I'm a Photographer, NOT a Terrorist

Taken from their website

I just chance upon this website before going to bed. And somehow, I got moved by it. In recent history, security guards almost everywhere consider people with cameras (mostly DSLR) dangerous to the point that they think of them as terrorist. I myself was not spared from being harassed by security guards when I try to take a picture of a beautiful scenery.

I have checked the two well-known forums here in the Philippines regarding this topic and both have mixed reactions, having more pros than cons. It took me a while to absorb both sides and weigh things as I ponder on each thought.

If you asked me, I don't see anything wrong taking pictures outside as long as no other people would be compromised and photographers know their limits on what and where to shoot. Its just a matter of whether getting caught or not or how you deal with the security of the premises that matters most.

You may checkout their website here and their facebook page here.

Again, I'm a Photographer, Not a Terrorist!

Real Brunch at The Real Thing Diner

A few hours after getting back home from our brunch at The Real Thing Diner, I couldn't help it but feel like a kid again.

Have you tried the Real Thing? XD

My wife somehow felt it too while she's watching endless Coca-Cola commercials for almost an hour. And my baby girl was still a baby of course XD. While taking some time organizing my thoughts, I have with me a bottle of 12oz Coke to keep me hydrated and refreshed.

After giving it some thought for the past few weeks, We went to Il Terrazo to have brunch at The Real Thing Diner after accompanying my wife somewhere in Sct. Santiago for her gown fitting. We got there at 11:00am just in time as the store opens. Once were inside, we were greeted with a nostalgic atmosphere as the restaurant was filled with Coca-Cola memorabilia. Shades of red and white were everywhere as to make customer's feel like they're back in time where everything seems to be fun and carefree. Everything here is Coca-Cola and nothing else. We were the first to enter as there were no people yet.

Owned by former Coca-Cola employee KV Golamco and singer-songwriter Noelle Cassandra, The Real Thing Diner is an American-Themed restaurant that offers dishes (most) that has a hint of Coca-Cola products in each and one of them.

But enough for the introduction, we placed our orders and wait for how it would fare in our palates. They serve mostly American-inspired dishes so I'm pretty excited what would be served.

For starters, we had two types of soup.My wife had the Royal Pumpkin Soup (99 pesos) while I had Chili Con Carne (149 pesos). This was to start exciting our respective taste buds as both soup tasted pretty good. Also, we didn't have much choice as these were the only ones available as of that time.

Royal Pumpkin Soup

Since we couldn't decide on what to order, we simply had their Wing-It Platter that includes some of their signature dishes which includes Coca-Cola Baby Back Ribs, Royal Tru-Orange Pork Chop and Spicy Sarsi Wings (699 pesos). It also comes with a free pitcher of iced tea and a platter of rice good for two to three people.

Ribs and Wings Platter

The ribs were meaty, and its coke glaze on the ribs made it more flavorful as I got a taste coke on my meat. It was also well marinated as it has this sweet savory taste with again a hint of coke. Although were not barbecue-style which is the meat falls-off-the-bones type but the sauce (coke-hinted) made the difference.

Coca-Cola Baby Back Ribs

The Spicy Sarsi Wings were an instant hit to us. Its not the usual spicy wings as the glaze of Sarsi neutralizes the spiciness of the wings. You'll get your hands dirty with its sticky caramelized sauce but I didn't matter as I simply licked it off just like licking Sarsi off your fingers. XD

Spicy Sarsi Wings

And as for the pork chop, this one has the least appeal in terms of taste. It simply tasted like your ordinary pork chop. I think they should have marinated the pork chop for a day (or two) in Royal Tru-Orange so its juices would sink in.

Royal Tru-Orange Pork Chop

And to cap-off our lunch, I had Happily Appley (99 pesos). Since my wife is already full, I had the indulgence to finish this heavenly dessert all by myself XD.

Happily Appley

That was a two-hour lunch I won't forget as we were taken back in time to enjoy Coke not just for drinking but for food as well. I'll make sure we will go back once my daughter learns how to walk so she could enjoy the food and we will try the other dishes that we were not able to order. ^_^

The week that was (September 4 - 10)

Sunday: I got up early as I was able to take Migmig out for a few minutes before taking her back to her mom. Then I got to do some errands before going to church to attend mass after my wife gave birth. Migmig was well-behaved while were in the church and after mass, we went home right away to have lunch.I was supposed to go to SM Megamall to take pictures of a cosplay event there (Otaku 2011) but I changed my mind and instead, bought a card for my wife for Thursday. I went to Robinson's Galeria to buy the card before spending quiet time at Starbucks Veranda. Though there were a number of people hanging out, I was able to compose my thoughts before going back home. I also checked-out some photography books by Tom Ang and they were really easy to understand and it doesn't cost that much. I spent probably an hour skimming through the books. Then I went to Bonchon to buy some chicken wing's to go as my wife was craving for it before going straight home. My wife enjoyed it as well as some of my in-laws.

