The Avengers Paraphernalia at MOA

         I went to SM Mall of Asia yesterday and guess what, I met Thor and Iron Man of The Avengers! Too bad they're not breathing since they're just human-size statues waiting for their fans to take pictures with them. But up close, it seemed as though they're real,  equipped to save someone's life from danger. It was funny how a kid's eyes bulged in surprise when he's head was already close to Iron Man's face the moment he was carried by his father for picture taking.

         There were a lot of  cool Avenger miniature toys and collectibles that were displayed in the glass shelves. Some toys were also for sale. Of course, the children were really awed by all these fictional heroes coming to life. But the adults, especially the big guys, couldn't also take their eyes off from the various Avenger characters that come in different entertaining sizes and shapes.

These miniature toys re-enact a thrilling fight.

I am with the invincible Thor.

Captain America collectibles! Awesome!

You're the man, Iron Man!

Cute Captain America toys on display

Who said The Hulk cannot flash a smile?

Summer at the Mall

          When the heat being emitted by the summer sun just seems to be intolerable, Filipinos have a better , most common way to combat such – malling!

          That’s what my cousins and I exactly did. We strolled  at SM Megamall where people unstoppably swarmed its stores and restaurants. Truly, malling is a surefire way to escape the steamy atmosphere at home and in the streets.

          I have always loved window-shopping.  My eyes are entertained by all these cool stuff that allure me to cash out some moolah from my pocket. When temptation lurks, all I need is a little self-control, buying only the things that are of importance. But just because one doesn’t go home with bags of new clothes and shoes, it doesn't mean he can no longer enjoy malling. In fact, just by cooling oneself as he walks past different stalls is already an entertaining recreation most especially when he’s with family and friends.  

          My cousins and I first filled our hungry tummies with the tasty, superbly meaty Mexican Chicken from El Pollo Locco. Seriously, I just couldn’t get enough of this delicious chicken.

         Then, after being energized with a fulfilling food, we just strolled through shops and department stores.  I bought a transparent spectacle on sale so that I could transform into the nerdy me when the mood arises.

         Afterwhich, we just headed to Papemelroti, a store that sells recycled paraphernalia and keepsakes such as this awesome little notebook and this simple, inspiring organizer (picture below) I purchased for just a cheap price.

         Well, I didn’t spend my summer by the beach but I did happily spend it in a place where families and friends usually come together to chill away from the scorching heat. I spent my summer at the mall and honestly, I liked it.

Cinderella Searches Her Shoes

           My cousin and I went to Glorietta mall because she was planning to buy a new pair of shoes. Before we could start the hunt, we first snack out at McDo. I ordered their new Iced Coffee for an upper.

McDo's gift for coffee lovers.

          Afterwhich, we strolled and strolled, and our feet were getting weary of going from the department stores to boutiques just to find the perfect pair. Whenever we went inside one shop, my eyes would instinctively look for a chair or bench just so my toes could rest for awhile.  "Cinderella" had been searching for what she thought would be the exact fit and style but we had already roamed the neighboring malls, Greenbelt and SM, yet it seemed it wasn't her lucky day after all.
           It wasn't a good day too for my bladder since I kept going to the toilet almost every hour and I didn't know why. Maybe because I was eating a lot of sweets lately that my sugar might have shoot up.
          Our day wasn't that bad, I may say. Though our feet were almost giving up from all the trudging from one mall to another, we still enjoyed laughing and chatting while we visit many cool stores with cool finds. Too bad we just had to stare at them and dream they were all ours...hahaha. We also treated ourselves with a scrumptious lunch at Hen Lin, Greenbelt branch. I liked their fried sharksfin which came with rice for 51 php only. My cousin got herself a lumpia meal which also tasted good.

An affordable yet satisfying meal at Hen Lin.

           Cinderella didn't go home with the shoes she was yearning, but I guess, life's like that. It's the journey that's important, not the destination. We had fun going around Makati and that's the fulfillment a brand new shoes cannot similarly give.

Meet-up at SM City Lazaro

          I met with my friends, Glaiza and Emrose, at SM Lazaro for a quick malling and catching up with one another. Being here in Manila isn’t easy when it comes to travelling from one place to another especially if you’re new in the metro just like me. Unlike Iloilo City, Manila is puzzling me with the twists and turns of its roads and it would obviously be tough for me to memorize it for one day. But I guess, given the time (and the map!), I can probably master it. For as long as you’re alert and know how to ask questions, I think you’ll probably adapt with the busy yet alive environment.

