“Where does the soul of Manila lie? At a landmark, a building, or a place? Or is it with a person? Ten passionate teams recently signed up for the Nokia N95 Wireless Adventure race that took them around Manila in the quest to discover the soul of the city using the Nokia N95.”

I was reading one of Anton’s entries in March/April 2007 and someone commented on that entry inviting Anton to join an event.  I clicked on the link that was posted there and read the guidelines.  The question was: What is the Soul of Manila?  I sent out my answer, personal details, and a photo.  I actually forgot all about it until almost a month later, on a Monday morning, I got a call from the organizer of the event.  She said I was chosen as one of the ten participants.  I was delighted but nervous at the same time.  She asked if I could make it to the press briefing and orientation at Embassy Cuisine at 6pm.  Short notice but I said ok.  I filed for a half-day leave and took the whole afternoon off.  Why? Because I already planned to go gym after work which is 6pm and being an OC that I am, I just have to follow my plans.  So I dropped by the gym first, had a 30-minute run in the treadmill and another half an hour to lift weights.  It actually took longer than that because in between I had to work too answering calls from GXTV China and negotiating while in my sweats.  I hit the showers and dressed.  On my way out bumped into an old friend.

Hurriedly I went to Cuisine and was one of the first few there.  The organizer told me that they’ve been trying to contact me the whole weekend on my mobile but I was the only one they couldn’t reach.  If they weren’t able to contact me at the office that Monday morning, they would have picked somebody else.  They chose 10 entries out of the 800 entries they got.  I met Jennifer Juco, who is one of the participants there.  We were both so hungry since the event started late.  Jennifer ordered a plate of fiesta Nachos and treated me too since it happened to be her birthday.  I think I ordered the Mozzarella sticks or the Buffalo wings.  Imagine, a treat from someone you just met!

At the press briefing, a product presentation of the Nokia N95 phone introduced us to the newest family member of the Nokia N Series.  Product managers tutored us while I was stuffing my mouth with the aperitif served.  The 10 participants were partnered with 10 celebrities/personalities making 20 teams of two each.  I was partnered with Jaime Daez, proprietor of Fully Booked and Bibliarch.  He was the only one not present at that time so I didn’t really meet him that night.  We were Team #4.  Everyone was getting acquainted with their respective partners (the n95 AND the actual human being) and I was just sitting pretty gorging on food, my mind already flying to an out-of-the-county trip with my family. Then the host said the date of the event, which was that following weekend, I jerked upright from the couch.  It was a 2-day race.  It happened to be the very same weekend of my Hong Kong Disneyland trip with the fam.  Geesh.  We had a short photo op as teams and as a group.

May 26, 2007. 7 AM.  Makati Shangrila.  Buffet breakfast at Circles.  (Ooh yum!!! The jewel of events… the food!)  I finally met Jaime at breakfast.  Short and awkward.  I just concentrated on the (you guessed it!) food.  We were briefed the guidelines of the adventure event.  The survival kit (included shirts, Nokia jugs, belt bags, and face towels), N95 unit, PHP 5,000 and our task cards were handed to us.  As stylish as the Nokia N95 is, each team was provided with a shiny luxury car and a driver to go about town. 

We looked at the tasks.  There are regular tasks with a specified time and bonus tasks too.  Plus whoever team gets first to each “task” venue and checked in with the Wireless Adventure agent will get an additional 5 points each time.  Different areas in Metro Manila.  We had to map out our plan. 

Task 1 -Go to Salcedo Market and find the Wireless Adventure agent who beamed to our N95 phone an excel file with the ingredients of chopsuey.  Jennifer and Jay Server (Team 1), the first team there, got the bonus points.  Then everyone searched for the vegetables and had it weighed.  Using the N95 Converter, we converted the weight in pounds to kilos.  The Task 1 10 points goes to the team with haggling skills and paid the lowest for the items in their basket.

