phone Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Caught Bread-handed at Harina Artisan Bakery Café

May 12, 2014 by Janey

In an urban environment, quite a number of restaurants try to separate itself from the clutter. They go spending top dollar on PR agencies for their launches and mentions in the dailies or glossies. Sometimes many great finds come about through wandering aimlessly, away from the usual commercial spots – or for easier reference, checking out this wonderful website called Between Bites (ahem!). Self-indulgence aside, almost every time, the food just has to speak for itself.

Deep in White Plain’s neighborhood is a bakery-café that serves lunch, dinner and all-day breakfast menu. Inside it is airy and spacious, designed to be homey, relaxed and casual, with pale wooden display providing a gallery-like backdrop of its tasteful assortment of breads. Harina Artisan Bakery Café opened in November 2013 but the owners have been occupying the space as Monsee’s prior to Harina.

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Both brands are visible in the signage, with Harina fronting as its retail arm / café operations powered by Monsee’s, which focuses on the institutional business of supplying bread and pastries for airlines, hotels and other restaurants.

At Harina, products are created with labor of love. The baking is done the traditional way, without shortcuts and chemical additives. Without additives used, the flavors of each ingredient are fully developed.

The breads are hand rolled. Breads are baked in small batches rather than on a vast assembly line. A dedicated corner serves as their open baking area, allowing customers to see how some of their products are freshly made.

On the Table

Harina’s Bloomin’ Bread (for sharing) P320

Crusty pull-apart Italian loaf filled with basil puree and an assortment of melted cheese. Served with a dip of balsamic vinegar & extra-virgin olive oil

Initially hesitant to order this, all doubts left me when I pulled apart a piece of the bread, dipped and took a bite. It had a beautiful crusty exterior yet inside, new pillowy levels that have alternating flavors of light basil and cheese. It’s possibly the best bread you could eat on its own or repeatedly dunk in a balsamic-olive oil dip with the sweet acidity interplaying delightfully with the basil and cheese.

I could always sacrifice my low-carb diet for Harina’s Bloomin’ Bread. This round Italian pull-apart bread is nice to share with a group.

Grilled Watermelon

Outside their regular menu, Harina recently came out with a healthier menu addendum which would be perfect for those who want to lower their cholesterol level as a lifestyle choice or just fit in that skimpy bikini for a beach getaway.

It smelled wonderful, a block of watermelon have grill marks formed on its edges. Cutting into it and taking a bite of the crisp piece of watermelon saturated with sweet juice was like eating the Angus ribeye of fruits. Fortunately, it’s 92% water so my clothes still fit fine. Caramelized parts give that slightly smoky flavor, enhanced by the cheese and repressed by the minty bitterness of the arugula. The garnish of alfalfa and chopped walnuts adds speckles of taste and crunch.

This is the perfect summer dish that’s savory, light and refreshing.

Adobo Pulled Pork P265

Pulled pork adobo with fried kesong puti, lettuce and tomato on baguette

The Adobo Pulled Pork had brilliant and intense flavors broken by the mildness of the fried kesong puti, fresh crisp lettuce and sweet tomato.

Poco Deli, A Revisit

September 5, 2013 by Janey

It’s been a while since I last ate at Poco Deli but I was able to visit again sometime mid-July. Parking is still tough around this part of Kapitolyo but luckily, we were able to park right out front. I walk in the familiar dining area with the display case and counter on the right and a huge shelf of wine at the far end.

READ MORE:

Take a Poke at Poco Deli

In Crumbs: Poco Deli

Stockton Place

August 2, 2013 by Janey

Getting stuck in traffic for 2.5 hours last night is the main reason I avoid going to Makati during weekdays for the past 3 to 4 years. I made a table reservation for 4 at 8pm but my Twin and I arrived almost close to 9pm. I thought we’ll be arriving earlier at 730pm when we left my office at 6:15pm. Good thing my brother’s good friend JP was there to hold it for us.

Stockton Place has been on my hit list for the past month but I couldn’t get my schedule straight other than they’re also always full. A simple black chalkboard bearing Stockton Place serves as your mark, other than the cool white brick façade. Inside is a small dining area with the menu chalked on the large blackboards on the wall.

