Never too Leyte: to watch Cartoons

This recycling area in Ormoc automatically caught my eye while passing by.

Yes, it's a pretty normal segregation stop-over, and kudos to Ormoc for putting something like this all around the city. That shows how they're serious about the 3Rs.

What caught my eye, though, is what they recycle.

They're recycling "Cartoons"! 

I was almost expecting to see Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Mickey Mouse and Spongebob Squarepants inside the bin. But alas, everything inside the area were just "cartons."

Proofreader please!

Never too Leyte: to take me to Church

Visiting Churches is one of my top priorities when visiting a new place.

Luckily, Ormoc's most famous Church, Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church was very near our hotel. That way, it was easy to make a quick stop and say a prayer of thanks for this trip and our work.

The design is very reminiscent of old Churches and Cathedrals in the Philippines. From it's stone walls to the ornate chandeliers. And of course, the exquisite altar with antique looking Saints.

One thing that caught my attention at this Church is this tableau that captures the moment when St. Joseph passed away. This is my first time to see this, and it was such a moving piece.

Too bad we weren't able to hear mass here. 

But that's a good reason for me to go back.

Never too Leyte: to let sleeping dogs lie

If there's a cat post about Leyte, there should be a dog post, too.

This sleeping dog was at the hut where we stopped by to eat pineapples. 

When we got there, he was already at that spot, asleep. We were there for about 30 minutes, talking, laughing and making a lot of noise. The peculiar thing was, the dog never flinched and was asleep the whole time!

He must've been dog tired.

Never too Leyte: to cross the bridge

Of course, a visit to Tacloban wouldn't be complete without passing by the historic San Juanico Bridge.

This iconic structure bridges together 2 provinces - Samar and Leyte. For a time, it was the Philippines' longest bridge and a Philippine landmark.

Whenever people say "San Juanico Bridge," our generation would usually reply, "Dante Varona!" That's because in his film "Hari ng Stunt," his iconic stunt was jumping off San Juanico Bridge.

No, we didn't jump. 

Finally seeing it in person, I must say, San Juanico Bridge is as majestic and breathtaking as the photos and videos that I've seen. And now, I can say:

"I've crossed the bridge since I got there."

Never too Leyte: to enjoy a harvest

Whenever “pineapple’ is mentioned, the 2 places that come to mind are Tagaytay and Bukidnon. These provinces are known for their golden, sweet pineapples.

The great thing about traveling is that you learn something new each time. On this trip to Leyte, I learned that they’re also one of the largest pineapple producers in the country.

We passed by a pineapple farm en route to the airport, and it was pineapples as far as the eye could see.

The great thing is that there’s a roadside stall where you can buy their freshly harvested pineapples and eat it on-site. The salt, sugar and sili dip made it even more mouthwatering.

There’s really nothing like the sweetness of freshly picked fruits!

Still Never too late

The "never too late" story continues. 

But this time, it's not about Leyte. It's really about being never too late.

The SMC gang was able to finally get together more than 2 weeks ago. We haven't been together with Jo and Marls for years! The last time was in 2018! Needless to say, we were so happy and excited to see each other.

So, even if this snap is more than 2 weeks late, it's never too late to post it.

FMM: Never too late

Of course, today's Friday Magic Madness song has to fit with the theme.

In 1971, Stylistics had a monster hit entitled "Stop, Look, Listen (to your heart.)"

How does this fit into the theme? Incidentally, part of the chorus is:

"It's never too late, too late, to..."

So, it's not too late to use this song and make the theme last the whole week long.

Never too Leyte: To reach the peak

Nope, we didn't climb a mountain.

Given our work schedule, there simply was no time.

But our photographer - who's from Leyte - told us that there's one peak that we shouldn't miss. And that's Alto Peak.

This is a local chocolate company who grows their own cocoa beans and makes their own chocolate products. They have a restaurant/store in a hidden subdivision in Ormoc, and we're lucky to have an insider to help us find it.

Their specialty is the "Sikwate" or the local hot chocolate. It's served with sticky rice and mango - Thai style. But the chocolate is 100% Pinoy.

True to its name, the Sikwate was the peak of yummy-ness!

