Project J.Co

Working within Eastwood City has a lot of perks, one of those is my weak spot - FOOD. And it helps [or doesn't? Haha!] that I have friends who are more than willing to try out any food joint that tickles our fancy and tastebuds.

To welcome the new year back at work, we originally planned to do some damage at Sambokojin. But due to matters beyond our control [READ: uncooperative wallets!], the first food stop for 2013 was the newly-opened J.Co Donuts & Coffee.

Cross the street from McDonald's, and you're there. Honestly, I haven't paid much attention to this donut place's other branches, so I can't compare its space and interiors to them. But I'm surprised that for a donut place, it's extremely spacious. Couches outnumbered the usual tables and chairs, and if you're a big group there's no chance of feeling cramped even if you sit by the farthest corner. 

The one consistent thing I hear about this place is the insanely long lines - and it's true!

Maine and I were in line for about an hour, no exaggerations. We were saying to ourselves that the donuts better be worth wait and lining up. 

There are about more than a dozen flavors to choose from. Our group's [myself, Maine, Janelle and Dulsey] first choice was to get 'J. Pops', which are 24 mini donuts with different flavors [Php 250]. But as we got nearer the counter we had this feeling it wasn't available, so we went for Plan B - a dozen regular-sized donuts with a variety of flavors [Php 350]. Problem was, which ones to get? 

I guess the major cause of the long line is trying to decide which flavors to fill your box. But when it was our turn, Maine and I were surprised at how fast we picked out what we want. Since not all donuts had their names and descriptions [which was a bit of a down side], we just had to do a little 'Ano 'to?', especially for the not-so-ordinary-looking ones. 

And the chosen 12 are:

On a side note, why are there only 11 donuts in the breakdown?!

The three girls bought frappes, but I opted to just stick to water since I figured there was a guaranteed sugar overload waiting to happen.

The three that I sampled [from left to right] were 'Mr Green Tea' [but tasted nowhere near green tea? I just fell in love with the almonds!!!], 'Sugar Ice', and 'Jcoccino'.

LOVE AT FIRST BITE!

Sugar Ice had melt-in-your-mouth sugary texture, and I'm so glad that the base donut's sweetness wasn't so overpowering. Jcoccino is coffee-based, and with almonds too! #doesahappydance 

                                           

The last four donuts [clockwise, from top left]: 'Oreology', 'Caviar Chocolate', 'Coco Loco' and 'Al Capone'.

I got the Alcapone, which is topped with Belgian chocolate and almonds. I heard this is their bestseller, and I regret having this last!

Look at my fork!!

I got all the flavors that had almonds in them because Maine and Janelle didn't like having nuts in their food. #doesanotherhappydance

#bloggerproblems while waiting for the frappes

Happy kiddos: myself, Maine and Dulsey - the birthday girl! [photo from Janelle]

THE VERDICT: 3.5 / 5

The place is nice and comfortable, smelling of freshly-baked donuts all over. Their donuts are priced at Php 40 to 45 per piece, while the beverages range from Php 120 to 155. Reasonable enough for me, also because the price justifies the taste. They were definitely worth the long wait. [You can read up on how the other flavors fared on Janelle's blog].

The service could use some improvement though, as the cashier got Dulce's order wrong [frappe, instead of hot], and Maine and I sensed a bit of confusion from the barista preparing the drinks. And like I said, it would help if the donuts had labels on the tray or if there's a mini-menu that people can pick up while waiting in line. I think it will save a lot of time and avoid long lines. 

Definitely going back because it makes great pasalubong for the family, and perfect to bring to mini get-togethers with friends.

Merci, au revoir

This year is best described as a blessing in disguise for me.

I thought I wouldn't make it for the first six months but hey, I lasted for a year! And it would not have been possible without the people I worked with, who eventually became really close friends. 

I spent the entire year [literally, day in and day out] with these guys - drinking, eating [a lot!], laughing, crying, and simply being crazy. I don't know how my year would have turned out if I did not take that risk in December 2011.

Though there were a few twists and bumps, I'm glad we're all still friends despite different LOBs, shift and rest days conflicts. 

