sallying forth

Hilton Hotel Petaling Jaya - A Review

2009-04-17T13:18:00.013+08:00

Hilton Petaling Jaya
No 2 Jalan Barat, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 46200

What I like about it: Two things I enjoyed about this hotel - Breakfast and Swimming Pool! Morning breakfasts are great with a wide range of food and beverages at Paya Serai Restaurant (Ground Floor). The lights and food presentation add appeal to the place. The swimming pool was also fabulous.

What needs to be improved: My check-in experience wasn't that good. The front desk lady was giving me a room that I'll share with another business traveler. I specifically mentioned that I have a reservation and I don't need to share a room with a total stranger. She doesn't speak English well although she's trying to be as courteous as she can.

Also, the room quality is fairly average. The bed is just okay. The marble bathroom simple (no bathtub). The television is small and old, no DVD and there are limited international channels (mostly local). Although the lobby and restaurants are elegant, I was expecting a newer and more extravagant hotel.

My ratings for this hotel are:
3 of 5 = Check in / front desk
4 of 5 = Quality of Service
4 of 5 = Value for Price
4 of 5 = Rooms (Bathroom, Kitchen, etc.)
4 of 5 = Cleanliness

Being a Call Center Trainer (Part 3)

2009-04-13T13:59:00.010+08:00

Why we need mental composure: If you want to be a trainer, be ready for tons of feedback and criticisms from both your internal and external clients. As the saying goes, you can't please everyone.

No matter how hard you prepare for every class, there will always be unavoidable mistakes or "not so good" interactions with your participants. As adult learners who are full of life experiences, the trainees may question your job knowledge or even your credibility to teach the topic.

The key here is to view feedback as a gift. You can either use it or file it. If you think the feedback will make you a better trainer, then use it by all means. But if you think that the feedback will not give you an advantage, then file it.

There were several times when the client provides me information in the morning and wants me to deliver the training in the evening. That gives me less than seven hours to study the information, come up with a neat module, check for an available training venue, coordinate with team leaders, notify the participants, prepare for the discussion itself and conceptualize a training agenda that would differentiate it from my previous classes.

Believe it or not, in spite of all these somewhat baneful experiences I've shared, my heart will never tire of training or teaching people. I find a sense of unexplainable joy when I teach. And what makes it even more beautiful is when I see my trainees evolve and become better with what they do, because of me.

Being a trainer is no joke.

Being a trainer is a phenomenal privilege.

Being a trainer made me a stronger person.

I have no regrets or whatsoever for burning the candle at both ends. I love being a trainer and the passion for teaching will forever be in my heart.

Watermelon Eyes

2009-04-11T11:11:00.005+08:00

I couldn't believe my (watermelon) eyes!

There is hope

2009-04-10T21:53:00.011+08:00

Whatever troubles you may be having right now, believe with all your heart that the Lord will fill your life with abundant love and blessings.

In the midst of your life's turmoil, come home to the peace of certainty. Certainty that the difficult road will soon be over and a new grace will touch your life.

Easter Day is God's way of telling us that there is hope in every problem. The Lord will shine above darkness and will bring us relief and healing.

Happy Easter to everyone!

Being a Call Center Trainer (Part 2)

2009-04-04T00:33:00.011+08:00

Why we need emotional composure: We live the life of big celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in some ways. No matter how exhausted or uninspired we feel, we need to put on our best smile and be a perfect role model in front of the class.

A slight fever is not enough reason to miss the class. When we feel down and lonely, we find every single strength in ourselves and deliver world-class training. I remember a pregnant colleague while being rushed to the hospital was giving me instructions on what to do with her class. When we roll out policies or guidelines that we personally feel inappropriate for trainees, we have to set aside our own judgment and encourage the class to understand the importance of the issues presented.

As trainers, we have to also be self-motivated as there are no constant recognition (and sometimes even management support) in this profession. We look at the positive side of every opportunity that comes our way and use the challenges to improve our craft.

To be continued...

Recipe: Tinolang Manok (Chicken Ginger Soup)

2009-04-04T00:29:00.009+08:00

This recipe is a sure delight to most Filipinos. It has been a popular local dish as it was even mentioned in Chapter Three of Dr. Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere. The novel, Noli Me Tangere, was written in 1884 and Rizal is the country's national hero.

What you need to prepare:
-casserole

Ingredients:
-1 whole chicken, cut into small serving pieces
-1 small ginger, peeled and sliced
-1 small garlic, crushed
-1 medium onion, chopped
-2 tbsp patis (fish sauce)
-2 medium sayote (chayote squash), peeled and cut into serving pieces
-sili (chilli) leaves
-1 tbsp canola oil
-1 liter of water
-dash of salt

Let's start cooking!

1. Heat canola oil in a casserole. Saute garlic, onion and ginger until it produces an aromatic scent.

2. Add the chicken pieces to brown the meat lightly.

3.Season with patis and a dash of salt. Then pour water and cover for about 15 minutes.

4. When the chicken is half done, add sayote. Simmer over medium heat for 7-10 minutes.

5. Stir in sili leaves just before serving.

Serve with love!

NOTES:

1. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables.

2. You can also use raw papaya instead of sayote, and malunggay leaves instead of sili leaves.

Sudoku Champ in the Making

2009-04-03T12:31:00.008+08:00

My niece who is fifteen months old begins scribbling and enjoying the exploration of the Sudoku world. As a start, she can count one, two and three. :GRIN:

summer and watermelons

2009-04-02T17:08:00.012+08:00

Our summer meal as a family is not complete without the crisp, cold, and juicy watermelon. I guess summer and watermelon are inseparable especially if you're living in a tropical country such as ours.
Other than the water content, the beautiful red watermelon is filled with high concentration of lycopene and some of nature's antioxidants. It is packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Everything about it is healthy so obviously, eating watermelon to quench the summer thirst is a safer than taking energy drinks.

A stroll around the city will show you several fruit stalls. I usually buy from Beth's Pakwan (which means watermelon in Tagalog) along Don Bonifacio Avenue. If you're from Balibago and going to NLEX/Angeles Municipal Hall, the store is after Caltex Gasoline Station.

So eat up and take advantage of the nutritious, bright red watermelons this summer. I'm actually enjoying a big slice right now. Happy watermelon slurping!

Being a Call Center Trainer (Part 1)

2009-04-02T15:40:00.027+08:00

Being a call center trainer may appear to be an easy task. Your daily mission: wear a smart casual outfit and discuss a topic in front of a group. Plain and simple... you think!

Don't be fooled with the poise, confidence and fluency of these professionals. I've been a trainer for America Online in Clark, Angeles City for five years and I could confirm there's certainly more than the glamorous outfits. This profession demands solid physical, emotional and mental composure.

Why we need physical strength: We are willing to work more than 8 hours a day and in flexible hours (double shifts or triple shifts, if necessary). Monday, I have a class on a graveyard shift. The next day, I'll work afternoon shift to catch up with morning meetings. The following days, I'll be required to work early morning to attend conference calls or queue brainstorming. On top of that crazy schedule, I have to finish collateral projects during my supposedly days off.

This line of work is mostly walk and talk. In Clark, the training office is in one building while the training rooms where we conduct classes are in the other building. At least an hour before my class, I walk from my office to the training room to prepare what I need. Yes, while we have maintenance helpers and Internal Computing (IC) support, it will always be the trainer's sole problem if the training room is unavailable or any necessary equipment (computer, projector, speakers, etc) is malfunctioning. So we have to be at least an hour early for our own convenience.

As soon as the participants enter the room, we start talking to check the attendance, distribute modules and energize the class before the discussion proper.

We don't have the opportunity to sit down all the time regardless of the class size. When having individual activities, trainers should walk around the room to address problems and answer questions. During group activities, on the other hand, we walk from one group to another to make sure they're on the right track and they aren't just chatting about showbiz personalities or latest gadgets.

We provide 15 minute breaks for the participants every two hours of the training to freshen up and quickly grab something to eat. Most of the time, these breaks are useful for trainers to prepare the activity for the next topic.

After the class, we again walk around the room to ensure cleanliness of the area and at times, we may need to talk to participants who have issues concerning the topics discussed. And then complete some administrative work like tracking data and reports.

To be continued...

Weird News : Man Swallows Scissors

2009-04-01T09:56:00.011+08:00

Today is April Fool's Day but this news is no joke.

A Chinese man named Kong Lin, 27, was using nail scissors as a toothpick when his pal's joke made him laugh hard - and the scissors slid down his throat.

He was rushed to a hospital in Putian, China and it took surgeons half an hour to extract the scissors.

Now I'm wondering what the joke was. It must be really hilarious.

Credits: EuroPics

Marley and Me : Movie Review

2009-03-28T20:05:00.008+08:00

"A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his."

Starring:
Owen Nilson - John Grogan
Jennifer Aniston - Jen Grogan
Eric Dane - Sebastian

Directed by: David Frankel

A down to earth husband. A caring wife. Their growing family. And the world's worst dog. This is a family movie - in the truest sense.

If you think the movie is plainly about a naughty puppy, you're wrong. Marley & Me is a simple story of an American couple who depicts the ups-and-downs of marriage. Their pet dog, Marley, is a total nuisance at first but matures and develops into becoming a member of the family.

This is an easy-going film based from a book that will appeal to newly weds and pet lovers like Gilbert. More to that, the film teaches valuable life lessons about painful decision of letting go, unconditional love for your family and giving up to ultimately gaining more.

