Beach Bum

It was in 2010 when I first traveled alone to Boracay. Three years later, I'm back to the same situation. I was supposed to be here for both work and leisure but the former no longer applies so I'm dedicating my entire stay for sunning, eating and drinking--and my on my own dime, of course.

It would be nice to have some friends with me, but hey, I can't let the lack of company stop me from taking a vacation. Besides, one of my good friends from college works here so she can hang with me during the evening.

This afternoon, after lunch, I had the chance to re-read one of my favorite books on one of my favorite spots on the island.

I'm turning a year older in two days and once again, I'm in this tropical paradise to mark the occasion. That's something worth celebrating, alone or otherwise.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Chef Arnold's

I'm a sucker for hidden neighborhood haunts so it was a treat to find this place just a few blocks from my place. The owner is a former seaman cook who decided to put up his own business a few years ago.

I recently discovered this gem online and I'm glad I finally got to drop by yesterday with my friend, M, who was looking for an apartment in my area. The place is carinderic, with the seats located right on the pavement but the star here is the food; the pizza, in particular.

We ordered the New Yorker and the crew immediately started kneading away. Each pizza is made only when an order is placed so it's fresh and hot all the time. The dough got a little too toasted, which was acknowledged by the chef's wife who had a chat with us for a bit, but we didn't mind it so much. It tasted good and fresh. I just wish they would change the cheese topping as it tasted like cheap cheddar. Then again, for P170, I shouldn't complain.

This is the leftover slice (that I took home) after reheating.

Aside from the pizza, we also tried the pasta bolognese, which was cradled by a tortilla bowl. I definitely didn't expect that from a whole-in-the-hole joint. It was good and well worth the P80.

We only ordered two dishes plus two bottles of Tropicana and I still got to bring home a doggie bag with the following day's dinner.

I even like the hot sauce; not too hot and not the watery type. This one's a little lumpy. Made from scratch, perhaps?

If you live in Mandaluyong or happen to be in the area, try Chef Arnold's. It's along San Rafael Street, near the Sta. Ana Street area. They also deliver within the vicinity.

It's places like this that really make me glad I live here--aside from the fact that our area is largely much, flood-free, of course.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Sights From The #MillionPeopleMarch

Yesterday, National Heroes' Day, will go down in history as the time when Filipinos from all walks of life gathered to fight the system and remind those in power that we have had enough.

Personally, I wasn't really sure whether to go or not until I convinced my friend, Erin, to come along. So off we went the following day, dressed in white with not much idea what to expect. The turn-out was good despite the drizzle, which made the grounds muddy and a bitch to walk on. Georgina Wilson, Belle Daza and Raymond Guttierrez didn't seem to mind. Neither did DJ Manolet Dario.

We also spotted some personalities from the fashion set like Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Jujiin Samonte with partner Paulo Castro.

Here's Erin trying to steal a shot of the young priests.

Even our aeta brothers and sisters want the pork barrel system abolished. They were also present and in full native clothing, bahag and all.

At some point, the whole spectacle felt like third world Coachella with this blaring from the speakers.

It's inspiring how everyone, rich and poor, gay and straight, gathered, but the event could have used some more organization. There were moments when we literally had no idea what else to do aside from flail our fists in the air, yell the chant and sign the petition.

Nonetheless, it was a memorable experience. I'm not the type to usually to take to the streets but I'm glad to have joined this movement.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Rainy Daze

How are you holding up?

It has been three days of crazy raining and it's supposed to continue up to tomorrow. This weather is absolutely insane. At about 4am today, I woke up to the roaring of thunder. It was a terrifying combo of thunder, lightning and heavy rain, which was simply impossible to ignore. I was actually scared lightning would hit inside the house. It was so bad I was literally under my comforter (it's that cold too) and I couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to check on the house. Good thing we're on the second floor.

I feel real lucky to be home, safe, dry and with Internet connection while people out there are practically fighting for their lives. Some people, on the other hand, are busy trying to hook up. I get it. I understand how the warmth of another body would be soothing during these times but I think I'll settle for my comforter for now, and maybe another Italian/Spanish movie like the one below.

How about you?

Hold tight and stay safe.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Conclusions

Ok, that has been the longest time that I have not blogged. There were moments when I'd feel guilty about it but then I'd be reminded of my thesis and everything else that needed to be accomplished, I'd realize I better prioritize wisely.

But now I'm back and I'm happy to report I pretty much did well. I have some revisions to do but I'm hoping there won't be any major problems with my paper anymore. That defense yesterday was insane, though. I was ripped to shreds. The words "It seems you passed your defense..." still resonate within my being up to this moment.

Anyway, this thesis has brought out the best and worst out of everything. It brought out rashes, literal headaches and other bodily ailments, but it has also exposed the best in people, especially my family and friends. It's pretty awesome how everybody helped.

But it's not all good news today. To put it bluntly, I no longer have a job. I didn't get fired or anything. It's just an unfortunate reality that we at the office have to face. Gawd, I'm going to miss being editor of that publication. But I think I'm done crying about that.

My birthday's coming up! That's something to be chippy about. I guess.

literarybulimia@gmail.com