The outdoor patio should be lovely during balmy days. Currently they are only open for dinner service, but Stockton looks like a good place for a Sunday brunch too.

The men let me handle the ordering. I was too tired to chew over the choices so went ahead and voiced out our mission… it weighed almost 1kg.

Balboa in East Wing Shang

April 12, 2013 by Janey

Last Tuesday, I watched Croods at Powerplant Mall. The mall at Rockwell has always been a favorite mall of mine and I enjoy watching movies there. Their seats are comfortable and feel clean and well-vacuumed. It’s not overly crowded, it feels homey and easy. I’ve been watching movies there lately again. Shangri-la Plaza comes close second. And I like it due to proximity and almost the same things I like about Rockwell. I like it even better now with the addition of its newly opened East Wing.

Last night, another random invite got me watching Olympus Has Fallen in Shang Cineplex. I liked the trailer and after watching it, I loved the action-packed edge-of-your-seat movie.

This movie upped Gerard Butler’s hot-o-meter again! 🙂

If only, he wasn’t such a ladies man in real life.

Chili’s Big Mouth Burger Day on April 24, 2013

April 8, 2013 by Janey

It’s April and right around this time of the year, foodie denizens are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the much-awaited Chili’s Big Mouth Burger Day. It’s on its 6^th year and this annual event see burger lovers trooping to all the Chili’s restaurants for a mouthful of their mouthwatering grilled burgers.

Photo Source: Chili’s Facebook Fan Page

Chili’s will be announcing on their Facebook Page the big date this April.

P150 ONLY for their BURGER! 🙂

Brotzeit Opens in Manila

April 4, 2013 by Janey

“Prost!” Throughout dinner, I keep hearing and exclaiming, “Prost!” toasting to the delicious Bavarian dishes in front of us and imported quality bottles of beer clinking. Brotzeit, a German Bier Bar and Restaurant, opens at the street level of Shangri-la Plaza Mall, aiming to bring the widest selection of German Beers in Manila.

Brotzeit literally translates to bread (brot) and time (zeit), referring to a traditional Bavarian expression for small meals or snacks that is usually accompanied with fresh, pure beer. As it is in the 11 branches in 7 different markets, all beers served at Brotzeit are brewed according to the German Purity Law of 1516, 100% natural, made with pure spring water and imported from Germany.

The casual dining atmosphere is accentuated with German-inspired wooden benches and a long wooden bar counter, which makes Brotzeit an ideal restaurant for families or groups of friends.

Not being a big beer drinker, although I love its malty scent, I focus heavily on the authentic Bavarian cuisines served by Brotzeit. These dishes are perfect to be accompanied by the world famous German beers.

Gerry, or GSM as the group fondly calls him, my favorite foodie seatmate as of late, seems to thoroughly enjoy his meals with his beer. I take a more conservative route and ordered the Sanpellegrino Limonata.

Urbn Bar and Kitchen, Like You’ve Never Laid Your Lips On

April 2, 2013 by Janey

It is no secret that if I come home around 5 or 6 am during the weekend, Urbn was probably where I spent the night. Being my favorite bar these days outside Skye Lounge and Relik, Urbn is the choice watering hole of party denizens thirsty to let their hair down and have a good time.

Photo Source: Ibarra Photography / Urbn FB Page

Urbn is a pretty strong player in the club scene producing both the best cocktail and music mixes. There is always an amazing energy that fills the venue and wait staff assigned to your table is usually attentive, capable and courteous, taking away the worry of the day.

Carrying elements that total to a memorable night of music, dance and fun, it is no wonder that urbanites troop to where it’s really at.

Modern Tapas Terrific at Relik

Albeit the overflow of the social crowd past 12 midnight, what’s still under the radar is Urbn’s prowess in the kitchen during dinner time. I walk into the familiar setting, this time on a different light. The comfortable dining room is handsomely decorated and well-lighted before 10 oh-clock hits.

