Click happy

 

 

I want to be a photographer.

I did this out of boredom

 

 

 

 

 

Emotional Babbling

If there was something true about me it would be that I cannot function with a broken heart. It has been tried, tested and TRUE. In the account of our blog, there are so many days where I wanted to sit down and take a few moments to tell people about how my day went, no matter how ordinary it may be, just to keep my mind going and thoughts playing along with new found words. Recently, I have had bad to awful days where I felt incompetent, unskilled and insecure. My rants about myself ranged from “I look so repulsive!” to “I am never going to get a job!” I was so lost. I could not blame anyone, not even myself.

 

I was just at the wrong place, at the wrong time with the wrong mindset of things.

On my own, I tried to build myself up.

 

The known fact which scared me was that people who have not been working for at least a month will have a hard time finding themselves in a decent workplace, UNLESS you have a good and acceptable reason as to why you are NOT working, the management you are applying for while think twice or thrice before hiring you. As days turn to weeks and months, I feel that my mind is already getting blunt – void of challenges and work issues that ironically keep me alive, no matter how stressful they are. Accomplishments make me proud of who I am. Without them, I am just a person, breathing. Not really living. I will not accept 2 months of not working. It just cannot happen.

How I lived recently is NOT WHO I AM. I used to create middling things from nothing and make it awesome! What happened? I cannot simply settle for a mediocre life – waking up past 7, and stretching my mind skills on what to do for the day. It is so horrible. Indeed the complete description of a bum’s life.

I have lost my self-confidence and my ability to believe that I can do something great again. I want to excel but till then, I am still searching and hoping that this useless meandering will lead me somewhere productive.

My heart is broken. It really is.

Killing the Boredom

Tuesday Random Madness.

Madarin Deli (where we had our breakfast) | Mandarin’s exteriors | Chef Robert Molleman, Executive Pastry Chef of Mandarin Deli (Photo by Francine M. Marquez, InterAksyon.com.) | Espresso Coffee which complements any breakfast deal; with an added twist of fruity crispy goodness (http://ar-ar-tastethefoodthatyouwant.blogspot.com) 

I was feeling loathsome today and I thought I needed a whole new environment to gaze upon, not the undeviating combinations of pink, purple and white hues that spattered on the walls of our house. I needed a different setting. Ergo, like a little girl, my dad tagged me along with him to his office. His room is a fantastic place to park one’s kiddie heart and fictitious-inspired brain. Think MARVELously DC.

But before we could even reach his corporate place of intrepidity. He treated me to a supreme morning meal in one of the upper-class hotels in business district, Makati. Mandarin Hotel is one of the 45 branches of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in the world. With 10,000 rooms in 28 countries, the company has garnered numerous awards and is currently labeled as one of the world’s most prestigious hotel groups.

Mandarin Deli is known for its collection of pastries, artisan breads and coffee. When I was a kid, my dad would usually take home Ensaymadas and Sausage rolls for the family. It was delicious as far as I can remember. I always looked forward to him bringing some home after a long day’s work.

Mandarin Deli Breakfast Menu | My order of two pieces of pancakes with strawberries and maple syrup | My dad’s order of Quiche Lorraine | My lunch order of Baked macaroni and cheese from Rustan’s Deli and Garlic bread from Breadtalk, Rockwell

Thank you, dad for a little piece of heaven on earth.

For lunch, we had a feasting of something different. Who would have thought that a supermarket would cater to frugal health-conscious customers who are scouting for scrumptious meals that are easy on the budget. Rustan’s supermarket serves a wide selection of sandwiches, pastas, soups and salads that are worth coming back to. I love their food, to say the least.  It’s quite strategic to sell ready to eat meals in a market! Talk about traffic. There are a lot of people doing the grocery at any point of the day and at any day of the week.

This is me in one of my mundane activities as a temporary jobless 2o-something year-old. This has to change. 

Sweets on a cruel day

It was as random as 1,2,3

Someone was feeling dismal one afternoon and decided to flood twitter with lugubrious thoughts of love and deception.  Being as random as A, B, C, I decided to invite her to our house to get her mind off things.

Kaye and I baked, wined and dined in the middle of a drencher. The weather did not dare cooperate with Kaye’s depression. But at least the food did. Or so I hope.

Red Velvet Sandwiches | Batter being mixed at medium speed | Kaye pouring flour mixture into the finale | Pesto pasta I made for her to take home as a snack. She always wanted me to prepare ‘baon’ (Filipino version of snacks to go) for her, and so I had the opportunity to do so. 

Kaye wanted a bit of a fizz at midday, but I did not have any strong liquor in store for her in our cabinet, I tried to suffice the craving with white wine. It was actually good, I loved it. It was a beginner’s wine as I would call it, it’s not too dry in the mouth and it’s sweetness is a natural quencher.

