Becoming Lindsay Lohan

Thanks to the unreliable rail system of Manila, which is really supposed to be the fastest way to get to Greenbelt at 8pm, I was late so MFG and I missed the earlier screening of I Am Number Four.

We killed the time by having a quick dinner---but not before walking a couple of blocks while having a little argument. Then we decided to have drinks at Dillinger where the female bartenders/servers found it amusing how we downed shots like it's going out of style.

Great liquor selection at Dillinger.

The place looks like an upscale pub. No frills. No gimmicks.Very straightforward. I like it, even with the TVs. It's the kind of bar where people really go to drink and chat and not to be seen. I hope it stays that way.

Just like the place, I wanted my drink to be straightforward, no frills. That heat from the mouth down to the throat was what I was after so MFG got us shots of vodka. After half an hour or so, the score was MFG-4, moi-3.

Plain Vodka on the rocks over the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on TV.

I have to admit, by the time we went up to the cinema, I was a little buzzed. But definitely not too buzzed for frozen yogurt.

The movie was alright. I was expecting something more intelligent. It gets exciting towards the end though. Or was that just me dying to go pee?

Anyway, I've been consuming too much alcohol lately. Last night was not even a weekend. Is this the start of my downward spiral? What am I going to wear in court? This teenage drama queen had fun though. It was a new experience with MFG, thanks to alcohol.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Class Act

If I fail the midterms, blame it on 'To Catch A Predator'. Last week, instead of reading 10 chapters of school material, I spent more time on Youtube watching perverts try to do sexy times with minors. Come Saturday morning, not only was I late. I, along with pretty much the rest of the class, didn't have a clue for the most part of the damn exam.

We consoled ourselves by pigging out and boozing. After a very exquisite lunch at this small eatery near the school, we didn't waste any time and headed to Good Earth Roasts, Rockwell. We were downing beer and cocktails by 2pm.

Early evening, we decided to hit the launch of Mint footwear in South Forbes. My friend's brother is one of the guys that's importing the brand. I like how casual the atmosphere was like it's just another rich-kid house party but with more inflatables and expensive rides on display. The alcohol was free-flowing by the way.

Watch our for Mint!

We left the party around midnight and headed to Mercato Centrale at The Fort for some street food for rich people. Like alcoholics, some of us still had drinks in plastic cups in hand as we surveyed the gastronomic spectacle.

There's a plethora of eats to choose from.

The place is pretty small but there's no shortage of food choices. Pick from Chinese, American, Italian, Filipino cuisine and more.

As the venue was packed, no table was available so my friends and I decided to just sit on the pavement and happily inhaled our food like real, classy socialites.

Judging by the crowd, this place is a hit.

We had baked potatoes, burgers, ribs and sago-gulaman.

The ultra-luxurious pee-poop area.

Al fresco dining at midnight.

In case I do fail the midterms (which I surely hope I don't), at least I'd remember the rest of this day to be pretty awesome.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Mara Clara and My Gym

It has been almost half a year since I last sweated it out in the gym so last week, I finally decided to go despite the lack of enthusiasm. First of all, I don't go to any of those expensive ones where gay sluts are said to often cruise around. It's a rickety, hole-in-the-wall (literally) work out place where 90% of the patrons are in their slippers. It used to bother me but I figured it's actually good since it's cheap, it does the job, there's no pressure to dress up, it's very near my place, and there's rarely a cutie in sight to distract me.

Anyway, the soap opera Mara Clara was on the other night and it was amusing how the other gym-goers would pause to watch all the sappy drama go down on TV. I thought it was so funny looking at these grown macho guys getting carried away over a show starring tweens who blurt out the darndest lines. They would smile or laugh out loud or utter unsolicited comments every so often depending on the scenes. It worked to my advantage because the equipment would be free for me to use while they soak up on some tough-guy entertainment.

What is up with this show anyway? A friend once posted a Facebook status airing how he was so mad at Clara, the antagonist. Another friend sent a group text just this week with a similar content. He apparently just had to let everyone know that he was seething with anger over a TV drama character. He didn't reply when I asked him via text, "Seryoso? :)".

