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through the years

Posted by imogenkin on April 1, 2012
Posted in: College, Daily Life, Food, Friends, Photography. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

This is our homebase: Crystel’s. We go here almost yearly (except last year) to catch up, get full, drink and take loads of laugh. Sayang lang, we’re not complete this year.

Anyway, we still had fun. It is potluck as usual and also almost the same food that we have when we get together.

Gretz also brought her signature Cassava for dessert. While Rob and Juevz took care of softdrinks and wine. But the night will not be complete without something that has been a huge part of our college life: the ever reliable Red Horse Mucho!

A box of beer and some good ol’ reminiscing with friends was indeed a good night. Not to mention Juevz’s classic jokes and effortless punchlines, benta lang talaga! hehe We also browsed at old college photos which are very nostalgic! haha ampapayat at mga haggard! haha those were the days when we’re only worries are quizzes, projects and where is the gala.. good times!

We “called it a night” at 12AM. And it was indeed a nice, laid back night with friends and I hope we can do it more often. I smell like beer up to now though hehe #goodfriends #goodnight #goodtimes

Weekend in Pangasinan

Posted by imogenkin on March 12, 2012
Posted in: Food, Friends, GudVibes, Photography, Travel. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

“Tired but happy.” Add fulfilling, fun, busog, sunburned, and more to that! 🙂 As cliche as it may sound, this is a fun trip despite the 5 hour drive to and from. Good thing our driver, Kuya Rey, is  pegging a drag racer. 🙂

I just got up from our 2 day trip in Pangasinan with my good high school friends. And I have just discovered rashes around my left wrist and a fat bruise on my right torso. Anyhow, it was all worth it.

03/10/2012 6:30 AM. Touchdown Bolinao. Grabbed a quick breakfast in a carinderia beside the St. Joseph Church. Then off to our first stop: Falls No.2. There is also Falls No.1 but locals said it’s not good to take pictures there anymore. There is also Falls 1 1/2 but they said, “di pa nadidiscover” so they told us not to go there.  This is a good buena mano to our trip. Clear waters, and nothing but greens and silence. All you hear is the sound of the water flowing through the falls. Not to mention, we had it all to ourselves, no other groups came with us.

Next stop is the St. James The Great Parish. They say that if it was your first time in a church, you should offer a candle and make a wish. So we did exactly that. Right after, we headed straight to the Bolinao Lighthouse. It was 11:30 AM with the heat of the sun beaming directly to us. But that didn’t stop us from taking pictures. 🙂

After that, syempre lunch time na! 🙂 Our choice of lunch is at the La Parola El Restaurante de Bolinao which is just along Patar Beach where we will swim later. Affordable food, and yummy as well. (Actually, lahat naman ng kinain namin during the trip eh masarap hehe). Menu for lunch: Sinigang na Hipon, Inihaw na Liempo, Calamares, Papaitan, Tinolang Manok and Lechong Kawali.

This is one of the highlights of our trip for me. I am not well traveled as much as my friends are and I am impressed by the Patar Beach. Crystal clear blue waters with strong waves rushing through the shore. This is nice and kinda reminded me of HI. Another good point is that it was not crowded. Swimming is free but the cottages cost P150 to P200. But I am not sure if we paid for ours, I don’t think anybody made singil to us hehe. We stayed at the beach until sunset. 🙂

After hours of sun bathing, swimming and being thrown around by waves, we deserve some good dinner. 🙂 We headed for an hour drive to Alaminos, where we are going to stay for the night. We checked in at around 7PM and had dinner at the Island Tropic Hotel and Restaurant. Good food as well. 🙂 Menu for dinner : Crispy Pata, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Pinaputok na Tilapia, Sinigang na  Bangus and Pork Sisig.

03/11/2012 7:30 AM Off to the famous Hundred Islands. We visited 3 islands, as stated in our itinerary. First is the Governor’s Island. One of the main islands there and where the Pinoy Big Brother house is. To get a good view, you will need to do some 15 minutes hike on a rocky trek. Nakakahingal but the view at the top is whew!

