What I missed about flairtending in UST

Flairtending (or Flair Bartending) has been a hobby of mine since the start of my 2nd year of college. My course in Hotel and Restaurant Management has been the cause of that since it was part of the curriculum (Not a major written part but it has been in some of the tests during the 3rd year.)

Students had to learn how to toss, flip and balance a bottle in one hand (be it wooden, fiber glass or a real one) and practice doing it while holding a metal shaker tin on the other (also tossing, flipping and balancing it btw). All for a decent grade during the Mixology preliminaries or finals.

Other schools also have their own bartending courses with flairtending mixed in (get it?) but here at the oldest University in Asia, there are some things that I experienced as a novice flairtender that will forever remain etched in my college life.

~Lover's Lane was the place to be.~

- It wasn't just known to be the place of most cheesiness in UST, it was also the home to aspiring flairtenders alike. 

Back when I was still studying (SY2009), every morning, lunch break, dead time, and even Saturdays (At 1:00 PM) you could see kids throwing their bottles in the air, some are juggling shakers and some are even taking videos (for their video project in Bartending). It was such a fun sight to see, though the school maintenance will think otherwise. Some would also venture on to the main field when there is no space in the said lane. 

~You know when it's raining, just follow the sound of tins bouncing.~

- There are some days that you just feel like tossing the old bottle around and yet the weather does not agree with you. So where to go? The nearest shelter where people don't mind the damaged floor from all the bottle bouncing.

The carpark has heard (or felt) its share of noise from all the missed moves of the flairtender. Even chasing after flying bottles in fear of hitting a car.

As I have mentioned earlier, Saturdays were the norm when practicing your flair routine, but during the trip going to UST, you come across some rain and doubt if there are still some people going. But you still end up going anyways (since you really wanted to nail that move.)

Arriving in UST, some doubt already hits you since it is raining and there are no flying bottles in sight. But before you attempt to leave, you decide to rely on your sense of hearing in hope to hear a shaker make a loud CLANG. And you finally hear something, albeit faint but it's still a shaker and follow the sound. And voila, the people are hanging out inside the carpark and everything in the world is all right again.

 

~It doesn't stop at Lover's Lane or Carpark~

- For die-hard flairtenders, nothing stops you from perfecting that so-called move. So you end up in the classroom, even before the professor steps in. Your classmates studying may get annoyed but you still keep on stalling that Flairco Bottle.

~Your bag will always be full of shakers and bottles~

- People around you, especially on the commute will always be wondering what that clinking sound inside your bag makes. And also why it looks like it weighs a lot. 

Ah, the everyday struggle of a student flairtender. You will always the ignore the weight as long as you can get to school without anything breaking. (be it the bottle or your back.)

Arrrribaaaaa!

~It can be a friendly yet competitive pastime.~

- Let's face it, you learn most of your moves by watching others and copying them and try to create a new twist to it. And you often battle it out with fellow flairtenders for them to see your "New move" and they copy it as well.

It's just a game of give and take with others fashioning a move that is completely their own. (ehem, Electric Fan)

~ If you're caught flairtending in the building, prepare your ID.~

- When CTHM was still residing in the Albertus Magnus Building, some flairtenders would often practice their craft in the lobby, classroom even by the cafeteria area where it was spacious. But due to some other classes being disrupted by the noise, the SWDB (headed by the most recognizable authority figure then) decided to confiscate the ID's of those who were making such a ruckus with their tins and bots. You had to be a badass to practice while inside the building. (Or someone who already had their ID taken)

~Flower Pot conundrum~

- Some would attest to this as one of the most annoying problem while flair bartending in grasslands.

Have you ever dropped your bot head first in some soil, only to pick it up with a piece of dirt and some grass along the mouth of the bottle? So you whip it like a b*tch just to get rid of it? Damn.

~All in all, it's a great way to pass the time and learn something.~

- I's a fun way to meet new friends and also a huge learning experience. You learn something, you also get to teach it. And people tend to pay it forward and teach what you taught them. Also with laughs along the way as you hilariously fail at catching that bottle mid-air.

These are just some of the wonderful things that I've experienced whilst being an aspiring flairtender in the University of Santo Tomas. I would not mind adding some more from other's experiences as it would really help us get back some nostalgia (and some bruises and cuts)

How about you? What was flairtending like in your youth?

Soniboy's Bucket List.

26.

This is the age I am currently on while writing this down. It's 4 years to the big 3-0 and 8 years since I was a teenager. And right now I need to start thinking what I really want to do with my life. And the things I want to do before I bite the dust, so to speak.

So I am sharing to you, faithful reader, things I want to accomplish before I die. Well, let's face it, YOLO.