The main dining area is quite grand and dramatic with larger-than-life chairs surrounding the long huge table. If you’ve acquainted yourself with the Jacks, Johnnies and Joses that you order smartly in bottles at Urbn, as well as Urbn’s list of original mixed drinks, equally vibrant are their menu items and dinner dishes.

On the Table

Homemade Potato Chips

We started off with some lightly salted potato chips, crisp in texture.

Double Baked Manchego Soufflé

This lightly baked savory dish, made with egg yolks and beaten egg whites, had the right puff-up feel, even if it was turned over, which is difficult to perfect. Its airy egg-y lightness sparked with creamy yet slight sharpness of the Spanish cheese, Manchego and embellished with the crispy, almost paper thin Jamon Serrano that has that slight sweetness.

I really enjoyed this starter and the soufflé’s fluffiness specked with mild contrasts.

Calderon Cocina Tapas Y Bebidas

February 28, 2013 by Janey

I love how my little hometown is shaping up with all the new foodie joints that are opening in the area. This little area has given birth to many quaint restaurants that have actually branched out due to the success of its first store. Well, they surely have a repeat customer in me when they started especially when I get too addicted to their offerings. It’s likely that their sales invoices would have many of my names on it if I were to sign on the check each time I patronize their restaurants… I should’ve been an investor har har.

READ MORE:

Thursday Club Series: Ristras

Addicted to Ristras

Wet Your Appetite at Ristras

Different Tea Assortments to Love at Serenitea

A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

An Afternoon of Tea and Fun Photo Shoot

Balkan Express

Joyce’s 26^th Birthday at Mann Hann

A Day with Dads

Two Tuesdays ago, PTR (longtime reader and the one who introduced me to carmex and fencing –more of that on a separate post) invited me to try out a new restaurant in the Abad Santos area. Calderon is a Spanish Kitchen and Tapas Bar that serves authentic home-style Spanish food, tapas, sangrias, wine and beers inside a homely, warm-lighted interior.

Charlie’s Grind and Grill in Ortigas Ave, San Juan

August 13, 2010 by Janey

I know you’ve probably gotten whiff of the news that there’s a new Charlie’s Grind and Grill branch somewhere in Ortigas Avenue. There is!!!

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

RONAC Building,

Ortigas Avenue, San Juan.

Don’t miss out to order:

Buffalo Wings (one of my favorites!)

Black Angus Burger with Fries PHP 175

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Clam Chowder PHP 150

Panko Crusted Deep Fried Cheese Stuffed Portabello Mushroom Black Angus PHP 350

Filly Cheesesteak Hungry Size PHP 220

Fish and Chips PHP 180

Have you paid the new branch a visit? 😉

And if Charlie’s is full or if you want a new taste other than burgers, CHECK OUT B&T Mexican Kitchen which is 2 minutes away from Charlie’s.

B&T Mexican Kitchen

B&T Mexican Kitchen Chicken Mole

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

In My Restaurant List This Coming Quarter

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Take a Poke at Poco Deli

June 17, 2010 by Janey

Bubba invited out to lunch and I can only be a happy beaver to get out of the office environment and enjoy a slow lunch with him. Away from the tall buildings of Ortigas Center, we found ourselves at a small deli near Charlie’s Burger (our usual for lunch dates on weekdays).

Poco Deli, situated unassumingly along East Capitol Drive in Pasig City, has only 5-6 tables including those outside. Upon entering, you’d notice Dave’s Natural Yogurt stand near the counter, display cases of cheeses and other deli products like sausages, and wine display at the end of the dining area.

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Their menu consists of pasta, pizza and sandwiches as well as cheese boards and cold cuts of Mickey Deli’s products. Dave’s Frozen Yogurt for dessert and a list of wines are also available.

On the Table

Pomodoro PHP 155

The pasta pomodoro arrived 5-8 minutes after ordering. It had that sweet light tomato base on angel hair pasta.

Pizza Margherita PHP 280

The pizza took approx. 20-25 minutes before it arrived that Bubba and I only had a slice each before we had it wrapped.

