I have been a fan of Saab's writing since college and have watched (or read) how from Grrrl Scout days, along with Jim's band, it became Cheats. I never really knew how good their music was until two weekends ago when I saw Cheats perform live for the first time at the Satchmi Vinyl Day at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater.

It's only April but I can already give you a gist of how my 2015 has been going so far: waking up early on a Saturday morning, no hangover from Friday club nights, no Friday club nights, weekend picnics, music festivals, more photowalks and of course, travel. I LOVED 2013 and 2014 but it was too tiring! For me, 2015 is the year of slowing down, realigning priorities and exploring possibilities.

Without any segue or whatsoever, here's what went on last weekend. (Okay, only Saturday. Basti and I were so pooped, and slept all throughout Sunday!)


The Weekend: Sebastian's Night Out from Jennever Pelaez on Vimeo.

Saturday

~ Caught up on the last two episodes of Survivor, my ultimate favorite TV show (C'mon AXN, produce Survivor Asia or something!) I hate Dan and I want more wins for the underdog trio.

I stopped doing this when I lost my phone. Now that I have a new one, I'm back to my late Sunday night walks in BGC. No lengthy post today, but I thought I'd share some of the photos I snapped using my iPhone 5C. BGC is really lovely on Sunday nights, don't you think so too? :)

In #133 on Reasons Why I Love Bonifacio Global City (BGC), is their advocacy to keep the Filipino culture alive, while embracing progress. They just find ways how to make a holiday as festive as it can get in an urban setting, and make people involved in the process. Last weekend, in celebration of Andres Bonifacio's birthday, BGC's Filipino hero namesake, they held the second BGC Passion Fest. As expected, it was a modern fiesta that was executed very well. It had all the aspects of a fiesta you could think of. (There was even a Pabitin game, you guys!)

The Culture

I only got to spend time in the area on November 30, which I also happen to think was the best day to visit since it was the last day AND it was Bonifacio Day. It was also the day when the parade was set. Who doesn't love street dancing? If it were up to me, people should be dancing everywhere they go.






It's no Sinulog, but it was a nice change of scenery to the usual budding business center. I didn't do my research so I don't know if this was a competition. If it wasn't, they should totally exploit the inner competitiveness of Pinoys and make it a barangay street dance competition or something. Some dancers were not really in character, which is only why I said that. But hey, some group of dancers were actually fantastic, too!

The Food

For the munchies, a street intersecting Bonifacio High Street was closed to give way for food stalls by the Mercato Centrale usuals to set up shop. I don't have a lot of photos since I was too busy eating my lechon and deep fried chicken skin but of course, every food stall was a hit. Everyone loves Mercato and the street food vibe!







The Art

There were many interactive spots all over Bonifacio High Street: Pinoy street games with a twist at every corner, enlarged carnival games, umbrella-themed installations, but my most favorite would have to be the Chalk Art Walk. Everyone could participate!


Technically, they could just draw whatever they wanted, but I liked that every kid and kids-at-heart made it to a point to insert their nationalism to their chalk art. I didn't know who they were but I was proud of them all. Ahh and I wished I was gifted at drawing too. I wasn't so I just took photos.









And here's my personal favorite: Baymax Bonifacio! How cute is that! Tell me that's not the cutest thing you've ever seen drawn in chalk!



The Other Art

There were two walkways dedicated for people who wanted to sell their artworks and their hand-crafted items  I bought an earring and my friend bought hand drawn stickers. Apart from that, there were paintings and more handicrafts. If I had money to spare, I might have bought more. These artists need more support so they could continue with their craft.





The Show

To culminate the three-day event, they staged a variety show showcasing talented people. To start off, there were these acrobat duo who can bend and bend and stretch some more. I was not breathing every time they would do something. And there was some phenomenal core strength shown, too!



Then there was a puppet show that was also a magic show. I thought it would be too pambata for me, but I cracked up just as much as a kid would. Like what I said during his performance-- Benta!



Then there was the cultural dance group that performed regional dances. It sure reminded me of the days when I competed in folk dance competitions. They were good! And, uh, I want the balancing skills of this woman! Mad props for keeping it cool!



After this, we actually already left. I know there was a singing group that followed but we were too exhausted, I guess, from the walking (and the eating) that we decided to head home after seven hours of the Passion Fest, and after having one last bite.

I think next year would be bigger and better. Let's all wait and see until then!

Singapore’s leading nightlife and entertainment group, Strumms Holding, creators of some of the hottest watering holes in the Lion City such as Blowfish Entertainment, Molley Roffey’s Irish Bar, Ba.Li.Ba Pub & Cafe, and Ipanema World Music Bar, has finally arrived in the Philippines as it launches its first ever luxury club in Manila. We have done it in Singapore and now we aim to bring the best bars in Manila, starting with Mbargo Club & Lounge.

The Concept
Mbargo comes at a time when Manila’s party people and urbanites have become more discerning on what quality luxury clubbing in Manila should be. We created an atmosphere of Cozy Clubbing in Manila to cater to high society and urban professionals who seek to unwind and party at the same time. Mbargo aims to create an ambiance of indulgence, sensuality and comfort that stimulates all the senses and sets the right mood for a night of pure leisure, fun and entertainment in Manila.

Its bar menu focuses on bar chow with a twist to perfectly pair with Mbargo’s mouth watering signature cocktails and spirits. Among its selections are the cheese & olives and Filipino-Spanish staples like Sisig, Salpicao and Adobo. From salads down to desserts, each item is well balanced with flavors and textures using only the freshest and finest ingredients available.

Located at:
3rd Floor Wumaco Building,
Bonifacio High Street,
7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

Taguig City, Philippines 1634
------

MBargo Table Rates:
Fully consumable

Tower (standing) 4k (5pax)
Booth Couch 10k (8pax)
Strip Couch 20k (12pax)
Block Couch 30k (20pax)


To book a table and for guestlist, contact +63915 632 6015. See you there!

So like I suspected, I got lazy at blogging again once I reactivated my Facebook profile. But this girl's gotta move on. I've also been missing a lot so here I am, back in the wonderful world of Facebook.

Last Thursday marked the day we got our 13th month pay. As soon as I got out of bed, I immediately walked to FullyBooked Bonifacio High Street (without taking a bath or combing my hair first, of course!) in the hopes of finding the book that I have been checking out on their online bookstore. I didn't want to spend an additional hundred bucks for delivery so off I went to the bookstore.

Because I cannot find this book, which is supposed to be a bestseller self-help book, and I already finished a tub of sour frozen yogurt, I had to surrender to my growling stomach. I went back to the ground floor then I thought, "If it's a bestseller, maybe it's in their bestseller section? Will browse really quick."

I did not find it.

What I did found was the Top 1 in the Comics section. In that instant, I had to buy it!

It's the wedding edition of Archie and it took 70 years in the making! IT IS IN HARDBOUND! I've never had a comic book in hardbound before. *tears*

So who did Archie finally got to marry?

After days of rereading blogger reviews about Clawdaddy's Boiling Bags, I finally cave in. I just had to try it for myself as soon as money landed on my bank account. I guess I was justifying that I don't really eat out anymore so this one was okay.

Before and After: 1 hour interval

Although, I must admit that it was a bittersweet experience. We were eating a meal good for four people when there were people in Marikina and other flooded areas who weren't eating anything. But because we only had an hour to finish the meal until our Bourne Legacy screening, the guilt became more about trying to finish the whole thing so it would be worth the money we pay.

Now, on to the meal. We chose the Louisiana Boiling Bag (Seafood Boil Spice flavor)-- a mix of fresh crabs, shrimps, a lone sausage, corn and potatoes. The meal came with a pitcher of either lemonade, iced tea and another kind of tea which I forgot haha. We didn't order any soup, appetizers nor dessert. Just a cup of plain rice each was all we wanted with the bag.

It was as good as they say. From the moment the server cut the bag, the air really whiffed of seafood goodness. The flavor wasn't too spicy, it was just right and not overwhelming. I was surprised that we both didn't order extra rice, usually seafood makes me eat at least two cups of rice. I guess it was because we were both trying to savor the moment and try not to get full too soon.

The service was above average. Servers were attentive even with a packed restaurant on a Friday night. Also, as always, their shell cracker is as reliable as ever. In fact, I like using their stone cracker than the usual clamp-like crackers that other restaurant uses.

Total Wallet Damage: P1694
Louisiana Boiling Bag - P1495
Rice - P30 x 2 = P60
Service Charge - About 9%

Will I order it again? YES YES YES!

ClawdaddyBonifacio High Street