#food in Alabang

[carlocarrasco]

Zark’s Burgers now serving customers inside Festival Mall

If you crave for burgers and fries, and if you are searching for a unique burger experience here in Alabang, then you should try visiting the brand new Zark’s Burgers branch inside Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa. This is what Zark’s Burgers looks like inside Festival Mall at the ground floor. Zark’s Burgers had its grand opening inside the said mall on May 10, 2024. Specifically…

[istariray23]

Agahan today….

Scrambled eggs, longqaniza and fried rice

.

Agahan with you guys is ❤️

[ablissofhope]

📍Silantro, Alabang Town Center

10/10♥️

[tigre-edi-rawr]

rto day at alabang 😌

another series of food for lunch < 100 but:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

happy monday, earthlings! ✨

ramdam ko na agad yung pagod, feeling ko half na ng shift ko yung nagugol ko sa dami ng gawain zzz

[niiikkii]

The Triple Treat: Satisfying Your Cravings with the Food Trinity

📍 133 Beverly Hills Dr, Subd, Taytay, 1920 Rizal

April 7, 2024

With a mouth-watering dishes, cozy Filipino ambiance and a relaxing hymn of peaceful silence. A bee inspired café have been arise at Casa Mellifera, a cozy café based in Taytay Rizal that serves different dishes and snacks that will surely satisfies your taste buds. One of its unique products is the bibingka waffle, top with fragrant butter and side with hot chocolate dipping sauce, the tasty butter at the top of the soft waffle truly compliment with the dark sweet blend of its chocolate sauce. With the photo facing upward, the aesthetic bind of its table cloth truly blend with the delicious looking waffle that making it more delicious as it looks.

📍 SM Mall of Asia, Pasay, Metro Manila

April 9, 2024

Next is what would be the purpose of the appetizer without having the main course. As the next photo shown, the photo is presented on a very clean white quarts table this compliments the spaces and the colors of the food, that eventually makes it more appetizing. With its magnificent dishes, Tuan Tuan Kitchen is also famous for its dishes like Ramen, Katsu Curry, Gyudon, and Snow Buns. They are also known as a go-to place for the person who loves to jump their taste buds for having a Japanese cuisine.

📍 Daang Hari Road, Alabang West Parade, Las Piñas, 1750 Kalakhang Maynila

April 10, 2024

Finally, is when we talk about classics, classic dishes are very popular especially for those western countries with a very big influence on food the heart of the southies represents “Brotzeit”. Brotzeit serves an Authentic German Food & Beverages since 2006. In the photo, we have a Holzfaller Fruhstuck a breakfast of champions, Fladen Bayrischer Art a Bavarian style fladen, and Fladen Bayrischer Art a bavarian style fladen with a very generous portions of servings at Brotzeit, it is also an instagrammable and worth to feature at your social media accounts, but don’t forget to add their unique food menus at your sudden food travel list. At the very least, great food is a great life so get yourself ease and satisfy your cravings with these heavenly delicious goods. It is indeed that fondest memories are made gathered around the table.

Theme: Food and Drink

[hazygrains]

May 5 - 7, Friday - Sunday | Malunay, Quezon & Alibijaban Island

The day after returning from Siargao, we headed to Malunay, Quezon with our friends to visit Aurin and his wife at their home. We met up with them at Trinoma mall around 4 pm because I had to work earlier, and my shift ended at 3 pm. They had already done the grocery shopping and bought snacks for our trip. I didn’t expect the travel time to be that long. It was so exhausting. We arrived past midnight and, having not eaten a proper dinner, Aurin reheated the food he had prepared for us.

Later that morning, around 10:30 am, we arrived at San Andres port after an hour's drive from Malunay. Later on, we rented a boat to take us to Alibijaban Island, which was another 20-30 minutes away. Everything had been arranged and prepared by Aurin’s family. They purchased the food and utensils that we brought to the island. And finally, we formally and properly met his wife and his family.

Alibijaban Island is beautiful! It was not that commercialise yet, so good thing we brought our own food. The weather that day, too, was nice! It was such a pleasant day to spend with our friends. We even rented a floating cottage, and took dips in the water.

It was indeed a short trip, and I wish we could have stayed longer, but we didn’t have any annual work leaves left, so maybe next time. Anyway, we were off the road at 11 am the next day. We also stopped by one of the souvenir stores to buy pasalubongs and visited Tayabas, Quezon, to try Nanay Simeng's Halo-Halo, which was jam-packed. But, to be honest, I’ve had much yummier halo-halo. It was nothing special.

Anyway, we had already parted ways with some of our friends along the way, so when we arrived in Alabang, we decided to have our dinner at one of the Samgyupsal places there. So yeah, it was such a tiring weekend getaway. Asis and I still haven’t had a proper rest from our Siargao trip, and now this. But it was all good! We got to be with friends, and another place was checked off my list. ♡

[hashirun]

Kiwami Japanese Food Hall, Alabang Town Center

[jopetkasi]

i realized that my nephews are becoming more independent, even bolder as the days go on. and there is nothing that i or their dad can do but watch from a distance as they transition from being kids to puberty and now as young adults.

case in point, nephew A no longer requires a car to chauffer him to school and back at home. okay na daw sa kanya mag commute from Alabang to Diliman and much to my surprise, has already made arrangments to live in one of the UP dorms.

