I Left My Heart in South America, I'm Coming Back to Retrieve It

Leap of faith.

It's the best, nay, perfect phrase to describe the adventure I am about to embark. Less than 3 weeks from now, I will be leaving all that is familiar, comfortable, and dear to me. Something that I never thought I'd get to do nor will be able to do.

I quit my solid corporate job in order to chase a dream brimming with uncertainties. Me, whose one great fear is instability. But as I was mapping out immediate itineraries and backup plans, I realised that it's not really instability I fear of. It's the lack of money. Money to propel a life of comfort in this world. How would I fare out there if I don't have the financial means?

But dreams are dangerous. It burns fire within, something you did not know you were capable of thus equipping you with a belief that you can take on anything as long as you have your dream and you believe in it.

I have a dream and I believe that I can make it. There will be challenges - you bet there will be tons - but my belief is greater than the fears, hesitations, and doubts circling around. My confidence has always been too brittle, but not on this one. It does help that I have the vote of confidence from my little support group.

I can do it. I shall make it work.

PS: rackets and sidelines are very much welcome! :D

The Hunt For Cheddar Burst Blvd

After watching a Man vs Food episode featuring Juicy Lucys, our brains and bellies went seriously craving for burgers - not just any regular burger but those filled with oozing cheeses. Despite the rain, we set out to hunt for the nearest Juicy Lucy experience. Enter Cheddar Burst Blvd. 

I've never heard of Cheddar Burst Blvd until JC told me about it when he and his friends ate there. This hard-to-find burger place in Proj. 2 actually have several branches in the metro now which I had zero idea with.

Cheddar Burst Blvd is located in a quiet neighborhood where you least expect to find a burger joint. The tables and chairs were set up in what was obviously used to be a garage, the house a few steps away. There were 4 tables set up, 2 of which were occupied when we arrived.

I was trying to take a photo of the burger flipper, but I guess he was shy.

I had the D'Original Juicy Lucy, JC had the BBQ Crunch while Za had Just A Burger.

Legit! For the price you have to pay to these burgers, I'd say it's definitely worth it. Plus point for the free iced teas we got! They had a promo where you just like their facebook page, show it to them and you'll automatically get a free iced tea.

Expect to finish with messy hands. There's no other way to it.

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Cheddar Burst Blvd 
13 Chico Street, Project 2, Quezon City
(0916) 408-9115

Japan In A Nutshell (So Don't Expect Too Much)

So I recently came back from a 13-day trip in Japan. Like every other person I know who've also been there, I fell in love with the place. It might be a stretch, but landing back in Manila, counting in my head how many hours it would take me to get home (about 2 hours FYI)), was a little too dispiriting.

Manila's crappy public transportation is NOTHING compared to Japan. We are SO crushed in that category. Anyway, no sense in stating the obvious.

Japan is amazing, crazy, neat, rich, and too often, unbelievable. They've thought of everything. I mean EVERYTHING. There are days my friends and I can't get over how awesome and technologically advanced this country is.

Home to all the matcha you've been dreaming about (I mean, me), delicious Japanese cuisines, ultra-polite people, unnecessary but CUTE things one does not need in their life. A friendly reminder: leave your credit card in your hotel if you don't want to incur heavy debt! Seriously, Japan will screw you with all things kawaii.

Above all, it is a commuter's paradise. Well, once you get past the initial shock of 8-track trains serving aboveground train system and subway system with many levels deep underground, 200 exits in one station (Shinjuku stn). Such a complex network of mass and high-speed transportation system it's impossible not to get lost!

And don't get me started with their bike and pedestrian lanes! Japan is an absolute dream place for cyclists and avid walkers. Me.

The food, divine. But I'm biased with Japanese food so don't take my word on it. 

For reasons not unknown, I wished Philippines was somehow at par with whatever Japan has. That we are reaping the same benefits or nurturing the same beliefs towards progress.

Japan was a nice break, a much needed break, from the terrible Manila traffic (and pollution that entails it), crimes, corruption, work. Even if it put a huge dent on my savings, it was worth it and I'm super glad I did.

There are plenty of parks, temples, and museums in the 4 cities I went. I respect countries that put premium on open spaces, culture, and education. 

I promise to be back in Japan preferably during autumn. It would be sweet and really lovely to be surrounded with orange hues (the Cheese and I's favourite colour). 

There was not a day that I didn't go home without tired and aching feet. If my legs and feet could talk I'm sure they'd tell me I'm a maniac walker and that they hate me. Whereas I wouldn't apologise for it because that's how you get to know a place. A tired feet to me meant I covered a considerable amount of distance therefore I had a really good day.