Thank you 2012 for the good, the lovely, and the bad. There a few I wish I didn't say or do, but I'm thankful for everything and everyone that came my way this year. 

If this year's lessons were to be summed up in one line, it would be: one day at a time.

I learned this the really hard way, and along the way I found out it not only applies to the situation I was in at that moment, but in life in general. 

It looks like a promising 2013 for me, and though I also know that striking a balance in all aspects of your life is next to impossible, you can find ways to make things work. 

THANK YOU for another year.

THANK YOU for and to the people who came into my life this year. 

THANK YOU for a job to close the year, and for a new one to usher in the next. 

2012 was definitely a year worth looking back on. No regrets, just love.

Whatever side of the planet you're on, I hope you are welcoming the new year in the most festive way. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS! Cheers!

App-crazy

FINALLY, AN UPDATE! Consider it a hiatus of sorts. Okay, okay, I just made 'lazy' sound profound. But well, I'm back and my blog will be in full swing as well, soon. This post is to wipe off the dust that settled on my blog over the last few months.

So I just recently inherited Mama's Samsung Galaxy Y. I don't really have much need for it - I'm Blackberry-dependent. My entire social media life is there, plus my three e-mails that are synced [two personal, one work]. So why did I decide to still go for the Galaxy? One simple answer: APPS.

Let's face it, the BB is great and all, but not all apps are available [especially for me who's stuck at OS 5]. So once I did a makeover of the phone - theme, display settings, etc. - this app-eager girl went to the Play Store to well, play.

Here are the apps that I most frequently use:

INSTAGRAM - So call me a late-bloomer, haha! I see a lot of the friends, bloggers and celebrities I follow have their own accounts, and it kind of bummed me that I don't have one. Some photos they post were just for their Instagram followers, and it's a hassle to click on a link and wait for the photo to download. Now I don't have to do that! Plus the filters are kinda cute, too.

MUZY - Because I want to make collages. And they look cute, too.

LABEL BOX - An app that lets you add funky labels to your photos.

FRUIT NINJA - Seriously. Who doesn't play this game?!!

4SHARED - for music downloads on the go.

MOON+ READER - Probably my favorite among the apps. I've so far downloaded JK Rowling's new book, The Casual Vacancy. I'm currently reading The Fault In Our Stars. 

REMINED - Did you know there's a company here in the Philippines that develops apps for iOS and Android? Well, now you do! The ReMINEd app is very helpful for shopaholics out there [or frustrated ones, like me]  who see an item, want to buy it, but for some reason can't have it at the moment. Just take a snap of the item you want, set a goal date for yourself when you would or should buy that item, and set an alarm on that date. Nifty, huh? Stuff you 'want' can range from as simple as a designer bag to your dream house. It's a cool goal-setting app.

So those are what's on the home screen of my Galaxy Y phone. I know it's small and not as advanced as the other gadgets out there but hey, it's making me get by with the apps I can't have in my BB. 

#Ismellanupgrade HAHA! ;)

How about you? What's on your list?

Smells like teen spirit

When Friendster announced it will cease its operation, we all ran like mad to our computers to log-in and save what we shared on the earliest form of social networking. I would have done the same, if I remembered what my email-password combination was. So I let the testi and photos go into cyberspace black hole, never to be seen again (I think.).

Another early social platform will be closing down soon - this time it's my old personal favorite, Multiply. According to them, the e-commerce side will remain, but the blogs and the photos need to be rescued. Before it became the Marketplace that it is now, it was 'Friendster-plus' - you add friends, upload albums and best of all, it had a Journal feature. And that was where my 'official' handle - annacg - was born. 

My Multiply journal will say a lot. It was the most personal that I can get in an online journal, but I've kept most of the entries private [I just don't know if their privacy settings years ago still work the same]. I'm going through them now - nakakahiya na nakakaiyak! Haha!

Here are some of my favorite posts for reminiscing's sake:

'Because She's Bad' - March 24, 2008

She's been warned not to fall.

She was told not to feel anything.

But still she did. 

She avoided it, but wanted it at the same time.

She couldn't believe herself, either.

But still she did.

She'd look forward to nights he'd be her's.