"paano food mo? walang aircon doon?"

"uncle, i can manage. trust me"

"you are not joining fraternities, right?"

"dad is a fratman diba?"

"i agree you live in a dorm but the frat thing is non-negotiable"

"fine. will not join until i get to senior year"

sigh....the compromises we make naman.

Nephew B is another story altogether. if the first was seeking independence and adventure, the latter is more laid back and has no qualms about brooding at home. he is the typical teenager who has friends in the village and a girlfriend from high school which i pray he does not impregnate. he was the kid who asked if he could go on a gap year and wanted to stay in La Union to surf and work amongst locals. buti nalang i convinced him to reconsider.

"uncle stop minding us all the time, you should go out and see guys you like" said Nephew B.

i do of course. but right now, my priorities are different compared to before. besides, love will always find me/us no matter the age, in a different time and place, perhaps.

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Why leaving the city to settle in the province is one of the best decisions in my life

I already drafted a post earlier, pero nawala lol. So, here's my second attempt.

Before the pandemic, I was living in a condo along EDSA with my then-fiancee now-husband. We paid 18K monthly for a studio-type condo, with pool and gym amenities. It was a dream come true for me since my previous homes in the metro were in not-so-Instagrammable places.

So a bit of a history of my living situations in NCR:

I left Laguna since HS for college and stayed in a dormitory. There were about 2-4 girls per room and my parents who crawled my expense through graduation often paid my rent late.

Then, I graduated and vowed to not have my parents pay a single cent for me anymore. I lived independently paying ALL of my living expenses including rent, food. My first home that I paid for myself is another dormitory with about a 7 x 7 room shared by another girl.

Then, I lived in with my then-fiancee and toxic ex in a 2-BR apartment in the middle of a busy Manila baranggay. When he left me, along with needing to pay some unpaid rent, I moved into a smaller a 1-BR apartment. Both were in the middle of a noisy, crazy Manila neighborhood where people drink and gossip 24/7.

So, fast forward to the pandemic doom, I got initial info (being an EHS & BCP person) that there would be lockdowns. My then-fiancee now-husband and I then rushed packing and left our condo unit (even after spending hours panic-buying some supplies) to go home. We never really imagined the pandemic lasting years, so for the first 3 months, we lived with our parents... transitioning between his parents' place and mine while we work remotely. But then, since we are getting married, we decided to buy a house. If there's one thing the pandemic made us realize is that HEALTH IS IMPORTANT... and he and I both know that we cannot live in a boxed condo as a permanent home. Luckily, his work perks allowed us to choose a model unit (fully furnished but a bit outdated) so it's basically ready for occupancy. It took us barely 6 months to get the papers settled (while also preparing for our wedding) but we got it.

We now live in a 2-story house located in a city in Laguna, near an SLEX exit. I'll save the logistical, administrative costs and construction gulatan costs for another story, but we were able to save enough to have some improvements like a gate, home gym, pocket garden, and repainting. We'll be spending our third Christmas (WOW) here and yes, it's still the life I want because:

Province life allows for a slower, mellower life. I am not sure if I can put it into words but there's something about waking up, walking down the stairs, taking a peek at the window and seeing Lolas sweeping their front yard, smiling and waving at you. There are neighbors who even if we rarely go out, reaches out to us to ask how we are, share a laugh or two. There are kids going to and from school. Even the traffic is way way better, not only because its decongested but because people are not in a rush? Like, kapag naluwas kami para pumasyal or for work, even a 2-3 second delay from the go-signal would cause people behind us to hit their horns like they are dying. Gulat na gulat kami at how full of rage drivers are, while here, people tend to give way. Though may mga kupal minsan, pero like 1:50 ang ratio compared sa NCR na 40:50 ata.

Everything is accessible. Maybe it's the smart location that the village is located, but Nuvali is 15 minutes away so we get to do our weekend runs and grocery shopping there every weekend. When we want a different view, Alabang or Makati is barely an hour away. We also have access to foodpanda and Grab, so we can also order food. And, when we grow tired of that, we also have an online Facebook page for the village where we can order food and have it delivered too. Kanina lang nga, dahil naka-isolation kami, pati pandesal inorder namin sa online village store.

The view can easily put you in a better mood. I remember during the MECQs, we'll just jump in the car and do a quick drive-thru run to Mcdonald's or Starbucks. We'll sometimes bring the cats with us para masanay sila. We'll eat inside the car, just open the windows a bit and see lush greens around us. On days when work feels too much or when I get depressive or anxious episodes, we'll just drive around, and instantly, I feel better as we pass by trees, farm lands and sunset view. When we run too, there's always a mini trail to discover.

