Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Seiko Actus 7019 7060 vintage watch

I acquired this watch through my suki in Fukuoka, Japan. I had it recently serviced and had the crystal buffed as it was full of scratches. My watch guy instead recommended to have it changed because of the deep scratches. The watch came out looking mint.

The watch has day and date features. Days can be in English or Kanji. I fitted it with a rally leather strap that used to be with my Citizen Second Setting (I now use a nato with that watch). The quickset day and date features function well with the date changed by pushing on the crown in this position.
The photo doesn't give justice to the watch. It actually has a light blue to it that's relaxing to the eye and sort of brings a feeling of calmness.
Close-up showing a pristine dial
Case back showing the watch model and its other features. The serial number indicates it to be manufactured in July 1972.
Here's a wrist shot. The photos don't give justice to the watch as the dial is actually light bluish.
Automatic movement
The signed movement states this is a 7019A movement that runs at 21,600 A/h
It's "Araw ng Kagitingan" or "Day of Valor" in the Philippines. My friends and I decided to let go of some of our watches in our respective collections. These are all of Japanese make (Seiko, Citizen and Orient). This one is included in the sale but I am secretly wishing that the watch won't be fancied at this time.
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Note: I gave this away as birthday present to a very close friend. This was his BMBY. For a guy who doesn't usually wear a watch, he now more regularly wears this one especially when we are on trips or in the field.
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Monday, April 8, 2019

Tuna at the market

Last weekend, I chanced upon one of my suking fish vendors at the market as he was carving up a gigantic tuna. Too bad I was beaten to the best parts by a couple of people who got those suitable for sashimi.

The fish has been divided into several large pieces including the head
The head compared to a 5-peso coin.
I instead had some portions for steak (we grilled some for Saturday dinner).
I'm looking forward to the next weekend...
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Sunday, April 7, 2019

Casa Soriano, Naga City

A very pleasant experience was our lunch over at Casa Soriano in Naga City. I thought this was somewhat a surprise as we were not expecting something like a home converted into a restaurant as fine as this.

The restaurant is actually a house inconspicuously located behind a car dealership.
There's an entrance to the restaurant at the side of the house that reminded me of the old Casa Verde restaurant in the UP Diliman campus.
Upon entry, one will be greeted by vintage decors along a Vigan tiled floor
Here's a look back before I turned towards the restaurant's doorway
More vintage stuff on display
They have an outdoor eating area, which suggests that they
View of the restaurant from the garden
Image of Our Lady of Penafrancia at the corner of the restaurant - Bicolanos and particularly the people of Naga are very religious and hundreds of thousands if not millions come home to participate in the celebrations during the feast day (every third Sunday of September).
Paintings (I assume from a local artist) hung on a brick floor
Nice lamps made from repurposed cart wheels
Menu cover
Nice vintage lamps adorn the ceiling

Here are some photos of their menu:

Poultry, beef and lamb dishes
Seafood dishes including the famous Bicolano recipes with sili (chili) and gata (coconut milk)
Rice dishes including paella
Photo op corner just before the restaurant door

Here are some outdoor photos. The restaurant is obviously a good venue (pang-instagram!) for parties including wedding receptions.

They converted what used to be a swimming pool into a garden.
The toilets are also well-integrated into the 'landscape'
There's a hanging bridge allowing you to cross the swimming pool
There are strategically placed benches and lighting on the trees
We had chop suey, chicken cordon bleu and adobong pusit (squid).
Chicken cordon bleu
Adobong pusit
Chop suey
Casa Soriano is definitely on top of my list of restaurants in Naga City but for the accessibility (its outside the city center so its sort of out of the way). I thought the prices were also reasonable for a sit-down restaurant (as opposed to fast food) and the service was also good. The staff were efficient and attentive, and knowledgeable about their menu. The restaurant is highly recommended!
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