McDonald's Shakes

Since it's hush hush launch last August, never has a week gone by that I am without a McDonald's shake. Not all McDonald's stores are selling this wonderful treat, my brother will go all the way to Glorietta, every Sunday, just to buy one. We have totally let go of dialing 8-MCDO at the office since they don't deliver shakes. Nevermind if it's almost three blocks away, we'll troop over to St. Francis in the wee hours of the morning.

I am not sure whether the shakes in three flavors (chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla) are going to be a staple in the McDonald's menu but I sure hope so.

If you haven't tried it yet, go get one. Now!

(By the way, it's not available at Megamall, Shangri-La, and Greenbelt. )

24 Trailer

Season 6 trailer is up! Click here!

Till I Met You

I finally had a chance to watch a movie after the longest time. My friends and I were debating whether to see "The Guardian", "The Departed" or the local flick "Till I Met You" and thanks largely to their great publicity team, we ended up choosing the Robin-Regine flick.

The movie showed a lot of promise...well, the first 10 minutes that is.

This a team-up between to media giants, GMA and VIVA films and press releases boast of the story to be conceptualized by it's very producer. Sadly, save for Regine Velasquez, the film has nothing much to boast of.

The story is so thin it would've been much appreciated if it was written as a tv script. Robin plays Gabriel who immediately suspects Luisa (Regine Velasquez) to be someone other than who she claims to be when he learns that she's marrying Señor Manuel (Eddie Garcia). He makes it his mission to expose her through several competitions and they eventually fall in love.

The transition of the movie from a-not-really-funny comedy to you're-supposed-to-cry-and-fall-in-love-in-these-scenes mush is so abrupt you wonder if they changed directors.

The comedic timing of Robin Padilla have seen better days and Pekto's shrill voice, his only characterization (if you can call it that) is nothing but irritating. The ending is expected. Luisa leaves the hacienda, Gabriel stays behind. Señor Manuel dies and Gabriel pursues Luisa who's now selling Magic Sing microphones at the mall.

Can you really say that effort is put into the production of the movie when in this very scene, you see a fan taking a picture of Regine Velasquez and then looks directly at the camera?

Before GMA Films starts boasting of being original in concept (ehem ehem, Moments of Love) and that 2007 will be their banner year, they should come up with something worth the viewer's time and money.

And by the way, I am attaching the poster of the movie in this entry. It's the only thing I liked.

Never Gone

The recent overwhelming amount of work that I faced gave me no time to blog...but I was never gone. I became a voracious reader of blogs and what-nots. Let me just share some of the sites that I frequent:

For fun reads:

Twisted by Jessica Zafra
Cofibean
Bryanboy

For new and interesting things that I can check out:

Dessert Comes First
Our Awesome Planet
Reviews by P
The Bachelor Girl

For TV and entertainment news:

Markzchannel
Enterteynment
All Orange Films

And of course, I also check out the blogs of my friends who till now have remained steadfast in blogging. Links are found in my page.

If you know of interesting sites that you wish to share, just holler.

Doughnut Fan

I am a doughnut fan!

I remember the opening of the first ever Dunkin Donuts store in Zamboanga. I was there visiting with my cousin and the place was packed. I was really disappointed when my uncle decided to just leave because waiting in queue for half an hour is simply out of the question. Not for me.

Fast forward to many years ahead, my friends and I would troop to The Fort after our shift and wait in line for more than half an hour just to get our share of Gonuts Donuts.

Because of the success of Gonuts, many people tend to compare it with Dunkin Donuts. (The long time market leader in the country). I prefer not to do that since the doughnuts are completely different and I love both! Nevermind if have Joey de Leon as their endorser. Apart from that, my only complaint is that their doughnuts are getting smaller by the minute.

On November 16, Krispy Kreme will open it's flagship store here in Manila also at The Fort where Gonuts opened it's first store...and I am excited!

Upcoming Releases

It's the season of sequels...

...and remakes...


...and other interesting stuff.

Rediscovered

Singapore is known as Asia's food capital where an endless variety of food is available. Being a self-proclaimed food junkie...with my ballooning weight as proof...my options have, thus far, been limited to famous international franchises and the food junction. But I am not dismayed by the fact that I have not been able to try all the options available. I am enamored by the fact that I have rediscovered snacks that I have enjoyed when I was young still available here.

