Tongue-Tied Talks

Project 365: Feb. 21, 2011 (day052): Dad's Senti Side

2011-02-22T10:41:00.003+08:00

Today was a continuation of yesterday's digging into old stuff, pictures, greeting cards, and the like. Today I was able to see that a man (like my Dad) can have a sentimental side. I dug into the box of memorabilia, and found that my Dad had kept most, if not all, of the greeting cards we gave him. Knowing that my Dad has a stone-cold exterior, the sight of those greeting cards kept in his memorabilia box was really touching. :D

Project 365: Feb. 20, 2011 (day051): Sakura Color

2011-02-22T10:21:00.002+08:00

My Mom had been busy these days as we are preparing for the surprise birthday party for my Dad's 60th birthday (side note: I am hoping that my Dad doesn't discover this blog so as not to discover the surprise party... :D). I was busy going over some old photos, cards, and memorabilia when I noticed this "album" with the Sakura Color cover. If my memory serves me right, this was a brand of film being used when I was still in my preschool years. In today's age of high-tech and multiple-feature cameras, DSLR's, and everything digital, it is nice to remember the good old days where film was the medium for most, if not all cameras. Nice to remember those days where my mom would remind me not to open the camera's film compartment so as not to "expose" the film inside. Oh well.. how fast time flies...

Project 365: Feb. 19, 2011 (day050): Girly Red Toes

2011-02-22T10:10:00.002+08:00

After a great afternoon bonding with my high school girl friends, I went home and noticed that the nearby nail spa had a promo for foot spa and pedicure. Being the usual foot-spa addict that I am, I availed of the promo. When I was being asked what's my preferred color for the nail polish, I just blurted out "Red.. Bright Red!". I don't know what got into me and I chose that color. I am not usually the type of girl who goes for red for my nail polish. Usually, I go for the more subtle pearl pink or pearl white or beige. I only choose red for special occassions like Christmas and my birthday. Oh well.. perhaps, sometimes, it's okay to break the monotony of things. Besides, looking at my toes, it doesn't look that bad. Good luck to me come Friday next week - the day I usually wear sandals in the office! :D

Project 365: Feb. 18, 2011 (day049): Golden Rolls

2011-02-21T22:04:00.002+08:00

I was about to eat dinner when our viand this evening caught my attention. It was crispy, newly-fried lumpiang shanghai or fried spring rolls. For those who are not familiar with the said dish, it is ground pork seasoned with some soy sauce, salt, pepper, chopped onions and garlic. The seasoned meat is then wrapped in a locally-made wrapper (unfortunately, aside from water and flour, I don't know what else constitutes it), then deep-fried to a golden color. It is nice to look at the newly-fried rolls from the sides. They look like folded sheets of golden papers. Of course, these golden rolls are better eaten than just viewed as subjects for photography. :-D

Project 365: Feb. 17, 2011 (day048): The Red Cooper

2011-02-21T21:49:00.004+08:00

I was looking over our veranda this evening, trying to look for a good subject for my Project 365 entry for today. I suddenly saw this red vintage car. According to my brother it's a Mini Cooper, whose owner is also a resident here in the building. Cute car. Vintage yet it has this high, cool factor. And strangely funny, it reminds me of Mr. Bean. Hopefully, the owner doesn't look like him. :-D

Project 365: Feb.16, 2011 (day047): The Little Orange Moose

2011-02-21T21:41:00.002+08:00

There wasn't anything special that happened today. While at work, I was thinking what subject can be used for my photo today. Nothing special in the office. When I got home, there was nothing special either. Until I saw my son's little orange moose stuff toy. Hmm.. Kinda cute. Sorry little orange moose. Blame it on an ordinary Wednesday. :-|

Project 365: Feb. 15, 2011 (day046): One Little Candle

2011-02-16T09:55:00.003+08:00

I was thinking of what photo to take for my project 365, when I saw my son gazing closely at the lighted scented candle on top of our table. I remembered my younger days when we lit candles at school while singing this song...

"It is better to light just one little candle,
than to stumble in the dark.
Better far that we light just one little candle,
All we need is a tiny spark.
If we all say a prayer that the world will be free
The wonderful dawn of a new day, we'll see
And if everyone lit just one little candle
What a bright world this would be.."

Project 365: Feb.14, 2011 (day045): Roses

2011-02-16T09:46:00.003+08:00

Today is the day where people (especially those in love), "paint the town red". It seems that everywhere I go, I see the color red. Even my seatmate at work wore a red blouse! But of all the red things that appear during Valentine's, I really adore those red roses. I guess any girl or woman wouldn't mind being given roses, especially on Valentine's. We might deny it, but deep within, we ladies cannot deny the fact that we are flattered if we receive roses (aminin!!). Even my Mom, at her age (she's in her 50's), loves it when my Dad gives her roses not only during Valentine's but even on special occassions. Words such as a "I-Love-You" is sweet, but it becomes sweeter when expressed with roses. :-)

Project 365: Feb.13, 2011 (day044): Beautiful

2011-02-16T09:36:00.004+08:00

Found this quote written on one of the notebooks being sold in Papelmeroti. I liked the quote so much, I had to buy the notebook (even if I had no use for it as of the moment). Oh well...

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair-face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it is as a cup of blessing."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Project 365: Feb.12, 2011(day043): A Matter of Time

2011-02-12T23:59:00.003+08:00

Several things happened today which could all be related to time. First, I was a buzzer beater in my one-day Natural Editing class. The class was scheduled at 2PM. I arrived at 1:57PM. Thank God, the instructor was still wrapping up the discussion for the class before ours. I still had time to breathe and setup my stuff, but not eat. Yes, it was only then that I realized I haven't eaten lunch yet due to a late breakfast at 10AM. Second, an officemate sent me text message requesting me to send him 300 worth of eLoad (yup.. eLoading is one of my "rakets" in the office.. :-D) to be paid on Monday. Since I was still in class when the message got in, I wasn't able to see and respond right away. I was able to read the message about 9:30PM (message got in at around 4PM). Sheesh, 5hrs late. Thank God, my officemate is very patient and still waited for me. Third, my brother joked (not sure though if it's half-meant) that he still has feelings for his ex-Gf, even if he's in a new relationship now. Knowing my brother well, I told him that perhaps, he hasn't completely moved on. Perhaps, even if they have separated ways several months ago, time hasn't completed yet his closure process. Oh well... everything revolves around time... *sigh*...

Project 365: Feb. 11, 2011 (day042): Tequila Sunset

2011-02-12T00:23:00.003+08:00

We had all-girls lunch out earlier. All of us were in our late-twenties-early-thirties. And as we munched on our meals, the topic of gimmicks, partying, booze surfaced. We had realized that all of us have less gimmicks, partying, and booze since we reached this age. It's not that we totally do not drink or party anymore, we just don't do it as frequent as when we were in our late-teens to early and mid-twenties. Somehow, we are slowly "outgrowing" the phase, choosing dinner and coffee over the more hard-core alcoholic drinks. As one of us have placed it, "parang nasa sunset stage lang". We know, there will still be those occassions when we will wear again our party hats and bring out again our shot glasses, just as sure as the sun rises in the morning, after it settles down for the night. :-)

Project 365: Feb.10,2011 (day041): Zion's Heart-Warming Valentine Gift

2011-02-12T00:10:00.002+08:00

Today I got home to an early Valentine's gift from my son, Zion. It's a very heart-warming school art project which showed a heart on front, and an I-Love-You message at the back. I know their nursery teacher helped them in creating it, but imagining my 4-year old exert his effort (it's a lot, knowing how my son can be so lazy in writing long texts) in preparing this project makes my heart overflow with love and pride. It may sound shallow, but I was really touched by his art project. Oh well.. there goes some "mommythoughts"! :-)

Project 365: Feb.09,2011 (day040): The Norwegian Magnet Souvenir

2011-02-11T23:58:00.003+08:00

One of my best buddies from grade school (who incidentally is also my officemate) got back to work today from her training assignment in Norway. Since she knows I collect magnets from places I visit or from people who travel, she gave me this magnet as a souvenir from her trip to Norway. To be honest, I got freaked out when I first saw the magnet. Perhaps, I'm not used to seeing Viking-like figurines as models for magnets. More often, "things" or "items" being produced in the place are used as magnet models. Nonetheless, it's always the thought that counts, and this magnet is an addition to my collection. :-)

Project 365: Feb.08,2011 (day039): Glass Flower

2011-02-11T23:44:00.002+08:00

Today is an improvement of yesterday. Though my throat is still a bit painful, at least the fever has subsided. Today, my mom and I started our canvassing for the giveaways for my Dad's secret 60th birthday party (thank God my Dad's not an internet addict or else he might ruin the surprise of his own party). We are actually planning to give out shot glasses with a Thank-You sticker, so we have started scouting for cute shot glasses. One of the glasses we are considering is the one in the picture. Personally, I go for this one. Aside from it's thick and sturdy-looking make, the bottom of the glass is also attractive - shaped just like a flower. I know the celebrant is a man and the flower-bottom design might look ackward, but I don't think people will notice it. :-)

Project 365: Feb.07, 2011 (day038): Half-Full Half-Empty

2011-02-11T23:32:00.002+08:00

There are just those days when one feels so-so. Today is one of those days for me. Similar to the glass of water, I try to remain "half-full" instead of "half-empty". But I guess life does not always make us feel that we are full to the brim. Sometimes in the emptiness and weariness, one tries to stop, and think things over. *sigh*. Perhaps this is my fever and sore throat speaking. Hope tomorrow I'll feel better.