I intend to stick to my current gym schedule and this show better bring on the drama.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Random Rants

Home Cookin'

Lately I've been doing everything but my homework. I did the laundry, cooked several meals and slightly cleaned my room. But the paper I'm supposed to submit this weekend? Let's not talk about it.

My knowledge about cooking is still limited so last night I decided to make herbed chicken yet again. I paired it with garlic mushrooms topped with cheese. I usually eat it with rice but this this time I went for pan-grilled bread instead. It turned out pretty awesome.

White a Minute

My cabbie kicks your cabbie's ass because my cabbie is fucking white! No, he's not albino. I don't think so. But he speaks fluent Tagalog/Filipino. He was quite nice too.

Serious Fashion Matters

Altuzarra, Wang, Jacobs

New York Fashion Week just wrapped up and it's London's time to stomp the runways. Has anyone spotted any Filipina model working the NYFW shows? Ford Supermodel of the World 2011 winner Danica Magpantay? Charlene Almarvez? I haven't been paying that much attention lately.

Out of the few shows I've seen, Altuzarra, Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs are my top three (in that order) favorites. The first two seemed to have been inspired by outerwear style. The similarities of some of the clothes are quite striking but both did really outstanding, very modern, fashionable yet functional clothes. Each managed to mark his collection with his own, unique flair; Altuzarra with his feminine, fearless glamazons, and Wang with his ultra-cool, hip-hop friendly, urban girls. As for Marc, Scott Schuman said it best; the heightened glam factor of the show made it seem more appropriate for Louis Vuitton. In fact, it reminds me of his Fall 2008 show for the said high-end fashion house. But that's the thing about Marc, he keeps you guessing. He gets you intrigued (even shocked) each time. He's quite the fashion show man and more often than not, he pulls it off spectacularly.

On the other hand, I'm not so keen on Rodarte's collection while Christian Siriano's just disappoints. Their shows for this season are a far cry from their previous ones.

Color, in bright, solid forms, apparently, will be very big. It's evident at the Jeremy Scott show. It's not to say I particularly loved his collection but I'm pretty sure those 'Enjoy God' pieces will be all over the place.

The trend continues in London judging from the painfully chic, excellently tailored pieces that paraded down the runway of Burberry. It's interesting that even this fashion mega-brand has decided to incorporate very unexpected hues for the cold season. " Do me daily What have you been into lately, Christopher Bailey?"

Has the typical fashion mood that winter traditionally evokes totally changed? Is it a sign that things are finally looking up for business? This makes me wonder if Paris, which is usually bathed in black and other muted tones, is in the same state of mind.

Photos: nymag.com

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Burgoo and Burlesque

This evening was the first time I saw MFG after his surgery. Things are not exactly back to normal on his end but I'm glad he's recovering. This is really one of those events that remind you everything can vanish just like that, with a blink of an eye. It's crazy.

After dinner, we watched 'Burlesque'---yeah because we're butch like that. It's an entertaining movie. Nothing new about the plot. But I think we already know that. The musical numbers are worth watching though. Aside from that and Cher, other things in the film that are worth noting are; Christina Aguilera's boobs, Julianne Hough's hair color, the lead guy's abs and Stanley Tucci's charm.

It was a good night. I hope there's more of these, if not better, in the future.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

V Day 2011

If you're like me who has been dateless on Valentine's Day since, uhm, the beginning of time, this day shouldn't be any different than any other Monday. As tempting as it is to join couples and cliques to celebrate whatever the hell their point is in overcrowding the restaurants, the more sensible thing for me to do is do the groceries and sleep---if I didn't have to work today that is.

It's so easy, and even quite enjoyable, to be bitter and whine. Good thing I'm used to this by now.

Hey, just try to be happy---in a relationship or not, Valentine's day or otherwise. Let's try not to shoot anyone today.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Bryanboy: Bravo's New Reality Bitch?

It's New York Fashion Week season and yet again, I am not able to attend any of the shows as I am very busy here in the office doing the all-important, wonderful, wonderful minimum wage work that I do.

Anyway, according to nymag.com, Bryanboy is "reportedly shooting a pilot" during the said New York fashion spectacle working with the producers of America's Next Top Model (Bankable?). Bravo is said to be very interested in this project.