Eccentricity meets Culinary

Late night dinner!

I got home past 12 yesterday from an intense evening of culinary overload and anime dubbing. It is an extreme combination of both coming from a man who exudes an eccentric personality. He is a friend of a family friend whom I met for the very first time. He gave us a long introduction on culinary arts bordering on molecular gastronomy which lasted for hours. He compared how the five taste buds of a person can be likened to similar scientific compounds. Ladies and gentlemen, I have discovered the Alton Brown of Manila. He is amazing, if only his sharing of knowledge did not stretch all through the night. At some point, you just felt so drained and the hours were moving like a speed of light. It was really time for bed.

The purpose of our supposedly short get together was to celebrate my dad’s friend’s Bon Voyage to Britain to further cultivate her expertise on legal studies. Tita Booey is a lawyer who truly wants to educate herself further. I envy her for studying in London, wish I had a reason and the finances to do the same.

Channeling Mother Nature – shades of blue and green | I was feeling rather down lately, blue compliments the mood of my soul

We had dinner at my tito’s friend’s restaurant (yes, the eccentric man I was referring to earlier in my post.) Although his establishment does not have a centralized theme from the motif of the venue to the menu (he has Ramen, Nacho, Buffalo Wings and Adobo – weird collection), I must say that his food choices were really excellent. I found it appealing to the palate. For someone who knows a lot about the science of food, he has put his knowledge to good use.

Whetting the appetite with a Sauvignon Blanc | You’ll never go wrong with South Africa | I prefer red wine over white wine

Retro themed table | Pork Schnitzel | Best Margherita Pizza I have tasted | Tuna Tataki (seared Tuna Sashimi)

As an added extra

We got to witness a group of talents dub an anime show in English. I am not allowed to disclose any confidential details, hence I’ll leave it at that. It was a winning experience to watch Filipinos translate Spanish telanovelas for the English market. I felt like I was in a behind the scenes documentary shoot, the only thing lacking was the cameramen and the reporter. I thought it was awesome to take a shot at voice acting, but then I realized I do not have the capacity to change the pitches of my voice to various sounds and accents. I am not that talented, so I’ll leave it to the pros. It was just great to witness one happen before you eyes.

Au Revoir

Lifestyles of the Young and In Love

HAHA. I did this last September 8, 2012.

 

At midday while I was organizing bits and pieces of furniture in our house, I had the sudden urge to daydream about future homes. Growing up, I never really had the chance to suggest to my family ideas on how I want our spaces to be decorated. The only room I had the opportunity to explode my creative juices to was my room, but even then my conservative parents had rules on how my stuff were to be arranged. Still, no complete freedom there.

I went from one site to the other, drooling on every interior I could find. I browsed from white washed apartments to retro-themed flats. I wanted to build a house of my own and throw every crazy concept I had on the furnishings.

I had a batty brainstorming frenzy while I was going through the layouts. I complemented the designs with the styles of my friends. We have four existing couples in the group, and I humorously patterned every design on my perception of them as a team. I WAS BORED.

In the Philippines, people are very conservative and keen on close family-ties. Only a few people actually ‘live in’ with their partners. But for the rest of us, it’s the leave and cleave set-up – get married then start a home from there. But nonetheless, I pictured the future houses of my friends, including mine.

I am a fan of white touches that are complimented by shades of brown. The marrying combination of cream walls with antique furniture is just heaven with a twist of earthy mood tones. It is perfect for me and Mikee’s laid back tandem. We are not the screaming wild couple who celebrate the lifestyles of the young and the reckless. We just kind of go with the flow. We like things that are simple yet classy.

 

Kaye and Mac is the representation of a sweet, young and new couple. Their relationship bursts into vibrant colors which are still arranged in perfection. Kaye is the most feminine of the so-called ‘posse,’ and I really think her style will overrule any given area. I pictured their rooms to be in touches of purple, blue and pink, because that is who she is.

I had fun doing Kat and Raffy’s! They are the living testimonies of couples our age today – the upbeat, life enthusiasts who are always out to explore the world. They are fearless when it comes to taking risks and these interiors best describe who they are. I love retro modern art! next to the clean conservative designs, this is second one I love best! I envision walls covered with posters and random furnishings that do not match each other. That’s art, that’s life.

Aj and Gina’s are leaning towards the happy colorful family room, since they are the first to start one in the group. They are a toss between conventional and liberated. The compositions of interiors are not too striking, but it’s not too bland either. It’s a brilliant combination of the two with walls filled with family photos and areas catering to a kid at play.