Glass of Wine PHP 140

Pistachio Yogurt PHP 80

I’d probably do a repeat once there’s another lunch out invite, especially if I wanted to stay off the crowded areas like Charlie’s Burger (unless I’m craving for Charlie’s!).

21 East Capitol Drive,

Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Philippines

(632) 664 0519

Poco Deli Album

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Dave’s Natural Yogurt at Karl Edwards

December 7, 2009 by Janey

Dave’s Naturals gave me my first dibs of frozen yogurt.

Bubba and I did some shopping at Karl Edwards Bazaar a couple of weeks back. I remember shopping with Bubba at Karl Edwards in 2006 and it was one of those things that really bonded us –Christmas shopping for family and friends. We hit almost all bazaars in the Metro –even the one way down south –in Ayala Alabang.

We were both feeling nostalgic at Karl Edwards that Saturday afternoon.

Right after a semi-tiring but fun shopping afternoon, we had refreshments. It was my first time ever to try frozen yogurt. I’ve been invited to try fro-yos (frozen yogurts) before but haven’t found the time to do it.

Being one not to join the bandwagon, your usual unconventional rebel, I decided to finally see (after a year or so) what the fuss is all about –why there’s a sudden surge of frozen yogurt stores in the Metro.

Dave’s Natural Yogurt

Dave’s Natural Premium Frozen Yogurt uses 100% pure yogurt, organic natural vanilla, raw fruits and sugars like muscovado and coconut sugar. I had the Vanilla Bean premium fro-yo (PHP 75) and I really liked the play of sour and semi-sweet and natural flavors as it melts delicately in my tongue. The tinge of sourness from the yogurt stays a bit but the different zest is likeable.

Dave’s Natural Yogurt is also available at Salcedo Market every Saturday and Legaspi Market every Sunday.

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1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, bazaar, Bazaar listing, best food, best yogurt, Christmas Shopping, contact details, dave's natural yogurt, frozen yogurt, Karl Edwards, Manila, Metro Manila, phone, premium, weekend, where to buy, where to get

Luxury in Food and Ambience: Cafe on the 6th and Ascott

October 12, 2009 by Janey

There is quite an intriguing appeal to the history of the hotel and the stirring events that transpired before.

Ascott with its sophisticated and strikingly modern design is one of the most luxurious of the Metro’s serviced apartments, conveniently located at the heart of the business district. Designed exclusively for international executives and their families, services and facilities are tailored to meet every guest’s need.

Image Source: Ascott.com

The two bedroom suites are spacious residences equipped with wireless Internet (WiFi), wash and dryer, fully operational kitchen (read: all the works! Microwave, coffee maker, stove, pots, fridge.)

What makes Ascott special is despite being near the mall complexes, once you are inside the hotel there is a sense of isolation –an utter peace and quiet that follows.

Café on the 6^th

The hotel’s sophistication threads to the remarkable café found on its 6^th floor. Upholstered seats, white ceiling, subdued lighting, and wood tones complete the look. There’s a buffet area at the far end of the dining room where they serve their hearty breakfast buffets.

Café on the 6^th recently released a new menu that includes dishes that tie well with the winsome ambience. Best sellers remain to be part of the menu like Kaldereta and Sinigang and Fish and Chips. Chef Dennis Edillon Jr. is in charge of the café’s kitchen.

On the Table

Artisanal Cheese Board PHP 470

Cheese selection with olives, grapes, wheat crackers/crusty bread, dried nuts and apricots and honey is a good starter. Local farm produced white chevre (I think this is the local white cheese), pecorino (this is the cheese studded with peppercorns) and blue pepato. The crisp wheat cracker subdued taste and bit of sweetness of the dried apricots complement with the saltiness of the medley of cheese

Chicken and Seafood Frites PHP 615

Lightly battered prawns, chicken fingers and red snapper, mussels and squid fried to a golden crisp, served with onion rings equally golden and appetizing, served with home made aiolo and ponzu sauce

The Ascott Salad PHP

Mesclun, fresh mango, grapes, and green apple with blue cheese dressing and scallop croutons

Full Rack Baby Back Ribs PHP 700++

I invited Chai to go with me to Ascott. This was Chai’s entrée and she devoured the whole thing all by her little self. Smoky baby back with tender meat –slightly spiced.