The scenes are realistic, some of which are hilarious. I can so relate to Jen Grogan who has a list of all her life plans. I was laughing so hard when she said something like this to John after their wedding: "Number one, to find a sweet, sexy, kind and intelligent man. [Of course, John is proud of himself when Jen continued] Number two, to marry you instead."

Another funny moment was when Marley runs and dives into a pool of a nice house, John pretended to be disappointed and asked the people around "Whose dog is that?"

The ending on the other hand is a bit heart breaking. I recommend you bring a box of tissue when you watch it!

Four out of Five stars for me.

Avoid Hot Liquid Intake

2009-03-24T12:56:00.020+08:00

According to a recent Iranian research, drinking scalding hot liquid may cause throat cancer.

Tea hotter than 160 degrees may trigger the development of cancerous tumors in the esophagus.

They suggest that we let steaming liquid cool at least four minutes before consuming it.

News from Reuters

Slumdog Millionaire : Movie Review

2009-03-23T00:01:00.017+08:00

"You are not a liar, that's for sure. You are too truthful."

Starring:
Dev Patel - Jamal
Freida Pinto - Latika
Madhur Mittal - Salim

Directed by: Dan Boyle and Loveleen Tandan

Slumdog Millionaire wowed me from start to finish. Although surrounded by the chaotic slums of Bombay, the comedy drama was depicted with an amazing cast (especially the child actors), upbeat music, fast movement, outstanding light, and vivid colors.

Jamal's story as seen through his eyes is more interesting than I have expected. Despite being an orphan at a young age and until he becoming a hardworking man, he never lost his sense of fairness and respect. His growing years are tragic yet still beautiful with an abundant hope of finding Latika.

The story highlights both beauty and horrors of street life in Bombay (which is very similar in the Philippines), brotherhood, righteousness, and above all, love in the face of obstacles.

Go and watch this film. You won't be disappointed.

Five out of Five stars for me.

Shopping in Baguio

2009-03-22T23:59:00.008+08:00

Wagwagan meaning "to shake" or Ukay ukay meaning "to dig" - This is what I consider the most cheapest and most exciting second hand shopping experience ever.

Imagine having an original Ralph Lauren jacket for only Php100 or a DKNY white shoulder bag for only Php80. Plus a pile of several other designer brands (Prada, Fendi, LV) for only Php200-500.

My last trip to Baguio was almost eight years ago and the ukay ukay strip has just grown bigger. And even with SM Baguio now, tourists still flock the ukay ukay stores. You can find good bargain from clothes to bags, shoes and now even home items and toys.

I was overwhelmed with my shopping that I forgot to take some pictures. But really, if you plan to go to Baguio and you love digging around clothes, make sure to add Ukay ukay shopping on your To Do list!

Not that bad after all...

2009-03-22T22:49:00.015+08:00

We headed up north to Baguio at 10:00 a.m. yesterday. I asked my brother not to travel too early so I can have complete sleep and time to prepare myself.

The new SCTEX road was a big help in avoiding Bamban and Tarlac heavy traffic. I drank over the counter medicine (Bonamine) when we were in Pangasinan. I still felt a little woozy but I tried to enjoy the moment instead. We also took Marcos highway instead of Kennon Road. It was a longer route (extra 30 minutes travel time) but nonetheless, the road in Marcos Highway was bigger, smoother and with lesser potholes.

Surprisingly, the three and a half hour trip wasn't bad at all.
No throw up session for me.
I'm so proud of myself!

Ant Season is here

2009-03-19T17:13:00.020+08:00

Hello summer and hello to ant season!

My lil cookery seems to be swarmed by ants. It's starting to be an eye sore as I notice more ants crawling on the walls now than before with their nests everywhere around the kitchen.

It seems like these crawlers are getting into everything - marching behind the cabinets and sink. It's weird. There were also million of dead ants floating over my cooking oil jar and my dish washing soap dispenser. I think they can't stand the summer heat and humidity so they commit mass suicide.

Some experts explains that no matter where your house is located or how old it is, it could still be invaded by these insects. So our ant control began by cleaning everything from floor to ceiling and placing some rock salt on small cracks where they hide. It's pretty effective so far. I don't want to use bug sprays. As much as possible, I want to use eco-friendly ingredients in controlling ants.

If you're having the same ant problem, you may also try using coffee grounds or vinegar. And of course, the most practical tip that I could give you is to keep the area clean. They go straight to where food and water is so if they couldn't find food, they wouldn't stay there.

I feel sick already!

2009-03-19T12:08:00.023+08:00

Last weekend, my dad announced at dinner, "Pack up your things kids! We'll go to Baguio!".

While the whole family is thrilled and excited for this trip, I don't feel a pressing desire to travel to the mountains again.

I mean, I love meeting new people and exploring our country but I guess I'm just naturally prone to motion sickness. Sea sickness. Car sickness. Air sickness. Elevator Sickness. Amusement Ride Sickness.

Sigh.

Whatever they call it, I have it and I hate it.

Just the mere thought of going to Baguio makes me dizzy and nauseous already. No kidding!

As a child, I couldn't remember any Baguio trip without me doing the technicolor yawn. My family tried a couple of things to help me ease the pain. Granny usually rub a drop of eucalyptus oil under my tiny nose. Mom suggested I look outside the window and breathe the fresh air. Dad preferred that I just sleep. All of which, I tried politely but still the inevitable for me happens. So after some time, they were all raising the white flag in my battle with motion sickness and decided to just bring plastic bags or brown bags for my "throw up time".

It starts with a headache, then a queasy stomach. Soon I'd turn green and clammy. The worst part is that even after vomiting, I still feel unwell and miserable.

My US trip in 2005 was around 20 hours. So yes, I was throwing up for the entire trip - 20 hours. Beat that! My bosses were taking me to the nearest hospital the moment they saw how terrible I look in Jacksonville airport. I assured them I just need a quiet, comfortable room where I can rest for a while.

I was reminiscing these horrible travel stories with Gilbert last night. He was laughing hysterically at first and later on, told me it's merely a childhood fear and that I have to overcome it.

I'm still undecided if I'll travel to Baguio with my family tomorrow. But what I'm sure is that I'll be missing out a lot of fun just because I worry about being sick.

Watchmen : Movie Review

2009-03-18T22:27:00.012+08:00

"You guys don't understand. I am not stuck in here with you, you guys are stuck in here with me." -Rorschach

Starring:
Jackie Earle Haley - Rorschach
Patrick Wilson - Nite Owl II
Billy Crudup - Dr Manhattan
Malin Akerman - Silk Spectre II
Matthew Goode - Ozymandias
Jeffrey Dean Morgan - The Comedian

Directed by: Zack Snyder

Make sure you don't watch this with your kids just because it's a "superhero" flick. There is an explicit sex scene in the middle part of the movie aside from the intense violence and frontal nudity (Dr Manhattan) throughout the film.

The story line and flashbacks are confusing. Almost like each character is telling their own story so I don't know which one to follow. The first fight scenes at the start where the Comedian gets killed is portrayed very well. Then the film gets slow, boring and complicated until the end. The graphic scenes are excellent but not new.

A bright spot I think is Rorschach's character who could be quite a ferocious, scary man especially when he was provoked in prison. He is borderline psycho yet he certainly has a solid view on what's good and bad. Rorschach was sure the Comedian's death is a sign that all superheroes' lives (including his own) will grow short. But then, all his good intentions and his body disappeared in air, leaving splatter of blood in the last part of the movie.

On a lighter note, I like Silk Spectre II's costume! It was a relief to see a brave and sexy heroine from time to time in a violent movie.

I haven't read the book so I'm not sure if the graphic novel was way better than the movie. Maybe this is also the reason I don't understand how people could give a two thumbs up for this film.

Well, maybe, just maybe - I'll read the Watchmen novel so this could make more sense to me.

Two out of Five stars for me.

Dora Makeover

2009-03-17T14:47:00.006+08:00

It's time to say good bye to the chubby and adorable Dora as Nickelodeon unveils a new tween Dora. The simple, adventurous preschooler is now thinner, prettier and more fashionable as she moves to the city and attends middle school.

Some parents and Dora fanatics are voicing out their disagreement about this "grown-up" appearance of the famous character. They fear it would become a poor role model and erase the character's outdoor, courageous spirit.

Nickelodeon, on the other hand, assures the public that the Tween Dora will still be filled with wholesome image and adventurous journey, not just to preschoolers but now also to teens.

Recipe: Fish Cardillo (Fish in Tomato Sauce and Egg)

2009-03-15T15:34:00.016+08:00

I thought of sharing with you one of the many dishes my husband likes. The garlic, onion and tomatoes will produce a fragrant smell and it also enhances the flavor of the fish. This is definitely tasty and easy to cook. Here's my own version of Fish Cardillo.

What you need to prepare:
-frying pans

Ingredients:
-1 kilo tilapia, bangus (milk fish) or dalagang bukid (Yellow Tail Fusilier)
-1 medium onion, sliced
-1 small garlic, minced
-2 cups chopped tomatoes
-1 small pack of Tomato Sauce
-1 large egg, slightly beaten
-1/2 cup water
-1 tsp patis (fish sauce)
-1 tbsp olive oil
-a pinch of salt

Let's start cooking:

1. Scrape fish scales and clean thoroughly. Sprinkle with salt and fry until they are half brown on both sides. Drain in kitchen tissue.

