High Blood, Anyone ?

No, I’m not literally talking about this deadly illness that could strike anyone of all ages. ( The youngest I heard was 24 yrs. old and you might know someone younger than that age who have, in one point in their borrowed life, a high blood ). Although, if you frequent this place too often, chances are you will be succumbing ( sad ) with the killer disease. Yes, this is a place and I’m talking about Cebu’s High Blood Station. The people just christened it with that funny-sounding monicker. In fact, no store name is visible in any part of the carinderia. I couldn’t help but suppressed a laugh when I first heard about it. How literal can they get ! Like pork and some crustaceans, I totally abhor oily foods ( but I’m guilty on binge-ing on olive oils for my pesto or pasta or just to be used as a dip, with parmesan cheese, with my fave ciabbiata or any wheat bread ). But I was tempted to tag along with friends in this hang-out-an and really see what they serve. ( All dishes were for my eyes only ).

adobo 1

chicharon bulaklak

silver casserolas

High Blood Station

adobo 2

adobo 3

manong sorbetero providing dessert in a nearby area

Gushing at Gustavian

Yes, there was gushing at Gustavian upon taking our seat and checking on the menu. It was the first time for us to try that resto and their version of one of life's simple pleasures --- food. After all, we've heard good reviews about this place.
The first gushing took place when we held in our hands the menu. Yummy-sounding but exorbitantly high. Ashamed to stand up and give a nice and graceful excuse to refuse their service and food, we opt to stay and order some pica-picas and wine, which later on we found out, is just equal to ordering a delectable dish. Anyways, the place indeed is conducive for wine connoiseurs, so off we ordered Hundred Tree Hill. An anti-alcoholic that I am, I tried few sips and immediately tasted the smoothness of the wine.
There goes my second gushing. Not having tasted alcohol for the past 2 years, there was the usual non-sense ( yes, this was usual ) and chatty me. The last time this liquid kissed my lips was when we had our Boracay trip 2006 and that was one piece of a cursed event in my life. I vowed not to take excessive alcohol ever afterwards, until Gustavian came ( but it was not excessive and gladly it was neither vodka nor beer ).
Lastly, I gushed on the place itself. Actually, there are lots of these boutique-inspired restos here in Cebu. ( See Chic and Fab Resto in my previous posts ). I was simply excited to scour through the shelves and cabinets of imported canned goods, condiments, confectioneries, breads, and a freezer of imported meat, too, like ostrich, beef, angus steak, sausages, etc. And all these, are for on-the-go sale, too. The Gustavian is a fine-dining place with a good ambience and competent services by the waitresses. It's a must-try for all yuppies, tourists, those who just seem to feel extravagant for a night ( we belong in this )and those who have a bit more in life. For the budget-conscious though, think twice.

The Gustavian

Carms, Riz, Juan Rofel

pastries/dessert ( a small round-size cake is P400++ )

our wine with complimentary breads

Crocs-alike with doodles of cooking utensils

breads

veggies, fruits, cheeses, etc.

canned goods, sauces, instant foods ( all imported )

meat section

another Gustavian angle

more canned goods

just a big Gustavian mirror

bagels and company

Quarter-Life Crisis ? N/A !

In an overwrought routine of doing paper works, engaging in trade and marketing activities, mentoring some-spoiled-and-some-potential-leaders of the future, caring for the sick and needy, fidgeting on some necessary tools or be the best troubleshooter, or just plain waking up one morning realizing that " I am a bum and I choose to be one ", a few close friends took a time out and realize that after all these routines ( and some not-so-routine routines), one must still keep in touch with a bottle of wine or beers, a cup of coffee, some sumptuous meals, boisterous laughters, a few gossip, some sensual and unmalicious innuendos ( after all, we're adults, yipee ! ), --- all to celebrate life, where everybody else are equal ( whether you are a summa cum/magna cum laude, a juvenile, a former restaurateur, a medical practitioner, a future Prof. Josette Biyo, a marketing prof, a "home decorator", etc. ) !

