The Big Binondo Food Wok - Rainy Edition PART 1

At last! After 2 years of planning since I saw this on the net I was able to finally get a taste of the lost city of Binondo and what else could be better than eating my way through the streets with a friend, and even better, for FREE thanks to our school publication where I write for the Features department.

We were running low on stories to feature for our August issue when the thought finally came out of my "Travel dream chest", I suggested it and surprisingly they gave the go signal but I didn't want to go alone so I grabbed my fellow feature writer Nikki who also wanted to go.

So I called Ivan Man Dy, the travel guide and co-owner (correct me if I'm mistaken) of "Old Manila Walks Travel and Tours" and asked for a weekend eating spree slot and he said yes there were available slots for 2 young college students hungry for culture and cuisine.

August 27, 2011: 6:00AM - Oh my God I said after just waking up, it was raining hard and I couldn't believe what I was seeing outside my window. I reached for my cellphone and saw Nikki's message "Is the tour going to push through, it's raining hard here" - Like clockwork I automatically called Ivan Man Dy and asked about it and he said "Rain or Shine, it'll push through" - Yeah that's right! I hope.

So at 7AM I met with Nikki at the ancient walls of Intramuros where we took the shortest Jeepney ride of our lives to Binondo Church, just across the bridge. Upon entering the old Binondo church that was built for Chinese-Catholics, I felt its serenity and history flowing into me, ah! It's been a long time since I felt the presence of peace while Nikki looks at the paintings on the ceiling.

Binondo Church, built in the 16th century still has its original stone walls. It is where the first Filipino Saint, Lorenzo Ruiz started as an altar boy.

9AM and Ivan Man Dy is on time as well as the others and I felt out of place for a moment when I saw that our other co-travelers were mostly Chinese and foreigners, some were a clan of Filipino-Italians and I would call them as Illustrados - For I am born of a simple life but don't worry, no regrets here! :)

The first stop was Eng Bee Tin and if you like the Filipino local music band "Parokya Ni Edgar", the song "Pangarap Lang Kita" was shot here. Take a look:

Above Eng Bee Tin is the Mezzanine where it is an air-conditioned room and where the mighty proud Binondo Fire Rescue is well acquainted with. The Mezzanine shows the history of Binondo's first fire fighters which is still in service today. It has a collection of the Helmets used from the start to the modern day. And we got to play with it, Cosplay in anime terms.

Nikki and I playing with the Helmets and taking photos before we eat the first meal of the day.

While we have our photos taken and goofed around (Well I did, not Nikki the more conservative one) Ivan talked about the Kiampong Rice (Salted Rice) and Bola Bola (Fishball Soup) and the Iced Coffee drink about to be served and said that so fully taste the food is that to put 1-2 tablespoonfuls of soup and put it in the rice and then push it down with the Iced Coffee.

Kiampong Rice, Bola Bola and Iced Coffee

Kiampong Rice: 9/10 - Excellent! I had 2 bowls and it is tasty!

Bola Bola : 7/10 - Good! Authentic but I'd like it if it had more flavor to it.

Iced Brewed Coffee: 5/10 - I'm a coffee drinker and I think this one's a so-so, needs more sweetness in it and I think it's better if it was Iced Tea or Hot Tea to go with the food. Coffee isn't so "Chinese" right?

But nevertheless! Eng Bee Tin-Mezzanine is a great way to start the day! Ivan also told us to go to the comfort rooms now for as we go on with the tour, the places we'd go would go smaller and literally have no restrooms especially for our group of 32!

IT ENDS HERE FOR NOW - WATCH OUT FOR PART 2 WHERE WE EAT BINONDO'S FAMED AUTHENTIC DUMPLINGS WITH COOKS STRAIGHT FROM CHINA! CHEERS!

Suqui Cafeteria - Intramuros, Manila

First of all, wow! My last post here in blogspot was August 31, 2011! That's almost 2 months from today, I want  to say sorry to you readers (If there is) for not being able to post new material here. I've been so busy with College and September-October is our "Thesis Season" and now that our Thesis is done I'm here to introduce another food stop I've recently discovered.

It's been in Intramuros for quite a while but it's only now that I was introduced to "SUQUI CAFETERIA", it was just another hungry night in the walled city when my classmates asked me to come with them to eat at SUQUI and first I thought that this was the another normal cafeteria around the area so I didn't expect much especially when they said that the food ranges an average of Php50-100 ($1-2).

So we walked, and walked and walked and finally reached this place and my golly what do you know. It's a Cafeteria with an ambiance of a European pub-Library. Yes it gives you that feeling and that's what I first thought when I entered Suqui.

The very first problem is finding a seat, the cafeteria can only accommodate 30 persons at a time and students around Intramuros flock this place for its beautiful ambiance but cheap and quality food. 

Second is trying to get the waiter's attention when the room is filled up. Suqui only has one waiter and when everyone is hungry, you might wanna take a bite from your "Patience Bar". But after you ordered the food, it usually comes quick, in a about 5-10 minutes, you have your mouth full.

The last problem is choosing what you're going to eat, I swear Suqui has a wide range of food to choose from, American, Mexican, Filipino, Italian and more! And it's affordable!

Probably this is Suqui's most interesting Side Dish I've seen so far, Suqui's Cheese sticks. Take a look at this:

Cheese Sticks that look like Carrots.

It did look like Carrots at first glance but then again my classmate (Who I really Love to call Rose, but she might get mad) told me that the Sticks tastes like ordinary, but to be fair the presentation is good and by the way, the condiment is Mustard. I didn't eat the sticks cause I'm not allowed to and I guess you know why.

I ordered myself a single order of "Paella Rice" - It was PhP50 ($1) but the serving was already for two persons, I'm a Riceavor (A person who eats lots of Rice) but I couldn't finish it without my Co-Riceavors devouring my plate.

A Paella for $1 - Now that's Economy wise.

The Paella didn't really looked like one but it did taste a bit like one, it's not sticky but I find it really really delicious. And beat this, for every rice meal you order, you get that tall glass of Iced Tea for FREE!

My Lovely dinner with friends on a not-so-haggard night at Suqui's Cafeteria

I rate Suqui's Cafeteria as one of the must-tried food stops in Intramuros, but to fully enjoy your Lunch or Dinner here, don't forget to bring friends with you or with someone special! Enjoying a table filled with food and laughter is one of the best things in Life! Cheers!

*Suqui Cafeteria and Diner is located at 633 MAGALLANES ST, INTRAMUROS Manila, Metro Manila.

New-Old found movies.

As a graduating student I don't have much time to go to the mall and spend time with friends that often, I'd rather go to my room and sleep and enjoy at least 6-8 hours every weekend. One thing about being a student in the world of Communications (Advertising, Broadcasting, Communication Arts and Journalism) is that life can much be revolving around projects and productions and countless thousand-words of articles needed to be submitted. 

And me as a Journalism student of the most awarded Communication Institution in the Philippines is more than happy to get an average of 4-6 hours of sleep per week (4-6 hours means luxury!). For me, also being a Nocturnal I spend most of my free time, usually Sundays to watching movies whether with my cousins or just myself.

Watching movie for me is like an unofficial course because after I watched "Schindler's List", I've had this hunger for meaningful and deep movies, I didn't just want traditional comedy, I wanted comedy made with passion.

To tell you the truth, I'm not a movie buff but what I can brag is that I have taste for movies. So here's some I watched recently, it might be old movies but it was new to me.

#10 - THE GRADUATE (1967)

A scene in The Graduate

Starring a very young Dustin Hoffman and Katharine Ross, this is a Classic romantic movie. It's was weird how I was introduced to this movie, my friend Thea chatted me in Facebook (<---Hey Facebook! That's a free advertisement for you!)  and she seemed like in a hurry like "Omg have you watched "The Graduate"? It's Dustin Hoffman - I was like "Who the hell is Dustin Hoffman?!" and then when I searched for it I was like "Oh, him!".

What makes this movie a classic were the soundtracks used from the Folk-Rock duo of Simon & Garfunkel's soothing music and it fits perfectly to the mood of the Romantic movie. 

I won't tell how the story goes because you have to see it for yourself, but it includes very seductive scenes. How the women in the movies would flirt around guys.

#9 - MAN ON THE MOON (1999)

Jim Carrey as Andy Kaufman

I've been a fan of Jim Carrey movies in all my life and Man on the Moon is one movie I've never seen before, probably because I was only nine when the movie was released, I grew up watching Ace Ventura and Liar Liar that made Jim Carrey my favorite Hollywood Comedian.

This is a Biographical film portraying the life of the great Andy Kaufman. This movie talks about the struggle of having a career and sacrificing the thing one entertainer loves to do. Creative Control and Ratings rarely meet each other and Andy Kaufman is the man who loved practical jokes and his career suffered.

When he got ill he even went to the Philippines because the so called healing miracle was here, thus this movie should not be missed.

#8 - THE BOY IN STRIPED PAJAMAS (2008)

Friendship barred with a fence.

This movie may well go down to a classic anytime, 2 kids each in their different worlds. One enjoying the free and luxurious life while the other enjoys a corner in a prison. Different strangers met by fate and would start an extraordinary friendship that will be tested from time to time.

The movie talks about the innocence of children during the last world war. This movie talks about Love to humanity and the horrors that is brought to all races during wars.

This movie also shows that not everyone approves the war, even some are just not into it, you know what I mean? Not all Germans are bad, but not all Jews are good either. It's the way life is, you can't just label races for mostly showing one similarity, you have to look inside the person itself.

#7 - BIG FISH (2003)

They say when you see the Love of your Life time stops, and that is true.

Big Fish is based on a 1998 novel with the same title. At first I didn't really actually know what to make out of this movie, I didn't see the value of the movie in the first few minutes.

Then it gets interesting afterwards with each story unfolding and I realized the beauty of the story was.

Life can really be extraordinary for others, not to brag but I think my Life is a beautiful one in terms of my hopeless romantic life and my roller coaster student life, I've been to a lot of potholes in life and each time I'm down there, I pull myself up. 

#6 - LOVE ACTUALLY (2003)

Excellent Casting for this movie!

Love Actually, this is a movie I stumbled upon while I was reading Philippine TV Celebrity Bianca Gonzalez's blogspot account and in her recent blog she said it was one of her favorite movies, well then I should watch it quickly I said to myself - especially if you have a crush on her (Haha I feel embarrassed for saying that, but who doesn't have crushes anyways?).

The movie tackles Love in different aspects and situations in Life, it might be infatuation, a crush, true Love or pure lust. It shows a lot of sides in Love, even a kid's point of view and it is fantastic to see that.

It is actually with no bias at all, one of my favorite romance movies of all time! 

#5 - JUST GO WITH IT (2011)

Now here's a movie by middle aged actors for teens and soon to be couples! This movie speaks for those who are afraid to fall for someone they never knew they would Love unconsciously. Here's is a guy (Adam Sandler) who sleeps with the finest women around but never gets this feeling of being in Love ever since she was dumped by her would be wife.

This really happens in real life, I mean someone old woman that I've talked to in one random day I was walking around Manila (Photowalk, People-watching or just plain wandering is one of my stress relievers, and I walk alone a lot to think and ponder on some things.) 

She told me that one day they were crazy with each other, she was excited when she got married, then they tire, they bore, then eventually Love is lost to most but to them what's extraordinary was that they were close friends before and that's why they never tired, got bored or really had a serious fight together.

Wow, sometimes Love is not enough but connection with the other person plays a great role in a relationship.

#4 - BLUE VALENTINE (2010)

Blue Valentine is indeed a Blue Movie, a story of craziness to lost of Love. Quite sad but it ranks high to me because it is realistic, it is strong and a lot of people experience this.

It also shows that not all men are the ones who give up first in a relationship. Just like in my case (although I haven't been into a relationship, I don't give up that easy unless it's really not worth it anymore - now that's emotional.) 

Being spontaneous in life could lead to a failure in the future. You have to watch this.

#3 - ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (2004)

Here's another Jim Carrey movie that I didn't know about, I'm ashamed that I feel like a hypocrite when I say that Jim is my favorite comedian but I don't even know this movie.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind creates a comedy-romantic-drama genre and to top it up, Kate Winslet is in it! I knew about this movie through a friend who also suggested me the movie "The Boy in Striped Pajamas". She said that I needed to watch this movie because it was meant for those who "have a hard time moving on" - Excuse me! I've already moved on! Years have passed and I've forgiven that girl already I just don't want to speak to her again because I lost my trust in her!!! - (Sorry for the rant my friend but I'm just clearing that up, and I Love you dearly don't worry even if you said I can' move on).

So this movie packs a life of joy and sorrow, love and despair altogether. The creativity of this movie and the gravity of the situation even if it's in a fantasy themed movie is spectacular and it is one that needs to be watched!

#2 - MY SISTER'S KEEPER (2009)

This movie should be declared as a classic for its tackle in morality and Love for humanity. At first I thought this was a chick flick movie after seeing so much trailer from HBO, I thought they were hyping it and eventually it would be one boring falsely advertised movie. BUT HELL NO I WAS WRONG! This movie gave me my first tears in watching a movie in the house!

The struggle of surviving by a patient, the Love of a mother to a daughter, the Love of a Father to a daughter and the ups and downs of a extraordinary family. I don't want to spill a lot so you have to watch this film.

Note: A total tear-jerker.

#1 - A.I. - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001)

The top movie goes to this futuristic drama "A.I." starring the charming kid who was also in the "Sixth Sense". I've watched this before when I was young, probably when I was around 11-13 years old and it didn't matter much to me, it was like "ooh cool toys and robots!" for me way back then.

Then one night while surfing tumblr, I saw a photo and recognized it was a scene in the movie so I watched it again and my God I realized the awesomeness of the story! How David (the kid robot) dreamed of becoming a real boy just like in the story Pinocchio and how he dearly Loved her non-biological Mother.

A story that has touched my Heart for portraying such a wonderful character, the movie inspired by Love and chasing dreams even to the limit of possibilities. I ended up sobbing, yes I sobbed in tears with this movie.

- So there you have it, my top 10 recent new-old found movies and it's amazing to watch these films and realize something in Life. I never recommend unless it is really good but I advise you to watch this movie with a open Heart and Mind, without any bias and I guarantee you will feel what these movies are trying to say.