Brisbane x Gold Coast x Graduation 2.0

Recently, my good friend since way back in high school and my parents paid me a visit here in Brisbane.

I portrayed the role of a tourist guide while they were here. Without a van or coaster bus and microphone and with only the best of my "touring ability", I showed and introduced them to Brisbane (Forgive the lack of photos, by the way. Most of the photos are with them in it so I only selected a few.).

Be a solid commuter
In as much as it is way more convenient to ride a car, program your GPS and drive to your chosen destination, Australian experience will be incomplete if you hadn't experienced first-hand how to commute here and the hassle that comes with it (Haha!). This is what I made my parents and friend to do (Even if I have a car or I can rent a car, my driving skills are nil).

Setting the practicality aside that most people prefer and generally speaking, I think using the public transportation and walking around (with or without a map, it's up to you) are the best ways to explore a place. You know the saying, "stop and smell the flowers"? I believe it goes with that same principle. When you commute by bus or train and walk, you would be able to notice little, random things you wouldn't have probably noticed when you are in a car. It is also a simple way to get in touch or immerse yourself in one's culture. Do not just travel; learn. Get lost. Maximize your indulgence of the experience. Yes, there may be places that are best left for driving to get there and this may not work with everybody, but I suggest to just try it for at least a day or even just once (then rent a car?). This is one of my tips to everyone who wants to travel not just in Australia but in other parts of the globe, too.

Explore the capital city

Apart from the shops and restaurants, there are also a few landmarks in the city that you can go to. A few of the ones that we saw and went into were Cathedral of St. Stephen (photo on the top left), Brisbane City Hall (photo on bottom left), a view of South Bank (photo on top right), Treasury Casino and Brisbane City Library (photo taken on bottom right is on Queen Street, near the Casino, the Library and shops).

If you want to explore further the Brisbane City, I suggest checking out the City Center Heritage Trail. Check this site for further details and to access a downloadable brochure. For more photos of the city, you can check out an entry from last year.

See koalas, kangaroos and more in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

It was my friend's request to go here and see a koala. A trip to Australia would also be incomplete without seeing the famous Australian icon, wouldn't it? Surprisingly, in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you can see more than a koala. Other animals, such as kangaroos, a Tasmanian devil, perentie, a few different birds such as kookaburra and parrots, platypus, dingo and different snakes to name some, can also be found there.

So cuddlyyyyy!!!

Stroll in South Bank

Personally, South Bank is my favorite hangout place. It reminds of Ayala Triangle in Makati, Greenbelt, Luneta Park and Manila Bay (minus the atmosphere of what is Manila Bay now) in the Philippines. It has a gorgeous and massive park with luscious trees and foliage called The Parklands, where you can sit and have picnic or barbecue with your friends and family. It even has a beach right in the middle named Streets Beach. Little Stanley Street houses good restaurants, cafes and bars and even boutiques. It has a good view of the Brisbane River and the city skyline. Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Performing Arts Center and cinemas can be located in Grey Street. The Wheel of Brisbane and Queensland Museum are also situated in South Bank. 

Gold Coast, Famous for fun!

From the city's tagline itself, Gold Coast is clearly a good place for fun. Located south-east of Brisbane, the city boasts some of Australia's top beautiful beaches. In fact, I strongly believe that Queensland owns most of the best beaches in Australia. It is not called The Sunshine State for nothing! Oh my gosh, don't. Even. Get. Me. Started (Okay, try google-ing Great Barrier Reef -- maybe that's way enough already! Whitsundays or Noosa, to name a few). Gold Coast is also famous for its theme parks -- Dreamworld, Movieworld, Sea World and Wet n' Wild. Unfortunately, my parents didn't feel like going to the beaches or the theme parks (When my brothers arrive in a few months' time, I will talk further about Gold Coast) so we traveled all the way there just to have lunch (refer to photo below) instead. Teehee.

