Glorietta 2-GROUND ZERO!

“Manila PHILIPPINES-October 19, 2007 Glorietta 2 exploded and killed 11 people and injured more than a hundred.”
I was actually out Friday-October 19. I ran an errand for my boss-I need to get her mdr at Philhealth office in pasig since she was about to check-out of Makati Med. Ortigas Area has always been traffic jammed especially on a Friday-traffic was more evident since it was the 1st of the 3 day sale at mega mall that’s why I absolutely had a hard time looking for a ride. I was supposed to have lunch with my hubby-I was about to text him that we meet at Glorieta to have lunch there since I’m out on a field work but I received an earlier text from him that he is on his way to the office and he’ll wait for me there instead. I came back to the office and the moment I arrived, my officemate Mommy Elaine informed me that Glorieta was bombed. I was shocked but at the same time thankful and I uttered to myself-“thank God I did not send that text message…”
It was a big shock! As I came down from the office to meet my hubby, I saw fire trucks and ambulances passing by to reach the area so this is definitely for real! As my hubby and I conversed about it these thoughts played in my mind: a mystery behind the said explosion has yet to be unveiled.
A week has passed and yet these questions were left unanswered:
1. who’s the culprit?
Top of the list: the terrorists-yet no one from the group claims.
Second: Muslims- I received this forwarded text message:
BOMB THREAT FORWARDED MESSAGE:
"Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat.. Isa ako na muslim taga-Lanao. Gusto ko po malaman ng lahat para umabot to sa Manila, kakatapos lang ng plan ni Sheik-utak sa Glorietta. Plano nila na pasabugin ang isa sa Trinoma,SM-Mega,168,MRT,Union Bank Quiapo, RCBC, HSBC at marami pa. Wag ipasa sa kilala nyo na muslim, baka malaman nila na may nagkalat before November 1 ang pagsabog gamit van na sasakyan"
Third: Malacañang/ Arroyo Government: they say that this might be GMA’s way of deviating the people’s attention since the opposition has a plot of filing another impeachment case against her. As per Senator Trillanes, he accuses the administration’s military men to cause the explosion due to these purposes: to tighten the human security act, strong point to crush the muslim insurgency in Mindanao and the possibility of a State of Emergency. Former Senators and writers who experienced the martial law during Marcos’ time described the glorietta bombing much similar to pre-martial law days, same incidents pf bombing happened. And in this sense, it could happen again not as martial law but once GMA declares a state of emergency.

2. What caused the explosion?
A week has passed yet the police have no conclusion whether it is a bomb or an lpg tank. But then if it is a bomb, how was the bomb placed and did it explode inside or outside the mall? From here we question the security-how could it happen when there are roving guards even bomb sniffing dogs all over the building and even metal detectors. From here we leave one question as well “ Are the guards trained enough to determine whether a person carries a bomb with him and every time they check bags-do they really know what they are actually looking for?
On the other hand, if it’s an lpg, can an lpg cause such a big explosion? So strong that it destroyed the entire façade of glorietta 2? Reports say that there are other chemicals around that might have caused such a big explosion but from here we check whether the facilities and sanitation of glorietta is checked or monitored daily…

3. What’s the purpose?
If it is the government, there is one clear purposes and the main reason would be hunger for staying power. If it’s the muslims we’ll we have longed suffer the reasons for the cause of what they are fighting for. One question though that would make you wonder…” If it was indeed a bomb explosion created by terrorists-why did they do it on a weekday or why not schedule the bombing at a time or day when people are jam packed. And knowing how terrorists’ work they would have targeted more innocent lives to kill compared to the number of injuries from the recent bombing.


Moving forward in between days…
On being a regular shopper & customer: The event indeed created fear in all of us. Given all the warnings, it would be better to lessen malling & shopping. Or not go to the malls unless you’ll have to buy something really important or dine out with someone really important. Let us be cautious and more vigilant.
On being a commuter: not only will my malling experience be affected (I pass by glorietta everyday) but my commuting and traveling experience would be greatly affected as well. Therefore let us be cooperative- let’s open our bags for checking and not get irritated. Let us brace ourselves for longer and slower bag inspections both in MRT/LRT and malls.
On being a Filipino: through the years, our country has long been infested with incidents of bombing. With resilience as one of our outstanding traits, we will move on and get over this-let us let time heal the wounds all these has caused.
On being a member of the Family:
I wanted to share this heartbreaking email from Carlo Cruz-husband of one of the victims who died from the Glorietta bombing:

Good day everyone,

I wish I were writing under different circumstances.I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She was supposed to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical Center at 230pm.I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there.We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she wanted to move around and listen to some music while I grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2 entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she turned right towards Filbar's while I went left towards the restaurants. That was the last time I would see her.Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1 through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.I still tried to convince myself that she was able to make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without a response only meant that she dropped it in the confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med.to Ospital ng Makati, the blast site, and back again to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what the state of my wife was.My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then brought me to a small examination room. It was only through a digital camera that I was able to confirm (and deny) that she was indeed gone.I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner.I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should have not chose to park where I did. I should have braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should have ...Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber starts asking for her Mama.I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the details of how her mother died, but more importantly I would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a loving person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and nurturing. She has always cared for her family and friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time mom and home maker.As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of which I regret not going through. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond her capacity. I will always love her.It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty simple to say, very easy to take for granted.Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to ask you to please include Leslie in them until her 40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit and she is no longer in the dark.

