I first heard of Jollibee's attempts to expand internationally from my SoscSci120 (Directed Readings in the Social Sciences) prof from the University of the Philippines-Manila. (Well, I did saw the ads in front of some local branches saying there's a Jollibee in Shanghai, etc.) But in the US! Wow.
Ayos.
My professor said the first Jollibee in the US was in the West Coast. Yesterday, I read from the Philippine Star that the East Coast version (in Woodside, Queens, New York--though I have no idea where that is) opened in February 14th, 2009 in the area which was also known to be Little Manila. For obvious reasons, I suppose.
RAVES
1. Upon entering the place, according to reviews, it "felt as if we were transported back to Manila." This, I think, is the main reason Jollibee is there.
2. Mostly Filipino crew
3. Taste-wise, the burgers and Chicken Joy are true to the original recipe.
4. Turnover is quite fast.
NOT SURE IF RAVE OR RANT:
The Spaghetti was less sweet. Absence of hotdog but it seemed to be a hit with the locals (i.e., Americans)
RANTS
1. The "mostly Filipino crew" seemed a little confused at times.
2. Long lines.
3. Price. One customer said, "It was really expensive. I find it horrendous to pay so much for fast food. McDonald's fries are cheaper."
4. Drinks are not included in the meal. But there's a soda machine for refills.
5. Not so jolly like what is back here in 'Pinas.
Jollibee is located at 62-29 Roosevelt Avenue (63rd Street), Woodside, Queens; (718) 426-4445.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Lowdown: DLSU vs FEU (4-Mar-09)
Game Two of the Women's Volleyball Finals was a reversal--up to an extent--of what happened in Game One, which I watched at The Arena. This time, I watched at home, half thinking that I may have jinxed La Salle, my favorite team. Well, they won so I guess watching at home was better for me--and the team--than watching at the venue. Ha, chika lang. I had tons of schoolwork so I had to watch at home.
Anyway. La Salle won in four-set fashion. FEU won the first, then La Salle won the next three. Set Number Two was, for me, the clincher. It spelled the difference. It was a neck-to-neck set that either team could have won. If FEU won that one (Coach Nes Pamilar put in the injured Shaira Gonzales for emotional sake I think) they could have easily won the championship. La Salle was defeated in the first set, 25-17. La Salle winning that set pumped up their game--slowly--and gave them the confidence that they needed.
Why La Salle won:
1. Jacqueline Alarca stepped up big time. She said--in the post-game interview because she was the best player--she had to prove that she wasn't a Best Blocker for nothing. :D Boom Gonzales, the commentator, pointed out that when Alarca started smiling and enjoying every point she won for the team was when the other players were affected. Which brings me to the next reason..
2. Intensity. FEU players have always been known to have intensity. From the onset, Morada and company rejoiced after every point scored. Thus, iritating the La Salle Spikers, who were very much affected by the crowd in Game One. In Game Two, La Salle players started feeling every point in Set Number Two and Three. Behind Alarca's exploits and Michelle Datuin's ever-present intensity at the net. She got Morada's number, definitely.
3. Defense. Blocking was surprisingly missing for La Salle in the first two sets but they adjusted. Floor defense improved as the blocking materialized. I think losing the first set made the La Salle players realize the urgency of winning, and stepping up. Thus, they dove for every ball, jumped for every spike, and tried to dig every attack that went their way. All of April Jose's drop balls were checked. :D
4. Much-improved service. In Game One, as I've pointed out, there were too much service errors on La Salle's side. This time, Manilla Santos (who was by the way always checked and dug by FEU's libero, Taganas) only had one service error--as per my unofficial count--and Alarca and Mercado had one each as well.
5. Other players stepped up. Aside from the usual suspect on offense--Illa Santos (who was berated by Coach Ramil De Jesus for not variating her shots. I think he said something like, "Sa lahat ng pinalo mo, ilan ang napatay mo?" With that, she was brought to life and scored points on her varied attacks.) Stephanie Mercado finished the game (at the end part of the third and fourth set), scored a flurry of points, for La Salle. Alarca stepped up into the scoring parade as well. And even players like Datuin and Cha Cruz scored on some of their attacks.
