pheromonic vietnam

In The Nasty Bits, Anthony Bourdain wrote: "I love Vietnam. Maybe it's a pheromonic thing. Like when you meet the love of your life for the first time, and she just, somehow, inexplicably smells and feels right. You sense that given the opportunity, this is the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with. I'm in town for an hour, and I'm already tipsy, delighted, giggly, and elated."

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, 28 February 2011, 6:45PM.

Marian devotees gather in front of the cathedral each night.

The Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica was constructed between 1863 and 1880, and is 58 meters high.

light show by the bay

Because of my aforementioned agoraphobia, I tend to avoid SM Mall Of Asia. It's too big, too far, too big, too crowded, too big... Did I mention it's too big?

Recently, though, I discovered its ace in the hole, the one thing that no other shopping mall anywhere in the world has: the Manila Bay sunset.

There's a very strange cluster of sculptures sponsored by Alaxan (Paracetamol + Ibuprofen), centered around a boxer, who may or may not be Manny Pacquiao, Alaxan's most popular endorser. Well, it sure doesn't look like him.

body parts 2

Genetics, DNA, Mendel-- whatever... Isn't it amazing how parts of your own self are recreated in a little person?

born to express herself

Kids, you can keep your Lady Gaga. Lola Madonna still reigns supreme.

what i'm reading 3

National Bookstore, 20% Off! Drop everything and go now!

Ah, success!

(Note that every sentence in this post ends with an exclamation point. Yez, it's THAT exciting.)

the place that time forgot

Ma Mon Luk, Quezon Avenue.

For many Pinoys and Chinoys across different generations, the mere mention of this restaurant evokes a bout of nostalgia.

The old-fashioned waiting area and cashier's counter. I'm guessing that the only thing new is the plant.

You're betraying your age if you know how this telephone works. Or used to work.

lx3 = love, again

Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed by the need to document everything I do (and eat), I step back, take a deep breath, and remind myself of why I started blogging in the first place...

16 April 2011, 5:57PM, Quezon Memorial Circle.

13 April 2011, 6:17PM, SM North EDSA roof deck.