Aside from that, I’ve also attended a number of parties and occasions that I would like to share with you guys.  I just haven’t got the time in uploading the photos to show you all.

So, sorry to keep you all waiting and thank you for your patience!  I’ll check in soon to update you all.

Advance Happy Chinese New Year!

Dancing, however, doesn’t agree with my body coordination.  In every chance I get for group dancing presentations, I go into a state of “mind-is-willing-but-body-not-cooperating” status.  As a [frustrated] musician, I know how to follow the beat.  And yes, my body feels the beat.  But to express it in dance?  I end up feeling awkward and clumsy.  Must be my figure, but seeing other people “bulkier” than me dance gracefully, proves that assumption wrong.

In my high school and college life, I’ve never gone to dances or discos.  Well… not to dance anyway, but to meet up with friends and observe.  I am always in awe of the ladies who can gyrate and writhe their bodies to the music without looking ridiculous.  Even the guys have their own dance moves that seem comfortable and easy enough.

Flash forward to the present and still the same feeling remains.  Even during our Christmas Party last December 17, no matter how I wanted to dance and “show-off” my nonexistent moves to bag a prize, my body was just plain STIFF!

An officemate of mine commented that I wasn’t into dancing and was more into basketball.  Cause she noticed me shun away during the dance showdown.  Honestly, yes!  But at least I knew how to play basketball.  Put me up against all girls in the office and I’d win hands down (not bragging) in basketball.  And she further commented  “That may be so.  But not all girls play basketball.”  In short, I ended up feeling more dejected.

I’ve always analyzed the why of my dancing inadequacy.  And in a nutshell: I couldn’t let myself LET GO.  Letting go to my inhibitions, letting go for the thrill of the moment… surrendering to the inevitable whether to be praised or ridiculed…

Until last night.

As far as dancing goes, last night was a first.  A few of my colleagues went out last night to attend a celebration/birthday party and afterwards, we went off to have our own bonding sessions.  The place we ended up going?  To a secluded disco bar: Disco Revolution (Formerly Salambat).

Joy knew the owner.  And we were just shooting off the side if we could get in for free.  And we did!  Since there was only one other group/pair as customers, we had the place to ourselves.  Joy and Leo started dancing (seeing that they were the two BETTER dancers hands-down).  I knew Joy danced pretty well, but what impressed and delighted me most was Leo’s dancing.  His moves were plain and simple but he had that charisma in him to really pull you to dance!  His dancing, although a bit sexy but didn’t seem malicious at all.  In fact, Joy, Elmer and I had a blast laughing and dancing.

Yes, I actually danced!  After a few inhibiting moments and prodding from Leo and Elmer, I started listening to the beat with my body.  Awkward at first but getting there.

Since our last night out was just our little secret, we’re looking forward to more bonding sessions.  Hopefully my dancing will improve!

Merry Christmas!

So far, my assignments has always been on the outside of the southern border – Davao del Sur.  Which was fine by me since being assigned at the farm meant being with a number of officemates as well rather than being on your own.  Lunch was free, and the ride was free.  It just gets tiring at times to wake up EARLY in the morning and travel to the office (our meeting place), and if you are one of those “lucky ones” who will be assigned livestock in the grower areas (not happened to me yet!).  But what’s one of the best things I like in being assigned at the farm?  It’s when we all finish early and we get to enjoy an early off.  Which I did last Wednesday.

I was dropped off at home and had time to rest and freshen up before enjoying what was left of the Holiday afternoon.  I had time to buy a few Kris Kringle items, and had enough time to stroll along the mall when a friend caught up with me.  Since it was time for dinner, we decided to head off to AL’S & ROBZ DINER.

Same as my previous food trip, it was Aya who introduced me to this burger joint in the city.  He had been commenting in treating himself on his birthday with the GIANT burgers of the diner (which I have yet to see).  Naturally, my interest was piqued.  So my friend and I went off towards the place and, armed only with the knowledge that it was located within the vicinity of Rizal St., took the jeepney ride heading off the Al’s & Robz.

Upon reaching the place, you would notice how it stands out among the other stores in the area.  The white picket fence and the red, white, and blue painting shouted all-American.  I even had a boo-boo when I opened the door.  Good thing their waitresses were very friendly and hospitable in opening the door for us.

