history

I’m sort of a history lover.

Well, I wasn’t an attentive student when it comes to history classes, but I’ve always been fascinated at how people lived in the beforetime. I can tell you the names (in correct order too) of Jose Rizal’s siblings because I had fun reading his biography when I was a younger. Whenever my dad tells stories about the war in 1940s, I’m always all ears. When I was a kid, we had this very big and thick book called the “Tree of Knowledge,” which contains almost all information about the world. My favorite section there is the history part— all about Queen Elizabeth’s era, the Black Death, the Trojan Horse, and more. And when it comes to entertainment, you know I love classic stuff… BW movies and old songs are the best.

That’s why when I got the chance to visit our country’s (Philippines) National Museum last Sunday, I was like a kid all over again. I went there with my dad and little sister for her school assignment, and as soon as I stepped inside, I already felt the museum’s historic presence. Building’s old, slightly dimmed lights, echoing voices bouncing within the walls— I loved it!

The National Museum has many galleries to feast your eyes on, housing a wide variety of art pieces. From old sculptures to paintings to church ruins to art memorabilia, the museum has it all. I had the opportunity to look closely into each art and examine how they were made and what they’re made of. It’s a great experience— to be able to really zoom in on a certain art piece. But, of course, no touching!

(Dad and Joy reading about the sculpture’s history. Cute sighting)

I’m not just gonna talk about it. Here are some snaps instead:

(Dad and me)

(With my little sister Joy)

(Behind me: Juan Luna’s famous “Spoliarium.” The painting’s larger than life! Too bad I wasn’t able to take a full picture)

(Yes, the museum was once a Senate building)

(My favorite art piece there. Just kidding)

(Dead Child by Simon Flores)

(Juan Luna’s self-portrait)

(With the “Prehistoric Man”)

The National Museum is really a happy place for people who love history and art. Best of all, admission’s free every Sunday! Visit their website and Facebook page to learn more.

Happy blogging (and learning)!
Jane

Pan de Manila, with over 30 branches nationwide. (Website: http://www.pandemanila.com.ph)

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Ever since my dad bought us our first ever pandesal from Pan de Manila, I’ve always craved for it. It was love at first sight, first sniff, first touch, and first taste. I’ve always been amazed by how large and chewy every pandesal is, and although my first encounter with this awesome bread was so long ago, I can still remember the satisfaction I got when I took my first bite.

And recently (uhm, late 2012?), I discovered something as amazing as the bread itself: their Spanish style chocolate mix, the Chocolate con Leche.

Ever since I had my first authentic hot cocoa drink in 2011, I’ve always adored hot chocolate drinks, especially the bitter ones. When I tasted my first Tsoko.Nut Batirol drink, it strengthened my desire for cocoa. And now that I’ve discovered this, my pandesal moments will surely be more awesome!

As you can see, it has another variant: the Chocolate Blanco or the Spanish style white chocolate mix. I’ve tried it, and it’s just as good as the Chocolate con Leche. 🙂 *thumbs up*

But the star of the show (or post) here is the pure chocolate drink. 🙂 I’m just a sucker for smoking hot chocolate drinks. I’ve loved Milo as a kid (until now, actually), and my favorites as of the present time are Starbucks’ Signature Hot Chocolate (with lots and lots of chocolate sprinkles on top), Beanhoppers Coffee’s Hot Chocolate with marshmallows (looooove!), Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s Hot Double Chocolate, of course Tsoko.Nut Batirol’s Tsokolate Ah, and Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate & Dark Chocolate mixes. My quest for my next favorite hot choco drink is not over, though. 😉

Guys, try Pan de Manila’s Chocolate on Leche now and I guarantee you, you will be transported to the awesome era of 1800s to 1900s! 🙂 Its rich aroma and authentic flavor are enough reasons for you to fall in love with it, too.

And oh, for those who are always on-the-go, they have it in cups! Just add hot water and voila! You now have yourself a really classic chocolate-y drink while in your car or everywhere!

If you want to take a break from your usual coffee beverage, give Chocolate con Leche a sip and let’s see if you don’t buy another one afterwards. 😉

P.S.: Pan de Manila also has a 3-in-1 coffee mix! Check out one of their branches to discover more of their offerings!)

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This blog entry can also be seen on meekalexyproject.wordpress.com. Follow us there! 🙂