We are nearer to our families. Though we may not be able to visit them as often as we want, but connecting is easier. We can have lunch outs over the weekends, or they can easily visit us at home and spend some time together. Malawak yun bahay at bakuran, so they can sleep over. Kapag may emergency, iba pa din yun may mga kakilala kahit paano na pwedeng takbuhan. We have my husband's office mates near the village and my Dad's office is also 30 minutes away from where we live. So, minsan sa amin din sya nauwi. Our house also offers a breathe of fresh air sa Mom ko when she wants to relax and play with her apos aka cats LOL.

Expenses are cheaper. Gas, groceries, services are cheaper here. Though we are not safe from the ~golden era~, we do have options like talipapa or wet markets. Since nearer din kami sa mga sakahan or isdaan, mas mura din talaga yun mga fresh produce. Sa Nuvali and LB area, madalas din may community market. Also, the 18K rent we paid for the condo? Imagine we pay less than that and we are owning this house after a few years. To share, even the 7K rent I paid for the 1-BR apartment can pay for a house here in Laguna too. No, I don't think renting is a waste of money since tinitirhan nyo naman sya, but imagine how getting a house can be a future asset (yun lupa, hindi yun bahay, but that's also another topic). But basically, LAND does not decrease in value ever. Ever ever. Kaya din bahay kinuha namin over condo.

There is space - to move, to breathe and to grow. Literally and figuratively. Literally, I am lucky to have my own home gym, and garden and garage that like now that we are in isolation, we can move around. It's easier to partition our lives between work and home, kasi may home office din ako. May place to sleep, to eat, to work out and that's important for an ADHD person like me. There also is room to grow... ewan ko pero the more I see how people can live in the provinve, the more lumawak yun pananaw at pangarap ko. No, I don't want a bigger house, but I now know that having a slow and steady life is possible. Yun, hindi kailangan pagod at ngarag to earn money, because people here, maraming may passive income and all. Parang here, money flows in even when you don't do much. Hindi ko ma-explain pero siguro totoo yun kapag mas malawak yun paligid mo, mas feeling mo din hindi ka nakakahon? (Though, we really need to do some spring cleaning LOL kasi ang kalat na ng bahay.)

My mental health has greatly improved. Probably because of all the reasons mentioned above. But, you know, taking myself away from that hustle and bustle of the city, really allowed me to slow down and think about what I really want in life. Dito sa probinsya ko narealize na life doesn't need to be complicated. Dito ko din na-allow ang sarili ko stop when I tend to want want want a lot? Kasi, in the midst of every grit and grind work day, masaya ako to just slow down, have a coffee or a glass of wine and spend time with my husband and cats. And really, that's all I need. In a world that tells you that you need to work-out, prep food, be excellent at work, learn new things, have a hobby, stay connected with loved ones and all sorts of MUSTS, the province life allowed me to tone it down and just do what I can. The more we do so much minsan, the more we lose who we are... or that's how I feel. The province life allows me to be just me~ whoever I want to be.

I know not everyone has this privilege, and for this I am grateful - for the opportunities that came our way, for the blessings given to us and for the hard work we put in. 🧿 It's weird pero the pandemic really did turn our life around, kasi naipakita sa akin kung ano yun importante - Health, connections and peace of mind. Yan lang pala talaga kailangan ko.

So, anyways, ayun lang. If you have the chance, give it a think. Alam ko hindi lahat possible ito sa work nila, but this is also why I chose to make it a non-negotiable when I consider work offers. Either remote or hybrid. Because this is now home and I can't sacrifice this peace for career progression or additional pay.

I hope you read this not feeling like I am boasting. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko inakalang dadating ako sa ganitong level of contentment... o baka natuto lang talaga akong maging grateful sa araw-araw. Good or bad, there's always something positive (gaya ng antigen test namin, eme). Nagpapasalamat lang talaga ako sobra for being here... so I really try to pay it forward too. My husband, I noticed, does the same na din. Every chance we get, we share our blessings.

Universe, thank you. I trust that 2023 would only bring us closer to the simple farm life we want. 🧿. 🪬. 👁️‍🗨️.

[alennahmarieborra]

Laguna is one of the provinces in the Philippines, that rich with culture, art and history are found. Nature lovers love going to this province for Mount Banahaw and Mount Makiling are situated within its boundaries. It is also home for the lakes (Sampaloc and Palakpakin), falls (Majayjay Falls) and rivers. Old churches (St. John the Baptist Church in Liliw and St. James the Apostle Church in Paete) and Spanish houses are also part of the province’s charismatic beauty. Thankfully, I have roots in this beautiful province.

Sampaloc Lake is one of the seven beautiful lakes in San Pablo City in Laguna. It’s the largest among them, too. But what makes it a top tourist draw this side of the province is the gorgeous view it provides, as well as the various activities tourists can do around the area.

With a total circumference of 3.7 kilometers, the lake is popular with runners who want to work out a sweat while being close to nature. It’s easy to find, because it’s located very near the San Pablo City Hall.