Red, White, and Blue

 There were only 3 other customers aside from me and my friend so the ambiance was very relaxed.  Eager to try out their burgers, my companion and I placed our orders.  Mine was a regular 1/4 pound Onion Mushroom Cheese Burger, while my friend ordered a 1/4 pound Hawaiian Burger plus large fries and our respective drinks.  We dared not order their 1/2 nor their 1 pound burger!  Not if we still wanted to walk though.  So I’m saving trying that out on a “starve” day or share a large order with a friend or two.

While waiting, the diner offers a number of board games to pass the time away.  The place’s choice of music was right up to my ears’ satisfaction – 80’s.  I LSS-ed in one song but forgot it’s title when we left.  (Darn!  Need to get that song!)  Their wall designs and interior decoration was very fun to look at as well as I enjoyed  taking a few snaps of the place before settling for the wooden version of brain twister.

My left side panel

Aisles of Service

I think I reached Figure 11 when our meals finally arrived.  I was interested in tasting their sugarfree bun so after the traditional picture-taking of my food, I delved into my mushroom cheese burger.  The explosion of juiciness inside my mouth was reflected with the juices dripping from my burger.  One bite, and you crave for more.  This is another place that my barkada and I MUST go together again.  Plus, their fruit pies are just delish!

The Hawaiian Burger (Regular)

Onion Mushroom Cheese Burger (Regular)

Friez...

My blueberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side

In addition, 30% of their profits are used in placing computers for public school.  It’s their A Bite for a Byte Program.  How’s that for eating for a cause!

Courteous wait staff.  Check!  Ambience. Check!  Affordable and delicious food.  Check, check, check!

Need to know more about this place?  Check out this blog.  Or better yet, drop by the diner and have a taste for yourself!

Al’s & Robz Diner
Near NCCC Express
C. Bangoy St. Rizal, Davao City
Tel. No. (082) 225.5555
Mobile No. 0915.770.5985

You can also opt for their delivery option since they accept delivery orders. Perfect for your sudden cravings if you’re at work!  Hmm.. now I’m craving for a burger.  LOL.

You guys want one too? ü

Nevertheless, I’m equally – more so rather -excited!  We just planned out our exchange gifts for our upcoming Christmas Party.  As the official in-charge of the party-planning and the Kris Kringle, I’m looking forward to our day-to-day gift-giving.  I’ve prepared a list of “somethings” we are scheduled to give our “Manito/Manita” on a daily basis (except Sundays) and I can’t hardly wait to receive my bag everyday!

Our Secret Santa List of "Somethings...

I’ve already started looking for items that would fit the descriptions as scheduled, and so far, I’ve bought 5 items I’m excited to give to “Elle“.

Day 1, check... and four other days, check!

So far, I have the following:

Christmas Tree stick – something that starts with a “C” and ends with “E”

Angry bird ball – something round and blue (which I just found out it lights up when being bounced)

Rainbow Spring – something twisted and mysterious

Winnie the Pooh mirror – something shocking and cute

Fun-shaped Rubber Bands – something small and hairy

So that’s 5 things.  All the rest, I need to look for.

Can you guys give any suggestions?

After viewing the photos and checking out their Facebook page and a few other blog reviews here and there while posting of mouth-watering photos and appetizing reviews, I was determined to check it out within the week. Luckily enough, a friend of mine invited me for a meet up that night so what better way to explore a new place than to bring along a friend.

Geared with the photo of the map I took, off we went and walked along Lapu-lapu St. With my basic knowledge of the area, it wasn’t so difficult to find it. After all, it was situated almost across the house of my former classmate.

The place had less of a diner feel but more of a carenderia atmosphere that served burgers and other sidings related to burgers. But for a relatively small space, the place was full of customers. I even noticed a few college students from my school who went there. I even noticed the owner (I remember him from one of the photos I saw) who was there assisting his staff with the orders. Nice.

Let’s proceed to our orders. My friend ordered a regular burger and I was debating on having the Baconmush Burger or the Hawaiian Burger. My craving for a more “tropical” dish won so Hawaiian for me and a serving of regular fries (which I shared of course!). I think we waited for about 5 to 10 minutes before our orders arrived. While waiting for our burgers to be charcoal grilled, I noticed a few patrons who came in to pick up their orders and others patiently waited for a table to free up. With the steady flow of the crowd, I was really eager and curious with the taste of their burgers especially since their sinages say that they never freeze their patties.

Here’s the photo-ops of our orders:

Our burgers

My Hawaiian Burger

closer look

Fries anyone?

