Happy Meal

This is the kind of conversation that Gregory and I have from time to time.

Wala lang.

Gusto ko lang magshare.

Ramblings

Ilang linggo narin kaming nandito sa Makati. Aaminin ko, nung una nahirapan akong mag-adjust.

For more than two years, nasanay ako na nasa Quezon Ave. lang ang office. Yung tipong dalawang tambling lang mula sa bahay ko.

Bagong building.

Bagong officemates.

Bagong table.

Pati mga plato, baso at utensils sa pantry bago din.

I've settled in.

I've adjusted to it already.

But there are times when I'd find myself staring into blank space.

Wala lang. Nagspa-space out lang ako like I normally do.

Minsan naman maglalakad lakad ako sa building pag nasa mood ako magmuni-muni tapos mapapahinto nalang ako.

"Shit! I'm working in Makati again." ang bigla kong ibubulong sa aking sarili.

Siguro naweweriduhan ang mga tao sa paligid ko pag nangyayari yun.

Dedma.

Yun lang.

KUSÊ: Traditional Filipino Cuisine

During my last week at our QC office, Derek and I went out for lunch like we always do. We were walking around Centris looking for a place to eat when we saw that a new restaurant opened where Clawdaddy's used to be.

KUSÊ: Traditional Filipino Cuisine.

Derek likes Filipino food and we've eaten at every restaurant in Centris so we tried this place because it was new.

Since smoking is essential to my every meal, we sat at one of the tables outside. In fairness, the chairs we're comfy.

While going through the menu, we had to ask the most important question.

How many people can one order feed?

The waiter said the food was good for two people. That worried us a bit because, Derek with his thin frame and all, can actually eat more than me.

We ordered Adobo Rice. It tasted good. I finished most of it.

When the food arrived, we saw how big the servings were. It''ll probably feed two people but not me and Derek.

Derek ordered ribs which he said tasted good. I didn't try them but I trust his taste in food.

He looks grumpy in this photo. I don't know why. He must have been hungry.

I ordered Bagnet which honestly tasted like Lechon Kawali. It tasted okay, as Lechon Kawali. I'm from Ilocos so I know what Bagnet should taste like. Nevertheless, it was okay.

I think the entire meal, including our drinks, came up to around 600 pesos. Not bad I guess.

It was a good meal. It wasn't the best but I wouldn't mind going back there. I just wish they'd make the servings a bit bigger because there are other resto's in Centris that would serve more for the same amount. Just saying.

Verdict: 3.5 stars.

Pasalubong!

"Buy me a pasalubong!" I told my friend, Derek.

He smiled and pretended not to hear me.

"C'mon! It's not that hard to find what I want anyway." I said.

"Alright. Fine. What do you want?" he asked

"A starfish!" I answered with a chuckle.

A few weeks ago, Derek together with his parents and his girlfriend went to Palawan. Now, whenever he goes on trips, he buys me something. And he always gets me something good after I made fun of him 2 years ago.

* * * *

Back in 2010, he went on a trip to Thailand and brought back keychains.

"You know that keychains are the lamest gifts right?" I asked.

"You're welcome!"

Ever since then, he'd bring me something nice. Something I wont make fun off.

* * * *

He seemed bewildered by my request for a starfish.

"Oh, and I want it alive." I added.

"Am I even allowed to bring that through airport security?"

"Don't know. I want a starfish!"

He laughed.

I looked at his girlfriend.

"Kulitin mo siya na bilhan ako ng starfish ha"

"Sige" she replied with a laugh.

"I'll see what I can find but I am not getting you a live starfish." said Derek.

"Fine" I replied.

When he got back from his trip, he called me over to his desk.

He opened his bag and hands me a blue starfish plushie.

I burst out laughing.

"Dont make fun of it. That's more expensive that any other pasalubong I bought."

"No. No. I like it. It's really cute." I said.

It is cute.

I never really thank him enough for the things he has done for me. That's not how he and I do things. What we have is a friendship built on inappropriate jokes and bitching about the stuff around us.

But I got his back and he has mine.

I have very few, emphasis on very, straight guy friends and I'm glad that Derek is one of them because he can actually put up with my goddamn guff.

Date Night: CYMA

During our last monthsary, which he lovingly refers to as anniversary for some reason, Gregory and I had dinner at Cyma.

I like the food at Cyma and it's also a special place because it's where we had our first date.

We had salad. It's called Roka (something). I could not, for the life of me, remember the damn things name.

I have no idea what this is called but it's delicious. It's a dip made out of spinach and cheese.

I also don't know what this is called but it was good. It's like Paella.

Despite our busy schedules, we make it a point that during our monthsary we have to see each other. Or at least see each other that week.

We either go out or stay in and cook something.

We have our own stuff to deal with everyday but I love it when we go out on dates. Not for anything but because it's when we get to spend time together away from the outside world.

A quick escape finding solitude and serenity in each others company. 

That makes the date more romantic... more special...