Some foodporn shots: Zen Restaurant (Chinese) in Gold Coast (top left and bottom right) and Mazri Kitchen (Japanese) in Sunnybank (top right and bottom left)

Satisfy your Asian cravings at Sunnybank

It was my friend from work who invited and treated us for some good, Asian food in Sunnybank. It was like THE hub of Asian restaurants. Asian food everywhere I looked. We had Japanese at Mazri Kitchen (refer to photo above). It was lovely!

Eat anywhere. Try the benches.

When I was in the Philippines, no matter how hungry I am, I would rather take my food out, eat in a cab or at home than sit in a restaurant and eat. I do not like the idea of eating alone when I'm out so I never do it. I can't even imagine myself doing it. I am uncomfortable with the idea that there may be people staring at me because I am alone and I have no one to eat with. You never know who among the creeps everywhere might sit beside or in front of you. They might even follow you because they know you are alone! Yes! I can be paranoid like that! Haha! However, "there is always a first time for everything." You got it right; I was able to eat alone for the very first time. It wasn't even on a bench; it was on a cemented wall thing surrounding plants (Haha! I don't know how you call it. I hope you get what I mean though.). Apparently, I didn't die doing that. No one even stared at me! Haha! Trust me though, I was really hesitant. I thought of walking and pretending I'm shopping while eating. Then, I noticed that there were a lot of people doing that. No one cared and no one even bothered to care if they are eating alone. I was like, 'Screw this. They don't know me. I'm eating right here.' I brought out my phone and started browsing so I will not notice just in case someone will look at me. Hahaha! But no one really did.

Anyway, my simple point is if you are so conscious like me, just go for it, take a seat wherever, chew and gulp. Just like what my friend and I did. No single Australian (or Asian, British, Irish or any person living in Australia) would even look at you. That's another Australian experience that can be ticked off on your list! If you are unlike me though, well, do not bother and skip this part (which might be impossible since you probably have read the rest before reaching this part). You are probably a pro and enjoying this already.

Taste Australian Beer

Just because my dad wanted to try some.

Tasted it. Didn't like it. I've never liked any brand of beer anyway. But if you appreciate beer, why not try the Australian ones if you're here, right?

Vegemite, mate!

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Another Aussie thingamajig! I forgot to prepare one for my parents to try so we bought one before they went back home. The trick in using vegemite is to know how to appropriately apply it on your toast to avoid... hmm... vomiting. :D

and, if applicable...

Attend a Conferral of Awards Ceremony


The main reason why my parents visited me here was to attend my graduation. Yayyy! Congratulations, Class of 2013 and to the new batch of nurses (One can never have enough Bachelor of Nursing degrees and nursing licenses, you know. Haha!)! :) Obviously, this is an entirely different topic but might as well throw it in here, too. :)

There you go, my few ideas that you can try when you go to Brisbane. This entry will definitely have a second part so hang tight as I explore further. :)

More random photos to wrap it up! :)

Hold on! One last thing.

TRY to avoid live broadcast.

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Technology made keeping in touch easier; social networking made it faster. Personally, I'm among those people who share to keep their family and friends updated or to make their page full of memorable or random and pretty thoughts (or rants at times -- oops. I'm learning to avoid posting things like that now) and snaps. However, I am also the type who defeats the very obvious purpose of putting insta- in Instagram by preferring the #latergram. Or "the late upload" or #throwbackthursday. I was once a hardcore 'tweeter-slash-status updater,' especially during NBA, Oscars, VMAs and the likes. I eventually got tired of the 'hold, type, put down, repeat' moves with my phone. So if you're out travelling or exploring, I suggest putting posting aside and just enjoy! If, however, you mastered doing it altogether at the same time without sacrificing your enjoyment then, good on you and go ahead! :)  

Silver Lining

Dear 25-year old me,

Happy Birthday, woman!

It's your first birthday without your family and your regular birthday dates. But hey, you got some new friends to spend it with! You had a good celebration last night, I must say.

I want to congratulate you for taking the biggest risk and starting probably the most exciting adventure of your life. You're doing great so far! This is you, starting to actually live your life. Never forget or stop thanking God because all of these weren't even possible if it weren't for His help and blessings. Thank Him for giving you your ultra-supportive family and friends.

