Joyfully Yours

Be in love with wine this first week of February as Wine Depot brings you to two of their exciting events this week! Thank you, Monette of Wine Depot for the information. Their first event for February is A Tuscan Toast: Banfi Wines at Chelsea to be held on February 3, 2010 (Wed) at 7pm in Chelsea, Serendra. To thank God it's Friday, Vinos De Arzuaga will be happening on February 5, 2010 at 7pm in Red, Makati Shangri-la.



A Tuscan Toast: Banfi Wines at Chelsea is to celebrate Castello Banfi's 11th consecutive year at "Italy's Premier Vineyard Estate." Get to taste Banfi's award-winning wines with all the good food selections from Chelsea as they bring to you the spirit of Tuscany. Get a taste of Italy for PhP950 per person. Why not bring a love one and celebrate Valentines Day in advance?





Vinos De Arzuaga will make you discover the goodness of Spanish wines from Ignacio Arzuaga as Wine Depot brings him here to Manila. The PhP3,000 ticket is inclusive of a 5-course menu and an evening with Mr. Arzuaga as he personally discuss with you about his wines. Watch out for what happens during the event which I'll be posting here!



Interested? Tickets are for sale at Wine Depot outlets or email toastclub@winedepot.com.ph.

The first and last time I think I heard about the bamboo organ was back in elementary or somewhere in high school. I've never really cared to go since I thought it's just always there until I went to this press conference.

According to Fr. Leo Renier, thirty-five years ago, the bamboo organ was just there on the side of the church unused, dirty and being infested by mice and different insects. It was Fr. Mark Lessage and him who took the initiative for the restoration of the bamboo organ. The entire instrument was disassembled and shipped to Johannes Klais Orgelbau in Bonn, Germany. After the restoration in 1975, it was when the first International Bamboo Organ Festival was held.


Until this moment, Fr. Renier is still amazed with how the first festival took place. He even remembered that around 60 people showed up during the first press conference of the festival. He said that maybe it was the Marcos time where people are not free to gather news so something safe, cultural and happy like the festival is something what many reporters are looking for. He also narrated his experiences during the first festival on how he tried getting to Manila after a cancelled flight because of weather condition and a mass for the late Senator Aquino and late President Cory in Luneta causing a traffic. No matter what the situation is, the show must go on.

On its 35th year, the International Bamboo Organ will be happening on February 18 - 24, 2010 at the Las Pinas Church, Las Pinas City Philippines. Msgr. Albert Venus, President of the Bamboo Organ Foundation, Inc., said that it's a miracle on how the bamboo organ has last for this long. It's actually deteriorating everyday despite the efforts of its restoration since it's been there for 200 years! It's also declared as one of Philippines' National Treasure.


Aside from listening to the bamboo organ being played during the festival, it's the different artists who makes the festival alive. Guy Bovet from Switzerland will be playing on the first day of the festival (February 18). It is his 6th time in the festival and Fr. Renier said that he's the organist who can make people laugh while playing the organ.

The Las Pinas Boys Choir, who won gold in an international competition in Austria will also be singing on February 18th under the baton of Mr. Armando Salarza (part of the choir before) and Fr. Renier.


Another conductor on the first night is Mr. Eudenice Palaruan who was a part of Philippine Madrigal Singers and San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra. With these talented artists plus the original historic sound of the bamboo organ, I believe that it will feel magical to experience this.

Another night not to miss during the festival is the Concert Under the Trees on February 20. This year is the Year of the Priests so for something different this year, the Singing Priests from Aklan will be serenading listeners with their soothing voice. They will surely surprise you with a romantic night under the tress and stars. The bamboo organ will still be played on that day before and after the concert.

Organist Jaroslaw Malanowicz from Czech Republic will be playing the organ on February 21 accompanied by the trumpet of Mr. Robert De Pano.

To get the complete program of the 35th International Bamboo Organ Festival, just visit here: http://www.bambooorgan.org/35th-day.html

Please support this festival since it's not just about the music and the artists of the festival but it's part of our heritage as Filipinos. This is something our country has that we should be proud of. While the bamboo organ is still existing and in good shape.

Tickets for the 35th International Bamboo Organ Festival is priced at PhP600, PhP400 and PhP200.

*All photos taken by Joyfully Yours.

The first play of Repertory Philippines for 2010 is Duets. Before watching the play, what I only know is that it's played by Ms. Joy Virata (who is a veteran actress and the Artistic Director of Repertory's Children Theater) and Mr. Miguel Faustmann (who is a veteran actor that played Morrie in Tuesdays with Morrie) which has already made me expect that it's going to be a wonderful show so I did not do anymore research on what the play will be about.

While I was entering the theater, my boyfriend asked me what the play is about. Shyly, I told him that I really don't know except that it's a romantic comedy with four stories and it's played by two very good actors hoping that he will enjoy the show and he did! Duets actually surpassed my expectations! Now that I've watched it, I can share a little bit more on what it is all about. It's about four sets of characters with different relationships but all the stories give a message of hope.


The first set was about Jonathan and Wendy who are on a blind date looking for their true love. They both shared a little history of their love life and somehow the stories of their past causes their attraction. Even though their story can be sad but the way they say their lines makes their sad story funny.