Then we hopped into the luxury car as soon as we were done with Task 1.  I’m glad that Jaime did Track and Field in High school.  We can both run to save time.  We read Task 2 –Café Bola, Greenbelt 3, Task Window is 1– 2 PM.  Since it was only 1130 AM, Jaime and I decided to risk and get the bonus task in Café Bola, Araneta Coliseum.  Gamble was on the traffic and missing the entire Task 2.  At Café Bola Araneta, we were the first ones there.  The bonus task was to get the secret ingredient of Margarita Fores’, chef and restaurateur, breakfast dish, which turned out to be Muscovado Sugar.  It was in a small red bottle.  Jaime wanted to take all the bottles so when another team gets there they wont find any.  He said it didn’t say anyway that we’re only supposed to get one.  There’s no rule too inhibiting us from taking more than one.  But I decided against it.  I told Jaime it didn’t feel right taking more than one.  After much deliberation and we realized we’re wasting time thinking about that sneaky strategy, Jaime obliged to let the other bottles stay.  Before leaving, we took a photo of the Big Dome, Araneta Coliseum. 

From Cubao, we told the driver to floor the gas and Schumacher our way back to Makati.  Saturday traffic slowed us down and we were afraid to miss the start task time.  Lucky break that we were able to make it just in time.  We arrived at 1250 PM.  8 teams were there for an hour already except us and Manu and Michelle’s team, Team 2.  Everyone asked us where we went and we said we decided to get the bonus point from Araneta Coliseum already, while others planned to do that before Task 3, located in Cubao area too.  We surmised that Team 2 did the same but got caught in the traffic. 

 

At 1:15 PM, Margarita Fores emerged and started cooking a dish, which one of us had to videotape using the N95.  Everyone scrambled to get a good view.  We had to videotape it so we can list down all the ingredients and the procedure in N95’s Notes while replaying the video.  Margarita asked for the secret ingredient and Jaime yelled out that he has it.  Margarita granted us, the only team who had it at that time, our Bonus Point (10 points!). 

Off we went to Vintage Pop in Cubao X.  I’m familiar with the area since I frequent Bellini’s restaurant located in the same compound.  Our driver wasn’t too fast, since 4 other teams were there before us and the task can only be completed one team at a time.  Task 4 – The Vintage Pop catalogue in PDF format was beamed again to the N95 phone, and through the race, I started to get more acquainted with the features of the phone.  It was really indeed a Multimedia Computer on the palm of my hands!  This time our creativity was put to the test as we had to rearrange certain objects shown from the photo file found in the store and make a window display, take a good photo of it, print it and have the judge score your glossy.  Jaime gathered the items while I designed the display.  Guest judge is Miguel Rosales, a well-known interior designer. 

 

While waiting for our turn, another special task was underway.  We wanted the bonus points so when the clock hit 4 PM, we tuned in to RX 93.1, using the phone’s build-in-radio, plugged our earphones.  The DJ played Manila and we had to record it while my partner sang to it. 

Since we still had some time to spare while waiting, we took another roll of the dice and sprinted off to Sencillo Bar in Quezon City to get the bonus points for being the first one there.  It was quite tricky to look for the bar as there is no signage outside.  We had to go back and forth along Esguerra to spot it.  We finally found it.  Much to our dismay, the Wireless Agent was not there.  We trekked back to Cubao X just in time because we were next.  If we missed our number, we had to be at the back of the line again.

After Vintage Pop, we went back to Sencillo Bar At Esquinita compound.  Rumor has it that it’s co-owned by James Yap, Kris Aquino’s b-balling hubby.  Sencillo Task opens at 6 PM, but the catch is that only 7 teams can perform this task.  The rest will not get the points from this task.  We were #6.  While waiting, we made most of our time getting the other bonus points.  After taking a photo of the ABS-CBN signage (another special task), Jaime decided that we should eat dinner first at Kitaro.  It took us 10 minutes to gulp down dinner.  We returned to Sencillo and artistically videotaped the singer there.

