Slice of my heart, slice of my cheesecake

I do not exactly know when and how this addiction for cheesecake started but perhaps, it's because i love cheese.

Last night, Deb, Dax and I went to UNO in Tomas Morato to taste their famous cheesecake. It ranks 3rd in SPOT’s Top 10 Cheesecakes in Manila (along with Miss Desserts, Chelsea, Mamou, Opus, Robot, Lu, Starbucks, Burough, and Cake Club). Among the 10, I was pleased most with what UNO has to offer. No add-ons, no glaze, no whipped cream on top, no fruit bits, no shavings. I like my cheesecake plain and simple. Exactly what UNO has to offer. So when I learned that UNO was near my work area, I planned a visit. Last night, I have finally tasted it.

Simply said, UNO’s cheesecake was heavenly. The description was true: Deceptively simple but oh-so sinful. Although it was slightly dusted with powdered sugar it wasn’t too sweet so you’ll crave for more. A forkful of its feathery layers melts inside your mouth that you’ll want to savor and keep on eating and craving for more slice.

For P65 you’ll get this heavenly slice and P650 for the whole cake. I will come back for more. =)

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[Random Thoughts]

I do not understand why some people would not commit or if they do they could hardly sustain what they have promised.

I have always promised to be better but life has a way of testing me.

Sabi niya: “Miss ko na sila!” (meaning: hindi ako kasama)

CineManila Fest at Robinsons Galleria =)

Opening FilmPinoy Sunday | Wi Ding Ho (Taiwan/Philippines, 2010)

Closing FilmAmigo | John Sayles (USA, 2010)

International Competition:And Peace On Earth | Matteo Botrugno & Daniele Coluccini (Italy, 2010)Au Revoir, Taipei | Arvin Chen (Taiwan / USA, 2009)Eastern Plays | Kamen Kalev (Bulgaria / Sweden, 2009)Floating Lives | Nguyen Panh Quang Binh (Vietnam, 2010)Happyland | Jim Libiran (Philippines, 2010)The Housemaid | Im Sang-soo (South Korea, 2010)The Piano in a Factory | Zhang Meng, Jae-young Kwak (China, 2010)Primary! | Ivan Noel (Spain, 2010)Sketches of Kaitan City | Kazuyoshi Kumakiri (Japan, 2010)

Focus on Korean Cinema:Camellia | Joon-Hwan Jang, Wisit Sasanatieng & Isao Yukisada (South Korea / Thailand / Japan, 2010)The Housemaid | Im Sang-soo (South Korea, 2010)Mother | Bong Joon-ho (South Korea, 2009) Secret Sunshine | Lee Chang-dong (South Korea, 2007)Thirst | Park Chan Wook (South Korea, 2009)

Korean Independents:Animal Town | Kyu-hwan Jeon (South Korea / USA, 2009)Breathless | Yang Ik-Joon (South Korea, 2009)Passerby # 3 | Shin Su-won (South Korea, 2009)Father is a Dog | Lee Sang Woo (South Korea, 2010)

SEA Cinema:Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria | Remton Siega Zuasola (Philippines, 2010)Halaw | Sheron Dayoc (Philippines, 2010)Red Dragonflies | Liao Jiekai (Singapore, 2010)Sunday Morning in Victoria Park | Lola Amaria (Indonesia, 2010)The Tiger Factory | Woo Ming Jin (Japan / Malaysia, 2010)Year Without A Summer | Tan Chui Mui (Malaysia, 2010)

Taiwan Alternate Currents:Au Revoir, Taipei | Arvin Chen (USA / Taiwan, 2010)Fourth Portrait | Chung Mong-Hong (Taiwan, 2010)Juliets | Yu-Hsun Chen, Hou Ji-Ran & Ko-shang Shen (Taiwan, 2010)Pinoy Sunday | Wi Ding Ho (Taiwan, 2009)The Sandwich Man | Hou Hsiao Hsien, Wan Jen & Zhuang Xiang Zeng (Taiwan, 1983)Taipei Exchanges | Hsiao Ya-chuan (Taiwan, 2010)

World Cinema:Beyond the Circle | Golam Rabbany Biplob (Bangladesh, 2009)The Door | Anno Saul (Germany, 2010)Please Don't Disturb | Moshen Abdolvahab (Iran, 2010)A Prophet | Jacques Audiard (France / Italy, 2009)Red Eagle | Wisit Sasanatieng (Thailand, 2010)Reign of Assasins | Chao-bin Su, John Woo (China, 2010)Riding The Stallion of The Dream | Girish Kasaravali (India, 2010)Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World | Edgar Wright (USA / UK/ Canada, 2010)The Wedding Game | Ekachai Uekrongtham (Singapore / Malaysia, 2010)Thorn in the Heart | Michel Gondry (France, 2009)

Asian American Program:Bontoc Eulogy | Marlon Fuentes (USA / Philippines, 1995)Fall of the I-Hotel | Curtis Choy (USA, 1983)The People I've Slept With | Quentin Lee (USA, 2009) Cinemanila NETPAC Program:Animal Town | Kyu-hwan Jeon (South Korea / USA, 2009)Au Revoir, Taipei | Arvin Chen (USA / Taiwan, 2010)Divine Intervention | Elia Suleiman (France / Morroco / Germany / Palestine, 2002)Floating Lives | Nguyen Panh Quang Binh (Vietnam, 2010)Kaleldo | Brillante Mendoza (Philippines, 2006)Pila Balde | Jeffrey Jeturian (Philippines, 1999)

Digital Lokal:Balangay | Sherad Anthony Sanchez and Robin Färdig (Philippines/Sweden, 2010)‘Di Natatapos Ang Gabi (The Night Infinite) | Ato Bautista (Philippines, 2010)Mondomanila | Khavn dela Cruz (Philippines, 2010)Brod | Ray Gibraltar (Philippines, 2010Chassis | Adolf Alix Jr. (Philippines, 2010)

Young Cinema: Documentaries in CompetitionDekasegi (The Migrants) | Rey VenturaDiujung Jalan | Tony Trimarsanto (Indonesia, 2010)Kano | Monster Jimenez (Philippines / USA, 2010)Memories of A Burning Tree | Sherman Ong (Tanzania / Netherlands / Singapore / Malaysia, 2010)Ang Panagtagbo sa Akong mga Apohan | Malaya Camporedondo (Philippines, 2010)Sunday School | Joanna V. Arong (Philippines / China / Zambia, 2010)

Documentaries in ExhibitionThe Cove | Louie Psihoyos (USA, 2009)Eskrimadors | Kerwin Go (Philippines, 2010)Laughing Star | Werner Schroeter (Germany, 2010)Machete Maidens Unleashed | Mark Hartley (Australia, 2010)Return to Manila: Filipino Cinema | Hubert Niogret (France / Philippines, 2010)Thorn in the Heart | Michel Gondry (France, 2009)

Young Cinema Shorts:Hazard | Mikhail Red (Philippines, 2010) In CompetitionNilda | Joy Aquino (Philippines, 2010) In CompetitionPainted Reality | Henry Burgos (Philippines, 2010) In CompetitionDoktora | Christian Linaban (Philippines, 2010) In Competition Ang Katapusang Bagting | Remton Siega Zuasola (Philippines, 2010)Ang Larawan ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino | Emmanuel dela Cruz (Philippines, 2010)April Fools | Trinka Lat (Philippines / Germany, 2009)Inhalation | Edmund Yeo (Malaysia, 2010)Ang Sandaling Sadya nina Lire at Isa | John Francis Losaria (Philippines, 2010)Masala Mama | Michael Kam (Singapore, 2010)Impeng Negro | Dustin Uy (Philippines, 2010)

Philippine Panorama:Layang Bilanggo | Michael Dagnalan (Philippines, 2010)Limbunan | Teng Mangansakan (Philippines, 2010)Ang Ninanais | John Torres (Philippines, 2010)Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Bato | Mes de Guzman (Philippines, 2010)HIV (Si Heidi, Si Ivy at Si V) | Neal "Buboy" Tan (Philippines, 2010)

Critics’ Picks:Phil Dy: Endo | Jade Castro (Philippines, 2007)Oggs Cruz: Wanted: Border | Ray Gibraltar (Philippines, 2009)Rolando Tolentino: Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Bato | Mes de Guzman (Philippines, 2010)Richard Bolisay: Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria | Remton Siega Zuasola (Philippines, 2010)Nonoy Lauzon: Sheika | Arnel Mardoquio (Philippines, 2010)