BB back in the day

So he has a seemingly sweet, loving boyfriend, a major, internationally recognized, money-making blog, a closet full of designer duds, he jets all over the world (probably for free most of the time), and he shows no signs of fading away anytime soon. Who's foaming in the mouth right now?

Can anyone out there also name a bag after me? Topman? No? Fino? Hawk? Secosana? Please?

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Bloom Bloom Pow

When you see someone walking around carrying a bouquet of flowers, how do you feel? Do you sigh longingly? Smile? Utter "Lucky bitch!"?

"Modelling" a bouquet from TF's "Me So Pretty" Designer Series (Shot by Darrel Pobre)

It's fascinating how a bunch of fauna that will eventually wilt can really affect someone's mood. Call me Martha Stewart but if I would have it my way, I'd put a fresh bunch of flowers on display in the house each day. They just add so much life to the place much like the way fresh fruits do. Fake ones just don't cut it.

If I can push it even further, I'd get my blooms from Tecson Flowers. Last night, I got invited to check out a few pieces from their designer collection. I was surprised to see how they incorporated fabrics like denim, gingham and satin into the charming arrangements. As you can see, these flowers are so pretty they make me look like the delivery boy! Hahah...

Tecson Flowers is a family venture which has been around since 1975. That's over 3 decades of expertise in the business. They offer a plethora of flower varieties (orchids, lilies, roses, etc.) and arrangements which can be ordered online and get delivered in no time. TF also rents out plants.

Here are some of my favorite arrangements:

"Office Space" $18.00 (Php792.00)

"Braveheart" $79.00 (Php3,476.00)

"The Devil Wears Prada" $108.00 (Php4,752.00)

What a perfect time to talk about flowers since it's the season of hearts. It doesn't matter if you're single. Just order yourself some Tecson Flowers and be that lucky bitch.

You can visit Tecson Flowers branches all over Manila, check out their blog or website or call 939-9019 / 0917-832-7663 for orders or inquiries.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Click! Click! Click!

My first photo shoot and I looked like a hot mess in my sneakers-jeans-shirt-unshaven, pedestrian appearance.

I was invited to the shoot an hour and a half before call time. I didn't want to be late so I went straight from work to the studio. Uhm, bad idea. I never really believed in that "Come as you are" bullshit. The shoot wasn't really about me but damn, I should have been fashionably late!

Oh well. It was a cool, interesting, spontaneous experience.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

This Sunday's Lunch: Cancelled

Hi. Do me a favor, will you? Kindly pray for the success of the operation of MFG and for his fast recovery, yeah? The major operation is at 9am tomorrow. I almost needed my own operation when I received his text this morning.

Thanks a lot.

Update as of Feb. 6, around 11AM:
Based on a text sent during a state of grogginess, MFG "thinks he's fine". Thank you to those who cared.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Yo Iloilo!

All I'm missing is pay Antique a visit and this would be a Panay Island tour. This January alone, I've flown into Iloilo, Kalibo and Roxas airports.

Today, I went on a day trip to Iloilo City to see a doctor. I was also hoping I'd meet some friends. Unfortunately, only one of them bitches was available.

What I like about Iloilo City is the fact that it's quite developed but there's less traffic and pollution. It's getting its very first Starbucks soon. Everything is just a few minutes away and it's not a very expensive place to get around in. What I don't like is there's really not much to do there but eat, go to the mall, and party at night. Nonetheless, this place has a special place in my cold, hard heart.

For lunch, I braved the afternoon heat to visit JD Bakery Cafe. You know, it's not the place, it's not even the taste of the food. It's the fun memories that I get to relive from dining here. I had their baked mac, chicken a la king, fried chicken, some baked sweets and juice. For only P123.75, that was an enjoyably filling meal. Too bad my old phone failed me so I didn't get to take pictures of my food...

Which is why I took the liberty to use some other people's photos. :)

The service was prompt and polite. The only disappointing part of today's trip to JD was the restroom. It was flooded. There's no excuse but I'm pretty sure today was an isolated case.

I was in SM City when my phone died. I couldn't find a place to charge so I was forced to go to this new place called Cafe Laguna. I only had hot tea and maja mais since I was still stuffed. The latter was actually not bad if not a tad too sweet for my taste. What threw me off is they charge P50 per hour for charging, and P20 if your order amounts to at least P200.

