June 30th, 2009 by rafael
In preparation for the arrival of the book adaptation “Where the wild Things Are”, I got a hold of the book. I made sure to re-read it since I can’t remember the last time I read it.
The book is a children’s book by Maurice Sendak that is short in length but told very well in both writing and pictures. It has to do with a boy who dresses up in a wolf suit and uses his imagination to travel to a world of beasts. The story is both entertaining and thought provoking.
Here is a link to the movie trailer, its going to be real good.

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June 28th, 2009 by rafael
A very yummy snack that you should bite into sometime is Hopia. When I was in the Philippines I picked up a case of this snack at Eng Bee Tin . I went all the way to China town to get it, good thing I had Nanay to help me find it and get back home. I really don’t know how its made, but I can describe it. It is in the shape of a small cylinder with an outer breaded layer. Inside it can have anything from Ube, cheese, coffee to Pandan (for some reason I just can’t do Pandan all that well). Biting into it is way easy because it’s real soft.
Now, on getting ahold of some Hopia I cannot say. According to Eng Bee Tin it’s distributed around the world, but I’ve never seen it for sale here. If you do find some, you’ll enjoy it alot.


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June 16th, 2009 by rafael
I arrived two days ago from my trip to the Philippines with some cool things to talk about. I stayed in Manila (the capital) and visited the surrounding cities and towns.
I visited Most of Metro Manila including Pasay City, Pasig, Makati, Queson City, San Juan, Paranaque and Las Pinas. I was a bit lost at times, so I might have missed noting some other cities. Outside of the City I traveled to Subic, Olongapo and Laguna.
Due to it’s proximity to other cities and locations, there are many things to do and see in and around Manila. I stayed with some great people so I had the chance to visit both the culturally rich and Commercial center parts of town. I visited everything from Museum Grounds and fresh food markets to amazing modern malls.
On the first day I visited Intramuros, a historic museum grounds that details the great history of the Philippines.
One of the malls I visited was Mall of Asia “MOA”. The mall has too many great departments and things to do and is located near a very scenic sea wall
I visited the beach in Olongapo and a mountain top resort named Caliraya in Laguna.
I really liked the Philippines and wouldn’t mind living there, but I had to come back home. I hope to take a trip there again and other parts of Asia.
The Entire pic set can be found here.

Market

Intramuros

Makati

Mall of Asia

Olongapo

Caliraya Resort
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May 26th, 2009 by rafael
I was in Austin this past weekend and had some nice eats. First eat was at Wiki Wiki Teriyaki , where I got a chance to eat from a box meal. I’m not sure how authentic the box meal was, but it was definately nice. The second eat was ClayPit. Clay Pit has some great Indian food. I tried the rack of lamb and took a picture of the chicken. Enjoy the delicious pics.



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May 22nd, 2009 by rafael
I haven’t flown a kite since “Kite Day” in 5th grade and had a chance to do so early this week. It is such a calming activity and lets you enjoy the afternoon alot. I bought a Space Shuttle Kite and another Kite nicknamed “Lucy”. If you have a chance to fly a kite, go for it!

Space Shuttle Kite

Up up and Away!!

The Two Kites

Space Shuttle
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May 6th, 2009 by rafael
In a few weeks I am taking my very first overseas trip. I have my passport ready and my plane ticket, I am just waiting on the day to arrive. I will be traveling to the Philippines and staying in the capital, Manila. From their I intend to visit as many different places as I can. I will definitely have plenty of new blog material for all of you.
During the flight there I will layover in Japan (Narita Airport) which is super exciting, Japan! So , if you are in Narita for some reason say hello.

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