Directors in Focus: 10 Years of Ishmael BernalPeter Chua | Buwan (Philippines, 2000)Mes de Guzman | Batang Trapo (Philippines, 2001)Romeo Candido | Lolo’s Child (Philippines, 2002)Mariami Tanangco | Binyag (Philippines, 2003)Raya Martin | Bakasyon (Philippines, 2004)John Torres | Salat (Philippines, 2005)Jobin Ballesteros | The Ballad of Mimiong’s Minion (Philippines, 2006)Ernest Michael Manalastas | Delusions (Philippines, 2007)Christopher Gozum | Surreal MMS (Philippines, 2008)Remton Siega Zuasola | To Siomai Love (Philippines, 2009)

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The film fest officially opens today but most of the screenings are for the press and the jury. There will be movie tickets that are open to public but limited only. Will probably catch the next day's screenings.

I've researched a little about the film entries and found some really nice flicks to watch out for:

1. The Housemaid --- > it's a remake, it's an erotic thriller, and a contender in last year's Cannes Film Festival.
2. Happyland ---> looking forward to see this, mag-world premier siya this Sunday! same director who gave us Tribu (humakot ng sangkaterbang awards during the Cinemalaya2007)
3. The Piano in a Factory ---> both sad and beautiful... about a father wanting to give his daughter a piano to get her custody.
4. Easter Plays ---> Bulgarian entry, reviews are good. One review even said, it's probably the best Bulgarian film in a decade. Now i had to see this. I rarely see a Bulgarian film.
5. Secret Sunshine ---> I (just) love Korean films, this one has a rather enticing plot.

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To know the SCREENING SCHEDULE, please click to this link ----> 2010 cinemanila screenings

I am sleepy most of the time that I’ve been missing "valuable opportunities" to be with you

I value sleep a lot. Give me a straight eight-hour sleep a day and I will be happy. I hate going to work, facing my pc, having to write an article or a speech and I am sleepy. It’s a good thing that we always have coffee in the office. I am getting by somehow.

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The story of the sleepy-looking girl [part 1]

One late night at Starbucks somewhere in Quezon City.

A sleepy-looking girl was standing in front of the counter. She was scouting for the names written on the menu although in her mind, she already knew what drink to order. She always order cappuccino so it should not take her long to decide. But at that particular moment, it took her some time to make up her mind.

The guy at the cashier had a smile on his face, patiently waiting for the sleepy-looking girl to say her order. The tag on his shirt says, “Mar”. He had a green apron on top of his shirt.

“One cappuccino tall please,” finally the sleepy-looking girl said to the guy. She looked at him and noticed the mole on the tip of his nose. It suits his face, she thought.

“Will you be drinking that here or to go?” he answered back still smiling. His teeth were awesome white, she thought.

“Here,” she softly answered.

“Can I get your name, ma’am?” he asked again. The smile on his face remained.

The girl was silent for a moment. She blushed a little. But she wasn't sure. She could not look at him. She usually doesn’t give her name. Usually, it’s “Joey” or “Sarah” or “Anne” or any of Murakami’s protagonists or "Naoko" or "Ayumi" because she likes names that have a Japanese sound to it. But that particular night was different. She felt like giving away her real name.

“Margarita” she finally said.

“One cappuccino tall for Margarita coming up!” he said it in a template-ish, mechanical kind of way. But the smile did not fade which made the sleepy-looking girl all perk up and alive.

The sleepy-looking girl looked back before finally settling in her table. She was surprised to see him looking back.

She decided: tomorrow she'll have the Cafe Americano, same time, same coffeeshop, same name.

Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though its breaking.

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Mug with a heart (not really a post valentine entry, i am too "bitter" for that)

It’s always been the eyes that are at fault.
They tease the senses and send a message to the brain—
that something is sweet just by the looks of it,
not knowing the slight bitterness
— that lingers after it touches the tongue.

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Bad weather always looks worse through a window

The weather has been inconsistent the past few days. Either it's windy and humid, too sunny or pouring badly. This morning there was a drizzle then it poured, approaching lunch it was sunny as hell. The only thing that has been consistent was the wind. I know so because I've been on the street the whole morning.

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Tomorrow is a special non-working holiday because of the burial of former President Cory Aquino. I am going south-bound.

I will capture a drop of rain and give it to you

The weather in Manila right now is scorching hot. I tried standing on the street at 2pm in the afternoon with no umbrella and literally, I melted like an ice cream. Too much exposure to this kind of harsh weather is deadly. I have always thought that I could survive a very high temperature. Compared to enduring a very cold weather, I have always thought I have enough resistance to battle the heat. That’s what I thought.