The service was not exemplary but the restroom was clean and appropriately lit---although they failed to replace the toilet paper. I paid P155.00 and you know what the P50.00 was for.

The rest of the afternoon was spent going around the mall waiting for some relatives to pick me up. I need to visit this place at least twice a year. I know I said there's not much to do here, but you know that saying about seeing with new eyes? Yeah, that.

Photos: flavoursofiloilo.blogspot.com, exploreiloilo.com

literarybulimia@gmail.com

ShockHorrorShit

OH. MY. GAWD.

Another one down! The first and last time we met was middle of last year (I think) when I came over to his condo unit. I loved his place because of the beautiful clutter, soft lighting and good music which created a nice, relaxing atmosphere.

He was the quiet type but was very accommodating. Obsessed with sports, he was very fit. I can't believe he passed away.

This is depressing. It happens too often.

May you rest in peace.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Back and Forth

This weekend has been beyond hectic. I flew back to Manila Friday and now I'm back home again after juggling school and social activities which kept me up for more than 24 hours.

Buffet at 6am

I made time to have a very early breakfast with MFG just before I went to the airport this morning. As usual, he untiringly gave me yet another round of his lecture in the hopes of straightening up my life.

I have a few more days to enjoy what's left of this vacation. Have a great week ahead!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Bumming Around In Progress

Do you hear that? That's me getting fat by the minute.

First time in years.

This vacation has been all about eating, drinking and playing with the kids.

Fishing Picnic

Fresh seafood and cold beer have never been so good.

Diwal (Angel Wing Shells)

If you think mussels look dirty, the diwal actually takes the cake.

I have a hunch straight guys get a hard-on just by looking at this thing. Pictures don't do it justice.

We had a party last night and I found myself standing next to the lechon chopping table holding a bottle of beer with oil glistening on my lips. I felt like I was doing something really dirty and sinful yet irresistibly pleasurable. For a second, I thought I was going to be arrested.

This is what vacations are all about I guess, right?

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Not So Far But Away

The past few days have been pretty hectic. Good thing it's not exactly because of work and school.

Irritating Moment: Missing My Stop

I'm currently home because relatives from abroad are here. This weekend, I went from going around cosmopolitan Manille to skipping along a shallow river in a town somewhere in Iloilo where getting network reception is like asking for rain in the middle of summer. Now, I'm just home trying to have a great time with family. No rice patties nor sky scrapers. Just home---just the way I like it.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

The Embassy Bitch Who Needs to Get Laid Stat

You know how I abhor doing transactions in government offices and the like? Well, I just had another unfortunate brush with one of the flame-breathing monsters in this cesspit of hell.

After being slightly scolded for being late, I went straight to the South African embassy yesterday morning as an errand for my uncle who also happens to be my boss.

When I got to the embassy at RCBC, I was relieved that there was no line. I waited patiently while this foreign (Turkish?) woman with a baby on her arms cheerfully chatted with the consul. Then came my turn after not even 5 minutes of waiting.

For a moment, I thought the middle-aged, Filipino consul didn't see me because she was too busy arranging some files on a table a few feet from the window. Then she came over and had me place the documents on the bin. She removed the folder and the slide as well as the money and put them back on the bin with force. After a few minutes of reviewing the requirements, she told me the errors and the lacking documents with no hint at all of friendliness or willingness to help. Hesitant, I muster the guts to ask questions which she answered begrudgingly.

It's no different on the phone. I'm not sure if it's the same person who takes the calls in this office but bitch also has an attitude.

I came back this morning hoping yesterday was just an off-day. Maybe she was going through a hard time? Who knows? Fair enough, when the same consul approached the window, I thought she seemed more pleasant. Without saying a word, she opened the bin which I took as a sign for me to put the documents sans folder, slide and money. After expecting each document, barely moving her lips she said bluntly , "Paste the photos," and threw in the form, pictures and glue in the bin. Apparently, bitch still had a giant spear stuck up her old, wrinkly ass.

"The marriage certificate will be returned upon claiming the visa, right?" I asked.

"Yes," bitch said icily.

