"Never Odd or Even" Opens April 11 at The Pocket Universe Gallery

Photography is an ARTFORM and it really has transcended leaps and bounds from using just simple mediums as a Camera and film. I have attended an IPHONEOGRAPHY Workshop a couple of weeks back and met this wonderful artist named Sancho. PluralPunk's a musician/record producer who's worked with the likes of Sugarfree, Imago, Sandwich and Loquy. He's collaborated with some of the noted artists music industry and he's got some of his artwork to be displayed at The Pocket Universe Gallery at San Antonio Village, Makati.  It's gonna be on Wednesday April 11 at 8PM and will run until May 12, 2012.

The exhibit is entitled "Never Odd or Even" and the medium in this case is pretty unconventional.

DOGMA - I AM A GOD by PluralPunk

DR. AWKWARD by PluralPunk

These are just samples of what he could do in iPHONEOGRAPHY. Yes you heard that right, the medium he used for these two pieces is the IPHONE 4S with some minor editing done straight from the phone. Just imagine how he was able to mix and capture modern art, architectural figures and movement in these photos. Truly mind blowing if you ask me. So make sure you try and visit this one of a kind exhibit. That's Never Odd or Even, Symmetric Faux-tography by PluralPunk at The Pocket Universe Gallery from April 11 to May 12, 2012.

Opening Night will be on April 11, that's this Wednesday at 8pm. Guest performances by popular bands Loquy, Sandwich, Sundownmuse, Malay and The Joshua. There will also be some tribute performances by "Four-a U2" band with Philippine Rock legends Jett Pangan, Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and the main man himself Sancho.

For particulars please visit The Pocket Universe Gallery at the 2nd Floor of saGuijo Café + Bar, 7612 Guijo St., San Antonio Village, Makati City. 

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Please Contact +63 929 842 40 55
or email pocketuniverseart@gmail.com

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The Pocket Universe Art Collective

Good Food for a Good Week!

Part of the short trip down South of Manila was a gustatory adventure of sorts. It was so nice and cold there that we might in fact conclude that we deserve comfort food. It came in different ways and I did truly enjoy every bit of it. I guess the photos would speak for it self. It was much like a trip to the strand house.

LAING - Cooking TARO Leaves over first pressed thick coconut milk mixed with shrimp and pork.

Eating this unique Taro dish together with piping hot white rice is just divine! They say this can even get you a little sleepy than usual so it is suggested you eat this for lunch then straight to SIESTA.

SISIG - Chopped crunchy skin, innards, onions, garlic and pork on sizzling plate.

Think about the crunchy pair up with cold beer or white rice and this is the perfect thing for that. Don't think about anything healthy for now. This is one of the best things you should experience before you leave Manila.

BEEF BULALO - Beef bones boiled for hours plus BOKCHOI, Potato, Onions and corn.

If you are in cold weather and just happen to be in this place then it'll surely be a good thing to have hot beef goodness plus the meaty, awesome flavor of BULALO. This is a must because it is famous in this part of the world.

Chicken Barbecue - Marinated with Vinegar, Soy Sauce and ketchup overnight and tenderized naturally.

Cooking this slowly over fire would get those burn marks then add in a ketchup based sauce to make it even extra sweeter. This is the favorite of kid and adults alike. Of course it was the first thing to be eaten up that evening.

Steamed PLAPLA - Steamed and covered up with Banana Leaves and inserted with tomatoes, onions and a little ginger.

This lovely fish isn't too fishy and just have the right amount of saltiness. For those who would love to have something good and healthy this is a perfect fit! You can pair this up with rice just like we all do.

LECHE FLAN - Egg yolks, sugar, milk and caramel. This ends your meal.

Dessert doesn't come sweeter than this particular concoction of Egg Yolk, Sugar, Evaporated Milk and Caramel. This gets steamed until the top part becomes firm then flipped over so the caramel oozes down for all the right things. I just love it; we had to ask for seconds. Nothing was left of this to take home.

