This month's feature is one of my closest and first friends in college. The reason why I chose him because he is a multi-talented person. Although we fight a lot (I don't know why... He likes annoying me. Hahaha. I think I'm pikon), I'd say he's one of the few diamonds I've found in a pile of rocks.

I admire him for being a family person. He spends his Sunday with his family. From church, to movies, and to traveling. Their favorite? The beach! He stated that his family inculcated in him that to he should have faith in God in everything he does. Well, so much for an overview about this guy. Let's get to know him better.

Jose Luis Pacquiao

Age: 21

Height: 5'6"

Birthday: November 29, 1991

THE SHUTTERBUG

Since before when he was still in elementary he was already fond of looking at photos. He said that at that time he was curious of how to capture such amazing art. At an early age he used their family camera and it was his tool for venturing the world of photography.

Usually we are influenced by certain people, events, or even just about anything when we chose our craft. In his case, no one did. "I think we all have that certain time in our own lives when we think about what would make us happy because there is something that we would be passionate about, and I came to think about using a camera." 
There are already a lot of good photographers in the city, country, and the world. Surely, he has someone to look up to and there are a lot of them but he named one - Lito Sy. If you talk about inspiration there's no one else to name but his parents. "My parents inspire me to continue this passion. They're very supportive."

Being a photographer I guess it is but necessary to have gadgets. Right now he owns a DSLR (Nikon), tripod, lenses, and a speed light. He also has plans in purchasing more lenses. When asked of which brands/products for photography filming that he would recommend he just said that you can purchase any products which they are comfortable using but they should consider its quality and specifications. He even plans to put up a business in the future if the time and money permits. There are many kinds or types of photographers but according to him he would likely focus more on landscape and portraiture.

I asked him what is photography for him. He said, " Photography is a way of keeping wonderful and significant moments throughout time and not merely capturing the image itself, but also the emotions within it." 

Besides from being a photographer, focusing on capturing stuff, there was a time that he got curious with the capabilities of a camera. He got interested in videos and filming which made him explore and learn more on his craft.

His passion for his craft paid off unexpectedly when one of his creations was featured in Marc Logan's segment in TV Patrol World. The No Other Woman Spoof which was primarily made for a project for school. "I was really shocked because who would expect for that to happen? On the other hand, I am very thankful because people are already trusting my capabilities and I hope that more clients would hire me." He left these words for those who are aspiring to be in this kind of venture... "If you really love this, then go for it.  What you love will take you to success."

WHEN THERE'S STILL SO MUCH MORE TO TELL

I was fortunate enough to get a quick Q&A with him about some other stuff besides being a good photographer...

You are inclined to many activities involving water, is there a specific reason behind this?
No specific reason. I just love a lot of water activities that's why I indulge myself whenever I have free time.

What came first swimming, scuba or being a life guard?
Swimming, life guard, then scuba diving. I was still on my elementary days when I had my swimming lessons. I decided to pursue it. I tried more activities which resulted in me joining the life guard training. It was one summer of my college life when I involved myself to scuba diving. All of them are fun... made me a water lover. Haha


What are your achievements in this field and your future dreams about it?
I won several competitions in swimming and went home from Manila as the first ever Water Safety Olympics champion, together with my co-lifeguards at Red Cross Davao chapter. Future dreams? To be part of the Philippine team in swimming.

What pushed you to join Red Cross? Where did it all start?
It was the time when I joined swimming that also made me decide to join Red Cross. I was already part of the Red Cross Youth at school during my elementary years that's why I also wanted to be more into it.

What sport is close to your heart next swimming?
Scuba diving and golf

At this point of your life would you say that you are happy and contented?
Yes, definitely.  A lot of people especially my family and friends love me and I am very thankful that they are all part of my life.

Any words for all the readers?
God has given you your life, spend it wisely.

There you have it folks. You've known him for his work and wittiness
 but now you know the man behind the scenes.

Well? What can you say? You already Pokieyaaa! :D
I had fun with this interview. He is after all my partner in vanity.



Thanks for dropping by and watch out for next month's feature! :)

We have been planning on baking for quite some time already... The waiting comes to a halt today. After registering at the Philippine Nurses Association we immediately went to JS Gaisano Mall to get some groceries for our ingredients!

