Dear Parents, Teachers and Guardians,

We, the students of the University of the Philippines School of Library and Information Studies (UPSLIS), are going to release a book entitled, "Under the Sea Through the Eyes of a Child" as part of our project in Marine Science. The book will feature drawings by children aged 3 to 12 years old, about what they know of life under the sea. This project aims to promote preservation and protection of our beautiful oceans.

In this regard, we are asking for your contributions. We need drawings of your 3 to 12 year-old kids and/or students. The theme of the drawings should be, "Under the Sea". Chosen contributions will be included in the book which will be published on the second week of October. Contributors of which will receive a thank-you gift from us. Drawings must be in 8.5" x 11" bond paper. You can email your contributions to btbaylas@gmail.com or we can pick it up anywhere around Quezon City. We accept contributions only until October 6, 2009.

We hope for your kind consideration!

Thank You!

Bianca Rei T. Baylas
Esther C. Cariaga
GM Simon
Bachelor of Library and Information Studies

[Photo Credit: KinderArt]

The mouth-watering pictures being posted at PenPen's facebook account urged me to try it out. Also, the owner announced that Up↑Stairs room has already opened--this, I have been waiting for, since I really wanted to use it on my birthday.

So, last August 29 the UP Library and Information Science Students Association (UPLISSA) celebrated its 47th year and I celebrated my 23rd year. Thanks to PenPen Restaurant, we all had a blast!













Lemme share to you the things I liked about PenPen:

1. The Food

Of course! What else would a restaurant be famous for?

Before the party on the 29th, Stoi, Pancho, and I went to PenPen Resto to check out the place. The two hesitated to come with me at first because, it is far. (Any place that is more than 5km away or cannot be reached by any jeep coming from UP is far for us, okay.) So, I told them that it's my early birthday treat. (I am that desperate to try out Ping. Ahemm! *clears throat* I mean, PenPen!)

Pancho ordered the Double Burger Steak with plain rice, which he thought tastes okay. Stoi ordered the Beef Caldereta with plain rice, which made her miss her mom, whom according to her, cooks caldereta waaaaay better than that. The caldereta was tasty but, the potatoes and carrots in it were overcooked. I ordered six pieces of Mini Cordon Bleu with garlic fried rice. The Cordon Bleus were delicious but its bland dip, I didn't like. My garlic rice was flavorful though. The servings were pretty small for its price. We were already hesitating to consider Up↑Stairs room to be the venue for our party after we got disappointed by the food we ate. The owner's charms made us reconsider (see item no. 10). Thank God we changed our minds!



At the party, we had Spicy Bicol Express, Baked Bangus Belly, Chicken Adobo, Molo Soup, and Veggie Salad, plus plain rice served buffet style. Man, I tell you they are all delicious, worth every penny we spent. Everyone were so full and still went for second/third servings. We also ordered the Crispy Liempo and Chicken A La Kiev to go with our beers, which didn't last longer than a minute on the table. They went straight to our mouths and down to our bellies. Yummy! =P


2. The Ambiance



PenPen was like a more sosyal version of Lutong Bahay in UP Diliman. It is an upscale carinderia. The place was simple yet elegant (with all the paintings and photos on their warm-colored walls.) Downstairs can seat more or less 20 people. UpStairs can accommodate roughly around 30-40 people.



This place gives you the feeling of eating at home. Where else can you do this? (see picture below)

We were very much at-home that we feel like sleeping after a hearty meal. Sarap!


3. The WiFi

It is free! We were able to stream and give real-time updates about our event.









4. The UpStairs Room

The best party room ever!







5. The Mirror UpStairs

Since we're all self-proclaimed self-portrait-addict (too many self. can you smell the vanity in here? haha!), we came to love that mirror UpStairs. :D





6. The Lovers' Couch UpStairs

The couch at the far end is built to bring comfort to everyone. However that night, single people were out-of-place at that couch. Hence, we called it the Lovers' couch.