Project 365: Feb.06, 2011 (day037): So Shady

2011-02-06T19:26:00.002+08:00

I was not feeling well today. Yet, I cannot stay in bed all day. So I got up and tried to fix Zion's toys and clothes. It was only today that I discovered that Zion has 4 pairs of sunglasses. For a 4-year old, I think my son is a bit vain. For one, I, his mom, has only one pair of shades that I use most of the time. My brother, who is a teenager, and whom I expect to be more vain than me, has zero pair of shades. He just borrows from my dad whenever he needs one. Now, wouldn't anyone think that my 4-year old is indeed vain, having 4 pairs of sunglasses?!? :-D

Project 365: Feb.05, 2011 (day036): Match 'Em Cars

2011-02-06T19:15:00.002+08:00

Zion got a post-Christmas gift from one of his godmothers today. It was a card memory game. I read the instructions on how to play it, and got a bit confused (sheeesh! might be a sign that age is catching up on me). To my surprise, Zion was able to understand how the game should be played. His grandmother (my mom) just explained the directions twice, and he was able to play the game right away. Kids nowadays!! :-)

Project 365: Feb.04, 2011 (day035): BC 2GO

2011-02-06T18:51:00.002+08:00

Today I got the NSO birth certificate which I ordered via phone. I need a copy of Zion's birth certificate for his enrollment in his new school. Having this kind of service is very convenient especially for a working mom like me. I don't need to wait in line at an NSO branch (which could be very tiring and tedious, given the number of people there). Though the charge was a bit dear (at Php 330), the convenience of having the certificate delivered at my doorstep was worth the price. I hope that more public documents can be ordered from these kind of services. :-)

Project 365: Feb. 03,2011 (day034): Braids

2011-02-06T18:41:00.002+08:00

I was relaxing at home after a day in the office. I decided to play a little with Zion, when I noticed that his "tail" was fixed in a braid. I asked his nanny who did it, and she replied that the photographer in school did it, as they were taking the kids' yearbook pics. It was really amusing, because the guy/girl who did the braids was really into it (i.e. kina-career ang braids). Tee hee!! :-)

Project 365: Feb.02, 2011 (day033): Mickey vs. Donald

2011-02-02T22:59:00.002+08:00

Don't be fooled by the post title. This post is anything, but violent. I was trying out a tip by another fellow GT Project 365er (thanks Sis TypeV for this) regarding Macro and Infinity shots, when I suddenly discovered the "ability" of my camera to focus / shift focus from objects in the foreground to objects in the background. I know! This should be a common knowledge for any midlevel or advanced camera user. Hey! Cut me some slack. From the start, I know I'm a newbie, and I have a LOT to learn about the "capabilities" of my camera. So things like focus and sharpness are some ideas that I'm still in the process of grasping and learning. For my experiment today, I had to use Zion's stuff toys - Mickey and Donald - as guinea pigs to try this idea of focusing combined with the tips from sis TypeV. No war between Mickey and Donald! Just a small experiment done by a newbie. :-)

Project 365: Feb. 01,2011 (day032): 1st Monthsarry

2011-02-02T22:49:00.002+08:00

Happy 1st month to my fellow Girltalk Project 365ers! For my post today, this is my kit lens - my 18-55mm Nikon lens that came with . Wondering how I took this shot without my ever-reliable kit lens? An officemate lent me his prime lens (can't remember if it is a 50mm...hmmm..) to give me an idea how the shots would look like using a different lens. I must admit that I like the photos I got using his prime lens. Hmm.. now should I save up for that prime lens, or should I go for my initial target - the 55-200mm lens? Hmm.. let me save up for it first! :-)

Project 365: Jan. 31, 2011 (day031): Battered Bumblebee

2011-01-31T22:11:00.003+08:00

I can't say much about my picture for today. I was thinking of which thing at home I could use for today's shot, when Zion passed by and started brandishing poor Bumblebee. Why poor Bumblebee? Zion definitely loves his toy robot. He loves it too much that he plays with the robot almost everyday. It has only been 2 months since Zion got Bumblebee as a Christmas gift, but from the scratches on the robot's face and body, it looks like Bumblebee has been with him for 2 years! Poor robot! I hope to see him intact (Bumblebee, that is) for another 2 months.

Project 365: Jan. 30, 2011 (day030): Beri Blueberry Cheesecake

2011-01-31T21:59:00.004+08:00

Thank God Zion's condition is already improving. Well, at least his fever had subsided and his appetite is slowly going back to normal, which means his throat's not painful as yesterday. Nonetheless, I still make sure that no / less sweets for him today. As a result, I had a hard time eating this blueberry cheesecake which we bought from Banapple. I had to put Zion to bed first before I could actually eat my slice of cake. Anyway, the blueberry cheesecake was a good break from the chocolate-based cakes/pies we usually buy from Banapple. The cheese and cream layer was not that sweet, as compared to its Red Ribbon counterpart. And the ample blueberry toppings was really good. Perhaps next time, I would try their other cheesecakes. Then again, I could go back to my favorite banoffee pie. :-)

Project 365: Jan. 29, 2011 (day029) : On Drugs

2011-01-31T21:52:00.002+08:00

I had to take Zion to the doctor today. He was complaining about his painful throat and he was having a high fever (reached as much as 40 deg) early morning. We had to take him to his pedia as he was unable to eat breakfast, and had only soup for lunch. Fortunately, according to his pedia, he was only having sore throat. He was given antibiotic for his sore throat, paracetamol for his fever, and mefenamic acid in syrup for the pain he's having. As his mom, I am hoping he'll get better soon.

Project 365: Jan. 28. 2011 (day028): A Whole Lotta Kisses

2011-01-28T23:11:00.003+08:00

As I've mentioned in my most recent post before this, (i.e. Mickey's Magic Glass), my aunt from the US arrived a few days ago. Being the thoughtful aunt that she is, she brought a little something for everybody. To me and my brother, she brought a whole (read: BIG) pack of Kisses Chocolates. Two things my aunt does not know, (1) I am currently on a diet and (2) I soooo love Kisses chocolates. Diet and my love for Kisses chocolates... hmmm.. may not be the perfect combination. But I guess 1 or 2 pcs in a day won't really hurt. Besides, I still manage to maintain my No-Rice-At-Night diet.. Tsk.. tsk.. Excuses.. excuses.. All for the Kisses! :-)

Project 365: Jan. 27, 2011 (day027): Mickey's Magic Glass

2011-01-28T23:01:00.006+08:00

I found my Zion playing with this glass. It was a pasalubong from my aunt who arrived from the US last Tuesday. It's a blue plastic glass with Mickey Mouse as design. Under the glass is a small button that, when pressed, lights up the glass. The more the bottom part gets pressed. the more it lights up. It really got me interested the first time I saw it. Well.. it brings out the little kid in me.. Tee hee! :-)

Project 365: Jan. 26,2011 (day026): Back to Bread

2011-01-26T23:25:00.002+08:00

As I go back to my normal routine, it's time to go back to my No-Rice-At-Night Diet. Due to our Cebu trip, I took two days off from this diet. And now I'm back in Manila, it's also time to go back to my bread diet. I was able to successfully do it for the past 21 days, trying to eat 1 or 2 slices of bread at night instead of my usual 1-1.5 cups of rice. I was fortunate enough to lose 2.5 lbs after trying it for about 10days (considering that I only have minimal exercise and workout). I must admit that it was difficult at first, especially if we have sinigang or nilaga as our viand at night. But I guess after the first week, my body slowly gets accustomed to the habit. No longer do I stare at the rice bowl sadly during dinner. Iam contented with having bread at night. I am hoping that I will be able to maintain this healthy habit. I am also hoping that after this, I will also be able to reduce my lunch time rice intake. Good luck to me. So help me God! :-)

Project 365: Jan.25, 2011 (day025): Ukelele

2011-01-26T23:13:00.002+08:00

I am glad that my son enjoyed the pasalubong from Cebu I got for him. It was toy ukelele. Cebu is definitely known for it's high-quality guitars. But since the bigger (and more pricey) guitars were a bit inconvenient and impractical to take home as a souvenir gift for my 4-year old Zion, I just decided to bring home a "replica" of the original. Luckily, he enjoyed the ukelele. He feels like a rockstar while strumming the strings of his uke.

Project 365: Jan.24, 2011 (day024): Air TV

2011-01-26T22:56:00.002+08:00

On our flight back to Manila last Monday, we were fortunate enough to ride a Boeing 747 plane from Philippine Airlines. I think there were a lot of people onboard the plane as the crowds built up on the waiting area as early as 4:45PM (our flight to Manila was scheduled at 5:35PM). The plane's features include individual "television"/monitors installed in each of the seat. At first, I thought it was only used during the long international flights wherein several movies are shown during the trip. It was only in this flight that I've learned that the "television" have games installed in them. I remember being able to play Bejewelled, Bookworm, and even Sudoku onboard! I hope I get to ride these kinds of plane if ever I will be going on an international trip. :-)

Project 365: Jan. 23, 2011 (day023): Circles in Your Mind

2011-01-26T22:36:00.003+08:00

On our second day in Cebu, we were able to visit a lot of tourist spots. I was a bit sad because we were not able to visit the beaches of Cebu, but I guess the local attractions in the city were as amazing as their water counterparts. One of these land attractions is TOPS located at the town of Lahug in Cebu City. I guess it is one of the highest places in Cebu, as it gives a very good view of Cebu City, the island of Mactan, and Olango. Within the place is a "shaded picnic area" wherein visitors can stay in case it rains or when the sun gets too hot. Because of its circular shape and its stone-built walls, the area is a very good spot for a photoshoot. On this area alone, my brother and I were able to take at least 20 different shots. Above is a sample of those shots we took. :-)

Project 365: Jan.22, 2011 (day022): The Lamp

2011-01-26T22:18:00.004+08:00

It was our first day in Cebu today. As we haven't slept much due to our early flight, we decided to stay in the hotel, rest, get a massage, and have our dinner in the hotel as well. While having our dinner, this lamp caught my attention. It has been some time since I last saw a lamp like this. Seldom do we see these kinds of lamp in Manila. During our entire dinner, I was staring at the lamp. Nice vintage item. Hopefully, I find more interesting photo subjects tomorrow on our city tour of Cebu. :-)

Project 365: Jan.21, 2011 (day021): Baby Toothbrush

2011-01-26T21:46:00.004+08:00

Zion was able to visit his dentist today. Aside from getting his dental records, he also had his routine check-up and prophylaxis (not sure about the spelling but this is the procedure wherein the dentist cleans the patient's teeth). Since his dentist is a close family friend, he was given a freebie before leaving the clinic - a small or "baby" toothbrush. It was given as a reward because Zion behaved well while he was being examined.

