Doggies a collection

I tend to default taking pictures of my doggies when I'm bored,  when I find a fancy pose or a unique situation.

Case in point, this situation where the common gate was opened - but both doggies just look at the situation with little interest. They know it has nothing to do with us... and the great beyond (the gate) is of no interst to them - unless I am bringing them out for our early morning (as in 4am) leash-less walks

So this particular entry will not focus on a date... instead, it will be a common repository for those photos where both Buffy and Bubbles will be the main feature.

This one shows Buffy in her begging mode - seeing all those food items on teh table, she is definitely curious, to the point that she goes by the food stuff, sort of letting us know she's there - in case we don't see her.

But as anyone can see, I'm watching an X-men movie, so aside from the fact that I took the time to take this picture, I am definitely ignoring her antics. She can beg all she wants - there's dog food in the bowl, so Ilm not ignoring their dietary needs.

Strumm's party (for support network)

70s to 80s music

April 22, 2013 - John(Tiong)  invited Barbie and me to a concert at Strumm's - the event was something that Tim (Tolentino) and John were helping support. John had pledged for a few tickets, and that's how we got dragged into the picture.

Cherry having fun - I took this pic before
approaching her

Monchot really enjoying the night

I later found out that this party was for Light of Hope - a help . support organization organized by families of suicide victims. The idea being that they set this up to prevent suicides - a network of support to battle depression. Not everyone might consider this important - but families that have gone through this kind of trauma obviously find it important.

Monchot dancing with a carefree attitude

Barbie, Tim and John

I forgot to ask how many years this support group has been working and helping others - but I'm just glad to know that there is such a group. The idea being that should there be a need for such... it is better to have them there than have someone consider the other option - one where there can be no return.

John taking the picture, so I can join in

It is therefore no surprise to see these people... families who know the pain of losing someone to suicide, know how to enjoy life - if at least for one night.

This was a thank you to their friends and support network. To Barbie and me, it was just an evening to unwind, coming form work. I'm glad we went.

Cold Layers

We've been seeing this place for quite some time now, and today, we've decided to try it out - after all, with the relatively hot weather we been having (summer season after all), the idea of eating shaved ice with some fruits and flavoring becomes quite enticing.

the wall reminds me of Japanese animation

And this is basically the main idea when you enter into Cold Layer - yes, they also serve other things in their menu, but their main attraction are their many flavors of shaved ice. For now, I'm trying something safe - I mean, I have my heart out to trying the durian shaving... but I want to try the fruits first - you know, get to better know what these shavings are all about first before becoming more adventurous. Hell... why not? Durian it is!

Durian flavored ice shaving

Barbie is trying the fruits - which was what I was considering earlier. As for the kids? Well they're trying something more chocolate-y and dessert leaning - either way, just having the shaved ice is already a soothing and cooling experience.

Tropic fruits... strawberries, kiwi and some mangoes

Chocolate and some cheese

One problem I already see with this though - it does take time for their ice shaving machine to do all this - so I can imagine how long an order would take if this place were full. Thankfully, this place still seems to be discovered.

The servings are relatively large, so I don't experience the thought that I need a second order - as I said, eating these shavings is a cooling effect - just don't embark on it too fast, or brain freeze is a definite possibility.

As for a repeat performance, yeah... I can see myself going back here some time soon - specially if I find myself in this area, with time to spare and some cooling to do. The lack of too many people makes this place a viable location to enjoy some quiet time.

Banapple

Bryce waiting for hsi order

April 21:

Okay... the name? It's a combination of Banana and Apple, of course, and though this place is known for it's desserts (mostly cakes and pies), this place also serves other items in their menu - for example, a few rice dishes.

We went here to have lunch, We do that sometimes - specially during weekends, as we make it a family bonding thing.

Tapsilog - kinda sweet

Adobo

My only problem with Banapple's dishes are that they tend to be rather sweet - and I don't want my meals sweet. I mean, I hardly put sugar in my coffee, so you can imagine my not wanting to have food... specially non-dessert stuff being rather sweet. But that's my only complaint here.

 Still, it is enough to make me think twice about eating here in the future.

Though I would still go here for the desserts. I mean, they serve great caramel topped chocolate cake, and their banapple pie is okay. Ironically, their apple pie lacks some zing - maybe you're supposed to have it ala mode (with vanilla ice cream on top) because by itself, it is kinda dry.

And I was so looking forward to having an apple pie - after all, I've sampled many of them in various places, so I tend to compare. It is, after all, one of my favorite desserts. Oh well...

IHOP night

April 20:

It's been a while since we heard of IHOP, and one of the reason is that we've heard that there is still a line to get into this new place. The acronym stands for International House of Pancakes. It's basically a U.S. based franchise, and this happens to be the first time said franchise has opened here.

So... how was the experience? Honestly speaking? I found the concept okay... but the products - as attractive as they look, were less than spectacular. For their price, it simply does not reflect the expected quality I was looking forward to experience. Not that it was bad, mind you... but it was too expensive for pancakes.

Will I go back to it? Not really - I think that places like Maples serve better pancakes at less the price. Maybe IHOP has more variety in terns of the kind of pancakes they have, but numbers won't turn the tide if taste doesn't have any attraction. Oh yeah... and the price. I did mention it's high, right? In this particular lifetime, I can identify a lot of other things that I would rather spend on, and be more satisfied with. Still... I guess it was for the experience. Now I know what it's about - so much for the hype.

Bubbles!

Bubbles accepting a sleeping hug from Bea...

April 20:

Bubbles is the other half our pet tandem - or should I say the first half... after all, she came first. She is a mixed breed - half Spitz (from where she takes her color) and half Chow (where she takes her size).

Both dog breeds are known to be temperamental, so I guess both cancelled each other out as far su Bubbles is concerned. She has the best temperament -  always patient and kind to all of us, as can be gleaned from these pictures.

and enjoying an embrace from Bernice

Dogs are known to be uncomfortable when hugged, but in Bubble's case, she accepts it. She loves sleeping or lazing beside us - specially on the bed.

Buffy!

No, she isn't angry... that's just how Buffy looks

April 17:

Buffy may be a mixed-breed dog, so technically, she has no value from a purist's perspective. But Buffy is a very loving and protective pet. Here are a few pictures of Buffy with Bernice, just to show you how close she can be with us.

looking around - but still accepting the embrace

Point in fact, she can be quite possesive of us - and very protective. She really barks at strangers, and can be worrisome. She can have a mrecurial temper and this is, at times, even dished out at Bubbles, our other pet.

Barbie doesn't really like her (because she is closer to me than her, I guess), but I know that Buffy's heart is in protecting us all.

curious... wonder what got her
attention?

She can sometimes seem easy to trick, specially with her favorite toy - a laser pointer; but she doesn't think about stopping or giving up... even to the point of exhaustion.

But it's these kind of exercises that make her muscular, hence she can run real fast - but let's not consider maneuverability. She may not be able to corner on a dime, but she sure can handle the bumps.