Cutty

Vic and I decided to take the boys to see their current favorite, Cars 2.  Johann has been bugging us to watch Cars 2 in Kong Kong (read:  HK) ever since Disney Junior showed it on TV.  We planned to leave Bettina and the yayas in Pasig before heading to the 1PM showing at Rockwell.  But the traffic was so bad that we had to settle for the 3PM showing instead.  We had brunch and churros, walked around for a bit then got our movie snacks. It was Javi's first full-length movie in the cinema. Before the movie, I kept on telling him that it will grow dark inside and that he shouldn't be afraid.  He had to adjust to the volume so kept on covering his ears when the level was too much for him. I'm glad that they're already familiar with the movie (c/o a bootleg copy) so they didn't ask a lot of loud and embarrassing questions.  In fact, they were captivated by it.  Javi's eyes were glued to the big screen.  Johann was revving up his fake engin...

We're about to start the long weekend and we have nothing planned for the next four days.  I feel like I am wasting those days when I should be doing something productive. I don't want to do chores.  I don't want to spend the day in the mall.  I want to do something worthwhile without spending a lot.  I am certain that I want to get out of the house since I spent most of my time indoors.  But that doesn't leave me with too many options. I was telling Vic that I thought about going to Tagaytay.  But there's nothing to do in the house that we can't do here in Manila.  We'll just get bored and start binging on Antonio's roasted bulalo.  We might as well get bored in Manila, where there are  several entertainment options and Internet that can distract us from temptation. I think it's time to explore the newly-improved QC Memorial Circle, if Mina (the current weather disturbance) permits it.  Maybe a stroll along BHS?  Hit the cine...

To most Filipinos, leisurely traveling is equated to shopping.   If it were a frequently visited destination, I’d probably skip the tourist spots and head to the shops.   However, the past few weeks were not about visiting a frequented place.   Hence, each day was valued-packed with uncommon sights and experiences.   To give you an idea of how intense our two weeks were, here is our itinerary: Days 1 – 2:   Paris Days 3 – 5:   Provence Days 6 – 9:   Rome / Florence Days 10 – 13:   Amsterdam Days 14 – 15:   Paris This itinerary is not part of a package tour.   It is DIY, borne out of invites of several friends and our desire to cross off items in our bucket lists.   Isn’t it obvious, we wanted to maximize the cost of the trip? Despite the busyness of everything, we managed immerse ourselves into the local culture.   We ate the local food, rode the public transport, befriended the French and the Italians, and...

The Ateneo Chamber Singers, with conductor Jonathan Velasco, present “WHERE THERE IS LOVE”, a two-part concert on September 23, 2011 at the Philamlife Theater, ( UN Avenue Manila ). The ACS, known to specialize in sacred choral music, will begin with a repertoire that speaks of love for the Almighty. Set to be performed are inspiring songs of faith from renowned international composers that include Rheinberger, Matshushita, Mealor, Casanas and Hogan. The second part will showcase a first in the choir’s history as they launch their first-ever love songs collection, “Love I’ve Found In You”. The CD features love songs that are sure to stir the hearts of many. This is the second collaboration of the ACS with Jesuit Communications, following the success of the ACS’s first Christmas Album, “Ang Ating Pasko”. The CD of love songs features works by award-winning songwriters Trina Belamide, Arnel de Pano and Von de Guzman who are also current members of the ACS. The even...

Since all members of the EU use only one currency, I expected that the Euro-$ exchange rate wouldn't vary as much from one country to another.  But I assumed wrong.  I also didn't expect it to vary that much. In Paris, the best rest I've gotten was along Pigalle.  If you scout around the money changers in the Moulin Rouge area, you get an average of 63Euros to 65Euros for $100.  I was a bit disappointed because I was expecting to get around 80Euros.  I don't know why.  In Rome, my heart sank when most Cambio stands offer 60Euros for $100.  Some even offered 58, net of commission.  But, if you happen to be in the Fountain of Trevi, one Cambio offers 65Euros to $100.  The Vatican Money Changer, located inside the Vatican Post on the left side (Exit side) of the Basilica San Pietro,  gives a good rate also ($100=63Euros).  Unless you are a client, very few banks change currencies so better get your Euros from the Cambios. In Amst...