Certified Angus Rib Eye Steak 12oz PHP 1050

Fresh from the grill, cooked to your preferred doneness –had that charred outer layer and tender meat locked with beefy juiciness. It was served with three string beans as garnish and mashed potato with truffle oil as the siding. Perfect combination. This was my entrée and I couldn’t have picked a better choice.

Pencil in my calendar an immediate return visit. Atmosphere is secondary compared to the delicious food and scrumptious eats created in the kitchen of Café on the 6^th.

Image Source: Chai

Opulence in the décor and service, manifested in the lavish bedrooms that can be expected of a luxury hotel, is obviously felt. While in an overseas assignment, leisure vacation or relocation, indulge in the exclusive Ascott lifestyle within Makati’s prime business district.

*Thanks Spanx for the invite!

Ascott

Glorietta 4, Ayala Center,

Makati City 1225, Philippines

(632) 729 8888

enquiry.manila@the-ascott.com

32 Flavors Entry

Az Café on the 6^th Multiply Album

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Charlie’s Grind and Grill with Joyce

August 26, 2009 by Janey

Charlie’s Grind and Grill is a stone throw away from the office that that has been the perpetual excuse to have lunch breaks there. It’s always at least half full –full when we dine there.

Bubba invited out for lunch that Wednesday, which is a QC holiday (he still went to work though), and by 12nn was already at the lobby area to pick me up. I got in the car and after a few seconds of dead air, a hooded person sitting at the back surprised me that made me shriek out loud. It was my sister Joyce. Bubba went to pick her up since QC schools were also on holiday.

On the Table

Black Angus Burger with Fries (2) PHP 175

Bubba and Joyce both got a burger set each. Juicy meaty hamburger patties that make you want to come back for more –grilled to perfection. Get it with fries and you add only PHP 20. Burgers can’t get any better than this especially when priced only this much.

Clam Chowder PHP 150

I had a heavy breakfast (Read: probably almost 2 cups of rice) so I decided to get something light. Clam chowder served in a bread bowl was creamy and tasted fresh –had generous amount of clams.

Key Lime Pie PHP 200

It was too sour for my taste that I didn’t get to finish even half.

This was also the time Bubba surprised me with the Nokia N95 Soul of Manila Wireless Adventure Race Part 1 televised video! 2007, Moi was fatty fat then but yay!

Even if it was a holiday, Bubba wanted to go back to ABS to work so I brought Joyce to my office instead after lunch. She had her own space, table and desk. She was so behaved and cute!!! Karen loved her and gave her many items to tinker with.

Other stuff to try at Charlie’s (ordered in previous visits):

Panko Crusted Deep Fried Cheese Stuffed Portabello Mushroom Black Angus PHP 350

We ordered this the last time we were at Charlie’s. That’s a mouthful of a description! And indeed it was. The cheese stuffed portabello mushroom was deliciously stunning in appearance and taste. You get a bite of layering flavors and textures leaving you hankering for more. The burger’s name is a mouthful but the taste can leave you mouthwateringly speechless.

Filly Cheesesteak Hungry Size PHP 220

The white bread was topped with local sirloin meat and charged with loads of tasty caramelized onions and green bell peppers. It was as good as the Black Angus burger –it will be quite difficult to make one a favorite over the other.

Fish and Chips PHP 180

Generous serving of dory fried to a golden crisp. Add malt vinegar.

Next on my list are the Meatballs Marinara and the Pulled Pork Sandwich. I can just hear my stomach grumble in anticipation. Executive Chef Rob Goco really knows how to tickle our fancy with great food from Cyma, Ristras to Charlie’s.

And if Charlie’s is full or if you want a new taste other than burgers, CHECK OUT B&T Mexican Kitchen along Ortigas Avenue.

B&T Mexican Kitchen

B&T Mexican Kitchen Chicken Mole

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

16 East Kapitolyo Drive,

Pasig City.