I love this weekend! I love comfort food!

A Life Changing Afternoon & Experience in Tagaytay

Last Sunday was great! 

I always had a soft spot for kids and a lot of people kinda know that. Although being a non practicing Catholic that I am it was always hard for me to show how much I love my faith and the one above. I guess I spoke too soon when I received a call early morning from Bernard Umali inviting me to go to Tagaytay. I said YES right away not knowing where we were going to. I guess in the back of my mind it was a short time away from the hustle and the bustle of the city. It was literally in the car already that I came to realize that we were going to a orphanage down South. I had hesitations going to places like these because I get traumatized leaving crying kids, but I had a feeling this one was different. Much different.

The land area was big but it didn't have enough structures on it. I didn't see anybody open the gate or see us when we arrived. I asked "Where are the kids?!"... I found out the reason why later on.

When we got there some of the kids were still sleeping. Probably because it was still Siesta Time and or the kids really were not up yet from their regular sleep. Sister Yoly Primaleon warmly greeted us when we arrived at the activity area. I think this is where they usually hold their classes/catechism activities inside the orphanage. When the kids approached us, every single one of them held our hands immediately and greeted us with "Pagmamano" a gesture I seldom see kids do nowadays in the city. That really touched me in so many ways, I was in for more. 

Small hands, feet, and a very happy demeanor inside the orphanage.

I saw the kids smiling at me. Smiling at us. It was something money couldn't buy. I felt so good while I was there but at the same time quite worried about the things that I saw. Aside from Sister Yoly, there weren't enough people around. Maybe one or two other Nuns plus a few of the more older kids helping a bit. I learned from her later on that the house currently has 30 kids and babies on their care. That only means one thing, they are undermanned. It's 6 people handling 30 kids, some of them are babies that are only a few months old. Imagine how hard it is to do this 24/7. Funding also this entire household would take a lot. There are generous individuals plus the facility they have for retreats that's funding their operations; but I know that's not enough. For those who would like to lend a hand do a good deed now and help these kids, please contact the number provided below or call Sister Yoly directly via 7883233. I hope this little article could help spread the word.

We got to distribute stuff like toys and clothes that some of our co bloggers donated during the last Saranggola Blog Awards. They also were given food courtesy of the generous people at DMCI and Bernard Umali.

The kids were quite a happy bunch. Bernard Umali got us all to sit down and interact with the kids. Early that afternoon none of the kids stuck with me because I probably was too big of a guy =) When Bernard started the story telling session, the kids listened quite profusely. They also did some of the actions/sound element of the story so it was very nice to see that. Then some of the kids started to come near me, just imagine while I was carrying a baby there were a total of 4 who wanted to sit on my lap altogether whilst listening to Bernard. If you saw us, it was just heartwarming... it really made my heart melt to see they were that excited for attention. They were that happy to give us hugs too.

It was a good thing they didn't get these kids be exploited by politicians or other individuals because they limit people taking their photos. I did the right thing blurring their faces on my site because they are minors after all.

I really felt that each small thing we did there meant quite a LOT for them because you get to feel they really wanted it... and they showed how much they really treasured it. So if you are around the area taking a vacation or just in the mood to help those who really need it please drop by their orphanage and spend time with the kids. It's the best thing to let them know that YOU care. It's also the best way of teaching them that even if they are in that situation, they are LOVED. You'll feel good you did something for these kids and your brethren.

Thank you so much to every one at the Augustinian Orphanage especially to Sister Yoly and the others for showing us around. In behalf of all the bloggers under the UBLOG group in FB, thank you for the opportunity to help you in our little way. To the bloggers and people who helped us get there, thank you so much... I learned a lot; you just don't know how much this means to me. Let's try to do this again sometime real soon!

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For more information

Please visit the Orphanage or check out their Retreat House Facilities

Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary.
Mo. Teresa Spinelli Novitiate House,
Kabangaan Road, Iruhin West,
4120, Tagaytay City.
Philippines.

or call Sister Yoly Primaleon directly via 788-3233
Tel:- 046-413-39-45
Fax:- 046-860-00-16
Celphone:- 09192658058
E mail address:- srcarmenborg@yahoo.com

SPYDER Helmets and Optics Philippines: Charging Up Your Summer!

It was one fine day when I decided to drop by a friends event in the South particularly in Fiesta Mall Alabang. I haven't been there for quite a while probably a year or more but it was high time to do it so I could check out what the buzz is about SPYDER. It's a brand carrying sun glasses, watches, motorcycle gears, helmets and accessories. For guys like me, this is staple. I needed to be there for real.

 Judah Paolo, another guy and a girl (sorry I'm a dumb-ass at remembering names) hosted the launch and they pretty much gave us a glimpse of what's in store for 2012 for SPYDER. This brand has made remarkable achievements in the Philippine market and why not, I've seen them there and without batting an eyelash; I see that they are of good quality. I chose a couple of items from the shelf and liked a few things. I'm not a motorcycle rider but I am a very much an advocate of safety. My best friend encountered an accident a couple of years ago which literally changed his life and ours. This was somehow one of the things discussed in the launch. It is very important for me personally.

 

For every purchase of SPYDER helmets you may have the option of purchasing additional accident insurance for a measly 150 Pesos. Yes you heard that right, they can cover you for 100,000 for each piece purchased. That's not event the cost of papers made for the arrangements to get one. It's like almost free if you ask me. In the Philippines, health care is so expensive and if someone throws this in with just their product in the mix, you definitely get the best of both worlds.

SPYDER Optics Line

 

The choices were very good. Their line mostly consists of heavily tinted ones since this probably is designed for our weather. If you traveled through the streets of Manila in the afternoon, you definitely need to cover up. The sweltering heat of the sun isn't too kind on your skin, more so your sensitive eyes. 

As for the styles, it is varied but they are more on the sporty side. I guess this is geared more towards the cycling market. The overall aesthetic is still modern though. The colors are impeccably chosen well. If I had to choose one to be my favorite, it would be this one here.

It's got the right amount of tint, style and color. Wish I had it really.

SPYDER Timepieces

It was a mix of classy and sporty ones. Definitely what a guy would want in an activity or just plain "dress to impress events. 

White with silver details on the outer frame and white strap to come with it. This would definitely fit me for everyday use in the office.

 SPYDER watches are built strong. Some pieces like this one even have huge metal screws on them. Quite something impressive and not bargained for in a watch, but hey they throw it in your way.

Details of the inner body of the watch also is designed well. As you can see even the color is nice!

SPYDER Helmets

For bike and motorcycle enthusiasts, it is under the law to wear helmets. This would account to around 90% of lives saved because of solely wearing it. SPYDER has got a line of heavy duty helmets both for motorbikes and manual ones. I had my picks but I probably would get you more engaged in this if I show you the nice ones from the rack. 

You can choose between designs and engineered ones for Mountain Trails, the City and Sports. It is made to last the weather and conditions in the country so if you are looking for the perfect gear, make sure you take a look at what they have to offer.

SPYDER Assist Program

President and CEO Lal of Roshan Commmercial Corporation, distributor of Spyder Helmets & Optics in the Philippines takes pride in bringing this brand into greater heights as they offer the SPYDER ASSIST PROGRAM. For 150 Pesos right after your purchase, you get the peace of mind you need because you are insured. It's definitely worth it! Make sure you avail of this before you walk out of the store.

I remember what Judah said when he asked Sir Lal about this program and the brand. He definitely cares about it and he enthusiastically wanted to help. That's why they are thinking of ways how to make it easier with Filipinos. That alone convinces me, SPYDER is the real thing.

For the people behind SPYDER Helmets & Optics and Roshan Commmercial Corporation, thank you very much for everything! Congratulations also to the winners!

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Spyder Philippines