So imagine the smile on my face when it poured yesterday. Really, every drop of rain on the window was a delight to watch—a feast to my yearning eyes!

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Fake raindrops and blue umbrella

You will know that you made the right decision when you pick the harder choice and your heart is at peace with it.

I like to do the things I'd like to do. Minus the inhibitions. Minus the compromises. Minus the fret. Unfortunately, some major decisions have to depend on other people's judgement.

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Always in the thick of something

In the middle of a public demonstration, I found this man. Holding a dented can of Selecta ice cream, he stretches his arms in between people passing by seeking people's attention, asking for some spare change. But he is not your usual, meek type of beggar who acts on people's pity. He is loud and in most cases, persistent. I started taking several shots of him and bystanders start looking at me. I try to shrug of the attention and focus on this man. Then he starts noticing me as well. I would have stopped shooting right then and then but he ignores my existence. He never seems to mind. He continues what he's doing. He continues to bug people for penny. I, on the other hand, continue shooting.

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Postscript:

[ICs @ eLBi, on that one corner where Natalie Imbruglia's photo is pinned]

before leaving the country, a friend left me with this phrase: purge, purge, purge! it was more of an advice for herself than mine. but lately, I’ve been thinking about it too. i always say that we tend to see the truth about ourselves in the most unlikely situation or circumstance. Sometime we discover the “not so good parts” but we discover, nonetheless. and it's good (i think). but in crucial moments, i usually doubt my decisions. i was never a logical person to begin with. i tend to choose the safest way--that one, particular road that gives priority to the feelings of others. my feeling is my least concern. i like to think that somewhere, somehow i will always have a control over my own feelings. that I can dictate as to which direction it should go. once again, i was proven wrong. heck.

Dark Clouds

Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.

~Carl Gustav Jung~

Raindrops from the glass window

I’ve been constantly seeking the blue sky. Only to find myself soaked under a heavy rainfall. Usually, it’s in the late afternoon when people are rushing to go home and I get drowned by the huge crowd. I would sometimes find myself in a trance forgetting I had an umbrella, I would join them and went home drenched than ever.

I used to love the rain. I still do. But lately, I’ve been missing the blue sky.

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I think it's natural for every one to be a vagabond occasionally

That day—I sat the Indian style,
on the moist grass in front of a yellow, cold beam.
I was in control, in silence facing the dying light
yellow, red, orange—they seem to slowly fade.

Streak, seeping through my eyes trying not to blink
wanting to see everything from here, to now
I need to see everything.

Slowly, the sun goes down the beam fading
I am fading.

- raytsdc (8/20/05)
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[fragments of thoughts...]

...he was smiling the whole time while i talk. like a smirk that he tries to hide whenever i notice him. he was good at hiding. but he can never fool me. not this time. i knew the reason behind those smiles. heck, i really wanted to smile back.

...sometimes, i get (really) affected by what other people have to say about me. how can i not? they expect too much.

...i am climbing the mountain not to swank. while others need the adventure, i need this for my own privation. adventure only comes second. plus, what's better than climbing a peak with your best buddy, right? the only person who (i think) knows me best.

...i won't be in the office for a few days. i am off to the south again. so, no update until then.

Night is the blotting paper for many sorrows

View from the roofdeck of the office, trying to get some fresh air, trying to justify why I am STILL at the office at 10 in the evening. ;-/

"In my age, as in my youth, night brings me many a deep remorse. I realize that from the cradle up I have been like the rest of the race - never quite sane in the night." - Mark Twain

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Smashing that fat Pumpkin

The office did an initial screening for the Best Agri Harvest contest. So far, this huge pumpkin bagged the first position for the "kalabasa" category. I wonder when this fat pumpkin will turn into a beautiful horse-drawn carriage so I can drive away with it.

Of betting, coffee, and cheesecake

Oki and I went to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf the other day so she could collect her prize from our latest bet—a mug of coffee and a slice of cheesecake. I am one habitual loser. I’ve had at least five bets with her and I only won once (with a sweating effort). We usually bet when we can’t agree on things, from the most trivial things to some of the most decisive issues we discuss out of whim.

