Marquez' Travels

I have just watched "Letters to Juliet", and i love the movie. Here's the reply letter of Sophie Hall, as a secretary of Juliet, to Claire. Dear Claire, "'What' and ‘if’ are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if?'... What if?'..." "I don't know how your story ended. But if what you felt then was true love, Then it's never too late. If it was true then it why wouldn't it be true now? You need only the courage to follow your heart..." "I don't know what a love like Juliet’s feels like, a love to leave loved ones for, a love to cross oceans for, but I'd like to believe, if I ever were to feel it, That I'd have the courage to seize it.” “And, Claire, if you didn't, I hope one day that you will." --- Juliet

Chef Rob Pengson There is no doubt that the most important food of the Noche Buena is the ham. While there are a number of meat brands everyone is familiar with, there is only one that offers the best-tasting ham which not only makes the holiday special but also a cut above the rest. Introducing the Holiday Ham – the premium-cut ham. Here are three things which make this ham the best among the rest. First is that the Holiday Ham is made from one whole boneless meat from the hind leg which is the best cut of pork for hams. Hind leg ham is tastier and meatier compared to the more common shaped hams. Shaped hams are already processed and although brands would use meat from the other parts of the pork, nothing can beat the goodness found only on the hind leg of pork. Second, the Holiday Ham is a high-quality smoked ham. The net marks attests to that. Only whole-meat hams can be smoked in ham nets because if it isn’t, pieces would fall off. Lastly, Holiday Ham has no extenders. The appear...

NEWPORT CITY, Pasay - In a medieval kingdom, a lonely prince peers into a magical mirror and falls in love with a beautiful maiden from the future. As the past and the future converge, the two discover a love that transcends time, prevailing over a scheming adviser and numerous obstacles. This at a glimpse is the story of KAOS, a visual and musical spectacle unlike anything the country has ever seen. A convergence of world class talent Set to be Resorts World Manila 's first exclusive production, KAOS was conceptualized with international audiences in mind. The story, a timeless tale of love, is an engaging experience for the whole family. But what truly sets it apart is the combination of internationally acclaimed acts that it weaves seamlessly together in one show. Kaos will feature celebrated stage thespians in the leading roles. Livewire singer and theatre actor Gian Magdangal will play the valiant prince, half-Pinay Canadian Idol standout Martha Joy will take on the part o...

Last night after attending a seminar at Seameo Innotech, I met with the person that my girl and I contracted to have our house plan prepared. It is fulfilling on my part that slowly, there’s an accomplishment with respect to building our dream home. While I am particular with the details, my girl seems to be very focused on the kitchen. She always looks for the island. It won’t be a wonder if she’ll ask me to buy howard miller clocks for furnishing. But that’s still many months from now. We have to work hard and pray hard first as well. After that, we met with my office friends and have a sumptuous dinner at TGIFriday’s, Trinoma. And since TGIF is known for singing for the guest who is celebrating their birthdays, we told them that it was my girl’s birthday. Well, it is her birthday this coming Tuesday. Yes, they do sing for her and gave her a complimentary ice cream with a birthday candle on it. That great dinner was followed by a blueberry cheesecake and heaven on earth des...

Shake up the happiness. Wake it up, wake up the happiness. It’s Christmas time! Once again, the country’s one and only partner in opening up the true spirit of the holiday season, Coca-Cola , rolled down the highly anticipated Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan and the annual Araneta Center Giant Tree Lighting last November 12, 2010 at the Araneta Coliseum parking lot . The well-loved beverage brand treated guests to an experience like no other when it painted the town red and led all the festivities, keeping true to fulfilling its tradition of bringing everybody together to usher in a magical Christmas. Kicking off the day’s funfair was a grand parade led by a convoy of Coca-Cola Christmas trucks carrying two of the hottest youth icons of today and Coca-Cola ambassadors Kim Chiu and Enchong Dee with teen celebrities Empress Schuck, Joseph Marco , Matt Evans and the Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash of 2010 housemates Ivan Dorschner, James Reid, Ryan Bang, Bret Jackson, Tricia Santos, ...

I’m thinking of changing my blog’s URL. I guess the “Philippine Place” title no longer fit the contents of my blog. Moreover, I don’t want to create a blog for the different niches that I’ve been touching in my posts. But my brains just cannot help me right now on what title will fit in. Maybe my brains had already been consumed by the zombies, LOL! I still got that Plants vs Zombies fever. Having my own domain also crosses my mind. Whenever I attend blogger events, I felt somehow annoyed with the long URL that I am writing in the registration. Although it ain’t matter, I know. I know I need not to transfer the hosting of my blog just to have a new domain, but I am thinking of trying it out. Care to suggest the best web hosting that offers the cheapest price in the web? My girl once bought a domain at GoDaddy.com. Everything’s smooth and she had configured her blog that easy. But problem arose when her Yahoo account is hacked. And interestingly, the hacker onl...

Modern life is full of contradictions. Interest in natural wellness is at an all-time high – and so are stress levels. A 24/7 lifestyle and perpetual multi-tasking leads us to demand maximum return from every peso and every calorie. Yet for most urbanites, 100% health perfection is simply not realistic. Our daily trip to work exposes us to toxins and pollution; sleeplessness, convenience food and inadequate exercise are facts of modern office life. Funny then, to fight these new ills with wisdom from an old source: Mother Nature. In the days when “organic” was the rule rather than the exception, balanced health could be found as close as the family garden. Humble, homegrown malunggay kept generations of Pinoys hardy and strong, without ever setting foot in a gym. From that inspiration comes MALUNGAI LIFE OIL: an all-natural supplement that unlocks the disease-fighting powers of moringa olifera in extracted, highly concentrated oil. A product of proudly Filipino company Manila Nature’s ...

Grand Fiesta Manila 2010: The Resorts World Grand Launch The long wait is over! Witness the biggest celebration of Pinoy heritage at Resorts World Manila’s grand launch, the Grand Fiesta Manila 2010. This November, the most exciting destination in Asia will hold an extravagant unveiling that will showcase the wonders of the Philippine culture and what the first integrated tourism destination in the country has to offer. In its quest to raise the country’s profile in world-class standards, RWM’s grand launch will be a fiesta of flavors, arts, culture, and talent at its grandiose best. There’s no denying that Filipinos know how to party, and RWM is ready to show the world how Pinoys do it. Saráp – delicious, good Eating is an integral part of the Filipino culture, and RWM will prove itself as the place where the local cuisine will be at its most sumptuous. Gourmets will celebrate as RWM introduces its various dining destinations on its grand launch. RWM will whip up a spread of the most...

So what’s fun and enjoyable about fun runs? Feeling the adrenaline and endorphins coursing through your veins and running with your barkada, family and other fitness enthusiasts are two things that come to mind. The Grand Fiesta Run 2010 is near! Resorts World Manila (RWM) will bring back the “fun” in fun runs on November 28 in Newport City, and everyone’s invited to join! Prizes await winners, and participants get a shot at the amazing raffle prizes! Grand Fiesta Run 2010 also features 3K, 5K, and 10K race categories in a new route in Newport City. One of the highlights of the event is a 1K rat race that encourages runners to come in their weirdest and wildest costumes; from jazzed up office gear (minus the heels and leather shoes, of course!) to fiesta-inspired outfits. I suggest you go all out and let your creativity loose to have more chances of winning exciting prizes! The race has awards for the Best Dressed, Most Unique, Biggest Group/Company, and Wildest Costume. And to top ...

Last Saturday, my girl and I joined SM City Marilao as they unveil Santa's Factory in their Center Atrium. Actually, SM Supermalls nationwide kicks off its Joyful Christmas celebration all at the same date, November 6, 2010. We failed to witness the opening of the program. We arrived just exactly when the Christmas Chrisms Bop (SM Supermalls Christmas Jingle) is to be sung. The jingle is intended to add the Christmas spirit in music for dear shoppers that will surely give more cheers to kids and adults alike. It was then followed by the most anticipated part of the program - the opening of Santa's Factory. SM City Marilao mimic the famed house up on the North Pole where toys are made. With this Santa's Factory in the Center Atrium, shoppers can have a photo taken in Santa's favorite place in his home - by the fireplace where he makes his list. And what's Christmas without giving gifts? Remember the most precious gift that we have received? For God so loved t...

So what’s the development about my house? My would-be humble abode is STILL drawn in a piece of paper. It is not yet the time to canvass for refrigerator, gas stove, dining table, living room furniture set, and even that rustic bedroom furniture . It is simply not yet the time to have my eyes stuck on those. But nevertheless, it is slowly having improvements. My girl and I contacted someone to prepare the house plan for us. The package includes all the requirements for the PAG-IBIG housing loan. It also covers the application for Building Permit in the municipal hall. Although it is taking quite considerable amount of time in the preparation of our house plan, that’s absolutely alright with me. I, myself, am looking into details of the house plan – electrical outlets and materials for construction included. There are nights that I have to spend an hour or more looking into details. I believe I am doing the right thing for the construction of the house will be based on the pla...

Last Friday, October 22, I accompanied my girl in the awarding ceremony of Goldilocks " Pagbabago " Blog Contest. It was held at Goldilocks' Shaw Boulevard Branch. Upon arrival, we were given Decorate Your Cake (DYC) kits for us to make our own cakes. The one with the most creative cake will win a prize. I really got no idea on what to put on my cake, so here's all that I got: The lucky winner is that creative. She sliced her mamon to make it heart shaped and put on Goldilocks' new logo in it. There is also a photo booth at the event where my girl and I posed for a souvenir picture. After a couple of minutes or so, the ceremony officially started. We were then served by the Goldilocks' crew of our dinner that made me real full. We had laing , pork barbecue, sotanghon , fresh lumpia , rice, chocolates, and a cup of softdrinks . And just when I thought that it is everything that they had to offer, they served us with Almond Lychee Popz. Now, this is so...

Photo Credits: IMP Awards Before exercising my right to vote, I watched Facing the Giants first. THE STORY (from the movie's official website) From the award-winning producers of FLYWHEEL comes a new, action-packed, family-friendly drama about a high school football coach who draws up a new game plan for his team and himself. In his six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never had a winning season. Even the hope of a new season is squelched when the best player on his Shiloh Eagles decides to transfer schools. After losing their first three games of the season, the coach discovers a group of fathers are plotting to have him fired. Combined with pressures at home, Coach Taylor has lost hope in his battle against fear and failure. However, an unexpected challenge helps him find a purpose bigger than just victories. Daring to trust God to do the impossible, Coach Taylor and the Eagles discover how faith plays out on the field and off. With God, all things are possible. Here's a...

It is the sportsfest in our company this week, I joined the basketball and table tennis tourney. However, yesterday I was invited to play bowling at SM Annex Bowling Center. I am not really that good in bowling, I just love to play. We played three sets, I guess I am the lowest in the first two sets. Then my girl came to watch me. Inspired? Well, most probably because I had five straight spares. Although I could have really wanted to have a strike, but I just can't. Thanks to my girl who took a picture of me while playing.