Unfortunately, the water in Sampaloc Lake is not suitable for swimming. However, visitors can still enjoy lots of activities such as taking photos, eating street food (like isaw and kwek-kwek), renting bicycles, or sampling the local cuisine in one of the restaurants around the lake.

There are lots of tilapia, bangus, carp, and several species of shrimps that abound in the lake, so it’s likely that you’ll come across a vendor selling newly caught fish.

According to legend, the lake was created because an old woman, who happened to have a giant Sampaloc tree in her garden, drew away an old man (who is a diwata in disguise) seeking help for his grandson. After this, a thundering noise and heavy rain ensued, sinking the entire orchard, filling it with water, and turning it into a lake.

How to get here?

City of San Pablo is very accesible also to any type of land vehicle and if you own a vehicle and figure out where is the exact location of Lake Sampaloc, the lake is located beside Provincial Capitol of San Pablo and Dona Leonila Park. Just pin in to your navigation map “Old Capitol Building of San Pablo City” because if you will pin to your navigation map the lake sampaloc there is a big chance that you will take around the lake and reach a private property where there is no viewdeck to enjoy the nice scenery of the lake.

If you're interested to visit and take a tour at Lake Sampaloc, for those people from the north, take a Bus Ride or Van from Manila with the Sigboard Lucena/Tagkawayan/Lopez/Calauag/San Pablo and tell the driver or conductor to drop you at City of San Pablo where they can drop you at City Medical of San Pablo or San Pablo City Plaza or beside Cathedral Parish of Saint Paul the First Hermit, and from the drop off points you can rent a tricycle going to lake sampaloc. For those people from the south, take a bus ride or van with signboard LRT Buendia/Cubao/Alabang/Turbina and tell to the driver or conductor to drop you to City Of San Pablo and from there you drop by to City Medical of San Pablo or San Pablo City Plaza or beside Cathedral Parish of Saint Paul the First Hermit and don’t forget to pray before your planned trip here to the city of seven lakes and enjoy.

[carlocarrasco]

Flavors of NCR set for April 19-20, 2024 at Filinvest City Central Park in Muntinlupa

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced via social media that prestigious Flavors of NCR will be hosted locally on April 19 and 20, 2024 at Filinvest City Central Park (the venue). There will be a wide variety of culinary delights from cooks representing the many cities of the National Capital Region (NCR) and there will also be some amusement for attendees…

[j-a-smiths-blog]

0827 20Sept24: Chapter 264

What a way to end and begin my one year in the Philippines.

The plan was to take the wife out to eat and invite our friend who came to the airport to pick us up. But that all changed when Tatay passed away. All focus had to be shifted to him.

But now that is over, and a new page has been turned. We are now day three of our second year here in the Philippines. I had a small discussion with our nephew who lives in Alabang. He is currently awaiting the results of the Bar Exam. But he has a few friends that could potentially prove to be beneficial to me and my ultimate dream.

With him fresh one year from being graduating college he still has friends that are in college. So even though I am not trying to focus on film making one hundred percent of the time right now, it would be nice to be able to push along with my one project.

Now my thinking is that maybe while I write my feature I could go use a few of my 48 hour creative writing scripts. The plan would be to try and set up a meeting at a coffee shop or somewhere to eat in Manila or the surrounding area so these college students wouldn't have to travel far. I would pay for their dinner so we could discuss some film making opportunities.

If this could be a viable option that I should go ahead and read through my short story scripts and pick out what I feel would be the top three easiest to produce. Print them out and bring them so we could discuss each. If I could manage to get a crew and actors, then I'd try to establish a shoot weekend where I'd pay for their transportation, food, lodging, and of course pay for their services while working for me to shoot this film. For a film student this would be a heck of a deal because they get to do what they are passionate about along with getting paid to do it while in student status.

The ultimate goal is because I need to establish a work relationship so when it would come time to film the feature... I could have a decent crew.

[tigre-edi-rawr]

Week 43 - Monday

Currently 5:48AM and still can't sleep. What the heck kailangan ko pumasok sa office today, good luck nalang talaga sa antok ko sa byahe pa-Manila! Huhu.

6:36 - Still awake and getting cranky. I really hate mondays!!!!!!!!!

10:15 - Woke up.

Got to eat delicious food today. Money burn. Pero tangina solid nung subway chipotle sauce! I enjoy that as lunch. The bonchon ultimate bibimbowl satisfied my korean food cravings. Super bloated today! I hate eating too much na talaga, I feel lazy. Next RTO magbabaon nalang talaga ako ng pagkain, para tipid. Nakakapagod, antok na antok na ako.

My day was fucking shitty! I had no sleep. Hungry. The moment I opened my laptop, they said my project had incident raised by business, my mouse's battery ran out, AT TANGINA NATAPILOK AKO SA HAGDAN SA MAY STARMALL ALABANG!!! Buti nalang hindi ako nagderederetso pababa 😭 buti may mabait na magjowa na tumigil para alamin kung okay ako.