(632) 635 4857

Charlie’s Album

Charlie’s Panko Crusted Portabello Album

Charlie’s Fish and Chips Album

Related Post

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

Addicted to Ristras

Bribing the Chaperon

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2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, affordable, american, area, Baranggay Kapitolyo, beef, best, best Angus steak, best blog, Black Angus, buffalo wings, Burger, burger joint, burgers, Cafe Juanita, car wash, Charlie, Charlie's, Charlie's Grind and Grill, clam chowder, contact number, counter, credit card, delivery, fish and chips, food blog, food review, fries, Good Service, Grilled, joint, location, malt vinegar, Manila, Map, meat, menu, new items, order, Panko Crusted Portabello Mushroom cheese stuffed burger, Pasig, Pasig City, Pasig number coding, pay as you order, phone, Photo, price, pricey, renovated, Restaurants, restos, self service, service, Steak, Taste Manila, Wednesday, week

Misato

July 15, 2009 by Janey

It was a rainy evening last Friday and we set out for Metrowalk because Madz invited to hang. It was supposed to be a poker night at Metro Card Club with Jody but at the last minute, he begged off. I wasn’t also up for it that much anyway. The schedule was at 9pm but traffic looked pretty bad that evening with the rain and all, that Bubba and I decided to have dinner at Metrowalk as well.

Misato was the pick of the night. It’s a Japanese restaurant parallel to Starbucks’ location at Metrowalk, which means that both are at the tip of the U-shaped area. Service was fast and pretty adequate, even the manager takes our orders.

On the Table

Freebie

Gy-Saikoro Steak PHP 365

I deliberated whether to get Beef Sukiyaki PHP 480 since the hot semi-sweet broth will temper the cold weather but decided on getting the Gy-Saikoro Steak, which is basically their version of Beef Teppanyaki. Notice that beef teppanyaki is not included in their menu but when I asked for it, the wait staff pointed to the “Entrée” section and directed my attention to Gy-Saikoro Steak.

The beef was tender to the bite but Bubba wasn’t too impressed. It was served on a sizzling plate with sautéed bean sprouts on the side. The mild sweet salty brown sauce gummed to the beef and vegetables were tasty.

Baked Salmon PHP 305

Of note is the salmon served inside a foil. It was very fresh and serving was generous. It had a mound of cheese on top of it and some onions making the baked salmon dish anything but boring.

Japanese Samurai Gohan Rice PHP 88

Japanese Gohan Rice PHP 55

We were in the middle of our dinner when we saw Eric Tang outside the window. He went to our table and asked if I was going to play at Metro. Bubba shook his head before I could so I just said, “I might” with a smile. It all depends if there is waiting time before my friends arrive. Eric and I have been chatting about Metro Card Club, rules and the crowd, the day before. Eric asked me a few more questions about Metro “rules” since it was going to be their group’s first time there.

We also saw Jayvee and Kring walk inside the restaurant and we said our hellos. It was a slow dinner as Bubba and I took our time knowing that with the heavy traffic, Madz, Pat and Eric will naturally be late. We both talked about our recent projects –but mostly I did the yapping about this project that my team and I are going to present the following week. He had some inputs and talking about work without the pressure and stress was really a breathe of fresh air.

Madz followed soon and feasted also on the baked salmon and rice. She liked the salmon as well. Not long, Patrick arrived and we all decided to transfer for drinks and meet Eric Lopez at the next venue.

Misato

G/F Metrowalk, Meralco Avenue

Ugong, Pasig City

(632) 638 7951

Misato Album

3 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, baked salmon, beef teppanyaki, cheap, contact, dinner, Eric Lopez, Eric Tang, expensive, food, food review, fresh, gohan rice, how to, Jap, japanese, Japanese fried rice, Jayvee Fernandez, July 17, Kring, list of restaurant, location, Madz Alsola, menu, metrowalk, Misato, number, Pat Velarde, phone, price, recipe, restaurant, Restaurants, resto, review, service, sushi, sushi bar, Venue, wait staff, where to eat

Red in the Face (or somewhere else)

June 4, 2009 by Janey

I just had the most embarrassing moment of my adult life. I wish I can crawl under a rock and live there.