Monday: I got up early and had myself ready as I went to Harrison Plaza to meet my mom there and get the luggage bag from her. I went home right away so I could spend some time with my wife and baby. She wanted to try Chowking's Chinese-Style Fried Chicken and I obliged. Also, I bought her halo-halo as the weather was quite warm. For the rest of the afternoon, I got to sort some of the maps and brochures that I got from attending travel fairs for the past 12 months as I put them in the bag for me to take it to San Pedro when I have the time. After taking a bath, I went out to go online for a while before going back home to spend more time with my family.

Tuesday: I got up quite late as my body wasn't cooperating with me XD. I left home at past 12:30pm and took a bus instead of taking the LRT which I got late for work. Work was quite steady as emails pour in from all regions as I was the only one manning the shift. For dinner, I brought my own packed-lunch for the first time in a while. Probably I'll try to do it as I need to save enough money for the upcoming months. After work, I went home so I could be with my family. 

Wednesday: I got up at past 8:00am and start my day right. After watching TV, I bought 2 packs of diapers for my baby and coconut juice for my wife. I left at 12:00pm and bought some food for lunch. At the same time, I had my lunch at a carinderia nearby which I really enjoyed. I took the LRT to get to the office early which I did. Even if work was quite bountiful, thank God I was able to update some of my backlogs without much distraction (as these are the reasons why my backlogs increased XD).For dinner, I had grilled liempo that I bought near our place for me to save money again. Work was quite steady as I got to watch some interesting videos on youtube before going home at 11:00pm

Thursday: Got up at around 8:00am as the weather was quite hot and humid. I was able to prepare milk for Migmig and gave it to her then her mom put her back to sleep. After watching my favorite cartoon, I went to the drugstore to buy my baby her supply of milk as her current supply is almost running out. I left home at 12:00pm and had my lunch at a carinderia nearby. I spent less than a hundred pesos for the second straight day which for me was a good sign as I could save money instead of eating at some expensive eateries in Makati. I took the bus and I got late by only 3 minutes which was just fine. Work was much abundant than the past few days as it kept me quite busy. After my shift, I went home to be with them. 

Friday: I got up at around 7:30am as it was already hot and humid for my body to take. For a change, I edited some old pictures that I took a few months back. I got to edit probably at least 30 pictures  leaving more than a thousand to go XD. After editing, I got to do some errands before leaving for work. I had lunch at the same carinderia where I ate for the past few days and I like the variety. I also bought food for my dinner for the next few hours. I took the LRT and got in the office at 2:02pm and all of a sudden, I feel a little bit ill. Coupled with coughs and colds, it was hard for me to concentrate as my body was a bit weak.But I was able to manage even with the 2 calls that I got from the US. For dinner, I had Lechon Kawali and Pinakbet which were really good. I was supposed to wash my lunch box when suddenly the door to the pantry got locked. It happened to be that the daughter of one of the boss was the one who accidentally locked the door. I left the office at past 11:30pm and got home an hour later. I tried to go online to filter my emails but I wasn't successful so I just went to sleep.

Saturday: I got up at almost 10:00am as my body felt so tired that it took me a while before I finally got up. I went online for an hour at an internet cafe near home since its connection is much faster. Then I went back home and prepared for work. I took the bus going to the office since my legs were still tired and weary.I got in the office with a few more minutes to spare. Since being a Saturday, I was hoping that There won't be much requests. But I was wrong. my boss told me to do some follow-ups to one of the users in the US which needs to be escalated. After several attempts, I was still unsuccessful in escalating it as I am having a hard time reaching the on-call tech needed. Then my colleagues from the night-shift arrived. They wanted to have a bottle or two which I obliged. I felt a bit heavy but I didn't mind because I'll be resting for the next 2 days with my family. I left the office at 11:30pm and got home an hour later. I joined them in bed so all of us could get a goodnight sleep XD.

Remembering the 9/11 Tragedy

Taken from Google

It has been ten years since one of the most devastating terrorist attacks have occurred in the US. Perhaps up to now, relatives of those who perished during that tragic day still mourns for the loss of their loved ones.

For me, this tragic event should be a lesson learned to everyone as we should be ready anytime of the day and be prepared for the unexpected. I won't make this post long as a sign of respect for those who lost their loved ones and I offer a short and simple prayer for their peace. 

Happy Grand Parents Day

Taken from Google

I couldn't recall the last time I spent my Grandparents Day with my lolo and lola back then when I was young but I know I have a lot of happy moments with them. Most holidays I remember were spent back in the province where they live at our ancestral house and every holiday was really memorable. Well most of the time back then I was really curious about my ancestors from both sides as well as their culture way back then.

Grandparents Day began in 1970, when a West Virginia housewife, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, initiated a campaign to set aside a special day each year to honor grandparents. The first Grandparents Day was proclaimed in 1973 in West Virginia by Governor Arch Moore. In the same year, Senator Jennings Randolph (D-WV) introduced a Grandparents Day resolution in the United States Senate. In 1978, US President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the celebration of Grandparents Day in September, signifying the autumn years of life. Sunday, this event is observed by millions not only in the United States but also around the world.

Since we always value our extended family like our immediate family, it is very important to give honor to them as they provide us with the wisdom, knowledge and values throughout the years. Let us give them the appropriate recognition by kissing their hand, addressing them with respect and most importantly, attend to their needs. Let us thank our grandparents for being the solid foundation of what we are now and pass it on to future generation. 

Happy Grand Parents Day!