Hey, Oh Georg! It's been a while...

Hey, Oh Georg! It's been a while...

Sunday, July 23, 2023

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I don't know about most Cebuanos but Oh Georg! is one of the restaurants that I think of as a classic because it's been around for as long as I can remember and they're well-loved by a lot of people that I know. 

I haven't been to Oh Georg! for around five years now and going back here after so long did kick in a lot of nostalgia.

Was it still as good as I remembered it?

Bacon Mushroom Dip

Their bacon mushroom dip was as good as how I remembered it to be. Even if it's obviously a carb, I didn't find it heavy on the stomach and has always been a great way to kick off a meal at Oh Georg!

Bolognara.

I know some people like to add a hefty (er unnecessary) amount of cream to their red sauce spaghetti dish and this is exactly what it's like. I didn't find any "blend" of bologna and carbonara, just a red sauce pasta with cream. Surprisingly, it was pretty bland for what it had.

Classic Pork Belly

Giving credit where credit is due, this has got to be the largest single serving of pork belly I had in the restaurants in Cebu. It was really good and pretty filling.

Tiramisu

I'm happy to say that Oh Georg! has not lost its touch with dessert. Their tiramisu is still as heavenly as can be. The soft layers are balanced so well by the cream filling. It's nothing too sweet and has a great kick of bitterness.

The Menu

In conclusion...

I found that the menu has changed but to be fair, it has been a long, long while since I've had a meal at Oh Georg! It's such a family place and I found the thought of dining there alone awkward - this is not on the place, just completely on me. The dessert and the starter were still amazing but the main dishes somehow lost a bit of its luster. The place in Ayala Center Cebu is also quite small and I did found the servers disorganised. It sometimes takes a while to call for one and the orders took time to arrive. 

Maybe it's a bond lost in time but I don't feel so connected with it anymore. Going back here is still nostalgic though I don't see myself craving for a meal here anytime sooner.

Location:

Disclaimer: As you can tell by my not so poetic description of the food that I am not a food critic/expert nor have I ever claimed to be one. This is out of personal experience. Your experience and preferences may differ from mine. This review is not written with the intention to harm any individual, group or business. This review is not sponsored nor is it in any other type of x-deals.

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Some Unspoken Pain of Eldest Filipino Children

Some Unspoken Pain of Eldest Filipino Children

Thursday, July 20, 2023

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We have gone and used the term “middle child syndrome” more too often than we like to admit. What I did notice was that there were no specific terms for the disarray that happens to other Filipino children who are not so lucky growing up - and I am not even talking about money because some people are fortunate enough to grow up in a comfortable life but still come out broken as adults.

It’s sad how much of people my age are spending a chunk of their adult life healing from their past just to make sure they don’t pass the curse on to their children, anyone who looks up to them or simply for themselves.

How many adults do you know are still trying to unravel the threads that have been binding them for so long?

Those threads, those little and big bits of pain that eldest Filipino children tried their best to ignore, shrugged off and thought maybe if they pretended long enough they won’t feel it anymore.

I don’t understand why adults pass on adult responsibilities to young children who deserve to have normal growth.

 

I don’t get why they’re expected to look after those who are younger than them just because they’re born a few months or years older…and they’re severely punished if they fail to do so. 

They’re also just children. Why are they forced to share the things most precious to them because they’re expected to give way for their younger siblings? What good does that make? Because from what I’ve seen, it just raises a very strong giver and taker dynamic in a family - and it does not take a genius to figure out who is who in that situation. What is worse is that some elder siblings are just too used to giving way that when they grow older, they think sacrifice is always necessary for love and that puts them in a very vulnerable position that is very prone to abusive relationships.

Why are eldest children expected to save families they did not choose and did not create?

 

Why are they made to choose degrees that are high paying so they can pay off loans, homes, education of others, lifestyles, etc?

They grow up not knowing what to do with their lives. Sometimes when they fail on what is expected of them, they take it against themselves instead of realising that they are not responsible for those things in the first place.

I remember a line in a poem by Sarah Kay that says,

“The very ones you are trying to save are the ones standing on your cape”

 

That is a sad truth for a lot of eldest Filipino children. Some are forced to put a hold on relationships, passion, dreams or even just simple small purchases just to take a step forward in saving other people.

And when they fail or even just stumble a little, all eyes are on them.

They are expected to be strong without any emotional support.

They are expected to give because they were born first.

They are expected to live for others and answer for the consequences of those who came after them and even for the adults who came before them.

Yet, no one is there for them when they need it the most. 