Project 365:Jan.20, 2011 (day020): Review Time

2011-01-20T19:57:00.002+08:00

I had to go home early today to help Zion in his review. Tomorrow, he will be having his 3rd Quarter assessment exam. It will cover Math, Reading, and Science. While preparing his reviewers, I can't believe that 4-year old nursery kids like him are already having examinations in Math, Reading, and Science. His reading exams will cover words that begin with consonants from D to P, while his Science subject covers places where animals live (i.e. land, water, air, and both land and water), as well as animal coverings - hair, feather, scales. His Math exams will cover counting and identifying numbers 6-10 and the dreaded patterns. At their young age, I am amazed that they are taught sequences and patterns. Good luck to my dear Zion! Hope he gets perfect scores again. :-)

Project 365: Jan. 19, 2011 (day019): The Notebook

2011-01-20T12:48:00.004+08:00

While doing the grocery about 2-3 weeks ago, I happened to pass by the stationery section and saw this pile of notebooks with fancy design covers. I really had no use for a new notebook, but the cute design and colors on this notebook surely got my attention. Last Saturday, as I was preparing for my basic-photography class, I was looking for a notebook in case I need to take down some important lectures. I found this notebook lying on my desk. At first, I was quite hesitant to use it. Sayang naman kasi. But the heck! It was meant for note-taking so sige na nga! :-)

Project 365: Jan. 18, 2011 (day018): Bad Pajamas

2011-01-20T11:36:00.003+08:00

We were at the mall (SM Hypermart) last weekend to shop for our usual grocery items. Since I finished ahead of my mom, I had the chance to visit the kids section where a couple of kiddie clothes are on sale. I noticed that there were pajamas on sale - 3 pairs of pajamas pants for about 230 pesos. Hmmm.. Not bad, knowing that the fabric was similar to fleece material. I got one set and paid at the counter. This evening, I asked Zion to wear one of the 3 pairs, and noticed that it had the design above. I am not sure who the cartoon character was, but the caption was definitely eye-catching - "Born to be Bad". Well.. If you'll ask me, as a mom, a little naughtiness is tolerable (Zion falls under this category, anyway). But I hope he won't live up to the design of his pajamas - "Born to be Bad".. :-D

Project 365: Jan. 17, 2011 (day017): Comfort Corner

2011-01-17T20:54:00.003+08:00

During those moments when I get angry at him, my son Zion runs to one corner of our bed - the Comfort Corner. This is the corner wherein I or his nanny stacks all his pillows and stuff toys after he wakes up in the morning or from his afternoon naps. Whenever I get angry at him, he runs to this corner, hugs one of his pillows or stuff toys while sobbing. And as his mom, once I see him snugged and snobbing in this corner, my anger and infuriation slowly slips away, as my "mommy side" takes over.

Project 365: Jan.16, 2011 (day016): Of Chips and Coffee

2011-01-17T09:41:00.002+08:00

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon. I was able to finish Zion's reviewers just in time for his exam next week. I was also able to finish my other weekend chores - grocery, attend the basic photography workshop, check the laundry, fix the room. And since I was not doing anything, I decided to take a short afternoon snack. It was a weird snack craving - coffee and chips. Got curious with the Banoffee Blast-flavored coffee from Nescafe. Fortunately, it tasted good - usual coffee with a tinge of banana flavor. The potato chips were my usual favorite. Nice way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon! :-)

Project 365: Jan.15, 2011 (day015): Photography Lessons

2011-01-17T09:15:00.003+08:00

Last Saturday, I was able to attend the Basic Digital Photography classes by Sir Nicolay. The session was light yet very informative. We were only 5 in the group, which makes the session more "personal", as we were able to ask Sir James a lot of questions, and he was able to explain the answers better. For a photo hobbyist like me, I appreciate the way he conducted the class. He explained basic photography terms such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture in a non-technical way, in a way an ordinary person would understand. He was also generous in giving tips and advice on photography - what makes a good photo, advice on buying cameras and accessories, etc. Hopefully, if my schedule permits, I would enroll in his other classes. :-)

Project 365: Jan.14,2011 (day014): Choices and Crayons

2011-01-14T21:24:00.004+08:00

About a few minutes ago, after eating dinner, I helped my 4-year old son with his homework. It involved coloring. I brought out his set of crayons and noticed that there were those colors that are very much used, and those that were obviously untouched. I asked my son's "opinion" as to why he thinks there are those colors that were untouched. I asked him if those colors were ugly or too dark (though I know 2 of the untouched colors were shades of orange). He simply answered, "panget yung colors na yan para sa akin..." (i.e. to me, those colors were ugly / not appealing). Nice to know that my son is starting to have his own choices. It is nice to know that at his young age, he knows what he likes and not. :-)

Project 365: Jan.13,2011 (day013): Green Halo

2011-01-14T21:00:00.004+08:00

On my way home from work, I decided to drop by the Cubao eXpo in Cubao. This used to be the Marikina Shoe Expo, where lots of shops sell Marikina-made shoes. Today, there are still those shops that sells shoes. But aside from the old shoe arcade, new shops selling various products have also opened in the area. There are also a lot of restos and bars that cater to the younger crowd. One of these restos is the Green Halo. A friend once introduced this resto to me. She introduced this resto as an organic cafe. Having said that, I thought, I might not find the menu interesting because of the mostly vegetarian menu (okay, I admit I am more of a carnivore). But after trying out their Pesto Pasta and French Toast, I began to love this place. I am not really a pesto fan, but I certainly love Green Halo's rendition of the said dish. The French Toast with all the chocolate syrup on top, is very sinful, yet very comforting to tired office workers like me. The nice thing was their food items are reasonably priced. The cozy ambience inside the place was also very conducive to bonding with family and friends. If you find yourself in the busy area of Cubao, try dropping by the Green Halo. :-)

Project 365: Jan.12, 2011 (day012): Ninong & I

2011-01-14T20:23:00.004+08:00

Due to our "uncommon" family setup, Zion has two daddy figures here at home - my Dad (his grandfather) and my brother (his uncle). Incidentally, my brother is also his Ninong (i.e. godfather). Since their age brackets are much closer, Zion gets his dose of antics from mostly from my brother. And though they get along well, when Zion gets rowdy and out-of-control, it is only my brother who can make him sit still and behave. My brother and I do not always see eye to eye, but I am always thankful to him for being a good uncle and even father-figure to Zion. :-)

Project 365: Jan. 11, 2011 (day011): Penoy Perstaymer

2011-01-11T21:40:00.003+08:00

As we were heading home today, we dropped by our suking eatery to buy our favorite pancit. While waiting for our order, my cousin bought 1 piece balot and 1 piece penoy. Curiosity got the better of me, so I asked my cousin to buy another penoy. I am an avid balot eater since I was a kid, though eating the sisiw was not really my favorite. However, it is my first time to try penoy. At home, after I ate some pancit, I closely examined the penoy. Hmm.. The penoy is marked with an "X" to differentiate it from the balot. I then cracked the egg.. Hmm.. No sabaw (liquid contents).. I then noticed that the penoy is similar to the typical hard-boiled chicken egg. The albumen (white part) tastes like that of the chicken egg, but the yolk (yellow part), tastes like the yellow part of the balut. Hmm.. Tastes good. Hmm.. I am thinking that I should go for penoy rather than balut.. At least no sisiw will be thrown... :-)

Project 365: Jan. 10, 2011 (day010): Got Your Back Spongebob

2011-01-10T20:39:00.002+08:00

Monday has always been a tough day for almost everyone here at home (with my Dad as an exemption being the steadfast workaholic that he is). It seems that we have that "weekend hangover", wishing we can extend the weekend even by a few hours. My Zion is no exemption. Waking him up for his morning bath and breakfast is a tedious task. Telling him that he will go to school adds up to the challenge. As we adults get creative in our threats to get him out of bed, Zion gets even more creative with his excuses to stay in bed (e.g. asks for more milk, tells us that his towel and uniform got lost, tells us that it is still Saturday, tells us that they have no school). But one thing that can surely wake him up is threatening him that his prized Spongebob-backpack will be thrown out of the house. Threaten him with this, and you'll get him up and awake in no time. :-)

Project 365: Jan. 09,2011 (day009): Light It Up

2011-01-10T20:30:00.005+08:00

We spent Sunday morning at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Zion was trying to ride his bicycle, while I tried to take a few pictures of him and the nearby surroundings. While looking around, I chanced upon this vintage-looking lamp post. Well, I know it is not that old, but it definitely resembles the older, vintage-loooking lamps located at Luneta Park and Fort Santiago. I was just wondering how the lamp looks like when lighted. Will try to drop by QMC on an early evening to see how it looks. :-)

Project365: Jan.08, 2011 (day008): Little Photographer

2011-01-08T19:12:00.004+08:00

When I was able to finally buy a DSLR camera, I was thinking that my old, shutterlag-stricken point-and-shoot camera will seldom be used. Perhaps only during those occassions when it is inconvenient to bring the DSLR. But these thoughts vanished, when I saw my 4-year old son Zion, taking (wild and sometimes blurred) shots using the old camera. He would ask me to buy the 2 AA batteries and borrow the camera. I let him take those pictures, as long as an adult watches over him and the camera. Start him young in photography. At least, I know my old camera will not rust inside the drawer. Somebody found interest in it. :-)