          SM City Lazaro. This was my goal destination for the day.  I passed by the U-belt but the jeepney didn’t went further towards Quiapo because the route was closed due to an anticipated rally perhaps. The heat was just super hot, my sweat was dripping on my head. 

           I didn’t know what to ride next, so, after a few walks, I rode a taxi going to our meeting place. SM City Lazaro really looked so close with SM City Iloilo but of course, the former had stores that you could not find in the latter.

          With just one day left in Manila, my friends bought some souvenir items and they just found it at the Blue Magic store. The boutique offered a lot of gift items at reasonable prices such as cute and huggable stuff toys, handcrafted accessories, quirky greeting cards, and wooden paraphernalias painted with inspiring messages. The store was just the perfect haven for giveaways in various special occasions. I also found rosaries with beads coinciding with the different birthstones, artistically designed pens and pencils, jelly toy rats to pull off a prank to someone, and scrolls made of fabric with good poems written on them. Bags, wallets, purses, and cellphone accessories were also available.

         After some strolling, we of course, took our meal and we decided to feast on Burger King. We had their 135-peso combo consisting of  BBQ burger, fries, soda, and ice cream.  Yummy!

        Afterwhich, we just parted ways knowing that we’ll see each other again in Iloilo. They actually had plans of going to Tagaytay the next day.

         I wished I could go with them but unfortunately, It would be a little hard for me. I just imagined how cool it would be to visit Tagaytay. You can just chill away from the scorching sun and take pleasure in watching lush green trees. But for now, I’ll enjoy my stay in Manila and be amazed with the freshness it can offer my eyes. And yes, enjoy good food!

Best Lomi Ever

          Guess what? I've tasted the best lomi in my life.

          I found it at the Delicious Restaurant located in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
          From afar, you would already conclude that the resto offered Chinese food because of the red lanterns hanging above the counter as well as the steamy siopaos visibly seen from the glass where they were prepared. And yes, the man assigned in the counter had chinky eyes. 

          We ordered bola-bola siopaos (45php each as far as I could remember) whose bread felt so soft in the tongue and was peculiarly yummy. Its meat inside was full and delicious. But when I tasted the lomi (already good for two for 95 php I think), I felt I was in heaven. I just loved it. Its sabaw was perfect for its sauciness and the pansit was truly al dente. It had also enough veggies and delectable meat for your craving mouth to feast on. I'm already full with just the siopao, how much more with devouring the lomi? 
          I really went home satisfied, looking forward for the day that the lomi and I will have our roads cross again.

Remembering Christ's Agony

"Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again."
         The mass ended at 5 pm of Good Friday but the residents of the barangays that belong to our parish didn't go directly to their respective homes. Instead, they crammed at the back of their assigned karos (floats carrying holy life-size sculptures of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, and the saints who significantly took part in our Savior's sufferings).
          The band began to play, signifying the start of the procession. The participants of the solemn walk started to light their candles and got hold of their rosaries. As their feet began to trudge on the rough road, their lips also started to utter the holy mysteries.
          The surrounding was already dimming and the full moon brightly glowed in the black sky. The karos lit up for the images to be visible. Those who didn't come in the procession placed their sparkling candles at the foot of their gates as they mourned with Christ's death. Two hours had already passed and the people continued to amble, not minding their already weary feet.
          As the night went deeper, the radiating karos  became more apparent, sending a meditative ambiance. There was St. Peter and St. John in their silky metallic robes, Mary Magdalene clutching an oil and a hanky, St. Veronica spreading the cloth showing Christ's face, St. Elizabeth holding a broom, and there was St. Martha as well. Maria Dolorosa, being the last to be moved forward in the procession, was in her black dress.
          The different scupltures that symbolized Christ's agony also paraded: Christ kneeling down, praying by the Garden of Gethsemane; Christ being scourged in the pillar; The crucified Christ; The Pieta; and Jesus lying in His sweet-smelling casket.
          As the procession came to an end, the karos, embellished with various colorful flowers and shrubs, were blessed with holy water. People then fell in an almost infinite line to kiss the human-size carving of Christ who has died.
          This whole sanctified practice of Catholics is necessary for us to remember how the Redeemer sacrificed His life to save us from our sins, thus telling people to repent their iniquities and strengthen their faith to our God Almighty.
          The Holy Week is the moment where we reflect on the lives we are leading, trashing away the wicked actions we are accustomed to and replacing them with ways that are pleasing to God's eyes.