For all of these to actually continue and flourish, I wish you good health and that you will be safe all the time. You are not getting any younger. Just because you are fortunate enough to have the slim figure doesn't mean you should not tone and strengthen those muscles. Get back to moving and shaking that booty. Okaaayyy??? 

Never stop striving to be the better version of yourself. If there is something you are good at, it is probably doing your best and being your best in everything you do. Always keep that contagious, positive vibe. Never quit and just keep pushing. I know there are days wherein you just want to drop everything else and stop. On those days, just pause, breathe and remind yourself why you do the things you do. I know you, if only you can have your way, you will have YOUR way. But you know better. You know that things do not always go the way you want it to be. So, loosen up a bit to avoid overwhelming yourself by what's going on with your life right now.

What you have now is something you never even dreamed of. It is already amazing and I believe it can be better. It WILL be better. This doesn't end here yet. Your party has just started. You always think in advance and plan ahead because you always worry about what is going to happen in your future. Worrying is useless. It won't even change things that are bound to happen. Just pray. Have faith. Chill. Watch how your life unfolds right in front of you.

Continue doing things outside of your comfort zone. Calculated risks, that's what you are all about. But taking the plunge just for the heck of it sometimes does you good, too. Never stop trying things you have always been afraid to do or even try. If you fail or miss the shot, it's more than alright. Being afraid isn't a good reason not to do it. It might even be the best reason to try it. Don't let your curiosity rest. Then, at the end of the day, with all of these, regret nothing. These things you do shape who you are and what you can and will be. All your shots, be it a hit or a miss, is what makes life more exciting!  

And lastly, I hope you fall in love again. And when you do, I hope it is with the right man this time. I hope he realizes well enough how you have been very protective of your own heart for years so he'll know how to take care of it. When your heart decides to love again, I pray that it will be just in time for that someone who is man enough to be with you and to do everything just to be with you. Even if it will hurt so bad sometimes, I hope he will still try not to hurt you and just to love you the best way he can. And who knows, you might not need your in vitro plan in your mind after all! Haha!

Thanks, guys, for the gifts!

Another year, another chapter. Cheers to more adventures and mishaps, to happiness and to the future. Happy Birthday, Jana! Stay less bitchy and more fabulous! Lols. :p

This is how you make fun of yourself. Lol.

P.S. You will see and be in New York. YOU will happen in New York. Wait for it. :)

On an entirely different note...

Obviously, this isn't a food entry but might as well show you how good the restaurant's food was. I hope the photos do justice, somehow. Anyway, details of the restaurant will be posted below.

Meat Spring Rolls

Obsession King Prawns

Fried Rice

Buddha's Happiness

Wonton Soup

I can't remember the exact name but it has beef strips and chili

Obsession Restaurant and Bar

5 Little Stanley Street

Southbank, QLD, Australia

For reservations, call (+617) 3844 3373 or visit their website

Pino Attack!

Two days ago, I went out with two of my friends for a 'bon voyage' dinner. We went to Pino Resto Bar in Jupiter Street, Makati to try their food and eventually know what all the hype is about.

Pino is like a sibling restaurant of Pipino. Pipino offers vegetarian Filipino food on their menu while Pino is the opposite. The places are situated side-by-side, only separated by these white, fence-like wood (see photos below). Pino diners may also order from the Pipino menu, however, Pipino diners cannot.

While others cringe by thought of vegan, we do not. My friends and I are more on the omnivorous side rather than the herbivorous. So yeah, we eat whatever's edible. Haha! We really have no problem trying whichever restaurant we want to eat in.

And now, we do know why this place is gaining customers day by day. It's because their damn good food. :) Basically, what they serve are basic Filipino food but what sets them apart from other Filipino restaurants is their flavor and of course, their special vegetarian menu. They stick with the basic technique of how these meals are originally cooked but the flavor is just bursting inside your mouth. I am no food nerd nor a certified food critic but I hope you believe me enough that their food is just so yummy! Haha!