Finally, our last Task Card of the night.  Task Window: 8 PM –12 MN.  The objective is to capture the night happenings in two locations, M Café and Saguijo, on video.  Both have different vibes but I made the video concept of the two similar and tie it into one appealing video.  10 PM, we headed back to Makati Shangri-la.  Jaime had to drop by his place for a bit.  I was at the lobby editing the video using the N95 (can you believe the functionality of this phone??? Edit a video!) and I had a hard time editing and saving and editing and saving.  The bulk of this task was on me since I gathered the video and had to come up with the whole product.  It takes a while to save then you need to edit some more, it takes time to save again.  After an hour, Jaime was back and I was still not even half way through it.  We went to the room where we’re supposed to show our video and lined up.  We were 2^nd to the last.  I sat on the floor in the hallway and still kept at it, not relenting.  I was really on the verge of tears because I wanted to do a special effect but I couldn’t merge the two videos.  I was already saving it when the phone hung.  Good thing they extended the presentation since the rest were still presenting to 1 AM.  At 1250 AM, I surrendered and just did what I could and presented to Lino Cayetano our video output.  The features of N95 again amazed me, we had the unit connected to the TV and viola, you have a wide screen for your phone.

 

  

FINALLY, I went to my room and retired for the night.  We were given a room each person in Makati Shangri-la.  A letter was on the huge King bed from the Nokia Team congratulating us on Day 1 and as a token of gift, we can order room service from the selection of good food on the menu that was with the letter!!! YUMMY!!! I ordered a FEAST!!!  Christian met me in the room 20 minutes after and we had such a gastronomical experience with the great spread in front of us.  An hour later I was dozing off.

I woke up at 6 AM since it’s an early day again for Day 2.  We were served breakfast room service again and 5-star hotel food is always the bomb!

 DAY 2 

In the car, Jaime and I planned out our strategy in getting all the bonus points like the previous day and not miss out on any task.  Most of the tasks are also graded through creativity and artwork of the photos and videos.  The second leg concentrated more on the Imaging feature of the N95 phone. 

Task 1 of Day 2 is already heavy duty as we had to climb the oversized Manila Clock Tower and take photos from the top of the City of Manila.  Going up was difficult as it was same to climbing a lightbouse.  The stairs were steep and was missing a few steps.  The old dusty historical tower felt like it might collapse like a paper house.  But like climbing any mountain, it’s a surge to finally reach the top.  I loved the view of Manila from the dingy clock tower.  I was so inspired to take pictures.  Me and my partner went down and had the picture printed.

Off to the next stop, Hit Productions in Mile Long Compound (near Pharaoh, yes boys, I know you know where that is).  The task involved a recording session with Rico Blanco.  This time, the first 7 teams are the only ones allowed to do this task.  We were #2 in line.  My partner urged me to do the singing task.  I vehemently opposed since I can’t carry a tune for the life of me!  He conceded to do it.  

Surprisingly, my partner had a deep, resonant singing voice.  Rico gave him a few pointers as the person who gives the most “soulful” rendition of their chosen OPM hit will get the highest score.  Another set of points for videotaping the recording –that was my job.

 

On the side, we had to take photos of Greenbelt 4, laughing children, balloons in Luneta, the Rizal shrine, Sunday traffic and the Agustin Church

 

After that brief Makati stint, it was unearthing Manila all the way.  We haunted various items (such as The Eye anting-anting, toy jeepneys and bakya) in Quiapo sold by different stores.  Each team was provided with 2 muscle men acting as our bodyguards in the busy and engaging streets of Quiapo.  The pictures had to be presented to Carlos Celdran, Quiapo Walks connoisseur, in a slide show using N95 with the acapella version of “Limang Dipang Tao” song.  My picture of the Quiapo Church is one of my favorite outputs.

 

Malate.  There was an on-going Biker’s race/parade at the time we hit Malate.  I’m not sure if the other teams went to that part of Malate.  Here I decided to get my action shot which is also a bonus task.  My favorite part was, although hurriedly, was the time I had with the children.  I thought of treating the children there with Ice Cream and taking photos of them.  Much as I wanted to stay and bond with them, Jaime reminded me of our last task situated in Intramuros.

The final task is to head to Fort Santiago and do your own documentary of Jose Rizal’s “Famous Last Walk.”  We surrendered all our phone files to the organizer at the end of the day including the Task Cards.  Announcement of the winning team will be at a culminating event at Ayala Museum the following Wednesday.  The organizer announced that we could keep the phone.  Everyone was so ecstatic.  The cost of the N95 then was at PHP 40,000. 