We also snorkeled (where I think I got my rashes), wandered around a cave and passed through the Bat Island. I enjoyed swimming with the fishes and some giant clam sightings. Well, actually I did not swim, I was clinging on the rope the whole time. Teehee

Our day 2 swim is at the Quezon Island. Our bangkero has no idea why it was named after Quezon though. Anyway, the water here is clearer and better than with Patar Beach. Sand is finer too. My friends even compared it to Boracay, but I wouldn’t know because I have never been there. 🙂

We have culminated our trip with a walk in the market to get some longganisa (their province’s specialty) and lunch at a local fast food chain. It only lasted 2 days but I feel that we made the most out of it. It naturally feels bitin but still, these are 2 days well spent with friends. 🙂 Looking forward to more trips with them and more photos syempre! 🙂

03/11/2012 8::PM Touchdown Manila.

The Day She Stole His Surname

Posted by imogenkin on February 13, 2012
Posted in: Food, Friends, GudVibes, Photography. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

This is the 3rd wedding that I’ve been to this year for my high school friends. I used to mind all the pormalan, but I am getting used to it hehe But I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the whole thought and feeling of being in a wedding..

Everything looked cute in this Saturday afternoon. From the colors, the flowers, the arrangement of the reception, to the kids. 🙂 The ceremony was brief and more laid back maybe because it was in a garden, as opposed to the medyo uptight aura in a church.

It was also fast-paced (which is good) since guests no longer have to transfer from the church to the reception. The dinner started as soon as the mass was done. The program was hosted by 2 of our friends, Mau and Jemay. It was the first time that I saw them host. And I think it was a good idea to have them because you would really want people who know you to talk about your love story, right? Just like the mass, the reception was brief but meaningful. No dead air, no unnecessary kyeme. Kung meron mang aberya, you wouldn’t notice it.

And to my not-so-favorite part.. haha the food! This is just how I expected it. Yummy, well-presented food. Not to mention, buffet! Mostly with catered dinners, there are servers that will measure the food. But here, it is get-all-you-can, eat-all-you-can goodness haha The selection was also good. And for eye feasting purposes:

Kare-Kare, Chicken Pandan, Roast Pork, Grilled Tuna Belly, Ube Balls, Maja Mais.

Crispy Kangkong, Tacos, Chicken Soup, Spaghetti, Buko Pandan not in photo.

And on a more serious note. Their exchange of vows is the sweetest. Simple, straight to the point and very much mint este meant. #seriousnotedaw This is something that both of them waited for a loooong time. And finally, they are one. As how I have overheard the bride say, “wala ka nang kawala”. Of all the trials that they overcame, they definitely deserve this beautiful day plus a beautiful life ahead of them along with their super cute Louis. I am happy for them, kasama ng aming mga kaibigan. And best wishes to the both of you! 🙂

Mabuhay ang bagong kasal! ❤

 

High School Night

Posted by imogenkin on January 28, 2012
Posted in: Daily Life, Friends, GudVibes, Photography. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

It has been a fun fun fun night for me and my high school friends. Although we usually get together whenever there is an occasion, the kulitan is always fresh. 🙂

Our kita kits is for Kathie’s homecoming. She’s been out of the country for 3 years so all of us are as excited as she is about this night. We warmed up for her son’s 4th birthday party for some kiddie fun. It was nice to also see such familiar faces from high school. And i’m not referring to my classmates. I’m talking about the parents and the titas. haha They are the same people that saw us grow up, witnessed our kalokohans and practically looked after us since high school. The thought that the bond with friends and family stayed is a happy thought. 🙂

Our high school barkada. Jemay is late. While Git is in the desert of Abu Dhabi therefore her mom and sister are proxies 🙂

While we’re at it, this is also a memorable night for our barkada. Not being able to be complete for years, this is an exciting time for us. Most of us has been going in and out of the country, mostly in time conflicts. There are 6 of us, 3 in Ph, 3 abroad. Kat (from Aus) and Gail (fresh from SG) almost completed our group picture. Unfortunately, Git was not able to make it. She has been on phone patch though, haha. (And in spirit)

Yes! The WengWang is back after 3 years! 🙂

Jokes, as usual, are all over. I know that every one can get as much fun as we do every time they see each other.But our class shares very funny inside jokes and personal punch lines. She, whose wedding I posted previously, is one of the funniest tonight. Ika nga namin, “kinasal ka lang, open ka na” in reference to here willingness to talk about married life thingies. Hehe We also have another balikbayan, Sha, who shared her nice and not-so-nice experiences from her Dubai life.