Spent 3 hours at this poker club playing the card sport I like.

I had AdKd on the button and raised it to 120. The small blind who has been as steady as a rock called and the big blind as well.

Flop: 5s 7d 10h

Small blind is first to act and he went all in with 250

Big blind calls.

I debated against it but I had over cards and redraw of flush so I called. I thought both of them were all in.

Turn: 8d

BB bets 200.

I folded.

River: 9h

SB shows pocket of 6.

BB shows 10d and 6c.

Both of them hit the straight and split the pot.

I have another story of how my pocket of Aces got cracked too but I’m only prolonging my agony. I had a bad night at poker. I wish I can say period at this point. I wish it ended there.

Bubba rang and it was my queue to go. I played until the dealer button. I had my chips changed at the counter. The lady cashier says bye to me as well as the chip changer. I bid them farewell with a smile, which they returned in kind. Their constant congeniality makes me forget for a second my bad nights on the table.

On the way out, I say bye to a poker buddy. He looks back and says bye too and I exited.

As I was coming down the stairs, I felt my back was wet. My suspicion emerges. In the car, my phone beeps and I dread what my gut tells me…

My poker buddy sent an SMS: “It’s the time of the month huh? Ingat pauwi.”

The car was moving but I immediately got up the seat and asked Bubba to check. Even before he opened his mouth, his eyes that’s usually chinito became otherwise, which told me everything. I have to see for myself so I turn my head and see the red mark on my pants.

The red mark is as big as my hand!!! How subtle.

It looked like China’s flag was on my butt!!!

I smacked myself on the head. I cringe. Cringe. CRINGE. CRINGE. I kept cursing. And I don’t normally curse. Not even when a person gets me so angry. I cursed my recklessness. I smacked myself on the head again. “Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabe!!!,” I wailed. He had a stern look on his face. Oh no, I’m gonna hear a mouthful of why I didn’t do this or didn’t do that. He let on a mini tirade. He was mad because he felt bad for me. Perhaps, he only doesn’t want people to make fun of me.

I paused and felt like a smile was creeping around my lips. Why the hell was I about to smile, I thought to myself. I wailed again. Bubba, “you probably stained the chair.” I wailed again like a wolf howling in the cold lonely night. With my hands on my face, I kept shaking my head. I cannot believe this has happened to me. I am still shaking my head as I type this. I wish now more than ever that I were born a guy!

The place was packed to the roof because there was an ongoing tournament as well. The lady cashier, chip changer and at least 15 other people must have seen the red flag. It was as loud as an ambulance on a mission. I initially told myself that I wouldn’t care. I do not know those people anyway and they are not important to me. I am not important to them either.

Bubba told me that this is probably a sign that I should stay away from that place. It’s so much easier to convince myself to never again show my face there.

Back in the car, I stared in space for a bit then cringed again. Can one get tired of cringing? I suddenly laughed to Bubba’s bewilderment. I said I feel really embarrassed and angry… and SILLY! I am now going to be remembered for the China flag on my butt. I am now going to be the “BUTT” of the joke. Every pun intended. Such a nightmare but it was also an amusing circumstance. It just so happens that I’m the miserable victim… which probably makes it funnier.

by the way, this is not MY b*tt

Misery loves company and my thoughts were initially filled by images of Edison Chen and HK. Commercial break: I received confirmation today that bigger news are about to break loose. The news reached me last week but I was a non-believer. Somebody confirmed today that it’s true though. HK and another K involved in a sandal. Yes, a sandal video. I’m not going to put a C there even if you paid me a million dollars. You heard me right, sandal.

SIGH. There are worse scenarios than mine. And definitely, there are far more important issues than sandals. Is the administration manipulating us under our noses? Charter change is one serious topic that gets my blood boiling. But not this. I cannot be angry over this night. I find it quite funny on the contrary. I’m sure the people at the Metro Card Club did too.