1. Go to the US of A.
- Not to live the American dream, of course. But to experience what it's like to be there. To feel snow, to eat "American" size portions, to watch a live NBA or WWE event, etc. And to reunite with family members who are living there.

'Murica

2. To host or guest in a Food/Travel show

- I am a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, Andrew Zimmern, Bobby Chinn, KF Seetoh and other travel show hosts which primarily center around culinary expeditions. And having to host one or even guest in one is my ultimate dream. Eating exotic foods, explaining facts and meeting different kinds of people along the way. Also listening to their insights, advice and wisdom is ear candy to me.

Heroes. F*ckin A.

3. Skydive, Bungee Jump

-Anything involving heights may get hearts raising, but knowing you're thousands of feet above the ground and nothing is stopping you from hitting the soil with nothing but a piece of sturdy fabric is exciting enough to try. And maybe when that bit of adrenaline kicks in, I might be on the next plane trying it out.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee

4. Meet Michael J. Fox

- The Back to the Future series were (and still is) my most favorite movies growing up. It's few of the movies I wouldn't mind watching every single day for weeks. And Marty Mcfly (Michael J. Fox's character) is the best movie character for me. I know that was decades ago, but I still want to meet and talk to him and ask questions that no interviewer can ask. He was my hero growing up, and meeting him face-to-face will be the greatest moment ever. Great Scott!

Wow. Heavy.

5. Meet the Big Bang Theory cast.

- There was a conflict with this one. It was either the cast of Friends or TBBT. The nerds edged out the NY group due to the show being in line with what I was interested in. Comics, Games, Social awkwardness, Computers and take-out food. Plus, I was really impressed on how they carry out their lines with complicated Physics-related dialogue with 20% of viewers who are able to understand correctly. Meeting Jim, Johnny, Simon, Kunal, Kaley, Melissa and Mayim is a dream of mine.

Bazinga!

6. Composing a Manga.

- I was drawing anime characters since I was little and really wanted to make a book about it. But due to my short attention span and procrastination, I was never really able to finish one. I once made comics in High School but never finished. Also when I was in college, but ended up with the same result. So, I am aiming to finish one during my free time and hope there won't be too much distractions on this one. Thinking if I should go with a storyline involving Basketball (much like Kuroko No Basuke, SlamDunk), Zombies (High School of the Dead, The Walking Dead) or normal life.

These are just some of the things I want to add to my Bucket list. I thought of this at the top of my head and may add some more.

If you want, you can come back and see if I add some more to this. Until then,

Christmas Traffic

That time of the year is upon us again,

13th month bonuses,

Christmas Pay,

and the unbelievable amount of traffic it causes.

A true test of Patience

There are a lot of reasons for this, some are worth mentioning:

1. Christmas bonuses are given 2 to 3 weeks before December 25. Chances are people are trying to get their christmas shopping as early as possible. Some companies release theirs almost at the same time so that will add to the amount of people driving off to the nearest mall to window-shop, while some take the easy way out and shop online. (Which may also contribute to the traffic since the products are being delivered)

Bumper to Bumper is an understatement

2. Road re-blocking and construction sites are becoming more rampant. Since there is an increased volume of vehicles on the road, more and more stress is being put to the road and the asphalt gives out.

3. People are not risking taking the Train. Sure the MRT is one of the fastest transportations to get you where you need to be, but current events like broken train tracks, maintenance work and malfunctioning boxcars seem to worry some of the commuters and think that it will be better to bring their own means of transpo. But have you seen the amount of people lately? Taking the bus is beginning to look a lot safer.

This ain't even rush hour.

4. People from the provinces are coming to the city to spend the holidays. Visiting malls, parks and touristy places here in the Metro.

5. Multiple large vehicles (e.g. Buses, Trucks) not staying in their correct lanes. 

So-called Kings of the road

These are just some smidgets of my opinion on why there are a LOT of cars on the road.

I just want to wish all of the motorists to keep a level head and not let road rage take over as it will add fuel to the fire.

Some things I want to add,

1. Always keep a car charger in the car, you may never know when your lifeline will run out during traffic.

2. Keep a stash of snacks and drinks in the vehicle once you get the munchies. Sidewalk vendors and Takatak Boys may be present during these times but we are not guaranteed that what they are selling are safe.

3. Always lock your doors. Since it is the holidays, some thieves may prey on open and vulnerable passengers since you are stuck in traffic and stationary most of the time.

4. Music always does the trick. Listen to fun and relaxing music to lighten the mood.

5. A lively and fun conversation with the other passengers may make time go faster. You may not notice that you are already at your destination since you are so engrossed with the topic of talk. Except for the driver, you can talk, but keep your eyes on the road.

