Topokki Man

Just got back from treating (torturing is more appropriate) my tastebuds with some really spicy food at Topokki Man. I am bursting at the seams while writing this. Feast your eyes on these photos as I had feasted on the real thing.

Baby Rolls
Php 50

Yes, 50 pesos only for 12 pieces! But don't expect giant pieces. Baby rolls. I repeat, baby rolls.

Bibimbap with kimchi or salad

Php 150

Looks harmless but wait til you add the chili paste that comes with it.

Bibimbap literally means mixed meal. So yes, you have to mix it thoroughly (don't forget the chili paste) before gobbling it all down.

Set of Frieds
Php 130

The photo obviously doesn't show the complete "set". That's cause I ate some before remembering to take a photo. The set includes the following: veggies, shrimp, squid, squash, sweet potatoes, and dumpling.

Original Topokki

Php 130

There's supposed to be an egg here but it ended up in my stomach before I clicked the shutter.

What's in it? Rice cakes (the rolls you see in the photo), tofu, boiled egg (in my stomach already), sesame seeds (you must be blind if you don't see it), some veggies I didn't care to identify, and chili paste (that's why it's red!).

Set of 1/2 ramen + rice + kimchi or salad
Php 80

1/2 Ramen. Rice and kimchi missing from photo. You know how those look (and taste) like anyway.

Never attempt to ask for mild ramen. They will only add more water!




Carbo loading, aren't we? Now I am ready to run a marathon. NOT!

If you like flaming hot Korean food, head on to Topokki Man at Rosedale Center in Talamban, just beside Doña Rita Village. Deliveries also accepted. Give them a ring at 345 6701. Just not on a Sunday. Topokki Man rests on Sundays.

PS It's a small place, so don't bring the whole barangay here. Seats about 25 people.

 

PPS The take away comes with a little saw!

How gluttony bore a hole thru Mustachio's pocket:
Add everything up, it comes down to a total of Php 540.
Hey, it's not too bad. That could feed four people you know.

You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

...is a big fat lie! I'm an old dog (nevermind the exact years) and I've just learned to ride a bike albeit like a drunk. That has got to count, doesn't it? Took me approximately 9 hours, spread over 7 days, spread over 3 weeks.

Day 1 So many coaches, couldn't decide which advice to try first. Coach #1 Go downhill without pedaling. Coach #2 Start off by pushing on the pedal with one foot. Coach #3 Practice balancing by sitting like a princess. Coach #4 Blah blah blah... All I could think of was not falling over on the side. But it's better to have numerous tips than none at all.

Day 2 Practice anywhere. Everywhere. Even inside the house.

Day 3 Pick a patient private coach. Feed him before the session. And be patient yourself. Bruise count: 12

Day 4 Do not be afraid to practice where everyone can see you, i.e. on the road outside your house. You can stop when there are cars and people passing for any of these reasons: because of embarrassment or because you don't want to run them over (people) or because you don't want to get run over by them (vehicles).

Day 5 Strangers will: give random words of advice - "look ahead, not on your pedals" - listen; give warnings - "mabun-og ka ana/di ka makat-on hangtod di ka ma injure" - persevere; laugh at you - laugh with them, no one has died by being laughed at, no?

Day 6 Even if you've just recovered from fever, practice. Even if it starts to rain 10 minutes into your practice, go on. Every effort counts. Prepare to get sick again. Bruise count: 4

Day 7 Do not be too serious or you'll attract frustration like Homer Simpson to donuts. But do not keep laughing like a hyena or you'll ride your bike like a drunk. Take it from me.

Next lesson: How to go dizzy by going in circles on a bike.

Eiga Sai 2011

What: Japanese Film Fest 2011
When: August 2-7, 2011
Where: Ayala Center Cebu
Admission: Free!
Language: Japanese with English subtitles

August 2, Tuesday
7PM The Chef of South Polar

A comedy based on the autobiographical essay of Jun Nishimura, a cook assigned to work at Dome Fuji Station in Antarctica as part of an eight-man crew.

August 3, Wednesday
7PM Climber's High

Based on a novel by Hideo Yokoyama of an airplane crash in 1985, its impact on a local newspaper, and the difficulty its reporter, Kazumasa Yuki, faces under pressure.

August 4, Thursday
7PM Yunagi City, Sakura Country

Based on a manga comic by Fumiyo Kono, a story about those who survived the atomic bomb in 1945 and the generations following. The film shows the viewpoints of two women, one from the past and the other from the present day.

August 5, Friday
7PM Villon's Wife

A story of a writer, Otani, and his wife, Sachi, who sticks with him despite his debts, alcoholism, and affairs.

August 6, Saturday
130PM The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones

In 1907, neither for fame nor for profit, a band of men challenge Japan’s last unconquered mountain, Mt Tsurugidake, in order to complete a map of their nation.






 
430PM Summer Days with Coo

An animated movie of Coo, a lone Kappa, who survives over 200 years and is found by a boy named Koichi in modern day Tokyo. Coo is faced with a tragic past and the challenge of living in the present environment. He and Koichi search and hope to find any remaining of his kind.

730PM One Million Yen Girl

Suzuko has trouble fitting in and jumps at the chance to move out of her parents house but eventually gets in trouble with the law. Returning back to her family and neighborhood, the peering eyes of those around her pushes her to save one million yen and move out of town.

August 7, Sunday
130PM Your Friend

The story of friendship between two girls, Emi, who has a kidney disease, and Yuka, who has a limp from a car accident which was partly caused by Emi. Although Yuka initially holds a grudge, the two eventually grow closer. Through all the trials they experience over the years, they still remain friends.

430PM Summer Days with Coo

An animated movie of Coo, a lone Kappa, who survives over 200 years and is found by a boy named Koichi in modern day Tokyo. Coo is faced with a tragic past and the challenge of living in the present environment. He and Koichi search and hope to find any remaining of his kind.

730PM Feel the Wind

Haiji, a university student, has given up his dream of running the Hakone Ekiden (marathon relay) due to injury...until he meets elite runner Kakeru. Gathering eight other housemates, who have never run before, they form the necessary team of 10 athletes to fulfill Haiji’s dream of qualifying for the ekiden.

More information at The Japan Foundation, Manila or you may call the Consular Office of Japan in Cebu at (032) 231 7321.

PS "Eiga Sai" literally means "film festival".