Sincerely,

Carlo Cruz

I feel the pain of having lost someone very important to you. I sympathize for all the victims and the family of the people who died. My heart goes out to them. And from the letter…”let us cherish every moment we spend with our loved ones” and make the most out of each moment. For we will never know until it’s too late…

Movie Review: Stardust

Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s four-book 1997 DC Comics mini-series, which later became a novel THE PLOT: The story begins in an English town named the “wall” and a magical kingdom named Stormhold, it commenced with the death of Stronghold’s cagey monarch ( Peter O'Toole), who pits his seven sons against one another for the throne, which can be won only through possession of a ruby pendant and turning it red again. Before the King’s death, he threw the ruby pendant away however it has stricken a star. Meanwhile, there is indeed a long wall separating the real world from Stormhold, which humans are forbidden to enter, although there is only one ancient guard patrolling the breach but Tristan’s (Charlie Cox) father broke the rules and leapt through, Tristan was the product of his dad’s affair 18 years earlier with a witch’s slave in Stormhold. Meanwhile as he grew up Tristan pursues the most beautiful girl in town Victoria ((Sienna Miller), One night on their date, they saw a falling star. Tristan promised to get the star for Victoria so she could choose him and marry him over Humphrey. He then journeyed on a quest to retrieve a fallen star. But his journey takes him to a mysterious and forbidden land beyond the walls of his village. On his quest, Tristan finds the star but the star has transformed into a striking girl named Yvaine (Claire Danes). He found her in a crater and later on becomes her protector. Apparently, Tristan is not the only one seeking the star. Tristan must also overcome the evil witch, Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), the eternal youth and beauty she and her sisters covet can be attained only by cutting out and eating the heart of the star. She led the quest for the star to be captured and slaughtered. Tristan’s second foe is the last standing prince of Stormhold after the fraternal massacre plus the ghosts of the dead brothers and uncles. As Tristan battles to survive these threats, they found shelter in the person of a gay pirate named Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro). During their stay, Tristan & Yvaine found themselves falling in love with each other. Still Lamia was able to capture the star and Tristan was out to save her-which also led him to finally meet his mother who was actually the long lost princess of Stormhold & was the witch’s slave. The ending-Lamia was killed, Tristan being a blueblood made the ruby turned red again and he was crowned the new king of stormhold and they reigned for 80 years with his wife-Yvaine: the falling star.

Watching this movie made me shocked but at the same time fall in love with it! It was absolutely wonderful! Upon seeing the trailer in both TV and movie houses, I readily got amused that I was so eager to watch it. Watching this movie made me shocked but at the same time fall in love with it! I was highly impressed! It was absolutely wonderful! If you are a sucker for fantasy and magic this is well-recommended. While watching the film, you’d feel like you are in a journey. I’ve watched so many fantasy and magical movies over the years but I can proudly say it is the next best fantasy movie I’ve ever watched! The movie is like a magic carpet transporting you to another world full of magic and mysteries! Stardust winks its eye at the traditions of the fairy tale. It may be like one of the many “happily-ever after” stories from the book but you would never get tired of hearing it. Stardust is a deliciously sweet tale with chock full of true love

It’s an all star cast but every character has a warm connection and you’d watch each of them closely throughout the movie. They got great stars plus good acting .I love the dawning romance between Tristan and Yvaine, Michelle Pfeiffer's transformation from a decrepit witch into a stunning beauty. Claire Danes shines – literally and figuratively – in her role and the biggest surprise for me was watching Robert De Niro play a gay pirate captain… he steps out of his bristly, bad guy image to play a cross-dressing pirate, he had me rolling out in laughter!