Never too Leyte. For fruits.

Even if we were eating all day and just had dinner, it's hard to say "no" to fruits. Especially fresh ones.

Due to its proximity to Davao and other Philippine fruit baskets, fruits in Leyte are cheap. Some are even 60% cheaper than if you buy them in Manila.

The food park had a lot of stalls selling fresh, cut fruits. You can enjoy it on its own, or you can also have them made into fruit shakes. Either way, the freshness and natural sweetness of the fruits come through and make the experience more refreshing.

With fruits for dessert, at least we end our food binge on a healthy note.

Never too Leyte. To feed a cat.

Met this cutie cattater while we were having dinner at the Sutukil restaurant in Ormoc.

At first, he was just hanging around our table, nonchalantly passing by. 

Then, it stopped beside my chair and let out the cutest "meow." Since there were bits and bones of grilled Blue Marlin on my plate, it became the cat's dinner.

After quickly noshing on the fish, he looked up at me and meowed for more. Then the food just kept on coming. From the grilled blue marlin, to liempo, to shrimp - bits and pieces of our dinner found its way to the floor and to his tummy.

Eventually, another cat joined him under the table and we ended up feeding 2 cats! Too bad we don't have a photo of his feline friend.

This experience is proof that no matter where you are in the Philippines, a cute cat is a cute cat.

Never too Leyte. For ice cream.

Looks like ice cream is a thing in Ormoc.

After lunch, we were walking around the boardwalk food park and found out that there were a lot of stalls selling ice cream. They were home made, and each "home" had their own flavour and twist to it.

We went to a stall named "Mesarap" and they had 5 flavours available: Avocado, Cookies and Cream, Mango, Strawberry and Ube. Being the fruit lover that I am, it was Mango and Strawberry for me.

The texture was super interesting and everything had crushed peanuts. Which is what made the texture diferent.

Too bad we weren't able to try the other brands. But it's never too late to go back.

Never too Leyte

Since it's my first time in Tacloban, I can't say General Douglas McArthur's iconic line: "I Shall Return."

But that doesn't stop me from saying hello to him.

Hello, Leyte! Can't wait to go around and see all the reasons why I should return.

Hi School!

After 3 years of online teaching, it's finally go back to SSC for face-to-face classes!

It felt like the 1st day of school all-over again. So, it was fun and novel to retrace the steps that I used to take before 2020 came along.

From the LRT rides to school...

By the way, the LRT has a "Mahogany" moment inside...

These lines were a weekly part of my life which is fun to do again.

These halls which would still be quiet when I'd arrive since I'd be one of  the first people there...

To this classic painting that I'd always stop in front of...

To the high school building, and the mango tree that was recently uprooted.

Yup, it's great to be back in school!

FMM: That's Sly

One sign that a song is awesome is when it's sampled, remade or referenced by other musical artists or songs.

Samples are ABBA's "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" which was sampled by Madonna in "Hung Up," and Santana's "Maria, Maria" which was sampled by DJ Khaled and Rihanna's "Wild Thoughts." 

Today's FMM song is a ditty that was sampled and remade several times. It's a classic from way back in the 50s from Sly and The Family Stone. 

It's also a song that you've most likely heard or sung, no matter what your generation you're from:

"Everyday People" is such a happy, upbeat, infectious and memorable song. I'd find myself randomly singing and bopping my head to this song. And listening to it again (and again) today, it's clear to see why. 

Heck, people can listen to this everyday.

Bringing Bahru

Another one of my SG haunts is finding its way to MNL!

Tiong Bahru Bakery is a usual stop whenever my travels take me to SG. It’s near my fave Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Center where my go-to Chwee Kueh Place is.

They’ve got a lot of awesome eats. My faves include their croissants, the Pan Au Chocolat, and their eclairs! Gosh, enumerating them is making me hungry already.

Don’t make us wait long. Please open Tiong Bahru Bakery, stat!

Four the win!

We were batchmates at SMC-CAO.

When I was newly-hired, Marla and Jing were already there, and Joannah right after me. 

Because we were all from UP and from the same "generation," we immediately gravitated towards each other. 