Tim Tam - both original and double coated - True, Tim Tam is still available in Manila but similar to Oreo's and Chip's Ahoy where the taste largely differs based on where it is manufactured, the same holds true for this chocolate covered and sandwiched biscuits. (I look for the matte packaging manufactured in Australia.) I actually have to stop myself on gorging an entire package in one sitting.

*Original TimTams are once again available at SM and Rustan's

Famous Amos - Passing by a Famous Amos store is certain to elicit the hunger pangs in you. The freshly baked cookies can hardly compare to the pre-packaged ones sold at the grocery. I am not complaining though, it is still better than nothing.





Horlick's - I have looked high and low for Horlick's to no avail. I searched major online stores and even tried malted milk shakes at a couple of dessert bars hoping to get a re-introduction to this great tasting malted sweets. Imagine my surprise when I saw the original Horlick's candies at a nearby food mart. It comes in a slightly childish packaging but it still has the same addicting taste.

Kellog's Corn Pops - Now simply called Pop's, it is available only at a high end food mart at a slightly higher price but all worth it. This remains my favorite cereal of all time.

McDonald's Milk Shakes - Milkshakes are fairly easy to make, however, the ones at McDonald's have a distinct taste that I simply love. When I was a kid, a McDonald's meal is incomplete without it. In fact, I can even do away with the meal itself. Sadly, one by one, the stores removed them from their menu. I simply had to accept the fact that I won't be able to have another shot at this drink when the branch at La Salle (the only one who still sold the drink) also removed it from their menu...but it's back! And I love it. I just wish that all the McDonald's in the Philippines follow suit.

Finales

24, Prison Break, Lost and Desperate Housewives have sadly ended their season long run. And though all of the shows will definitely be back next season, the wait is still too long.

24 - This is the first time that the season ended where viewers are left pondering as to what will happen to series hero Jack Bauer. The finale of the 5th season ends with him being hied off by the Chinese government to Shanghai. He has eluded capture by pretending to be dead the 4th season. Does this mean that another major casting revamp is about to take place?

Desperate Housewives - Betty Applewhite bids goodbye to Wisteria Lane. Sadly her ominous presence was hardly even felt. Matthew's threat to Bree was too much of a stretch as is Zach's decision to end the life of Noah. Edie, still recuperating from bee stings was sorely missed on the show's finale. Bree, sadly, is now being pursued by yet another psychopath. By the way, can Mike Delfino make up his mind???

Prison Break - With the show's high octane episodes, the finale was a let down. Many have come to criticize the almost impossible scenarios with impossible solutions, I have turned a blind eye because it is what makes it unique and definitely entertaining. However, I do have to say that the finale hit the roof!

Lost - In true LOST fashion, it's finale is much publicized as the finale unlike anybody's ever seen in the history of TV...and as expected, it was a letdown.

Michael's storyline is nothing more but your typical kidnapping but unlike 24 where the resolution is reached at the end of an episode, it takes at least a season for LOST and it is reserved for it's finale. A polar bear, black smoke, green eagle, hanso org, hatch, electromagnetic field, the others, people dying of virus, Rosseau...all this confusion still adds up to....nothing.

Random Images from My Life

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"Feeling awfully full after a filling meal"

Can I say redundant? But who cares...reading tongue twisters for a job can get to you.

"Taking a breather from work"

"The beginnings of our team"

"Everybody hard at work"

Back Home

I got back home about a week ago and if I was complaining about the heat in Singapore, it simply does not compare here. Airconditioning is as much a necessity as food. (Ok, not really...)

Things were normal at home. It's as if I never left minus the fact that my bedroom is a tad different. The biggest shocker was from work, I got back with a lot of backlogs which I never expected. The first week was hard, I was struggling and simply can't find the energy to start sorting things out. I do have an organizer but it simply didn't help. Today marks the last day of my second week back at work and I am glad that there's been some progress. I already have check marks on my to-do list which fools me into thinking that I've already accomplished a lot.

Bad Day

No, I didn't have a bad day.

I gave up on reality shows a long time ago. No matter what twist they think of, it is essentially the same, thus my waning interest. Assuming that I am, I thought that my disinterest is also the beginning of the decline of reality shows...but they persisted. From being stranded in an island to being cooped up in a house with complete strangers to travelling around the world, from makeovers to renovations, from becoming a model to becoming a lawyer to becoming an apprentice, from becoming the next action star to becoming the next singing sensation, from dating a gorgeous bachelor/bachelorette to dating a nerd and finally to dating a transsexual...name it, it's there. We even have local versions, there's the search for comedians, search for love teams, search for the next big pop superstar millionaire idol to the really pathetic search for employees. (Imagine the horror of besting out several contestants, undergoing unrealistic challenges to become a service crew or a personal assistant! Are they gonna be paying the fellows who get the job millions? All under the pretense of helping out those in need...who are you kidding?)