These are what we ordered (We didn't order vegetarian meals though):

Bopis

Forgive me, I forgot the exact name of this dish on the menu. This dish is delicious! Probably not everyone is eating this but if ever you do, this is one of the best bopis I have ever tasted. The meat is cooked right and tender and the flavor is just so good.

Kare-kareng Bagnet

This is one of their bestsellers. Oh my goodness, I can't even begin to describe how delightful this is. The bagnet is crunchy enough but still appropriately soft enough for your teeth to chew. The vegetables are half-cooked, just the way I like it. You might want to order additional kare-kare sauce when you order this one if you want to add some on your rice. As you can see, that amount of sauce won't be enough for the three of us.

Sinigang with Salmon

Again, I forgot the exact name of this dish on the menu. Sorry. Anyway, I love this sinigang, too. Well, I might be biased since sinigang is one of my favorite Filipino dishes. Haha! The kick of the sourness in this dish is just right. Yung parang humahagod talaga sa lalamunan. Unlike other restaurants, they were too generous in placing the vegetables in the bowl. It also seemed like they placed the whole salmon in that bowl. You can scoop a lot in this bowl, actually, you get what I mean? Haha!

Apart from good food and good menu, the place is perfect, too. The restaurant is a small, intimate space so you can't really feel that the place is crowded even if it actually is jam-packed with customers. I like that it gives off that relaxed vibe that you and your friends or family can actually sit down and talk while enjoying fantastic dishes. Their interior and decors do help in giving that vibe. And of course, let's not forget, their dishes are pocket-friendly, too! Yay! :)

I hope my words gave enough justification and credit for how good this restaurant is. Well, I really did my best in 'trying' to convince you to go and check out this place. Haha! So you better get out of your house and drop by at this place. If you didn't trust my judgment though, well, you would still get out of your house and try this for yourself. :)

You can check their website for details. Or the owner's personal page. :)

Pre-Christmas things

Four days ago, I attended the Christmas Party at my former workplace. I was still invited even though I left a month and a half ago. :)

I arrived earlier since I wanted to catch up with my former colleagues before the party actually started.

We had the usual stuff: dinner and exchange gifts. We only had one game that night. Haha. One colleague brought Magic Sing at the party so everyone were just too excited to steal the mic from each other and sing their hearts out instead.

I had to leave early since I still had a Simbang Gabi to attend to with my family. So yeah, nabitin ako sa Magic Sing. As in hindi ko man lang nahawakan ang mic. Hahaha!

Yesterday was a time for me and my friends from high school. It was our annual Christmas thing to meet up and just catch up. It was also sort of (since I am still hoping for one game night before leaving) my last hoorah with them. :) That day happened to be a day (and night) of a few more firsts for me. :)

We were supposed to meet around 11 in the morning at Tagaytay but traffic was just horrendous! Some woke up late due to Christmas parties and school responsibilities. Keng and I arrived around 2:30 in the afternoon! My golly. Haha. We were starving and Jolo had been waiting for us for two and a half hours already!

For the very first time, Jolo was our driver for the day! We drove to Bag of Beans for lunch. It was my first time to go and eat there. I must say, it was such a nice and cozy place. Personally, I prefer to eat at places that isn't too crowded. Even if I am at the mall, I would really take time to look for a restaurant that is less populated by people. Or if I am craving for a specific food and the place happens to be crowded, I would wait and just eat later than usual.

The place wasn't loud either, well, of course, given that we were seated on an open space. But the tables were situated apart enough that you wouldn't hear what the people on the other tables were talking about. It was a good place to getaway from the busy restaurants in the metro. The weather in Tagaytay wasn't what it used to be though but still, it was better than Manila. It's like summer in Manila! You would wonder if it's really Christmas. Oh well, global warming, my friend. And seriously, why were construction of condominiums being done there??? It's sad to witness that one of my favorite places in the Philippines is being slowly 'commercialized' already!