2. Saute onion, garlic and tomatoes in olive oil. Add tomato sauce, fish sauce and half cup of water.

3. Add slightly beaten eggs and cook until it becomes a thick sauce. Season with salt.

4. Place the fried fish on a serving dish and pour cooked sauce.

Serve with love!

NOTES:

1. My grandma call this recipe, Cardillo but it is also sometimes referred to as Sarciado.

2. The original Tagalog Sarciado recipe will require you to marinade the fish overnight in garlic, onion, fish sauce and calamansi (or lemon) juice. Then roll the fish in bread crumbs prior to frying.

3. Another ingredient that is not included in Sarciado is the slightly beaten egg.

Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-13T13:18:00.010+08:00

The countdown to Earth Hour 2009 is on!

Let's show the world the importance of saving energy.

Lights off on Saturday, March 28, 2009
8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Log on to www.earthhour.org for more details.

Residence Inn Jacksonville - A Review

2009-03-11T13:03:00.012+08:00

Residence Inn by Marriott
Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida

After a horribly long trip and motion sickness, my stay at this hotel restored me back to life. I had the pleasure to stay in this hotel with some colleagues for a business trip and believe me, I have never slept so well after traveling.

What I like about it: Although the hotel is right off of the highway, we were never disturbed by street noise. The rooms are way much larger than a typical hotel and actually, it was more like a small house to me. It has two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, small dining area and complete with appliances - full size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, kitchen sink, dishes, fireplace and television. I felt pampered with the comfortable bed and huge bath tub. They also serve a nice, simple American breakfast buffet in the mornings with waffles, pancakes, breads, eggs, sausages and fruits.

laundry time

view from my room

cooking dinner

What needs to be improved: They could provide more breakfast variety for their guests. The food is great on the first two days but to eat the same food for three or more days in a row is a different thing.

My ratings for this hotel are:
5 of 5 = Check in / front desk
5 of 5 = Quality of Service
5 of 5 = Value for Price
5 of 5 = Rooms (Bathroom, Kitchen, etc.)
4 of 5 = Cleanliness

LJ Hottie

2009-03-10T12:12:00.012+08:00

Wooohooo! This heartthrob is Kirby Atwood. Aside from being a photographer, he actually spends his days pursuing an older married woman, Nico Railey.

This is not in real life though.

He's definitely another reason you may want to watch Lipstick Jungle.

Honey Bunches of Oats

2009-03-07T01:00:00.029+08:00

I'm not really a breakfast person but to start my day right, I grab a bowl of my favorite breakfast cereal with fresh milk.

Whole grain wheat + Rolled oats + Almonds + Honey

Honey Bunches of Oats is a healthy and delicious morning, afternoon or evening treat - with zero Trans Fat, zero Saturated Fats and zero Cholesterol. I like the original flavor because it's very crunchy, tastes really good, and it's not overly sweetened.

I buy a couple of this cereal pretty much every time I go shopping. I feel happier when I know I have it on my kitchen shelf. There was a time when we couldn't find one in our local supermarket. We had to search for it on the next town. Good thing we had Duty Free Shops in Clark as our last resort.

La Source Crabtree and Evelyn

2009-03-05T18:40:00.016+08:00

I am a big fan of LaSource at Crabtree and Evelyn. We don't have an outlet in Pampanga and the nearest that I know of is at Edsa Shangri-la Mall. Thanks to online shopping!

The LaSource scent is described as a "relaxing sea air fragrance" and I totally agree. You must try their Relaxing Body Lotion which smells fresh and lovely!

Lipstick Jungle - TV Show

2009-03-05T00:00:00.016+08:00

"Lipstick Jungle" was adapted from a novel written by Candace Bushnell. I couldn't say that the tv show is flawless. In fact, I didn't really like the first episode. But later on, I find the storyline realistic, exciting and funny.

The female characters showcase how real women act to tough situations as any real women should. They don't just flaunt their stylish wardrobe or sexuality instead they show their intelligence and genuine friendship.

Kim Raver plays as Nico Railey who is an editor in chief of a hot fashion magazine and torn between a boring husband and a hot young photographer. Brooke Shields is a successful studio chief who is working on that career and family life balance. Lindsay Price is a fashion designer named Victory Ford who is trying to regain her career while coping with her billionaire boyfriend.

Critics say it is an obvious clone of Sex and the City. That could be good or bad. What I know is that this desirable group is a good, late night entertainment. I prefer watching this than those predictable reality shows.

March 2009 Cover Girls

2009-03-04T17:02:00.018+08:00

Feast your eyes on two of the country's prettiest celebrities (and my favorites too) as cover girls for March 2009 edition of Preview and Cosmopolitan Magazines.

Lucy Torres flaunts her stunning short do (Rihanna inspired) and black Loius Vuitton swimwear.

Fearless Marian Rivera bares some skin with her light blue two piece bikini for the first time.

What a sizzling summer start!

Changeling: Movie Review

2009-03-04T00:19:00.010+08:00

"Never start a fight... but always finish it."

Starring:
Angelina Jolie - Christine Collins
John Malkovich - Rev Gustav A Brieglab
Michael Kelly - Detective Lester Ybarra

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Changeling is about the mysterious disappearance of a boy, the courage of an average woman to challenge the corrupt police force and the capture of an insane serial child killer.

Angelina's performance was fantastic. Her unconditional love and quest to find her missing son is indeed remarkable. The injustice and abuse of political power is also ancient but it was well portrayed in this film that I had to close my eyes at some scenes. There were some gruesome events in the lives of abused women and innocent children.

It's interesting, engaging, and definitely an eye opener but I have to admit, I was truly sad after watching it. The movie was heartbreaking but what's more depressing is that it is based on a true story in the late 1920s.

We searched for the life of Caroline Collins to find out if she was reunited with her lost son years after. Sigh. Well, one thing is for sure: No matter what her troubles were, she always had the hope in her heart.

This is one of those movies where you don't get to smile while viewing the final credits.

Four out of Five stars for me.

The Lord lays His head

2009-03-03T14:30:00.005+08:00

I'm reading the book, Dessert for the Angels. It's a compilation of stories and anecdotes guaranteed to rib-tickle your soul with its spiritual lessons. One short dialogue below kept resonating in my mind.

---

During a night of terrible temptation, a man prayed to the Lord.

"Please, Lord, help me," he whispered.

A voice from within replied, "Do not be afraid, I am already within you. In fact, my head is lying on your heart."

"But if your head does lie on my heart," the man questioned, "how come there is pain still?"

"You might have forgotten, son," the voice retorted, "I wear a crown of thorns on my head."

Who will be the new Wonder Woman?

2009-03-01T23:11:00.026+08:00

This is one of common questions you'd hear from Superhero movie fanatics.

Lynda Carter's portrayal of Wonder Woman was a huge success so choosing the new star for this film could be harder than we thought.

The new Wonder Woman movie is slated for a 2011 release. Several actresses have been added to the list of the Hollywood stars eyed to play the heroine role. Check out these photos of those rumored to step into Lynda Carter's boots.

Catherine Zeta Jones

Kate Beckinsale

Angelina Jolie

Alana de la Garza

Katie Holmes

Beyonce

Megan Gale

Anne Hathaway

Jessica Biel

Sandra Bullock

Megan Fox

Nothing is final yet as reports said they want a younger actress suitable for the movie. I'm a big Wonder Woman fan. Whoever will be chosen, I hope she could give justice to the role.

Sony PSP God of War bundle

2009-02-27T13:33:00.015+08:00

The Sony PSP Limited Edition God of War bundle is a slimmer shiny red PSP with silkscreened Kratos art at the back, God of War game and Superbad UMD movie.

From the day Gilbert first held it, he can't hide the smile on his face. He carries his gadget everywhere he goes. He even bought a red Capdase Alumor casing to protect it from scratches and dirt.

My hubby is a game enthusiast. He constantly clamored for this amazing handheld gaming console. I now understand why.

This sleek portable device has 4.3 wide screen LCD and powerful graphics. Aside from playing games, you can do a whole lot of other things such as store important files, listen to your favorite music, watch a cool DVD quality flick, preview your pictures, read an e-book and surf the net. Neat companion, eh?

Intercourses

2009-02-26T10:13:00.015+08:00

"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

Looking at its front cover, I'm already seduced into getting a copy of this cook book. Intercourses by Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge is a collection of classic aphrodisiac recipes and sensual food art.

Oysters, honey, chocolate, strawberries - ahh, sexy and yummy!

Seven Pounds: Movie Review

2009-02-25T14:12:00.014+08:00

"I did something bad once and I'm never gonna be the same."

Starring:
Will Smith - Ben/Tim Thomas
Rosario Dawson - Emily Posa
Woody Harrelson - Ezra Turner
Michael Ealy - Ben's Brother

Directed by: Gabriele Muccino

I have to admit that we decided to watch this movie only because of its mysterious movie trailer.

I'm glad we did.

The story revolves around a compassionate IRS agent names Ben Thomas and his quest to track seven individuals who are in desperate need of help. The start of the film will glue you to your screen as it slowly unveils his intentions to make up for something he has done in the past. Seven Pounds highlights true feelings, sacrifice, forgiveness and selflessness.

Gilbert and I were strongly moved by this movie. We were sobbing! It is indeed an intense, mind boggling, rare and fantastically acted movie - definitely must see! It started slow but it ended with a sweeping conclusion. And if this movie won't touch the deepest part of you, you're not normal.

Five out of Five stars for me.

Is that our name?