First, from cubicle mates, to lunch mates, to Megamall mates, to travel mates. 

Eventually, we went our separate ways. I was the first one to leave SMC, then it was Joannah who moved to SG, then Marla. Jing is still there, along with a number of our close friends.

Despite the time and distance, we'd always make it a point to meet up. Just like how good friends usually do. Our favourite meeting spot back then was Sbarro. It was a place that we'd go back to, despite the many years apart.

In 2018, we met up again, but in a different venue. It was in Corazon in Shangrila Plaza. And while the venue changed, the stories and banter were the same.

Now, 5 years later, and 3 years after the pandemic, we were able to meet up and get t his photo for the 4th time. It was in Salvatore Cuomo at The Podium.

No, we're not abandoning Sbarro. It's just that our "usual" branch moved to the 4th floor of SM Megamall and we haven't had time to check it out yet.

But who knows, our 5th reunion might find us back in our old haunt.

Cuomo ca va

Bern seeing this restaurant for over a year now. Always been interested to try it, but haven’t had the chance.

But thanks to the SMC gang reunion, was finally able to try Salvatore Cuomo at The Podium

The food is great! From the pasta, the pizza, the appetizers and sides - all so yummers.

Mark and I should eat here soon.

Color Story: On the Lime

It was around June when a barrage of lime green clothes started appearing in fast fashion stores. 

The difference of this lime green from the other iterations is that the current crop had a hint of neon in it. So, it's something like neon lime green.

On paper, it sounds too much, but in actuality, it looks very refreshing and eye-catching.

I've been eyeing a couple of lime green shirts at OXGN, but never got around to buying them. That was until this week when they popped up in my feed with a link to their e-commerce site. 

We all know what happened next.

Seeing these IRL made me realise, "It's time for lime!"

Baa-ck to Baa-ck

Oi! It's a back-to-back Thai post.

After yesterday's post on Pad Thai, today is about Thai Milk Tea.

There's a newly opened store near our house called Baa Baa Thai Tea. And being an adventurous guy, I had to go there and try it out. Stat.

Tried their pink milk, and it does taste legit. It reminds me of the Pink Milk that I'd buy at the MBK food court.

This is so good, I'll be back.

Right Thai-ming

Thanks to a wedding-related errand for Kevin's wedding, it's back to 168 this Saturday.

Needless to say, a quick brunch at Chariya Thai Kitchen was on the agenda.

Their Pad Thai is really one of the best. In MNL, it's up there with the authentic tasting Pad Thais - Som's and Mommy Thai.

It's about time I got to eat this again!

FMM: Jam-ming

It was one of the often asked questions during my high school days:

"Are you related to Jam Morales?"

In the 80s, Jam Morales was one of the country's most loved singers. With her sweet voice and equally sweet songs, she pervaded the airwaves and everyone could sing along to her songs. Not only were they very sing-able, they were also very memorable.

After "Smile in your Heart," she's known for this romantic, heartfelt and heartbreaking love song.

"Even If" is such a bittersweet song. Sweet because of the way Jam sang it, but bitter because of the message of love and longing that she's singing about. Despite that, I've enjoyed listening to this back in the 80s, and still enjoy listening to it now.

No questions.about it.

Even if.

Twin Peaks

Here's another fave childhood snack that's still around. 

Thankfully!

It used to be called Twin Popsies. It used to be a product of Magnolia. It used to come in a paper wrapper that you just slide off. It used to have a photo of Howie the mascot on the pack. 

So, there are some differences from my childhood.

What hasn't changed is the refreshing, orange goodness that comes with every stick. And yes, we still bread the Twin Pops in half, hoping that we get an even split instead of the dreaded "flag" formation. So, Nestle did a pretty good job of keeping Twin Popsies intact with their Twin Pops.

As they say, if ain't broke, don't fix it.

Korea in Japan

Lawson is a Japanese convenience store. But it seems like they're riding the Korean wave.

Observe:

They're now selling Odeng at the Lawson store near our office! It looks like they're trying to get the lucrative market of K-food fans from Korean stores to their convenience store.

Will try these one of these days to see if they're legit.