She would wish those nights turn not into day.

But still they did.

She knows it's wrong.

She knows it would not last that long.

But still she insists.

She misses the messages.

She misses the phone conversations.

But still she's hopeful.

She looks forward to that day when he returns.

She feels that things will be somewhat the same.

But still she worries.

Listening to that damn soundtrack,

it takes her back to that day,

that time in space she'd want to replay

over and over again.

How she wishes it was longer

How she wishes his scent lingered.

But it's not a regret at all,

for that day was one of her happiest

and made her even more fall.

***************************************************************

'How Do You Stop This Roller Coaster?' - June 3, 2008

Some are afraid. Some dare.
They test their limits 
and throw caution to the air.

It starts out slow, then picks up speed.
Before you know it
you hardly feel your feet.
It spins, twirls, loops
it takes you so high,
to the ground you can't dare look.
A natural high, the ultimate sugar rush
your heart beats faster
your feel your lungs about to crash.

But this is not a ride.
This is the real thing --
it's called love and life.
It has infinite loops,
heart-stopping drops.
And it's not yet about to stop.

A second you're high,
the next you're low,
it goes on that way, so don't you let go.
Hold on tight 
this is the best and the fastest ride.
Scream if you want, cry if you must.

Still, some don't last.
They chicken out after all that rush.
Some continue to ride against their heart,
and a chosen few ride again from the very start.
This ride don't stop
it just sweeps you right back.

Don't be afraid. Let go of your fears.
It's all part of it: screams, laughters and tears.
Let the tracks take you to wherever
you'll never know what you'll discover.
Don't be like the rest who just choose to watch
who never get to feel the adrenaline rush.

Take it from me who just rode this ride,
and don't you dare make it stop.

***************************************************************

*'Meantime Girl' - May 28, 2008 (taken from a friend's blog)

What’s a Meantime Girl?

She’s the one you call when you’re bored because she can make you laugh. She’s the one you talk to when you’re feeling down because she’s willing to sit beside you, lend an ear and be a friend in spite of her very busy schedule.

She’s not the one you call when you need a date to your college friends’ get-together or go out with on a Saturday night. She’s the one you spend time with when your girl’s not around. You know, “the one” who keeps you around in the meantime.

She’s not one of the guys, not a tomboy, but you don’t look at her as a “real woman” either. You don’t think she’s good enough to be seen in that light. She’s too clumsy; too easily amused by the things little girls are amused by. And you’re too comfortable with her that she doesn’t make you feel nervous or excited the way a “real woman” does.

 But she’s cool and nice and witty and attractive enough that when you’re lonely or horny and need intimate female companionship, she’ll do just fine. You don’t have to wine and dine her because she knows the real you already. You don’t have any facades to keep up, no pretenses to preserve. You’re not trying to get anything of substance out of her.

She’s not easy, but you know that she cares about you and is attracted to you, and that she’ll give you the intimacy you need.  And you know that you don’t have to explain yourself or the situation...that she’ll be able to cope up with the fact that this isn’t the beginning of a relationship or that there’s any possibility that you’ll have any real romantic feelings for her.  It won’t bother her that you’ll get up in the morning, put on your pants, say goodbye and continue your lives as if it’s nothing.

But deep down, if you really think about it (which you probably won’t because to you the situation between the two of you isn’t important enough to merit any real thought) you know it’s really not fair. Although you know that she would NEVER SAY IT, it hurts her to know that you think she’s not good enough to spend any real time with. Sure, it’s mostly her fault. Because she never really have to give in to you, she can play hard to get like most girls do if she really wanted to. But she didn’t.

Simply because she’s different. She doesn’t stand-out with her beauty, nor open doors with her charm. She’s just her.  She has her own way of doing things and showing her care that the male population failed to understand. Whatever the reason, somehow life gave her a lot of really great qualities but has left out the ones that men want (or think they want) in a woman. So she remains the forever friend, the steadfast companion, the secret lover  and you go on flaunting your goddess who somehow has everything you wanted (or you think you want) in a woman.