2009-02-22T00:58:00.013+08:00

Yesterday afternoon, we were at Robinson's Supermarket to grab a quick snack when I happen to notice the name of one employee.

It's a combination of me and my husband's name. I couldn't help but ask for a picture of his ID. Totally amazing!

The Right Cooking Oil For You

2009-02-20T16:57:00.025+08:00

Filipinos can't get enough of frying almost any type of food - Fried Chicken, Fried Fish, Fried Hotdogs, Fried Rice, Fried Squid (Calamares), Fried Vegetable Rolls, Fried Eggplant and the list goes on. All that frying means we have to choose the healthiest cooking oils for our everyday meals.

Our bodies need fats because it provide essential fatty acids. Doctors still encourage us though to limit both Saturated Fats and Trans Fats in what we consume because of its association with cardiovascular diseases. These fats are found primarily in meat and dairy. Butter, vegetable shortening, and margarine also contain these bad fats so you may want to reduce them in your cooking.

Choose cooking oils with high concentration of Monounsaturated Fats and Polyunsaturated Fats because they lower the bad cholesterol.

For frying foods, use oils that will not burn in high heat such as canola oil, corn oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil.

For salad dressing, add a little more flavor by trying avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil or walnut oil.

Other tips:

1. If you want to recycle the oil, use it two (or three at most) times only. More than that is unhealthy.

2. Separate the oil for fish and pork to prevent rancid smell.

3. Use oils sparingly in your cooking and preparation.

4. Store the cooking oil in a cool, dry place to keep its goodness.

Recipe: Torta (Ground Pork in Tomato Sauce)

2009-02-19T00:09:00.007+08:00

Kapampangans call this recipe Torta but I learned from my mother-in-law that this is called Giniling in Tagalog. If you're a busy person and you don't have time to cook everyday, this is the perfect recipe for you. You can cook it on a Monday then store the rest in the refrigerator. Just re-heat a serving portion in the microwave and you have something to eat for the rest of the week.

Torta with Chinese Buns/Mantou

What you need to prepare:
-skillet

Ingredients:
-1/2 kilo lean ground pork
-2 medium potatoes, washed and diced
-1 medium green bell pepper, diced
-1 medium carrots, diced
-5 small tomatoes, finely chopped
-1 small pack of tomato sauce
-1 medium onion, sliced
-1 small garlic, crushed
-1 tbsp olive oil
-a pinch of salt
-a pinch of pepper

Let's start cooking:

1. In a skillet, saute garlic and onions with olive oil. Add ground pork until light brown or thoroughly cooked.

2. Add tomatoes, carrots, potatoes and green bell peppers. Stir fry for two minutes. Then season with salt and pepper.

3. Pour in tomato sauce and 1/2 cup water. Cover and let it stand for five minutes.

Serve with love!

NOTES:

1. My mom would add sliced hotdogs and green peas in this recipe while my mom-in-law's giniling recipe isn't complete without raisins.

2. You can eat this recipe with a hot bowl of white rice or Chinese buns (Mantou).

3. You can buy Chinese Buns in Robinson's Grocery, Nepo Mall. 12 buns is around Php50.00. Just steam the buns about 3 to 5 minutes and they're ready to eat.

4. For a more flavorful experience, try this recipe with a combination of 1/4 lean ground beef and 1/4 lean ground pork.

Sweet Suggestions for February

2009-02-18T16:15:00.017+08:00

Love is still in the air! Here are eight ways you can show your man how he rocks your world. Some are taken from books or articles that I've read. The other suggestions are just from my mind - yet to be fulfilled.

1. At bedtime, put some lotion on his feet to moisturize them during these cold times.

2. Celebrate the chilly nights with an ice kiss. How? Melt an ice cube in your mouth until your mouth becomes cold and then plant a kiss that will give him chills!

3. This Valentine's Day, let him mess up your clean kitchen by cooking his special gourmet thing.

4. Dab a tiny drop of your perfume on his handkerchief or collar. He'll think of you the whole day.

5. Snuggle up to him while sipping that hot chocolate or watching the sad-ending movie.

6. Learn how to whisper in his ear with your mouth open.

7. Dig through his baby pictures and frame his funny or witty poses.

8. Conduct a careful study of his erogenous zones and make use of your knowledge.

Edsa Shangri-la Hotel - A Review

2009-02-16T00:27:00.010+08:00

What I like about it: This is one of the best hotels in Manila, that's for sure! Just before you enter the lobby, there are K9 groups that will check your car and luggage that make you feel safe. The location is a major plus for tourists. It's just a stone throw away from Mega Mall, Shangri-la Mall and my favorite thrift mall, St Francis Square.

here's a view from my room

my room

I stayed there for three days and I get a nice bowl of fresh fruit every day.

The bed was comfortable, pillows are huge and fluffy.

And my favorite part, the bathroom! It's complete with a fresh flowers, lovely bath tub, telephone extension, and pipe-in television sounds.

I must say the breakfast at Heat is also superb. It's an open kitchen with varied choices of Chinese, American, Japanese and delicious local buffet. I was utterly confused on what food to eat first because there were like 50 dishes or more.

What needs to be improved: The front desk personnel were polite but I can't understand why checking-in should be a long wait. They stare at the monitors forever, not sure if they need upgraded computers or time management training. No problem for me because I wasn't in a hurry that time but I noticed several guests who are starting to be impatient with the waiting. Overall, I enjoyed my stay!

My ratings for this hotel are:
4 of 5 = Check in / front desk
5 of 5 = Quality of Service
5 of 5 = Value for Price
5 of 5 = Rooms (Bathroom, Kitchen, etc.)
5 of 5 = Cleanliness

Read more about Edsa Shangri-la Hotel.

Touching God

2009-02-15T22:56:00.009+08:00

During a speaking activity in one of my training class, a quiet, bashful lady stood up and answered the question, "If you could take away something from someone, what would it be?"

The first two minutes of her reply was plain and sometimes humorous as she talked about her best friend. The last minute of her answer was a bit different. She suddenly turned emotional and her face red. There was a moment of silence inside the room. She chastely shared the ailing condition of her best friend's mother. I remember it vividly when she cried, "I want to take away her mom's illness. I want to help my friend but I don't have enough money. All I can do is pray for her mother."

I waited for the right time within the day and when I had it, I came closer to her and whispered, "You're doing your friend and her mother a really, really big favor." She gave me a confused look so I continued, "Prayer is the most powerful and most precious gift you can give someone. You don't have to say that all you can do is pray. Instead, you can tell her that you will continue to pray for her mother's recovery. That is a very big help, more than you can imagine." I embraced her tightly and she cried even more.

This is the exact message of the author Dr Harold J. Sala in his book, "Touching God: Guidelines for Personal Prayer".

Praying for someone is being selfless. It means you are enthusiastic to prioritize the needs of others than your personal interests. This book talks about the awesome power of prayer which is often neglected and under-utilized. It reveals about how the conversation should just flow out of our heart. The daily reflections deepen our spiritual roots as it increase our faith. Some of the chapters are Praying without an agenda, Praying as a couple, If God doesn't answer your prayer, What's on your prayer list?, When you pray, Forgive and so on.

Gilbert and I started reading it last week, just before we sleep. Every page is indeed very inspiring and life-changing.

May you also be blessed and touch God's heart through prayers.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T16:14:00.011+08:00

Those sweet bunch of fresh flowers would surely melt a lady's heart on V day.

Make me an exception.

Well, okay, I lied. I like flowers but a single white rose is enough to make me smile. Watching the late night news, I can't imagine how a dozen of roses could cost up to a thousand pesos. With today's global crisis, it's not really practical to use all that money for flowers.

Gilbert knows me too well I guess. He spent the last few days making me my Valentine's Gift - a gorgeous, sturdy kitchen rack. I've been telling him how I like to enhance our kitchen space for my everyday cooking. He bought the steel from a junk shop, repainted and cut it equally. The thick wood and high pressure laminates (HPL) were purchased from the newly opened Wilcon Builders in Dau, Pampanga.

almost done

All kitchen clutter is now gone!

I didn't get any teddy bear, balloon, flowers nor chocolates for V Day. We didn't dine in an overpriced restaurant along with everyone else in the world. And it's perfectly fine.

Gilbert and I enjoyed the company of our families instead with a home-made dinner. No traffic jam, no horrific crowd. Just tons of laughter and stories. Having all of them in my life means more to me than anything else.

Oh and by the way...

I also got this La Senza sheer luxe mesh from my Valentine date. I was totally surprised and I love it!

Thanks sweetie! Happy Hearts' Day to everyone!

Our Love Potion

2009-02-13T15:11:00.015+08:00

While most couples spend on expensive figurines, candles or paper weight as their wedding favors, we opted to give our personal brand of bottled water to our guests. It definitely added a mark of distinction on our wedding favors. The idea is cute, unique and most of all, practical.

We operate a purified water station in Dau, Mabalacat so we decided to customize the water label that would fit our wedding motif. Each bottle has 500ml of Liña Agua Purified Water and a personalized label "Love Potion".

I made the sticker sweet and simple. I've included not only our names and wedding date but also our message of thanks to our family and friends for sharing with us our big day. Check out the personalized nutritional facts and the bar code with a note saying "Just Re-married". (We had a simple civil wedding a few months before our church wedding.)

The bottles were placed on the guest tables so everyone can enjoy a cold, refreshing drink while watching the wedding program. If you're interested in ordering personalized bottled water as your wedding favors, feel free to email me.

