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Showing posts with label personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal. Show all posts
Monday, February 11, 2019
SUMMER SPECIAL: DESPIDIDA KTG STYLE 2018

I think I didn't want to write this post ever. That's why it's almost been a year since this happened and I'm here talking about it. Yep, this happened early in 2018. It was the last time I saw my friends collectively known as the KTG. It was shall we say, a despidida.
In true KTG style, there were tons of food. Left and right, you can get whatever your heart and tummy desires. Each one of us would definitely bring something to the residence of one of the greatest food bloggers in the metro. It was sort of like a tradition. A summer outing, almost every year, we would have a small party and watch the sun sets over the metro. Plus, we also get to swim and play on the trampoline.
There were lasagna from bhest which were pretty good. Nona's and Greenwhich were kind enough to send pasta and pizza as well.
There were tons of Filipino Styled Spag right there ready for the taking.
Of course, other Filipino food were on the table as well.
LEONARDO'S LECHON is always present when it comes to our little get togethers.
It's more than just your normal lechon. It's stuffed with tons of flavors and delicious meat like sausages and more.
 The plaza, known for their delicious ham, also sent over some sweet stuff.
Waffles on a stick were there too. Waffable has been a brain child of the people behind some delicious restaurants around the metro.
To be truthful, I really didn't want to write about that day. April 28, 2018. Saturday. Thinking about it and even writing about it makes me homesick even more. I miss all the laughter, the stories, and most of all, the people that I have come to know and treat as my family. The KTG is more than just bloggers, writers, photographers, and foodies. To me, they are family. It just makes me tear up and cry like a baby every time I think about them and the stuff we went through.

I know it's already 2019, but I think I still needed to write about it. Just so that I remember everything. From the start, they were there. I don't know were this goes but heck. It was one hell of a ride.


SOMEWHERE IN ANTIPOLO
April 28, 2018
Saturday.

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Monday, December 31, 2018
2018 YEAR ENDER: A Year of Adulting Firsts


 As the year is about to end, I can't help but wonder and think about the different firsts I experienced this year. I'm really excited with 2019 as it will have more opportunities and chances for me to make myself a better person, I hope.
A big leap for me was having my own car. Granted that I had cars before, this one is special to me as all the responsibility falls on my shoulder. From payments to insurance and even maintenance, it's all up to me now. To be honest, I don't know what I'm doing right now. It makes me want to think about what I had before and what I'm going for now.
 Vacations have been a luxury for me and my family. Usually, I'm out of town at least 3-4 times a month but with my move, I can't really do a lot of travels. Hopefully, I get to have more chances with these.
Related to travel, FOOD. Believe it or not, I am not satisfied with my food condition right now. Granted I'm in America and it is supposed to have a lot of restaurants and is a melting pot, the place I'm living at isn't really the go to when it comes to food. Unfortunately, it's not really what I had in mind when I got here.
 I had to leave a lot of friends behind. Not just friends but also family. And yes, these friends are my family. I've been with them through the years and every time I remember our bloopers and adventures, I can't help but cry.
To make up, I'm trying new things like snowboarding. Somewhat similar to wakeboarding, this sport right here can make my mind fly away from all the loneliness.
So I guess that's that. My 2018 was different, weird, sad, and full of opportunities. I'm hopeful for 2019. Cheers guys! HAPPY NEW YEAR!





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Tuesday, January 2, 2018
HAPPY 2018: Cheers To The New Year

 Where did 2017 go? It was like a blur to me. Just like everybody else, there were ups and downs.You won't realize it but we actually made it to 2018. 


Filled with controversy, happiness, joy, sadness, and everything else, 2017 seemed to be just like any other year. Something new and something old pops up or disappear. I think it just all boils down to how we handle ourselves and how we react to them. 
A post shared by Food In The Bag (@foodinthebag) on

I think it's all about making ourselves move forward. It's waking every single day faced with challenges that we just push ourselves to move and get going. 

As with the Jedi saying "There is no try only do and do not." , we just have to stand up and do what we have to. It's how we handle the different situations that makes us.
So, just keep on waking up and move forward. Eat your breakfast and enjoy the ride.
Sometimes there are days that the waves are calm or even wild. It's what we do with them that makes us. Cheers and Happy 2018!
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Tuesday, February 7, 2017
RESORTS WORLD MANILA LUCKSTARS CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT: Guess Who Won!!!!