It was a relief we finally got it right this time. If I have to go back and face that old hag again, I swear I may just lose it and go all psycho on her ass.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Starturday

Yesterday was a blast with my classmates. We went from school to Greenbelt, to school again, then Star City, and finally, Harbor Square. It's our way of starting the new term right by making the most of our time while not yet drowning in school work.

Fuck, homework just got sent via email. Who the hell sends homework on a Sunday night? Bitch needs to get a grip. I am not in the mood for this shit. I have a vacation coming up!

Anyway, Saturday was awesome... A little costly and tiring but awesome.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Interesting Afternoon

I was in Makati today when MFG and I decided to meet up and grab a bite. He asked me to give him an hour so I used the time by depositing money for the rent. Then I had nowhere else to go so I wandered around and found this place called Alexa's Deli along H.V. Dela Costa.

I expected a price point similar to that of Starbucks so I was pleasantly surprised upon seeing AD's. They have a slightly less expensive selection of cold and hot drinks, sandwiches, pasta dishes and pastries. Being a wine shop, they also serve wine and cheese, which is awesome.

What I love is it's nestled in the middle of the business district yet it's not noisy or buzzing or crowded unlike other coffee shops.

The interiors are not bad. Although I'm not so sure about that wall vinyl.

Slightly hungry, I decided to have something light. Their chicken empanada was actually good but it's their house iced tea that's more memorable.

I'd love to go back to this charming sanctuary in the middle of the city. It really has a modern, laid back vibe that I like.

Apres AD, I decided to walk to Amici at the Ayala Triangle where I told MFG I'll meet him. Thank goodness for the cool January breeze, I barely broke a sweat.

I love this part of Makati. It's a refreshing patch of greenery amidst a jungle of concrete and glass.

It was MFG who decided on Amici. He wanted the original one at Don Bosco but I said I didn't want to go there so I informed him that I was at the one in Ayala. Despite that, he still went to the other one which was irritating. He apparently was in house clothes so he didn't want to be walking around Ayala.

Fuming, I left Amici- Ayala and tried to hail a cab to no avail. I gave up and just hopped into a jeepney. A few seconds upon settling in, MFG sent a text saying (begrudgingly) he was already on his way to Ayala. So I got off at the next stop and marched back. It was a mess. To make the long story short, we both got upset. After endless text messaging and walking, we were finally seated facing each other at Amici- Ayala.

During the first few minutes, he was being uncomfortably quiet. Then finally, he unloaded. He started to bitch about the whole thing which is exactly what I would have done had we ended up at Don Bosco. I have to say, it was really great of him to come over despite "looking like the house help". (His words! Not mine!)

The so-so meal was filled with the usual banter, his sermon, laughter; he in his house garb and slippers, me in my half-assed corporate attire with a crumpled shirt.

I forgot to mention that I actually had work today and I just stepped out for a while to be in Makati. Hence, the phone call from the office while we were waiting for the bill. It was already dark when we went out.

You know how impossible it is to get a cab around the business district during rush hour so we agreed to walk to Makati Avenue, which is where MFG lives.

We noticed a crowd gathering around this vintage looking car at Petron. I'm not sure what their deal is.

A (White) Family Driving Around the World

It was almost 7pm when MFG and I parted ways. Save for the slight misunderstanding, I wish all afternoons were like this; breezy, fun and comforting.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Bang

If the first day of the year is any indication of how the rest of 2011 will be, then I'm in for a lot of cooking, watching Modern Family, Facebook, and hours of unproductive online wandering.

I ended up spending  new year's eve at my friend's place in Cubao and celebrated with her family. It was fun but quite uneventful. When I went home via cab, we passed by this accident at EDSA involving a tricycle (I know!) and a Montero. The cab driver turned on the radio and it turns out there were two kids involved. What a horrible, horrible way to start the year.

Today, I realized I'm out of garlic. So I decided to take a walk to the market a couple of blocks away. What greeted me is the scene pictured above. There was a riot I think. Great.

There's so much negative vibes. I, for one, haven't been great. It's been pretty boring, sucky even. Gawd. I'm not holding my breath for it since there's a ton of work waiting for me, but I hope tomorrow will be a much better day.

literarybulimia@gmail.com