Recipe: Lechon Kawali (Pan Fried Pork)

2009-02-13T00:16:00.005+08:00

This is a classic Filipino food so if you want to cook for a Pinoy friend or guest, this will certainly bring him a wide smile. All meat lovers will also enjoy this crispy, pan fried pork.

What you need to prepare:
-frying pan with cover
-tissue paper

Ingredients:
-1/2 kilo liempo
-canola oil
-a pinch of salt
-a pinch of pepper
-3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Let's start cooking!

1. Rub liempo slices with salt and pepper. Let it stand for five minutes.

2. Heat oil in frying pan until very hot. Have your cover ready. While heating the pan, sprinkle the pork slices with some flour.

3. Carefully put liempo in the frying pan. Cover the pan and reduce to medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Turn the pork over and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until light to golden brown.

4. Remove from pan and completely drain on paper towels before serving.

Serve with love!

NOTES:
1.You may also use pork belly however, you my need to boil the meat prior to frying.

2. Sprinkling some flour before frying will prevent the oil to spatter but maintains the meat's crispiness.

3. If you want a less greasy meat, you can simply season the pork slices with salt and pepper and use a turbo broiler. It'll remove the fats and you don't have to worry about the spattering as well.

4. A crushed garlic-vinegar dip or plain tomatoes will be a delicious complement for this recipe. Enjoy your meal!

English P and F sound

2009-02-11T23:57:00.013+08:00

When we don't know how to spell a word, we normally just write it like how we say it. The only problem is that if we couldn't pronounce it right then we definitely couldn't spell it correctly either.

I saw this sign in one of the city's markets and as a former call center trainer, I know how challenging it is for most Filipinos to speak words with p and f sounds.

The greeting "Good Afternoon" becomes "Gud Apternun". Saying "I feel fine" becomes "I pil pine" or even explaining a situation like "The charge is part of your monthly fee" may sound like "The charge is fart of your monthly pee."

Doesn't sound good huh?

Mispronouncing both p and f sound not only affects your accent but also changes the message that you want to deliver to the receiver.

To produce the p sound: Place your lips together and force out the air very shortly

To produce the f sound: Gently bite your lower lip and push your voice and air out with a continued sound

Try pronouncing these sounds correctly as a simple drill. It may help improve your pronunciation which will make it easier for you to get your message across accurately at the same time.

Australia Movie Review

2009-02-10T14:37:00.010+08:00

"Just because it is, doesn't mean it should be."

Starring:
Nicole Kidman - Lady Sarah Ashley

Hugh Jackman - The Drover
David Wenham - Neil Fletcher
Brandon Walters - Nullah

Two thumbs up for Director Baz Luhrmann. Australia is a right blend of romance, adventure, comedy and drama. It's like watching three stories in one movie: first, the social justice for the half-caste or aboriginal generation; second, the epic romance of Lady Ashley and the rugged Drover; and third, the world war/Darwin bombing.

A young half-caste boy named Nulla tells the story of uppercrust Brit Lady Ashley who arrives in the wilds of Australia to look for her skirt-chasing husband, only to find herself caught in a land struggle with a ruthless competitor. With the help of the untamed cattle Drover and some loyal employees, Lady Ashley tries to lead her herd on a grueling trek to Darwin. Their journey gets more complex after they arrive at the cattle station.

The movie is unbelievably almost three hours long but I had a great time watching every scene. The erotic chemistry between the funny, charming Nicole and the hunky Hugh is simply amazing.

It's an overload of characters, events and styles but Luhrmann glued it together and delivered a big-hearted melodramatic entertainment.

Four out of Five stars for me.

You think you don't need PhilHealth?

2009-02-10T00:41:00.011+08:00

Think again!

If you're wise and you think about protecting your family, you shouldn't neglect your health care insurance. PhilHealth is a Philippine Government health care program. It only costs Php300.00 every quarter and you get both outpatient and inpatient coverage. It may not be as comprehensive as American health care but it's not bad, eh?

For the past years, I had very little knowledge about my insurance and benefits. My recent resignation pushed me to take a closer look of our coverage. Soon enough, Gilbert and I headed to the Angeles City branch. I was honestly expecting an exhausting and difficult experience like all the horror stories I hear about local government offices. To my surprise, it took us only less than an hour to accomplish what we intend to do.

We were informed politely by the security guard/information assistant on what form to fill-up and which area to proceed. The next lady from the Membership Section was very friendly and concerned about our queries. I deactivated my membership so that Gilbert can add me as his dependent. After about ten minutes, they handed our new Member Data Record so our last step was to proceed to the Cashier and pay for our coverage. It was that easy!

There were enough chairs for everyone and best of all, the entire room was cool enough so waiting for a few minutes doesn't make people frown. Kudos to the management of PhilHealth Angeles City! The office is located at Nepo Mart II, Nepo Commercial Complex, Angeles City.

one month after...

2009-02-06T00:04:00.010+08:00

Have you ever been repelled by the dust, bits of food and muck that fly out when shaking your keyboard upside down? For the longest time, I felt like an overused keyboard with all the gunk inside. I know I had to rearrange my life.

Seeing me unhappy and burned out with my job several months ago, Gilbert urged me to quit, remove all worries and just allow him to love me.

And I did.

How can I refuse his sincere eyes, gentle voice and unselfish request?

So one month ago, with a great amount of boldness and energy, I resigned.

Today, one month after, how I wish I made the decision sooner.

I got what I needed - more time with my family, stress-free life, luxury of time, spiritual nourishment, cleaner home, home cooked meals, a sound mind and a sound body. I let go of all my apprehensions about work benefits, regular pay checks and financial matters. Those are not my responsibilities anyway. Those are Gilbert's responsibilities. I'm allowing him to be in-charge. I'm letting him love me.

Chance by Chanel

2009-02-04T15:52:00.006+08:00

I received this perfume as I gift and I'm totally in love with it! The clean, long lasting scent is wonderful and it makes me feel sexy too! It has a heavy scent so I suggest you use it at night. Thanks to my good friend for this lovely gift! It's definitely essential in my perfume collection.

Giving Yoga Another Chance

2009-02-03T14:02:00.005+08:00

I've always been fascinated with the art of dancing and science of yoga. The discipline and artfully orchestrated movements of the yogis are remarkable if not inconceivable. Way back in college, I bought a beginner yoga book. I read it only for a few weeks and I realized it has been collecting dust in my book shelf since then. My brother gave me a yoga mat few years ago as a Christmas present. Squeezed between a wall and closet, it has never been used nor unrolled. Thanks to my dependable Cosmo planner, I was once again urged to fulfill my deferred desire for Yoga.

I surfed the net to confirm some of its proven benefits. Surprisingly, this unique practice pays off not only my physical agility (which I badly need), mindfulness, or spiritual openness but more so it could rev up my "love bed batteries". No wonder yoga enthusiasts always seem so euphoric. They are more in harmony with their own mind and body, making them a better partner.

Following basic moves a few times this week might work for my new, thrilling adventure.

Oberoi Bangalore - A Review

2009-02-03T13:41:00.016+08:00

I fled to Bangalore, India to attend a business training in November 2004. It was my very first time to travel internationally and I was so thankful to have such wonderful experience in Oberoi.

What I like about it: The hotel's location is great for tourists since it is near the market, church and shopping districts. My room was very spacious and I had a balcony with a nice view of the lush gardens.

Because the hotel is in the heart of shopping district and the doors to each room are external, it can be a little noisy. It's not that bad in my opinion though because each room has a hall door between the main door & the bedroom space that could block the street noise.

The best part is the hotel's top class dining. I always look forward to the sumptuous continental breakfast at Le Jardin. My colleagues and I usually eat lunch at the trainng center so when we reach the hotel at night, we feast on authentic Chinese Szechwan style in Szechwan Court. We also tried the fabulous alfresco dining at the hotel's Thai restaurant.

The overall ambiance of the hotel is amazing - lots of greens, streams and ponds. At the end of each day, I soak in the tub for thirty minutes or so and enjoy the relaxing moment.

What needs to be improved: Just a very minor incident upon check-in - The front desk officer is persistent in having my personal credit card. I had to convince her it was a business trip before she finally gave me my room number. She was very polite but she could have just checked our company's reservation details beforehand. When I told my boss about the incident, he was totally surprised because he called the front desk a few minutes before I arrived to confirm my airport arrival.

My ratings for this hotel are:
4 of 5 = Check in / front desk
5 of 5 = Quality of Service
5 of 5 = Value for Price
5 of 5 = Rooms (Bathroom, Kitchen, etc.)
5 of 5 = Cleanliness

homemade body scrub

2009-02-01T22:12:00.011+08:00

Scrubbing your skin at least once or every other month will help remove dead skin cells and promote healthy skin. There are numerous spa centers within Angeles City and body scrub service ranges from Php420-Php850. If you want to cut down your personal expenses, just head towards your kitchen cabinet and make your own body scrub.

Begin by hunting for ingredients that will exfoliate and moisturize your skin. I'm sure you have brown sugar, salt or coffee in your kitchen cabinet. Your next step is to look for a moisturizer such as coconut oil, olive oil, honey or avocado. These will keep your skin looking younger and smooth. Then adding a little fragrance or aroma such as vanilla or lemon will make a nice complement.

NOTE: If you're allergic to any of these ingredients, please do not use them as a scrub.

Here's my favorite homemade scrub recipe:

Mix together one cup brown sugar, one cup organic oatmeal, one half cup honey and about three tablespoon of lemon or calamansi juice. Apply the mixture all over your neck, arms, body and legs with gentle, circular motions. Let it dry for a minute then rinse off with lukewarm water.

