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February 1, 2010. It’s a slow Monday for Greenbelt 5, quiet and unrushed, just how I wanted the day to be. Tapella was the choice restaurant for lunch that afternoon. The restaurant has two dining areas, one outdoor perfect on a cool evening or a not-so-hot summer day, while the interior has a soft beige and red color scheme.

As the name suggests, the restaurant highlights tapas and paellas as their strong dishes.

On the Table

Seafood Chowder PHP 110

Serrano Ham and Cheese Bites in Phyllo Pastry PHP 110

Moroccan Chicken Skewers PHP 130

Tender and moist chicken meat skewered and spunked with spices.

Manchego Cheese, Chicken, Asparagus, Shrimp Paella PHP 500

Paella with chicken chunks, baby asparagus and shrimps served on a small paellera with Manchego cheese on top. The Manchego cheese gives a hint of beefy and creamy taste on the rice. As usual, Bubba and I jockey for the burnt crispy rice at the bottom of the paellera, which is the best part of any paella.

Service was less inclined -was so-so. We were the only ones in the restaurant but the wait staff was nowhere within eyesight so it took a while to order additional dishes, request for fresh ground pepper for the soup and get the bill. Get your fix of modern Spanish dishes in Tapella. There are a lot more from the menu that I’m raring to try -my eyes are on the Alaskan King Crab Paella 😉

Tapella

Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5,

Ayala Center, Makati City

(632) 757 2710

Tapaella Album

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After the Jump in Macau

August 12, 2009 by Janey

Finally, I reached the end of the fall.

My knees were wobbling and it took me a while before I regained my balance.

Despite the tormenting 2 minutes before the actual “jump” (or push), it is one of the most memorable experiences in this lifetime. Up to this day, I cannot believe that I did the jump. I walk with a different strut now… (erhm, just don’t watch the video). What a thrilling and electrifying moment to be in the air with nothing but a harness to support your fall.

Sky Jump is one of Macau’s most exciting tourist attractions that should be a “don’t miss” experience.

At 233 meters, Macau Tower’s skyjump and bungee jump from the outer rim by world renowned AJ Hackett is the highest in the world. How many people can say that they’ve jumped off that height?

Test your moxie! Do you have the intestinal fortitude to do the jump?

Some of the Famous Towers

1. CN Tower Toronto, Canada 1976 1,815 ft

2. Ostankino Tower Moscow, Russia 1967 1,771 ft

3. Oriental Pearl Tower Shanghai, China 1995 1,535 ft

4. John Hancock Center Chicago, USA 1969 1,500 ft

5. Empire State Building New York, USA 1931 1,454 ft

6. KL Tower Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1995 1,403 ft

11. Macau Tower Macau, SAR China 2001 1,109 ft

12. Tokyo Tower Tokyo, Japan 1958 1,093 ft

13. Sky Tower Auckland, New Zealand 1997 1,067 ft

14. Eiffel Tower Paris, France 1889 1,063 ft

We went back to the tower to get our photo and video package. We shared an elevator ride with the other couple and we couldn’t stop laughing at what we just experienced. The girl said that my 2-minute hesitation prepared her for her own plight.

A small crowd has already gathered outside the jump off point, where one guy is preparing for his bungee jump.

We went around the deck again and took some photos with the AJ Hackett staff. Bubba bought a nice black and red AJ Hackett shirt.

The Statue of Kun Lam

We headed to another tourist attraction in Macau. The Statue of Kun Lam Temple is supposed to be a blend between the traditional images of the goddess Guan Yin and Holy Mary. Guan Yin is known to be The Goddess of Mercy who is a Buddhist Goddess who bestows clemency on people who sincerely repent their sins.

Portuguese artist Cristina Rocha Leiria designed the exquisite gigantic Kun Lam Statue. The breathtaking 20-meter statue is made up of 48 polished bronze plates crafted in Nanjing and bolted together at the center stage along harbor waterfront.

Image Source: Panoramio User SantoB

The status is said to bring affluence in the country while the giant lotus flower pedestal is home to the Ecumenical Center, providing information on China’s major religions. Entrance to the center is free.

We had a quick stopover at a small ramen house before heading to the next stop.

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

The Fisherman’s Wharf is the biggest them park in Macau, claim to have an estimated cost of HK$1.9 billion. Entrance to the site is free. The park offers nightly explosions of the complex’s 40-meter high volcano, daily jet-ski stunt shows and souvenir shopping. The complex houses 150 stores and restaurants in buildings built in the style of different world seaports such as Cape Town, Amsterdam and Venice, including six rides, slots hall and a 72-room hotel casino.

Back to the Venetian

It was a fantastic fun afternoon spent under the sun. It was time to head back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner.