She has feelings. She has a heart. In fact she may have a bigger and more loving heart than any woman you’ve ever known because she’s had a front row seat to the mess that is your life and she likes you anyway. She obviously sees something worthwhile in you because although you have given her nothing, absolutely no reason to still be around, she is.

She may never want to be the center of attention and turn the heads of everyone in the room. But she definitely wants to turn somebody’s head. She wants to be special to someone too. We all do…

Anyway, yeah. I’M A MEANTIME GIRL. I’ve been one more times than I care to admit. I don’t know the reason, really, and at this point, I don’t even care. I just want to let YOU know that though you never see me as a REAL WOMAN, I AM A WOMAN and I’M REAL. And though I may appear to be strong and tough, I cry too. A lot. And someday, you might never see me around.

***************************************************************

'I Want You (a villanelle)' - March 7, 2008

Just to prove to people who think Boys' Night Out is nothing but "kalokohan", this villanelle was actually inspired by Slick Rick during their Sense & Style live interview. His answer to the question what are the (three?) words you most like said to you (or something like that) was where the idea for this poem came from. 

I recited this for our Poetry Reading finals for Creative Writing :)

All alone I stare at a starless sky.
Lost is the magic without your presence.
Tonight, all I want is you. Don't ask why.

To equal you no one could ever try.
My heart is a dark void in your absence.
All alone I stare at a starless sky.

Your angelic voice echoes in my mind
And the wind brings to me your lovely scent.
Tonight, all I want is you. Don't ask why.

To be near you and feel you, my heart cries.
No moon to tell of your irridescence.
All alone I stare at a starless sky.

I wish my thoughts of you, I wish they fly.
For I can no longer wait, I've no patience.
Tonight, all I want is you. Don't ask why.

I can't wait to look back into those eyes.
To be with you in all your innocence.
All alone I stare at a starless sky.
Tonight, all I want is you. Don't ask why.

***************************************************************

I was going through the rest of the entries - nakakahiya talaga yung iba! And I would NEVER forget the 'drama' that started with a blog entry and almost reached demandahan-levels. If that happened today, I'd be a social media persona non grata. I miss being that candid. I still try to but I guess your 'voice' changes throughout the years. 

Thank you, Multiply for being my emotional shock-absorber. I will really rescue those posts once the Multiply staff give instructions how to, and maybe post them here from time to time. 

Tagaytay x Nuvali

Left Manila around 8:30am last Sunday because we wanted to catch the 11am Mass. The crazy schedule that I have gives me a real hard time sleeping to wake up early. I got used to sleeping at 3am (sometimes even 6am) already!

Look closely - my right eye is smaller than my left. Told you it's too early!

We got there in time for the 10am Mass, and because we skipped heavy breakfast, we were starving! Robinsons Summit Ridge had good choices for lunch. We were going for inasal, but the traditional dining table-like setup of Jeepney caught our attention.

Not to mention their P99 unlimited rice Food Trip meals! Mama and I had inihaw na liempo, while Papa had nilagang baka. I wanted to order chicken barbeque, and it was so funny because first I asked which chicken part was available, and the waiter had to go to the kitchen to ask. Then I asked how many pieces per order (assuming that he knew), and I was surprised he again went to the kitchen to ask! What's sad was he came back to tell me it wasn't available :( I wish he knew beforehand so that he didn't have to go back twice.

Serving portions were good. The first cup of rice was already good enough for me. 

Next stop was Bag of Beans, then Mama bought plants because she woke up one day and wanted to change the ones we have in front of our house now. Then we swung by last to Nuvali and Solenad in Laguna. Pretty place! You can feed the koi fish and take a boat ride for P15 and P30, respectively. Plus the shopaholic in me did pirouettes at the sight of the Aldo Liquidation Store in Solenad.

I seriously lack sleep and I want to sleep normally so, so badly! But my body clock is on something worse than a jet lag! I guess I'll just go deal with this by writing a semi book review.

Laters.

<3

Ripped jeans, skin was showing

Spent a quick Sunday getaway in Tagatay with my parents. It's really the nearest and most convenient to go to if you want some fresh air to clear your mind.

Knowing how the weather can be so bipolar lately, I decided to go for this handmade crochet top by Obra Et Alima. I first used it for our trip to Boracay as a cover-up, but paired with jeans this can double as a top. I remember using it one time in the office and I always got asked if I wasn't freezing in it. Haha! In the contrary, it's actually quite warm - but I can't explain how that can happen when there are holes on it. 

And yes, you read that right, this is handmade by one of my good friends! She, along with her sisters, run the online shop and you can check out their other creations on their Facebook page. You can have it customized  - just send them your peg and trust me they do justice to it! 

Obra Et Alima top; Wrangler 'Lena' jeans; SM Department store bag; Hush Puppies shoes; Cybershades aviators; bazaar watch; Our Tribe red leather cuff

I'm currently loving this everything-in-it bag that I got from SM Department Store. You can't see the color of my nails, but used with this bag it looks like I hugged Barney! And oh, I didn't take off my sunnies the entire time! Aside from being hopelessly addicted to aviators, they were so lightweight I didn't mind having them on most of the time.

So that's the 'skin was showing' part. Ripped jeans? When we were about to leave Nuvali (our last stop) I discovered in real horror (as in curse-inducing horror) that my favorite Lena jeans has this hideous rip on the butt part! I don't remember how that happened and worse, how long have I been walking around with that big slash on my butt. I'm pretty sure this wasn't the scenario Carly Rae Jepsen was talking about! Haha! Oh well. I guess I have to say bye-bye to that pair and get another one soon.

Photo dump coming up!

<3

Anywhere, with you.

This team building took six months to plan, no kidding! Even though it finally happened during the 'rainy season', we're so thankful it didn't rain during the two days that we were in Ilijan, Batangas. We got to enjoy the waves, stones (yes, stones. There was no sand in sight!), and most especially the drinks and the food! 

Much thanks to Cindy's boyfriend, Neil, for accommodating the crazy bunch in his home; to Bob for the super panalo Bicol Express (less spice, as per TL Ross) and Bopis; Maria for the three HUGE grilled Tilapia; Paulo for giving into the pressure of going with us (toss coin ka pa d'yan, ha!); Cai for the van na ang lakas maka-celebrity; and of course TL Ross for the stressful logistics! Haha!

Sore body, skin burning like hell, and a screaming tan line on my back: evidence of a solid good times weekend!!! 

<3






*Photos grabbed from Cai and Abie's cam*

Midnight melancholy

There must be something in that grande Cookie Crumble frap. Or this terrible episode of headache that I have.


There must be something in the way the city lights glow in the distance. The Ortigas skyline could not be any prettier.


There must be something in the cold wind that brushes your face. The sudden downpour of rain. The hum-drum of a hundred engines going toward their destinations.


It's the pleasant surprise and reassurance of seeing a familiar face in an uncertain crowd. For some reason, you know things are going to be alright.


The way your heart smiles at the thought of how blessed you are to have the perfect combination of people in your life. They may not be a lot, but you know they got your back.


How you don't have to talk about other people's lives just to prove to yourself that you're better than them. How at the end of the day, you know you don't have everything you want, but still manage to get by.


The short conversations, hysterical laughters and shallow drama that friendship brings. How being in their company gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling. You know they're just a short distance away - but it's entirely different being WITH them.


How your heart heaves a sigh of grief over unrequited love, and how your brain consoles you with friendship that will not be lost.


Uncovering friendships and discovering which ones are for keeps.


Cheers to staying true. To hell with drama. 

Comfort food

Just popping in to post a very contradictory entry to the previous one.

WEDNESDAY: The aftermath of pizza, isaw, fishballs, and chicken balls

THURSDAY: Round two of everything we had the other day...

...and siomai with chili garlic (no chili for me though!)...

...and more isaw!

FRIDAY: Yellow Cab day! Charlie Chan pasta...

...potato wedges...

...and an 18-inch Four Seasons pizza!

It was 'comfort food' in all sense of the term. :)


Trivia: I didn't get to eat street food until I was in high school! I know there are food stalls in mall food courts selling fishballs, kwek-kwek, etc. but nothing beats the 'street flavor' that makes it sooobraanng sarap!




<3