Dining in Nostagia one Saturday Afternoon

One afternoon my boss decided to treat our team to lunch. She brought us to this quaint place called CAFE JUANITA. It looks like an old 1960's house renovated to a restaurant. On the outside it looks uneventful and simple with a few parking spaces, discreetly hidden in a secluded area in Kapitolyo, Pasig.  Much to our surprise, once we went in it was like we were brought back in time.

Nostalgia hit us. As we entered, this elegant chandelier greeted us on the way in. I just had to take a shot of this massive centerpiece with a colorful array of crystals hanging in the middle of the room. I felt as if I went into a colonial house in the Old Spanish era.

It was such a refreshing change from our 'regular' lunch routine. Eye candy for me personally, good thing I brought my good old "Nikki" my camera along for the ride who my wife affectionally calls my 'mistress' because I would spend more time fondling with it on my free time.

Lunch was great! the menu was a good mix of asian food, a bit of local filipino flavor and a dash of thai food as well. If you are looking for a new dining experience that's also worth discussing about try it for yourself.

Cafe Juanita is located in Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Philippines. They serve lunch, and dinner and they are open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Food prices range from about P400.00 to P700.00. It is also a good idea to call them for reservations specially on weekends.

Cafe Juanita - Tel. Number: (02) 632-0357

Scientists say Playing Video Games Help Kids Think Faster and Decide Accurately

Who among you geeks, techies, nerds, technologically gifted folks (me included) recall when you were kids, that you got pissed off when your mom or dad tells you to stop playing video games and get to bed or do your homework, and just when you're just getting in the zone?

I'm sure a lot of us recall those glory days of ATARI, Nintendo, SEGA, Playstation 1 where we would really spend hours and hours glued to the TV screen or PC monitor just to reach that next level so you have something to talk about in school the next day.

Well, I guess those scientists are from my generation. (don't ask me when....the console timeline I mentioned can give you a clue :) )  who by now would have used thier own kids as lab rats to once again prove thier parents were wrong.

They say that kids who play video games, particularly first person shooters and role playing games think faster and decide as accurately and fast as they can pace themselves throughout the game.

Some benefits according to the study are;

1. Quick Thinking in response to crisis situations.
2. Precision in decision making
3. Better at Multi-tasking
4. Better Observers of thier surroundings
5. Better Hand-Eye coordination

Though they have yet to prove other benefits, it was said that this early on in the study, these benefits have already manifested significantly. So when your kids start playing, encorage them to play on.

Sweet Temptation

Food has always been a part of my family for generations. No family gathering is complete without food being served. Sundays are usually spent eating out or at home with pot luck lunch and dinner. My grandmother has a tradition in the family where during Sunday morning right after church we would gather around the kitchen helping our dear grandma as she prepares lunch for everyone.

It was like clockwork that everyone, my mom and dad, aunts and uncles, my brothers, sisters and cousins pitch in to complete a thanksgiving like feast. After lunch she would call on me and my cousins and reward us with sweet treats she made. I miss her and the value she left us. "Always cook with your heart, serve them with love." She kept a small notebook with her recipes and top secret ingredients, when she passed on that notebook got lost somehow. It was as if the magic spell book just faded away.