The first bite was the crucial one. And with that first bite, a gastronomic symphony started playing at the back of my mind. Delicious! The patty was just too juicy not take a moment to savor the taste in your mouth. And the burger buns were really soft and perfect for the grilled juiciness of the patty.

I don’t think I have the right words to describe the taste test I did that night. Goes to show that I need to brush up on my adjectives. LOL. But seriously, if you’re into burgers and would like to try something new, I highly recommend Gino’s Burgers. And if you want to try ginormous burgers (for free), you can join in on their eating contests every Saturday from 2 – 4PM. If you are able eat one GIANT burger in 3 minutes, you get it for free. Up for the challenge? Here’s how:

Giant Inferno Burger Challenge

How to get to Gino’s Burgers:

Yu Uy Tong Building
Lapu-lapu St. near cor. Sobrecary St.
Agdao, Davao City
Tel. No. (082) 2262659

By the way, I seem to be deviating on my usual Food Trip Fridays so I’m short-naming my post titles into “Food Trip” instead.

Happy eating everyone!

I present to you the trailers that I was able to get from YouTube.

I. Alvin and the Chipmunks 3: Chipwrecked

I’ve seen the first two movies and watching Alvin, Simon, and Theodore at it again brings back fond childhood memories.

and here’s another one…

II. Ice Age 4: Continental Drift

After watching the previous 3 movies, there’s no question in my mind if I’ll be watching this 4th installment.  It never gets boring.

And here’s a short for Ice Age 4:

III. New Year’s Eve

From the creators of Valentine’s Day, here’s another star-studded movie revolving around New Year’s Eve.

IV. Disney’s Brave

Just the color of the protagonist’s hair has gotten me really interested in this Pixar animation.

Can’t wait!

Narrator: Everything in this world, no matter how big, no matter how small is connected in ways we never expected.

Penguins: We’re bringing fluffy back…yeah!

Mumble: But there are plenty of reasons to dance.
Erik: What’s mine pa?
Mumble: The only way to find out, is to try it. Come on son. Let’s shake this world!

Ramon: I wanna know what love is!

Ramon: What’s a best friend for if he cannot bring a daddy and his boy together?

Gloria: When your daddy is in a deep hole, he has to learn to stop digging.

Erik: Fluffy don’t float.

Ramon: Okay! Here’s what we’re going to do. We count to three. Push me on two… but don’t tell me!
Penguins: One….. (they push Ramon in)
Ramon: Baby penguins – cute, but ruthless!

Ramon: The love-god is back!
Atticus: Whoa! Ignored by thousands!

Carmen: You. Me. Fat chance.
Ramon: I have a chance, and it’s fat!

Ramon: But who will love Ramon?!

Sven: If you want it, you must will it. If you will it, it will be yours.

Sven: Believe in yourself Erik. Sven believes in you.

Will: There’s only one of me in the world. I’m one in a trillion.

Will: Everything has an end. I must reach the end of the world.

Will: This is our moment Bill.
Bill:  Okay…
Will: Adapt.  Or die my friend.
Bill: Adapt?  There’s no telling what we might become!
Will:  Fine! Be a plankton for all your life.

Bill: Will, what are we looking for?
Will: That’s the adventure my friend. I don’t know.

Will: I’m moving up the food chain! I’m gonna chew on something that has a FACE!
Bill: No no no no….
Will: (latches on, chomps down) “A little…chewy.
Bill: You just nibbled on it’s butt!

Baby Penguin: Booyah!

Mumble: When things go wrong, running is not the answer.

Mumble: Okay, keep going.  But nice and slow.

Elephant Seal: Take your little furball and fluff off!
Atticus: You’ll be apologizing, or I’m gonna tear you a new nostril!

Miss Viola: Do you have a tail feather?
Boadicia: Yes, I have a tail feather!
Miss Viola: Then you shake it, my dear!

Penguin: Every obstacle is an opportunity.

Mumble: But there are a lot of dangers out there.
Viola Boadicia: Not dangers but challenges.

Will: Delusional singing. That’s the first sign of madness.

Bill: Let’s make our own swarm!
Will: We’re both males.
Bill: Let’s adopt!
Will: No.  You adopt! I adapt!
Bill: Fine!  There are many other krills in the sea.
Bill: Will?  Wait for me!

