Mabuhay!

Hola!

Bonjour!

Hallo!

Ciao!

Oi!

привет!

喂!

こんにちは!

Hello!

And just in case you didn’t get the first nine ones, they’re various forms of saying “HELLO!” in Tagalog, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin, and Japanese… Anyway, I must say that making a full-fledged blog about one of Butuan City’s best (if not top) non-commercial food establishments was certainly a fabulous idea. But I’m getting WAY ahead of myself… Rewind. Play. Then fast forward as necessary.

My name’s Brent. Born and raised in this somewhat boring but fun-loving city called Butuan (that’s in the Philippines, mind you) for the better part of 20 years (turning 21 this August 2008). I’m what you would describe as someone who goes against the grain in most everyday aspects. Where my friends just swoon over melodramatic Pinoy movies with formulaic screen actors and actresses, I’d rather much prefer the mainstream or independent films from Hollywood or any other international arena. They listen to mainstream local OPM, whereas I gravitate to a more eclectic range of music from chillout, ambient, house, techno, rock, hiphop, trance, electronica, RNB, pop, bossa nova, world music, even classical.

It is this type of cosmopolitan mindset that made me in tune with such lofty pursuits in life. Though it might sound or seem elitist, I still keep myself grounded. So it was that a young kid like me chanced upon a place called Margie’s Kitchen. I had known the name since I was knee-high, virtually screaming out with joy whenever my Mom brings home that ubiquitous white box that contains a sinfully delicious cake from Margie’s, located near the towering offices of our local BayanTel and media giant ABS-CBN. I grew up eating such confections like the famous Nelusco and other dessert favorites. The former cake takes place as one of my many comfort foods.

But now several years older and wiser, I found that Margie’s has expanded to become a full-fledged establishment that serves as both restaurant and coffeeshop, right smack in this trendy-looking two storey building named SENTRO. It was a match made in foodie heaven. As much as I want to wax poetic about the many times I frequented M.K., I figure I’ll let the photos (which I will be uploading soon) speak for themselves as to how I am enamoured with the place.

So many fun memories have been built around this favorite “watering hole” of mine (as well as my friends), that when the worldly owner/manager of Margie’s, Macky Calo, asked me to create a blog about his social hub, I was certainly game with the project. So, with this first introductory post, I welcome you to Margie’s Kitchen Online!

Here, you will find chunky bits and pieces of information; anything and everything that is related or connected to Margie’s Kitchen. Food, people, photos, music, events, etc. – you will find them here! And if you (like myself) are a loyal patron/supporter of our favorite “tambayan” in the city, you can contribute your own stories through this blog! Comment on blog posts, or you can send me your photos so we can post it in our albums! Every little bit helps, so that our little nook in cyberspace will flourish and grow…

More to come as this blog progresses. And as of blogtime, I am currently in the process of editing the design of the site as well as fishing for media to jazz up the page. Don’t forget, if you have something to share or add on to M.K. Online, drop me a line through this blog or send it to my email at zero_stigmatic@yahoo.com with the subject “Margie’s Kitchen Online“. Please bear with me cause I usually get spam in my inbox, but other than that, you and I are good to go!

Please do check back from time to time, as this will also be a way to reach out to you guys when we have special events or other important matters… So, I end this blog with the shop’s motto: “LIFE IS UNSURE… EAT YOUR DESSERT FIRST!”

Astig talaga kayo!

¡Usted tipos mecen!

Vous les gars balancent!

Sie burschen schaukeln!

Lei gli individui dondolano!

Você rapazes balançam!

Вы парни качаетесь!

你伙计岩石!

あなたがたは揺れます!

You guys rock!

XOXO

Brent