Another occasion is coming up next week where we can get together. The most-awaited Kathie – Steven wedding, that is. And here’s a little preview :

*wedding bells*

We had a lot of kwentuhan, food and some booze in between that we didn’t notice the time and made it hard for those that have to go early to actually leave. We continued the bonding on the rooftop at the middle of the night and called it a night at 2AM.

The view from the roof at 2 in the morning, Cavite City.

I am looking forward to more kitaan with my high school friends, especially now that we are on our 10th year anniversary since graduation. So organizers, you know what to do… 🙂

The wedding that made me cry.

Posted by imogenkin on January 16, 2012
Posted in: Daily Life, Friends, Photography. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Let’s make this short. I just want to tell you about the wedding over the weekend that made me cry.

I have known She for more than a decade now. She is one of the nicest, simplest, most innocent person I know. Little did we know that she will be the one of the firsts in our barkada to get married. 🙂

I can sum up her wedding in three words : simple, solemn and traditional. This is the kind of wedding where you get to actually feel the love. It was kept simple as not to overpower the real meaning of the celebration. As soon as I arrived at around 2.30Pm at the St. Peter’s Church, I knew this would be an emotional day. And I wasn’t  wrong. My throat started to hurt as I walked around the church to observe. Not for long, the march started. And then… my tear ducts lost it.

She marched in to the tune of Panunumpa with petals raining over her. Then the church suddenly felt like a ball of emotions. I did not even try to hold it in since almost everyone was wiping their eyes. I know there could be different reasons why people are crying. As for me, I am in complete happiness at the time. Knowing She as the quiet and innocent girl in class, it was nice seeing her settling down and finding happiness. She is one of the most loyal friends a person could have and I believe she deserves the blessings and joy that she has. They looked young in their wedding dress but the sense of commitment is obvious. I am purely happy and wish nothing but the best for them. I’m still a little out of words when I think about it. 🙂

I also appreciate how they kept the ceremony and dinner reception solemn. I also enjoyed the way they use mostly mellow OPM songs as music for the program. Again, congrats She and Angel! Your friends are happy and will be here for the both of you. 🙂

Christmas spirit. :)

Posted by imogenkin on December 13, 2011
Posted in: Food, Friends, GudVibes. Tagged: , , , , . 1 Comment

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas! Well, at least for us. 🙂 Our barkada had our early Christmas party last night, wherelse? at the Casa Risasata of course.

When we get together, expect a lot of food.. what more if it’s for Christmas? Around 7PM, we are complete, that means it’s time to eat! uy rhyme! hehe

This is our official party food! No party is complete without the Sweet and Sour Pork from Louisse. Very good for ulam and for  pulutan.

There’s also Pancit Malabon made fron scratch by Clar. A whole big bilao for the 9 of us with huge chicharon chunks! nyaha

We also had tasty pork barbecue from Eyp and Maam Shie.

Of course, it shouldn’t be all pork. Girlie brought Inihaw na Bangus for variety.

Rren brought dessert. Ube ice cream despite the rain and cold air.

As for me and Chino, we took charge of the dessert/souvenirs for the party. Custom Christmas cupcakes for all of us!

..and some booze!

No Christmas party is complete without gift giving. A week before, we had our bunutan for the Kris Kringle and tonight is the big revelation!  2 batches of gifts ang napagkasunduan, 1 for the monito/monita and another ‘something green’ to be given randomly on the spot.

We’re a bunch of happy kids from the early gifts that we received. From notebooks, scarves, book, bag, to lipstick, figurine and tumblers. 🙂

The happy kids. 🙂

Now on a sadder note.. aaaww. Well, this party came early to make habol to Clar’s departure for Russia. So yes, this also served as her despedida. Everybody knows Clar as Ms. Green. She likes anything green. So for the ‘something green’ part, we all agreed that everything goes to her. 🙂 It was a surprise but I think she figured it out haha

Here she is getting extra happy with all her green stuff. hehe uwi ka na Clar!

The night is getting colder so it’s time to proceed with the booze. We got tequila to keep us warm and a lot of food for pulutan. As the night gets darker and colder, we streamed on funny Eat Bulaga episodes until 3am before we called it a night. 🙂

Merry Christmas from all of us! 🙂