Its no secret that I used to play golf. Dad used to make me play golf. We got started when I was 7 years old. I played for 10 years. I stopped when I was 17. Why I stopped is a long story. But I love playing golf. I love the technicality of it. The mental game. The demands for consistency. I love walking in nature the peace and quiet and the greenery. I love how every stroke is/should be a calculated and you only do battle with yourself. You are your own worst enemy. No trash talking and how you are able to talk for hours with the person you share the flight with. Very few get it. I am one of those few.

Fast forward 10 years later. I played golf in Malaysia and it brought back so many memories. I enjoyed playing with Martin, Tim, & David. I played horribly. I haven’t played like that since I started playing golf. What I was quite happy though was that form and skill was still there. I was just rusty. I could keep up with these giants. You see all of them were at least 6 feet tall. Martin and Tim were both Australian, while David was a tall Malaysian.

So yesterday, I decided to go to the driving range and work out my form. And indeed I did. I found my form with my irons. Learned how to pitch and chip, and my drive needs some work to correct a fade that comes. Anyhoooooo

I bought new shoes! (shrieks like girl!)

These Adidas adizero golf shoes were the bomb. I actually wanted something else but they looked like soccer shoes instead of golf shoes and going conservative and safe was best for the golf course.

I also dropped by the pro-shop and see how much the balls were. (yes I can hear the juvenile snickers)

It looks so sleek. Classic golf shoes look. Last time I played I was still using steel spikes. I heard they were banned now.

Now I’m excited to try these bad boys out. I have to buy some bags and find me some coupons for golf courses. Now, anybody want to play?

So I’ve been ranting about how shitty my Christmas has been lately and truth be told I am really in no mood to actually celebrate the season. But there is an upside! I got one of the things I’ve been wishing for ever since I’ve heard of it. I got an Aranez iPhone 4 case! Its so full of awesome! Since Arnold announced it and I’ve seen it on the site I’ve been dreaming of someday owning one for my iPhone. Its super stylish. Made from real kangaroo leather, I love how stylish and sleek the entire thing is. Its barely even there and the leather back adds to the elegance of the whole thing.

Its so sleek that a lot of my friends mistake that I don’t even have a case and that it just protects the back of the iPhone. Truth be told I love how it maintains the sleek shape and design of the iPhone while lending a tad bit of sophistication to the already sleek gadget. If you have an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4s you definitely must check out these Aranez case.

Additional bonus, Arnold is a Pinoy-Australian blogger who decided to start this venture! Let’s support our kababayan!

You can check out his site at http://www.mrgadget.com.au or for the cases at http://aranez.com

Here are more photos if you are still not convinced!

ALSO THEY SHIP TO THE PHILIPPINES!!!!

Yup I am a marshmallow baby. Although I may resemble like a marshmallow, (a burnt one at that) I am rather pertaining to the test wherein a group of toddlers were sat infront of a table with a huge marshmallow infront of them and asked to follow instructions. If within 5 mins they don’t eat the said marshmallow, they will be rewarded with another. This was to test the EQ and delaying gratification.

I think I failed this test.

My EQ and delaying gratification is extremely low. You put something for me infront of me and I will NOM that shit till there no more! (assuming its food!) I would have thought that as I grow older, I would learn to be more logical and delay gratification, but sadly that is not te case. The older I get the worse I become. It becomes existential turmoil when you place something that I want in front of me and tell me I have to wait.

I hate waiting.

But some people love to torture me. Case and point, Danielle. She got me 3 gifts this Christmas. I don’t know why. I’ve blogged about Danes before. And on the note where one is suppose to wish the receiver of the gifts well, she writes…

Let’s see how long I will last before ripping into the gifts. Good thing I’m flying out on Monday. Will leave some of the gifts on my desk and stop thinking about it!

Thanks Danes!

Did you know that:

• The Tagalog originally came from the delta formed by the Pasig river. Tagalog originally meant Taga-Ilog or river people
• San Agustin Church is one of the oldest Churches in Manila and is example of Baroque Architecture (if you’re into that kind of stuff)
• The walls protected us from initial invades like the Dutch and British
• Intramuros literally means Inside Walls in Latin

There are a few more facts but let me share some of the photos I took during the walk.

Confessional

I love taking in monotone. The simplicity and classic look is just awesome. I can’t wait to shoot my lubitel around for real photos. This is a combination of an LX3 and my DSLR.

I love photowalking. I will definitely be back. Carrying with me my film cameras.

I loved having Elise over. *come back again soon!* I took her to have a little bit of everything. History, Food, Culture, Alcohol, and definitely FUN. I’ll be blogging more definitely now.

On our walll we hang our memories, much like our hearts on our sleeves. We hang them on our walls to remind us of the good times, the great times. I get it. I used to hang my memories on my wall too. Until one day, the memories which brought so much joy to me just brought me pain. Funny how something that was so good before, became so painful with a quick turn or a phone call. Emotions are stupid.

I hate emotions.

Oh wait, hate is an emotion.

Crap.

I’m caught in vicious cycle with no sign of reprieve.

But for my choice lately, I have fallen in love with loafers. There was a simple elegance in wearing them screaming casual, and yet classy.

My favorite pair (because they feel fantastic and look like it as well) are my new pair from Pedro.

I’ve also recently dug up my pair of Sebago Loafers from the closet. (I thought before they were baduy because of the tri-color but now its just love) I love wearing these pair. Aside from being comfy and chic, they really do bring out the simple classy elegance when paired with some rolled up jeans.

For my everyday wear I usually use my navy blue boat shoes with white laces paired with some acid/stonewashed jeans sans the socks for that just above the ankle reveal. (Good I have white ankles!)

Just because every guy should own a pair of white loafers to compliment that sunday outfit for a sunday drive out to Tagaytay or maybe Batangas or a quick outing for a movie or date, I have my very own pair from Kartel.

From a recent escape trip to one of the malls, I stocked up on shorts from Billabong and some plaid prints of red and blue from Abercrombie and Fitch. Both will serve me well in the summer and weekends I think.

I’ve also taken the opportunity to accessorize with a Fedora. My hair was not really cut nice before  left for Singapore and since it has grown a bit doesn’t fall the way I want it to. So, to top off the look, I usually throw on a fedora for good measure. I like how it balances everything out.

I know my shopping spree has not yet come to an end. Looking to get some nice pants made. Also 3/4′s and really above the knee pants as well. Looking to get some pastel colors. Wait for my updates!

Recently, I’ve come to a realization that being too engrossed into my work is somewhat hazardous to one’s mental health. There would be days that I would eat up the tasks needed to be done as well as the tasks that should not be done are done by me. I would relish in the fact that I have accomplished a lot. But then at the end of that week I drown in misery for the thought of how tired I am and the thought of starting over the week with yet the same fervor as the previous one is daunting.

So I run. I run and I exercise. I go to the boxing gym and workout. 6 rounds of mits, 6 rounds of speedball, a few rounds of heavy bag and weaving. 160 crunches including floor workout and 3 hours later I feel wasted. Hands, arms, shoulders, back, everything feels heavy. I try to relax after but soon sleep overcomes me and I dream nothing. Sweet serenity. The peaceful quiet and stillness of slumber that comes after exhaustion.

And it is another day again.

What does my usual day consist of?

• Wake up at 7am and hop on the stationary bike for 45 mins. In order to multitask I put on a TV series, usually House, and watch. I stop once the show is over.
• By 8am I’ll be off to the kitchen whipping up some quick breakfast or might skip all together.
• By 9am I am dressed and off to work.
• After an entire day of trying to sell some intangible concept called the interwob, I relax in the notion that today may or may not have been a good day.
• By 8pm I’m usually back at the boxing gym to workout. I would do 1 hour and 30 mins of mits, weaving, speedball, heavy bags after which I lift weights and do the ab workout.
• By 11pm I am exhausted and depending if I have someone with me I would usually go either straight home or go have dinner at one of the quaint little restos peppering the San Juan/Greenhills area lately.

Some people admire my discipline and commitment to my fitness regimen. I usually just shrug it off as just another day. To date I’ve lost 20 pounds, and yet somehow I don’t see it yet. All my clothes are all sagging and I really do need to buy new pairs of jeans for everyday work since belts don’t hold them up anymore. But if it weren’t for these clothes I wouldn’t notice.

Anyhooo, I enjoy working out not because I lose weight, but rather the feeling of accomplishment I get after. I got through another day , another goal for that day and that is to workout. Period.

Hmm… I wonder what my next challenge would be?

Piolo Pascual

Piolo Pascual

Piolo

Piolo Pascual

The event was ok. It was a pretty straight forward event where they launched their new TVC as well as new main endorser. They served a buffet of different dishes utilizing Bangus or Milkfish in the recipe.

And apparently this is Piolo’s favorite dish daw. Aglia Olio w/ Century Bangus Fish Fillet

Aglia Olio w/ Milkfish

OHHHH AND I GOT A FANBOY PIC WITH COACH RIO

Coach Rio and I

Just to update everyone about my life, I’ve finally bought a new tv for my room. It sits precariously on a stand and I had to move a lot of things to make space for it. I’m also planning to have heavy curtains made to compliment the viewing experience.

40" Samsung LCD TV

So I had to re arrange my room to fit the tv and will take a better picture of it as well. I’ve also taken the leap to buy a WDTV Live box and 1TB HDD to watch Hi-Def movies c/o Richard.

WDTV Live

WD 1 TB Hdd

These babies make the tv soooo much more worth it. I’ve seen some awesome backlog movies already and so far I am happy. Next on the list is an awesome sound system. (argh… how much would that cost again!)

I’ve also decided to invest on boxing gloves already. I really enjoy the workout and am taking it seriously this time. I bought red fairtex hand wraps. (I wanted to buy a more flamboyant color but they didn’t have any and PINK was pushing it!)

Red Fairtex Hand Wraps

To match it with, I bought TWINS White Boxing gloves. I may have a problem though I think the one’s I bought were too big. I fingers hurt while I box. But when using 12oz one’s they didn’t really hurt but I felt to constrained. I might just be doing it wrong though. I have to monitor the pain level for the next few sessions. I have 2 trainers now. Junbert and Salvador. I enjoy Junbert though more since he smiles and makes jokes while we box and do mitts. I am now doing 150 crunches every session. (Yes I even amazed myself!)

Twins White Boxing Gloves

I am actually looking for ward to the next session!

Last and final update is, I just finished my stint as OIC for Nuffnang Philippines. Yes I am officially free. I will be back to selling for the time being. I enjoyed it while it lasted and am looking forward to being back to a regular employee again and selling! I learned so much and am thankful for the opportunity. I learned so much about running a business but more importantly, I learned so much about myself. I learned what it means to excel. I learned what it means to do well. That I could be way more than what I think of.

I’ve also started to pick myself back up together again. Huge thanks to the “club” for helping me find myself again.

The Club

I have been delinquent in my exercise routine of running but I promise to be back. No more stress. I survived the last 5 months. I am definitely looking forward to the next 7. I am now saving up for a trip to Malaysia in July or August. I hope I make it. After I pay Jehz, I will definitely be on a flight there!

If there is anything I learned over the past 5 months is that in life, never rest on your laurels. I took something for granted and believed in her saying forever, and life throws me a curve ball. I never wanted to excel. I just wanted to get by, and yet here I am standing at the zenith of something that could be great. I lost a bestfriend, and found a new one. I lost a good friend and gained new ones. Life is cycle and I love to live it.

First thing first, this tat was LEGENDARY. Shameless self promotion taken to a whole ‘nother.level.

www.foodiemanila.com henna tat!

The trip started out well enough with everyone arriving on time and prepared. I like hassle-free trips. They reduce the amount of stress significantly which lets you enjoy the vacay soooo much more.

Our Plane Prior to Departure

Our plane after arrival at Caticlan airport

We arrived at Caticlan Airport a little past 4pm and since we flew SEAir there was a free transfer from Caticlan towards Boracay Island. We took a coaster van c/o SEAir as well, towards the Jetty where we embarked a large bangka towards Boracay.

On the way to Boracay from Caticlan

On the boat, there was a caucasian couple beside me. During the trip, my friend Luigi and I were constantly talking about our plans for the weekend. Until finally, the lady asked me where I was from. I told her Manila. She meant, where I was originally from. I was confused. Apparently she thought I was a Fil-Canadian. She even said are you from Vancouver? I responded accordingly and cleared up the mess. I am not. She said I had the twang and really thought I was a balikbayan. (do I really?) But this was a trend for the weekend. Trust me.

We hit Boracay Island and immediately Luigi and I head for the beach. It was awesome.

Beautiful Boracay

Ok I know this wasn't taken on the day I arrived but this is such an awesome beach shot I just had to use it!

The night was epic and so was the rest of the weekend. Between the guys alone, we had so much fun, add some girls and we went crazy. We met the owner of Mint bar Brady and he was one the coolest cats I’ve met so far. At 23, he was quite something well travelled and excellent taste in music. He’s a Kiwi and New Zealand stories are freaking awesome. He also thought I was from Canada btw.

Brady's Bunch

Thanks Brady for all the shots and awesome company man! Seriously will be back and will head straight for Mint Bar.

A fight broke out next door though and it was pretty bad with bottles and shit flying and people jumping out of the 2nd floor. But the police came and took care of those hooligans.

Wait for part two of this post!!!