Bistro Marinero (Intramuros)

Days before Valentine's Day, a dear friend and I decided to have dinner together somewhere in Intramuros and we both agreed to eat at Bistro Marinero. She was a classmate in one of my extracurricular classes and we hit it off right from the start because we both love to read. We even swapped books, my "The Years with Laura Diaz" for her "Oaxaca Journal".

The restaurant had beautiful interiors. It looks posh, clean, and the warm lights add to the extra sosyal feel of the place. Also impressive were the displays in glass cases of marine navigation-related items like anchor, binoculars, captain's cap, engine replica, cleats, propeller, steering wheel, etc. One's interest in maritime activities is sure to be ignited by these wonderful display, together with the big map that hangs on the wall.

We had Pasta Marinara (P150, good for 2), calamares (P105, also good for sharing), unagi sashimi (6 pcs. for 115), and a slice of blueberry cheesecake (P75). All were delicious. One can taste the tangy tomatoes in the pasta, though it is a little sweet, too. The unagi sashimi was addicting and left me wanting for more, though I had to watch how much I eat nowadays to trim down unwanted fats. The blueberry cheesecake is heavenly with just the right sweetness. Also, the texture of the cream cheese is lovely as it delightfully melts in the mouth.

Food and ambiance aside, the service was also impeccable. My countless requests for hot water were all entertained with pleasure. All these sum up to one thing: I shall return!

Life of Pi (2012)

Back in college, I often saw Yann Martel's book The Life of Pi in the library shelves but it took a long time before I finally borrowed the book, because I used to think that perhaps this is just like one of Paulo Coelho's shallow novels. I was wrong. The minute I opened the book, it was hard to put down. The language was simple, but the novel was thought-provoking. When I came to the part wherein Pi was struggling in the seas with only a Bengali tiger named Richard Parker for companion, I wondered, if this book gets to be translated to film, I would certainly love to watch it, only to see how the director will render Richard Parker.

And so Director Ang Lee is a heaven-sent genius who took on the project. The result is a stunning visual masterpiece best viewed on 3D. I initially wanted to catch it on 3D but due to my hectic schedule, weeks had passed and the film was no longer available in 3D. It was unfortunate that I got to watch only last February 2 with a very dear friend and it was just 2D. Nevertheless, I could imagine in my mind what it could have looked like in 3D. I almost cried watching the storm scene, one could really feel the rage of the seas. And Richard Parker!!! I only have praises for the CG-rendition of this "lovable" creature. The end of the movie is a tearjerker even without words. One can really feel the profound sadness that swept over Pi as he watches the tiger turn its back on him and walks into the woods.

Just last week, I had a dinner date at Bistro Marinero with a friend who works in Intramuros and we talked a little about The Life of Pi, with her promising to send me an e-book. And she did. And so, after I finish reading Fukuyama's book, I'll be back to reading Martel's. The Life of Pi is something that I would love to read over and over again. And I'm pretty sure that when I do so, flashes of film scenes would invade my mind.

Airplanes

And so I got my first airplane ride this year last Valentine's Day. There's always the feeling of excitement when one sees land from up above. It reminds me of aerial surveys I only get to read about in archaeology books. It has always been a dream to actually experience doing aerial survey, I am sure to have adrenaline rush and to have my heart pounding fast since honestly, I am a bit of an acrophobic.

There's always a peaceful feeling sweeping over one so preoccupied with many things when one sees clouds of different forms. There's always that feeling of becoming a god, who sees everything from above. There's always that feeling of lightness, as if one is finally free from gravity. And there's always that overwhelming feeling of being a bit tad lucky to be able to witness these wonderful things.

How to Love Her

An entry in my diary dated January 16, 2013 (Wed) says "I'm scared of falling in love. I'm scared of loving the wrong person. Worse, I'm scared of losing myself when in love."

Many times over, these have constantly appeared in my diaries whenever I would find myself liking someone, and it bothers me why I still am the same person I used to be, though a bit better I hope in terms of dealing with people.

Friends tell me this becomes a problem when combined with the fact that I am intimidating, or rather, boys are easily intimidated because of my strong personality and/or nerdy look. While I do admit that, I also do not hide my need for human companionship because it's what gives me strength. Because beneath the strong facade lies a sentimental heart, easily swayed, easily hurt. It's as simple as that, I am not what I appear to be, really.

And so I thought of this guide, which may be applicable to other girls as well.

How do you love her? Let me count the ways.

Amuse her. Share funny anecdotes. Make her smile. Make her laugh. Bring out her happy self. 

Astound her. Spark her interest in new things. Fuel her passion for things she is already interested in. 

Understand her. She is an enigma, her words cryptic. She is a wheel, with ever-changing moods. But do know that whatever comes out of her mouth, she seeks not to offend nor hurt anyone.

Above all, love her. And with love comes respect and trust. 

Sounds difficult, right?

There are a thousand ways more to show her you like her. Below are some simple ways:

Send her sweet messages.

Hold her hand.

Touch her cheek.

Hug her from behind, especially when she's feeling down.

Write her a poem or a love letter.

Read to her your favorite poems.

Sing to her you favorite songs.

Walk with her.

Appreciate her silence even when you're together.

Converse with her about anything under the sun and beyond.

Rest her head on your shoulder.

etcetera

January 2013

And so it's February again, with lots of backlog carried over from last month. I've been planning a lot on how to accomplish tasks to no avail due to inevitable circumstances and surprise happenings that led to another failure in achieving my goals.

On the whole though, I'm pretty happy last month, having gone out with my tourmates thrice. I know that it may be because we just got back from a week-long trip and pretty much everybody misses everybody else and it may take a while before everything settles to being normal again. "Normal" meaning each going out with his or her usual group of friends prior to joining the tour. I have experienced this a lot and so I always remind myself never ever to get attached.

2013 has got many interesting movies to watch, some of which I have been anticipating since last year. I almost fell into a sad state when I wasn't able to watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey last year and I am glad to have had watched it last month, with my tourmates. The venue was SM NE Imax Theater and I am not even a fan of SM Cinemas but at that time, only SM was showing said movie. Two days before that, I watched Les Misérables with a close girl friend and her mom, also at SM The Block.

At UPFI I watched Nacidas para sufrir, a drama comedy about an old woman who was aunt to three nieces. To help her and keep her company, the three nieces hired Purita, a saintly woman. Purita and Aunt Flora then got married just so the latter can bequeath her properties to the former. Trouble ensues when Purita's family entered the scene, leaving Aunt Flora desolate and penniless.

Also, I watched Santa Santita, a 2004 film by Laurice Guillen at the UPFI on a date with myself. When my archaeo friends invited me to go out with them to watch Hansel and Gretel I couldn't resist and found myself admiring the graphics of this movie. I just love blood and gore. Visual feast for me!!!

And speaking of self-dating, I also watched Katy the Musical alone though before that, I was with college friends touring a Thai exchange student around Malate. Katy is one energetic musical. I so love the singing and the dancing. And Isay Alvarez will become one of my fave actresses now, with her ultra commendable portrayal of vaudeville queen Katy dela Cruz. Also, I am surprised at Tirso Cruz and Epy Quizon's performance. I never thought they could do this well in theater! When I told my parents about how awed I was at Tirso Cruz's singing, they told me that he was not paired with Nora Aunor for nothing! I was like, WOW! (I'm not a Nora Aunor fan though.)

closing of Katy the Musical at CCP Little Theater

One thing I liked about January is that my sisters and I got to have our sisterly date again. We had dinner at Thai Manila along Tomas Morato. Since it was the first time we had Thai food, we were all overwhelmed by the strong flavors. Still, I think I'll love Thai food since I love spices. I hate ginger though.

Spring rolls, beef with veggies, and fried rice at Thai Manila- Tomas Morato

I also got to try out new restaurants thanks mainly to family dinner, and spontaneous invitations from college friends. Maybe it's the Heavens' way of making me busy, to distract myself from that boy who's in my mind a lot these days.

Glass ceiling of King's Chef- Lucky Chinatown

In addition, I think I am starting to run again. I'm not challenged much with brisk walking, it being part of my everyday routine already. I'm planning to put on my running shoes and experience the joy of moving the air and letting the wind blow through my hair. Running makes me feel alive. It makes me feel free. It makes me feel invulnerable.

I also started to draw again. One sleepless night I picked up the pencil and drawing book given to me by an officemate last Christmas. I picked out my Groove Adventure Rave manga and drew Elle, a dancing Elle with a look of happiness on her face.

And to end January, lines from X-Japan's "Endless Rain" keep playing inside my head:

"It's a dream, I'm in love with you (...)

The dream is over

聲にならない　

言葉を繰り返しても高すぎる　

灰色の壁は過ぎ去った日の思い出を　

夢に写すUntil I can forget your love"

Because I have grown used to him and yet I was left hanging... I should have known better.