After holding open editions, here's Zachary Gordon who will be playing Greg.

Abby's Birthday Treat at Churrasco

Last night, we celebrated Abby's birthday by having a Brazilian buffet dinner at Churrasco. The restaurant is located in Katong Village which is a bit far from where we would normally go.

After heading to Eunos, Em-J, Choy and I then had a bit of trouble locating the bus stop since the directions from the web were a bit inaccurate. It took us nearly half an hour before we were able to finally board the elusive bus. After four stops, we then alighted and armed with Google maps, we managed to find the restaurant. By this time, we were already hungry which is a good thing. We prepared to take on the meat feast like we should.

Here's the birthday girl:

The interiors were simple. Feels like walking into a living room that was converted into a big dining space. The place was also a bit warm, probably because the servers walk around with the food and you really don't want to be served with cold meat.

We also tried the Brazilian soda. Don't know what it's called.

I haven't been to a Brazilian restaurant so I don't have a benchmark to compare it with. You walk in and head to the salad bar to fill your plate with salad and carbs (rice, pasta, bread). You then head back to your table and wait for the passadors with the different meat dishes from sausages, fish, chicken bacon, steaks, beef hams and even chicken hearts!

Amongst the many selections, this is the surprise runaway winner of the night. Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze. I nearly skipped it, good thing Ching recommended that Abby try it which got me curious.

Here we are, enjoying the night!

Thanks Abby for the wonder and filling treat! Happy happy birthday!!!

Marché

Em-J and I were supposed to go to Shan's BBQ party at Bedok but his schedule was a bit tight and the place was quite far so we opted to have just a quick dinner at 313. I chose Marché since Choy, Tin and I had lunch there last Saturday and I was craving for their food again.

We arrived at a little past 8 and the queue was crazy long. Em-J was asking if I really wanted to wait and I do.

Marché opened at 313@Somerset just last December. It seats a total of 400 guests and serves fresh, healthy and organic food. It's a concept restaurant and dining in here is indeed an experience. You get transported to Switzerland once you head down to the main dining area.

If you want a quick fix, you can choose from freshly baked breads right by the entrance or get a grilled sandwich.

This is the main entrance of the restaurant. You then have to head down to the dining area where you get greeted by cute animals.

Once inside, you are given a Marché Restaurant card which you have to use to purchase your meals ala Streetlife. This I think is a stroke of genius on the part of the restaurant as you unknowingly spend more than you would care to. :p

The interiors are impressive and lovely. You really get to enjoy your food as the interiors evoke a sense of serenity. (I wasn't able to take a lot of pictures as I was told that they don't allow it. I had to use my mobile phone for most of the pictures here so some might be a bit blurred.)

They offer a wide range of healthy food selections. Choy, Tin and I didn't know what to order first as everything seemed to be appetizing. Good thing I already knew what to order today as Em-J wasn't really one to make any decisions.

Highlights are fresh seafood, homemade ravioli, wood-fired pizza, Swiss Rosti, grilled meats and sausages, roasted chicken, paella, fresh salads, savoury crepes.

Here's what we had:

Pork Knuckle, crispy and juicy.

Must try.

SGD 18.90

Sirloin Steak, very tender and tasty.

Must try.

SGD 16.90

Fresh fruit juice.

SGD 5.90 each

Waffle with Fruit and Ice Cream, one of my favorites. If I wasn't so full, I would've ordered another one.

Must Have!

Waffle - SGD 7.50

Ice Cream - SGD 4.90

and of course plain rice which you can order from the soup counter.

I was also able to try the following:

Soup - Must Try. (SGD 3.50)

Margaritta Pizza - Skip It. Nothing special and seriously lacked toppings. (SGD 16.90)

Seafood Paella - Skip It. Unless you're really craving for one. (SGD 15.90)

Coarse Pork Sausage, Garlic Pork Sausage  - Skip It. They are quite tasty but I don't think they're worth it.  (SGD 6.90 each)

Savoury Crepe - Must Try. I will go back if only for this. (SGD 10.90)

When to best go? Just before lunch time. Also, be prepared to queue a lot. I wasn't able to try their Swiss Rosti till now since that kitchen is always busy. The steaks and pork knuckle are also snatched up pretty quickly so order them immediately once they're available.