Betting is never borne out of a habit but more of a necessity to prove a particular point (especially if the other person has the greatest conviction). Say for example, Oki and I were on our way home and we talked about the coming boxing fight of Manny Pacquiao and Golden Boy as promoter of his Las Vegas fights. Oscar dela Hoya came into the discussion and why he likes the attitudes of Filipino boxers over the Mexicans (in reference to an interview he made in one of the local televisions). And out of the blue a question is popped: Isn’t de la Hoya of Mexican descent? Oki said, “No, he’s Puerto Rican!” I said, “He is Mexican.”

Since we have no way of knowing who is right and who is wrong we’ll turn it into a bet. If you think about it, my reason for betting that Oscar is of Mexican descent is not logical. Dela Hoya liking Filipino boxers over the Mexicans and he is of Mexican descent isn’t in any way consistent. But anyway, I told Oki I've read it somewhere. But I wasn't sure then. Betting with her makes me feel (so) unsure in most cases. But I bet nonetheless, just to prove my point.

Anyway, I won this bet. The only bet I’ve ever won so far. Lessons learned: never bet if you’re not sure about what you are betting on. Or as Peter would usually say, don’t bet at all.

My second entry for the day...

"They put the behemoths in the hold along with the rhinos, the hippos and the elephants."

Yesterday, I was whining to Deb about how slowly I am dying out of vim and vigor and how I am gradually losing my sense of humor. She said, “Me too.” It could be a stage especially if one does a routinary task. Or is it?

Anyway, maybe Julian Barnes will bring me back my bland appetite. I haven’t read a serious book for ages. And by serious I mean something that would not only make me think about life but something to keep me going.

Thanks Peter for the book!. ;-)

Stairway to nothingness

I am not too keen about the overexposed sky here (this was taken between 10 and 11 am) but well, it looks like a dead end from here. A stairway to nothingness. I was actually trying to get a glimpse of an old beggar, which I happen to pass by (almost) all the time during this time of the day but there was just too many people going up that the man and his backpack hid her from the actual scene.

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One particular saturday morning...

...and I must have been a fool to overly dramatize this scene once again. He sings that one particular piece everytime I passed by this overpass. It must be his repertoire for the day. I believe I have heard it thrice already. I took this shot anticipating that someone (his guide perhaps) would shoo me away or tell me not to take his photo. Fortunately, no one did. But as expected, people who were passing by gave me "the face". But I was used it.

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The Harry Potter book is out. I asked my sister if she could chip in some money so that we could immediately buy a copy of the book. To save us from spoilers and hullabaloos. But she won't budge in. I actually expected it, what I didn't expect is her words telling me that she's not the type of person who would go out of her way to buy an expensive book. She was talking about me, of course. She said, she'd rather borrow the book even though it would take her a while. I understand her...I really do. One thing I realized though is that, when it comes to buying books, we're never on the same line. I am impulsive.

P.S. I featured an image on poverty and on another end I am all enamored in buying a 1,480-peso worth of book. Ironic.

Girlfriends...

Etch, Ruth, and Casey...

Etch, 28, single, has always been sweet and considerate of others. She has always been focused with her work. I've sent her a letter on her birthday and she told me she was touched and cried. I was happy to know.

Ruth, 27, single, is a kind-hearted person. But you have to know her well to appreciate what she is and what she is not to other people. She's often misunderstood but very likeable once you get to know her. And I've known her for 7 years. One thing I am sure of is that, she treasures friendship.

Casey, 28, married, is one of the most resourceful people I know. She finds opportunities at the right place and time. She handles her time well, being at work and being a young mum all at the same time. I've seen her lovely kids and they are all adorable.

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I am off to Tagaytay for our planning workshop so no update for the next four days.

The most expensive coffee in the world comes from the poop of a cat

…to be precise, this coffee comes from the poop of the Asian Palm Civet, locally-known here as alamid. This cat-sized mammals are fond of eating ripe coffee berries, which they excrete with the partially-digested beans in their poop. Thus, the name Civet coffee.

In Indonesia the coffee is known as kopi luwak, in Vietnam it’s synonymous with their weasel coffee, in the Philippines it’s known as kape alamid.

Coffee beans from the poop of the civet.

Roasted Civet coffee beans in jars, ready for grinding.

The other week, Oki texted me that she was having a cup of civet coffee somewhere in Makati trying to wind away the time. She expected it to be expensive but she was affronted by the price anyway. She said a cup of civet coffee cost her 250 pesos (around $5 a cup). But she loved it.

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Postscript: I might change web address again. I am setting up a new site, mainly for photoblogging. ;-)