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Because my goals are pretty much set (well, I could actually blog about them much later when I’ve decided on what I want to do), I’d rather talk about the things I discovered in 2013 that will probably affect my activities for 2014. Some of these I actually didn’t want to blog about because I was feeling selfish, haha!

Anyway, without further ado, my top 10. Not in any particular order, of course:

Juju Eats

Dear Juju Eats, please move somewhere near Makati CBD. Every time I struggle to think about what I’d eat at night — especially now that I’ve decided to forgo rice in the evenings — I think about you. Please please please please move near me.

Chic Lit by Chrissie Peria and Chris Mariano

I was just so happy to find out that two of my friends, Chrissie Peria and Chris Mariano, have published their romance novels. I actually read Cosmo chic lit whenever I’m at my parents’ place and one of my favorite authors is Mina Esguerra. Apparently, Chrissie and Chris have been taking lessons from her. All’s Fair in Blog and War makes me think of a lighter Like Water for Chocolate (something that will make your mouth water) while Cover Story Girl is like a quirky Korean movie (and I love Korean movies). At first I was actually shocked that they can write romances — I have always pegged them to be practical, no-nonsense people — but when it sank in, I felt that the fact that they’ve published enjoyable romance novels was pretty awesome!

Bend Accessories

I’m not into trinkets but I like how you can ask Bend Accessories to make pretty but functional pieces. Like one of the watches I own from their collection…

Tasty Pastry’s Eclairs

I blame these Tasty Pastry eclairs for making me fat. Hahahaha. Seriously, they’re not sickeningly sweet so I found myself gorging on them.

My Husband’s Lover

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIOMQU1WQg4]

I’m sorry but this series CANNOT NOT be here. Hahaha! One of the best things I’ve ever seen on Philippine TV and I don’t even watch TV. I have to admit that I did watch all of the episodes on YouTube BUT only because I don’t watch TV (and I’m usually in transit whenever this would air). I promise to buy the DVDs though. And if GMA7 decides to partner up with YouTube, I’ll click on those ads. My Husband’s Lover gave me hope that the Philippines has finally made it when it comes to storytelling…then I made the mistake of joining an officemate watch her favorite soap…and that hope was almost squished.

Tobey’s Game Cafe

Owned by a former client of mine, Ray de Guzman (formerly from EA and Gamania), this is one of the busiest nerd/geek cafe I know. That reminds me, I have to go back and play board games with my friends.

Bridal Gowns by Rosa Clara

Hahahahahaha! It’s funny but a couple of my former students wanted to play dress up (hoping I’d walk down the aisle someday?) so they invited me to Rosa Clara, where one of them worked. I love the gowns, by the way.

Frozen

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he7UEvHjqdk]

Frozen‘s main theme, “Let it Go”, has been stuck in my head ever since I saw the film. Need I say more? Probably the best movie I’ve seen all year.

Botan Bubble Tea Cafe

I blogged about Botan earlier this year but what made this place memorable is that two of the thesis groups I was advising happen to have their OJT/internship in the buildings near the area. There were times we’d meet up at Botan (we exceeded required number of meetings) after their office hours. It was convenient and relatively peaceful. The place’s vibe is conducive to meetings. Oh and…did I mention those two groups became Best Capstone nominees in their graduating batch? ^_-

Cafe Pascucci

I actually did not want to blog about this place because I like that there’s an area here where I can hold meetings with my team or hang out with my geeky friends. In other words, I didn’t want to share. Haha. But ok, in the spirit of sharing, here it is. You can find this coffee shop outside of New Glorietta. (While everyone flocks at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, we noticed that this has less people.) They’re kind of expensive but I think you’re paying mostly for your sense of privacy. It also does not hurt that it’s so artsy-fartsy.

So that’s about it. The 10 best things I’ve experienced for the first time in 2013. It was actually kind of difficult to pick because there were many events and places that made 2013 memorable, but these are my top 10.