Long Live Original Songs

          During Sundays, Ilonggo radio stations usually air local classic songs that are played whether in Hiligaynon, Tagalog, or English. The moment I hear such vintage tunes amidst the hot afternoon, I am urged to automatically turn the radio off since the sound seems to rock me to deep sleep in a snap.
          But awhile ago, I didn't plug my ears or shut the radio down after hearing the music my grandparents are surely familiar of. Surprisingly, the old songs appealed to me as unique, original, and simply full of heart.
          Unfortunately, today's music mostly comprises of revivals and technologically enhanced versions of the originals. Can't our present musicians write new songs that are glitter-free yet heartfelt? Is reviving the past hits the only way to make a mark in the music scene? Or is it just a technique to sell?
          Truth be told, we have a lot of talented, almost genius musicians in the country. I guess, what is holding them back to create fresh hymns and rhythms is the lack of freedom revolving around the industry's business aspect. Without this freedom, an artist can no longer genuinely express his music, thus compromising rawness and creativity.
          I am not against artists doing revivals. It's just that I think our singers must be given a chance to showcase their true and honest emotions and feelings in original songs that they can distinctively represent  themselves. With this, they can be identified differently from others, thus making their own mark in the music scene.
          No wonder those past musicians who fought for their music continue to make waves even up to this time. Their works has become part of the history, making them indelible in the hearts of its listeners, even to those who were not born to their era. Their music will surely continue to influence new compositions from one generation to another.

Soft Drink Obsession

          I hate it! I had been drinking soft drinks straight for two weeks and I know what my mother and other folks say about gulping too much carbonated drinks. It's either you'll get fat, acidic, or procure some kidney problems. 
          For my part, I experience minor headaches when I frequent such coolers but of course, I don't have any scientific explanation to prove that. All I believe is that too much of something  is bad enough. And sadly, that's what I'd been doing.
          I want to stop, but the moment I'm in our store, I can't help but grab a bottle or two. Maybe, I'm getting addicted to it. They contain amounts of caffeine anyway, which are some kind of addictive. It's as if these chilled refreshers are the only way for my thirst to subside.
          The summer sun allures me to even chug some more. So now, I'm promising myself to get hydrated not by soft drinks, but by water. I don't want to abuse my kidneys and grow old sick. It's okay to drink sodas from time to time; In parties perhaps, or in meryenda time with the barkada whom we don't see often. My rule is to take it moderately. I guess the same rule is true for the other aspects of our life.
          My siesta time may be incomplete without a bottle of soft drink, but how about training myself to love water a bit more. It's a natural cleanser and even gives me a nice skin. I don't even have to buy it.

Hungry for Hunger Games

          I totally enjoyed watching The Hunger Games. I mean, my eyes were totally hooked on the screen the whole time I was viewing it. The thrill, excitement, action, romance, and the drama were well combined to give us the entertainment that we need. I'm a fan now of director Gary Ross.

          The cinematography was styled to be creatively shaky, making me reminisce of Hitler's time. Special effects were carried out satisfactorily. I also liked the music, especially the mellow ones. The clothing worn by the people in District 12 were well-crafted, its simplicity the total opposite of the extravagant, histrionic fashion people wore in the Capitol. The main actors, Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen) and Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark)  were good in their performances since you will empathize in their pitiful situation and fall in love as well with the romance blooming between them.

          There were also a lot of quotable lines that the actors in the film had uttered. I can't wait to watch the next sequel. Will Peeta eventually win the heart of Katniss eventhough the game was over? Or will Katniss find real love in her close friend, Gale Hawthorne (played by Liam Hemsworth)? 

         Though the film was entertaining, I guess kids should still be guided when they watch the film because it has a lot of sensitive action scenes like teenagers killing one another just to survive in the game. The film was a based on the novel of the same title which was authored by Suzanne Collins. According to wikipedia.com, she had said in an interview that the book tackles on severe poverty, starvation, oppression and the effects of war among others.