I meant to write another entry for the culminating party.  To let you know the results, the beautiful Cat Juan of Studio 23 and Ed Capulong won the PHP 50, 000 cash prize and the trip to Amanpulo.  But everyone emerged victorious as we acquired a new phone each and new friends.  More than anything, during the two-day adventure, where we were thoroughly pampered, we saw Manila on a whole new different light.

Walking the familiar streets of Metro Manila, I discovered the beauty of each city that is fertile with history and grandeur.  Manila has evolved into a new city, still tainted with the old, enriched by the colorful people and effervescent culture.  I took a new breathe of Manila.

Link: http://wirelessadventure.nokia.com.ph/

Link: http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2007/08/26/TECH20070826100925.html

Link: http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/elife/view_article.php?article_id=74390

Link: http://www.nokia.com.ph/A4533013?newsid=-6025

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/330/07_0525-_Nokia_Wireless_Adventure

Album:  http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/177/07_0527-_Nokia_Wireless_Adventure

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/179/07_0530-_Nokia_Culminating_Party

One of the major highlights of 2007 for me is my trip to Malaysia with Bubba.  It took me a month to plan the whole thing and I wanted to surprise Bubba and not tell him where we’re going.  I already booked the flights and hotel online.  Unfortunately, I slipped so my surprise trip for him is no longer a bolt from the blue.

 

 Day 1

 

June 8, 2007.  As soon as we stepped out of the plane, we took a breathe of the smell of Malaysia.  After settling in the hotel, we had dinner at an Indian restaurant (I forget the name now) we discovered online.  We really went out on a limb to look for the place.  We finally found it and had our first taste of Malaysia.  The experience of eating on Banana Leaves and being served from the Curry Pot made it so authentic.  Although Bubba was a bit startled about the spiciness, we both enjoyed the meal.  The wait staff was Pinoys and we were able to exchange a few stories with them.

 

Night Life Along their bay is a strip of bars and restaurants, much like our own Bay Walk.  Theirs is way cleaner though and establishments weren’t al fresco.  There was an area there by the port where you can lounge al fresco style.  When the night breeze started to become colder, we chose a bar to spend our evening at.  The bar had a pretty interesting design concept.  It had a 2^nd floor ledge that can oversee 1^st floor dance floor.  In the middle of the establishment is a HUGE rectangular bar.  There were LCD monitors all over the place.  Incidentally, a band plays in between club music and the band hails from Pinas.

 

We had fun watching the some drunken Caucasians make a slop of themselves in the dance floor trying to dance.  We picked our poison and drank and talked and bonded.  It felt different being in another country where no one knows you.  We both enjoyed our “alien” status there.

 

Day 2 –Islands in Malaysia

 

Kota Kinabalu is known for its series of beautiful beaches.  My goal in this trip is to experience Parasailing.  I was quite apprehensive since I am terribly scared of heights.  But I said to myself that I want to conquer my fear and live large with Bubba.  So that became our first itinerary of the day. 

 

Parasail is when a parachute attached to a speedboat or any vehicle bellies a person and ascends thousands of feet in the air.

 

It was an exhilarating feeling to be hoisted up in the air –side by side with the best person to share the view with.  The sky that day was the prettiest I’ve seen with the softest breeze going through my hair.  The sunlight softly kissing my skin. 

 

  

  

After parasailing, we went to Manukan Island where we lounge at the beach with the morning sun.  We swam in the clear blue water and were able to play with some small fishes.  We had a scrumptious buffet lunch of beef, crabs, shrimps, grilled dogs, pizza and what not by the beach.  It was one of the best eats I’ve ever had to a picnic outdoors.

 

 

 

 

  

After lunch, we went to our scheduled Glass Bottom Boat ride.  Simply put, the boat had a glass floor so we were able to see the sea underneath.  It was like dry snorkeling.  When we returned to the dock, we bought fish food at the conservation store and fed the fish.  It was so cool to feed schools of fish by hand and they’re all fighting for that piece of feed. 

