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So I have a few photos from my phone that I was supposed to tweet about but never got around to doing so so I thought of just creating one blog entry for them.

The bad: I ordered a piece of turon, minatamis na saging and a small cup of fruit salad for a hefty sum of $6 (Php190) at Kabayan.

The ugly: The minatamis na saging was watered down, the fruit salad, too sweet and the turon, too tough. Never again. 

I wanted to share what Clarice and I had for dinner a few weeks ago. We shared this feast just between us two at Manhattan Fish Market.

I'm loving the new Goldilock's packaging. 

I'm also loving Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. 50% on all cakes after 6PM!

I was craving for Magnum Gold so bad that we had to go all the way to 7-11 more than 2 blocks away at 12midnight.

Morning rush hour, on a very crowded bus, this gentleman felt that his bicho bicho deserved a greatly desired seat better. 

I finally got around to arranging the pasalubong that AI asked me to bring along. 

Some Peace and Quiet

So after all the pasalubong shopping and my Manila trip, my resources have been depleted that there's nothing left for me to do but stay home...at least until after the next pay day. :p I was just at home the entire weekend catching up on movies that I've already downloaded. I watched Precious and was blown away by Mo'Nique's performance. I had to search for her best supporting actress acceptance speech right after her bawling scene at Mariah's office.

I also watched Russel Crowe and Ben Affleck's State of Play adapted from an original BBC series which I didn't quite like. I felt that the movie's ending was a bit rushed. I was still trying to fully digest what was happening in the background and I'm already seeing the credits roll. 

I also tried to watch The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo but was a bit disoriented. Instead of having English subtitles, they dubbed the English dialogues and they didn't do such a good job. After watching a few frames, I decided to stop and just look for another copy. Incidentally, Monica sent me an FB message asking me to read the novels first. This got me all excited since I miss reading and was in bad need of a good recommendation. I actually haven't found the time to read the past few months so yesterday before heading home, I passed by Popular and found the first two books in the series on sale. Combined I got 300pesos off which was a real good deal. 

Headed Back

The Sunday I was leaving came by too quickly. I didn't go to church that morning, I went to Pure Gold instead to do some last minute shopping. I also bought a couple of buckets of Chicken Joy. When I got home, Shobe was preparing to leave as well as she needed to go to Trinoma. I started packing my things and left a little after lunch after saying goodbye to my family. I didn't see my brother who was supposed to take me to the airport because he thought that I was leaving at night. I headed to the airport to renew my OWWA membership and secure my OEC.

I then waited for Oliver who picked me up and we headed back to Resorts World while waiting for my flight since I had a few more hours to kill.

We ate at Kenny Roger's even if I was dead full. We lost track of time and I had barely an hour left when I got back to the airport. The rush was okay though since I spent quality time with a friend instead of just waiting at the gates. 

I miss my family and I miss my friends who spoil me like crazy. :)

The Debt

I just saw the trailer of "The Debt" with Helen Mirren and Sam Worthington and it's getting me all excited. It's been too long since I've seen a thriller like this. It doesn't matter if it's a remake. Compare the trailers of the remake and the original below:

Home

When Micah and I got home after watching Legally Blonde, the gang was still wide awake. We shared a few stories before finally retiring to bed. I was really pooped. The following day, they were also up pretty early. We played with the cutest Arianna before lunch.

Micah, Shobe and I then decided to go to Trinoma. If time permitted, I would've loved to watch a movie with them just like how we used to every Sunday after church but schedule was a bit tight. We posed for some pictures before leaving:

After shopping around for a bit, we chanced upon Chewy Junior. I was glad someone decided to bring the delightful little treats to Manila. 

To rest a bit, we agreed on Conti's for desserts since the three of us were still a bit full from our meal at home, however, Shobe and Micah changed their minds so we ended up ordering meals as well. Our selections were hits and misses. 

Baked salmon would have been the most logical choice for me but since I just went salmon shopping with Clarice a few days ago, I decided to skip it. I had the beef salpicao which was just okay, Shobe's chicken pastel tasted like chicken pie which nobody liked. Micah's baked prawns was the runaway winner. For dessert, we skipped the Mango Bravo since we all feel that it's a bit overrated. We settled for the Mango Tart which was the best, the chocolate cake on the other hand was bleh. 

After the meal, we looked for the Forever 21 store since we saw a few people carrying F21 shopping bags. Nobody could point us in the right direction so we gave up. I rushed to Meralco to meet up with Jencarps. Surprisingly, I was an hour early since there was no traffic. I went to Galleria first before heading back to Meralco.