Shitty monday. Wala pang masakyan pauwi. What the fuck talaga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[thehungrykat1]

Brotzeit Philippines Celebrates Oktoberfest 2024 With Three Party Days

Oktoberfest 2024 is right around the corner so Brotzeit Philippines is getting ready to celebrate this annual German beer event once again. They just launched their special Oktoberfest Menu and have announced their Signature Party Days where guests can experience German music and entertainment combined with authentic food and drinks.

The Hungry Kat was invited last week at Brotzeit's Bonifacio Global City branch to sample their Oktoberfest Menu which is available from September 1 up to November 10, 2024. It had been a while since my last visit but I always make sure to join their Oktoberfest parties. Brotzeit proudly celebrates Oktoberfest 2024 at its two branches in Alabang West Parade and at Shangri-La at the Fort this September to November.

Brotzeit was conceived in Singapore in 2006 and now operates across the Asia Pacific region. It aims to introduce authentic Bavarian cuisine accompanied by world famous quality German beer in a chic and contemporary setting, so Oktoberfest is always one of its biggest events of the year. Now on their 11th year in the Philippines, there’s no better place to enjoy this annual German tradition than at the country’s most popular German bier bar and restaurant.

Oktoberfest is an annual festival held in Munich, Bavaria in Germany from mid-September to the first Sunday in October. This year, it will be held from September 21 to October 6, 2024, but you don’t have to travel to Germany because Brotzeit is bringing the party right here in Manila.

Brotzeit is very proud of its German beers and these are taken very seriously from sourcing, using proper glassware, and even pouring techniques. All beers at Brotzeit are brewed according to the Germany purity law, so you are assured of an authentic German experience.

Brozeit will be offering an exclusive Oktberfest beer for this year's celebrations. The Weihenstephaner Festbier (P480 - 0.5L) is a full rich bodied seasonal lager specially brewed for the Festbier season. This beer represents the Bavarian way of celebrating with its deep gold color, great mouthfeel, and lots of flavor. What I really enjoyed was the Bayrischer Longdrink (P380 - 0.5L) which is one of their Bier Cocktails. This half liter mug comes with lager mixed with calamansi and vodka.

Another cocktail beer that we enjoyed was the Mango Bier (P380 - 0.5L) which has wheat beer mixed with mango juice. Brotzeit offers so many different beers and you are sure to find your own favorite.

I also love their Hot Chocolate so I order this every time I visit. This hot cocoa drink comes topped with cinnamon cream.

Now let’s try some of the special Oktoberfest dishes. Brotzeit has created a new Oktoberfest Menu that perfectly represents the season and goes very well with the featured beers for this celebration. 

The Anchovy Fladen (P490) is a flatbread topped with cheese, anchovies, artichokes, capers, and sweet red onions. This is a good starter that can be shared by the entire table.

Brotzeit Philippines Executive Chef Ivan Maminta then shows us some of the other items on the Oktoberfest Menu.

The Weisswurst (P390) is a traditional Bavarian Pork and veal sausage served with pretzel. The sausage is quite flavorful and you can choose to remove the casing or not. You can also get the Pretzel (P300) as an additional order by themselves.

If you really want to celebrate Oktoberfest, go and order the Oktoberfest 2024 Platter (P4600). This huge meaty platter will surely be the highlight of your Oktoberfest celebrations with its combination of Oktoberfest specials and Brotzeit favorites.

First up, this full platter comes with a Regensberger, a Nurnberger, and a Thuringer Sausage with Sauerkraut and potato salad. These three sausages will definitely satisfy your cravings with its different textures and flavors.

Then there's the Grilled Pork Chop and Roast Beef to satisfy the big meatlovers. These big and juicy slices should go well with some pretzels.

The main highlight of the Oktoberfest Platter is the Signature Pork Knuckle. This an all-time Brotzeit favorite and is the quintessential German dish. The pork knuckle is cooked until the meat is tender then oven roasted for the perfect crackling skin. The meat is actually infused with beer to give it that special taste.

The pork knuckle is so tender that you don't even need a knife to break it open. The Oktoberfest 2024 Platter is definitely packed with all the meat you can handle.

Our Oktoberfest gathering even had some very special guests. My husband Dexter was so surprised to see Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski join us at our table. He is in town for the much awaited SuperManila 2024 Comic Convention happening on the weekend.

Who would have thought that Dexter would be having beer with one of the comic book industry's top executives? He actually has tickets to SuperManila already so this was a very happy surprise.

Brotzeit’s Oktoberfest 2024 celebrations culminate with their Signature Party Days on September 27 to 29, 2024. This huge 3-day Oktoberfest party will be similar to how they do it in Germany. Special guests will be the AnTon Showband which is a popular German group that performs traditional German folk tunes to modern hits. They will be playing at Shangri-La at the Fort on September 27 and 29 then at Brotzeit Alabang West Parade on September 28. You can book your tables early and join this unforgettable musical journey at (https://brotzeit.ph/reservation). We would like to thank Brotzeit owner Malvin Ang for hosting our advance Oktoberfest party. Prost!