A few days back, I never knew how lucky I would be. There must have been something good I did that everything was on my side. You see I was invited to RESORTS WORLD MANILA LUCKSTARS CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT 2017. Recently held in the POKER ROOM of the casino, I would later find out that it was no ordinary tournament.
When the day arrived, I was extremely excited. I arrived early and got a quick look of the place. Because there were a lot of tables, I was placed in table 1 seat number 3 through a lottery.
In terms of experience, I had won a few games but that was just backyard poker with my friends. Back when I was in college, I would organize poker nights. That was the last time I have ever played the game in real life. I was extremely shocked when I learned that high profile celebrities and poker champions would be playing that day. In any case, I told myself that everything was just for fun and for charity.
At the start of the game, each participant received a chip total of 10k. The tournament was set into turbo play. As such, every 15 minutes big blinds and small blinds would increase. Basically, the needed bets would go up. One by one players were eliminated and the chip leaders were killing us. At the end of a couple of hours, only the last 16 remained. Luckily, I was able to hold on to a measly 5k worth of chips with Big Blinds of 1,200 and 600.
I grabbed the first instance that I could to create a buffer. I told myself, since this was just a game, I could go home already with the amount of experience I had. I went head to head with an all-in bet. My cards were 9 and 5. His was 9 and 6. The flop showed a 9. So we both had a pair but he had a higher card. I already gave up and stood up when I saw the cards. I was getting my bag when the guys at the table told me, that I was still in it. Thankfully, the turn and the river showed higher cards thus making it a split pot. From here, I was able to grab 3 straight rounds. I had an Ace, King;then a pair King and another all-in to muscle my way to being one of the chip leaders with 54,000 chips and a ticket to the final 8.

After a short break, we all transferred outside. The final 8 was held in front of the bar for everyone to see.  Right from the start EPY QUIZON went head to head with another chip leader and took down everyone one by one. He was playing aggressive and with a chip lead like his, no one could act or oppose him.
The Final Table.
Then it happened, there were only four of us left. The three of them called all-in. Unfortunately, EPY won the hand and got them booted out as well.
It was down to just the two of us. The blinds were at 8,000 and 4,000. I had only less than 20k left while all the chips were with EPY. All of a sudden, I would never forget what he said. "What if ikaw pa manalo? Magandang come from behind yun." That stuck on me and I tried to play it smart. It first started with a PAIR 5. That was my hand. He went all in and I called. Luckily, I won that round and got a few chips. The next I folded. Then the next round I won again. I could sense it. I could win this. This time the crowd was cheering. "Play Smart and keep it tight!" Someone was shouting already.
After another round, I became the chip leader. He went all in. I called and got an Ace and a 7. The flop, river and turn didn't show anything so I won the tournament with a high card.
I was shaking. I didn't know what just happened. I won my first ever poker tournament. My knees were jello like but I had an underdog-come-from-behind story. Epy was gracious in defeat and shook hands. As well as all the players. Everybody was happy. It was after all for charity. I was thankful that I was able to choose and donate 100,000Php to CHILDHAUS. A great institution that helps kids get through with their life threatening sickness. Furthermore, RESORTS WORLD MANILA in partnership with LUCKSTARS also donated to ABS-CBN LINGKOD KAPAMILYA and to ANG MISYON.
Everything was surreal. It was like I was in a fantasy. Never would have I thought that I would win in a poker tournament. It was incredible.
Thank you very much for everybody that cheered for me and played for their charity. This opportunity would not have been possible if not for the gracious hearts and souls from RESORTS WORLD MANILA. Thank you everyone that attended and participated. I hope this story of mine inspires you to dream and work towards it. I felt it and only needed a push. Thank you God.



RESORTS WORLD MANILA
2nd Floor Poker Room
Pasay, Metro Manila

Check out #HEARTXPOKER on Instagram and Facebook
to see the videos and other participants of the event.





Disclaimer: Was invited to this charity poker tournament. Photos with no markings are not mine. They were lifted from Resorts World's Facebook Page.
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Thursday, April 2, 2015
Personal: My Brother's Ateneo High School Graduation 2015

My brother did it and I am just so proud!

I once again found myself going back to my Alma Mater. The Ateneo de Manila High School
It wasn't because of any reunion or what not but it was the graduation of my brother from high school. You could say that my brother is like any typical high school guy.  Hard working and studious.
A member of section A, the Honors Class, you could see his dedication every single day. It was an incredible feat for him to finish with a distinction of 2nd honor. Hands down Earl.  Proud of you!
All the sleepless nights, sacrifices and hard work paid off. He did it. Congrats Earl.

To think we even had relatives and friends flown in from the States just to attend the ceremony.. Ikaw na!
Since it was long and I was bored, I had a few time for myself to walk around and check out the grounds. Since it was holy week, I did a little reflection on my own. 
Remembering the good old days. The laughter, the friends, the late nights, and DWTL. 


Anyway...

They installed lamp posts and other decor going to and from the covered courts. Pretty nice if you ask me.
 EDSA is still there. With all the cracks and uneven surface, I could still remember walking from one end to another.
 and the driveway... 
 They placed an island barrier. I guess for security.


Again, I just wanted to congratulate you Earl, for the doing everything that was expected of you and more. You made us all proud and we love you. I can't express my happiness enough to see you grow up to be the man that you are today. I hope and pray that all your endeavors would be fruitful. I love you bro. Hug you!!


Since it is the Lenten season. Let's take a moment and reflect on the things we have done, and will be doing. 
Take a break and have a breather. Just like me...
So for now, no food posts until next week.
Thanks for dropping by.

Ateneo de Manila University High School.
Katipunan Avenue
Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience.
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