Meals with Mark: It’s a Sing Thing

It’s been 5 years since Mark and I last travelled to SG.

One thing we enjoyed there was the food! From Hawker Centers to local spots recommended by Jo, it was one culinary adventure after another.

When we met up today, we decided to relive that SG experience by eating at Nanyang.

We had the-classic Kaya toast and Chicken Chop Noodles. Of course, we washed it down with Teh O and Kopi O.

Hoping that our next SG meal will really be in SG.

Crispy cravings

Had this intense craving for fried chicken and gravy this weekend. 

The default would be going out to KFC, Popeyes, McDonald's or Jollibee. But since it was a weekend, the idea of going out wasn't too attractive.

Good thing there's Crispy Fry!

We were able to whip this up in a matter of minutes. This is our home creation using Crispy Fry breading mix and Crispy Fry Gravy.

The fried chicken is perfectly seasoned and crispy. The gravy has this smokey flavour that can rival restaurant gravy.

Cravings satisfied!

Meet me at Mitzi's

After more than 3 years, I've set foot in 168 Mall again!

Aside from shopping, one of the reasons of my frequent return is the food court. The 168 Food Court has a lot of little gems, particularly the Chinese food stalls. And of course, Chariya Thai Kitchen.

But one of my regulars here is Mitzi's Cantonese Cuisine.

They have great roasts and other dishes that I'd eat in HKG. But they also have local faves like Camaron and Kikiam. Which was yesterday's order.

After more than 3 years, it's still as good. 

That’s Smart

Popcorn that isn’t swimming in butter.

Popcorn that’s air fried to make it healthier.

Popcorn that’s gluten-free.

But above all, popcorn that you don’t have to wait for. Just open the bag and enjoy.

That’s Smartfood popcorn!

While this won’t replace our usual microwaveable popcorn at home, at least we have a smart alternative.

FMM: Ma Cherie Amor(osi)

You know you’re old when the songs you were listening to while working overtime is a song that your colleagues aren’t familiar with.

Because when it was playing on the radio - they weren’t born yet.

They. Weren’t. Born. Yet.

Was asking my copywriter and visualizer if they were familiar with Vanessa Amorosi and her hit song: “Absolutely Everybody.” That club hit that 90s and 00s kids danced to a lot back in the day. The song that’s part of many of our overtime overnighters:

Well, they had no idea about the song. It was launched in the year 2000 - which makes the sing 23 years old now.

The kicker, they were born after 2001.

Absolutely shocking.

Truffle Prize

Truffle flavoured potato chips are one of those “pandemic food items.”

Just like Ube-cheese pandesal, sushi bake, Dalgona coffee and Burnt Basque Cheesecake, it gained fame on-line while people were stuck at home because of quarantines. It suddenly became a hot item, to the point that on-line shops were running out of it.

But now that things are back to business as usual, it’s not that difficult to get truffle potato chips any longer. You can just go to Shopwise or Landers, and you’ll have several brands to choose from and enjoy.

One of my current faves is this brand from Marketplace:

Meadows is a house brand that I used to see in Cold Storage in SG. Didn’t know they were in MNL until my visit to Marketplace in Shangrila Mall. While they have a range of products, their chips are what keeps me coming back.

Compared to other truffle potato chips, Meadows is priced lower, which is also another reason why this is always in our snack pantry.

Actually, it’s a prized part of our pantry.

Putting the "read" in Bread

As a bread lover, and an avid reader, this book brings together those two aspects of my life in one:

It's a recipe book that was given to us by our client - Gardenia. It's a recipe book which shows a plethora of ways to use and prepare Gardenia bread. 

True to its title, this book really has unlimited ideas on how to transform Gardenia bread into culinary masterpieces.

I've already tried making some, and I can't wait to try these bread recipes at home.

Nothing beats a classic

Bsfiure the Lay’s, Ruffles and Pringles of this world, there was Jack N’ Jill Potato Chips.

As kids, this was our go-to snack, along with Chippy, Cheese Curls, Prawn Curls and Barbecue Curls.

And after more than 30 years, it’s still as yummy!

Just like a classic.