Tamagoya: A taste of Hokkaido

At the furthest reaches of Lilac street in Marikina is a hidden gem straight from the heart of Tokyo. Tamagoya is an authentic Ramen house which offers the delicious tastes of Hokkaido and the warmth of every Japanese home.

Noodle lovers will surely be enticed by the freshly made noodles served in various original recipe soups. One of their best sellers is the Gomoku Ramen which is the signature ramen in Hokkaido. This is a bowl of noodles served with seafood, pork, beef, bamboo shoots, and shitake mushrooms; all swimming in a bowl of special gomoku broth. The flavors mix together perfectly giving the dish its trademark aroma and taste. The bowl of ramen is best eaten with gyoza, or steamed meat dumplings on the side. With the gyoza dipped in special sauce, the saltiness perfectly compliments the sweetness of the ramen.

Tamagoya surely brings home-cooking to a new level. Hand-made from scratch, all their dishes are prepared in the most authentic fashion possible. Definitely best eaten with the company of family and friends. Tamagoya truly is a gem. If there's one thing common about Filipinos and the Japanese, it's definitely the love of food. Food truly brings the world together in one big table.

Series of Unfortunate(?) Events

The past week has been truly a series of mishaps. The news was filled with rape, murder, and deaths. Isn't it unfortunate that almost all of these cases took place in Bulacan? Unfortunate? I think not. Once is forgivable but a whole series of scandals and tragedies, there has to be some action for changes.

First would be the rape and murder cases. The first victim fell for a set-up from an internet selling site. Nobody could have stopped it easily. The body was found in a creek with several stab wounds and left for dead. Forgivable because it was a set-up. But it happened to 2 more people. The third was lucky to have escaped. The security in this province is starting to get questionable.

To top things off, the bus accident which caused so many child fatalities happened. The accident may be caused by the carelessness of the driver but the emergency response team took so long to take action. I'm not bashing Bulacan but the events link up. The lesson is to stay safe and be alert to prevent getting into danger.

Indulge in the Starr's

Ever craved for ice cream and cake at the same time? Are you also trying to keep in shape while eating very indulgent sweets? Well look no further because Starr's Famous Milkshakes has something to satisfy your craving and keep you in your form.

Starr's Famous Milkshakes is conveniently located in the area of Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City and their milkshakes and snacks are worth the trip. They've got the power? More like YOU got the power, OF CHOICE! Choose from a variety of flavors to satisfy that craving. Their signature Bake n' Shake line of milkshakes offer a unique twist. The flavors of this line of shakes are like taking a cake and adding some ice cream then all mixed together in a blender to create the richly sweet indulgence of both worlds. But wait, there's more! The best part is you can choose to go healthy! That's right, just tell the counter that you want the healthy-option and they'll use 100% non-fat frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. And guess what? This doesn't affect the flavor! Maybe that's why their milkshakes are so famous.

Finally mix the shakes with snacks with all-american classic snacks like corndogs, fries, burgers, and maybe a platter of buffalo wings to add a salty crunch to the slurping goodness of the shakes and complete your retro-american experience. Starr's Famous Milkshakes, truly something to indulge for.

That Which is Not Any More

My heart aches of sorrow.

The past stays and I can't leave for tomorrow.

It stops my lungs and gets me to misery business.

I'm still into you, it makes me helpless.

Now that you're gone, ain't it fun?

You left me in Pressure.

Playing god, brick by boring brick.

Decoding my true purpose.

What ignorance is this?

You left me in such a bliss.

But tomorrow you'll be gone.

Hallelujah! I'm still undone.

Brain Drained No More?

Brain drain isn't as bad as it sounds. It isn't getting a person's brain and sucking everything it contains and gets thrown or gets locked away for safe keeping. Brain drain is actually very prevalent in our society for the past few years. Brain drain refers to the event wherein MAJORITY of Filipino graduates go abroad to work.