Project 365: Jan. 07, 2011 (day007): Sweet Prize

2011-01-07T21:44:00.004+08:00

To break the monotony of not doing anything at work, my officemates and I decided to enlist ourselves in the softskills training provided by our Training Department. Under normal circumstances (defined as hectic days with tight deadlines), we would usually pass up on these training courses. But since we are quite tired of surfing the net (as we are also running out of websites to visit), we made use of this free time by attending the Effective Business Writing softskills training. It's a 2-day training which kicked off today, and will last until Monday. I must say that I had a great time today. The training facilitator was able to get everyone's participation by introducing games and activities which were both fun and educational. To make things better and more exciting, she offered prizes to the game winners and those who were able to recite in class. I was lucky enough to catch a small Toblerone bar by just attempting to rephrase a sentence. Nice! :-)

Project 365: Jan. 06, 2011 (day006): The Real Thing

2011-01-07T21:28:00.004+08:00

I have always believed that the real thing is always the best, no matter what its natural deformities or imperfections are. For me, as long as it is in its natural form, real beauty always stands out. This is my personal reflection for my photo today. I found this flower at our center table at home. At first glance, I thought it was a real one. I also thought it was somehow pretty. Since I'm quite near-sighted, I had to give it a closer look. It was only then that I found out that it was made of foam and plastic. Sadly, I got turned-off. Pretty as it may look, nothing compares to the real thing. :-(

Project 365: Jan. 05, 2011 (day005) - In Your Eyes

2011-01-07T20:46:00.004+08:00

If there is one thing I love about the physical attributes of my son, it would definitely be his pair of eyes and eyelashes. Eversince he was an infant, I've already noticed that his pair of eyes and eyelashes is something every girl would want. Unfortunately, those sweet pair of eyes and those curly eyelashes are owned by my son, a boy. Tee hee! :-) Oh well.. I guess my mom and I would just ogle everytime my 4-year old bats his eyelashes. With those eyes and eyelashes, who needs mascara? :-)

Project365: Jan.04, 2011 (day004): pAKing Lot

2011-01-07T20:19:00.005+08:00

I was watching my son at play today. He was busy with all his small toy cars. At first he was busy moving the cars, as if they were running on the expressway, free from traffic. Next, he lined up his cars, "bumper-to-bumper" style. He then told me that his cars were stuck in "tafik" (i.e. my son's bulol-version of the word traffic). Finally, he arranged his cars side-by-side. Now this ignited my curiosity as I am not sure if he knows the technical term for the place where cars are parked. To my surprise and utmost amusement, he answered that his cars are now in the "PAKING lot". This is, of course, my son's bulol-version of the word "paRking lot". ;-)

Project 365: Jan.03, 2011 (day003) - Blowin' Bubbles

2011-01-07T20:08:00.002+08:00

My son Zion has one favorite toy here at home. Since I don't know the "technical term" for this toy, I call it the "bubble maker", because that's what it does - create bubbles from the soapy liquid inside a bright green bottle. Sometimes I enjoy watching Zion blow those bubbles. It brings back memories of my own childhood. Well it was quite crude then. We had to pick gumamela flowers, pound these flowers, and mix it with powdered detergent soap and water. For the round "mold", my childhood buddies and I would usually get some piece from our walis tingting (i.e. broom), turn one of the ends to form a circle for our bubbles. Kids of today are lucky. No need for all these preparations. They can just ask their moms/dads to buy it from the malls.

Project 365: Jan. 02, 2011 (day002) - Zion's Tail

2011-01-07T19:58:00.003+08:00

For the day2 entry of my Project 365 endeavor, I am featuring again my son Zion. I must admit that he (Zion) helps a lot in this project. As I've told a buddy, hindi ka mauubusan ng possible shots para sa Project 365 kapag may kasama kang bata sa bahay. For today, I just noticed that my son's "tail" is quite long. This "tail" has been his natural hair ever since he was born. We just ask the barber to do a little trimming if we notice that it is getting frizzy. If we have time, we usually braid this tail. But if we are in a hurry, we just tie it to come up with a ponytail.

Project 365: Jan 01, 2011 (day001) - Macho Baby

2011-01-07T19:44:00.005+08:00

Now I know, I should have started at exactly January 01, 2011. But as the old saying goes, "better late than never". As I have mentioned in my previous blog entry, I am reviving this blog, and one of my "goals" this year is to come up with my own Project 365, or the one-photo-a-day project.

To start of, my first post for the year was taken on the morning of Jan. 01, 2011. The maskulado boy in the picture is my 4-year old son Zion. He is a very willing subject when I want to do test shots with my camera. Expect to see more of him in my Project 365 endeavor. :-)

Blog Revival 2011

2011-01-06T10:06:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I will be reviving this blog for the nth time! Tee hee! :-) I checked my list of posts and found out that my last post was last July 2010.

For 2011, I have some plans for this blog. Aside from my usual rants and raves, I will be using this blog for a new project - Project 365. A photography-related project wherein I will be posting pictures of various impacts - from the simple, mundane, to the weird and wackos. Well, I should be able to post it on a daily basis. Well, for the first week of January, my shots are still complete (from January 1-5; will take pics later for January6). But I have to find time to post these pics in this blog. Well! Goodluck to me! Expect about 6 or 7 posts this coming weekend! Hehe! :-)

I guess, this is all for now. I'm still thinking of what other stuff to put in this blog. I'll just surprise you, my readers. :-)

Discernment

2010-07-17T00:51:00.002+08:00

My prayer today:

::
::
"..dear God, You have closed a window so that i may see things from bigger and better doors. please grant me the wisdom and discernment to know which door would lead me and Zion to happiness and a brighter tomorrow..."
::
::

Hoping and praying that the right door opens up. Hoping and praying that God will give me a sign if it is indeed the right door for me and my son. :-)

The Value of Vigilance

2010-07-14T21:58:00.004+08:00

Due to typhoon Basyang, classes were suspended today in the elementary and high school levels. Unfortunately, not all the universities and colleges in the metro were able to announce right away whether or not they will continue with their daily schedule today. My brother's school (I won't mention it in this blog) was one of those schools.

Since my brother will be having a major exam today, he woke up early and got dressed despite the blackout. He was already having trouble because the LRT Line2 was not operational due to the massive blackout. There were not much FX's either, so he had to take the long route via the EDSA buses. On his way to school, a classmate sent him an SMS message informing him that classes had been suspended. He was at the vicinity of my Dad's office when the text message came in, so he decided to drop by and stay for a few hours in my Dad's office. After an hour or two, he decided to leave the office and head back home. My Dad's messenger accompanied him to where the buses usually passed so that he could take the one that was heading to Cubao. From Cubao, he could take a jeep to reach home.

According to my brother the trip to Cubao was a fast and smooth one. There was not much traffic, since the usual 7am-9am rush hour had already passed. It was almost 10AM when he got off the bus at Farmer's Plaza in Cubao. There was not much people in the said area during that time, and my brother had only a few pesos left in his pocket so he decided to withdraw from a nearby ATM (the one alongside the Eurotel Hotel, just across Farmer's Plaza, and Araneta Coliseum). My brother withdrew 800pesos from the nearby Bancnet ATM. As soon as the money came out from the machine, my brother felt a poke near his right rib. He heard a voice telling him to hand-in the money he withdrew if he wishes to save himself from much trouble. It was a good thing that my brother was smart enough this time not to use his taekwondo skills during that time. He just handed the 800 bucks to the guy instead of attempting to fight back. He got home still in a state of shock. It was obvious that he feels duped and irritated after being robbed of 800 pesos, but he was still thankful that the holdup man did not took his cellphone, his wallet, and his mp3 player. He was also thankful that the man did not hurt him.

After this incident, I think he learned his lesson. He would always be aware of people in his surroundings. He would not use his earphones while commuting (yes, he had his earphones plugged causing him to be less focused on his surroundings... *sigh*). He would not withdraw from ATM machines located in not-so-safe areas.

I also wrote this blog entry to warn other commuters like my brother and I. Let us always be vigilant of our surroundings. Unscrupulous people abound in different areas, not only in Cubao. It is up to the lowly-commuter to protect himself from these people. And to these unscrupulous people, shame on you!! Mahiya naman kayo sa mga katulad namin na kumakayod sa marangal na paraan para mabuhay... Mahiya naman kayo sa mga anak at sa pamilya ninyo... Mahiya naman kayo sa sarili nyo...

Avon: Additional Income Generating Opportunity

2010-07-12T18:55:00.005+08:00

Ever since I got retrenched from work a couple of weeks ago, I tried to find alternate sources of income. I took up a short desktop publishing course to start my desktop publishing career. In addition, I signed up to be a franchise dealer (FD) for Avon products.

I was on my way home from one of my job interviews. The job interview didn't turn out well. The interviewer was an arrogant guy who told me, straight to my face, that I have already forgotten my mainframe skills. I really had to answer back. I just couldn't let him step on me that way. I told him I was honest enough to inform their blasted HR company that my last mainframe stint was back in 2004. Why the heck did they even consider me for the position, when they knew from my resume and from my honest statement that my mainframe knowledge had already slipped throughout the 6 years I've never used mainframe?!?