During this holiday season, stay safe and stay patient. 

No matter how hard it may be, you will still reach your destination.

Ingat!

Lamon Review: Shonantei Japanese RestoBar

I am a sucker for Japanese food, ever since Dad always brought home Maguro Tuna Sashimi from Farmers Market, Cubao from our younger years.

Now, every time I go into a Japanese restaurant, I have a hard time choosing whatever I want to eat. From the simple sashimi, to the complex sukiyaki, the choices are hard and endless.

My default order if I can't choose is always Katsudon (Deep fried pork cutlet with Egg on top of Steamed Rice). Why? Because it's freaking PORK.

Then my best bud, (who is also an avid fan of Japanese cuisine as well) suggested this place near our area in QC. He and his girlfriend raved about it so much, my sisters and I got curious and decided to try it for ourselves.

(Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shonantei-Japanese-Resto-Bar/1441886446062979)

It was a small place along Mindanao Avenue, near the way to Project 8. Parking was tricky as the main space can accommodate only up to 2 cars. The rest will have to park along the highway.

When we got there, we had the option of choosing between 2 kinds of seating, the regular with tables and chairs, and the lounge seating wherein you can sit on the floor. Since we were just trying the place out, we chose the regular seating. (and my back was hurting then)

The place was decorated beautifully, it was reminiscent of the ambience of the restaurants in Little Tokyo, Makati. With Japanese posters, sake bottles, Japanese beer cans and bamboo partitions.

That guy is looking at us funnily.

It was just Mom, the sisters and me who went and tried it out, since Dad was in the province at that time. Out of the five of us, Dad was not the most adventurous eater. But he will try things out once it has his food choices in the menu.

A couple of excited foodies

We were attended to by the restaurant's co-owner, Ms. Janet. She was very accommodating and told us little tidbits on how the restaurant came to be, and also how the food is prepared as fresh as possible.

Looking at the menu, there were many interesting and tasty choices. So going back to my default order was out the table. They have so many affordable food items, it was damn near impossible to choose. So, we just stuck to our gut and ordered what suited our fancy.

Before the meal, my sister noticed that the restaurant served her favorite type of sparkling Sake, Mio Sake and ordered it without a second thought. It was our aperitif before the feast. And it tasted pretty damn good. Then Ms. Janet offered us a wine cooler to keep the sake cold throughout the meal. Not to mention she also recommended a Sake that was Plum-based called Cho-ya and presented us with its benefits as a "healthy" sake. We were also presented with tiny cups that were appropriate for drinking Sake. It was a complete and unreal Japanese experience all thanks to Ms. Janet and her awesome hospitality.

The cooler and the pottery is gorgeous and the cups were pretty.

We decided to try out the house specialty, which was the Wagyu Saikoro Steak which was priced at an affordable 280+php. This was also a recommendation by the best bud so we were intrigued since we have not tried Wagyu before. It was the first to arrive, and each of us tried a bite. After trying it, we were literally speechless. It MELTS! It literally melts! And it tasted considerably like another pricey dish, the Foie Gras. Which had the same texture and rich flavor. For 280+ it is definitely a must-try.

I could eat this forever. (Until the heart attack attacks.)

So then came our orders,

I ordered my ultimate Japanese favorite, the Yakitori (Grilled skewered Chicken) which was priced at 50php per stick, which was hella affordable.

Oh good Lord, thank you for creating this dish.

These are different parts of the famed bird, I ordered Torikawa (Chicken skin) and Torimomo (Chicken Thigh). The Torikawa was fat and crispy, while the Torimomo was oh-so-juicy. It was decadent bites up to the last part.

Mom ordered the Nikutamagotoji Soba. It was a ramen dish of Soba Noodles in a hot dashi broth finished with egg on top. The soup was delicious and we all had nothing but good things to say about it.

Soba. Soba-dass.

Ate Jody ordered her Salmon Kaisen-Oyako-Don which comprised of super fresh Salmon Sashimi Slices on top of steamed rice topped off with Salmon Roe which kind of resembled the Philippine Sago. Thinking it was the same, we first tried the Salmon Roe, which was unlike we ever tasted before. It was circular eggs which exploded when eaten and gave off a Salty Sea flavor which was perfect with the Salmon Sashimi. Needless to say, the dish was exciting and at the same time, balanced.

Eating the mother and the unborn children. Very dark.

Finally, Ate Jaymee ordered the simple Maguro-don, which comprised of her affinity for Maguro Tuna. The Sashimi was fresh to the bite, bouncy and flavorful.

Maguroooooooo

It was a very fun and educational trip. We are coming back. Though it may be with different people, but we are definitely returning. There are still so much more to try, especially the alcohol. I wouldn't mind getting drunk here.

