Shadows

I received an email from a good friend of mine and it made my day. True and Good friends are hard to find. The one who sent me this is definitely the number 1 of my number ones.

I love you friends. You know who you are.

There comes a point in your life when you realize who really matters,
who never did, and who always will.
-Unknown

Coffee Tasting

There are 4 Steps in Tasting Coffee

Step 1:

Smell the Aroma

The sense of smell also determines the taste.

Step 2:

Slurp

Slurp it loud but not too annoying. It also keeps the
tongue from getting burnt if its smoking hot.

Step 3:

Locate the Taste in your tongue

Where did the taste leave its impression?
Front part of the tongue? or Back part?

Step 4

Create an Experience

The first thing that comes in your mind when you have
already determined the taste-- like a memorable experience.

My Favorite Step is #4. Just a few days ago, I was in Caramoan, Camarines Sur. It's the beach dubbed as the Survivor Island's destination of choice with countries like France, Israel, Serbia, Bulgaria and Turkey. We were a large group so our stay was coupled with a lot of fun and miseries. Miseries--why? Because the weather was not totally cooperative. Instead of the sun shining above us, Rain Showers was so evident and the cold wind drizzled in every pore of our skin. So I imagined with my eyes closed holding a cup of Guatemala Antigua Coffee.

Me and my cup of coffee

In my previous post, I mentioned that I'm not a fan of coffee. That still goes true because when the lady approached us, she asked if we were coffee drinkers and if it's fine if she could conduct a Coffee Tasting session. Of course I said YES immediately because I know that the barista will give us a "gift" in exchange of our kind gesture of not turning her down. Who would right?

Turns out, the Coffee Tasting was FREE. She also gave us this Brownie to compliment the taste of the Coffee from Latin America. Infusing the taste of the two flavors almost felt like I'm in a "Ratatouille" moment.

So Yummy 'cause its FREE.

Prior to the Coffee Tasting, my friend and I ordered one Venti Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino with Chocolate Drizzle for the two of us. We shared the cost of this expensive coffee so it wouldn't hurt our wallets that bad (Php 170=$3.78).

Nothing beats a cup of coffee with a FRIEND.

The Apparition

Urbandub's 5th Album, The Apparition, boasts of mind-blowing 10 Tracks and 5 fillers that would send listeners to a unique rocking experience. Their first single, Gravity, is a blend of dynamic and hurricane-force rhythm. I personally like the rhtythm of the bass at the beginning of the song. Most of the songs deals with topics like politics, family, liberty and religion. This album's different for Urbandub since it wasn't rushed. They had over 2 months to sit and write among themselves which was done in the mountains of Cebu, their Queen City.

Since its inception in 2000, the band's line-up has consisted of Gabby Alipe (lead vocals, guitar), John Dinopol (lead guitar, vocals), Lalay Lim (bass, vocals). The band's current drummer is JanJan Mendoza, who has been with the band since 2003.

Album Cover

Track List of all songs are:

1. The Apparition
2. Face In The Woods
3. Gravity
4. What This Night Brings
5. A Call to Arms
6. Tongues Like Knives
7. Bright City Kids
8. Stars And The Sun
9. We Kept It Hidden
10. Good Morning Bones

My personal favorites are track numbers 2, 3, 5, and 6. Track number 5 is my song for Year 2009 and onwards until I get the hang of it. The lyrics of songs will pierce those who are guilty--politicians, law makers, religious figures, and even Mr. Police Officer. I don't want to go into details but just a hint, this album is right on time for the 2010 Elections. One song was even dedicated to the late Francis Magalona which is Track number 8 (Isn't it obvious?). So to say, this is a great album. For those who have a copy, I salute you guys. For those die-hards who don't have a copy yet, you know what to do.

Urbandub: My fave

ANNO NUOVO

My cousin and Yours Truly

I perceived good vibes of what this new year may bring in my life. I don't exactly know what it is maybe because it's the Year of the Tiger, and I was born in the Year of the Tiger! I'm not really into Chinese Horoscope & Feng Shui, but this really made me excited. I got this forecast from this site: www.wayangtimes.com (Yeah, the power of googling benefits us all.)

The Tiger

Magnetic, passionate and grand! When the Tiger does anything, it’s noticed! Indecisiveness and stubbornness can mar the sparkle of the Tiger personality. On the one hand generous, on the other hand a little mean, it’s sometimes hard to know where one stands with the Tiger. Flexible, honest and truly entertaining, one has a friend for life with a Tiger.

Forecast for 2010
Being the Tiger’s own year, 2010 holds great promise for those born under this sign, with exciting developments happening for them both personally and professionally. Some Tigers may be feeling disappointed and disheartened after 2009 and it will be important to leave the past behind and concentrate on the future, which is looking so bright! Financially, everything improves this year for those born under this sign and money-making thoughts and ideas should be fully explored and investigated. With the fast pace of this year for all signs, the Tiger needs to take extra care in planning and thinking all projects through – no rushing headlong into schemes during 2010! Tigers looking for romance will possibly see a friendship suddenly develop into something more personal with exciting consequences. August, December and January will see a very active and entertaining social calendar, but all of 2010 will see fun activities for the Tiger. The Spring months, March to May, will bring encouraging and interesting job opportunities, but the Tiger will still have to make sure he puts himself forward and gets noticed at work.

Interesting Tiger Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Sapphire
Special Flower: Violet
Best Hours: 3-5 am
Season: Winter
Horoscope Colors: Green, Blue, Yellow

Officially, the Year of The Tiger begins on February 14th 2010, the real Chinese New Year. I won't miss any chances this year. Though i don't rely so much on the data provided above, I just feel that this will be a good year for me. I hope.

Dragon Fireworks

Our New Year celebration held at my brother's pad was truly a blast compared to the last years. It was because of these amusing fireworks display which was pretty expensive. We had our own Pyrolympics display in our street. I'm just exaggerating, but yes, it was a good one.

And of course, we fueled our empty stomachs with a good feast. Enjoy!

Photo by Sharon Velez-Diopenes