Anyway, on my way home from that God-forsaken interview, I rode the MRT and got off at the Cubao station. I went to Gateway Mall to pass time (and to let go of some steam). I loitered around the mall for a few minutes, afterwhich I finally decided to ride the LRT line2 on my way to Kamuning. As I entered the train station, I noticed a small kiosk along the side that was packed with people. There were 2 ladies who were giving away flyers. I thought they were preachers for some religious sect, trying to recruit new members. I tried to evade one of them, but the lady caught up on me, and handed me one of her flyers. It was for Avon. It was inviting new members to sign up, at a minimal fee of thirty-five pesos (Php 35). I ignored it at first, thinking it was just a stroke to get people's attention - that there was a hidden agenda behind the Php 35.00 sign-up fee. But, perhaps due to my frustration with job-hunting and that hellish interview, I went back to the kiosk and asked the lady about the promo. The lady was friendly enough to introduce me to her Sales Leader, who was also accommodating enough to discuss the details. Knowing how things operated in Cubao, I was not easily swayed by their sweet-talk. I asked a ton of questions, such as, do I need to recruit other members in the future or do I need to purchase something every month, and so on. The sales leader was still friendly and accommodating, as she answered each of my questions. I was surprised that she was not irked by my cocky tone and all of my questioning. After about an hour or two of discussing and clarifying things, I finally decided to sign-up. I thought, I was able to throw and gamble Php100 (in taxi fare) to attend that blasted job-interview, then what is Php35 to sign-up for something that I knew would allow me to buy products (even for myself) in Avon. Product-wise, I did not have hesitations in signing-up for Avon. I used to order Avon undergarments and toiletries from former officemates. So I know the quality and the products' value-for-money.

At home, I informed my Mom, my cousin, and my son's nanny that I have signed-up for Avon. To my surprise, they were all excited about it, and asked if I already have a catalog. It was a good thing I already bought one. My mom and cousin had already listed the items they wanted to buy. While my son's nanny, had informed me that she was willing to market the product to her fellow nannies in my son's school. I agreed to it, and promised Yaya (how I call my son's nanny) that she would receive commission from orders she got at Zion's school. The next day, after Zion and Yaya went home from school, Yaya already has a list of "orders" - from her fellow nannies, from the school guard, and even from my son's homeroom teacher!! I was excited and happy about it. I went to the Avon outlet in Cubao to buy the orders. The lady who handed me the flyers back in the MRT station was there to give me a brief orientation, and afterwhich, it was shopping time for the orders. I was like doing my weekend grocery. It was not really an easy task because I had to go over several stacks and shelves, to get the ordered items. But thinking of the commission I can get from it, makes the shopping a little less tiring, and a little more enticing. After getting home from my Avon shopping, I prepared an excel file to list and arrange the orders. I just had to create an excel spreadsheet for it, so that tracking orders and Yaya's commission (and my personal income) would be much easier.

I know I just started and there is still a long way to go. I know that doing solely Avon selling may not yet be sufficient to support my 4-year old son, that I still need to find a stable job. But I do think and believe, that this endeavor with Avon is one of the best sign-ups that I've made. The income I make from it now may not be that big yet, but it is surely one good way to generate some additional income for someone like me. :-)

Photoshop Attempt3 - The Sunflower Effect

2010-07-06T17:59:00.004+08:00

I was playing around yesterday with Photoshop, trying to review the lessons I had in Desktop Publishing. I tried practicing my Photoshop extraction skills, as well as the other tricks I learned in the short course. I experimented on the sunflower pictures I took during our trip to Baguio last May (2010). Here's the result of my photoshop experiment:

Perhaps next time I could try playing around with someone's face or photo... That would sound more fun... Tee hee!!! :-D

New President... New Hope for the Philippines

2010-06-30T13:13:00.002+08:00

Today, the Republic of the Philippines, my country has a new president - Pres. Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino III. At exactly 12 noon earlier, the former Senator was sworn into office as the 15th president of the Philippines. At exactly 12 noon today, the lives and future of 50-60M Filipinos is now in the hands of Pres. Aquino.

Honestly, I did not vote for Pres. Noynoy Aquino (or P-Noy). But I still listened carefully and intently to his inaugural speech earlier. I kept an open mind while listening to his speech. His words were promising and filled with hope. I just hope he would remain true to his words... that he will be the instrument of unity, integrity, peace, and prosperity - the messiah the Philippines is waiting for.

Personally, I liked the Panata ng Pagbabago - an oath taken by different sectors of society, in response to P-Noy's inaugural speech. I agree to what the oath says. I think the responsibility for our country is not and should not only be placed on P-Noy's shoulders. The duty and responsibility to bring back glory to the Philippines, is and should be taken by ALL Filipinos. It is not solely the President's responsibility. We can change presidents every year, but if we, the Filipino people, continue to live with our crab-mentality, indifference, and selfishness, then true progress will continue to shy away from our beloved country. The change should come from each one of us, from each Filipino citizen. It is about time we do this, if not for ourselves, let's do it for the future of our children.

God bless President Noynoy. God bless the Filipinos. God bless the Philippines.

Photoshop Attempt Part2 (Non-Digital Scrapbooking)

2010-06-27T00:04:00.002+08:00

Today's the 2nd day of our Desktop Publishing seminar. Learned more tricks. Have to organize my notes, and remember everything I learned today. Here's a simple product of today's lecture. A small tribute to one of my all-time favorite artist and icon - Bob Marley...

My Photoshop Attempt (Non-Digiscrapping)

2010-06-25T22:05:00.004+08:00

Today was the start of my Desktop Publishing class at Nego-Skwela in Quezon City. We will be tackling the basics of Adobe Photoshop and Corel Draw for the next 3 days. I already have an idea as to how Adobe Photoshop works, but my idea is only limited to using Adobe Photoshop in digital scrapbooking (see my WaRpEd & TwIsTeD digital scrapbook site). I really haven't maximized its powers by using it for photo-editing and its image adjustment powers. So today's discussion was really exciting. I get to learn the crafty art of extraction, image adjustment (i.e. remove unwanted marks or blemishes, make people look sexier or bloated in their pics, replacing the faces in existing photos). I must say I still have a llllllllooooooootttt to learn and lllllooooottttttttssss of practice to do. But I guess, today was a good start. Hopefully, I'll get to learn more things in the next 2 days. So to give you an idea of how crazy my Photoshop talent could be, just look at the naughty poster that I've created for my brother who has just joined the ROTC corps in their school.

Blog and Self Revival

2010-06-19T10:58:00.003+08:00

I think I am going to give this blog a fresh start, some kind of rebirth. Thank you soooo very much *sarcastic mode* to the latest unforeseen and somehow disappointing events regarding my professional life (i.e. my career and work). >:-)

I think this is the best time to revive my knack for the little, yet somehow more fulfilling and finer things in life - reading, writing, traveling, simple photography, digital scrapbooking, and most importantly spending quality time with my only son - while waiting for positive replies from prospective employers.

I know it won't be an easy time for me. But I guess God has a purpose in everything that happens in my life. Perhaps, this time, He just wants me to take a break from the uber-stressful, fast-paced corporate life. "Take time to smell the flowers" as they say. And let me start with this blog. :-)

Feast of St. Pio de Pietrelcina Today

2009-09-23T20:54:00.006+08:00

There was a massive traffic around 5PM this afternoon along the stretch of C5-Libis Area , in Quezon City. The reason for the traffic? Today, September 23, is the feast day of St. Pio of Pietrelcina. Eucharistic celebrations were held at 12Noon and at 5:30PM today, in honor of the miraculous saint. He was even featured in one of the local television shows, Balitang K, about 2-3 weeks ago. I guess this "tv guesting" heightened the public curiosity, and has added to the crowds of people (and cars!) who braved the rains and the heavy traffic just to step and take a glimpse of the shrine of St. Pio.

My family and I can be considered devotees of the said saint. I am not really a super devout and pious churchgoer, but I believe St. Pio have answered some of my little prayer requests - not really as grand as those testimonials posted on the church's walls, but small requests that has allowed me to survive and overcome some personal and career-related trials. And though I still have some "bigger prayer requests", I know and I have faith that God, through the intercession of St. Pio, will hear and grant those requests in ways He deemed would be beneficial to me and my son.

Below is the prayer to St. Pio. I would like to share it to everyone. My way of thanking St. Pio for all the petitions he has granted, and for the other blessings waiting to be sent.

O God,

You gave Saint Pio of Pietrelcina,

Capuchin priest,

the great privilege of participating

in a unique way in the passion of Your Son,

grant me through his intercession

the grace of (PAUSE...) which I ardently

desire; and above all grant me the grace

of living in conformity

with the death of Jesus,

to arrive at the glory

of the resurrection.

Glory be to the Father... (three times)

The Philippine Center for St. Pio of Pietrelcina can be located at 188 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave, C5 Bagumbayan, Quezon City, Philippines. It is located between Honda Cars and The Floor Center. Here's the link to the center's website.

Facebook Family Addiction

2009-09-07T13:46:00.007+08:00

This will be a short post. I just can't help but blog about it, since it's really becoming the "in" thing here at home.

An old saying goes,"The family that prays together, stays together". Well, let me modify this a little to describe my family's current "addiction" - the family that plays together, stays together.

This is so true for my family now. Lately, almost all of us are addicted to various applications in Facebook - my brother had chosen to establish his own eatery/carinderia (sorry bro, yours really look like a carinderia.. hehehe.. Ü) at Restaurant City; my mom tries her hand raising cows, growing rice paddies and strawberry fields at FarmVille; and I get to pursue my dream to burn rubber in Street Racing. Not that my Dad has no participation at all, but having experienced life as a farmer in the province, he advises my mom on how to setup her crops in FarmVille. It was fun watching my parents while they are discussing on which crops should be near each other, and which animals should be placed far from the crops. My mom grew in the city, so she listens intently to my Dad's advice. From a distance one would think that they are seriously discussing about the planned family business or the budget for the week. But try to come closer, and you can hear them discuss about rice paddies, cows, cattle, and strawberry fields.

As for me and my brother, we're quite contented with the "domains" we have chosen. My brother maintains his carinderia (I mean restaurant.. tee hee!!) very well, sometimes asking me or my cousin the answer to the secret question to get the ingredient of the day. After playing with Restaurant City for quite sometime, he has acquired this sense of order in arranging his restaurant furnitures and fixtures (i.e. the toilet is no longer located at the center of the dining tables nor close to the stove). As for me, I am still in the process of recruiting more peeps to have a larger crew, upgrading my ZYN-OIL NSX and Nissan Supra race cars, buying cars and properties to increase my stash, and most importantly race and race and race, to reach my ultimate goal - the Skilled LA Street Champ title.