When they look for someone to stand up for them, they are left defenceless.

 

They’re not chosen enough because the adults who were supposed to be there for them think they just have to “get it together”. They're thrusted into a cruel world without any support system because that's apparently how you learn to be strong.

I don't think there is a need to ruin someone just to learn strength. There should be other ways. There ARE other ways.

They don't need to be forced to be perfect just so they will be good role models. Adults should be the ones to take on the responsibility of being good examples to their children - not the other way around.

Why can’t we stop breaking the souls of our eldest Filipino children?

Why can’t we let them have a childhood they deserve?

Why are they hated for at times wanting to choose themselves?

Because I have a feeling that if we get to choose in which order we’re born in a family, I doubt anyone wants to go first.

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Easy Step by Step Guide in Creating a NEW Canada GCKey Account

Easy Step by Step Guide in Creating a NEW Canada GCKey Account

Sunday, July 16, 2023

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If you're looking to travel to Canada anytime soon temporarily or try your luck with the Express Entry pathway and you want to submit an application without any help from a travel agency, you will first need to create a GCKey account.

You can use a GCKey account for the following purposes:

• Apply to visit Canada temporarily for visitor (tourism/personal holiday), work or study. You can also lodge Express Entry and International Experience Canada applications here.
• Apply for temporary benefits available for refugees.
• Apply for search or proof of citizenship.
• Apply to change or transfer schools for those who have valid student permits.

You will also be able to receive and view messages of your online application as well as link paper-processed applications using this portal.

Creating a GCKey is a very simple and straightforward process. This will only require your basic personal info and an active email address. The following steps are for NEW GCKey accounts.

Section A - Initial Account Creation

Step 1. Go to Canada's CIC page (https://www.cic.gc.ca/) and choose a preferred language (English or French). This will then open up the Immigration and Citizenship page.

Step 2.  Scroll down a bit and look for Sign in or create an IRCC secure account. This is usually on the right handside if you are using a computer browser.

Step 3. Choose Option 1: Sign in With GCKey.

Step 4. On the right side where it says Simple Secure Access, click Sign Up.  

Step 5. READ and accept the Terms and Conditions.

Step 6. Create a username.

Step 7. Create a strong password. Do not share this password with anyone else for your security.

Step 8. Set up security questions. As of the writing of this post, the three questions are memorable person, memorable date and one selection from pre-made questions. 

IMPORTANT: This is essential in case you forget your password. Make sure to list down ALL of your questions and answers in a place where you are 100% sure you will never forget. Make a backup copy is necessary.

Step 9. Set up your recovery email.  You will need to confirm your recovery email using a code that CIC will send to that email.

Step 10. Enter your recovery email code.

Step 11. Continue to your GCKey account.

Section B - More personal information

Step 1. Sign in to your GCKey account again here. See steps 1-3 on section A.

Step 2. On your first sign in, you will be led to a welcome page. Click Continue.

Step 3.  READ and accept the Terms and Conditions.

Step 4.  Enter the following details: Given/First Name, Last Name, Email Address and Preferred Language (English/French).

Step 5. Create three security questions. Unlike in section A, you will be the ones to create these questions from scratch and write your own answers. 

IMPORTANT: These questions are asked every single time you log-in. Make a separate copy of these questions.

 Step 6. After completing the security questions, your GCKey account will open.

I know this is just the very tip of the iceberg for your online application, but I hope this somehow helps clear a part of the application for you.

I personally think that getting comfortable creating your GCKey account yourself will help give you the confidence boost in formally lodging your application online.

Good luck and safe travels!

 

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A Beefy Night at Shanks in Banawa, Cebu

A Beefy Night at Shanks in Banawa, Cebu

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

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Hey, hey there's a new-ish kid in town!

Shanks has been open for a couple months now but we only got to try it recently. It was near our place so we decided it wouldn't hurt to try it. 

Shanks Osso Buco. 

I saw this a couple times on Tiktok and I thought it looked delicious. I had no idea what an Osso Buco was and my first impression was it tasted like an ultra fancy kaldereta. I don't think that's a good comparison but that was the first thought that came to mind. What I liked about this was that the beef was ultra tender and the sauce was very tasty. However, I was sated halfway through and the rest of it I just felt fed up (or umay/sum-ol). It was great, but I don't think I'll want to have this again.

Bay Scallops. 

I'm used to the very buttery scallops appetiser so I went into this dish having that unreasonable expectation which is why on the first scallop, I found it really bland. It was only when I got rid of the "buttery" expectation that I really came to appreciate this light, but tasty appetiser. I won't suggest to take this like a viand though because it's not savoury enough to go with a carb or something else - if you want to appreciate it the best, have this on its own.