At least, I gave them a good laugh. I was sick to my stomach but heck, I gave MYSELF a good laugh. That counts for something.

I really don’t know what to make of it. Saying that I do not care what those people think sounds defensive. And there’s no reason for me to be defensive. None has been offensive so far. Earnestly, a huge part of me feels embarrassed. My heart throbs at the image of them looking at my bloodied butt (and smiling secretly or laughing openly). At the other end of the spectrum however, I am tickled by what a riot the whole scenario was. It’s really interestingly hilarious to me!

There are two different feelings. Which do I pick? Of course, the one that’s easier to carry every day.

In reality, I know that I will still continue to go to work tomorrow, eat three meals a day, love the people around me, and if I want to, play poker at the same place. It doesn’t change who I am. In my book, it just adds to another interesting (or icky) story to tell. It became the catalyst that triggered this entry after all.

Image Source: Blood Stained Words

I feel so much better writing about it. Writing is always such a release.

Now, that’s about the end of it. PERIOD.

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2 Comments Filed Under: Manila Poker Tales, Writing on d' Wall Tagged With: Aces, actress, ante, Bar, beep, big blind, bleed, blind, blinds, bloodshed, camera, cameras, card, card room, cards, Cha Cha, Charter Change, Con Con, Concepcion, dealer, dealers, doctor, embarrass, embarrassing, embarrassing moment, event, female, feminine napkin, first day, France, groups, guideline, Hayden Kho, HK, house player, house players, image, Katrina Halili, KH, latest, laugh, laugh much, laughter, live, live much, Malate, Manila, Manila Poker, Maricar Reyes, metro, metro card club, Metro Manila, metrowalk, million dollars, Modess, monthly visit, napkin, new, news, offensive, Online, Paris, period, phone, Photo, pocket, Pockets, poker, Poker Room, Promo, reception, relationships, restaurant, Restaurants, rooms, rule, rules, safety, sanitary napkin, scandal, security, service, small blind, SMS, special, student, study, tales, texas hold them, text, tight, time of the month, tournament, tourney, ultra, upcoming, update, vibrant, Video, visit, whisper, Whisper with wings, young

Sandbox: My Own Little Playpen

May 7, 2009 by Janey

Recreate your playpen and get in touch with the people you’ve known since you were very young. Build your network of friends even those you’ve known since you were a toddler. It’s fast, easy and mobile.

Sandbox is a portal that brings content and services you love on the web all in one place. In Sandbox, you can create a profile and update your status for your friends to see. It’s the easiest way to get a dose of the ongoings in your family and friends’ lives. You can upload and view photos and videos, write a blog or join a forum discussion.

There are so many things to keep it interactive. You can send and receive email and open a live chat. You can download music and games or watch live specials and popular TV episodes. And you can do all this even when you’re away from your PC because Sandbox puts all this on the mobile phone. It’s a great web experience you can take with you wherever you go.

Because it’s delivered to your mobile, it can be charged to either your prepaid load or billed above your postpaid plan.

MyGroups simplifies social networking to something visual, fun, intuitive and feature-filled but straightforward.

Change your status, upload and download photos and videos, post blogs and send private messages to friends in fewer clicks than it normally takes on other social networks.

You can even create groups and your own mobile site.

Plus cool Forum discussions will keep you informed and hook you up with people interested in the same things.

And Mail makes sure you never miss out on the client’s or the boss’s urgent messages.

Image Source: RealHoBoken.com

Find all these in just one place. No need to hop from site to site to site and suffer multiple sign-ups and logins. Sign up once, login once and get rockin’ on the web.

Anyone with access to the web can visit and browse the sandbox portal and register as a user. To enjoy everything that sandbox has to offer, it is best that you register. Prior to registering, you can already browse content on Tunes, Games and Moviemania and enjoy available previews. But if you want to purchase content you like for your mobile phone or try MyGroups, check out Forums and get Mail, you’ll want to register. The single sign on automatically registers you for all services. No need to sign on separately for each of them.

Dying to find out what this is all about? Check the Sandbox website at www.mysandbox.com