I may setup my own farm, barn, or eatery (or restaurant, depending on how it would look like) one of these days, and my brother might try his hands in racing. Unfortunately, I can't say the same thing for my Mom. She gave up on Street Racing the first time she tried it. It's not her cup of tea, daw. Hopefully, she'll be able to detach herself from the other farm-related apps in Facebook and try some other games. Till then, we'll be stuck in our little worlds, drowning in this addiction we all love.

Gotta go now... Just noticed that my Health, Gas, and Adrenaline are now replenished... Ciao! :-)

Survivor Philippines Season2 - the Battle has Begun

2009-08-18T21:50:00.004+08:00

I stayed up till 11PM last time to watch the TV premiere of Survivor Philippines season 2. I had to "reserve" the television at home, to ensure that I will be able to watch the first episode of one of the country's top reality TV shows. Season2 of Survivor Philippines will be held in the very beautiful island (though I'm not sure if it is exactly an island) of Palau, located in the Micronesia peninsula. The view and the aqua life was breath taking. In fact, the show's short introduction about Palau was more appealing to me than the actual introduction of the castaways. Tee hee!! :-D

I was able to watch the first season of Survivor Philippines. I guess the castaways during the first season were still conscientious and "tamed" (with Marlon as an exemption... he was really really a very bad boy... hehehe.. ). Their values were still intact, well, at least before the 2 tribes merged. My being conscientious were also at play during that time. I really got pissed when the other castaways (like Marlon and Chris) backstabbed their fellow castaways just to ensure that they won't get booted out during Tribal Council. Most of the time, I tend to forget the show's motto - Outwit, Outplay, Outlast.

I'll try to be more objective now in SP2. Have to remember that it is still a game. And people have to play the game to win. A game that could allow the grand winner (the Pinoy Sole Survivor) to be PHP 3M richer. With this amount of money, I will not be surprised if the castaways get scheming, disloyal, and even ruthless.

At this early (2nd day), I have made my choice between the 2 tribes. I have some favorite castaways, and have a few whom I feel disgusted. Let's hope this will be an exciting season. Let's see if the Pinoy castaways can be as sly as sharp-thinking as their foreign (US) counterparts. Let's see how far will this season's castaways go for the much-coveted PHP 3M and the Pinoy Sole Survivor title. :-D

Thoughts from A Single Parent - Part II

2009-08-15T00:33:00.002+08:00

Today I got angry at Zion for being such a devilish little monster. He was throwing tantrums, screaming at the top of his voice, hurling his slippers and toys the way a ninja throws his shuriken (i.e. a ninja's deadly star-shaped weapon) during a fight. The reason for his going berserk? He just wants to watch Spongebob Squarepants… the whole day. Today I realized something. It is difficult to combine a mother’s compassionate nature, with the natural disciplinarian role of a father.

In our culture, it is expected for the mother to be the “soft” one – the family’s source of compassion, gentleness, and the calming breeze that soothes and relaxes the home. On the other hand, our culture dictates that the father should be the firmer one – the family’s source of strength, discipline, and the force that keeps the family going. This is how the traditional Filipino family is structured. This is the traditional family setup which dictates that the yin and yang roles of the father and the mother should be endowed on two separate individuals which are joined together in marriage. This is one dilemma a single parent like me faces. It is heart-breaking for any mother to spank and reprimand one’s child, no matter how impish the kid is. Blood has always been thicker than water. However, it would also be heart-breaking for any mother to see one’s child grow up as an irresponsible adult despised by society, because the child was not brought up properly. As a single parent, it is painful for me every time I have to spank Zion’s tiny hands even if he hurled his toys at me. As a mother, it hurts to verbally reprimand a 3-year old boy even if that 3-year old boy screams his lungs out because he’s not allowed to watch Spongebob 24 hours a day. Somehow, despite their kids’ obnoxious behavior and tantrums, a mother always has a heart for her little ones. But as a single parent, I know that I would rather spank my son’s hands now (and instill in him discipline) than to see those hands in handcuffs in the future. I would rather verbally reprimand my son now (and tell him he’s wrong) than to hear other people throw negative criticisms about him when he grows up. I would rather see him crying now because we are trying to straighten his ways, than to see him grieving in jail in the future because of the lack of discipline when he was young.

Indeed, it is difficult to be a mother and father rolled into one. Not only on the financial aspect. But even on discipline matters. But at the end of every “bout” Zion and I have, I always try to explain myself to my son, "Love does not mean I will always allow you to have what you want. It doesn’t mean that I won’t enforce discipline whenever it is needed. Love means that I will try to raise you the best way I could, to make you a better individual, a God-fearing person, and a productive citizen of this nation."...

Drooling Over Mango Bravo

2009-08-11T10:03:00.006+08:00

Last Sunday, my balikbayan Aunt, Tita Leila (belated happy birthday po!), celebrated her *toot*th birthday (very confidential info.. sorry.. :-D). As a treat for their mom, my cousins Melvin and Michael bought some delicious pansit sotanghon and the very yummy Mango Bravo cake from Conti's. My cousins arrived shortly after we have already eaten our lunch, but that didn't stop us from having about a plateful of pancit sotanghon and some "small slices" of Mango Bravo. We still had some "shyness" left within ourselves that we didn't gorge on the entire cake (had to constantly remind ourselves that it was Tita Leila's birthday... not ours.. tee hee!!).

Anyway, the Mango Bravo cake (despite the small slices we had), was superb! Though my Mom said it was quite "nakakaumay" because of the creamy icing, I still think the chilled mixture of mangoes, cashew nuts, chocolate drippings, and the mala-choco-mouse and sponge cake layers, was really something a sweet-tooth-person like me can't resist. Instant high! (again I had to remind myself that the cake was Tita Leila's... not mine.. tee hee!)

I am now thinking of dropping by at Conti's branch in Serendra (near my office) or in Trinoma to get my mango-bravo-craving satisfied. If my memory serves me right, a slice of Mango Bravo would be around P75 to P85 pesos. Well.. not too bad for 10-15 minutes of palate bliss! Yum! :-D

100 Best Things About Being Pinoy

2009-08-09T00:09:00.002+08:00

I got this article from an email sent by my high school batchmate Janice Sobejana. I was amused by several items in the list, especially #'s 3, 42, 62, 63, 67, 80, and 85. But come to think of it, the items in the list truly describes life as a Pinoy. These things make ourselves and our culture unique and different (in a positive sense). Something every Filipino should be proud of! :-)

