I attended the press screening of Parasyte, one of the films presented by Eiga Sai 2015. Parasyte is like Carpenter’s The Thing meets Venom, with a sequel hook at the end.
I also enjoyed a selection of Japanese cuisine beforehand. Afterwards, I was able to get a festival pass, giving me and my plus one access to all the films. I myself am looking forward to Wood Job!, God of Ramen and Cooks Story.
Thanks to Roland S. and the rest of The Japan Foundation for the invite.
I decided to join my wife and in-laws as they celebrate mass with Pope Francis in Manila Cathedral last Friday, January 16, 2105.
It was Beerkada and Komikon’s first time attending the Manila International Book Fair in SMX, Mall of Asia, Pasay City, from the 17th to the 21st of September, 2014. It turned out that MIBF is the perfect place for Komikon to pursue its advocacy of promoting local komiks, as the event attracted people who enjoyed reading but was not yet exposed to komiks. It was a komiks- adjacent demographic.
I met plenty of beerkadets, who took advantage of my presence to catch up on their Beerkada readings.
One dark spot was typhoon Mario, which flooded the streets of the metro, making everyone stay home on Friday.
Thanks to everyone who made their way to booth 79.
Lei, Ariel, Lico and I spent a hot Saturday touring old and new destinations in Quezon City, from icons of chinoy cuisine to a trendy komiks watering hole.
We met up at 11am in the historic Ma Mon Luk restaurant in Quezon City corner Banawe Street. The specialty here is siopao, a large steamed bun filled with savory pulled pork and salted egg. Less enjoyable was the mami, which had a musky aftertaste. The place itself was past its heyday: non-airconditioned dining hall, indifferent servers. To reinforce the fact, the entrance is decorated with faded photos of 80s celebrity diners: Jestoni Alarcon, Stella Suarez, Richard Gomez. A news clipping with the header SENIOR CITIZENS WARNED NOT TO ABUSE DISCOUNT is placed prominently next to the cashier, desperately trying to wrest control back from its now predominant demographic. On the plus side, the food is served quickly enough once you do catch the attention of the staff.
Next up, I suggested we visit the new dog cafe along Katipunan Avenue. We arrived at the street next to Shakeys, and found out the place is called Barking Blends. For P180 per person, visitors will be led into a glass-enclosed room where they get to cuddle with pedigreed dogs and puppies. They can enjoy a sealed cup of beverage as they frolick with these playful pets. Having plenty of dogs at home, however, we declined joining in the fun. Its always difficult trying to explain the smell of strange dogs on your clothes to the hounds you own.
Finally, Lei wanted to visit Uno Morato bar, the komiks-themed diner co-owned by Carljoe Javier, Adam David and other fanboy buddies. The bar is tucked away in a parking space at the corner of Tomas Morato and E Rodriguez Ave. There, dozens of komik books line the shelves; an acoustic set is waiting at the far end of the room. Lei, Ariel and I spent our time there playing a never-ending game of Uno. I myself enjoyed a plate of Pasta Alfredo, San Mig Light, Calamansi Bar and Cracklings.
All in all, it was an adventure-filled weekend, well-spent among friends and loved ones. Sa uulitin!
It’s been a long road (literally) to 21k, and I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of my wife.
Thoughts about the half-marathon:
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