Awesome. I give it an 8/10.

If you’re taken and you have a reputation to protect, taking number two or four in Serendra is surely a legitimate relationship suicide. You’ll definitely receive a call from your partner requesting for your coordinates. Do prepare a bio-data of the querida when you get home. Don’t lie. Manila has eagle eyes. Why not take them to Antipolo instead? Its got the best Manila view comparable to Skye Lounge, cheap pa!

Bottom line, I always believe that introducing a special someone to friends is tantamount to pamamanhikan. And for sure, that ain’t gonna happen in this lifetime unless you’re the one. It doesn’t mean however that the dating possibilities will be limited to condo dinner and DVD marathons yet again!

For your learnings today, there are still places in Manila that are not as overexposed like Boracay. There are still hidden gemstones for your secret someone because we all know that Greenbelt will always be for the special one AKA your press release, and the hidden gemstones are for your getting to know stage without the high cost.

Here are Manila’s gemstones for your secret someone in no particular order.

Meatshop, Katipunan

I love it when we surprise people whenever we say that we eat isaw both manok and baboy and that we ride the MRT. The look on their faces once finding it out is just sheer amazement and surely a plus in our 101. Just make sure to eat inside since the tables and chairs outside exposes you to the Katipunan traffic. Fortunately, Meatshop serves JD+Coke and Vodka Sprite.

Metrowalk, Ortigas

This place houses in a variety of midscale restaurants for your weekly secret dating needs. Strangely, I haven’t met someone I know here… ever! You can also buy your pirated DVD’s upstairs for that intimate, cost-free date nights in someone’s flat.

Must try: Il Mercanti on weekend nights as a starter before taking them to Mercato weekends once made official.

Hassan, Katipunan

There are these street-chic restos along Katipunan and it’s not Banapple, Kopi Roti, or Army Navy. Reserve that for the next stage of the relationship. Think Que Rico area. Hassan seems to be a legit hideaway for your secret someone in case you’re suffering from Persian Kebab Craving Syndrome.

Must try: Plain yoghurt shake, Kebabs on Garlic Herb Sauce… No ox-brain please, Luis!

SM North Edsa/ Market! Market!/ Gateway/ Robinsons Pioneer

Fancy a window-shopping with your secret someone? Take them to SM North Edsa or Market! Market! for a worry free weekend. The probability of meeting someone you know is slim and mass produced commodities can be found here too! Trust SM in everything. They have it all for you less the people your friends with in Facebook.

Tiendesitas (PM only)

Tiedesitas is relatively safe to take your secret someone just incase they feel the need to be exposed to the outdoor setting. Your friends might be taking their bitches for some weekly cleaning in the morning so better reserve your Tiendesitas visit at night once the sisig starts sizzling.

Bonchalet, Marikina

I dated someone who brought me to this Marikina restaurant with a dungeon-like ambiance brought about by stoned walls with curved entrance passages. It’s like Bugsy’s without the AC and it’s in Marikina. So it’s safe.

Remember that the best excuse for taking a secret someone elsewhere is simply a request for less people, something different, and cheap. If someone says that to you, then most definitely you’re a secret someone.

Antipolo

Be wary when someone says, ‘Let’s go to Antipolo for dinner’. It doesn’t mean that they’re making an extra step for you to be impressed or are they naturally romantic. It simply means you’re a secret someone. Try and convince them for a Tagaytay instead and let’s see how they’ll react to it.

Home Depot, Ortigas

If you’re gay then this is not applicable to you since a popular gay bar is located in the area. Don’t go na rin there if you’re gay since there’s only a handful of qualified and doable gay guys here in Manila and they don’t go to O or Bed, try Opus or Skye… they’re not out though it’s more of a strategy thing in being able to smell them. Takes years to master the talent. If they’re single, hot, and out naman, they act so gay they sweat Bath and Body Works Cucumber Watermelon. Sa HengKeng ka na lang magdate dai!

It doesn’t mean however that Home Depot is automatically a rainbow district. There are a variety of little restaurants and bars for you and your secret someone to hang out in the weekend without the possibility of being spotted.

La Mesa Eco Park/ Bay Walk

Why jog and show the world the person you’re dating in the streets of Fort Bonifacio when you can start and test it first at La Mesa Eco Park or Bay Walk? For sure, you’ll be able to burn calories and enjoy the anonymity as well. I don’t go to Bay Walk so for sure you’re not going to see first to third degree friends there.

Bluewave, Macapagal

Just like Metrowalk, this place is ideal for a secret someone especially for the north people. It’s far, relatively lib-lib and just in case you crave for the mall atmosphere then Harrison is there.

Just so you know, if you’re being taken to these places, keep in mind that the dating is in its first stages. It’s really hard for someone to take you places they consider an extension of their identity for the simple reason that they’re afraid; afraid of change, afraid of love, and afraid of criticism. Be patient, be kind. Who knows? Sooner or later you’ll be considered as their special (and not a secret) someone.

With a perfect beach… Boracay at the bare minimum, aforementioned drink or if all else fails; JD+Coke or Super Dry, friends you love or lovers after friends in tow, there is still however a missing puzzle piece. To complete, here’s the Weekend Playlist 2 prepared on a midweek for your audio appreciation. This time, it’s got a hint of summer ideal for your sun kissed getaway.

