THE COFFEE BEAN AND TEA LEAF SWIRL CARD

I was at the Paseo Center last night while waiting for my dad. I hung out a bit at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, sipping slowly at my Regular Original Mocha Ice Blended Coffee. While ordering, the barista offered me the CBTL Swirl Card, a point card which entitles me 5 peso points for every P100 purchase. It also serves as a prepaid debit card, though I didnt really listen to the barista’s explanation. What’s worse, I left the brochure that explained all the perks! Hahahaha…

I’m not a frequent CBTL customer, the fact that their branches are not well spread out around the city. But what drew me into getting one was for the membership fee of P125, I got the card and my drink free! Not bad right? But as to using the Swirl Card for the perks, I came across this blog which commented on the point card system of the CBTL Swirl, saying that it was always down and there was no way to retrieve points during these downtimes.

But I was happy for the free drink. ‘Nuff said.

THE NEW ‘RIVERA RULE’ IN THE UAAP

I have been following the heated discussion in Gameface regarding the new rule to be implemented in the UAAP in upcoming Season 70, slated this July. The rule, now branded by amateur basketball aficionados as the “Rivera Rule,” will now require UAAP athletes from the junior division, who opt to play for another UAAP school to sit out their freshman year and serve a one year residency requirement. Talks from the grapevine reveal that this rule sprouted out of the incident in the FEU Tamaraws camp when Socrates “Soc” Rivera, star player of the FEU Baby Tamaraws, has crossed over to the UP Maroons to continue his collegiate playing career there, despite objections from the FEU management.

The said rule has created an uproar from all corners of the league, raising the right of an athlete to freely choose which school he or she chooses to play and study, saying that a student-athlete is considered released from his/her obligation to the school upon graduation. Others say that this rule will enhance the development of the grassroots program of the UAAP juniors teams in keeping their prized players to be lined-up in their seniors basketball team.

The rule, however, admits of an exception. It says that the athlete may be allowed to transfer to a rival UAAP school if he or she secures the approval of his/her former school. Many observers pointed out the parallelism to Rivera’s case, thus raising allegations that Anton Montinola, representative of FEU to the UAAP Board and FEU Tamaraws Team Manager, may have had a hand in the immediate implementation of this rule for the upcoming season, so as to affect Rivera’s chances to transfer to his desired school.

As an ill effect of this policy, prospective UAAP rookies coming from UAAP junior teams may opt to transfer to NCAA or other non-UAAP teams to avoid the 1 year residency requirement, or may have no other choice but to remain in their schools at the moment. If this will apply in Rivera’s case, it may be possible for Soc Rivera to run back to the Lions’ Den where he was part of the Red Cubs for a time. But up and until both the NCAA and the UAAP kick off, nothing is ever sure.

PREMIERE THEATRE, SHANGRILA MALL

Last night, my family and I went to watch Pirates of the Caribbean- At World’s End. We wanted to watch it at the Premiere Theatre at the Shangrila Mall since my sister got some free tickets. A ticket at this theater would cost P250 and it comes with a free snack, like a hotdog sandwich or a tumbler of popcorn, and drink. Upon entering, the cinema has its own exclusive bar and a waiting area. That is the premium you pay for. So we decided to try it out, since we enjoyed our experience in the Globe Platinum Cinema at Gateway Mall at the Araneta Center, where they had la-z-boy seats, waiters, unlimited popcorn and drinks!

Upon entering the Premiere theatre, the attendant informed us that the premiere bar just closed and we had to claim our food and drinks at the cinema bar, which was open to the general public. What just happened there? I prevented myself from flaring up so as not to create a scene. We bought tickets for the last full show which starts at 9:30pm. We entered the theater at 9:10 and the bar was already closed! I was disgruntled the entire time I was lining up. When i entered the cinema hall, the seats were all clamped together. The seats at the new Greenhills Promenade Cinemas were miles better!

I vowed never to pay extra to watch at the Premiere Theatre of Shangrila Mall. I’d pick the Greenhills Promenade Theatres any time of day.

UKAY-UKAY TREASURES

I was able to drop by my neighborhood vintage/thrift shop, which we refer to in common Tagalog parlance as ukay-ukay. I just wanted to share with you my latest ukay-ukay finds.

Tutti-fruity polkadotted top with ruffled sleeve detail, P120

Zara TRF, babydoll cotton top with crocheted detail in wool, P120

ZARA basic brown sheer top with satin band, P120

Denim flats with gold details, P200.

This pair was featured at the October 2006 issue of Girlfriend Philippines, p.54, Twinky Tabs from Otto. (P799) So that means, I saved P600!

White Ruffled Shirtdress, Feidran, inspired by Shop til you Drop Summer 2006 Edition, P150.

I was able to get my hands on some of these, which are somehow inspired by Zara pieces, and as you can see, some of them, came from ZARA! My favorite ukay-ukay store is a treasure chest of interesting stuff! And now, you believe me 🙂

ENROUTE TO SEASON 83

It’s barely 39 days to go before the 83rd offering of the NCAA Senior Men’s Basketball. After months of waiting, we are about two months away from the big day. Even during the post-season, a lot of rumors have spread about this much anticipated event. What are the latest rumors/events/developments? Let me run them by you:

Disclaimer: To my dear non-Bedan readers, please excuse the seeming bias for the Red Lions. Can you blame me? I am a true red blooded Bedan!!