Such a long introduction...when all I wanted to say is that being that there is only one channel that we get to watch here, I am now watching these reality shows. Survivor, Amazing Race, The Apprentice, The Apprentice: Martha Stewart, and Extreme Makeover.

Anyway, its 8pm and American Idol is on.

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee you go
You tell me your life's been way offline
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad dayT
he camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on
You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day(Oh.. Holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong
So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Rubber Slippers

I know a lot of people who love shoes so much they swoon at shoe shops. Huge bookstores do that to me but not the shoe shop. For me, so long as I have a working formal and casual wear, I'm good. I'd sooner buy a new pair of slippers than shoes.

And slippers it is, I saw this great looking slipper covered with thin wood slats at a stall during the Chinese New Year celebration. I didn't think it would last long but it was so unique that I bought it. I was wrong, it was I who didn't last. It was painful using it being that it didn't mold to the contours of the feet. And in a country where long walks are highly encouraged, I simply had to give up! So off I went to look for a sturdy and comfortable rubber slippers for my long hot walks. Being a cheapo that I am, Havaianas simply won't make the cut...even OP won't make it. It took me three days to finally see one that I like and one that my budget would allow. It's a bargain at $13, though I know that I can get it at a fifth of that price at SM.

TV Events

*Spoiler Alert*

Keanna wins the Big Brother contest, Jennifer is wishing fervently for Adrian to recognize her, while Majika is obviously becoming a Jewel in the Palace rip-off. (Nothing really new...remember Anastasia as Jolina in one of their soaps? Funny, really!)

Meanwhile, more tv news:

24: The spineless president for two seasons is revealed to be the mastermind behind the elaborate scheme that included Palmer's assassination...totally out of character in my opinion...let's keep in mind that he owed Palmer a lot after helping him out with last season's crisis...but who am I to argue with the geniuses behind it. I still love the show! Too bad cause I really like his character and Gregory Itzkin is a genius. His facial expressions are priceless.

Lost: Yet, another disappointing episode. With Lockdown being such a pivotal episode when they realized that "Dave" isn't who he claims to be, you'd expect the story to focus on it...sadly, it didn't. The story on Hurley's multiple personality disorder is also interesting but totally anti-climactic. The final scene with Libby (or is it Libby's twin?) at the same institution as Hurley does nothing to give light to the alphabet soup that it is now.

Prison Break: Previous episode showed what the characters' lives were like 3 years ago...and ala Lost, some characters have crossed paths before their stint at Fox River. Pretty fulfilling epiosde, it's like watching fate put all of the chess pieces in it's proper places in preparation for the ultimate escape. There were also a few surprises as we learn that Sara was previously a junkie and Bellick has the hots for her. We also finally get to see the Vice President's brother and how his dental records became that of the person who pretended to be him. Can't wait for the next episode!

Boston Legal: Parker Posey joins Boston Legal in a three-episode stint. The already funny trio of William Shatner, Candice Bergin, and James Spader is about to get funnier.

Baywatch: Baywatch just doesn't die. Did you know that a movie is in the works with Jessica Simpson reportedly playing CJ Parker?

Observations

I temporarily said goodbye to the frenzy and the comfortable that is Sykes. It was not an easy transition mostly because of the flurry of activities that we do daily. Many thanks to those who helped especially to my boss who has been so supportive.

The past days didn't feel different. As what my friend said, it's still like being in the Philippines, the difference being that there are a lot of people talking in many different languages.
There was also no feeling of urgency. I remembered having to rush from one place to the next the few times I was here due to the limited time that we have. But now, I haven't really been to any tourist destination nor do I feel compelled to go.

1. I bought a sim card and my kababayan, the filipina, sold it $5 more expensive. How typical...I found out about it right after she registered the sim for me.

2. The saturday newspaper with all it's want ads is ridiculously thick and heavy! You can't even have it four-fold. Imagine carrying it around the rest of the day.

3. One major broadcasting company! Cable is a must if you are a tv freak. Imagine having to watch a show's ad 40 times a day till it airs a week after. Great previews though.

