Kaimito in season again

The kaimito trees in our village started flowering in December. At our office, we have several kaimito trees around our buildings. They are also flowering and there are many fruits already hanging from the branches. The staff knows I love kaimito so they were already telling me they were protecting and reserving the fruits so I can eat some from the first harvest.

Kaimito on one of the trees at our office compound

Low hanging fruit - Several branches are already heavy with fruit and drooping low enough for us to touch the fruits and check if they ready for picking.

Its been a couple of weeks now since I took the photo holding one of the kaimito. Its only a matter of time now before we pick the fruits and enjoy eating them.

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Welcome distractions - Gundam from a Gashapon

My daughter gifted me with one of the items she got from the Bandai Gashapon in the nearby mall. We sort of hit the jackpot when we realized that the capsule contained a miniature Gundam for assembly. My daughter was more interested in the kawai items than stuff like this. I think she just remembered I like Gundam so she got a capsule for me.

Close-up of the Gundam to be assembled. I enlarged the photo for me to refer to as I assembled the toy.

The components were compressed inside the capsule and there was no guide or instruction so I had to figure out how to put everything together. Fortunately, I've done this before with other models that I collected while I was a student in Japan.

The almost finished product - I still have to assemble the wings and weapons. 

For some reason, I want to try our luck again soon. Maybe we'll be lucky again to get another Gundam? Meanwhile, these projects are a welcome distraction from the usually busy schedule.

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Lunch at Bob Marlin, Naga City

I have a backlog of drafts from various trips last year. I wanted to finish and post this one before another probably trip to Bicol this year. One draft stood out among the restaurant and cafe write-ups - the one on Bob Marlin in Naga City. We were invited for a late lunch by our hosts and they took us to the restaurant for a hearty meal and lots of kwento. Nothing serious or business, mostly about life and everyday things. Its good to have these conversations over a meal with people we work with who we consider as friends.

Bob Marlin is one of the more popular restaurants in Naga City. Many customers are groups (families, friends, officemates, etc.).

The inspiration for the restaurant's name is none other than the artist himself. They have a cafe bearing his likeness.

The waiting area includes an old rocking chair, a bicycle and some vintage posters.

Sinigang na salmon

Their take on the Pinakbet of Ilocos

Grilled cuttlefish (more commonly called grilled squid)

Tangigue steak

We had a great meal and look forward to the next one there. We have a continuing cooperative work with the city so there's sure to be one or more trips to Naga this year. A tip though to consider going there early or late for lunch. The place gets quite crowded during the lunch period. I assume its the same for dinner time. 

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