Brotzeit Philippines

GF6 Retail Arcade, Shangri-La at the Fort, 5th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

(0949) 881-0360

www.brotzeit.ph

www.brotzeitdelivers.com

www.facebook.com/brotzeitph

[benefits1986]

month-end-ish

A lot can happen in a day, a month, a year... and so on. Yes and no and maybe so... Oh, oh, oh.

June 2024 is ending in a bit, and just like that, it's July szn, baby. My friends egged me to drop by a kinda traditional event that made us a solid group since 2011. Syempre as a tamad person who loves to bed rot 'pag in Manila 'pag weekends, I confirmed at the last minute. Buti na lang whole day lang stay namin kasi may important errands pa ako whole day today.

My friends know that I don't like celebrating my birthday and they gave up on trying to surprise me to cheer me up ages ago rin. LELS. They tried naman kaso ako lang talaga ang aburido. Minsan, may pagiyak pa ako while blowing my birthday candle kasi nami-miss ko mom ko. Cringe kasi ang lala ng spiral ko kahit sobrang effort nila. Wala akong maggagawa kasi part 'yun ng naturalesa ko.

Sila rin karamay ko nung June 2012 during my super graphic darkest hours. 'Di nila ako niiwan and sobrang steady ng love language nilang lahat. Lalo 'pag sa hug. HAHAHAHA. May parang sudden stop bago mag-proceed kasi nga sobrang nati-trigger ako talaga simula noon.

Sila 'yung nag-make sure na ang focus ko lang is paano makapagbigay ng memorable last days ng mom ko sa earth. I didn't have to move too much kasi they knew that even when I dress to the nines, 'yung inside out ko, shaking so badly. Never akong naiwan mag-isa and lahat ng logistics, inayos. Sila rin 'yung nag-volunteer mag-praise and worship sa eulogy ni mom. Still one of the best worships in my book dahil kahit 'di ako magaling mag-sing saka mag-lead ng worship, 'yung tiwala nila at tiwala ko sa kanila amidst my trust issues, natawid. 'Di ko kailangang mag-demand kasi alam nila I don't like asking for help. 'Di ko kailangang pilitin kasi sobrang solid ng approach nila. Rektahan. Walang palag pero always respectful sa OA kong space invasion issues.

Syempre, 'di perfect ang group ko na 'to, like me, too. HAHAHAHA. Maraming mga mature and immature conflicts, pero I guess, kasi we know that we agree to disagree. Isa sa mga katatawanan e ang 'di ko pag-sama sa mga galang shala nila. First, wala akong pake. I hate social gatherings lalo parties. HAHAHAHA. Second, I don't like keeping up na limited funds ko. LOL. So, matic.

Lahat ng mga aya sa Fuego, BGC, Makati, Alabang, abroad, Boracay, atbp, ekis. Pero, kahit inaasar nila ako, that also made our dynamics stronger. Kasi, I made sure na 'pag may important matters and events, andun ako kasi gusto ko at alam kong doon ako may silbi kahit paano. In a way, 'pag may issue or concern mga friend groups ko na 'to, isa ako sa mga natatanungan kasi nga napaka unfiltered and deliks ng mga advice and take ko, madalas. 'Di dahil gusto ko, pero ganun talaga ako. HAHAHAHA.

This June 29, sobrang wala akong expectation except for another binge eating sesh kasi nga, overflowing ang food and drinks sa kinda traditional event na 'to that usually falls on a weekend. Syempre, since nga kinda gurangs na kami (at in denial pa rin most of the them) 'yung mga conversations nag-evolve na rin. Let me share tiny non-overheard and overheard convos para ma-freeze natin ang araw na 'to and 'di tayo ma-technical sa forced memory recall. LOL. 1: Mumsh, thanks. Mas feel good na me kasi andito ka. 2: Paano ba naman, sa akin kasi reklamo ng reklamo. Kumalma ka. Kaka-double cleanse mo lang. Sayang naman. Hahahaha. 1: All booked na ba Boracay? 2: Yes. 1: 'Yan kasi. Nag-iba pa ng hotel e kaya naman. 2: Oks lungs. Diyan na kayo, dito kami. See yah! Saka matutuloy naman ang event kahit nasaang lupalop tayo ng napakaliit na isla ng Boracay, 'di ba? Baka kayo pa nga ma-late sa event mismo because..

1: Iba ka na talaga. May driver na. Hahahahaha. 2: Gusto mo, ikaw lang passenger princess? Manigas ka diyan. 1: Doon na lang ako sa unahan uupo. Para feel na feel mong boss na boss ka diyan sa likod. 2: Dito ka sa likod. 'Wag mo kong galitin. Ang aga-aga.