Being drained is never good. It's exhausting. Filipinos go abroad because they think that there are no opportunities in the Philippines. However, little do they know that there are so many jobs to be filled in the Philippines. It's just that the government doesn't make amendments and the career paths that most Filipino students want is that of INSTANT EXTRAVAGANCE after graduation. As current students, we should be aware of DELAYED GRATIFICATION. I can firmly believe that the Philippines is tired from this drain. We lack quality employees and professionals because all of the graduates are going abroad. If more Filipinos get a grasp of the concept of Delayed Gratification, there will be no more need for brain drain. Nothing is instant. We have to work harder and harder until are lungs fall off before we could rest and live the lives we dream of.

Looking positively, brain drain has its own benefits. However, it is very minimal. So, why is brain drain
good? First of all this helps our national economy through the foreign currencies that the Overseas Filipino Workers bring back to their families. Meaning, the value of the Philippine Peso increases per dollar, baht, yen, won, etc. that goes into the country. That is unless, of course, the government makes more debts from other countries. Next it helps the Filipino "brand" be known worldwide. Being brain drained actually helps the Philippines to become more and more competitive globally. It is a means to creating a name for ourselves through our greatest export, which is labor. This is so because labor is very expensive in other countries especially in the western world. However, Filipinos can give QUALITY labor for the CHEAPEST prices. That's why the Filipino people is being slowly recognized worldwide as a hardworking, hands-on people.

The Philippines is not hopeless. It's aspirations of getting out of poverty are still there. But we as a nation should stand together to achieve this. Build a sense of nationalism. Prevent brain drain. Think Filipino-first. Stand up for the government instead of against it. Finally, have faith in the rise. Nothing can stop a nation that is in equal faith.

Music in our Hearts

It's no doubt that Filipinos have music in their hearts. Music is bustling in the streets of barangays even though there isn't a fiesta. The night life is filled by wanna-be talents and singers giving their best shot in karaoke machines inside various beer houses. Even the public transportation engages in musical activity with colorful jeepneys booming the bass so load that the pavement shakes along to the beat of the tunes.

The Philippines is truly a musical country. For us, music is magic. That is why a certain brand of karaoke microphone is called the "Magic Sing." It brings the nation wonders. It is said that in the Philippines, everyone can sing regardless of the tone. It is also jokingly said that the Philippines has more karaoke machines than there are Mcdonald's branches in the US.

Music is imbued in our culture. It has been passed down from generation to generation. Even our ancestors from the ancient Filipino tribes have used music to fill their everyday lives. Rituals and gatherings were the dwelling places for music in these tribes. Now, music has become one of the Filipino hallmarks. Very much like our hospitality, we are becoming more and more known for our musicality. From the likes of Lea Salonga who wowed the international scene of the capabilities of Filipino singers to the upcoming Balladeers and Filipino bands, the Philippines never ceases to inspire, amaze, as well as amuse.

A Certain Toxic Chemical Romance

These are my famous last words

Sadly and silently,

The march goes on.

I proclaim to every person,

I don't love you.

These words I though I'd never speak.

All these lies said while I sing:

Na na na! I'm not okay.

Because you are dead!

And I miss the ghost of you.

Boys of the Fallout

We are arms-dealers of cold summer nights.

Together, we are alone

And alone, we are together

Our songs know what the world does in the dark.

We light up the fallout.

Never has there been compare.

How we fell down swinging to darkness.

We took the mighty fall.

Became the life of the party

But now, where did the party go?

But soon, like young volcanoes we shall rise.

Like a Phoenix we will ignite.

Burning the world.

Torching the souls which don't reap.

We will come restless to save.

Save rock and roll.

Rainy Days

That time of year has come when the Philippines is bombarded with tantamount number of storms, flash floods, landslides, power shortages, and to some cases, casualties. We once again welcome the rainy season. However, as time goes by, the Filipinos are becoming more and more prepared for the storms to come.

Unlike in past years, the devastation brought about by incoming storms has been reduced. Thanks to weather updates from PAGASA and the information being spread by mass media, the Philippines has received a fighting chance over these incoming storms. Compared to the destruction of Typhoon Milenyo last 2006, the Filipinos have lessened the damage by immense preparation for Typhoon Glenda. The number of casualties is proof enough because from 200+ casualties brought about by Typhoon Milenyo, it was brought down to 40+ casualties come Typhoon Glenda.