Self Machine by I Blame Coco

This is my selected song for Saigon Weekend. I think I don’t need to explain a feel good music perfect for long drives while eating McDonald’s drive-thru junk and double hot fudge sundae.

Vento Que Vem Do Mar by Camara

Roughly translated as wind from the sea, Vento Que Vem Do Mar is actually a capoeira song. And you know me, a part of me is capoeira. This song is literally two seasons ago but when a non-capoeira person hears it, they instantly transport themselves to the sea. This is a perfect rendition to make the capoeira music more palatable to a wider audience.

Like a Star by Britt Nicole

The pop in me will never die. Imagine Britney, Paris, Christina, or Billie… only this time, the girl is not popular just yet. I imagine myself driving a 1957, powder blue, convertible Corvette sipping a cherry slurpee, in my white shirt, sombrero, and dirrty jeans for this song.

Cover: Young Folks by the Kooks

2 words. Gossip Girl.

Set Fire to Everybody by Adele v Skrillex

Skrillex’s gone masa with the lastest Kaskade collab. I can feel it though, 2012 will be everything about dubstep music… unfortunately strong in bass, sadly less in vocals, and as per usual more in electric. In short, dirrty music resulting to dirty tabs.

Once and For All by Clock Opera

Perfect song when waking up to sunrise with or without the hangover, although iThink waking up wasted is pretty juvenile, very college 2005. Better sleep it na lang, likewise suitable for late runs. Mental note, summer inspire must be body ready.

It Don’t Rain in Beverly Hills by Dean & Britta

You know summer should have a lover same as Christmas, well this is a perfect accompaniment for such occasion.

Sunset+ candlelit dinner+ this music= Possible marriage proposal

This is basically your music journey for a summer weekend. Listen to I Blame Coco on your way to Fuego, don’t forget to drop by Starbucks or McDonald’s for your double hot fudge sundae. It’s ideal to dip your nuggets and fries to rich creaminess.

Upon arrival, listen to the Kooks, Britt Nicole if feeling flirty in your bikini, and Camara when at the beach. Predictable, I know. If you want to get wasted at night with Caipirinhas, Patron XO’s, and Super Dry’s, Skrilexx is viable option. On the other spectrum lies love, and if you plan to be cheesy, pre-nup shoot ang peg, go for Dean & Britta. Either way, I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy to wake up with Clock Opera.

Crazy hits it the second time around in Saigon. RSVP-NO to my 10-year high school reunion and an absence for a weekend getaway with friends at Tagaytay. Enough with the guilt trip na. So here’s a simple guide for a kuripot weekend in Saigon… just because it was unplanned and all. Lol!

Your Stay: Stay at the Bich. Good location. Station 2-ish. Young ones need no diamond accommodations. Clean sheets, AC, TV, and a decent WC are simple basics that you need. No arte please, there will be more room for that one. Email Chan for your reservations. A Bichy stay will cost you around 400PHP/night. BF consits of a baguette, scrambled eggs, OJ, and bananas… Pwede na yun. Promise.

F&B

Drinks: Ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) is like sago’t gulaman. You can never leave Vietnam without drinking it. A simple concoction of strong Vietnamese coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice for less than a dollar is all there is to it. Mas masarap sa sidewalk. Buy beans at the Ben Thanh… not inside, very touristy. Go outside kay Madame near the bags. Swear!

Foodams: One word. Three letters. PHO (25,000-45,000 VND). I don’t give a damn on what resto serves it better or more authentic… Heller! You’re in Vietnam so every pho should be real na, MSG laden or otherwise. Safe choice sa Pho24. But better sa sidewalk, yun kamay gamit for scooping the rice noodles. It’s mas real and mas salty! Magic word!

Two words. Eleven letters. Spring rolls! Have it in rice paper or better yet in leaves of mustard. Love it fresh with basil for the shrimp. Love it fried for the pork. Love it like lola’s lumpia! Bet!

Banh mi sa sidewalk for 15,000VND is nothing like no other here in Manila. Instead of pan de sal, they have it in a baguette… a baguette! Imagine jejemons eating a baguette! No diba?!? Inside are all things fresh and healthy. Never had this when I first visited. Ayaw daddy, baka dirrty. But now, fave ko toh sa Saigon kanto.

Places

Ben Thanh market for basic shopping. Shopping tip: Touch, inquire, haggle, then walk away. Remember: Haggle like there’s no tomorrow. Coffee, fabrics, and touristy shirts can be found here. For more artsy-fartsy finds go to the bacpacker district, the Bich is located there. Kaya nga stay at the Bich.

The Cuchi Tunnels and the War Museum will teach you something new about history. Open your eyes. Open your mind. Forget Forest Gump and all the American movies about the Vietnam War. It’s not about communism. It’s not about democracy. It’s about leaving people alone when they are at peace- Communist Red, Socialist LoVe, or Democratic Gay. I’ve seen the destruction of the West to the East and it’s true pala what they say… pakealamero to the highest level. Anyway, skip the Reunification Palace or the Cao Dai Temple. Next time, I’ll try the cooking lessons na lang. Tour is dirt cheap. Tons of travel agencies to help you near the Bich. Kaya stay at the Bich or somewhere near it. Ours was USD14.00 for Cao Dai- Cuchi whole day. Mekong is nice too but that one is so 2003.