For those who want to experience this awesomeness,

Their address is at:

863 Mindanao Avenue, 

Bahay Toro, Quezon City

455 9160

Restaurant Hours - 5:00PM - 1:00AM (No lunch dates)

Tuesday - Sunday

Kampaii!!

Native foodtrips: Balayan edition

Growing up, the town of Balayan, Batangas, the hometown of my father, has been one of the reasons I have a passion for street food and the like.

Our dad always liked to hold curbside inumans at his house with some of his barkada. They would often bring gin, tequila and brandy, but surprisingly no food. And the reason was interesting, as my father said, you can buy the pulutan by the market. Any food that tickles their fancy.

My father's barkada, the Crucials Club

We always volunteered to be the ones who would buy so that we can add some extra so that the kids will have something to munch on as the night progresses. Papa would always show us the way to the different kinds of BBQ vendors along the side of the market, and that was how we were familiarized with the street food scene in Balayan.

Now that I am older (thus wiser, and hungrier) I decided to check the varieties of food myself.

Barbeques and Grilling are common here, from Isaw (Chicken Intestine), Adidas (Chicken Feet), even Betamax (Blood Clots) to the traditional Liempo (Pork Belly), Chicken Legs and Pork BBq's. The street is lined up with different vendors with their unique takes on their grilled fare with different sauces, and marinades. These stalls are located along the front side of the new Balayan Public Market.

And then, I stumbled upon this shack called Malabanan's (Insert septic jokes here), I heard this from our cousins who grew up in Balayan, with their main fare is one of the Philippine's most beloved yet pricey dish, Crispy Pata. But theirs is only 55php a plate, complete with rice and a hot cup of beef stew. At first I was skeptical about the price, indicating that the quality may match the amount we paid for, but it was authentic as can be. Juicy meat which melts in your mouth and crispy skin that would even rival Chicharon. Their stall is located beside PNB near Mcdonald's.

A lot of great street food was discovered here at just a small portion of the town. Hopefully I will be able to venture into other barangays and try out their fare. Until then, will keep you all posted on my next street food adventure here in Balayan, Batangas.

Now, if I can just borrow a tricycle around the corner...

Mother's day is a-comin'!

Mi mama and me

So, here's my mom and me. The relationship we have may differ from some people because, well, we act like brother and sister to the point we trade blows lovingly. We love each other to bits. Even though we joke and fool around like we just pulled a prank on somebody. But at the end of the day, she's our ever loving Mama.

It wasn't like this before.

In truth, I wasn't the perfect son to begin with.

I grew up with ADHD. Which means, I was all over the place. I was the kid who would run to the altar of the church while mass was going on. I was also the kid who was always found in the customer service of a mall being treated as a lost child, announcing my full name all throughout the mall. Also, during family reunions, being the eldest male in a family full of kids, they would always follow what I do, what I say and do all the shenanigans I did, which to my grandma's expense, often ended up with spanking, shouting and discipline.

I was the kid nobody wanted.

Mom had to resign from her job to take care of me. After an incident at school where I beat up some smaller kid and dragged him on the school bus floor. I was treated to psychological treatment to hinder my ADHD tendencies in which, I had forgotten why I did those things before today.

Now, fully aware of what I did and what my reputation was when I was a little bugger, gave me a whole new sense of what my mom sacrificed just to make sure I grew up as proper and disciplined as possible. She did mention, we could have anything that we wanted then and now when she was still working, but I may be out of school and in a jail cell somewhere if she did.

I love her for that and that may never be enough because between a proper financial security life and a son who's tumbling down a downward spiral, she chose to stand by me.

And now I'm giving back everything. Everything she ever wanted, she ever wished for. Working hard just to see her smile, that smile that gives us the hint that she is happy and everything is all right.

I love you, Mom. It's my turn.

Do something for your mom today! And this coming mother's day, treat her like the queen she is. :)

Some parody to make you lol.

So my friend showed a youtube video of what seemed to be a Taylor Swift video off her single "I knew you were trouble" and to our delightful surprise, just when the chorus was playing, a cut of a screaming goat replaced what was supposed to be voice belt by Swift.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!

We were laughing so hard we tuned out the screaming goat playing in the background.

We don't know if this was the first one, (albeit I think it's the most popular one) but it sparked several versions of the famous song's scream part. Starring some cats, wrestlers, actors and a napkin dispenser of all things.

I can watch this video several times and still LOL at the goat. Even the sisters' sides are ripping everytime they hear the song on the radio or on TV, eventually screaming themselves when the part comes up. (The eldest one does it perfectly)

AAaaaaaaAaaAhhhhhHHhhHh!!