You don't need to spend a fortune to look and feel great. All you need to do is put together the right ingredients that appeals to you and enjoy your healthy smooth skin!

A Minnie Mouse Party

2009-01-28T18:50:00.015+08:00

My adorable little niece turned one this month and her Minnie Mouse party was colorful, fun and exciting. Everyone had a blast!

Minnie Mouse Decorations

Minnie Mouse cake

Minnie Mouse favors

Minnie Mouse mugMinnie Mouse puppet showMinnie Mouse game host

Minnie Mouse pinata

and of course, the birthday girl wearing her Minnie Mouse costume

Recipe: Stir Fried Scallops

2009-01-16T15:50:00.009+08:00

Cooking home meals rather than dining out is one of the surest way to save money. And not only that, you can make sure what you're eating is clean, delicious, and healthy too.

I have all the time now to experiment new dishes so my first attempt is called Stir Fried Scallops. This quick recipe is good with white rice or crispy noodles.

What You Need to Prepare:
-wok or large skillet
-two small pans

Ingredients:
First set:
-3/4 cups scallops, washed and drained
-small garlic, crushed and finely chopped
-small onion, finely chopped
-small fresh ginger, crushed and finely chopped
-white wine
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 cup chicken broth
-olive oil
-sesame oil

Second set:
-olive oil or canola oil
-medium onion, sliced
-1 small can of mushrooms
-broccoli, blanched
-cauliflower, blanched
-1/4 cup oyster sauce
-1/2 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in water

Let's start cooking:

1. Blanch the broccoli and cauliflower in a small pan for three to four minutes.

2. In another small pan, add olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion and ginger. Add the scallops. Cook for one minute. (This part is very fragrant!) Drizzle with white wine and sesame oil. Add salt and chicken broth. Cover and let stand for another two minutes. Then remove from heat.

3. Heat olive oil in wok or large skillet. Add sliced onions and mushrooms. Push mushrooms to the side of the wok. Place precooked scallops and blanched vegetables at the center of the wok. Toss to mix. Add oyster sauce and dissolved cornstarch. Season and stir fry for about two to three minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve with love!

NOTES:

1. You can buy frozen scallops in SM Hypermarket. 500 grams is around Php250.

2. Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or baguio beans. Adding prawns to this recipe will also be a good idea.

3. While blanching the veggies, you can precook the scallops to have a better blend of flavors and save time as well. You can cook this meal in less than ten minutes!

Bed Weather

2009-01-14T22:24:00.015+08:00

January and February of each year are usually the cold months in the Philippines. But there's something different with the weather this year. I grew up in the Philippines and I've never felt this cool breeze of air in our city before. The 17°C temperature is also consistent throughout the past days and nights. We're like living in Baguio City which is the coldest place in the country. (According to the news, the temperature in Baguio is almost 07°C today.) These exceptional colder days bring out my hibernating mode... and I'm not enjoying it.

My faithful alarm wakes me up at seven in the morning but these January winds and weak light are pulling me back beneath the sheets. This somber weather also frustrates my sports minded and physically active hubby. Gilbert has tendencies to hit the couch any moment too but I'm trying to motivate him in sticking with his exercise routine.

Close friends can affirm how much I prefer warm, sunny days with the blue sky, or fruit shakes and barbeque beside the beach. But I guess, I need to live up to it especially now they're saying that the earth is on the brink of Ice Age. Whoa! Let's prepare for that, just in case. (Source: http://english.pravda.ru/science/earth/106922-0/)

I was thinking of ways on how I can stay fit and at the same time, be more creative at home when the weather is this gloomy. So here goes my list:

1. Make myself busy - First thing that came to my mind is to do my household chores. I'm hitting two birds with one stone. Oooppss, make that three! Our little home is cleaner than ever. I have a fit and toned body through stretching. I'm being productive despite this chilly weather. Yippie! I started to clear off a section in our already too cluttered closet for our cold gear - jackets, scarfs, and thick socks.

2. Drink water - EVEN IF I am not thirsty. Remember that a person can be dehydrated in the cold as in the summer season. 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday is still advisable. Besides, it'll keep myself internally moisturized and prevent dry skin.

3. Care for my skin - When temperatures drop, it also zap the moisture on our skin. I replenish it by using mild soap to clean my face every morning and before I sleep. I also exfoliate and scrub my skin before showering at least once a week. And lastly, moisturize using a lotion everyday with a natural ingredient. Organic is better.

TIP: You can apply lotion on your feet at night and cover them with cotton socks to keep them moisturized. Believe it or not, I got this idea from my brother. He's a bit vain.

4. Exercise for my heart - At the end of the day, I'll enjoy the cold, quiet moment with the person I love. We'll drink that hot brewed coffee while exchanging stories and snuggling up! Surely, this is the best cure for cabin fever.

I guess this bed weather is not that bad after all.

Future Fashion Model

2009-01-13T15:39:00.004+08:00

Philippine Fashion models have a new competitor on the rise - my niece.

Quintin enjoyed every minute of her first birthday photo shoot. No wonder she was featured Baby of the month.

When we came back to get a copy of her pictures, we were all delighted to see her charming smile on the shop's advertisement. Of course, the beaming grandpa snapped a souvenir of his grand daughter's public photo and proudly announced "This is my grand daughter!" .

Photos from Colorado Photo, SM Pampanga

Hotel Vida - A Review

2009-01-13T00:35:00.015+08:00

August 8, 2008 was detox time from our busy lives as we took a day off and spent an overnight stay at Hotel Vida. This hotel is a true gem! It is located in Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City and it is nearby all that you would want to do in and around Clark.

What I like about it: It took me only about 15 minutes to make a phone reservation. We were then entertained promptly when we arrived. Our junior suite room was decorated exquisitely. We even have fresh fruits as welcome tokens for our stay.

The kitchen was very cozy with its modern style furniture.

Gilbert enjoyed the spacious living room and the comfy trundle bed.

The pool side view from our soft bed is also marvelous and the ambiance is very relaxing. All hotel staff were courteous and accommodating.

Salt Cafe/Restaurant was also excellent for fine dining. Waiters and chefs served us with a smile. Well worth the money!

What needs to be improved: First, they could have used bigger bathtubs in the hotel rooms. Don't get me wrong. The tub is clean and comfortable to soak in but my 5'11 hubby just couldn't fit in. I also realize that the tub is really small because water is rolling off the bath tub side and sliding off the edge when we shower. Second, when I made our reservation, I was guaranteed that Wi-Fi connection is free of charge. When we got our total bill, I was surprised to see an additional Php500 charge for Internet. Well, I was totally in-love with the place so I didn't protest about the misunderstanding anymore. We were very satisfied overall. We highly recommend it to our friends and relatives.

My ratings for this hotel are:
4 of 5 = Check in / front desk
5 of 5 = Quality of Service
5 of 5 = Value for Price
4 of 5 = Rooms (Bathroom, Kitchen, etc.)
5 of 5 = Cleanliness

You can view more about Hotel Vida by visiting their site: http://www.hotelvidaclark.com/

A Ten Minute Chat

2009-01-12T21:47:00.010+08:00

On my way to meet my sister-in-law in Clark, I got an intriguing text message from a good friend, Inna, so I rushed to eTelecare to meet her.

I saw her from afar with a big grin. We hugged each other firmly and at an instant, we were just like crazy radio actors narrating all the highs and lows of our lives. Imagine us chatting about these topics which were flowing sporadically in averagely ten minutes.

-She shared about the current status of their employment.
-I ached for her work concern.
-She confessed how sad she felt for recently arguing with another colleague/friend.
-I assured her it won't stain their relationship.
-She declared how happy she is now as a married woman.
-I attested the truth of her statement.
-She told me about Naning's health status after a minor home accident. (Naning is Cleo's daughter.)
-I praised my friend Cleo for being a super mom.
-She broke the news that she's three days delayed!
-I was ecstatic and advised her to see her OB Gyne right away.
-She stressed that she'll take care of herself for her baby.
-I encouraged her to try thebump.com online for her baby planner.
-She reminded me of the time and my appointment with my sister-in-law.
-I squeezed her tightly and thanked her for a lovely chat.
-She beamed a wide smile and kissed me goodbye.

So I drove away with mixed emotions - wishing I could stretch the time.

Recipe: Crispy Fried Chicken

2009-01-09T14:03:00.007+08:00

An ordinary, quiet evening is enough for you to try this simple, good for two recipe. It's easy to prepare and an absolute favorite! Preparation time is less than ten minutes and estimated cooking time is about 30 minutes.

What you need to prepare:
-Deep Fryer
-plastic storage bag
-two bowls
-tissue paper

Ingredients:

-chicken drumstick, 4 pieces
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon pepper
-1/2 teaspoon of Aji Ginisa Flavor Mix (or garlic powder)
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-1/2 cup milk
-1 egg
-breadcrumbs

-canola oil for frying

Let's start cooking:

1. Clean the raw chicken with water and pat to dry. Rub the chicken with salt and pepper. Let stand for one to two minutes.

2. Pour all-purpose flour and Aji Ginisa (or garlic powder) in plastic storage bag. Add the drumstick before sealing the bag. When completely sealed, turn chicken to coat evenly.

3. Beat the egg lightly in a medium bowl and add milk. Spread the breadcrumbs in another bowl. Meanwhile, heat frying pan with canola oil.