4. People are addicted to Sudoku. I don't think I'll even bother.

5. A man shouting at a wake is already front page news.

6. It's also a book lover's heaven. A bookstore so huge, it literally prints out a map of the bookstore for you to locate the book you're interested in.

7. Chocolates, chocolates, and more chocolates.

8. Ice cream, ice cream, and more ice cream.

Now, only if it's not as expensive.

ramblings

It's 6am, I'm25 and I'm here at work. Surely not the life that I imagined many years back when I was still as idealistic as Hero when he triumphed over thousands of other questors. (haha!) While the pages of my friends' life have been turning as fast as you can read a Stephen King novel, mine is turning at the same rate as if you were reading Proust. If only depth equates to it then I should be fine.

I'm not becoming cynical, in fact, I do enjoy what I'm doing. Such freedom in a workplace is a rarity that giving it all up took every ounce of my willpower...but I guess it's finally time for a change.

Let's see if I can get a Coehlo balance.

For Jencarps

Jencarps, Naalala mo to? Memories ng Panthers.

"Spring Cleaning"

I finally started clearing out my drawers of years-old files and knick knacks. As my cousin and I used to call it, our own "basura collection". I never realized how much of a pack rat I was until I saw my stash. I had about four large boxes of memories concretized and it was difficult to let go of most of it. I discarded most of my stuff but still kept some that I absolutely can't get rid of. I have about a box half-full now. It would serve as another time capsule once I realize that I need to rid myself of more useless clutter sometime in the future, but for now, I feel as if I still need to hold on to it a little longer.

Here are some of the more interesting things that I found:

1. My first college notebook with the subject Peace Education not having more than 5 pages worth of notes written on it. Chemistry, on the other hand, is full of notes when it was not even included in my flow chart.

2. High school retreat mini-letters. Who would've thought that notes with "good luck on your college life" can make you cry?

3. First memo from my first job at ABS. "Out of 14 meetings since January, you only attended 4 - Ang professional di ba? I'm not exactly proud of it but if you were in my position, you'd know that 4 meetings is more than enough. Imagine waiting for more than 6 hours before it starts and everytime the agenda remains the same: office clique.

4. Several maiden issues of magazines that never saw the light of a 2nd issue.

5. Touted as Manila's answer to Raygun - my collection of AGENDA - philippine magazine's finest hour...at least in my opinion.

6. Double digest Archie comics.

Changes

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Change happens and along with it our perceptions of reality are also altered.

Cost-U-Less is no longer open 24 hours...though the pizza remains to be as delicious as before. There was not a lot of red tag items and we even saw an 8-oz. cup noodle selling for as much as P80. So much for our low-priced induced glee.

The Macau buffet is now part of a distant past...the previously unnoticed outback carinderia is now serving us with our usual tapsi lunch fare. Nevermind that a flying ipis always greets us everytime we're there.

The usual friday night-outs have been replaced with friday afternoon siesta. No longer do we see the Saturday dawn at the office. By that time, I would've been already fast asleep.


I was going over my previous entries when I saw my entry regarding cost-u-less...who would've thought that we discovered it more than six months ago...when it seems to me that we first walked into it's doors not more than two months ago. On the other hand, I also saw my entry regarding a recent trip to Fazoli's. Now, while it happened at just about the same time as the cost-u-less discovery...it seems longer than that. Oliver, Em-J, and I laugh about it as if it happened years ago.

The Fifth Hour

*Spoiler alert

This has got to be the most explosive season premiere ever. I was literally shocked. Though I am still a LOST fan, I have to say that in terms of plot development, 24 is by far the best. LOST has so much hype but they're already halfway through the second season yet so many questions are still left unanswered. And all that hype during the November sweeps was not at all worth it.

I was elated when I saw several major characters during the pilot but my elation was short-lived when they died. I was stunned. I don't think anybody saw it coming. From Sherry to Palmer and finally Dessler...almost all of my favorite characters are now gone. Let's just pray that Chloe survives this day.

24

The new year makes it easier for everyone to have new beginnings...and so it is the same for Jack Bauer. The 5th season premiered a few days ago and the non-stop season airs till May.



The 4th season is the best season of the series, the plot is not as contrived as the 3rd and in terms of story, they went back to what made the 1st season a hit. And with almost every major character from the past seasons turning up mid-season, I was not gonna be surprised if it was Nina Myers who was working with Marwan.