SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Pasay City: The unexpected "from rave to grave" Closeup Forever Summer "now or never" party.

"Tugs, tugs, tugs, tugs, tugs". Have you ever been in a bar or a rave? Well, you've probably heard this kind of beat, usually it starts like this, upbeat and you have no choice but to dance whatever steps you can do or create while eletro(nic) music is being played by the DJ(disc jockey). To tell you the truth, I'm not a party-goer or party animal, you can count on the fingers of one hand the bars I've been to. Not because I don't love it but because I don't have time, my love for music somewhat helps me to adjust whenever I go in a party, there are people who can't stay long because of the loud music or smoke all over the place or the heat. 

That was May 21 when I had chance to go in a rave (party). Luckily, I took the place of my friend's boyfriend who couldn't go due to an important occasion, voila! I got a free VIP pass. It was my first time to attend in this kind of event also to experience this "Talk of the Town" CloseUp Forever Summer Party. I have been hearing about this even before since it was not the first time this well-known brand of toothpaste held this, in fact they also held "Lovapalooza" during Valentine's Day every year before where numerous couples smooched simultaneously, isn't it sad for a single guy like me? Hahah. 

There was a bit of excitement not because of Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike but because of James Reid and Nadine Lustre( I became silent fan because of James Reid) I was hoping that my favorite local actors would go even though they were on their US concert tour. So, assumptive! Hahah.

Gates were already opened roughly 4pm but we went there very late unintentionally also because my friend was stuck in traffic jam. It was about 7pm when we reached the entrance, the very usual, scalpers were there. As I remember, entering was really strict, we were advised when we gave our tickets like no foods, bottled water and even umbrella(it could be used as deadly weapon), I was also asked "How old am I?", we filled up our names, e-mail addresses and mobile #s on a form, and then finally we got our wristbands. 

Good thing there were food trucks, we thought at first that those were also for free, you will just need to stand in the line but when we got closer to one of the food trucks, there were prices. So okay we need to pay, I said. I didn't feel hungry that time, I just let my friend eat her food. While we were seating at the food village area, I said that it was not really crowded, the fact that it was already like 8pm. I assumed that maybe it was really still early.

I honestly was not in my best rave attire, there were really lots of good-looking girls and guys, wearing from muscle tee shirts, tank tops, shorts for the guys to crop tops, high waisted shorts for the girls. Others were wearing bandanas, high cut shoes. There were party-goers you'd notice right away by looking at them their status in the society. Like hashtag(#) Richkid. There were also, you'd notice right away that they were underage by their very young looks. Like hashtag(#) Yougohomeandsleep. And a very noticeable like what you can see on this pic were selfies, selfie sticks and groupies for the benefits of instagram and facebook. #Photobombers

A very bright way to the main party area. As I also remember, bottle caps/lids were not allowed to bring with you as you enter, like you bring it there open, I was a bit hesitant at first since I didn't know the purpose of it but afterwards with further analysis, I said maybe because they would not want this to be refilled by a different liquid. I tried to keep the lid by holding it discreetly but the bouncer still saw me. 

As hour went by, we felt that it was still early to go near the stage and experience the so called "Rave" so we went out again, away from the main party area, we accidentally went to the Johnnie Walker area. The guy told us to just take a picture of us, like what you are seeing now on this image and post it on our facebook or instagram with a #LoveScotch for us to get freebie of Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 year old miniature bottle. Ending? Piece of cake!

Before we went back to the main party area, we checked if there were free drinks(alcoholic beverages) because we were told that there would be like free drinks, but in the end we still bought since we were not able to find it. It was also a bit inconvenient when we bought our drinks because we also thought at first that we could pay cash but that was the only time we knew the main purpose of our wristbands, you need to load using it at their loading stations minimum of roughly P200, so I started to have a P300 load for me to buy 3 cups of Johnnie Walker drink worth minimum of P250 plus a freebie, either a t-shirt or drawstring bag. For me, I'd really prefer to pay it in cash to speed up the transaction, there were really long queues just to buy your drink, so bad the service on this part. It was about 10pm when the party got better. So I said, we are now in the real (rave) party! We really enjoyed it, everyone was just happy with the music, people were dancing and singing, we didn't care about the heat and the sweat. Later on, we went out again to load for another P200 since I still had a balance of P50, exact for me to buy another 3 cups of drinks. The fact that Im drinking an expensive liquor it really tasted good and I was still sober. We then went back to continue the party. 

The heat was not really controllable so we went out again and seat for a while since I was also a bit dizzy. So we sat on the ground a bit far from the main party venue where there were also people seating. While seating, we were looking toward this guy doing "Poi" (like fire dancing) aside from him we were also looking toward young guys at his back, they were dancing as if there were no tomorrow and the very unusual was to see one of them with inhaler(for someone who has asthma). I asked my friend why he has that but the response was also a question for me. Why? We really didn't know the answer but we had hint that there was something inside that inhaler. 

It was like 12:30am when we went back near the stage, then a captivating fireworks lit the sky, everyone was like on "throwback new year countdown" mode. My friend that time was a bit worried because it's already 1am, she received a text from her boyfriend telling her to go home, I didn't agree with her when she said we needed to go home early since I was not yet drunk and I was really enjoying the environment. In the end, we still went home early.

It was a great rave (party) even though we didn't finish it, I wasn't able to meet someone and I didn't dance like a party animal. I'm really hoping for another one next year. But...???

It was afternoon the next day May 22 when my friend whom I was with during that event sent me a private message from Inquirer.net headlined "At least 3 dead at Pasay City Concert" then I also checked my news feed and all I saw was about what happened when we left the venue. I was totally shocked but later on my mind brought me back to what we saw in the party. I was thinking if that guy could be one of them? I was not sure, I just hope he's still alive or okay. I didn't know what to say on this, first I've never used drugs for me to feel the party vibe, great music is already enough while drinking liquor moderately. Second, this generation is really beyond my expectations, teens who would want to be man or woman right away, teens who go to this kind of rave party. It's really sad to see these. All I can say is I understand that, we already used with the saying "YOLO" (You only live once) but don't do or try things that will jeopardize us, we only live once so make it something special. Don't let your life gets wasted because of Drugs. There's no room of trying when you're already aware with the results of it from its victims. We surely learned a lot from this tragedy. My deepest condolences to those 5 people who died and to their loved ones.

Manila City: Sta. Ana's Tesoros delos Desamparados Festival Grand Procession

Viva! Viva Maria! Viva! Viva Maria! Viva! Viva! A strong, unsynchronized yet passionate cheer was heard from the devotees and parishioners of the image of Our Lady of Abandoned (Tagalog: Ina ng Walang Mag Ampon, Spanish: Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados) when we entered the gate of Sta. Ana Church. Pooshhh! And a colorful confetti welcomed us, fell slowly and freely from the ceiling to the ground. I was near the walkway to the altar when I said "Thank God! (sigh) Finally the procession is over".

Ok, you might be thinking what is this all about? It was the flowery and grand fiesta procession I attended last May 12 in Sta. Ana, one of the towns in the city of Manila. I'd say, living here is an advantage for someone who is a culture-seeker, history buff and foodie like me. Old houses, church and great eateries to food crawl. There are streets that will somewhat bring you back to the old style Manila.

Grand Fiesta Procession is one of the activities of Tesoros De Los Desamparados Festival, Santa Ana's very own festival showcasing the rich treasures of its culture and history. In the Philippines, being colonized by different countries like Spain, culture has evolved like my favorite food "menudo", we can now put it on pizza. Where majority of the population are catholic, fiesta or festival is no longer foreign and has become part of the colorful culture of the filipinos.

Viva! A cheer commonly hear during this kind of occasion means long live or "Mabuhay!" in Tagalog/Filipino. Like Brazil, a country known for their spectacular festival Carnival, Philippines has lots of festivals too that everyone will surely love. Almost like an all year round, kicks off by roughly second week of January, the Feast of the Black Nazarene (Tagalog: Pista ng Itim na Poong Nazareno) in Quiapo, Manila, Sinulog in Cebu, Ati-Atihan in Aklan, Dinagyang in Iloilo and really a lot more. May is also a month where most fiesta(s) are being held, that's why as part of it there is "Flores de Mayo" or also known as "Sagala/Santacruzan". These catholic traditions just indicate how healthy this religion is in the Philippines, many filipinos embraced it and later on became part of the culture. So let's get to know more this festival in Sta.Ana. 

A very festive atmosphere welcomed me when I went to Santa Church. Drumbeats were heard all over the place and "banderitas" were perfectly decorated. I was like 10 minutes late but since we have this "Filipino Time" where occasion like this doesn't normally starts on time I felt I still went there sharp.

Image of Our Lady of the Abandoned or Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados. The main and important image during the procession. 

The procession started early 6pm. Different marching bands from blue to red-colored uniforms led off. Batons twirled and drumbeats were heard again. #LetusbeginwithaBang

Different images were beautifully aligned and exited one at a time. There were more than 10 images I saw during the procession and all of them, by just looking at it, truly underwent a huge effort from the devotees. #Splendid

There was a stage outside the parish where the priests stayed to bless each image and a brief information was also given for the benefit of the doubts I guess, also as part of the grand fiesta procession. 

March of Faith.

"At Last! Image is finally home!" I said. Procession was over and more than 3 hours of walk was a success. Route was not that smooth due to traffic and not so spacious streets we passed. Everything was like a first time again, it was more than 10 years ago when I did my last procession, so I felt that everything was new again, I missed the part where I grab flowers after the procession from different images, this I'd say my personal belief that I should always get a remembrance and because of this occasion I was able to do it again. Ask me how many did I get? Perfect to make a bouquet. Honestly, even if I'm catholic I am not a fun of images, I always believe that my faith is beyond that but I truly respect this tradition we have. I always say that every religion we have, exists not to harm us. Traditions, beliefs and practices may be a question mark to some but as long as these help create positivity to a dying faith of a person then we'll go for it. Respect begets respect like what they say. Well, I have learned a lot from this, somehow this can help you not only spiritually, mentally but also physically, I sweat a lot as if I went to the gym, like a 1 hour stationary bike . So, I guess this is all for today, Viva! to all of us. 

Quezon City: Casa Espanol Garden Wedding

We still have like two more weeks for another month, the sixth and last month of the first half of the year, oh wait! Also the last month of the second quarter of the year, that is June. So what are we expecting for this coming month? First, goodbye dry season and hello wet season again in my country, the Philippines while in the United States, summer starts to sizzle(time to show off our hot bods). Second, on June 12 it's the celebration of the Philippine Independence(#HolidayDoublePay) also it's my sister's birthday. Third, opening of new school year. I'm sure there are a lot more, let us not forget this is also the season of "wedding here, wedding there". Have you heard the term "June Bride" before? Well, very understandable if you are single like me and will not get married soon(my special someone is still finding me?) if we don't have idea. The hell we care, right? Hahah, ok not to be so jaded because I am truly happy where I am now I still made a little research about this tradition. 

They say it started during the Roman times, when they celebrated the annual bath, people only had one chance to literally wash away their dirt yearly. Can you imagine that? It fell on the first day of June, during the festival of their God Juno and wife Jupiter, who was the goddess of marriage and childbirth. They believed that when you get married on this month, it would be a lifetime. And that's how "June Bride" was made. But now, many practically preferred May because of the weather and December because people have a lot of money due to 13th month pay I guess. Godfathers and Godmothers can give more cash to the groom and bride? Right? We like that.

Like they say, time flies so fast, like a G6 aircraft or runs like a high speed train Shinkansen. I remember we started as blockmates in college, we were classmates from 1st year until we graduated. It was four straight years, we thought at first that we would be like jailed in hell. But I guess this is one of the good things in a block section. You can build a worthy friendship. It was not a revolving doors. It was not like "bye friend, hello new friend, then bye new friend". It was a continuous process. As year went by, we discovered personality of each of us. The bad sides and the good sides. We questioned at first but latterly accepted it. We had misunderstandings during group projects, reviewed our notes together before the exam. We went inside the class together and waited outside our classroom, everyone in the group should be there because we would watch movie. Oh my, it's nice to reminisce that college life we had. It's already five years from the day we graduated in college. Everyone is now happy and proud being a working girls and guys. Unfortunately because of this we rarely meet outside to eat or watch movie. We are still friends on facebook but still we don't often chat due to busy schedules. Everyone is aware that all of us changed, physically, spiritually and financially. Like the song, "that's what friends are for" we were able to manage those changes.

Only last week that we had a chance to be together again because one of our friends got married. It was a short notice when my friend polie chatted me about this. I was not sure at first because that was my first time to attend a wedding of a friend. I didn't know what to do.But I said, she's my friend I had to go to her special day. Everything went smooth as silk after. Fast-forward, it was an inspirational wedding. From church we drove using the van rented by the bride and groom. It was a long journey to Casa Espanol. I don't usually go to quezon city, so I was not familiar with the place. 

The place is really quiet, it is located at the very inside of GreenPark Village(Quezon City)

It was very refreshing to see this kind of venue in a wedding when we entered. It was classic and very romantic garden wedding reception. Nowadays, you seldom see this especially if you are living in Manila where wedding receptions are being held mostly in a hotel. Trees and plants were abundant somehow it gave me a much nicer sensation than what I felt when we were outside. Wearing long sleeves was a bit of a challenge in the middle of hot and humid weather. I made sure to bring little towel and a spare short sleeves polo. 

           A flowery and customized entryway.

  A relaxing ambience of the wedding reception. 

Customized table. There are two different flags? Yes! We said the story of the couple is like a real koreanovela/filipino telenovela. I learned during the reception that they met in dubai when my friend polie was searching for korean foods online. It all started on instagram then they are now married. They were couple for more than a year, their relationship became deeper when they traveled different countries in Asia, from Dubai, Korea, Thailand, Macau to the Philippines. I remember the song "love moves in mysterious ways" nowadays you can never tell when, where or how will you meet your special someone. Like what I said before, you can try to find or just wait. You don't know which one would work but when you feel he/she is the right one, surely you will say first "this is it!" So be prepared, you're maybe next? 

My college closest friends. Sadly, we were not complete but we remained supportive to our friend polie on her new journey. Its nice to see that we were together again. Sometimes or most of the time your friends become your family. Let's treasure the moment.

Stolen shot of my friend polie and her husband now pilwon. 

Sun had set almost when I took this beautiful shot. Good thing, weather really cooperated that time.

My hungry tummy faded, foods were top-notch. It's a spanish cuisine, I liked the cordon bleu and pasta carbonara but what I enjoyed the most was the fondue de chocolate. How many times did I go back to eat? 4 times I guess and 7 times on the dessert.

During the wedding games, I am not sure with the term or whatchama call it? When the groom threw the garter toward the guys, last man standed was another marky, boyfie of my another friend kimi, rhyming? Who happened to be the last woman standed on the "Grab My Banana" game. Ending, another couple won the two games(because we gave way). So this was the result. Unforgettable KISS. Looking forward for new wedding? Eeee, I'm blushing. 

Okay, I knew here that I was a bit drunk, I stopped for a while so this was the effect. Going forward, it was a great experience for me to be part of my friend polie and her husband pilwon's very special day. With this occasion, we were able to meet again. There were two special happenings made possible. It became our get together, we've been friends for almost 9 years. And the union of two different souls, destined to be one officially at the very charming Casa Espanol. You're maybe planning now on your wedding, this maybe a help. Congrats and Goodluck on your new journey!

Chinatown Binondo, Manila City: Eng Bee tin Chinese Deli and Cafe Mezzanine

I guess one of the best ways to beat the heat is to go outside your house and buy ice cream. But no, my post is not about where to buy ice cream. Yet, this is also sweet and one of my favorites. Last week, I had a short visit but a very long walk in Chinatown. It was after I went to PUP(Polytechnic University of the Philippines) Sta.Mesa, Manila to process my memorabilia refund. Under the scorching sun, I rode a jeepney with a route punta-kalentong to divisoria. This is the cheapest vehicle you can use to go there. In my case, I paid only P10($.20). It was not that traffic but my main issue was the weather. It was really hot and humid. So make sure these kind of days you have to have spare shirt, towel and bottled water with you whenever you want to go outside like what I did. But it did not fully solve what I felt that time. I really craved for a very very as in super duper, to the highest level cold drink. After less than 30 minutes ride, finally my shoes already touched the ground of Divisoria. Since I took a different path that I had not taken for more than five years, I got lost. Usually, I ride jeepney with a route baclaran/pedro gil-divisoria whenever I like to go to Chinatown. It was a challenge going to Ongpin Street. I walked from Divisoria, one of the centers of commerce in Manila. There were a lot of people, this place is perfect for bargain hunters but always be vigilant for pickpockets. Then from there I passed Malls named by chinese lucky numbers, like 168, I was not sure what was the other one, I don't know if its 888 or 999 Mall. I also thought to go inside Lucky Chinatown Mall to rest for a while since it has a very well centralized aircondition. Finally, after that sweaty and smoggy walk I reached Ongpin Street. I guess this is the other way to call Chinatown Manila. Like, where is Chinatown Manila? It's in Ongpin Binondo or where is Ongpin? It's in Chinatown!

This is one of the historical places in Manila, somehow you can still see a little bit of Old Manila from the church, bridge and temples. It is also a sanctuary of gastronomic experience. Perfect for chinese food crawlers. Since I already mentioned it, yes it was a great activity to beat this heat. Food Crawl! So let me share, two of my best places to go in Chinatown Manila.

Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli. A place where purple is the luckiest color. Became household name because of their famous and mouthwatering "Ube Hopia". So far this is really for me the best hopia in town. 

With strong and high demand, the store has embraced innovation and produced different products. From just a very hit "Ube Hopia" to various flavors of Hopia like Mongo(Mung Bean), Pandan and Keso(Cheese). They also sell breads, chiffon cakes, glutinous rice cakes(Tikoy) and refreshments like milk tea. Hopia prices vary from its flavors, P40-P50($1-$1.50). While the chiffon cakes P98-P110($2-$2.50). Glutinous rice cakes(Tikoy) P170-P260($4-$6) It has really grown a lot and tailored fit their products to the needs of their buyers.

I tried various flavors like Ube/Keso(cheese) and Pandan but it didn't surpass my super favorite classic flavors of Hopia. Ube and Mongo (Mung Bean).

Truly, Eng Bee Tin is the center of oriental delicacies in the country. Located near Binondo Church. Their products can be a perfect souvenirs for both foreign and local tourists. Being one of the landmarks in Chinatown. Don't miss a chance to go here.

Cafe Mezzanine. Known to be The Fireman's Coffee Shop. Located also near Binondo Church. This is a place where you can somehow think well. I guess because that time there were no a lot of people. Small, simple yet cozy. Crews were very friendly and attentive. This is beyond chinese restaurant you can find in Chinatown, not only congee, dimsum or kung pao chicken but they also sell foods with american influence like burgers. Also foods with a touch of filipino cuisine like lechon paksiw and adobo egg.

This is not only a perfect way to eat your chinese noodles but also a way to help volunteer firemen. The main reason why there is Cafe Mezzanine. You are not only filling your hungry tummy but also motivating firemen with the help of your money continue doing their job. And that is to keep us safe from fires. 

Inside Cafe Mezzanine.

I just ordered Buko(Coconut) Shake to at least pacify the heat I felt inside me that time. The  price is right, P90($2) it was well blend. Then, Spring Tikoy(Glutinous Rice Cake) Roll, P120($3) it was a heavy dessert but the condensed milk as its sauce helped me to finish this. It took away the feeling of being full. 

So that's for today, hope I was able to give you a piece of information if you're planning to go to Chinatown. Prices here are variable, might as well check their legit sites; engbeetin.com and cafemezzanine.com. Heads up, go outside your house and discover the world.