4. Dip the chicken in egg mixture then roll the chicken in the bowl of breadcrumbs.

5. Deep fry in medium heat until cooked in a lovely golden brown color. Repeat Step Four with remaining chicken. Drain on kitchen towels to remove excess oil before serving.

NOTES:

*Make sure that both the fryer and cooking oil are extremely hot before deep frying.

*Cook the chicken in medium heat. High heat will make your chicken golden brown but not cooked through.

*Try a mixture of Del Monte Catsup and Low Fat Mayonnaise for your dip.

I'll share with you my coleslaw and other side dish recipe next time. Enjoy your meal! Yum!

my priceless blessing

2009-01-08T01:06:00.002+08:00

Gilbert and I are seriously, annoyingly affectionate with lots of everyday hugs, winks and kisses. Today marks the fourth year of our married life and it still feels like we've just met. I learn something new from him and about him each passing time. Well, he's definitely not a saint with his flaws but his generosity and honest love overshadow them. He's a matured, sensible man with a waggish humor.

Our life together is like climbing a tall mountain. Naturally there are many inherent difficulties on our way to the peak, but we stop once in a while to appreciate the miracles we receive each day. We try not to set our eyes on the steeps, stony or icy paths we ascend because seeing only those will make our climb useless.

We do have a long way to go but just being with him in this journey is one of my priceless blessings.

my inner bride avatar

2009-01-07T11:15:00.006+08:00

Found this amusing inner bride avatar from theknot.com. It kept me busy the whole night!

You can create your own wedding bride, choosing all the details - from your skin type to your personal accessories. It's a cute way of seeing an animated version of your bridal look.

This is my cartoon wedding look in January 2004 (church wedding):

closer view

I would also want to celebrate and renew our marriage vows on our tenth year anniversary. Just for fun, here's how I would want to look like on that day.

closer view

Create one now using this path (http://weddings.theknot.com/myinnerbride/) and share it with your friends! Have fun!

Money-Saving Resolutions

2009-01-06T13:46:00.003+08:00

In 2009, I am committing to these money-saving resolutions.

- It'll break my heart but I need to ditch my designer coffee habit. It gave me palpitations years ago so I promised not to drink coffee anymore. Well as they say, promises are made to be broken. My hectic schedule as a trainer pushed me to drink that tempting, aromatic liquid again. So this year, instead of heading to SM Clark Starbucks, I'll settle with a cup of Nescafe classic at home.

- Goodbye to my credit card debt. I’ll need extra discipline to ignore whatever heels or lingerie that will catch my eye until I’ve paid my balance.

- Settling my bills online will save me both time and energy instead of going personally to the bank. Besides, I will have real time access to my income and expenses so BIG thanks to BPIExpressOnline!

- I will allocate a little more on our lot amortization. Allotting an additional Php5,000 a month on our current paying plan will save me around Php40,000 and I could pay it off over two years early.

- Sticking to my monthly budget is a bit difficult. If I can't keep up to it, I will try budgeting expenses weekly. It's always wise to know where our income is going and it'll help me determine any unnecessary expenses.

happy thoughts in 2008

2008-12-31T10:31:00.003+08:00

I'm feeling more anxious today than I should be. As the new year approaches, I have decided to take big risks and major decisions in my life. I feel so low and my eyes are about to swell in tears. I know that I should not let this anxiety swallow me. Before I finally say good bye to 2008, I want to reminisce some of the joyous moments and blessings I received this year.

January - What a charmed way to start the year as my first niece was born - Joaquin Afridel Cay Roque. We call her Quintin or Prinsesita (Tagalog word for little princess).

February - I finally got my own ride - Bruce. It's a Honda esi 95 model and Gilbert bought it second hand from a good pal, Alek.

March - After several years of amortization, we got our Land Title for the lots Gilbert and I purchased in 2002. At the same month, my brother Ejae and pretty sister-in-law Princess officially pledged to love one another in the sacrament of Matrimony. Hooray!

April - It was my birthday! More to that, the whole family spent an adventurous summer in Subic Island Cove, Zoobic Safari).

May - Gilbert's high-spirited family visited us for a gathering in one of Pampanga's swimming resorts. We celebrated my dear mother-in-law's 64th birthday.

June - Luck is on our side as we celebrated a Holy Mass and met the Healing Priest, Among Fernando Suarez.

July - Gilbert's birthday! I also had a chance to file for a voluntary time-off from work.

August - It's detox time from our busy lives. We took a day off and spent an overnight stay at Hotel Vida (Managed by Fuego Hotels and Properties). I was offered a reasonable Junior Suite package from the visually stunning tavern. So our 08-08-08 story was all about our Hotel Vida experience - from the cozy ambiance to the great staff service.

September - Wanting a more inspiring activity, we trekked Pampanga and journeyed to the Seven Churches.

1. Sta. Monica Parish Church, Minalin
2. Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando
3. St. Augustine Parish Church, Lubao
4. Immaculate Concepcion Parish, Guagua
5. San Guillermo Parish Church, Bacolor
6. St James Parish Church, Betis
7. Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles City
October - Together with good friends, Helen and Roel, we invaded Tagaytay City and Enchanted Kingdom for a weekend escapade.

November - With the help of our ever reliable carpenter, Kuya Bong, we had a temporary fence on our Holy Angel Village lot.

December - After ten long years of relationship, our close friends - Inna and Armand - finally tied the knot. It was a funny, romantic, coffee themed wedding.

Dwelling lovingly on each memory assures me that God has not given up on me. He was standing right next to me all throughout the year with His infinite love. To this day, I am surrounded with colleagues turned best friends, supportive families, and a loving better half.

I'll let this wonderful thought sink deep into my spirit.

Now I'm ready to welcome 2009.

seed starting

2008-12-29T22:35:00.005+08:00

Early this morning, I was exuberant seeing the first few Pomegranate leaves. Gilbert transferred them into separate plastic containers so we can plant them tomorrow in a bigger space. These plants can survive hot or cold temperatures although we only give them partial shade.

I'm not an expert in gardening but I would really want to have a simple garden at home and grow this healthy and delicious plant. I know I have to wait several years to enjoy them but it's definitely worth it.

my christmas wish

2008-12-25T23:48:00.003+08:00

...is to be accepted for who I am and to be loved for who I can still become.

pulling up the stakes

2008-12-22T15:42:00.005+08:00

One of the biggest decisions anyone could make is quitting their job. It isn't easy, believe me.

Later in the afternoon, I will formally tender my resignation as a Training Facilitator for eTelecare Clark Services. It was a decision that should have happened months ago. I kept on postponing it because I was too afraid to move out of my comfort zone.

my workstation (taken January 2007)

You see, I've been with the company since 1999. This is my first job and the place, my second home. I've spent almost a decade of laughter and trials with people I treasure. In fact, this is where I met the man of my dreams - we call it Love@AOL. (AOL is my original employer. It was acquired by eTelecare in October 2007.)

If there is one thing holding me back, that would be the wonderful relationships I have built both here and abroad. Some moved on with their lives outside the company. Others are still eager to climb the corporate ladder.

I have no plans to work in another call center but still, I want to resign tactfully as it is not wise to burn bridges. My work desk is free from clutter. I'm almost done disposing all paper documents, personal files and e-mail. I also coordinated with the Human Resource Department to confirm my benefit options. I want to leave my job with a clean slate, maintaining positive relationship with the company.

Am I afraid?
Yes, but what an irrational fear!

Am I ready?
It doesn't matter, does it? Ready or not, I've made up my mind.

Am I prepared not to get a regular paycheck?
I will be. Money isn't everything.

It is heartbreaking to say good bye but at the same time, I feel charged and elated to nourish my social and family life. I've contributed more than what was expected of me at work. It's time for me to move on.

living the fit life

2008-12-18T10:45:00.005+08:00

For the past few days, I have the urge to lose weight and increase my aerobic exercise. I was looking for a truly healthy weight range for my small frame and height. So thanks to the power of Internet, I got it confirmed at an instant - I am overweight.

Yikes!

Even if I don't have extra time for a strict work-out, it doesn't mean I couldn't stay fit. I need to lose those extra pounds. With the food feasting holidays fast approaching, I need to start now or I might end up gaining more weight. We know how tempting holiday meals are - with tasty array of pinoy kakanin (local sweets) and special banquets.

The solution? A more disciplined me.

I really want a healthier lifestyle and make an enjoyable exercise routine that I can keep. I'll start by parking the car a little farther from the main entrance at work for more walking experience. I'll take the stairs when shopping instead of using an elevator/escalator. I'm also considering pairing up with Gilbert in a weekly badminton game. He's always been my work-out buddy and he was telling me last night how eager he is to have me join his badminton group (again!).

I don't plan to starve myself to death but I'll definitely choose my meals more prudently by picking the right food (preferably fresh veggies or fruits) and eating only a good amount.

So there.

My plan: Exercise more and eat less.

I could start with that and then just add more routines the following months.

It may sound simple and uncomplicated but I need to work on it. And the best time to start is now.

they're selling what?

2008-12-17T10:59:00.005+08:00

Before I splurge on Christmas shopping, I made plans on how I can cut back on expenses. Checking out flea markets or "tiangge" before actually purchasing from malls is number one on my list. I usually find nice items with a much reasonable price in a tiangge.

And as Gilbert and I finally headed flea markets last weekend, we saw this funny sign.