6. The presence of an improved-in-numbers La Salle fans. Now, there was a Barangay La Salle--na wala nu'ng Game One.
--------------------
Why FEU lost:
1. Shaira Gonzales didn't play much because of her injured left--or was it right?--ankle. I hope it's just a serious sprain, not anything more. She was able to play though. And scored dramatic points in the second and third set. They sorely missed her quicks. Their seventh--or eighth--player was Cabanag, who is obviously not as great as Gonzales.
2. Cherry Mae Vivas wasn't in her element. She was often asked by Coach Nes during timeouts, "Ano ayaw mo na?" She even "scored" La Salle's winning point in the fourth set by miscalculating what should have been "an easy over."
3. Morada's attacks were well-read, checked or blocked by the La Salle defense in the latter sets because the offense became predictable with Daquis in the back row, and Jose having no other options but to go to Morada. Her psy-war and verbal tussle with Datuin at the net really went up the next level, so to speak.
I am excited for Game Three, the deciding Game, but I won't be able to watch the game because I'll be in Sagada this weekend. But still, I will be rooting for the Lady Spikers, of course.
Anyway. La Salle won in four-set fashion. FEU won the first, then La Salle won the next three. Set Number Two was, for me, the clincher. It spelled the difference. It was a neck-to-neck set that either team could have won. If FEU won that one (Coach Nes Pamilar put in the injured Shaira Gonzales for emotional sake I think) they could have easily won the championship. La Salle was defeated in the first set, 25-17. La Salle winning that set pumped up their game--slowly--and gave them the confidence that they needed.
Why La Salle won:
1. Jacqueline Alarca stepped up big time. She said--in the post-game interview because she was the best player--she had to prove that she wasn't a Best Blocker for nothing. :D Boom Gonzales, the commentator, pointed out that when Alarca started smiling and enjoying every point she won for the team was when the other players were affected. Which brings me to the next reason..
2. Intensity. FEU players have always been known to have intensity. From the onset, Morada and company rejoiced after every point scored. Thus, iritating the La Salle Spikers, who were very much affected by the crowd in Game One. In Game Two, La Salle players started feeling every point in Set Number Two and Three. Behind Alarca's exploits and Michelle Datuin's ever-present intensity at the net. She got Morada's number, definitely.
3. Defense. Blocking was surprisingly missing for La Salle in the first two sets but they adjusted. Floor defense improved as the blocking materialized. I think losing the first set made the La Salle players realize the urgency of winning, and stepping up. Thus, they dove for every ball, jumped for every spike, and tried to dig every attack that went their way. All of April Jose's drop balls were checked. :D
4. Much-improved service. In Game One, as I've pointed out, there were too much service errors on La Salle's side. This time, Manilla Santos (who was by the way always checked and dug by FEU's libero, Taganas) only had one service error--as per my unofficial count--and Alarca and Mercado had one each as well.
5. Other players stepped up. Aside from the usual suspect on offense--Illa Santos (who was berated by Coach Ramil De Jesus for not variating her shots. I think he said something like, "Sa lahat ng pinalo mo, ilan ang napatay mo?" With that, she was brought to life and scored points on her varied attacks.) Stephanie Mercado finished the game (at the end part of the third and fourth set), scored a flurry of points, for La Salle. Alarca stepped up into the scoring parade as well. And even players like Datuin and Cha Cruz scored on some of their attacks.
6. The presence of an improved-in-numbers La Salle fans. Now, there was a Barangay La Salle--na wala nu'ng Game One.
--------------------
Why FEU lost:
1. Shaira Gonzales didn't play much because of her injured left--or was it right?--ankle. I hope it's just a serious sprain, not anything more. She was able to play though. And scored dramatic points in the second and third set. They sorely missed her quicks. Their seventh--or eighth--player was Cabanag, who is obviously not as great as Gonzales.
2. Cherry Mae Vivas wasn't in her element. She was often asked by Coach Nes during timeouts, "Ano ayaw mo na?" She even "scored" La Salle's winning point in the fourth set by miscalculating what should have been "an easy over."