1: Ganda ng Oura ring. 2: Anong spelling nun. 1: O-U-R-A. 2: O-U-R-A? Magkano 'yan? Saka anong sense niyan maliban sa publicly available information? 1: 28K. Sleeping patterns plus madedetect niya if likely ka ma-sick. 2: Awaw. Hahahahah. Shala. Pak. May idea ako! 'Pag may nahanap ka na gusto mo pagpro-pose-an, isama mo sa engagement ring tapos sabihin mo: Will you sleep and not sleep (hehehehe) with until they take our hearts away forever? HAHAHAHAHA. 1: Ay nako. Ang aga-aga. Inaantok pa ako, gigil na gigil ka na naman. Bumili ka na dali. 2: Ayoko. Mahal masyado. Saka, saka na siguro 'pag may epekto na sa'yo. HAHAHAHAHA. Dami mong ebas e. Ayan ka na naman sa techie shitballs mo. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Puro ka track, pero ems naman. Saka isama mo na rin paggamit mo religiously ng CPAP mo para naman 'di inaalikabok sa gedli. Nakakaabala ka e.

1: Crush mo pa rin ba si ____? Kahit may asawa na siya? 2: Hindi. HIHIHIHI. 1: Tara nga! Papicture ka kay ____ with akbay na may feelings. 3: (Wifey calls hubs. Game na game si misis.) 1: Okay. Closer pa. Akbay pa. Hahaha. 3: Ganito siguro feeling ng mga asawa ng basketball players? Buti, mabait and loyal and love na love ako ng asawa ko. 1: Opak. LOL. Super love ko talaga kayong couple kasi ang chill n'yo!

1: So, ano na nga gagawin sa Boracay? Sinong mago-organize? 2: Syempre, si ___. Sino pa ba bilang tambay Boracay naman 'yan doon. 1: Bakit ako? 2: Ikaw na. Para sure na 'di ka na naman tumakas at mag-flake. 1: May imi-meet pa ako kasi doon. 2: Kaya nga, para wala ka ng i-meet na iba. 1: Taccaaaaa.

1: Bakit single pa rin tayo? 2: E kasi 'di n'yo ginagalingan. 1: Ginagalingan ko naman e. Sila lang may ayaw sa akin. 2: Aywaw. Darating din 'yan. Ihanda mo buong lakas at loob mo sa Boracay. HAHAHAHAHA. Ako bahala sa'yo. Ibabala kita sa kanyon. Humanda. 1: Promise? 2: Ako pa ba? Ako pa talaga na enabler mo since Day Zero? 1: Okay. Maghahanda na ako. 2: Send mo sa akin lahat ng OOTD mo. Saka sundin mo lang lahat ng nasa checklist na bibigay ko sa'yo. At masasakop ka na rin ng tuluyan ng mga dayuhan. 1: Sige. Gusto ko 'yan. 1: Kamusta buhay may asawa. 2: Happy. Very happy. Eto nga o. Obvious, tumataba. 1: Ang importante happy and very happy. Anong usual away niyo? 2: 'Yung kaartehan ko saka pagiging basic and practical niya na minsan 'di ko na talaga masakyan. 1: Ah. Oks lang 'yan. Sobrang arte mo naman din kasi. 2: E minsan 'yung pagiging practical niya, sobrang grounded na grounded na e. Buti na lang sa ___ graduate. If sa UP siya graduate, baka namundok na 'yun. 1: WAW. Maka-judge. Tignan mo. Napaka out of touch mo talaga levels ng kaartehan mo.

1: Nakapag-maint meds na ba ang lahat? 2: Yes. 3: Hindi pa. 4: Mamaya na. 5: Bukas na. 1: Okay, smile. Closer. 1, 2, 3. Video 'to a. Kunwari happy kayo at walang mga gout at enlarged liver.

1: O isa-isa lang 'pag bibigay pugay sa love birds of the decade. Walang magtutulakan. 2: Teka, tawagin ko pa 'yung iba. 1: Kailangan nyo ba ng manager? 2: Ikaw talaga! 1: Ganda mo e. 2: I know. Natawid natin. 1: Basta, mag-usap tayo ng shot list mo na need i-practice a. Sa ngalan ng AT wedding ng taon. Sulitin ang bayad at ang venue. 2: Basta a. 'Yung mga shots na gusto ko, ikaw bahala. 1: Oo. Basta rin 'wag mo kong kulitin na awkward poses niyo kasi 'di ako makaksundot ng candid na parang KathDen. HAHAHAHA. 1: Buti nakapunta ka. Tagal mong nawala e. 2: Syempre, work from anywhere na e. 1: O pak. Ikaw na. Dasurv mo 'yan. So, mas madalas ka na namin ulit makikita? 2: Oo naman. See you, December! 1: Bakit December pa? 2: Para namang 'di mo ako kilala 'di ba? Saka magastos kayong kasama. Dami kong babayarin. 1: Happy talaga ako, nakabalik ka na. 2: 'Di mo sure. LOL.

Syempre, mga patawa snippets lang 'to na pawang katotohanan lamang. From parties to pabebe landi and non-landi, career roller coaster, and the works... andito na kaming lahat sa era ng growing old with each other. The grey hair, the slower panunaw, the blurry vision, and all "defy gravity... not" maraming updates na 'di ko na puwedeng i-share because... sa creative non-fiction ko na lang papakawalaan. LOL. Abangan na lang 'pag nasapian tayo ng mood at aburido.