Warning- although Stardust is absolutely magical, its not suitable for children. It’s a bit violent-there are several death scenes and fights with knives and swords. It may even scare kids of the witches’ transformation plus the brothers trying to kill each other would be quite disturbing and brutal. Parental guidance is highly needed.
As for the story line, they say it doesn't follow the book very well but I haven't even read the book. While the story flows and even comes to a good conclusion, the special effects are kind of cool, the plot fun and the cinematography excellent. There is an easy flow to the humor, and the way that the adventure is approached.
Lately I’ve been so stressed and bugged out , but during these times , my only escape would be watching a good movie. In life you may not live happily ever after, but in Stardust, you’ll certainly be happy for slightly over two hours. Stardust placed a smile in my face, stars in my eyes and it' tickled my imagination.I sat in the darkened theater, caught under the spell of Stardust
All in all, I'd give this movie 9 out of 10 Falling stars Re-watch value: HIGH

Movie Review: December Boys

Last Saturday, was a Family Movie Treat for employees of Convergy’s for their PBCom Site, they are actually allowed to bring along two people (either a family member, relative or a friend) for a free movie treat at Greenbelt Cinema. My hubby being an employee of Convergys invited me to watch the free movie with him. The said movie treat is a part of the Human Resources’ incentive program for all their employees. So there I was spending two hours of a Saturday afternoon with the entire Convergys PBCom community- (was a bit shy & awkward since I came from another call center, but then again I’m a guest so I better enjoy it-besides its free!) The said treat has been going on for almost a month now with different movies every week and for that particular Saturday, the featured movie was: December Boys-starring Harry Potter himself- Daniel Radcliffe!

The movie is basically an Australian indie film. For the plot: the story revolved between the friendship & brotherhood of four young orphans. Four orphans -Daniel Radcliffe (Maps), Lee Cormie (Misty), Christian Byers (Spark) James Fraser (Spit) all born in December (therefore regarded as: December Boys) living in the outback during the 50’s traveled to the seaside for a joyous winter vacation as a treat for their birthdays. They lived with a friendly couple of parishioners who own a small cottage by the sea. There they join the tight-knit community of locals—crotchety old man Shellback who’s always fishing for that one allusive fish, the minister Father Scully, an uncle and his comely teenage niece Lucy and a young, childless couple Teresa and Fearless, who works for the nearby circus. When they thought they were having a great time, the vacation then turned troublesome when they found out that the local childless couple next door was planning to adopt one of them. Misty overheard that Teresa and Fearless may want to adopt one of the orphans and quickly works to ingratiate himself by setting the table and painting pictures for his new parents. A hostile competition arose between the four just to win the couple’s attention and gain their trust-the said incident became a threat to their alliance. But the issue does not only spin for the boy’s longing for a normal family and belongingness. There were other issues such as their kindly hostess going through another relapse with breast cancer, Maps having encountered his first sexual relationship (and heartbreak) with the precocious Lucy and Misty having a religious vision of mother Mary when he nearly drowns in the inlet.

One question lies though…would it be nice for kids to watch the movie? I guess not… There are small portions of sex and nudity like the mooning, peeping tom glimpses of bare breasts. Radcliffe’s first sexual experience plus vices like smoking and drinking. There were scenes of violence and light cursing where the boys most of the times fight with each other that Misty almost drowned. The movie seemed too mature for young children; this would be best and better understood by older children who might have a crush or admiration for Daniel Radcliffe and for teenagers, struggling with the turbulent days of adolescence. On the other hand, there are scenes that would catch the attention of older viewers; it serves as a reminder of enduring friendships and the feel of falling in love for the 1st time and the feel of heartbreak at the same time as well. The movie could also serve as an eye opener or point of discussion for religious and healthcare institutions.
As for Daniel Radcliffe, aside from doing Harry Potter, he has done Equus (a movie) and Extras ( an HBO series). From the movies and series he has starred, 18 year old Radcliffe has exemplified maturity and has illustrated pleasantness even in sexual scenes. This is actually the first time I’ve seen Dan out of his magical cloak and wand. He has gone far from being the famous “Harry Potter”. There was never a trace of Harry from the scenes he has portrayed. And I guess his fans would be proud to see him with a refreshing façade seeing their magical hero face real life struggles without using his magical wand but real life emotions. In conclusion-the movie is simple yet heartwarming…

The Sweet Treats Journal-Part 3!

BURGER KING DESSERT PIES

Jeff and I are regular Burger King customers! Like when we speak of regular, we can never pass a week without eating at the said burger house and indulge in their “double mushroom swiss burger” plus fries which we dip in their tasty gravy (this our all time favorite meal!). One Friday afternoon as we decided to eat our early dinner, we were about to order at the counter when I saw these triangular boxes, I asked the crew what the said boxes are and she said that they are introducing a new line of dessert-Pies. New desserts at Burger King? We can never pass on that! Together with our usual favorite meal, we added the two new dessert pies to go with our early dinner. After eating, comes the taste test…

We started picking on: Hershey’s Sundae Pie (php 75). The pie reminds me so much of chocolate mouse. The pie has crunchy chocolate crust filled with chocolate plus whipped cream on top and tiny Hershey chocolate chips. It may be so sweet yet still awesomely delicious!

