Cafe Cristina: Homey. Cozy. Yummy.

I always hear my sister mention Cafe Cristina. It's where she and Neng usually hang out to study. Conveniently located along Marcos Highway, the place is homey and cozy with earth-colored interiors, adorable mismatched decors, good food, and friendly staff. 

Took the corner seat where I can observe everyone.

Crispy Pork Chop

Breakfast ala Cubana 

Pork Tocino

Toffee Fudge Cake

Chocolate Cookie

Neng's White Chocolate drink is yummy.

Cheeseburger and chips.

Big-ass tuna pie.

The ambiance is nice and the food is perfect. The only problem I have with this place is the music they play. I was expecting Au Revoir Simone or The National but they're playing Sitti.

Anyway, I have made up my mind that I'm gonna regularly visit this place. Too bad they don't have a Facebook fan page. Here's the map instead. 

24 is the new 18

I turned 24 today and here's what I did.

Ate this amazingly delicious strawberry cheesecake. My sister's SWEET gift to me.

Was greeted by a pretty sunny weather when I woke up. Went out smiling.

Downed a big-ass burger. 

Cute carrot cupcake for dessert from Blushing Cupcakes.

Watched Total Recall. Dozed off. Sorry, Colin Farell.

Ate. Again. Kani Salad and Maki.

Bought myself a vintage-looking dress.

And a cute pair of earrings.

Yes, I ate and shopped my day away. My little birthday adventure.

Fact: Summer Is Better

For a self-confessed sun worshiper, I think it's only proper to write a very long rant about my growing annoyance with the current weather, the rain, and all the hassles both bring. I am aware that it's stupid to do so because I live in a tropical country -- meaning it's either sunshine or precipitation and my only escape option is to sell a kidney, pack my bags, and move to Spain. Maybe I should just suck it up and enjoy this wet hell, third world style. God, it stinks hating on stuff you can't control.

When I was still working as a copywriter, I used to sit beside a glass window overlooking the southern part of the metro. After getting my work done, I usually count the airplanes that pass by or stare blankly at the sky. The other great thing about being seated in the said area is that I can observe the changes outside. Especially during summer. Longer days, shorter nights, bluer skies, brighter days. Having the chance to witness a season unfold right before my eyes was amazing. Just thinking about it gives me that warm fuzzy feeling inside. Admit it, just like me, you know in your heart that summer will always, always be better. Here's why:

1. The clothes. The shorter, the better. Loose tops, cropped shorts, colorful slip-ons. Sunglasses! Yes, boots are cool, but bikinis are better.

2. The food. I agree, nothing beats a mean bowl of champorado, goto, and sopas --rainy day staples. But summer has halo-halo, mais con yelo, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and ice-cold Royal! Safe for your tongue.

3. The people. People are extra cheerful and happy during summer, thanks to the abundance of sunshine. I have read somewhere that light affects the mood of people. No wonder we are extra grumpy during the rainy season with all those gloomy clouds hanging around and blocking the sun.  

4. The activities. Lounging in a hammock, sunbathing, running every morning, afternoon biking, visiting museums and parks. Roadtrips! 

5. The music. Summer music has that special vibe that makes you want to dance like crazy all day and all night.

6. The freedom. Summer gives people that sense of freedom to roam and be adventurous. The rain is very restraining.

I therefore conclude that the rainy season is the universe's way of telling us that we have to recharge, reconnect and relax. A way of preparing us for the sea, the sun, the sand, come summertime. For the cold drinks, the bikinis and the wild parties. For the heat and the sweat. For the long drives and beach trips and bonfires. For another insane adventure.

Movie Couples

I was writing an entry about summer but I decided to drop it for this one. I am blaming the weather and Bloc Party for that decision. Listening to the accidental mash up of the rain pouring outside and the band's songs softly playing inside reminded me of my favorite movie scenes and scripts. I am not a hopeless romantic but I am a fan of good love stories. 

Speaking of films and romance, let me introduce you to my favorite movie couples. (Sorry but the rain is bringing out the cheesy girl in me.)

Sam and Andrew

Movie: Garden State (2004)

Favorite Line:

Sam: How are you feelin'?

Andrew: Safe. When I'm with you I feel so safe. It's like I'm home.

Claire and Drew

Movie: Elizabethtown (2005)

Favorite Line:

Claire: I'm going to miss your lips and everything attached to them.

Sophie and Julien

Movie: Love Me If You Dare (2003)

Favorite Line:

Julien: You know, there were lots of things I was game for that you never said.

Sophie: Like?

Julien: Eating ants, insulting the unemployed, loving you like crazy.

Mikal and Zia

Movie: Wristcutters: A Love Story  (2006)

Favorite Line:

Zia: Being here with you reminds me of what I was like before my suicide.

Mikal: What were you like?

Zia: I was happy.

Keith and Watts

Movie: Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987)

Favorite Line:

Watts: You break his heart, I break your face.

Russell and Penny Lane

Movie: Almost Famous (2000)

Favorite Line:

Penny Lane: I always tell the girls, never take it seriously. If ya never take it seriously, ya never get hurt, ya never get hurt, ya always have fun, and if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.

Kat and Patrick

Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Favorite Line:

Patrick: Some asshole paid me to take out this really great girl.

Kat: Is that right?

Patrick: Yeah, but I screwed up. I fell for her.

&^TGU#@$3gdsya HEATH LEDGER!!!

Jesse and Celine

Movie: Before Sunrise (1995)

Favorite Line:

Celine: You know what I want?

Jesse: What?

Celine: To be kissed.

Jesse: Well I can do that.

Summer and Tom

Movie: (500) Days of Summer (2009)

Favorite Line:

Summer: You weren't wrong, Tom. You were just wrong about me.

Sorry buuuuut these lines are runner-ups: (Of course I'm going to be biased with this one.)

Paul: Robin is better than the girl of my dreams. She's real. (OH MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER!)

Summer: I woke up one morning and I knew.

Tom: Knew what?

Summer: What I was never sure of with you.

I apologize for this overly early Valentine post. I'm not really this cheesy, I swear. But I think I'm going to write a Part 2 for this one. 

Hmm I feel like watching movie.

One Little Bomb Music Video

Manila-based electronica duo Outcasts of the Universe launched their very first music video last night for the track One Little Bomb. Hear that sweet voice? That's Karen Vizcarra aka Dylan of Radio Republic. Yes, fanboys and fangirls, she sings!






Music: Outcasts of the Universe
Director/Editor: Zoraya Lua
Asst. Director: James Go
Casts: Baron Geisler & Diandra Zach