 

 We went back to the hotel, showered and changed to prepare for an afternoon of shopping.  We went to low-end and high-end malls.  One thing about Malaysia –or at least Kota Kinabalu, it was so expensive to take a cab.  When we calculated our expenses, the cab total expense was almost twice as much as what we spent on food. 

 

 

 Christian got a pair of jeans from Quicksilver, which fit him perfectly, while he got me a nice white sling bag from Roxy.  We were lucky because they were currently running a sale that time.

 

For dinner, we tried Secret Recipe, which actually has a franchise in the Philippines.  We thoroughly enjoyed the food except it took me an hour to gulp down my order since it was sooo spicy!!! I like spicy food and I almost gave up!  I ordered Noodle in Tom Yum, which is a sour soup with shrimps and noodles.  It tasted like a spiced Sinigang.  It was so expensive so I mustered to finish the whole big bowl.  Bubba affected by my tortured face said it’s okay not to finish the dish.  But mid-way I got to like it that I didn’t notice that I was slurping the last spoon of soup.

 

We took a moment to walk around the streets of Malaysia.  The moon was wonderfully bright that night.  The stroll was quiet and serene.  We tried to figure our way back to some parts we went to earlier.  After basking in the beauty of the night, we flagged down a cab back to the hotel. 

Nothing beats a good exercise in the morning. Having loads of fun while doing it is the icing on the cake! March 9, 2008. We all met up in Gonuts Donuts early morning, 730 am. We weren’t able to start on time as we had to wait for a couple of people. Nevertheless, off to the Fort field we went to play some Ultimate Frisbee.

Feb 24, 2008. This all started when I initiated the group to play Ultimate in Zambales. We lost during that first dry run. My teammates then were Ced, Florence, Francis and Mac. The other team composed of Ayie, Brian, Deneb, Jaja and Madz. Team B started with 2 points and then we scored back 2 to tie the game. Team B suddenly scored all the way to 5 points winning the entire game. It was such a fun activity!!! We were so tired that afternoon because it was so hard to play on the sand, but twas so exhilarating to be part of a team play again. My heart rate shot up that afternoon (that meant more calories burned and more sweat opened up the pores and glistened the skin!)

Since that time, we have scheduled another Frisbee meet, this time in the Metro, dubbed as the First Manila Frisbee Meet. New players were on board, Rex, Ley, and Christian.

The White Team (in white hehe): Ced, Francis, Jane, Jaja, Rex

The Blue Team (in blue): Ayie, Christian, Deneb, Ley, Madz

After a short orientation by Ced, each team went to their area to strategize their play.

ULTIMATE!!!! I screamed like a gunshot fired to signal the start of a race.

What a heated game, everyone was running and gunning to make a goal! Blue Team scored the first point courtesy of Madz. Not a few minutes after, we were able to tie it. After much defense and failed offense, we closed the first half to 1 point apiece.

2^nd half was more exciting as each time scored 1 point a piece again. Heat is rising, physically and figuratively, as Francis jumped 2 feet in the air trying to intercept a pass to Deneb. Deneb and Francis collided in mid-air, which resulted to Deneb twisting his knee. We took another 10 minute break as the boys carried the injured off the field.

Game resumed. One team sizing the other, not easing up. Then with grunt determination under the Sunday morning sun, the White team blazed past the green lawn and scored succeeding goals. Blue Team trailed 2-5, then to 2-7. And with a final surge, the White team nailed the mark at 9-2, a swooping glory over the Blue Team.

Leia and Chili the dog watched the game unfold resting by the tree shade.