Black Pepper Steak. 

One of the things that drew us to this place was the fact that since they are Acacia Steakhouse's sister brand, they were able to bring some of Acacia's most popular dishes in the restaurant. We tried Acacia before and we did love their steaks. 

However, this was a huge letdown. My fiance ordered medium rare and this was almost rare (see photo below). I don't recall Acacia's steak to be like this. I tasted it and as much as I can recall, it did not taste anything like the original one from Acacia. We didn't think it was worth complaining so my fiance just graciously finished the dish. It was sad because we loved this before.

Menu

In conclusion...

The experience at Shanks was not bad at all - we did finish our food with very little regrets. The service could use some improvement in terms of how happy they looked. I know we all have bad days, but I have worked for the service industry in the past and we were always taught to put service before our own struggles - it's just how it is because it's what we're paid to do. Hard pill to swallow, but that's a fact. 

Anyway, we do retain our love for Acacia Steakhouse - I think they have good value steaks but I don't think we'll be coming back to Shanks. I say this with a heavy heart.

Location:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shanksossobuco/?locale=br_FR

Disclaimer: As you can tell by my not so poetic description of the food that I am not a food critic/expert nor have I ever claimed to be one. This is out of personal experience. Your experience and preferences may differ from mine. This review is not written with the intention to harm any individual, group or business.

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An Pizzeria in Cebu City Where You Can Dine In With Your Dog! | Napolitani Pizzeria

An Pizzeria in Cebu City Where You Can Dine In With Your Dog! | Napolitani Pizzeria

Sunday, July 2, 2023

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My Tiktok algorithm, embarassingly full of dog videos and food places, led me to this Instagrammable new pizza place in the heart of the city. When I saw that they do let you dine in with your pet dog inside their air-conditioned restaurant, I knew we just had to try it. It's not easy to find these in the city so we couldn't resist the temptation!

For full disclosure, I don't consume a lot of Italian food and I have never tried authentic Italian food so that would add up to my limitations in writing this...but I really do appreciate good pizza and let's get on that train for this one, shall we?

Service

I made a reservation through their Facebook page. They did reply fast so if you want to dine there especially during peak hours, make sure to book a table - and also be sure to arrive on time. The staff were very friendly and very responsive. 

The Food

Ragu Special. This pizza has beef ragu & sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil. I really liked this pizza when it was freshly served (I'll explain in a bit). The sauce was really food and the mozarella I thought was really high quality. The quality sets itself apart from the usual fast food pizza and in a very good way. I'm not sure how close this is to an authentic Italian pizza. However, just taking it as it was, it was pretty tasty and definitely a must-try.

Although the crust is thin, it is quite chewy so that is something to note of if you prefer thin and crunchy pizza crusts. Another thing is that we did have leftovers that I ate the next date. Perhaps I did not heat it correctly because it was overly chewy it felt like pandesal and it did not taste the same. 

Salmon Linguine. A not so hidden gem is what this is. I only had a taste of this because of my slow ability to digest dairy but salmon linguine was surprisingly really good. No flavour overpowered the other.  

Cebuano Panini. Napolitani's Cebuano Panini has Cebu chorizo, mozzarella, tomato with a side of fries and arugula. I really liked this panini but I also did not find anything special about it. Don't take that the wrong way though... it was a really well-made panini made from high quality panini and I would definitely have it again if I get the chance.

Menu

Pet-Friendly Tips

As I mentioned, you are allowed to dine inside with your pet dog. Their chairs are cushioned so if your dog has long nails or you don't want to risk your dog poking the chair, lay a towel or a blanket or anything that could sufficiently cover the seat. 

The place is also a little tight and many people could pass by your table especially during peak dining hours. If your dog is socially aggressive, in general it is safer for your dog and other people if you don't take the dog with you. If your dog is reactive to crowded areas, make sure you are able to calm him/her down or come when you know it's not peak hours.

As always, clean up after yourselves. Your dog, your responsibility.

In conclusion...

Napolitani Pizzeria has great ambiance, good service and also really great food. It may be new, but I think it has the potential of becoming a local hotspot. If you're craving for some amazing Italian comfort food, you definitely would want to add this to your list.

Location:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/napolitani.cebu

Disclaimer: As you can tell by my not so poetic description of the food that I am not a food critic/expert nor have I ever claimed to be one. This is out of personal experience. Your experience and preferences may differ from mine. This review is not written with the intention to harm any individual, group or business.

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