Jeff is a lover of butterfinger on the other hand I don’t like butterfinger that much but when I get to taste the pie-I fell inlove with butterfinger! Very much similar to its name- its tastes a lot like the chocolate bar version but a lot better! Its filled with peanut butter-crunchy and crispy! The verdict for the second pie-totally good and satisfying!

With this new innovation at Burger King, it gave me a totally new feel of fast food dining! But they say the pies are for a limited time only so hurry and try their newest pies! Delicioso!

The Sweet Treats Journal-Part 2!

FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY

As my hubby and I look for food to eat at Food Choices in G4, we always pass by this stall and I’ve always been curious. One Tuesday evening, after our dinner at food choices, we were then craving for dessert and I suggested we try Funnel Cake Factory, and he agreed. We asked the sales lady of their best-seller and she informed us that it was the “mango graham funnel cake” (php 90). And so we ordered it. While she was preparing the cake, there was a small white laminated board with information about how funnel cake started. It says that funnel cakes are associated with Pennsylvania (Dutch region of US) and has been very popular around ball parks , country fairs, and festivals.

As the preparation was done, we were just so excited to taste it! It’s fried and crispy, and creamy but its not that sweet though! And I agree that this would definitely remind you of our local “maruya”. This is absolutely something different! And our final verdict-excellent!

The Sweet Treats Journal-Part 1!

SANFO TREATS

I ultimately love strolling at the mall! And every time I pass by Glorietta, I just can’t help but stare at these coated apples at Sanfo! One day , I decided to try it out. The coated apples whether with caramel, chocolates and nuts costs from P60-85. But one thing stopped me from buying the apple: the fear that it might be rotten since I don’t know how long has the apple been in their display. So one piece of advice I guess it would be best to ask the sales lady to cut the apple to double check whether its rotten or not.

And since I changed my mind, I bought the frosted banana (php 35) instead. Rot-proof though since it is refrigerated. The coating was great but since it’s fresh from the fridge, the banana seemed too cold. But otherwise tasted sweet and good still.

The Sweet Chill Cravings-Part 3

RAZON'S

I’ve tasted so many halo-halo in the entire 24 years of my life-from both fast foods like chowking, mall food courts, even the normal halo-halo sold in small stores in barangay or the streets but halo-halo never tasted this good until I tried-Razon’s! So what’s the difference? The ingredients are not as grand as the usual halo-halo but just a simple mix of saging na saba, shredded macapuno and leche plan with dayap rind. But as you stir it, each of the ingredients plus the milk and shaved ice blend into a sweet taste so unique. What makes it perfect is that it turns out to be very smooth, even and sleek! Razon’s halo-halo is definitely the best! You’d be strucked by it’s simplicity but it would leave you with its suave mark! Absolutely excellent! Plus it costs P60. Not bad for a great tasting halo-halo!

Aside from their fantastic halo-halo, you could also try their merienda meals like pancit luglug , dinuguan and other Filipino dishes. Razon’s originated from Guagua Pampanga now you could check out razon’s in Greenbelt, Makati Ave, Trinoma and MOA!

The Sweet Chill Cravings-Part 2

CEREALICIOUS

When I heard of this place, I was so amused that I tagged along my hubby/ pig-out buddy from Makati to try Cerealicious at their SM the Block branch. As we reached the place the 1st time, I found it cute-very childlike and colorful! The interiors are more of the American style, and the inside seems sunny and bright! Although the place is quite small and always jam packed, it would never fail to give you the same coziness and relaxing ambiance that coffee havens bring.

And the menu:
There are 14 varieties of garden cereals, 5 premium cereals, 24 different toppings, 17 special toppings to choose from! If these drive you crazy, you could choose from 20 cereal blockbusters whose names were derived from famous movies! (Which actually adds cuteness to their store) just a few sample names:
Jumango (from Jumanji)
Charlie and the Choc-nut Factory (from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
Nutting Hill ( from Notting Hill)
Mona Kissa Smile ( from Mona Lissa Smile)
Cashew Blanca ( from Casa Blanca)
Oreo Afraid of the dark (Are you afraid of the dark)
Erin Broko Peach (Erin Brokovich)

Talk about size, they have Trailer Bowls (medium) and the Blockbuster Bowls ( large).
My hubby decided to order Charlie and the Choc-nut factory (Milo balls, banana, choc-nut) while for a twist I ordered Jumango ( corn flakes, mango, honey crumble). It was so yummy that we finished the entire blockbuster bowls! Absolutely yummy plus its really something healthy!
One thing I noticed though is that the milk they place is not your usual kind of milk- It’s a special blend that makes sure that your cereal does not get soggy right away.

I was truly amazed by the concept! From the success story they say it started out as a thesis by a couple of UST Students and after the success of their 1st branch in UST, they opened more branches! Concept was truly original and fun!
Cerealicious is truly addicting! It’s healthy and fantastic! I’d definitely return and try to create my own mix concoction next time!