Anyway, we waited for others to arrive while the three of us ordered lunch first. We ordered a breakfast meal! Jolo missed eating tocino while Keng and I missed eating beef tapa. The food was good. Or probably we were just too hungry? No, it was good. I have no photos to show the meal but trust me, it was really good. Do you see that plate? That plate was full. It was also freshly cooked when they served it to us. My tapa wasn't too dry or oily. It wasn't too salty or too bland either. The pork tocino though is slightly oily, but not enough oil that can make you lose your appetite since all you taste is oil. Not enough oil that can clog your arteries, if you get what I mean. Haha!

Lee arrived next. Then RC and his girlfriend, Mae. It was our first time to meet her. While waiting for Johnnel, we spent our time catching up, making fun of each other and talking about random things. Keng and I haven't talked since 2006! It felt like the first time again but he was still the usual. Haha! I almost forgot how 'interrogative' he was! He threw questions just like that! Haha! I missed spending time with this people! :D Unfortunately, Lee had to leave early though. Johnnel arrived about 15 minutes after she left, sayang!

Our plan was to head to Jolo's place. However, he mentioned that our high school alma mater had opened a coffee shop beside our school and the retreat center also owned by our school. We decided to check it out instead.

The Caffe Sant'Antonio can be a good place to go to if you want to relax, read a book and getaway from the now overcrowded and seemingly overrated Starbucks. The feel and the ambiance is just the same, only quieter. It was opened just recently so we didn't know if they already have that enough customers though. We were the only customers that late afternoon. The menu was written in Italian so we had to double check what the words meant so we can get what we actually want. Haha.

The prices were a bit cheaper than Starbucks (I made the comparison with Starbucks because of all the coffee shops there, I believe it is the most popular and populated one.). I love that they served the hot drinks in mugs. It felt more homey to me. I had a strawberry banana frappe. The taste reminded me of the strawberry banana flavored blizzard in Dairy Queen. Only a bit sweeter, I believe. They also had pastries. We had a sansrival cake. It was so-so. The sweetness taste was just average as well.

Beside the Caffe Sant'Antonio was Rogate, a place where you can buy religious images, items and church supplies.

The Caffe Sant'Antonio also had tables and seats outside. It's nice to hang out here, don't you think? We even thought that soon enough, this area will be covered by the Prefect of Discipline as well. They will find the MIA students here. Haha!

In fact, our voices dominated the whole space inside since we were still busy catching up and laughing in between our drinks.

We had decided to finally head to Jolo's place. But on our way though, a random idea materialized instead, we drove to Nuvali in Santa Rosa, Laguna instead. It was also my first time to go there, too! The place reminded me of Bonifacio Global High. It was also the first time we had a night roadtrip, too! Jolo chose the shortcut way and boy, that way was scary. As in suspense story location kind of scary.

We had dinner at Uncle Cheffy and again, it was also my first time to eat at that place. That panizza was insanely delicious. Well, I maybe biased since I love cheese and anything Italian. Haha! In fact, that wasn't what we ordered. We ordered an All-Barbecue one and this was what we got. But whatever, it tasted so good! You can choose any of those three stuffing, put on some hot sauce (at least that's for me since I love anything hot and spicy) roll them inside and stuff them into your mouth! Yummmm! We also ordered Surf and Turf which was a platter combination of lamb, tuna, chicken, potatoes, etc.

We also played Pictureka while waiting. Yes, di talaga pwedeng hindi maglalaro e no? Hehe. It was my first time to play that game and I scored 3 cards only. Well, not bad for a newbie compared to RC and Jolo who were hustlers! Haha! Keng and Johnnel got no points at all! Hahaha!

After dinner, we strolled around, checked some stores and the bazaar. The picture below was taken in one of the model houses we saw beside the bazaar area. Creative enough, right? They had it decorated with a Christmas theme! :)

Oh, how I missed these boys! I missed 'The Clean and Green Act' with boys that I seem to have forgotten since I had been hanging out with girls lately! We were just laughing the entire day! As we were about to go home, Johnnel surprised me with this:

A free retail therapy! :) I'm a lucky friend! Hahahaha!

Before I wrap this baby up, let me greet everyone:

Merry Christmas!!! :)