Some small tokens were given away. Winners got the first dib at the simple prizes (premium items sent to me by the channels). After the puffing and huffing, we all decided to go to Francis’ house to freshen up before lunch at Hula-Hula. Dessert at Starbucks followed as Florence and Divine joined our group.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/385/08_0309-_Ultimate_Frisbee?replies_read=2

“Choose your battles wisely” is a popular phrase in parenting but is equally important in living a contented life.  It suggests that life is filled with opportunities to choose between making a big deal out of something or simply letting it go, realizing it doesn’t really matter.  If you choose your battles wisely, you’ll be far more effective in winning those that are truly important. Certainly there will be times when you will want or need to argue, confront, or even fight for something you believe in.  Many people, however, argue, confront, and fight over practically anything, turning their lives into a series of battles over relatively “small stuff.”  There is so much frustration in living this type of life that you lose track of what is truly relevant. The tiniest disagreement or glitch in your plans can be made into a big deal if your goal (conscious or unconscious) is to have everything work out in your favor.  In my book, this is nothing more than a prescription for unhappiness and frustration. 

The truth is, life is rarely exactly the way we want it to be, and other people often don’t act as we would like them to.  Moment to moment, there are aspects of life that we like and others that we don’t.  There are always going to be people who disagree with you, people who do things differently, and things that don’t work out.  If you fight against this principle of life, you’ll spend most of your life fighting battles. A more peaceful way to live is to decide consciously which battles are worth fighting and which are better left alone.  If your primarily goal isn’t to have everything work out perfectly but instead to live a relatively stress-free life, you’ll find that most battles pull you away from your tranquil feelings.  Is it really important that you prove your spouse that you are right and she is wrong, or that you confront someone simply because it appears as though he or she has made a minor mistake?  Does your preference of which restaurant or movie to go to matter enough to argue about it?  Does a small scratch on your car really warrant a lawsuit in a court?  Does the fact that your neighbor wont park his car on a different part of the street have to be discussed at your family dinner table?  These and thousands of other small thins are what many people spend their lives fighting about. 

Take a look at your own list.  If it’s like mine used to be, you might want to reevaluate your priorities. If you don’t want to “sweat the small stuff,” it’s critical that you choose your battles wisely.  If you do, there will come a day when you’ll rarely feel the need to do battle at all.

October 19, 2007.

 

 Celebrating Lorenz’ birthday, prepared by Chai.

 

 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/257/07_1019-_Speedzone_#

 

Texas Roadhouse Grill is quickly making a buzz in the food scene.  For people who frequent American bistro restaurants like TGI Friday’s, Hard Rock and Bubba Gump, make a road trip to Texas Roadhouse.  It is said to be first of its kind, and ornate interior is similar to the Saloons in Texas.

Texas Roadhouse declares that they are the only Western Grill based in the county that can really serve juicy and succulent prime steaks, whereas the others serve mostly burgers and pastas. (I tried eating the steak in Hard Rock back in 3^rd year high. Oh boy, it felt like eating rubber.  I’d order anything there except for the steak) September 8, 2007.  Dinner scene at Texas Roadhouse: PACKED.  We had to wait to be seated.  I for one, do not like to be kept waiting.  But I’m glad I did. 

On the Table:

 

Nacho and Dip

The Nachos weren’t greasy and was crunchy.  Bubba and I also enjoyed the salsa dip, which is like a spicy tomato puree.  It wasn’t chunky which can be a minus for me, but the lack of texture didn’t ruin the overall taste.  You can actually ask for another batch of Nachos if you run out.

Parmesan Crusted Fish PHP 340 ++

Bubba’s order.  I ate most of his dish.  I liked that the fish tasted fresh, even the batter coating didn’t taste old.  It wasn’t oily.  The marinara sauce and cream sauce blended perfectly with the soft crunch of fish meat.  It had a tablespoon of salsa on top of the fish as garnish.

Full Rack Baby Back Ribs PHP 640 ++

My order.  A good serving size of well-marinated ribs dished up with finger-sized French fries and grilled corn. 

Lemonade PHP 85 ++

Strawberry Margarita PHP 115 ++

I used to pair beer with quesadillas and wine with steaks.  But pairing drinks with my food is on hold until further notice.  I usually drink water with my meals so I can appreciate the taste of the dish on its own better.  Sometimes the drink enhances it.  I still wont say no to wine, but other than that, no colas or shakes for me.  On this night however, I decided to get a strawberry margarita since it was an evening of semi-celebration for me and Bubba. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this drink as I can still nib on minute chunks of strawberry and the margarita wasn’t too strong.  It did give me a buzz though. I had a second visit just last week when Adel of Star asked for a lunch meeting (Thanks Adel!).  This time it was in the recently opened branch in El Pueblo, Ortigas, which is like a stone-throw away from the office.  I have to say that the second branch confirmed consistency and quality of food.  The wait staff at the second branch is actually more attentive and prompt.   