The key to survival is preparation. Especially with the technology we have today, there's no excuse to be unprepared. We should also know that this is the rainy season so we must stay safe amidst all the rain and storms that the winds will bring. Always remember, be prepared, stay dry, and stay safe.

Feasting Like a Viking, Loving living like a Filipino

Eating is an essential part to the Filipinos. Fiestas are full of food. Gatherings are full of food. Family reunions are full of food. It's no wonder why buffets exist all over the Philippines. Amid all the hype of the eat-all-you-can buffets around the city, one stands out and and truly gathers families, and friends in an authentic feast like a Norse-man would do at sea. That's right, there's only one place where you can say that a Filipino has truly eaten like a Viking.

Once located at the seaside in Manila bay, "Vikings: A Feast at the Sea" has made its mark across town and is now establishing more and more stores around the Metro. With the wide variety of food and the overflowing drinks that come with every sit-in, there's no space in your stomach big enough to not be filled. Start things off by appetizing yourself to a fresh garden salad alongside a nice cup of tea. There's a baked goods section where you can find the highest quality baked bread that could go along with your meal.

Feeling oriental? Well there's a lot to choose from at the Japanese section of the restaurant. Ranging from the finest cuts of fresh fish that's made into delicate sushis and rolls, traditional Japanese fried rice, tempura, yakisoba, and gyudon is also available. The restaurant also offers Chinese food with freshly steamed dumplings in steam baskets and all-time chinese favorites like yang-chow rice, sweet and sour pork, and even beef brisket. The steaks in the American section will keep you coming back for more as it is grilled to perfection when you ask for it. Filipino food is also available to get that sweet home-cook taste that we all grew up to and love. Italian food and Korean food are also on the menu and it's up to you to create your perfect combination and satisfy your taste buds. After a great feast, top it off with desserts ranging from cakes, some frozen yogurt, pastries, ice cream, and even fruits dipped in a chocolate fountain.

Vikings is what a typical Filipino would call a perfect feast. Simply put, it has everything. But aside from eating and munching down all the food we can stuff in our mouths, the true value of feasting to us Filipinos is the bond we develop. Food gathers us as a family and food strengthens that bond. It doesn't matter whether you eat in an extravagant place like Vikings or just in a simple dining room. The important thing is that we should get some quality time with quality people accompanied by quality eats.

Pancit Palabok and Puto: A P-P-P-Perfect P-P-P-Platter

Filipinos surely know they're food when it comes to creating the perfect combination. We have the ever so famouse "___SiLogs" which are the staple breakfast meals which combines a choice of your favorite breakfast meat with fried rice and topped with a freshly fried egg. But what delicacy could ever beat the perfect combination of Pancit Palabok and Puto?

Originally from the north, the Kapampangans have formulated the perfect merienda dish that would satisfy Filipino taste-bud. Pancit palabok is served in a very peculiar color. Peculiar because where can you see a noodle dish that's served in the color orange? That's right, only in the Philippines will one discover that oranges aren't the yummy orange goodness and individual can eat. Despite it's awkward colorway, the pancit palabok lives up to it's expectation of being a true delicacy. The aroma of the sauce gently blends with the topped chicharon bits that tempt you to take a bigger bite. The chopped boiled eggs also add flavor to the already flavorful meal. To top the meal off, let the soft fluffy sweet-saltyness of the puto give your tongue the satisfaction it deserves. The puto absorbs the rich flavor of the pancit and once again let's you experience the happiness with every bite and every munch.

A perfect combination indeed does this Kapampangan treat give. But filipino meals aren't complete without the perfect combination of people. Gather your family, friends, and even you're special someone around the table and share a perfect meal with the perfect combination of pancit palabok and puto and enjoy the perfect time to bond with the perfect people. Nothing but perfection.

Present's Present

Heavier and heavier my body grows weak

Sooner or later, my blood will leak

A tolerance for pain has reached its peek

An escape altogether I forever seek.

Foot is stuck in a ball and chain

Movement limited. Feel nothing but pain.

Because when everything feels like the falling rain

I realize what I lost, I can also gain.

Nothing lasts forever, they always say

What happens forward, we must pay.