Bars: Café Thi for distillerish ambiance. Go2 for Libis back in early 2000’s look and feel. Cheap naman kaya keri lang.

In closing, the place is fun for 3 days lang cuz it’s kinda small to begin with. It’s still more fun in the Philippines. 3.5 stars of dazzling!

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

It’s that time of the year again to have a big party, which somehow I can compare to New Year’s Eve. This February 17, 2012 (Friday) is BRASILIPINAS at the Rockwell Tent.

Turn on your samba moves. The drinks are on us. Hear the beating drums.  Be amazed with the art of Capoeira. And simply dance the night away with great music and…. Overflowing CUTE people, this I can guarantee for sure! Even a friend told me last year that cute people converge for Brasilipinas!

No Opus, Republiq, or Skye muna cuz on February 17 everyone will be real, dancing and free for Brasilipinas!

It’s definitely more fun in the Philippines on Feb. 17. See you there!

Let me just say that the new tourism campaign of the Department of Tourism is simply the TRUTH! Please Huwag na maging negatron!  You don’t work in advertising and coming up with an intellectual retort will simply make you look ignorant and a crab. Seriously! It’s time to support! Kahit this once lang.

A few weeks ago and missing my recent Californication vacation, I asked my Mommy Dearest why the Philippines? I was buzzed na and I love-love conversations with Mommy Dearest while she makes her Sunday coffee in the morning while I was having a severe case of LSS in the tune of Super Bass and wreaking the smell of Eau de Whiskey.

More than half of our family is there already, and she had all the means and opportunities for us to be dual citizens and make the world our living playground. Besides crazy friends who are still here and probably loving it, what’s here for me pa?

The wisest uttered the simplest and truest of words, which make me love the Philippines and her more, “This is where I was born and I’m happy here”.

True enough. It’s More Fun in the Philippines.

My October video sums up why it’s fun in Manila.

Even when you’re down. It’s still fun and very picturesque! Sushal! Always remember that you have friends here. And, I always see someone I know within a kilometer radius.

Pico de Loro, Hamilo Coast

Cold nights? Not an issue at all.

Slumber Party: Manansala Tower, Rockwell

Remember to always say hello and get a complimentary handshake on the weekends.

You meet colorful characters everyday!

Who knows you might even find true love…

Picture by Patti Mallari of www.lifesmytrip.com

Or a delicious dessert.

If you’re torpe (which I always am!), we give you the best liquid courage.

It’s also nice to be in a shipwreck once in your lifetime.

Pensicola Beach Resort, Cagbalete (picture by Thea Magpantay)

And when you’re really tired. Get a massage!

There's Capoeira in the Philippines (www.ebcphilippines.com, picture by Jeric Rustia)

Or bake buns in the oven.

Anvaya Cove

It’s time to OWN FUN! I support and I believe that the Philippines is truly a fun place to be! We don’t have the best airports or first class services, and we don’t even adhere to global standards of safety. But one thing I know is for sure; we are the Ambassadors of FUN! #1ForFUN!

Sagada Mountain Province

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

It’s the 3rd of January 2012, exactly 12:30 in the morning and we’ll all be back to regular programming in about eight hours. It was a fun ride of destination: good times.

Home is definitely just a state of mind. We over shopped in California and over partied in Manila, Family connections and friendships. The working idea for 2012, which I just managed to put into words during the New Year’s sunrise… SOMETHING BIGGER!

To 2012. From 2011. Something BIGGER!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

There’s Amy Winehouse on vocals. And yes, she can still go to rehab in the new Bette Ford Clinic- Cloud 9 Retreat. Heaven’s chief modista since 1997, Gianni Versace, has acquired new celebrity clients, which includes Elizabeth Taylor and Zsa Zsa Gabor. The two were spotted wearing a layered cardigan by Versace at St. Peter’s Walk with Butler Michael Gough in tow.

There’s a new Naked Gun showing in heaven starring of course Leslie Nielsen, Ryan Dunn, Randy Savage, Frances Bay, and Pacquito Diaz.

Heaven welcomes its new set of angels: Andy Whitfield, Mia Amber Davis, and John Apacible. Rumor has it that they are on a Jack Lalanne Power Juicer Diet.

There’s a new show in a heaven.

And a new movie as well.

Guests for The Oprah Winfrey Show (season 1, episodes 1-5) includes Steve Jobs, Filipino singer RJ Rosales, a tell all by Angelo Reyes back to back with Charice’s father, and Kim Jong Il via satellite to a place that shouldn’t be named.

On a more personal note, let’s bid farewell and say our prayers to family and friends; Coach Ding Mendoza and his father, AJ Perez of LSGH Search-In Circle 150, Paolo Lamata, Tito Tito, and Papa Condring.

… and don’t forget to write them a testimonial in Friendster. Thanks for everything and we miss you na!