7. The Booze



Aah yes! Great for all parties. You'll be glad to know that they offer very affordable drinks for alcohol-thirsty people.




8. The Location
For someone who's having a hard time following directions (like me), it is fairly easy to find. The first I went there with my friends, I had to ride a cab. The second time, we were able to find a way for poor people (like me) to commute to the place.

DIRECTIONS:
For those who will drive or ride a cab going to PenPen:

1. From EDSA, you can turn right to E. Lopez-going to ABS-CBN, then turn left to Tomas Morato. Go straight, til you reach Sct. Castor, the street before the intersection of Roces Ave and Tomas Morato. Turn right to Sct. Castor, look to your right and you'll see PenPen Resto.
2. From EDSA, turn to Timog Ave. [where GMA NETWORK is]. When you reach the intersection of Timog Ave. ang Tomas Morato [there's a Rotonda(?)], turn left to tomas morato. Go straight, til you reach Sct. Castor, the street before the intersection of Roces Ave and Tomas Morato. Turn right to Sct. Castor, look to your right and you'll see PenPen Resto.
3. From EDSA, go to Kamuning Rd. . Go straight til you reach tomas morato, then turn right. the street after the intersection of Tomas Morato and Roces Ave is Sct Castor. Turn left to to Sct. Castor, look to your right and you'll see PenPen Resto.
For those who are going to commute:
From UP, ride a jeep going to Pantranco. tell the driver to drop you off to Delta. Then, cross the footbridge going to KFC. Then, cross the the other side. Ride the jeep going to project 2-3. tell the driver to drop you off to scout castor. PenPen is on the other side of the road, in front of 7-11.

9. The Staff

They were really friendly and approachable. Inasikaso talaga kami! They were able to put up with our kakulitan, even waited for us to finish until 3am. That's why they are deserving of our humble tip.

10. The Owner

Well, other than the fact that he is really handsome, Ping Medina is very friendly and accommodating. Despite being a famous celebrity, he is a very down-to-earth guy. And, did I mention how handsome he is?


We will definitely come back, soon!

[Photo credits: My mobile phone. Sir Igor Cabbab. Iya Agbon. Google Maps.]


The UP Library and Information Science Students’ Association (UPLISSA) invites you to ‘Sleight of Hand‘, an Alternative Classroom Learning Experience. Learn the basics of magic this August 20, 2009, 1-4pm at the 3rd floor Main Library, SLIS Bldg Computer Lab 1-2.

Speaker: Mr. Dan Anthony Dorado.

See You There!

Amaze your friends with your own magic tricks!

Aahh.. First day of August... I can already feel my birthday coming... haha! I still have no idea on how to celebrate my upcoming birthday. However, I already have a few things in mind that I want to have on my birthday.

What do I want for my birthday? Well, to give you an idea of what to give *ahemm-ahemm* me on my birthday, here is my Birthday Wish List:

1. A pair of guinea pigs

I just want to have pets. And I think guinea pigs are cute. They're not as small as hamsters which would make it really hard for me to search for them if I decide to let them play in the house, outside their cages. Rabbits are common already. Mom doesn't like cats and Dogs require high maintenance. Guinea pigs are not too big, not too small. Just right.

2. Someone singing to me
Well, not just any birthday song. :P I'm always fascinated by people who are good in music--people who play an instrument, or people who are blessed with a good singing voice. I've been singing to people for as long as I can remember. It would be lovely to hear and see someone sing a song for me one time. :D

3. A reunion gig with The Singing Librarians
I miss performing with them. I am deeply attached to this group of wonderful singers ever since it started. I just feel sad that we don't get to sing together anymore. Everyone is busy with their own lives, chasing dreams and reaching goals. I hope we can perform again one time... Like a concert--for the benefit of UP SLIS Building Fund? :P

That's all. Just that and you'll make me really happy on my birthday... :D


Note: Click the image to enlarge. :D