Bill: So… you want some music?
Will: Nope.
Bill: Let’s have some music!
Bill: (singing) Wake me up before you go go. ‘Coz I’m not planning on going solo. Wake me up before you go go.
Will: (groans) Would you keep it down!
Bill: I wanna hit that high…
Will: Just keep quit!
Bill: Yeah yeah!

Bill: (singing) I’m never gonna give you up. I’m never gonna let you down…

Gloria: Come on everyone.  Let’s cuddle up.

Mumble: Ramon! It’s incredible! Everybody came.
Ramon: Except for that guy who stayed behind because he had the sniffles…
(Penguin sneezes loudly in the background)
Ramon: Oh, no, he’s here.

Ramon: I hate this long distance relationship.

Ramon: You are my world.. entirely.
Carmen: Ramon, you’re beautiful!
Ramon: Only on the outside…

Will: Imagination is the second sign to madness.

Penguin: As long as we are together, we are already home.

Penguin: It’s nice to have a family.

Mumble: Come on. We’re wasting our time. There’s nothing for us here
Erik: No, Pa. This is so unfair. After what you have done, you really deserve better.
Mumble: Nothing makes sense in this world, Eric.

Bill: We all have a purpose. Yours is to change the world.

Bryan the Beachmaster: Sometimes you have to back up in order to move forward!

There are some quotes that still come to mind but I can’t remember the exact wording.  I’ll update this once I remember.  In addition, I’ve added some of the songs which I caught myself bouncing into.  Thanks to iMovie for uploading these tunes in your channel:

The Intro Medley

Papa Oom Mow Mow

Dragonstea Din Tei

Bridge of Light

Under Pressure/Rhythm Nation

Have you guys seen the movie already?  I would love to hear your thoughts.  For those who haven’t, I hope I’ve piqued your interest enough for you to watch it with your family!

Happy watching!

Trellis 'n Vines

As I understand, they have a different branch at Matina.  The branch I visited, however, was located a bit closer to home.  Quaint was the word that came to my mind upon the entrance.  There was a certain personality with the presence of a porch-style entry that seemed to beckon people into checking out the place.

Across the Table

The interior was quite intimate.  If you plan on hanging out with a couple of your closest friends or go out on a date, this would be a perfect setting for that.

Menu anyone?

I had fun browsing over their menu.  If you didn’t have a specific order in mind, you’d be overwhelmed with their choices from appetizers to salads, soups, main dishes (your selection of pork, chicken, seafoods, and beef).

Baby Back Ribs

Being keen on trying the specialty of the house, I gave in to the waitress’s suggestion in ordering their Baby Back Ribs.  Glad that I brought along a friend, the ginormous serving would have smothered me and I doubt I could finish it off on my own.  For a reasonable price, one serving would already be enough for 3 persons.  Just order extra rice.

Their ribs had a certain “wine-y” flavor (or perhaps it was the sauce) that I can’t find the exact words to describe it.  Nonetheless, it was delicious!  Maybe next time I’ll be able to get there earlier than just less than an hour from their closing time.

Anyway, for more information about Trellis ‘N Vines, you can you view their website here and you can also visit their Facebook page here.

For a bird’s eye view of their location:

View Larger Map

After dinner, I decided to take a relatively long walk home from Trellis.  The general area alongside F. Torres St. was thriving with people.  In addition, micro restaurant business were slowly paving their way in establishing themselves along the vicinity.  So another stopover I made was to try out BANANA BERRY.

Signage

 Banana Berry is situated outside Bigby’s along Metro LifesStyle Center F. Torres St.  BB offers a wide variety of cold and hot drinks and blends, pastries, and Yogurt!  Still have to clarify though if they’re open 24 hours.

Banana Berry Counter

I opted to try out their yogurt since I was still full from dinner.

My mixberry yogurt

It was the first time I tasted flavored yogurt that you could still taste the pulp of your chosen flavor.  Quite different from what I’ve been used to tasting.  But delicious yogurt nonetheless.  I’m looking forward to hanging out here some time soon to really feel the whole place al fresco.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Also known as Journey to the Mysterious Island.  It’s the sequel of the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth.  I wasn’t able to watch the first movie fully but this one looks interesting.

Snow White & The Huntsman

Coming from the producer of Alice in Wonderland Joe Roth, here’s a different version of Snow White that will be gracing the silver screen

And…

Immortals

I’m a fan of Greek mythology.  So I’m pretty much looking forward in watching this one.