3. Morada's attacks were well-read, checked or blocked by the La Salle defense in the latter sets because the offense became predictable with Daquis in the back row, and Jose having no other options but to go to Morada. Her psy-war and verbal tussle with Datuin at the net really went up the next level, so to speak.
I am excited for Game Three, the deciding Game, but I won't be able to watch the game because I'll be in Sagada this weekend. But still, I will be rooting for the Lady Spikers, of course.
UAAP Season 71 Women's Volleyball
Individual Awardees Season 71
Awarded March 4 2009
Best Attacker - Aiza Maizo (UST) as seen in the stats
Best Setter - April Jose (FEU) as expected..
Best Server - Irish Morada (FEU) as seen in her mean jump-serve..
Best Receiver - Manilla Santos (DLSU) as always..
Best Blocker - Jacqueline Alarca (DLSU) as predicted..
Best Digger (aka Libero) - Lislee Ann Gata (AdU) as per last year..
Rookie of the Year - Melissa Gohing (DLSU) as surprised (Hehe, maipilit lang ang "as")
(I didn't know Gohing was a freshman.. she didn't look like one. He he)
MVP - (yet to be awarded, on Sunday Either La Salle's Alarca or FEU's Daquis. Darkhorses: FEU's Gonzales, Morada DLSU's Santos or Mercado)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Lowdown: Game 1 of the Finals, UAAP 71st season Women's Volleyball
I was stunned that La Salle lost to defending champs FEU Lady Tams. Stunned because La Salle won the 1st set in a very convincing fashion, and lost the second and fourth sets in a very convincing fashion as well. Stunned, that they won the fourth set: 26-24. And more stunned that they lost the fifth, considering they should have had the momentum (having won the fourth set) come that final set.
I watched the game from the "Lower Box" of San Juan Arena, unfortunately behind me was the FEU cheering squad (made up of loud, coarse-voiced men) and drummers. Sitting there, watching the game, made me feel what it was really like to watch the games live.
First, magastos (expensive). Going there by G-Liner bus costs around P15.00 from Lawton (but I still had to take prior transportation to get to Lawton). And, the ticket! It costs P120 for "ringside" which was like a dozen rows pa behind the "School Officials" seats. Hay nako. (Lesson: Be there at around 12.30nn for a 2pm game.)
Second, maingay. The men behind me (as mentioned) was very loud and..well, I guess they were too below-the-belt with their cheers (which helped FEU a lot) and jeers (which affected the La Salle players, Illa Santos the most). They were saying things like: (To Illa) Mag-trabaho ka na lang! or Laos ka na! (To Steph Mercado) 'Wag ka na ang chaka mo!
If I were more courageous (and pikon) I would have stood up and cheered whenever Illa scores a point, "Sino'ng laos!" or "Hindi ito beauty contest."
But I guess that's part of the game. Cheers are cheers, no matter how foul they may be.
Third, full of energy. Every point scored (especially in the first set, and the fourth and fifth) people got up to score and cheer. Yes, it was a La Salle crowd--on the count that there were many La Salle fans there--but the FEU fans (though outnumbered) cheered their hearts out. And I guess, being champions, they have earned a following.
Why LA Salle lost:
1. Manilla Santos was not in her usual impeccable game. I guess the crowd (jeering her) affected her game. She had some service errors, and her spikes were not that..um, accurate? But I had to give it to her though, she reall
y led her team out there. She was constantly saying things to boost the morale of her teammates, even though they lost two straight sets.
2. Melissa Gohing (libero) had notable receiving errors during the end part of the game, which could have spelled the difference, though she had some nice digs (on Shaira Gonzales, who was by the way injured at the end of the fourth set, and Rachelle Ann Daquis).
3. Blocking was great, as usual.., but not as intense.
4. Intensity-wise, only a few players were intense. Santos, Gohing (as always), Michelle Datuin and.. I guess, they were the only ones who wanted to win it all.
5. Kaye Martinez is still not the best of setters--which makes it hard for La Salle since she's going up against a witty April Jose of FEU.
6. Service errors killed La Salle. And April Jose's drop balls (three I think) translated into points. All her attempts at the drop. :'(
6. They lacked focus, and the heart to win. They had errors which I think were brought about by the intensity of the game, and the crowd going against them. The La Salle crowd should come out to watch and cheer in Game Two. Rally behind the team, so to speak.