We toured the hotel and looked at some high-end shops. There was a mini-performance in one of the sections of the hotel.

We finally picked a Portuguese restaurant for dinner.

Madeira Portuguese Restaurant

Madeira – While you are in Macau, why not taste the flavors of this city? Madeira serves Portuguese as well as Macanese dishes that are distinctly from Macau. Macanese dishes are a flavorful blend of cooking traditions from Portugal, Southeast Asia, India, Africa, Latin America and southern China. African chicken, curry crab and Bacalhau have been Macanese favorites for centuries.

It was the last evening of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and everyone in the restaurant looks astounded watching the replay of the opening ceremonies on television.

On the Table

Madeira Portuguese Restaurant

Shop 2408a (St. Mark’s Square)

Sun-Thurs 11:30 – 23:30

Fri- Sat 11:30 – 12:30

The Gondola Ride

After dinner, we walked around the beautiful St. Mark’s Square and moved from bridge to bridge. Bubba insisted to take the graceful and romantic gondola ride down the Grand Canal but I declined. I told him to save the Patacas instead. Little did we know that the Gondola ride is free if you’re booked in the hotel… sigh, too bad.

We watched while others take the Gondola ride and listened to the sang wonderful Italian songs. Despite the elegant Italian architecture and painting façades, there is that Venetian spirit of romance in the air. The Venetian grandeur can be quite quixotic in certain areas.

Back to the Suite

Toyed with the camera in the room while resting.

Again, the plan that night was rest and refresh then check the clubbing scene but the relaxing suite made us fall asleep again and missed out. The sofa sleeper is also comfortable to bunk in.

The next morning, after another hearty breakfast at Café Deco, we said goodbye to the Venetian and the sparkly Macau.

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”

– Jawaharial Nehru

Website Links

Macau Tower

AJ Hackett

The Venetian Macao

Macau Album 1

Macau Album 2

Macau in a Nutshell Album 1

Macau in a Nutshell Album 2

Sky Jump Video

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Explore. Dream. Discover.

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Malaysia Truly Asia

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Marcos Children Visit Aquino Wake

August 4, 2009 by Janey

Bong Bong and Imee visit the wake of former President Aquino at the Manila Cathedral.

President Cory Aquino in 1986 led the country against a well-entrenched dictatorship under the administration of Ferdinand Marcos.

The two political families were at the forefront of a historical divide, but at the wake, both families exchanged pleasantries and seemingly have put the past behind. Ballsy welcomed the Marcos children who paid their respect.

Necrological services start soon.

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Manila News Today: July 28

July 28, 2009 by Janey

Melissa Roxas vs. AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is conducting a background investigation on Melissa Roxas who is suspected to be an active NPA fighter plotting a communist movement in the country. Roxas who is a Filipino-American activist accused the military of abducting and torturing her to confess that she is an active member of the New People’s Army (NPA). Roxas is known to be Ka Aya, actively part of the NPA operations in Aurora province.

Roxas’ supposed motive in her accusations against the military is to mar PGMA’s governance. The NPA is out to disrupt the country’s democratic image and the timing is tactical with President Arroyo’s forthcoming visit to the United States as per invitation by US President Barack Obama.

Cory Aquino vs. Cancer

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Monday said cancer cells have spread to other organs of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in March 2008. She has been confined at the Makati Medical Center for over a month.

Mrs, Aquino was undergoing chemotherapy but was stopped due to her weakened condition. According to Sen. Aquino who was interviewed on Monday, the former President is currently stable but under pain medication.

Richard Gutierrez vs. Pardo Family

Richard Gutierrez is being charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide in connection with the car accident in Cavite that killed his personal assistant, Nomar Pardo, on May 22, 2009. Pardo’s widow, Lorayne, filed the criminal complaint before the Office of Provincial Prosecutor in Imus.

Ruffa, Richard’s older sister and host of the Buzz, read his brother’s statement last Sunday. He maintains that he was not negligent and the incident that happened two months ago was an accident. He was behind the wheels when the car accident occurred in the wee hours of the morning. Richard and his bodyguard Jorge Mascora were both wounded during the mishap but Nomar Pardo did not survive the crash.

Richard claims that there have been six vehicular accidents reported in the same area. The young actor feels that this was an unfair act on the part of Lorayne. He recalled that during the time of the wake, he made public his desire to finance Pardo’s children’s education that was rejected by the Pardo family.

“I wonder, if anyone else had been driving, would Lorayne have sued?” he added.

—-END—-

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Red in the Face (or somewhere else)

June 4, 2009 by Janey

I just had the most embarrassing moment of my adult life. I wish I can crawl under a rock and live there.