Thank u, universe for this month. Legit na character arc development! Let this month-ender be a legit reminder that choosing purple people and safe spaces are my non-negotiables forever. All for the greater good. All for peace of mind. PS: May nakita na akong isang alternative na kotse. HAHAHAHAHA. Puwedeng pang-camper at 'di mahal ang maint plus parts. And sobrang ganda ng design sa mata ko. LOL. Saka underrated 'yung brand name pero may panalong profile pero syempre sabi ng mga agit sa reddit na 'di ko sure kung kasama ng demolition team, olats daw. LOL. Lagi't lagi naman talaga may masasabi mga tao, pero seryoso. Ang gandaaaaaaa at wala akong pake kasi kahit naman Lexus or Jaguar, may post-purchase dissonance e. (Kahit mismong chixx na may-ari ng isang dealership dito sa Pinas, aminado diyan. So, don't fucking fight me.) Matipid pa sa gas kaso syempre, 'yung laki ng gulong ugh. LELS. Mags are sooooo pak din. Hindi siya pick up pero 'yung camper side niya, as a pet mom, sobrang pakkkkkkakkkkk plus overpacker na may bike na kasama. After nung Ecosport, ngayon lang ulit ako kinilig sa kotse maliban sa pickup a. Baka eto na mag-propel sa akin na seryosohing alamin ano ang left at right saka ano ba gas at break. Clue: Para kang bubundulin netong kotse na 'to. 'Yung design analog-digital Tekken Tag. LOL. Lowdown lang neto sa pick up: Mukha akong legit noona na may bitbit na batang aburido. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Gusto ko ba 'yun? Abangan! PS2: May nakita rin akong seller ng Seiko vintage watches. OWEEEM. Since 'di tayo mayaman ever saka sobrang ganda ng mga Seiko watches, jusq. I KENNNATTT. Abangan! Let's go, July! Tapos December na agad sa ngalan ng buwan. :p

[calliopesink]

Next Stop…The Mall of Southies

Located along the busy Alabang-Zapote Road in Las Piñas, SM Southmall, opened its doors in 1995. It's part of the SM Supermalls chain, which is one of the largest mall operators in the Philippines. SM Southmall currently ranks as the 7th largest SM mall in the country and it is the second mall to feature an ice-skating rink after SM Megamall. For over 29 years, it has been the go-to retail and lifestyle hub in the south. In fact, the mall was also the first SM Supermall in the southern part of Manila so there's a lot of history and stories associated with the establishment. 

Over the years, SM Southmall has undergone expansions and renovations to meet the evolving needs and preferences of shoppers. Today, it stands as a prominent shopping destination in the south of Metro Manila, offering a wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options.

 

It’s Community Friendly

SM Southmall's design was inspired by the concept of a tropical paradise, with lush landscaping, water features, and open spaces giving it a resort-like ambiance. Since its opening, SM Southmall has undergone several expansions to accommodate more stores and amenities, including the addition of a spacious food court and more parking spaces. Moreover, the mall is home to major anchor tenants that offer and satisfy our needs and wants. SM Southmall features SM Supermarket, SM Department Store, and other necessary and opulent stores to make shopping convenient for its devoted customers, whether they are searching for groceries or branded stores.

In addition, the mall often arranges concerts, community events, and other activities to interact with its customers and enhance the liveliness of the neighborhood. Its prime position in Las Piñas allows it to be conveniently accessed by major thoroughfares and public transportation, catering to the needs of both local and foreign consumers and visitors. Everyone is welcome!

The Fun Side

For those who seek exciting date ideas to cherish with their friends, families, or loved ones, SM Southmall's entertainment complex features a bowling alley, arcade, and cinemas. Another alternative is SM skating, which seeks to provide everyone with an enjoyable, leisurely time on the ice and avenues for training in ice sports (ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, and other skating). If you like something uncommon and are looking for something new to try, SM skating is another possibility. Finally, some of the most memorable experiences of 2000s youth were also cherished by those who visited Storyland at SM Southmall. Storyland l is one giant liminal space full of nostalgic few grownups who had the opportunity to experience the famous roller coaster "Silver Streak" and had some amazing, joyous moments with the amazing track. The tragic closure of SM Storyland amusement park in May 2011 was a result of renovation. Nonetheless, a few of its rides and attractions have been moved to the Mall of Asia Complex's SM By the Bay Amusement Park.

With a wide variety of stores meeting every Southern’s  lifestyle needs, it's safe to say that SM Southmall has developed into the South's leading urban lifestyle center. SM Southmall has you covered, whether you're a foodie on the market for the newest dish or a weekend warrior searching for cutting-edge, high-performance gear especially if you're the kind of smart shopper who patiently waits for amazing discounts.

At SM Southmall, one of the recommended SM malls in the South, you can satisfy all of your lifestyle needs. Whatever you're in the mood for, this massive one-stop place has everything you need, with amazing prices to top it off. It got it all for you!

 Written by: Dustin Fernandez

Pubmat & Photo by: Jackielou Almajose