Little Bites

It was our friend Nikki who introduced these bite-size, red velvet crinkles to us when she gave them as gifts last December. Since then, my friends and I have been big fans of Little Bites. It's one of those home-based businesses born out of passion or boredom or both that turn into popular sensations in the city. This one's owner is Charmaine Niduaza or Cham, who is based in Las Piñas or somewhere in the north. I personally have not tried her cupcakes but if they're anything like her red velvet crinkles, then they must be spectacular!

Each little pair of wine-hued crinkles, embracing a cream cheese center of white, sweet frosting, hits the right spot--not too sweet but nothing bland either. It's really one of those things that will leave you longing for one more until there's none left. And no, I'm not being paid to say that. I wish.

One microwavable container is priced at P100 only but it's the delivery charge that may cost you a little. We had our order delivered to Resorts World last Friday and the charge was P180, which is actually still not bad especially if you're ordering a lot (we did). I got two and I was thinking of bringing one to the office but I recently changed my mind.

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How I Found My New Love

I was stalking a guy on my way to Rustan's to try on Native shoes for our then upcoming photo shoot at the beach when I ended up in this small store in Glorietta. I have been desperately looking for sandals or "mandals" for some time now but I realized I needed something that can withstand the elements, especially once the rainy season comes in so the leather ones at Zara were out of the question. For the lack of better choices, I was down to Native's boat shoes and some very basic flipflops at Aldo.

We were on separate escalators going opposite directions when I caught a glimpse of the buff guy. While he wasn't exactly my type, my compulsive stalking did lead me to this.

As always, this pair was out of my budget (neither did I wear them to our shoot) but I thought the purchase would be worth it. They look durable and since they appear to be a cross between sandals and shoes, it's really like hitting two birds with one cash withdrawal. I actually find them weird but I think it makes them more interesting, like conversation pieces. Come to think of it, that's also pretty much the kind of guy I've been drawn towards.

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Mr. Movie Date

Right from the start, I already had an inkling that it wouldn't work. This is why it took  me almost a month to finally send him a text. His immediate response was, "Hi. Horny?". Not what I was hoping for but I can't say I wasn't tempted. Surprisingly, that exchange of messages didn't lead to me being a trick but a future date.

That date was last night. Before we could finalize the plan of meeting up, he was very clear about his disinterest towards effeminate guys. This was understandable. I told him honestly about where I place in the scale and sent pictures. "See you Friday :)," he said, sealing the deal.

I knew yesterday was going to be a physically taxing day at work so I brought an extra shirt. Casual Friday started with a teal tee with a nice glittery print in front. For the date, I brought out this nice, navy 5cm shirt that I must have worn only five times (or less) since I got it about four years ago. It's special like that. It also has a less casual feel, which made it more appropriate for the occasion.

One of my favorite shirts.

After changing into my second look in the men's room, I proceeded to the cinemas where he had been waiting. I walked towards him hoping everything turns out fine. He looked good. But he may have lied about his age. I don't know. His profile says 32 but he actually looked a tad older, maybe 37? In any case, he appeared fit and neat. What struck me later on was his resemblance to The Chef; from the looks to the manner of speaking! It's was 2009 all over again except there wasn't as much chemistry last night. No affection, no naughtiness. no intimacy. He was stiff in a way that I don't like. Or he just was not interested.

It was apparent that the disparity didn't stop with age. The choice of activity itself was off.  As he had suggested, we watched Iron Man 3.Watching a movie on a first date? Not a good idea if you're really aiming to get to know each other. We didn't even eat after the movie. He was nice enough to drive me home, though. It was during that ride when it became even clearer that there's just nothing there. What's good was we both handled it decently, I think, like two civilized individuals who respect each other. We talked about his chihuahua, our respective jobs, hometowns and families--chunks of silent moments in between. It's safe to assume the pleasantries we uttered before I shut the car door were the last words we would hear from each other.

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