Spent 3 hours at this poker club playing the card sport I like.

I had AdKd on the button and raised it to 120. The small blind who has been as steady as a rock called and the big blind as well.

Flop: 5s 7d 10h

Small blind is first to act and he went all in with 250

Big blind calls.

I debated against it but I had over cards and redraw of flush so I called. I thought both of them were all in.

Turn: 8d

BB bets 200.

I folded.

River: 9h

SB shows pocket of 6.

BB shows 10d and 6c.

Both of them hit the straight and split the pot.

I have another story of how my pocket of Aces got cracked too but I’m only prolonging my agony. I had a bad night at poker. I wish I can say period at this point. I wish it ended there.

Bubba rang and it was my queue to go. I played until the dealer button. I had my chips changed at the counter. The lady cashier says bye to me as well as the chip changer. I bid them farewell with a smile, which they returned in kind. Their constant congeniality makes me forget for a second my bad nights on the table.

On the way out, I say bye to a poker buddy. He looks back and says bye too and I exited.

As I was coming down the stairs, I felt my back was wet. My suspicion emerges. In the car, my phone beeps and I dread what my gut tells me…

My poker buddy sent an SMS: “It’s the time of the month huh? Ingat pauwi.”

The car was moving but I immediately got up the seat and asked Bubba to check. Even before he opened his mouth, his eyes that’s usually chinito became otherwise, which told me everything. I have to see for myself so I turn my head and see the red mark on my pants.

The red mark is as big as my hand!!! How subtle.

It looked like China’s flag was on my butt!!!

I smacked myself on the head. I cringe. Cringe. CRINGE. CRINGE. I kept cursing. And I don’t normally curse. Not even when a person gets me so angry. I cursed my recklessness. I smacked myself on the head again. “Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabe!!!,” I wailed. He had a stern look on his face. Oh no, I’m gonna hear a mouthful of why I didn’t do this or didn’t do that. He let on a mini tirade. He was mad because he felt bad for me. Perhaps, he only doesn’t want people to make fun of me.

I paused and felt like a smile was creeping around my lips. Why the hell was I about to smile, I thought to myself. I wailed again. Bubba, “you probably stained the chair.” I wailed again like a wolf howling in the cold lonely night. With my hands on my face, I kept shaking my head. I cannot believe this has happened to me. I am still shaking my head as I type this. I wish now more than ever that I were born a guy!

The place was packed to the roof because there was an ongoing tournament as well. The lady cashier, chip changer and at least 15 other people must have seen the red flag. It was as loud as an ambulance on a mission. I initially told myself that I wouldn’t care. I do not know those people anyway and they are not important to me. I am not important to them either.

Bubba told me that this is probably a sign that I should stay away from that place. It’s so much easier to convince myself to never again show my face there.

Back in the car, I stared in space for a bit then cringed again. Can one get tired of cringing? I suddenly laughed to Bubba’s bewilderment. I said I feel really embarrassed and angry… and SILLY! I am now going to be remembered for the China flag on my butt. I am now going to be the “BUTT” of the joke. Every pun intended. Such a nightmare but it was also an amusing circumstance. It just so happens that I’m the miserable victim… which probably makes it funnier.

by the way, this is not MY b*tt

Misery loves company and my thoughts were initially filled by images of Edison Chen and HK. Commercial break: I received confirmation today that bigger news are about to break loose. The news reached me last week but I was a non-believer. Somebody confirmed today that it’s true though. HK and another K involved in a sandal. Yes, a sandal video. I’m not going to put a C there even if you paid me a million dollars. You heard me right, sandal.

SIGH. There are worse scenarios than mine. And definitely, there are far more important issues than sandals. Is the administration manipulating us under our noses? Charter change is one serious topic that gets my blood boiling. But not this. I cannot be angry over this night. I find it quite funny on the contrary. I’m sure the people at the Metro Card Club did too.

At least, I gave them a good laugh. I was sick to my stomach but heck, I gave MYSELF a good laugh. That counts for something.

I really don’t know what to make of it. Saying that I do not care what those people think sounds defensive. And there’s no reason for me to be defensive. None has been offensive so far. Earnestly, a huge part of me feels embarrassed. My heart throbs at the image of them looking at my bloodied butt (and smiling secretly or laughing openly). At the other end of the spectrum however, I am tickled by what a riot the whole scenario was. It’s really interestingly hilarious to me!

There are two different feelings. Which do I pick? Of course, the one that’s easier to carry every day.

In reality, I know that I will still continue to go to work tomorrow, eat three meals a day, love the people around me, and if I want to, play poker at the same place. It doesn’t change who I am. In my book, it just adds to another interesting (or icky) story to tell. It became the catalyst that triggered this entry after all.