I'll write a more coherent post when I get another free time, which is (almost) never. 

Ooma For Good Luck!

After submitting our Japan visa requirements, Mitch and I headed to Ooma Japanese Rice Bar to finally give it a try. 

We were ninth on the waiting list, luckily there were some groups not in the vicinity when their names were called so we got in earlier than expected. Their loss, our gain. :D

 Waiting game for Japan visa began that day.

Quite surprised that our orders came out pretty quick. Gutom na kasi kami talaga.

Salmon Skin Aburi Maki (P265). Torched salmon, crispy salmon skin, asparagus, cream cheese, wasabi aioli and teriyaki sauce.

From their menu:

Aburi, meaning to "burn something", is a traditional Japanese method of blowtorch - direct flame to burn. It can be destructive or tame and the art of aburi brings out amazing things - a different flavor and enticing aroma that fills the entire place.

It's kinda weird to have your gyoza covered with mozzarella cheese but it worked.

O-Gyoza (P235). Gratinated mozzarella and cheddar cheese, scallion, togarashi, and unagi sauce.

We had two servings of their Tuna Tataki because.

Tuna Tataki (P195). Sesame crusted tuna, pickled mushroom and its juices, fried shallots, pickled red radish and ginger garlic sauce. 

And the famous Hanger Steak.

Hanger Steak (P495). Sous-vide hanging tender, sauteed mushrooms, white truffle oil, sweet potato mash, crispy baby potato, pickle dressing, ponzu butter.

Would you believe I did not like it? Hahaha. What do you know, Mitch didn't like it too! Must be because of the strong truffle oil they poured on it. I mean I like me some truffle oil but I gues it was tad too much for me. Can't taste the mushroom and the tender beef.

The hype for the Aburis are real! Did not dig the Hanger Steak tho. But that's just me. Worth a try!

Awesome Triple Date on Crisp On 28th

I just had to rhyme it. #Sorrynotsorry

Locating Crisp on 28th involved quite an adventure for us three that Saturday. We took the long way when there could have been an easier and less complicated way LOL. 

Look at that personalized menu. So cute.

I'm glad we made it out here even without reservation. Although there were still plenty of vacant tables, a couple of them were reserved (eventually given to other customers when the party did not  arrive on time). 

We ordered Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Salad. For a salad it was really awesome!!!

Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Salad. PhP195.

Mitch ordered Roasted Sambal Chicken (brown dirty rice, pickled cucumbers, fried okra, 64 degree egg, tomatoes, and sambal sauce).

Roasted Sambal Chicken. PhP395.

JC had the Pork and Beans (slow cooked pork tenderloin, black eyed peas, lager beer sausages, root vegetables, and mashed potatoes).

 Pork and Beans. PhP565.

While I chose that week's special, Beef Ragu Pasta (slow cooked shredded beef ragu, smoked tomato gravy fettuccine, crumbled cheese).

Beef Ragu Pasta.PhP 480.

EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS OMG I KID YOU NOT. Hands down the biggest winner for us three that night was the Pork and Beans. I wish it wasn't too expensive so we could have it almost everyday.

After that satisfying dinner, we hung out at Fullybooked until before it closed. Grabe, so many books to read/want to take home it's painful.

Read Station Eleven ebook version. It was good! I thought it was a little bit bitin nga lang. omg ang coño. XD

I finally got to read this gem. It's hilarious but SAD.

The stash I wish my friend Mitch and I could've taken home. I already read Dash & Lily's Book of Dares and Station Eleven. Currently reading ebook version of Look Who's Back (I find the plot really interesting and can't wait how it plays out). A couple of weeks ago, was able to score a hardbound copy of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl for 145 pesos. Awesome riiight!

Okay end of rant.

Nope, I Didn't Buy Anything in Lego Store Philippines

Which required an enormous self-restraint on my part. But yes, I am happy to report that I did it. 

My friend Mitch and I were surprised to see that the store wasn't as big as we'd expected. It was bigger than regular stores but it wasn't as big as I imagined it/ Masyado ko yatang nakumpara sa Legoland stores sa Malaysia.

Here are the 3 DIY minifigs we built. The options are very limited so it was easier for us not to buy it for ourselves.

Oh Star Wars, I could only dream of owning one. One day when I'm less kuripot.

We made do of this section of the store where you can create whatever design you wish. Ang kaso, wala talaga kong talent sa ganito ever.

This diorama of familiar Pinoy fastfood chain, stores, bank, even a salon is so spot on! Eyelovet!

Because I can relate to Emmet. Amen.

That's all folks!

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Lego Store Philippines
Park Triange, 11th Avenue corner Rizal Drive,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig