Between Bites

Posts Tagged ‘Greenhills’

Flapjacks -Greenhills

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Price Range: PHP 150-250

Operating Hours:

06:00 AM – 11:00 PM          Sunday – Thursday

06:00 AM – 01:00 AM         Friday – Saturday

 

Flapjacks Greenhills is the new ray of sunshine in Greenhills Theater mall.  With its bright colors and welcoming interiors, people are drawn to take a crack at their dishes.  Thursday night was the scheduled dinner with the girls.  Since we arrived 30minutes earlier, we had time to go around first.  I went to Info Max for a long overdue purchase of a Lowe Pro lens case I can conveniently attach to my small Lowe Pro camera bag.  I had a blue case in mind similar to Ronald’s case, which is slimmer but they don’t have it so I checked their black Lowe Pro cases instead.  After much mulling, I picked my choice, a small black Lowe Pro case (PHP1,700 with PHP200 discount) for my 50mm extra lens.  I still held off on buying though and decided to go back next week.  I have such big control of shopping urges now that even for stuff I need I hesitate greatly.

 

We arrived first then Sab, Didi and soon after, Fran and Paul followed.  Checking Flapjacks menu, I was surprised to see that it’s so limiting.  There are about 9 choices from their breakfast list while only 6 lunch and dinner specials.  It says though that these specials are “feature of the month,” which can mean that they are still toying with their offerings checking what people like, otherwise they really change their menu every month.  What I highly appreciate is that all prices are inclusive of tax already. 

 

Sab tried their country fried steak (PHP 205) that Bubba was eyeing earlier.  Didi ordered a rack of pancakes and banana (PHP125) while Fran and Paul ordered open-faced tuna melt sandwich (PHP165) and the ultimate breakfast (PHP195).  Between Bubba and I, we ordered open-faced tuna melt sandwich (PHP165), Omelette with everything in (PHP195) and Local Favorite spicy beef tapa (PHP185). 

 

On the Table:

 

Open-faced Tuna Melt PHP165

Big chunks of tuna on 2 sandwich slices bridged together with a slice of melted Cheddar cheese.  Bubba really enjoyed the big chunks of tuna and reminded him of his mom’s home cooked version.  I on the other hand am not a fan of chunky tuna. I had a few bites and it was okay.

 

 

Omelette PHP195

I miss it since I love anything with eggs.  I haven’t eaten anything with egg for quite some time only due to diet constrictions.  Flapjacks Omelette had bell peppers, country sausage, ham, bacon, onion, tomato, mushroom, cheese but you can mix and match depending on your preference.  It was served with 2 toasts.  The dish did not disappoint and I could’ve finished the whole plate if the “incident” did not happen.

 

Bubba was on to his last tuna melt slice with the cheese slice still intact when suddenly while slicing the bread, dropped the whole plate on his lap and the food on the floor.  Instinctively, I felt so sorry for him coz I know his last “perfect” bite consisted mostly the cheddar cheese, but I gave out fits of laughter, that prompted Didi to laugh too.

 

Since I felt the lost of the “perfect” last bite, I set aside for Bubba my perfect last bite of omelette.  It still had a big cheese part on top.

 

Sweet and Spicy Beef Tapa PHP185

I started on the plate but let Bubba finished half of it since he only finished half of his first plate.  I like the sweetness and spiciness of the beef tapa.  It wasn’t tough too and didn’t have that much fat in it.

 

Because of the incident, Sab shared her FIC incident too.  It was really cute and super funny.  Fran gave us issues of our respective favorite magazines (thanks Fran!).  Although the food was limiting, the conversations over dinner weren’t and I really enjoyed the evening with the ladies.   Flapjacks is located in G/F Theatre Mall, Greenhills.  For inquiries, call 5840638/39.

 

Flapjacks Album 

Related Post:

 

Flapjacks the Newest…

Flapjacks by Sab

 

Sunday Morning, Krispy Kreme and California Pizza Kitchen

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

 

Sunday morning, Bubba, Tabs (Joyce my cutesy sister) and I drove to Fort to walk Chili, Jam’s beloved dog.  We played catch at the same vacant spot where we played Frisbee before.  It started to drizzle so we transferred to Bonifacio High Street.  When we got there, the drizzle stopped.  Since the two are heavy lumbers, I was the one who ran with Chili.  We kept running and running until she had enough exercise (although Chili is a she, I was referring to myself). 

 

Krispy Kreme was our stop for our morning breakfast.  Sweet sugar loaded doughnuts early in the morning and steaming hot chocolate –that’s what you call power breakfast?  So powerful that 2 seconds into the rush, Bubba had sugar crash.  We ordered the usual of original glazed and Bubba’s favorite Hershey’s treats while we also tried the new Reese peanut butter doughnuts.  I am a total Reese girl, but the peanut butter taste was a bit milder than expected.

 

Around lunchtime we headed over to CPK Greenhills branch.  I got a Chicken Adobo Pizza coupon from Blog Bank that I decided to use that day.

 

On the Table:

 

Spinach Artichoke Dip PHP 625

Spinach and Artichoke dip served hot with blue and white tortilla chips.  One of the usual appetizers ordered whenever at CPK.  The chips this time around were quite smaller than what’s served in their Shangri-la branch.  This appetizer was one of our conversation pieces on the table that day.  We were trying to figure out what’s artichoke in Filipino.

 

 

Mediterranean Salad PHP 355

A chilled salad of cucumber, red onions, fresh tomatoes and greek olives.  Tossed with crisp Romaine leaves in lemon-herb vinaigrette, served on a bed of creamy hummus.  Topped with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Tzatziki sauce.  Served with 2 slices of pita bread.  This is the dish the majority agreed on that day –tug of war on portions. 

 

Goat Cheese with Roasted Peppers PHP 515

Mild goat cheese with roasted red and yellow bell peppers, grilled Japanese eggplant, Mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, Italian parsley in tomato-based pizza.  Goat cheese and roasted peppers on pizza –what can go wrong? 

 

Kung Pao Spaghetti PHP 255

A classic Kung Pao sauce with garlic, green onions, peanuts and HOT red chilies

 

Chicken Adobo Pizza

I didn’t get to try this but my sister Joanne and Bubba seemed to like it better than the goat cheese pizza.

 

Sunday Album 

Related Posts:

Definitely Amore at CPK

 

Tribute Concert for Francis M.

Sunday, October 12th, 2008

12mn, October 11, 2008.

 

Tribute concert for Francis M at Greenhills Complex.

 

Kwjan (I hope I spelled it right), Gloc 9 and Martin McFly were part of the list of performers staged to play that night as a tribute to Francis M.  Gloc-9 speech about Francis M was really touching.

 

We also spotted the ongoing Subaru contest where participants have to place a hand on their chosen spot of the car.  Last man standing stands to win the Subaru car!

 

 

 

 

Hello drummer Mon!  Next time, I will bring a tarpaulin so you can see where we are standing.  Bleet!

Weekend Album

 

 

Dita Sandico Ong, Neo Spa and Harbour Garden

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Any mid-week break is embraced in my book.  Unfortunately, it was raining all day yesterday.  The holiday was still well spent paying a short visit at Dita Sandico Ong boutique and getting a Swedish massage @ Neo Spa.

 

Backtracking a little, Tuesday evening was spent at Harbour Garden, Sofitel for the Philippine Chinese Friendship Day or at least I think that was what it was.  One presentation was really interesting with glowing lights and bouncing people.

 

We used to frequent Neo Spa at their Fort branch but this is the first time I’m trying out Neo Spa in their Wilson branch.  I dropped by last year around Christmas time to get Spa Gift Certificates to be given as Christmas gifts.  They have it on this cute square plastic packaging –really nice and it connotes peace and clarity.

 

Unfortunately, the masseuses at their Fort branch are so much better than the Greenhills branch.  Facilities are better too.  I don’t know if I’ll ever give Neo Spa greenhills branch a shot again but I’m definitely looking forward to revisiting their Fort branch at the Net One building.  You can book their couple room ahead of time for your convenience.  For Wilson spas, we also frequent Clark Hatch (now Gold’s Gym), Ahavia, and Chiva Som –being the most consistent of the three. 

 

Dita Sandico Ong is the trendy wrap artiste.  She uses banana and other indigenous plant fibers imaginatively interwoven with traditional and ethnic Filipino fabric.  Before heading to Neo Spa, I stopped by her store to check out her latest designs.  I eyed a pair of flats but CW beat me to the punch and bought it for me (thanks Bubba!).  It’s so cute! I finally have something to replace my oh-so-worn out Charles and Keith flats that I’ve been sporting around since last year.

 

I wanted to buy a neckpiece (love vintage type collars) with a flower design that doubles as a visor but I saved it for another day.  Her line is available at Wilson, Greenhills, Rustan’s Makati, EDSA Shangri-la, Alabang, and Cebu.

 

 

Holiday Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/573/08_1002-_Events_Past_2_Days

TLC from Tender Bob’s

Wednesday, July 30th, 2008

Customers don’t expect you to be perfect.
They do expect you to fix things when they go wrong.
~Donald Porter

 

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I sent an incident report to the management of Tender Bob’s last Monday.  Immediately on the same day, I received an apology from the management initiated by Tender Bob’s general manager Bambi Meer.  He personally called to inform me that they would address my concern regarding their Greenhills branch. 

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Kudos to Tender Bob’s management for a personal and speedy turn around!

   

Not So Tender at Tender Bob’s

Monday, July 28th, 2008

July 25.  After the Poohkwang show, my mom suggested to have dinner at Tender Bob’s.  I really like Tender Bob’s (Link: http://www.janedchua.com/2008/05/06/mr-t-bob/) ever since I was in college and first tried their potato skins in their foodcourt branch in Greenbelt 3 (before it was renovated).  Being a frequent customer, the attendants there befriended me.  The crew was really nice that I even brought them food once in a while –same thing I do with the counter girls from Wrapwich every time I watch a movie.  Since GB 3 renovated, I have not heard from them since.  Maybe 2 years later, Tender Bob’s opened a food court stall in Glorietta 4 and I ordered my usual favorite.  Somebody from the crew said hi.  I barely remembered the face but he told me he worked for the GB3 branch before.  The service has always been great –fast and friendly.  I can’t say the same for the consistent poor service at their Greenhills branch.

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That service at Tender Bob’s almost ruined my dinner.  Good thing I eat fast.  *Chuckles*

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Seriously, the last bad incident here was a few months ago when I asked to be transferred to a booth area once it was available.  There was an empty booth area but there was a reserved card on top of it.  My scoliosis was acting up that night and my back was in pain.  I wanted to be seated where I can rest my full back.  15 minutes later, nobody has occupied the empty booth area.  Another booth table opened up and I was waiting for them to transfer us after getting it cleaned.  They didn’t.  I had to call the attention of the wait staff.  10 minutes passed by and still they haven’t gotten back with an answer if they can transfer us.  I called their attention again and they said they couldn’t transfer me anymore because the newcomer is getting it.

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After finishing our meal, I had to call the attention of 2 wait staff who already drew my ire.  They were just waiting for me to finish what I had to say.  I had to call the attention of the manager, who wasn’t much of help either as he looked lost as to what to do.  2 months ago, my mom invited to eat here.  Bubba and I looked at each other and I shrugged.  Service was bad again.  Drinks took a while to get to us and other little strains but we overlooked it as we just enjoyed each other’s company, making fun of Joyce.

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When my mom said T-Bob’s, I was really about to say no.  But gave it another try since she was paying anyway.  I really regretted not saying no as the whole dining experience is ruined by slow, inefficient and frowning service.  Bob, the waiter, who continues to get dismal ratings from diners, still disappointed me with not getting back to us with another bowl or the drinks.  When Bubba asked him to wrap our untouched mushroom soup and potato skins, he gave a look and a curt nod that says “what an additional work for me.”  Bubba is naturally patient especially with poor customer service.  He doesn’t want to waste time being nit picky, but when I saw his face and he muttered, “wow, sorry ha.” I knew he was disappointed by Bob’s attitude.  That was the last straw for me.  When Bob gave us our bill, I had to point out to him that dining there with him around frowning at every customer makes for bad dining experience.

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I was hoping to say something like, “I’m sure you’re having a rough day as I am, but I came here today cause maybe just maybe I can get some friendly smiles from here, cause I heard service was pretty darn good here.” But I realize, I’ve never heard of any one say that T Bob’s has good service.  Tsk-tsk, that Bob guy is a poor representation of Tender Bob’s, to think that he carries the same name. 

On the Table: 

Mushroom Soup (2) PHP 100

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 Potato Skins PHP

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 Porterhouse Steak Hungry Serving PHP 270

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 Tenderloin Steak Hungry Serving PHP 270

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 3 Cheese Burger PHP 190 (?)

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I was so disappointed that I forgot to even say anything about the food.  The Porterhouse I had this time around was tender and cooked just the way I want it -Medium-well.  My mom very much enjoyed her Tenderloin steak.  Bubba finished his 3 cheese burger without even letting me have a taste. 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/522/08_0725-_Tender_Bobs_GH

The Poohkwang Show: Back by Demand

Monday, July 28th, 2008

July 25.  Two days ago, Bubba asked me to block off my Friday evening schedule.  It was supposed to be a dinner date.  I asked if I had to dress up because I don’t usually dress up for work.  740pm, Bubba finally arrives at my office.  I was surprised when I entered the Endeavor and saw my mom grinning at the backseat.  Hmm… okay, dinner was with my mom.

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Bubba told me that dinner was going to be in Makati area.  When he turned towards Greenhills, my mind started flying off to where we were actually eating.  My Makati guesses of La Tienda, Swiss Inn and Il Contro were trashed. 

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When Bubba entered the GH parking and said I should bring his jacket because it’s cold.  I suddenly sputtered, “We’re watching Poohkwang???” with much elated tone –to my mom’s muffled laughter.  Bubba of course denied.  After a few minutes though of not being able to find parking space, he confessed that we were watching and asked us to go ahead since the show starts at 8pm.  He handed me our tickets and I was shocked to see 2K on each ticket.  How expensive!!!

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Backtracking a little, I never knew of Pooh before the All About Love concert.  The night before Valentine’s Day this year, Bubba had to attend the concert of Sarah Geronimo, Eric Santos, Christian Bautista and Rachel Ann Go in the stead of his boss.  He asked me tautly if I could accompany him since he was given two tickets.  I hesitated, significantly.  Was he serious?”  It took me a while to answer.  He said, “C’mon, it’s going to be fun.  We’ve never seen their show before!  It’s something new.”

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Peddler:  Uhm, I think I’d rather go to gym than go to the concert. (I love Sarah Geronimo’s voice, but I think somebody else will appreciate that seat better than me)

Bubba:   I really have to attend this and I appreciate if you can come with me.

Peddler:  (being selfish) I don’t think I’d really enjoy.  You can ask a friend to accompany you or your mom.

Bubba:   (still exerting all efforts to change my mind) But you enjoy music lounge at Manila Hotel.    

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Since my family and I frequent the Tap Room of Manila Hotel and other hotel music lounges in the Metro ever since I was a kid, I squirmed in my seat. 

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Peddler:  That’s different and lately all I do when I go with them is sleep.

Bubba:   It’s really important that I go.Peddler:  Okay.

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So off we went and were seated at the VIP section, 5 rows from the stage.  The foursome had powerful voices and except for Christian Bautista who had a balladeer voice, the three complemented each other’s pitch.  It was fun watching their production that close.  I was impressed that Sarah does not only sing well but can actually dance well!!!  Same goes for Rachelle Ann Go who had the longest solo segment among the four.  Celebrity spotting included Maja Salvador, Piolo Pascual, Mark Bautista and Ruffa Mae Quinto who were in the same section.  I enjoyed the music and their renditions of old favorites.  I fell asleep midway of the concert.  I woke up when Bubba tugged me to look at what’s happening.  I woke up to Eric Santos’ singing “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” who approached a crying Ruffa Mae in the first row.

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Before the final number, there was an intermission act from Pooh.  That was the first time I was hearing about him.  It was a stand-up comedy act and props to the singing prowess of the four, but Pooh was the best act of the night!  I roared in laughter and fell infatuated with the funny wisdom of the guy, who claims to look like Manny Pacquiao.  He also plugged his upcoming show in June.  I could hardly wait 4 months to see Pooh’s act again, but I was anticipating it.  Come the month of May, I checked the rates of the Pooh and Pokwang event, the prices were a little expensive than what I was expecting.  I was telling my officemate about how funny I found Pooh and my plans of watching his show.  Karen went to tell me his bad experience with Pooh at ABS-CBN grounds, where the latter was being really snotty.  I was surprised to learn this because Pooh looked humble and nice.  In any case, I let June pass without seeing the show.  My tight schedule didn’t permit it too being all my weekends were fully booked.

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Going back to last Friday at the Music Museum, I really yelped when I found out that Bubba bought tickets for the show.  It was their 2nd run and a back-by-demand show.  The venue was fully packed!!  Guest celebrity was Eric Santos singing 2 numbers.  Celebrity spotting included Camille Prats and Precy Estrada.  And the night proved to be really a ball of hysterical laughter.  They had dance productions and skits and 90% of it were hilarious.

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Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/521/08_0725-_Poohkwang  

Penang Hill

Monday, July 28th, 2008

July 15.  On a Tuesday night, after running a quick errand in Greenhills, my mom treated us to a dinner at Penang Hill.  Since she already ate dinner, she only ordered dessert while Bubba and I ordered meals.  Penang Hill is the only restaurant in Promenade that I haven’t tried yet.  From the name of the restaurant, one can deduce that it offers Malaysian cuisine. 

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Penang Hill is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks, the major hill system of Penang, Malaysia. It is located six kilometers from the city centre of George Town. It stands out prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area. Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, which refers to Flagstaff Hill, the most developed peak. 

Upon examining the menu, I saw that the dishes are Singapore-Malaysian fare. 

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On the Table:

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Crispy Catfish Salad PHP 195++

Crispy catfish topped with green mango with a Thai style fish dressing.  The slight saltiness of the dish and the balancing sourness of the green mango made me finish this dish in New York minute. 

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Spicy Crablets PHP 95++

Crablets glazed in honey chili sauce.  I have only tried crablets only once before and it was one measly bite.  Something about crablets’ appearance makes me feel weird eating it.  I was feeling adventurous that night so I ordered one.  The honey chili sauce gave me that Malaysian savory flavor while the crunchiness of the crablets made for happy chewing.

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Hainanese Chicken PHP 260++

This is a dish that I really would not considering ordering since I’m an all flavor girl.  Maybe I’d order once a year but not more than that, unless I’m on a diet.  Bubba on the other hand is a fan of Hainanese chicken, so when I heard him order that, I had to look the other way to hide my frown.  This simple chicken dish was matched with a clear soup, three sauces, and chicken flavored rice.  The three sauces heightened my Hainanese experience, but the chicken meat itself satisfied Bubba already.  It didn’t stop him though from finishing the ginger sauce.

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Pisang Goreng PHP 85

You typical Asian combo dessert of vanilla ice cream and fried banana, drizzled with syrup and topped with cherry. 

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My desserts were Beard Papa’s cream puff and Hizon’s Yema Mamon.  After dinner, we watched the Mama Mia movie, where Bubba and I fell asleep.  My mom enjoyed the movie thoroughly and was still singing Abba on the way home.  Penang Hill is located at Unit 3, Promenade Greenhills.  Contact number is 7253727.  

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/515/08_0715-_Penang_Hill   

Pepper Steak, Greenhills

Tuesday, July 15th, 2008

July 3, Thursday dinner was spent at Pepper Steak.  I had the burger steak (Demi Glazed Hamburg PHP 140) while Bubba got the beef cut steak PHP185.  We ordered 2 sets of Xiao Long Pao from neighbor Su Zhou. 

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I really liked Pepper Steak.  It wasn’t too far off from Pepper Lunch and the good thing about it is I didn’t have to wait 30 minutes standing in line to get a taste of a flavorful sizzling burger meat.

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We ordered Cream Puffs for dessert.

 

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Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/497/08_0703-_Pepper_Steak_GH   

Elle Luggage

Monday, June 23rd, 2008

After my trip to Davao in 2006, I had to fly to Baguio the very next day.  Since Asian Spirit was the only airline that flies to Baguio, I had no choice.  I wasn’t really too keen on flying via Asian Spirit because I’ve heard horrible stories from some friends.  Anyhow, instead of traveling the long way by land, I opted to go by air.

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I cannot even begin to relive the experience of flying through mountains of Baguio and how fast and scary the landing was.  Anyway, I was still dazed from the flight that I didn’t notice that my luggage had a huge crack on it!  I only found out in the cab on the way to the hotel when I looked at my luggage (most cabs if not all, in Baguio, are FX so my luggage was at the back of the SUV).

 

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Upon my return to Manila, I immediately checked if my warranty covers the case.  Unfortunately it doesn’t.  I wanted to buy a replicate but it was out of stock.  I was really sad.  A few days later, I found my luggage all taped up like it was new!  I think my dad taped it or had someone tape it so I can still use it.  And I have.  I’ve been to General Santos with that luggage.  But when I was prepping to use it for Ad Congress last year, I noticed it had a larger crack and a small part on the upper portion chipped off.  Not relenting, I taped the crack part on my own with some Beach Bum stickers.  It held up during the 4-day stay in Subic.

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As I hauled the luggage out of the dark corner in my sister’s room, I noticed that it looked like it had Malaria or something.  It really looked downbeat.  I really love that luggage and couldn’t let go of it so I put more tapes and masked the cracks.  I brought it to Hong Kong.

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When we arrived Hong Kong via PAL, the left upper portion had also come off.  I was beating myself up for not checking it in as FRAGILE.  Bubba kept shaking his head and nagged about how he has asked me to change my luggage throughout last year.  I know I know I should have listened.  But the penny-pincher in me won.