1. Merienda. Where else is it normal to eat five times a day?
2. Sawsawan. Assorted sauces that guarantee freedom of choice, enough room for experimentation and maximum tolerance for diverse tastes. Favorites: toyo’t calamansi, suka at sili, patis.
3. Kuwan, Ano. At a loss for words? Try these and marvel at how Pinoys understand exactly what youwant.
4. Pinoy Humor and Irreverence. If you’re api and you know it, crack a joke. Nothing personal, really.
5. Tingi. Thank goodness for small entrepreneurs. Where else can we buy cigarettes, soap, condiments and life’s essentials in small affordable amounts?
6. Spirituality. Even before the Spaniards came, ethnic tribes had their own anitos, bathalas and assorted deities, pointing to a strong relationship with the Creator, who or whatever it may be.
7. Po, Opo, Mano Po . Speech suffixes that define courtesy, deference, filial respect—a balm to the spirit in these aggressive times.
8. Pasalubong. Our way of sharing the vicarious thrills and delights of a trip, and a wonderful excuse to shop without the customary guilt.
9. Beaches! With 7,000 plus islands, we have miles and miles of shoreline piled high with fine white sand, lapped by warm waters, and nibbled by exotic tropical fish. From the Stormy Seas of Batanes to the emerald isles of Palawan —over here, life is truly a beach.
10. Bagoong. Darkly mysterious, this smelly fish or shrimp paste typifies the underlying theme of most ethnic foods: disgustingly unhygienic, unbearably stinky and simply irresistible.
11. Bayanihan. Yes, the internationally- renowned dance company, but also this habit of pitching in still common in small communities. Just have that cold beer and some pulutan ready for the troops.
12. The Balikbayan Box. Another way of sharing life’s bounty, no matter if it seems like we’re fleeing Pol Pot everytime we head home from anywhere in the globe. The most wonderful part is that, more often than not, the contents are carted home to be distributed.=0 A
13. Pilipino Komiks. Not to mention “Hiwaga,” “Aliwan,” “Tagalog Classics,” “Liwayway” and”Bulaklak” magazines. Pulpy publications that gave us Darna, Facifica Falayfay, Lagalag, Kulafu, Kenkoy, Dyesebel, characters of a time both innocent and worldly.
14. Folk Songs. They come unbidden and spring, full blown, like a second language, at the slightest nudge from the too-loud stereo of a passing jeepney or tricycle.
15. Fiesta. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow is just another day, shrugs the poor man who, once a year, honors a patron saint with this sumptuous, no-holds-barred spread. It’s a Pinoy celebration at its pious and riotous best.
16. Aswang, Manananggal, Kapre. The whole underworld of Filipino lower mythology recalls our uniquely bizarre childhood, that is, before political correctness kicked in. Still, their rich adventures pepper our storytelling.
17. Jeepneys. Colorful, fast, reckless, a vehicle of postwar Pinoy ingenuity, this Everyman’s communal cadillac makes for a cheap, interesting ride. If the driver’s a daredevil (as they usually are), hang on to your seat.
18. Dinuguan. Blood stew, a bloodcurdling idea, until you try it with puto. Best when mined with jalapeno peppers. Messy but delicious.
19. Santacruzan. More than just a beauty contest, this one has religious overtones, a tableau of St. Helena’s and Constantine ’s search for the Cross that seamlessly blends piety, pageantry and ritual. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to show off the prettiest ladies—and the most beautiful gowns.
20. Balut. Unhatched duck’s embryo, another unspeakable ethnic food to outsiders, but oh, to indulge in guilty pleasures! Sprinkle some salt and suck out that soup, with gusto.
21. Pakidala, Padala. A personalized door-to-door remittance and delivery system for overseas Filipino workers who don’t trust the banking system, and who expect a family update from20the courier, as well.
22. Choc-Nut. Crumbly peanut chocolate bars that defined childhood ecstasy before M & M’s and Hersheys.
23. Kamayan Style. To eat with one’s hand and eschew spoon, fork and table manners—ah, heaven.
24. Chicharon. Pork, Fish or Chicken Crackling. There is in the crunch a hint of the extravagant, the decadent and the pedestrian. Perfect with vinegar, sublime with beer.
25. Pinoy Hospitality. Just about everyone gets a hearty “Kain tayo!” invitation to break bread with whoever has food to sh are, no matter how skimpy or austere it is.
26. Adobo, Kare-Kare, Sinigang and Other Lutong Bahay Stuff. Home-cooked meals that have the stamp of approval from several generations, who swear by closely-guarded cooking secrets and family recipes.
27. Lola Basyang. The voice one heard spinning tales over the radio, before movies and television curtailed imagination and defined grown-up tastes.
28. Pambahay. Home is where one can let it all hang out, where clothes do not make a man or woman but rather define their level of comfort.
29. Tricycle and Trisikad. The poor Pinoy’s taxicab that delivers you at your doorstep for as little as PHPesos3.00, with a complimentary dusting of polluted air.
30. Dirty Ice Cream. Very Pinoy flavors that make up for the risk: munggo, langka, ube, mais, keso, macapuno. Plus there’s the colorful cart that recalls jeepney art.
31. Yayas. The trusted Filipino nanny who, ironically, has become a major Philippine export as overseas contract workers. A good one is almost like a surrogate parent—if you don’t mind the accent and the predilection for afternoon soap and movie stars.
32. Sarsi. Pinoy root beer, the enduring taste of childhood. Our grandfathers had them with an egg beaten in.
33. 20Pinoy Fruits. Atis, guyabano, chesa, mabolo, lanzones, durian, langka, makopa, dalanghita, siniguelas, suha, chico , papaya, singkamas—the possibilities!
34. Filipino Celebrities. Movie stars, broadcasters, beauty queens, public officials, all-around controversial figures: Aurora Pijuan, Cardinal Sin, Carlos P. Romulo, Charito Solis, Cory Aquino, Emilio Aguinaldo, the Eraserheads, Fidel V. Ramos, Francis Magalona, Gloria Diaz, Manuel L. Quezon, Margie Moran, Melanie Marquez, Ninoy Aquino, Nora Aunor, Pitoy Moreno, Ramon Magsysay, Richard Gomez, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Sharon Cuneta, Gemma Cruz, Erap, Tiya Dely, Mel and Jay, Gary V.
35. World Class Pinoys Who Put Us On the Global Map: Lea Salonga, Paeng Nepomuceno, Eugene Torre, Luisito Espinosa, Lydia de Vega-Mercado, Jocelyn Enriquez, Elma Muros, Onyok Velasco, Efren “Bata” Reyes, Lilia Calderon-Clemente, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Josie Natori.36.
36.Pinoy Taste. A dietitian’s nightmare: too sweet, too salty, too fatty, as in burong talangka, itlog20na maalat, crab fat (aligue), bokayo, kutchinta, sapin-sapin, halo-halo, pastilyas, palitaw, pulburon, longganisa, tuyo, ensaymada, ube haleya, sweetened macapuno and garbanzos. Remember, we’re the guys who put sugar (horrors) in our spaghetti sauce. Yum!
37. The Sites & Sights. Banaue Rice Terraces, Boracay, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, Corregidor Island , Fort Santiago , the Hundred Islands , the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ, Rizal Park , Mt. Banahaw , Mayon Volcano, Taal Volcano. A land of contrasts and ever-changing landscapes.=0 A 38. Gayuma, Agimat and Anting-Anting. Love potions and amulets. How the socially-disadvanta ged Pinoy copes.
39. Barangay Ginebra, Jaworski, PBA, MBA and Basketball. How the vertically-challeng ed Pinoy compensates, via a national sports obsession that reduces fans to tears and fistfights.
40. People Power at EDSA. When everyone became a hero and changed Philippine history overnight.
41. San Miguel Beer and Pulutan. “Isa pa nga!” and the Philippines’ most popular, world-renowned beer goes well with peanuts, corniks, tapa, chicharon, usa, barbecue, sisig, and all20manner of spicy, crunchy and cholesterol- rich chasers.
42. Resiliency. We’ve survived 400 years of Spanish rule, the US bases, Marcos, the 1990 earthquake, lahar, lambada, Robin Padilla, and Tamagochi. We’ll survive Erap.
43. Yoyo. Truly Filipino in origin, this hunting tool, weapon, toy and merchandising vehicle remains the best way to “walk the dog” and “rock the baby,” using just a piece of string.
44. Pinoy Games: Pabitin, palosebo, basagan ng palayok. A few basic rules make individual cunning and persistence a premium, and guarantee a good time for all.
45. Ninoy Aquino. For saying that “the Filipino is worth dying for,” and proving it.
46. Balagtasan. The verbal joust that brings out rhyme, reason and passion on a public stage.
47. Tabo. All-powerful, ever-useful, hygienically- triumphant device to scoop water out of a bucket and help the true Pinoy answer nature’s call. Helps maintain our famously stringent toilet habits.
48. Pandesal. Despite its shrinking size, still a good buy. Goes well with any filling, best when hot.
49. Jollibee. Truly Pinoy in taste and sensibility, and a corporate icon that we can be quite proud of. Do you know that it’s invaded the Middle East , as well?
50. The Butanding, The Dolphins and Other Creatures in Our Blessed Waters. They’re Pinoys, too, and they’re here to stay. Now if some folks would just stop turning them into daing.
51. Pakikisama. It’s what makes people stay longer at parties, have another drink, join pals in sickness and health. You can get dead drunk and still make it home.
52. Sing-a-long. Filipinos love to sing, and thank God a lot of us do it well!
53. Kayumanggi. Neither pale nor dark, our skin tone is beautifully healthy, the color of a rich earth or a mahogany tree growing towards the sun.
54. Handwoven Cloth and Native Weaves. Colorful, environment- friendly alternatives to polyester that feature skillful workmanship and a rich indigenous culture behind every thread. From the pinukpok of the north to the malong of the south, it’s the fiber of who we are.
55. Movies. Still the cheapest form of entertainment, especially if you watch the same movie several times.
56. Bahala Na. We cope with uncertainty by embracing it, and are thus enabled to play life by ear.
57. Papaitan. An offal stew flavored with bile, admittedly an acquired taste, but pointing to our national ability to acquire a taste for almost anything.
58. English. Whether carabao or Arr-neoww-accented, it doubles our chances in the global marketplace.
59. The Press. Irresponsible, sensational, often inaccurate, but still, the liveliest in Asia . Otherwise, we’d all be glued to TV.
60. Divisoria. Smelly, crowded, a pickpocket’s paradise, but you can get anything here, often at rock-= bottom prices. The sensory overload is a bonus.
61. Barong Tagalog. Enables men to look formal and dignified without having to strangle themselves with a necktie. Worn well, it makes any ordinary Juan look marvelously makisig.
62. Filipinas. They make the best friends, lovers, wives. Too bad they can’t say the same for Filipinos.
63. Filipinos. So maybe they’re bolero and macho with an occasional streak of generic infidelity; they do know how to make a woman feel like one.
64. Catholicism. What fun would sin be without guilt? Jesus Christ is firmly planted on Philippine soil.
65. Dolphy. Our favorite, ultra-durable comedian gives the beleaguered Pinoy everyman an odd dignity, even in drag.
66. Style. Something we often prefer over substance. But every Filipino claims it as a birthright.
67. Bad taste. Clear plastic covers on the vinyl-upholstered sofa, posters of poker-playing dogs masquerading as art, over-accessorized jeepneys and altars—the list is endless, and wealth only seems to magnify it.
68. Mangoes. Crisp and tart, or lusciously ripe, they evoke memories of family outings and endless sunshine in a heart-shaped package.Mangoes. Crisp and tart, or lusciously ripe, they evoke memories of family outings and endless sunshine in a heart-shaped package.
69. Unbridled Optimism. Why we rank so low on the suicide scale.
70. Street Food: Barbecue, lugaw, banana-cue, fishballs, IUD (chicken entrails), adidas (chicken feet), warm taho. Forget hepatitis; here’s cheap, tasty food with gritty ambience.
71. The Siesta. Snoozing in the middle of the day is smart, not lazy.
72. Honorifics and Courteous Titles: Kuya, Ate, Diko, Ditse, Ineng, Totoy, Ingkong, Aling, Mang, etc. No exact English translation, but these words connote respect, deference and the value placed on kinship.
73. Heroes and People Who Stood Up for Truth and Freedom. Lapu-lapu started it all, and other heroes and revolutionaries followed: Diego Silang, Macario Sakay, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino, Gregorio del Pilar, Gabriela Silang, Miguel Malvar, Francisco Balagtas, Juan Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Panday Pira, Emilio Jacinto, Raha Suliman, Antonio Luna, Gomburza, Emilio Aguinaldo, the heroes of Bataan and Corregidor, Pepe Diokno, Satur Ocampo, Dean Armando Malay, Evelio Javier, Ninoy Aquino, Lola Rosa and other comfort women who spoke up, honest cabbie Emilio Advincula, Rona Mahilum, the women lawyers who didn’t let Jalosjos get away with rape.
74. Flora and Fauna. The sea cow (dugong), the tarsier, calamian deer, bearcat, Philippine eagle, sampaguita, ilang-ilang, camia, pandan, the creatures that make our archipelago unique.
75. Pilipino Songs, OPM and Composers: “Ama Namin,” “Lupang Hinirang,” “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal,” “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “Anak,” “Handog,””Hindi Kita Malilimutan,” “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit”; Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco, Restie Umali, Levi Celerio, Manuel Francisco, Freddie Aguilar, and Florante—living examples of our musical gift.
76. Metro Aides. They started out as Imelda Marcos’ groupies, but have gallantly proven their worth. Against all odds, they continuously prove that cleanliness is next to Godliness—especially now that those darned candidates’ posters have to be scraped off the face of Manila !
77. Sari-Sari Store. There’s one in every corner, offerin g everything from bananas and floor wax to Band-Aid and bakya.
78. Philippine National Red Cross. PAWS. Caritas. Fund drives. They help us help each other.
79. Favorite TV Shows through the Years: “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” “John and Marsha,” “Champoy,” “Ryan, Ryan Musikahan,” “Kuwarta o Kahon,” “Public Forum/Lives,” “Student Canteen,” “Eat Bulaga.” In the age of inane variety shows, they have redeemed Philippine television.
80. Quirks of Language That Can Drive Crazy Any Tourist Listening In: “Bababa ba?” “Bababa!”
81. “Sayang!” “Naman!” “Kadiri!” “Ano Ba!?” “Pala.” Expressions that defy translation but wring out feelings genuinely Pinoy.
82. Cockfighting. Filipino men love it more than their wives (sometimes).
83. Dr. Jose Rizal. A category in himself. Hero, medicine man, genius, athlete, sculptor, fictionist, poet, essayist, husband, lover, samaritan, martyr. Truly someone to emulate and be proud of, anytime, anywhere.
84. Nora Aunor. Short, dark and homely-looking, she redefined our rigid concept of how leading ladies should look.
85. Noranian or Vilmanian. Defines the friendly rivalry between Ate Guy Aunor and Ate Vi Santos and for many years, the only way to be for many Filipino fans.
86. Filipino Christmas. The world’s longest holiday season. A perfect excuse to mix our love for feasting, gift-giving and music and wrap it up with a touch of religion.
87. Relatives and Kababayan Abroad. The best refuge against loneliness, discrimination and confusion in a foreign place. Distant relatives and fellow Pinoys readily roll out the welcome mat even on the basis of a phone introduction or referral.
88. Festivals: Sinulog, Ati-atihan, Moriones. Sounds, colors, pagan frenzy and Christian overtones.
89. Folk dances. Tinikling, pandanggo sa ilaw, kariñosa, kuratsa, itik-itik, alitaptap, rigodon. All the right moves and a distinct rhythm.
90. Native wear and costumes. Baro’t saya, tapis, terno, saya, salakot, bakya. Lovely form and ingenious function in the way we dress.
91. Sunday Family Gatherings. Or, close family ties that never get severed. You don’t have to win the Lotto or be a president to have 10,000 relatives. Everyone’s family tree extends all over the archipelago, and it’s at its best in times of crisis; notice how food, hostesses, money, and moral support materialize during a wake?
92. Calesa and Karitela. The colorful and leisurely way to negotiate narr ow streets when loaded down with a year’s provisions.
93. Quality of Life. Where else can an ordinary employee afford a stay-in helper, a yaya, unlimited movies, eat-all-you- can buffets, the latest fashion (Baclaran nga lang), even Viagra in the black market?
94. All Saints’ Day. In honoring our dead, we also prove that we know how to live.95. Handicrafts. Shellcraft, rattancraft, abaca novelties, woodcarvings, banig placemats and bags, bamboo windchimes, etc. Portable memories of home. Hindi lang pang-turista, pang-balikbayan pa!
96. Pinoy Greens. Sitaw, Okra, Ampalaya, Gabi, Munggo, Dahon ng Sili, Kangkong, Luya, Talong, Sigarillas, Bataw, Patani- Lutong bahay will never be the same without them.
97. OCWs. The lengths (and miles) we’d go for a better life for our family, as proven by these modern-day heroes of the economy.
98. The Filipino Artist. From Luna’s magnificent “Spoliarium” and Amorsolo’s sun-kissed ricefields, to Ang Kiukok’s jarring abstractions and Borlongan’s haunting ghosts, and everybody else in between. Hang a Filipino painting on your wall, and you’re hanging one of Asia ’s best.
99. Tagalog Soap Operas. From “Gulong ng Palad” and “Flor de Luna” to today’s incarnations like “Mula sa Puso”—they’re the story of our lives, and we feel strongly for them, MariMar notwithstanding.
100. Midnight Madness, Weekends Sales, Bangketas and Baratillos. It’s retail therapy at its best, with Filipinos braving traffic, crowds, and human deluge to find a bargain.