It’s another boring Monday

Oh Darn, it’s Monday AGAIN.

Usual routine first thing in the morning – Twitter, favorite Chocolate Macadamia coffee in my favorite cup

Boracay expenses | McDonald’s pancakes for breakfast | What is news? BryanBoy is | Arranged condiments and whatnot in the kitchen

Mr. Honda’s Grooming Day, I do not think he enjoyed it at all.

My dad’s lunch for tomorrow. Thai Chili Beef with Basil. Cooking is therapy for the brokenhearted. 

Our dog looks stoned.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Girls just wanna have fun

After so many weeks of planning, my friends and I finally had the opportunity to meet together for what turned out to be a whole day and night fiasco of food + photography + clothes and all sorts of poses.

Table setting by me at our house –I love having friends over, it gives me a certain challenge to dress the place up. 

Food which I prepared: Pika-pika – polvoron, chips, candies, banana chips, dingdong assorted nuts | Lemon Butter Chicken, Baked Macaroni

Photoshoot with the girls!

Getting crazy in front of the camera

My room: where the magic happens.

Therese’s shoot | Isa + me | Desperation for heels; Therese wearing my shoes; Bridgette’s paparazzi shot

Faye’s solo candid

Therese’s dark little secret

Bridge’s DO NOT MESS WITH ME face

My badass side got the best of me

Pat’s sultry girl next door

Isa’s rebel charm

And that’s a rap!

 

Agave + Starbucks = Love

There is pleasure in eating alone at times.

I slept with a heavy heart last night because a. I was missing my mom and b. I was not getting the comfort I needed. Perhaps I was being a bratty controlling 24-year old and no matter how people tried to console me, my heart cannot be pacified. As my mom would put it, “your spoiled generation is getting harder to please nowadays.” I have standards and maybe it’s unleashing the worst in me. I woke up at 7 am with puffy eyes for soaking my pillow for 3 hours. I felt like I was in a soap opera, crying every second I pick up a thing that reminded me of my mother. It was CRAZY. But everything got a little better the next day.

I felt relieved when I knew I was going out for lunch, somehow I needed a breather and our house was just too small for me to get some air. I needed a huge space, a hearty meal and lots of people. Thankfully, I got an invitation to go to Eastwood for a simple chow time. For for food trips, Mikee and I usually call each other, it’s already automatic that we are hungry partners in crime.

Because I seldom go out, I make it a point to look my best. It is my way of flaunting my style and creativity. I love frilly fashion pieces which emphasize my femininity, like boho skirts, ribbons, spaghetti straps or tank tops, flats and accessories. I am an avid fan of gold jewelry! These classic accents never get outdated, you’ll never go wrong with them.

Clinique stay-matte sheer pressed powder, Clinique New Chestnut Blush, Clinique Sunkissed Bronzer, Maybelline Unstoppable Shiny Black Mascara, Maybelline Ebony Black Eyeliner and Lancome Ombre Subtile Eyeshadow

For a short stroll in the mall, I prefer to go light on cosmetics. I stay clear of smokey eyes and red lips. As much as possible, I stick to lipgloss just to avoid the cracked lips look. For this, I simply used the essentials – powder, blush-on, bronzer (to highlight my color), creme colored eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara. You need not look so glamorous especially in broad daylight. Simplicity is still the best policy (made that up.)

I do not usually go for branded make-up but because my skin is super sensitive, I painfully have to remain loyal to Clinique products, that way I avoid skin acne. Hassle.

Mikee and I ate in Agave because we were craving for Mexican. I think we really did not make a good choice here, but in a way we still enjoyed our meal.

I ordered a Chicken Quesadilla with Guacamole on the side. I guess I was being biased and inclined towards a more favored restaurant which was Army Navy. But don’t worry, for those who are a fan of Agave, who work there or even own the establishment (just in case,) I still found the food pleasurable.

Mikee ordered the Steak Burrito. Hmm, for a meal amounting to 200 + bucks, I have no idea why the chips on the side are so limited. If you are going to put them, might as well add a few more? they make the plate look so empty. It just looks asymmetrical(?) well, what do I know about the balance of food when it comes to plating. I make the dumbest critiques at times haha! That’s just how I see it. But going back to the taste, it was satisfying.

I admire the interiors though! The dim lights set a more enticing mood for savoring the appetite. There is something about dark spaces; they give me a relaxing vibe for some reason. It gives me the idea to slow down and actually enjoy what I am eating.

The restaurant is like a modern day cowboy saloon. That’s how I see it.

Mikee choosing long and hard on what to eat. It took him time to decide only to pick the same dish at a different venue. It’s always the Burrito. Make that steak, medium well.

We ended the day with a tall Signature Iced Chocolate and a grande Caramel Frappuccino from Starbucks. Same spot for three years, same drink. HAHA.

Filipinos are natural law breakers! HAHA. I think we’re the only country who take the time to make public signs like, “please do not urinate in this area” or “please do not cross, someone has already died doing this.” Only in the Philippines.

Thank you for the sweet surprise, baby! I have always been a fan of Cinnamon since St. Cinnamon, Cinnabon and Cinzeo! I can gobble one in minutes!

I end the day with this: I AM ONE HAPPY GIRL despite my traumatic experiences. Thanks to people who go out of their way to make me feel special. I send out all my love to you.

Mid-week Birthday Celebration

Chelsea Market and Cafe | clickincity.com

Mikee and I celebrated his birthday in the noontime of September 4, in the midst of an assiduous schedule – beating deadlines and the window time (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) for Metro Manila’s color coding scheme which states that for a certain day of the week, some vehicles are prohibited depending on the last digit of the plate number.

Months prior to this lunch out, we’ve been planning to eat in a very natty yet comfy cafe nestled in the middle of one of Makati/ Taguig city’s busiest stretch of restaurants, Global City at the Fort. Do not be fooled by it’s snazzy look, on the contrary the menu was very budget friendly! We left the place with a bag of left overs because we were so full yet still with enough money to spare.

pmgmendoza.blogspot.com

Whenever presents come to mind, I see to it that I give him something that he needs rather than something that he wants (but sometimes I give in to his guilty pleasures just for an added bonus, like a cherry on top so to speak.) Mikee’s been dragging an old ragged pair of slippers wherever he goes, because our dog’s been lavishly craving for his flip flops every time. He’s been drooling on a certain pair of Havaianas, which I was able to get for this special occasion. On the side, I gave him a Mocha Motion cupcake from Sonja’s, a little sweet store at the Fort which is actually a big hit to its customers. I did not have time to buy him a cake, I just hoped a smaller one would suffice. Hey! it’s the thought that counts, right? But nonetheless, if there is something my boyfriend will never reject, it’s food in all shapes and sizes.

foodiefromthemetro.blogspot.com

The sun was definitely at rage that day. It was so hot that the moment I stepped out of the car, sweat started trickling down in all parts of my body. Talk about vanity moment? I was really perspiring! But I managed to look decent as much as I can. Even if we’ve been together for almost three years, I try not to be complacent when it comes dressing and carrying myself.

We reached Chelsea Cafe 15 minutes before noon. It was not difficult to find a table because of the restaurant’s huge seating capacity, and also because majority of the people come in past noon. We sat across the door to observe people who enter to take a bite to eat. The customers’ character profiles are so multifarious as the list of dishes in the menu. Some would go in groups, like foreign business men in suits, yet on the other had there’d be couples like us dressed in random comfortable clothing. But I must say, my date really spruced up his style. Whenever Mikee would go out in a checkered polo or any long-sleeved shirt for that matter, you know he’s out to impress! True story. I’ve known that to be true of him. He really sacrificed comfort for fashion. It must have been a good 31 degrees Celsius that day, and yet his arms were covered with thick cotton.

When we got a hold of the menu, it was very difficult for us to decide which to get. We were the type of couple who were so into food that we wanted to try everything, but we only had a budget to spend. We have always been a fan of burgers and we wanted to try as much burgers as we can from different food establishments. So far, the best was TGIF’s Jack Daniel’s burger! nothing has topped that yet but we were on the look out.

Risotto Cakes

To whet our appetite, we started with a heavy appetizer that can actually pass as a main course! We made a mistake on this one! It was too creamy that it almost overpowered our ultimate dishes. But it was really good that we could not resist taking a bite over and over. If you are in the mood for a cheesy overload, try this.

Carbonara

It is a no-no for Carbonara to be a subsequent to Risotto cakes! it’s just too much cholesterol and carbohydrates. Both dishes can stand alone and must be eaten apart from each other. The pasta is very rich and mouthwatering that I have no regrets in ordering it because I was satisfied to the very last bite.

Angus Beef Burger

Chips down for the finale! The burger complemented the creamy dishes we had prior to this. We still thought TGIF was the best, but this was a capital choice as well. We were glad we picked this from the menu. The fries were not soggy and were deep-fried to perfection. I preferred wedges to thin strips. The sauce was also gratifying! Over-all I gave it an 8!

We ended it with this, a simple two-hour celebration over lunch time, nothing special really but those frills and extravagant details are not necessary to say that you had one awesome birthday, right? As long as you are with the person you enjoy spending it with, then you’re set! Wherever that may be and whatever you got planned.

Happy Birthday baby boy! I love you.