Adel ordered steak but I opted against it (you don’t get offered free steaks everyday!) but I just started my fruit diet the day before and I felt bad ordering meat.  (Since Zambales, I’ve been eating nonstop every day, and again eating like a man! So I decided to go on a fruit diet again) Since I remember how much I almost finished Bubba’s order last time, I chose the Parmesan Crusted Fish.  I was so tempted to get the salmon, but resisted. 

On the Table:  

Nachos with Cheese

It had generous amount of cheese on top of each nacho, some tomato basting and a piece of jalapeno (I forget what it’s called by I loved it.  I want to bring Bubba again to Texas because I know he’ll like it as well.)   

Calamares 

Texas Sampler

A sampler plate of mozzarella sticks, celery sticks, nachos and Buffalo wings.  I finished the Buffalo wings. 

Parmesan Crusted Fish with Texas Rice and Vegetables

It came with big helpings of rice and vegetables –two different carbs and I finished every little thing on my plate.  Even the buttered onions. 

Filet Mignon Steak 

Oreo Mud Pie 

Banana Slices with Vanilla Ice Cream served on hot cast-iron 

For all the things I ate, I should have just gotten a steak. I can’t wait for a next visit and try the following dishes: 

1. Shrimp and Salmon skewers

2. Trailboss Herbed Steak

3. Ol’ Texas Burger

 (Disclaimer: Prices are as my memory serves me.) 

Texas Roadhouse Grill

Bonifacio High Street, Ground Level Bldg 1

McKinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio Global City

8561547 

El Pueblo, Ortigas Center.

We took one weekend to stay in Subic to experience the Zoobic Safari adventure.  We invited Carlo and his sweet kind girlfriend Shiela to join us and after fixing their schedule, they happily obliged.  I reserved 2 rooms for each couple.  Off we went to Subic with Christian behind the wheel.

We decided to go on a food trip to discover what Subic had to offer.  We stopped at a restaurant called Extremely Espresso.  It was drawing a huge crowd that made me quite intrigued.   Music and an upbeat crowd livens this modern restaurant.  Extremely Espresso, contrary to its name, has a more pizza parlor ambience than a café.  When I checked their menu, their specialty is pizza, although they have other offerings like salad and entrées as well. They have small square tables and brown chairs.  Comfortable couches are decked against the walls for bigger groups who want to lounge longer while enjoying their slices of pizza.

After ordering, we had to get some burgers in the Burger store (forgot the name) adjacent to the restaurant.  Why try only one type of food when you are on a food trip?  Bubba ordered the Melting Cheese burger.  No surprise at all there.  I had to try something else.  I took a chance with their Mexican burger, which had salsa dressing.  We then found out that they have the same owner.  We went back inside the restaurant since we had the burgers delivered to our table.

Extremely Espresso has a massive see-through window that allows you to watch the pizza experts do their pizza tosses/twirls.  Don’t be fooled by the delicious pizza that they prepare right in front of you.  There are no mirror tricks.  It is really GIGANTIC.

 

The generous portions are all cooked to perfection with a great combination of flavors.  We ordered their LARGE size, which is really extra-LARGE.  Imagine that the whole pizza takes the whole space of their square table.  Flavor is half Spanish sardines and half Big Ben.  I’ve never tried sardines on pizza before (because I use to find seafood on pizza weird) and Extremely Espresso pizza simply made a good introduction.  Marrying the two, pizza and seafood, is not such a bad idea.  It was 22 inches of yummy-ness!!!

The pizzas are reasonably priced since they can be considered gourmet pizza.  The pizza cost about PHP 700 including tax.  Big Ben is the SPECIALTY pizza and is the most expensive (PHP 636) in the menu, but I really recommend the Spicy Sardines.