Bert, Dr. Zemar Porras, Fifer

Fifer

Arch. Roberto Catotal who's celebrating his bday bash/homecoming in Iloilo

Guds, Mamel, Meow, Bert

Prof. Cora ( who's also celebrating her bday ), Feb

( clock ) Bert, Fifer, Marisol ( the only summa of the batch ), Chiqi ( honorary Westinian ), Feb, Cora, Juan Rofel

The Gentle Dumaguete

Word association game: Dumaguete, Silliman University, the silvannas at Sans Rival, international cuisines at restos in front of the boulevard, the boulevard, gentle people, motorcycle / tricycle. You will feel in love, inspire, and be mesmerized once you set your foot in this rustic and lovely city. Natives say that our national hero, Jose Rizal, used to walk the boulevard en route to Dapitan where he also got inspirations for his famous novels.

the romantic boulevard

Dumaguete pier

motors - Dumaguete's official transpo

the strip of restos ( to the right is Mamia )

Silliman University church

Sans Rival sandwiches and coffee ( also famous for its Silvannas )

( I forgot what this historical monument is )

the bay

Carbon-ated

I finally had inserted in my precious time in Cebu to go, visit, see, buy something in Carbon -- the ultimate bagsakan of fresh veggies, fruits, and nuts in the city. It was one scorching mid-day hour but this did not stop me to explore the sights and sounds of the market.

pechay

squash


there's color amidst the Carbon

saging

camote

luya

ang yagit na naka-Nike at naka-digicam !

The Power Six !

I miss my singing-mates. For the controversy-aware Ilonggos, these six are the official semi-finalists of PDA Season 1 - Iloilo leg. Unfortunately, though, none was chosen from them ( us ) as the network decided to pick from an unofficial venue at an unofficial schedule. Well, there's no business like showbusiness. But the ugly incident forged a new bond among us six. There's a reason for everything, after all ! Hope to sing again with you guys !

Mark, Bloody, Em-em, JJ, Irene, moi !

Fast Food After the Fast Feud

My ka-abri-syete Fifer and I met one rainy afternoon in a mall-based fast food when I was back home. As clouds continue to "juice" out the last drops of rain outside, Fifer was also all mouth to me "juicing" out a real fast feud that happened prior our meeting. Haaay, life is indeed fast now what with fast food and fast feud. And fast crafts, and fast breaks, and fast pace, and fast forward, and fast learner, and fast...zzzz....

Food Trippin' with the Tripper

I must admit. I'm slowly falling in love with the cuisines that each Cebu restaurant I visited has offered me. Each dish has its own story to tell and a new taste to share. Given the time and the budget, it's always a memorable experience sharing a delectable meal with the persons you love. Food gives us life, energy we need, strength to carry on the day's toil. Some consider food as their god, back when paganism was observed ( albeit, till now ). Others regard food as inspiration for their fashion design, music, arts, architecture, etc. It is no wonder at all that food ranks first in every human's needs. ( Photos by JJ )
( Disclaimer: All pork dishes were untouched by Juan Rofel; it's just for photo op sake. I totally abhor pork and some seafood creatures. )

STK resto ( I forgot the name ! ) - my "business" mind in me is really in awe everytime I see these kinds of restos here in Cebu. There's a lot of them here. It's literally a family business thing --- transforming a part of your ancestral home to a cozy dining area and a "lutong-bahay" ambience ( even the plates are "home-y", check below ). Reminds me of Afrique's in Iloilo.

Thai soup with blue marlin head

baked scallops

mixed seafoods kare-kare

pork belly

Casa Verde - another "transformed" ancestral home to a very dainty diner.

Raffitas - make your own soft taco

Bryan's Ribs - their bestseller

Death by Chocolate - heavenly !

Baked Alaska

the famous siomai sa Tisa ( Tisa is a place in Cebu )


Chic and Fab Boutique Restaurant - a two-storey restaurant where the dining area is located at the 1st floor and a cabinet-ful of lotions, shampoos, soaps, and other beauty products on the other side. Go find yourself a nice outfit on the second floor.


khao pad gai ( rice mixed with chicken )

spicy squid

chicken pineapple curry