The second set was about Barrie, who is gay, and Janet, who is his secretary. Barrie and Janet are the best of friends despite their work relationship. One can see how Janet takes really good care of Barrie and she has already given up on love which Barrie tries to convince Janet that there must be someone for her. Somehow Janet wishes that Barrie wasn't gay or even if he's gay, he must be the one for her. Janet makes some moves just to prove to herself that Barrie might not be gay which makes the audience laugh their hearts out!





The third set was about Shelley and Bobby who are divorcing after their holiday at Boracay. They open their issues with each other throwing humorous lines about the extra-marital affairs of each other. Despite their hate for each other, you can see somehow they still have some love towards the other.




The fourth set was about Angela and Toby who are middle-aged siblings. Angela is getting married for the third time but she wants this time is the last time she's getting married so she asks for her brother's assurance. Being a brother, Toby makes witty remarks about her dress and her groom which makes Angela unsure if she really wants to get married. In the end, Toby gives all his good wishes to Angela which gave her the courage to go and get married again.




The four stories may sound simple however, it's not the stories that gave life to this show but it's their throwing of hilarious lines toward each other! The dialogues were playful and witty. Also, the audience can see the actors changing in front of them however, they manage to look different each time the lights turn on for them to start the show. I also applaud the stage manager for quickly changing the set in front of the audience! I truly recommend this to all adults who want to have a dose of smart comedy for their boring weekends! Let's support our Filipino artists who strive to give us good shows like this!


Duets is showing at Onstage, Greenbelt 1 on all weekends of Jan 15 - 31, 2010. 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, 3:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Show tickets are P600 (Orchestra Center), P400 (Orchestra Side) and P300 (Balcony). Watch soon before it ends or get left behind!


*Photos taken from:
1. http://philippines.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_Repertory_Philippines_DUETS_Opening_Weekend_20000101
2. http://www.repertory.ph/currentshows.asp

An insect fell down from somewhere while I was uploading some photos to be sent to my boss. The insect went under one of the keys. I used a paper to sweep under the keys to drive the insect out but it did not come out! Did my laptop eat the insect? Hmm...Amazing!

It has always been said that a good deal is made over good food. I truly felt its meaning today when my boss and I went to Merkato Cuisine for a lunch meeting today.

Merkato Cuisine is located at 55 Scout Santiago St. (corner Scout Rallos St.), Quezon City. Even though the location of the place might sound quite hidden from the busy streets along Tomas Morato area, it was surprisingly easy to find since it's really on the corner of Scout Santiago and Scout Rallos Streets unlike other places that gives you a corner blank street address but the place is not on the corner.


Outside, the place looks like a residential place. As you go in the gates, you'll see a plaque that says "Casa Pura" which is a small hotel on the upper floors of the restaurant. To the right where the big windows show the black chairs and glass tables lets you know that you're in the right place. As I go in the restaurant, the servers are very courteous. The ambiance of the place makes you feel in commune with nature because of the airbrushed leaf patterns on their walls and lampshade, the leaf patterns of the divider, the golden sun as their accent and also the big windows show the lush green plants on the garden outside. It feels like you were brought to Tagaytay in a flash.


Merkato's menu was very simple. It explains to you clearly what is in each and every dish.

For Appetizer, we got Vietnamese Spring Roll with Sweet Garlic Veloute.


The spring roll wrapper has the enough thickness and the veggies inside were a little crunchy. The vinagrette gives flavor to the veggies like a wrapped salad.

For main course, I got their Coconut-Crusted Fish with Coconut-Cumin Emulsion while my boss ordered for Grilled Tiger Prawns with Lemon-Cilantro Pappardelle (their very own handmade pasta).



The Coconut-crusted Fish was crunchy outside but the coconut is still chewy. The fish inside is very juicy making the chewy coconut explodes its flavor all over. The coconut sauce with the mango salsa makes the fish more appetizing in every bite! The yellow rice has peanuts in it making it a little salty. Putting some rice and fish together gives a sweet, sour and salty blend that is satisfying.

For dessert, my boss and I shared a Sugarless Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cake. Although the chocolate cake was sugarless and flourless, it did not lose its sinfulness! Each and every bite was as comforting as a regular chocolate cake!


Merkato Cuisine has only been there for less than 1 year but I believe it has a big potential to become one of the hangout places where people meet, bond, date or just have a good meal. Before the meeting ended, I have already sworn that I'll definitely go back with my love, my family and my friends to try their other delectable dishes!

For more information about Merkato Cuisine, visit their website at http://www.merkatocuisine.com/

I'm no perfect human, I'm no goddess, I'm no bitch but my eyes are wide open to everything that is happening around me. I love to travel, to go on food trips, to watch films, to party, to take pictures and videos, to shop, to do everything possible in this world which I consider as life's adventures. No matter what happens, I love life!

Life is one big adventure that no one can explain how wonderful each and everyday brings even if it can suck, it's still one hell of an adventure!

I'm joyfully alive, joyfully fun, joyfully in love with life! Join me as I give you all these great adventures of life. Everything to be blog right here by Joyfully Yours!