Seattle's Space Needle - Weekend Snapshot

My first visit to Seattle was fun and interesting. Although it was a business trip, I made sure I'd have some free time to spend with a friend living in Seattle and see the sights, sample the food , and get the feel of the local culture. Thanks to Che for being a great host, and tirelessly showing me around this beautiful city of the Pacific Northwest.

After checking out the malls, we boarded the monorail to see the famous landmark---the Space Needle. Towering at 605 feet, the space needle provides a great view of downtown Seattle skyline, the mountains, Elliott Bay and surrounding islands. It is also adjacent to the campus of Seattle Center where EMP/SFM (Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum) is located.

posing near the entrance of the EMP/SFM

I was mesmerized at the exterior of the EMP/SFM building. A fusion of textures and mirrored colors of purple, silver and gold, there were reds and blues at different angles of the structure. The architect, Frank O. Gehry, looked to music for inspiration. And the structure symbolizes the energy and fluidity of music. I hope to explore this museum the next time I'm in Seattle.

After sunset around 8:30 pm, Che and I boarded a ferry to Seacrest Dock, crossing Elliott Bay to see Seattle's skyline. The temperature was freezing for me but seeing the full moon and this beautiful nighttime view of the city were all worth it.

Posted for Weekend Snapshot

Litratong Pinoy: tanghalian [lunch]

Salmon Carpaccio

Between meetings, all I wanted was a quick light lunch and it was already past 2 pm. At the Marina Mall in Mactan, I noticed The Gustavian, a restaurant and deli that I've never been to before. It's between Krua Thai and La Tegola. Their menu looks healthy and interesting but a bit pricey for Cebu standards. But when the smell of freshly-baked bread wafted through the open door, I forgot all about my budget! The Salmon Carpaccio melted in my mouth, and the slices of ripe mango and sun-dried tomatoes were a surprisingly delicious twist. And combined with fresh, crisp Caesar Salad, my lunch was simply perfect. I'm glad they're using organic vegetables.

Check out The Gustavian Country Farmer's Deli when you're in Cebu. Great ambiance as well. Aside from Marina Mall, they have another branch at the Ayala Terraces. I would certainly visit them again the next time I'm in Cebu, and hopefully, for a full course dinner.

Caesar Salad

Mga kapatid, nasa byahe ako sa America kaya medyo walang oras mag-translate sa Tagalog. Pasensya na muna.:P

Come on, let's have lunch at Litratong Pinoy

Gone fishing

Dear friends, I'll be gone for a while...just 2 weeks, actually. I'll do my best to post something and visit your blogs during my trip. I'll surely miss your visits.

Rest in peace, Tita Cory

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

~ Kahlil Gibran

It has not stopped raining, its as if the heavens are also mourning the death of Cory Aquino. I woke up this morning to the news of her death, and I shed tears for Tita Cory, as she was fondly called by Filipinos. A few days ago, my colleagues and I even talked about her over coffee, about her illness and her legacy, and we knew that death was imminent. But even as her passing was not unexpected, it is still astonishing to know that the icon of our democracy was truly gone, forever.

Tita Cory became the first woman president when I was 21 years old. I didn't understand women's empowerment until Cory ran for president and EDSA Revolution toppled the Marcos dictatorship. Democracy for me at that time was just an idea, a big word I overheard from family debates at the dining table. Even when my brother became an activist and went to the mountains, I couldn't appreciate what he was fighting for. Tita Cory opened my eyes to the possibility of an ordinary person making a difference, and that freedom and peace are inseparable.

Because of her moral leadership, simplicity and sincerity, Tita Cory endeared herself to many Filipinos. She embodied the standards that we should all hope to achieve in our lifetime---privileged but selfless, simple yet strong, unassuming but decisive, prayerful yet practical. Politics did not shape Cory Aquino, her indomitable spirit was inherent long before she became president. I admired her unshakable faith, her grace and love for this country.

It is a sad day for Filipinos who have lost an inspiring person, but I am relieved that death had finally ended her suffering. Rest in peace, Tita Cory.

Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things---with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.

~ Cory Aquino

Photo-Hunt: entertainment

These high school kids entertained foreign trade buyers and guests during the buyers' night reception of the Manila FAME last year. If my memory is correct, these public school students were being trained by Ballet Manila, a dance company founded by Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, as their commitment to bringing ballet to the people. It was entertaining to watch these "storytellers on toes".

Posted for Photo Hunt