What La Salle needs to do to win in Game Two:
1. Focus. Don't let the crowd affect you. Play your usual game.
2. It has been said that La Salle is not the type of team who wins five-setters so I think it's better for them to win the first two sets to give them the confidence they need.
3. Illa Santos should really dominate--not in the Daquis way--but in her own support-your-teammates-and-do-your-thing way.. The team needs a leader. A true one that gets things done. Her serves should be accurate the next time.
4. Though they were well-prepared for Daquis, La Salle shouldn't take for granted other players like Gonzales, Maika Morada, and even Vivas. They attack and score. So beware.
What the La Salle community needs to do:
I watched the game from the "Lower Box" of San Juan Arena, unfortunately behind me was the FEU cheering squad (made up of loud, coarse-voiced men) and drummers. Sitting there, watching the game, made me feel what it was really like to watch the games live.
First, magastos (expensive). Going there by G-Liner bus costs around P15.00 from Lawton (but I still had to take prior transportation to get to Lawton). And, the ticket! It costs P120 for "ringside" which was like a dozen rows pa behind the "School Officials" seats. Hay nako. (Lesson: Be there at around 12.30nn for a 2pm game.)
Second, maingay. The men behind me (as mentioned) was very loud and..well, I guess they were too below-the-belt with their cheers (which helped FEU a lot) and jeers (which affected the La Salle players, Illa Santos the most). They were saying things like: (To Illa) Mag-trabaho ka na lang! or Laos ka na! (To Steph Mercado) 'Wag ka na ang chaka mo!
If I were more courageous (and pikon) I would have stood up and cheered whenever Illa scores a point, "Sino'ng laos!" or "Hindi ito beauty contest."
But I guess that's part of the game. Cheers are cheers, no matter how foul they may be.
Third, full of energy. Every point scored (especially in the first set, and the fourth and fifth) people got up to score and cheer. Yes, it was a La Salle crowd--on the count that there were many La Salle fans there--but the FEU fans (though outnumbered) cheered their hearts out. And I guess, being champions, they have earned a following.
Why LA Salle lost:
1. Manilla Santos was not in her usual impeccable game. I guess the crowd (jeering her) affected her game. She had some service errors, and her spikes were not that..um, accurate? But I had to give it to her though, she reall
y led her team out there. She was constantly saying things to boost the morale of her teammates, even though they lost two straight sets.2. Melissa Gohing (libero) had notable receiving errors during the end part of the game, which could have spelled the difference, though she had some nice digs (on Shaira Gonzales, who was by the way injured at the end of the fourth set, and Rachelle Ann Daquis).
3. Blocking was great, as usual.., but not as intense.
4. Intensity-wise, only a few players were intense. Santos, Gohing (as always), Michelle Datuin and.. I guess, they were the only ones who wanted to win it all.
5. Kaye Martinez is still not the best of setters--which makes it hard for La Salle since she's going up against a witty April Jose of FEU.
6. Service errors killed La Salle. And April Jose's drop balls (three I think) translated into points. All her attempts at the drop. :'(
6. They lacked focus, and the heart to win. They had errors which I think were brought about by the intensity of the game, and the crowd going against them. The La Salle crowd should come out to watch and cheer in Game Two. Rally behind the team, so to speak.
What La Salle needs to do to win in Game Two:
1. Focus. Don't let the crowd affect you. Play your usual game.
2. It has been said that La Salle is not the type of team who wins five-setters so I think it's better for them to win the first two sets to give them the confidence they need.
3. Illa Santos should really dominate--not in the Daquis way--but in her own support-your-teammates-and-do-your-thing way.. The team needs a leader. A true one that gets things done. Her serves should be accurate the next time.
4. Though they were well-prepared for Daquis, La Salle shouldn't take for granted other players like Gonzales, Maika Morada, and even Vivas. They attack and score. So beware.
What the La Salle community needs to do:
CHEER (Y)OUR HEARTS OUT!
The team needs the support. It's war out there, as I've seen and experienced.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)