The Genuine Article - Vigan Empanada

2009-08-07T20:20:00.005+08:00

About a week ago, my officemate/friend Shy announced that she'll be spending the weekend in Vigan with her mom (G.I. ang batang ito - Genuine Ilocano! hehehe.. peace tayo Shy! Ü). Right after she announced this, all of us made our "pabili list" (pinagsisihan mo ba ang pag-aanounce mo ng Vigan trip mo, Shy? hehehe..). We requested bagnets, vigan longganisa, and mine was the famous Vigan empanada. I ordered a dozen empanadas so that everyone here at home can have a taste of the famous Northern Luzon delicacy.

Monday morning came, and a woozy-looking Shy came into the office carrying all our "bilins", including my 1 dozen Vigan empanadas (obviously, hilo pa sa byahe ang lola.. hehehe..). Luckily, our office refrigerator, wasn't filled yet (being a Monday morning), so I had the chance to select a secluded spot in the refrigerator for my 1-dozen-empanadas. I labelled the pack with my name, so no one in the office would "accidentally" get it. I was thankful that I'll be going home with my father that afternoon, which means no hassle carrying the empanadas while fighting my way to get into the MRT (yes.. getting inside the MRT is a battle!).

Immediately, when I got home, I asked my cousin to cook/fry a couple of the empanadas (nao-obvious na di ako marunong magluto... hahaha!). It was also good timing because I didn't like our viand that night. I excitedly munched on my first empanada like a kid who's entering Jollibee for the first time (in other words, super sabik! hehehe..). It was N-I-R-V-A-N-A at the first bite!! I texted Shy like an addict high on ecstasy - "Grabe Shy! Ang sssarrraap nung empanada! HEAVEN!!!". It was really sumptuous, a hundred times better than the Vigan empanada we usually buy in Tiendesitas (yes, I am a Vigan-empanada afficionado). One can really savor the longganisa filling, which means that there is ample longganisa within the empanada (hindi tinipid ang longganisa!). The flavor from the parboiled beansprouts (toge) and the grated green papaya were mixed very well with the meat, that even an anti-vegetable person like me was able to appreciate it. Of course, I ordered the special empanada, which means one whole egg was added to each empanada, which provided additional flavor and texture to the dish.

That night, I forgot my diet (deliberately), and chomped on 2 big pieces of empanadas. Forget the diet, forget the cholesterol, minsan lang naman 'to! :-D

Ako Mismo - Prayers and Wishes for Cory

2009-08-03T20:55:00.003+08:00

I signed up in the Ako Mismo movement about a month or two ago. I have posted about 2 or 3 pledges there as my personal conviction as a Filipino.

When President Aquino passed away this weekend, the Ako Mismo movement opened a new wall wherein members can post wishes and prayers for the late President. As a Filipino who grew up during her regime, I was able to see what she has done to restore freedom and democracy in the land. She may not be the perfect President, but her integrity, commitment, and dedicated has helped the country find its way to real democracy.

Below are my post on the Ako Mismo wall dedicated to Cory Aquino.

Farewell and Thank You Tita Cory

2009-08-03T20:42:00.003+08:00

I know there will be a lot blog posts on the Internet that will talk about you, will thank you, will praise you, and will give their final tribute for you. I know I am just a nobody, an ordinary Juana dela Cruz, but nonetheless, as a citizen of this country, I would just like to pay my final respect to you, President Corazon Aquino.

First of all, I would like to thank you for being a principled Filipino. Thank you for restoring democracy in the country. As a young Filipino during the 1986 EDSA revolution, I don't have the slightest idea of what was going on during that time. I don't know why you, my parents, and millions of other adult Filipinos risked their lives and limbs by going out in EDSA during that tumultuous time. But 23 years after that peaceful People Power revolution, my son and I are savoring the benefits of this freedom and democracy which you have fought for and restored. Second, thank you, President Aquino, for bringing pride to the Filipina. You are the first Filipina to be the President of the Philippines, and the first woman leader in Asia. You have shown the male-dominated Philippine society and government, as well as the world, that Filipino women are more than just housewives and second-class citizens; that we Pinays, can be at par with our male counterparts in manning and managing a complicated institution such as the Philippine government. You have proven your worth as President by withstanding all the coup d' etats, and by showing your detractors that despite your being a woman, you have the will and determination of a true leader, defending your people against those who wish to sow fear and terror. Lastly, thank you, President Aquino for showing us the importance of having faith in God and faith in your people. Thank you for showing us that prayers and a strong faith in God can truly bring miracles in our lives. Thank you for having the same conviction as your husband Ninoy, and believing that we, the ordinary Pinoys, are worth your time, your effort, and your sacrifices.

President Aquino, I know you are in a better place now. Wherever you are, please know that you will always be loved, appreciated, and remembered by every Filipino, whose life you have touched. I hope that God will bless the Philippines with more leaders whose integrity, commitment, and dedication will be like yours. Farewell and thank you President Aquino. God bless you.

*** Note: I have also posted this thank-you message on my personal site on Multiply. :-) ***