1. Season 83 host: Jose Rizal University

2. Chairperson of the NCAA Management Committee: Paul Supan, JRU

3. NCAA Commissioner: Chito Narvasa

3. Opening Day: June 23, 2007, Araneta Coliseum (tentative)

4. Venue: The Arena, San Juan (tentative)

5. Defending Champion, Seniors Division: SAN BEDA RED LIONS
Juniors Division: San Sebastian Staglets

6. Rookie/MVP, Seniors Division: Samuel Ekwe-SBC
Juniors Division: Elvin Pascual-PCU

7. New Coaches:
Frankie Lim- SBC
Leo Isaac- MIT
Jorge Gallent- SSC

8. The Red Lions are presently in the United States for a two week training program. They are expected back on May 30.

8. PCU: Suspended, all sports for proved identity switching of fielded athletes and falsification
of documents

9. Due to its suspension, marquis players from its juniors team have been spotted joining other
NCAA rosters. Hmmm, which ones??

10. Noted Players who have served out their eligibilities:
Alexander Angeles-SBC
Mark Balneg-CSJL
Boyet Bautista-CSJL (PBA)
Aaron Aban-CSJL (PBA)
Raymond Tiongco- MIT
Hafer Mondragon-CSJL

9. Returning Players:
Chris Cabatu-CSB
Paolo Orbeta-CSB
Schubert Reposar-CSJL

10.Rookies to Look Out For:
David Marcelo-SBC
Garvo Lanete-SBC
Jonathan Banal-MIT

11. FEARLESS FORECAST?? BACK2BACK!!

CHEF CELIA’S MOTHERS’ DAY OFFERING

In commemoration of Mothers’ Day, my mom, the great Chef Celia prepared a sumptuous feast for her hungry pack. I present to you all our dinner menu, with the exception of the Angus Beef Burgers which my cousin lovingly grilled over a charcoal flame. I just remembered taking a picture when I was halfway through my burger, which apparently, happens to me all the time!

Anyway, here are some of the snapshots of our great dinner. I don’t think these photos need any more descriptions. Let them speak for themselves:

Happy Mothers’ Day Mom! Thanks for the wonderful dinner!

ROAD TO THE NETHERLANDS: STEP TWO

After accepting admission at the University of Groningen, I was advised to make a reservation with the Housing Office for accommodation. So that became my next step. I visited the Housing Office Website and filled up the application form there. I was asked what type of accommodation I preferred, they had several choices there, of which I chose a single room in an international student house. I didn’t specify any preference, but perhaps the most important consideration right now is the rent. So I am hoping that I can get the cheapest accommodation I can find.

A few days after, the Housing office contacted me, with the instruction of transferring the fee for administration cost and reservation fee for whatever room they can find for me. If the office is able to find a suitable room, the reservation fee shall be treated as a deposit to the appropriate landlord. I then made a bank transfer for the same, since they will not accept bank cheques or credit card transaction. Thanks to Citibank for a smooth transaction.

After this step, I was also instructed to send through fax an authorization signed by me so that the University of Groningen can register me for my courses in the Master of Laws program.

Suddenly, more and more processes need to be performed. I hope it goes on smoothly.

RED LIONS OFF TO THE U.S.

The San Beda Red Lions are off today to Carson City for a two week training, and for a grand welcome by the Bedan Alumni in the U.S. The contingent consists of the following players who are expected to don the red and the white in the 83rd season of the NCAA:

1. Yousif Aljamal
2. Samuel Ekwe
3. John Paul Escobal
4. Riego Gamalinda
5. John Hermida
6.. Garvo Lanete
7. Raymond Maggay
8. David Marcelo
9. Rogemar Menor
10. Alvin Padilla
11. Jay-R Taganas
12. Eduardo Tecson, Jr.
13. Enrico Tirona, Jr.

They are joined by the coaching staff:

1. Frankie Lim
2. Mike Advani
3. JB Sison
4. Boni Garcia
5. Ed Cordero
6. Fr. Ed Africa
7. Albert Almendralejo

We wish them a safe and productive trip! Go San Beda Fight!

MY BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

Here is a glimpse of my birthday weekend celebration…

With my best friends Marie and Mina, we welcomed my birthday at the Manila Peninsula Lobby.

I stayed at home the whole day and then had dinner at Capricciosa, Greenbelt, Makati. We had a feast of Seafood Spaghetti, Calzone and Lasagna. Yummy!!!!

The next day, we prepared dinner for my uncle who celebrated his 60th birthday. So we hired a caterer, which performed beyond our expectations! We got the cheapest package, but the setup was so classy and the food was superb. Hands down to Sitio Oriente!

Who were the guests of honor at the dinner? Who else but the San Beda Red Lions!!!

Thanks to Sitio Oriente, 532 5th Street, San Beda Subdivision, Manila, Tel No.(632)733-8711

Capricciosa at 3rd floor Greenbelt 2, Makati City, Tel No. (632)757-7811.

Postscript: It took me two hours to post these pictures! Whew, Thank heavens for Flickr!!!

foodfare.jpg

foodfare.jpg

Originally uploaded by michecesa.