Since Celine is already a baking type of person. She had ebooks about it and we followed this specific recipe by Martha Stewart :)

What we used:
 

This is buttermilk. I initially wanted to vlog about this baking experience but then I had a lot of epic fail moments while introducing the ingredients so I'd rather not and it has something to do with buttermilk. Well, I've learned that day that you can make buttermilk with evaporated milk and vinegar. Yes, I was that stupid. Is it just me? Am I alone on this one? Anyone? Haha





Our cupcakes are extra fluffy because we should have filled the lined cups only three quarters full but I... Yes, I take the blame... Filled it all the way up but no regrets just lessons learned. We also medled with the coloring. We added and added until we achieved our desired redness. We were bothered about tasting the dye if we put too much but our worries were proven null when we tasted the finished product ;)

For the frosting... We used these:


Celine taught us the techniques on how to do the thing... Pokie kept pestering me about being to slow. Haha!  I'm a beginner for heaven's sake. He's such a bully. He was having his OCness that day because he kept wiping off the dirt or anything that looks messy for him. So rest assured our cupcakes are clean... I guess. You have to make the cupcakes cool down a little bit before decorating it and stuff.


After frosting all the cupcakes I really wanted to put sprinkles on them but Celine only had this Christmas-y sprinkles which were a mixture of greens and reds but we only needed the reds so we ended up sorting the sprinkles. Budi did a great job with the sorting.
So what did we do with the greens? Well...

Pokie ate this. It's bread with the frosting topped with the green sprinkles. He's got one hell of a sweet tooth.

Let me share to you a closer look on our fabulous cupcakes. No bias, our cupcakes are simply delicious and  mouthwatering. Love your own! But really... it tastes awesome!

We have to give Martha Stewart the credits for the recipe and for making our lives easier :)
The set up courtesy by Celine Conanan. Thank you for welcoming us to your lovely home!
What do you think guys? Should we be open for business? Haha.
I'm pretty sure this won't be the last time we'll bake. We had so much fun. Watch out for more. Thank you for reading!

"We are not just a cup of coffee: we are a global brand, a lifestyle and a brand that gives back."

I remember the first time I went to Blugre with my relatives. It was like a routine after enjoying the soulful music at Kanto Bar. We always ended up ordering cakes because we were no fans of coffee that time. We were too young for caffeine. In my college years it was reintroduced to me by my classmates. It was something different for me. From then on it was a place for friendship and studying.

I was given the chance to get to know the company better. When the opportunity opened I immediately grabbed the chance. I was honored to meet Mr. Benjamin M. Cuaresma and Ms. Joanne B. Siy who patiently explained to us everything and answered all the queries of my fellow bloggers.

At SM Lanang - Blugré branch with the Davao Bloggers and Mr. Cuaresma and Ms. Siy :)

Photo credits: http://www.thefluffyblog.com/

The signature Trellis of Blugré with a twist

Last minute chatting!

The Blugré  signature chairs

Customized wall. Don't leave the place without taking a photo here ;)

We got to try this drink before anyone else :) So privileged. 

Since the ownership was turned over last January 9, 2012, they were working on expansion, branching out and just making the company even better. The first branch they opened under their administration is the SM Lanang branch. Just last month the Abreeza branch opened. The goal by 2013 is to open 22 stores. On February 22 their 9th branch will open in Tagum and along with this they will also launch their new menu. On the 28th their 10th branch is set to open at Malvar street near Davao Doctor's College fronting Alberto's Pizza with a new look... and if the odds are in their favor it may be the first ever 24 hours branch and they also plan to renovate some of the other branches. Hopefully by this year Blugré will go global. We'll just hope for the best. They are, after all, spreading the Davao brand. We should be proud! :D

Want more? They will also launch a new drink featuring a famous local fruit of Davao. Besides the very popular durian drink... There's something new coming your way. You better watch out for it. Interesting huh?  The environment would definitely be child and eco friendly. Healthier options. Combo meals. There's just a whole bunch of exciting things to expect from Blugré.
 14 years of Blugré  and a lot more to come.

Blugré MTS

For barkada, birthday, and executive meetings

2,0000 Php with 100 GC

-5 Café Mocha

-5 Ice Blended Mocha

-3 Cheese Roll Bites

-2 Potato Chips

-3 Choco Torte

4,000 Php with 200 GC

-5 Cappucino

-5 Café Mocha

-5 Brewed Coffee it House Blend Iced Tea

-5 Durian Cappuccino

-3 Tuna Cheese Melt

-3 Sausage Pepper Penne

-3 Choco Torte

-3 Potato Chips

6,000 Php with 500 GC

-10 Cappuccino

-10 Brewed Coffee or House Blend Iced Tea

-10 Iced Blended Durian

-4 Penne Tuna Pesto Cream

-5 Ham & Cheese

-5 Cheese Roll Bites

-5 Choco Torte

Blugré MTS now serves breakfast!

Updates!

Blugré Abreeza is now ready to serve new pastries and cakes

Great renovations of all the Blugré stores in Davao City

Blugré Tagum City will soon open on February 22, 2013

Blugré Davao Doctors Feb 28, 2013

Activities

Photo Contest via Facebook

Promotion of new items in the menu

Blugré Gives Back

Active participation of  to Carbon Neutral Program

Supports B'laan tribes build additional schools and support their coffee livelihood

Know more about them on their website: http://blugre.com/