This is our only picture since the usher told us off. Oh well, better than nothing. I'm posting it here even if I look like a troll. 

Third Stop: Shangri-La

One of our favorite hangouts when we were all still in Sykes is Shangri-La because of its proximity to our workplace. The day after our casino escapade, we decided to leave all my stuff at CGS, we then proceeded to the mall to while away the time. I had about four hours to waste before the need to meet up with my sister. 

We decided to watch a movie since there really wasn't anything that I needed to do at the mall. 

The long queue wasn't for the movie we were about to see. We waited for a short time before realizing that it was for Eclipse. The theater for Predators wasn't so packed. It was an okay movie, the three of us fell asleep halfway through it probably because we stayed up till late and we were up quite early.

After the movie, we ate at Max's. I wanted to try the Chicken All You Can but it wasn't until 6pm and we were an hour early. We ordered our all time favorites so it was still okay.

Tokwa't Baboy

Sinigang na Hipon

Max's Fried Chicken

Buko Pandan

After our meal, I saw Oliver and Analyn off and I headed to the taxi bay. I ended up waiting for 45 minutes to get a cab. I called Micah and she was still at Megamall waiting in line to get a cab. After 15 minutes with the queue not moving, she decided to just walk all the way to the theater since she won't make it. I met up with her at Emerald and we both ran to Meralco. We got there at 5 minutes to 8. The show started 15 minutes past 8 so we had time to freshen up a bit. 

After the show, we caught up with Hogi and we chatted a bit. We really couldn't stay long since it was already late and we had to pass by the condo first before finally heading to Malabon. 

Legally Blonde Manila

One of the main reasons why I travelled back to Manila is Legally Blonde. My friends and I block bought a show. We were all set but due to unforeseen circumstances, we were forced to back out the last minute. Since I already have tickets to Manila for said dates, I might as well watch the show.

This is what greets the audience upon entering the theater. I think as with most people, I also had apprehensions about the show. Also, after seeing their ASAP prod number, I didn't expect much anymore but I immediately knew after seeing the company in "Omigod You Guys" that I was in for a one enjoyable ride. Watching them, you can just feel their passion. 

Nikki Gil is a revelation. We all know that she sings well but it's an altogether different experience hearing her live. Her voice is clear and melodious. "Whipped Into Shape" which had Geneva Cruz as Brooke Wyndham skipping rope while singing is one of my favorite numbers. (Micah and I just couldn't picture Gretchen Barretto doing that). She looked the part and made everything look so easy. Felix River as Nikos Argitakos also stole the show, the "Gay and European" number was just too funny. Nyoy Volante, I have to agree with some of the reviews I've read just had no chemistry with Nikki Gil but he sings well. I hear Jencarps cringing whenever Nyoy enters the stage. I don't know what it is with her. She did gush quite loudly when Guji Lorenzana appeared and sang "Serious". Jinky Llamanzares as Paulette is my favorite though. I wish her "Ireland" number was a bit longer. 

The set was also quite crafty but seriously lacking in color. Everything looked pale, it is as if they used colored chalks instead of paint. I don't know if that's the way it was supposed to be but it looked a bit shabby. Also, the sound system in Meralco is bad. There were instances where you can't hear what the actors were saying.

Legally Blonde is running till Sunday so you can still get your tickets! 

Second Stop: Resort's World Manila

Oliver told me that Resorts World Manila is a must. I wanted to go to a casino and we originally planned to go to Casino Filipino but after having been to RW Manila, he says that there's just no comparison. A room was booked in Marriott in case we stay till the wee hours of the morning playing.

Only the casino, Marriott and a few restaurants were fully operational but I imagine that it would really be a nice place to spend time at once finally open. 

After having a late afternoon snack at McDonald's, Melvin and his friends drove us there. Oliver and Melvin headed to the casino while I tagged along with Analyn to check in at the hotel. 

I loved the vibe of the entire place. I also loved the front office decor. 

We then proceeded to check the room which was spacious and impressive. I love the room even more than RW Singapore's Hard Rock Hotel's. 

After freshening up a bit, we proceeded to the casino. Too bad cameras were not allowed in the gaming area. While the casino here is cramped, it was the opposite there. They also have free flow drinks and shakes unlike the dispensed coffee and tea here. Live entertainment from foreign acts were also provided. Best of all, minimum bets are cheap. 

First timers were also given breakfast vouchers which I enjoyed the morning after. Members then only have to accumulate 88points to partake of the buffet as well. Great deal. 

A few more pics below: