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? :)

I have worked and lived in Taguig for nearly six years now. I guess one of the things I like the most is that I don't have to go really far to grab something to eat. Especially now that more companies have set up shop in BGC and McKinley Hill, the food variety has gone up faster than you can say Geronimo. (Yeah yeah, the song. I'm listening to Sheppard as I'm writing this.) There are a lot of places to satisfy every craving--some expensive, some within reasonable range.

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!

This post is a bit too late but I still wanted to publish to add to the few reviews on the Internet for the first ever hotel there is in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

City Suite view. This room does not have a balcony but you get to see this nice BGC view from the windows.

Hotel room parties have just recently become a thing for when there are friends who would celebrate birthdays or just for special occasions. This started when my manager hosted our team Christmas party in Ascott Makati last December. This also marked the first time I drunk-slept in a bathroom.

Since then, almost every celebration were held in the hotel room party belt of Metro Manila, that is Ortigas. Ascott was a really NICE hotel, and probably so are most hotels in Makati. It's just that they're too pricey for anyone to consider. In Ortigas, there are plenty of choices to hold your "dinner parties" with better rates so there we flock. This post, however, is dedicated to the first hotel in Taguig, away from the usual.

I have plenty of hair. For someone who loves the beach too much, I do my duty in making sure that there's no unwanted hair peeking out when I do my jump shots and scorpion poses. I shave my legs using the trusty Veet depilatory cream. I get my eyebrows threaded in my go to salon. For the bikini area, I either get a Brazilian wax or a bikini wax. Here's the rundown of the three waxing salons I frequent.


Lay Bare
Branch: Market! Market! (nearest)
Usual service: Brazilian wax, bikini wax, underarm wax
Price: P450, P250, P150 respectively
Waiting time: 1hr if you're lucky; 2hrs or more during peak hours. Go shopping while waiting for your turn.
Room: Very basic. Not really a room-room as there are only dividers. You can hear the other customers.
Pain meter: They claim their cold wax is painless but it really isn't true. To reiterate, IT IS PAINFUL. Very.
Details: They wax area by area; smaller applications mean more wax pulls.
Value for money: Awesome. It's the cheapest rates you'll find.
Comment: Even though inexpensive, the long lines are so discouraging that I often go to the waxing salon that charges more. The most absurd number of people queued before me was 27. They were gonna service 27 people and it was already 7PM.
More comments: With only a few waxing technicians and waxing rooms, and a long queue to service, they tend not to be more keen on the details. In short, hindi sobrang linis. I guess it's a "You get what you pay for" thing.

Let's Face It
Branch: Market! Market! (not really a waxing salon but they wax as well)
Usual service: Brazilian wax, bikini wax, underarm wax
Price: P650, P450, P250 respectively (not sure if the figures are correct)
Waiting time: None, 95% of the time.
Room: They use the same rooms as their massage rooms; It has a very tranquil ambiance.
Pain meter: Tolerable pain. Less painful than Lay Bare.
Details: They apply a big patch of hot wax. Less pulls. Faster service.
Value for money: If you're someone who values your time and cannot afford to go on leisurely trips to the mall, this waxing place is for you. They're more expensive than Lay Bare but more often than not, you wouldn't have to wait at all to be serviced.
Comment: I like that they really clean it all. Definitely mas malinis yung pagkaka-wax compared to Lay Bare.
More comments: This is my go to waxing place since my wallet can tolerate the monthly cost. I couldn't say anything more because it's really good service that I get every time.
Branch: Serendra
Usual service: Bikini wax, underarm wax
Price: P1150, P650 respectively
Waiting time: None.
Room: The room is very modern chic. They have a cool wall design and there are informational frames hanged everywhere. I was taking photos until I saw the photo frame that says "Picture-taking of the room is not allowed."
Pain meter: The least pain I've encountered so far. And I have low tolerance for pain. Imagine, I was able to take a 15-minute phone call while getting waxed. It was that lax for me. The one on the line busted me though, easily guessed I was in a waxing salon.
Details: They are serious when they say they don't double dip. Nasayangan ako sa mga applicator. But it really has to be done for hygienic purposes. They are also fast waxers. I remember seeing a frame that says they are trained to wax in only 15 minutes or less.
Value for money: First, let me tell you that it is expensive for me. I'm not someone with unlimited resources but if I did, I'll go to Strip Manila every time. Being that I'm only an ordinary working person, I cannot afford to go there on a monthly basis. However, it's a nice addition to my "Treat Yo Self" list.
Comment: You'll come in with the mindset "Waxing is their specialization so they better be good at it!" They were not good. THEY WERE GREAT.
More comments: Recommending this salon to everyone who gets waxed. You must try it to see and feel the difference.
Hmm maybe I'll even try everything else in this list too, although I'm also very much considering going on IPL sessions. Any other recommendations?

After months of wanting to eat at da.u.de, it finally happened today! I was too engrossed with my food and drink that I couldn't be bothered with taking photos of the place. The place itself is "Instagram photogenic" and the natural lighting was ample that it produced clear camera phone photos.

Since it was just a quick lunch meetup where we could not take our time due to my good friend Jayson's prior appointment, we just ordered four items from the menu.

Seafood Pasta (which exact menu name I forgot since it's Jayson's order); Php 350

I got to try a few bites and it was tasty. I know every product they have are tea-infused, but as for this one, it must be the pasta. We both agreed that it seemed handmade and should there be tea infusion, it must have been done there.

Pork Banh Mi; Php 390

It's like lechon kawali but with a twist. Well not really, they added hot sauce. What sets it apart from your regular lechon kawali, though, is that it was beautifully cooked. It was goodness (and cholesterol) in every bite.

Beer Berry; Php 140

I innocently asked the waitress, "Ate, bakit may shot?" Haha! I was then told that it's the tea/berry concoction. Advertised by the waitress as something for the ladies, it was just good.

Blackened Beer; Php 140

If you know me in real life, you'd know that I stay away from beer because I fear that my abdomen would no longer always be "beach-ready", as some of my friends would say. (chos!) This specific beer made me change the way I see beer. Just looking at it and remembering how it tasted makes me thirst for more. Ladies and gentlemen, I get emotionally attached to my drinks too! Heh.

Total wallet damage: PHP 1111 (more or less) but I must say that it was well spent.
Will I come back? Hell yeah.

The raves were worth listening to. We did experience what others have been ranting about (i.e., slow service) but the food and drinks made up for it. It's a tea place totally different from the mainstream (milk) tea shops that have scattered around the metro. It serves beer and cocktails. Da.u.de might have just become my happy place.



da.u.de Tea Lounge
4th Ave and 26th St G/F Net Lima Building, 1634
+63 2 478 3579

Quick Two portions are two random things I can think of writing a random update on. They may or may not be related to each other.




I ran out of facial wash so I turned to my BDJ Box for facial wash samples. I pulled the Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam from the The Skincare line. (Wow, that name is so generic, could they really not think of a better name?)

Let it be known that it was able to remove my waterproof eyeliner. It's so nice having to feel that my face is so clean. An hour later, I'm still catching myself unconsciously touching my face with the back of my palm.
_____________________

For the past two days, I've been having breakfast at BGC before going home. I'd say if I had unlimited funds, I'd be doing this everyday. It's such a great way to de-stress, especially when you're with friends while at it. I wish I had a breakfast club who always eats at BGC.

Massage oil samples for you to choose from and will be used on your massage. Didn't get to try it though SINCE I WAS LATE so I just asked the pretty receptionist her personal choice--lavender.

So I bought this 2nd-hand lens from a co-Pentaxian, an 80-200mm manual zoom Sears lens and it is, by far, the cheapest lens I've bought in ratio to its performance. I bought it on a bargain too, for only Php2000. There was a "price can be negotiated" clause but I hate haggling so I paid for it straight up when we met in Robinsons Manila.

And because this blog has been all sorts of random, here are some test shots.

I was seating in Bonifacio High Street. It was a time I was still shy to point the camera at people.

Like they say, BGC is the place where pets have equal opportunity to enjoy, as with humans

After a couple of snaps, this is when I realized that the aperture was stuck at F22.  I just increased the aperture when I took this. Not sharp, I know.

Then, I started shooting from the park gazebo. I was a pretty cool spot. I was just seated and yet there were a variety of snaps you can take.

Pretty lady posing for her husband. She has a cute daughter too.

Cute couple. I wish I knew them so they would see this.

BGC has trash cans like this everywhere. Cute, makes you want to always throw your trash properly so you'd see one.

Kid on the verge of crying. Her mom won't accompany her to the playground.