But think not too much of future's day.

'Cause in the present we remain and lay.

We'll soon grow old, it'll be fast

Nothing compares when all is that

Hold on to things dear and trust

Everything is fine, it is a must.

Endurance

Refresh my memory
And never shall it pass.
Ignite my bones
And forever shall it last.


When times are fading
Look upon it with grace;
Sending myself atop
Of stars and infinite space.

Become the light
And darkness shall be weaved
Looming the thread
Which once can not be heaved.

The Fault of Brotherhood

Hazing has been extremely controversial in the Philippines lately. Within the past 4 years there has been at least one death per year caused by fraternal hazing from schools. Looking back, what truly are the benefits of being beaten down to a pulp just to say that you are one with the group and part of the so called brotherhood?

In general, brotherhood isn't a bad thing. In truth, having brothers is probably the greatest thing in the world. You'll have someone to talk to when you're feeling down. Brothers make worthy playmates. They'll be there for you when times are rough. They'll protect you when someone is bullying you. They'll help when you're in need. Basically, brothers will be there for you and that's what fraternities cater to. Fraternities offer the perks of brotherhood.

But why should hazing, for some fraternities, be so cruel? Understandably, they want to instill the sense of brotherhood but would you paddle your brother to the point that he's dying? Would you burn your brother's skin just because yours is also burnt? I'm sure you wouldn't. Brotherhood is fine. It's good to have people looking after you. It's good to know that there's someone that will be there. But there are limits to the means at getting those people.

Selfie Here, Selfie There, Selfie Everywhere.

What importance does a selfie bring to an individual that it creates a worldwide trend? Is it the excitement? Maybe, it's the enticement and entertainment it brings. Probably it's just the solution for the boredom of vain people with a camera at their disposal. However, what truly should be questioned is, how taking selfies is affecting today's generation and how it affects society.

But why is vanity so bad? Everyday, our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram walls could be bombarded with photographs. We see the faces of the friends we like and dislike. Filter on or filter off. Good morning Selfies. Selfies in the house. Selfies in the halls with your friends trying to be all the cutest you can be. Selfies in the bathroom while taking a shower. Selfies in the toilet while taking a dump. Video Selfies. Selfies with your teacher as he goes on with a lesson. Selfies while in public transportation. Selfies while driving a car. Selfies after crashing a car. Countless number of selfies. Selfies here. Selfies there. Selfies everywhere!

There is no true danger in taking selfies. Unless the camera you're using uses radiation or has a deadly flash, taking selfies is very safe. Taking a photograph of one's self to please one's vanity isn't harmful at all. What's harmful is the irritability that the surrounding people would feel when they see nothing but your face on their social media sites all day. The key to taking selfies is respect. It's very simple. I'll respect your face, then you should also respect mine.

I AM (A free-verse)

I am nowhere near perfect ..
I eat when I'm bored but I'm not getting fat.
I fall for boys easily.
I'm vulnerable to believing lies ..
I live by quotes that explain exactly what I'm going through ..
I make up excuses for everything ..
I have my best friends and enemies ..
I have drama and memories ..
I'm sometimes selfish,impatient and a little insecure ..
I make mistakes ..
I am out of control and at sometimes hard to handle ..
I'm always a mess ..
I can never keep my own secrets ..
I laugh too hard at stupid things ..
I take hours to get ready ..
I'll pretend more to be happy to myself and later l'll cry out loud in front of the mirror ..
I am just normal girl with fears, regret, and flaws

But maybe that's the beauty of it ..
That makes me who I am 

                                                                                    All the crazy stuff i do ..
                                                                                    Experimenting with who I want to be ..

My favorite songs can make me cry and I always sing it even if newer songs come out..

I love my past and my memories.. 

I hate thinking about reality ..

I'm so homesick that it's not even funny ..
but not homesick in a missing my house kind of way ..
maybe it's more like heartsick for all the things I can't get back ..

It's so hard for me to define myself ..

I don't want to be a heroine in some tragic love story ..

I just want the one person who has not given me a second thought ..
I am just your average girl 

And that's who I am..

Live it. Love it. Learn from it.