It made me wonder at first if they were selling pear-shaped coins or a pear-shaped coin purse. When I double checked, what they're selling are simply coin purses. It was really a misspelled sign.

bridal shower (slightly scandalous) games

2008-12-15T18:12:00.005+08:00

A good friend is tying the knot on the 23rd of December. We want to make her really happy, so we planned a naughty fun bridal shower, setting the tone with "feel good" music and playing slightly scandalous games with an intimate group of pals.

The party kicked off with the Hot Cucumber game. At the start of the music, the goal is to pass the cucumber from between their legs to the next person to their left or right - but using only their legs. When the music stops, the person left with the cucumber between their legs will answer a question like Do you view sex as an emotional feeling or a duty, why?, Which do you think is important: performance or size, why?, and Have you ever been caught doing something naughty?

After learning a little about my friends' secrets, we proceeded to the second kinky game. The group was divided into two and each group should arrange (or should I say disarrange) an assigned room. The concept is "How will the couple's room look like after their honeymoon?" One group prepared a short skit depicting the couple's bed scene while the other group explained every funny detail of their room.

We took a quick break after a laughing session with the previous game. When everyone is eager for more fun, we proceeded to the third sexy, mind game. Still in two groups, they should come up with a complete sentence or thought about a given topic. Each group member is allowed to say only one word. The group who could come up spontaneously with a complete thought earns a point. The topics were:

1. Describe what the bride was wearing during their honeymoon.
2. Describe the bride's hair after their honeymoon.
3. Explain what the groom whispered to the bride after the honeymoon.

I can hear the walls shaking with tons of laughter and screams with this game. The last game was strictly for ladies. I gave them rolls of huge papers (flip charts) and masking tapes and their goal is to shape or form the paper into the best male anatomy. A friend who is almost four months pregnant won the game.

Then at late night, we started chatting, dancing and drinking. Funny how our discussion always turns to the opposite sex and relationships. We talked about why men cheat, why some women tolerate cheating men, what makes a marriage strong and more about families. We shared funny first kiss stories and showed the bride-to-be that she has our support. It was indeed a comfortable, memorable time with everyone laughing and worth reminiscing for the years to come.

if you read Cosmo, try this

2008-12-11T16:16:00.005+08:00

As a Taurean, I like keeping things in order, have my time organized and make my goals well planned. I started keeping a yearly planner when I was in high school. I plot my exam schedules, study hours, group activities, and so on. My reliable planner included my life long plans, social events and friendly dates in College. And when I worked as a Training Facilitator in AOL, I was given a yearly FranklinCovey organizer which costs around $60 to $70. (Great one, complete with address book, etc)

Now that 2008 is almost over, I had to buy a new planner. Thank God I found a fun and chic Cosmopolitan Date Book. It's as complete as my work planner but this one has a more creative design and pages.

It was designed specifically for a fun, fearless female. Hold on tight because it's not just an ordinary planner. It includes a budget tracker, life-changing ideas, so-fab fashion tips, exclusive freebies, mantras, helpful ways in managing a woman's life and yes, it even has a clear-cut plotter to track my monthly flow. Ain't that cool?

So to all Cosmo chicks out there, try this personalized daily planner. I bought mine at SM Clark, National Bookstore for only Php200.00.

Eat RICE and shine

2008-12-05T15:45:00.008+08:00

In other countries, rice is considered one of the best side dishes, but for us, Filipinos, it plays a major part of our food life. We don't call the food a meal without the rice.

Cooking rice is also a basic kitchen task yet many people have difficulty making it fluffy and tender especially when using a stove top rather than a rice cooker.

Here's how you can cook rice using a stove top:

Step One: Rinse the uncooked rice with water at least two times to remove the talc used in processing or other impurities. For other rice like Jasmine, soaking the rice for about 15-30 minutes after rinsing helps the rice reach its maximum length.

Step Two: Measure the amount of water for your rice. If you're cooking 1 cup of white rice, use 1 and 1/2 cup of liquid. Brown rice on the other hand, requires more water.

TIP: More water produces softer, stickier rice while less water results in firmer rice, making each grain distinct. Although Filipinos generally use water when cooking rice, you can experiment by adding salt or oil. Some countries, also use vegetable broth, chicken stock or beef stock to enhance the flavor.

Step Three: Cooking Process - Bring to boil. After boiling, you can place the cover at an angle, allowing steam to escape and then reduce to medium heat.

Step Four: When you can see the holes or craters, cover on the pan tightly, and reduce to low heat. Let it stand for another 5-7 minutes before serving for a more uniform texture.

Cooking rice on a stove top requires attention since you need to reduce the heat (or add more water) at a certain time. Of course, you would want to prevent scorching on the bottom of your pan. If you're in a hurry or you don't have time to check the cooking rice every now and then, you may want to use a rice cooker. Its ability to adjust the heat automatically will come in handy. Rice cookers cost around Php 300 to as much as 2,000, depending on the brand and size.

There are more than a hundred types of rice but here are some that I have in the pantry for everyday cooking:

White Long Grain rice - four to five times longer than its width and slender kernel, great with Filipino local dishes

White Jasmine rice – very fragrant rice, best in spicy food

White Japanese rice - white, clean, rounded grains and must be cooked properly to prevent it from being too sticky

Brown rice – unpolished and in its natural state with the inedible husk removed which makes it richer in vitamins and minerals than white rice, but takes longer to cook

Other rice that I'd like to try in the future are Wild rice (I heard that this is the most expensive type), and Avorio rice (common for European dishes like Risotto).

Every Filipino kitchen shelf is definitely filled with rice. We use it for our daily local meals, other Spanish derived dishes like paella or even for afternoon desserts like rice cakes. It doesn't really bother us because rice is indeed low in fats and calories and a great source of carbohydrates, similar to pasta and bread.

So if you're planning to create a heart-healthy food list, make sure to include rice as it provides fast energy and one of the easiest grains to digest. Eat RICE and shine!

Ronald McDonald on the loose

2008-12-03T11:48:00.003+08:00

On our way to Manila last week, we saw a glimpse of Ronald disguising himself as a biker.

How did we know it was him?

Check out those clown shoes :::wink:::

Mumbai Tragedy

2008-11-29T00:22:00.008+08:00

Reading the news today is disheartening.

Wave of terror attacked Mumbai's tourist, business, and financial district. Hostages were trapped inside Taj and Oberoi Hotels in Mumbai after police and gunmen exchanged fire. Casualty figures varied at this time but one thing is for sure - several innocent people were injured and killed.

photos from the internet

I unconsciously covered my mouth with my hand as I read the morning news. I have been to India in 2004, met a lot of good friends and stayed at an Oberoi Hotel in Bangalore. A CNN employee, Yasmin Wong, got a call from the Taj Hotel staff and was asked to turn her lights off, place a wet towel by her door, and never attempt to leave the room until further notice. I could imagine how horrible this experience could be.

Raging fire, explosions, black smoke, blood, panic and screams - Where has all the love gone?

Late in the evening, I saw mom and asked if she heard about the Mumbai terror. She nodded. I told her I was so frightened that this could also happen in our country. She inquired, "Why are you afraid of such thing? You should not fear anyone but the Lord."

I was dumbfounded. Mom was right. We can never predict what the future holds. It can be terrifying but come to think of it, I should know whom to trust. Our life is with the Lord, our only salvation.

Love and prayers
to all victims of the Mumbai tragedy.

one more top notch performer

2008-11-27T23:40:00.014+08:00

Another everyday companion is my silver, 7.1 megapixel Canon Digital Ixus 750 named Pixie. It has 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

There are nine different scene modes for beginners and a more advanced Manual mode for those who want greater control. Thanks to its self-timer (2 seconds, 10 seconds and custom), I can also shoot a maximum of 10 shots with my friends or family anytime.

This pretty camera is perfect at taking photos with precision and clarity. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Overall, Canon Ixus 750 is well-constructed with an ultra compact size and is one of the finest digital cameras that you should buy.

my first Pomegranate experience

2008-11-26T13:12:00.006+08:00

Gilbert flipped out when he saw a bag of Pomegranate at SM Hypermarket last week. He was like a fulfilled deep-sea treasure hunter with his energetic smile glowing from ear to ear. He was telling me about this "mysterious" fruit several years back. Tasting it first when he was just seven, he searched here and there. He actually claimed buying a Pomegranate (Granada as they call it here in the Philippines) months ago but he insisted it was not the one he tasted as a young child. With a twinkle in his eyes, he was assuring me that it was the right fruit this time. It was a bit expensive (Php 350.00 for two pieces) but I couldn't resist Gilbert's pleading charm so I placed the plastic bag in our grocery cart without hesitation.

So we bought the fruit and true enough, the experience was rather amazing.

He was trying to do two things at the same time when we reached home - his right hand was quickly scanning through some online sites about Pomegranate and his left hand was itching to open the fruit. The reddish, leathery-skinned fruit is nearly round and crowned at the base, similar to a guava. He was very impatient so he opened it by cracking it into half with his bare hands, making a mess, squirting some of the juices. You'll notice a white, spongy covering. Remove that carefully and you'll be surprised to see lots of vivid red sacs filled with very sweet and juicy pulps.

He handed me the other half, reminding me not to swallow the sac because it has a small seed inside. I ate it just like how I eat oranges. His eating style was unique though. He popped out the seeds using his fingers (much the same as how you remove corn kernels from the cob), pierced and sipped all the juice in his mouth and then spit the tiny seeds. Eating it was such a mess but it was "bloody" awesome.

It took him only about three minutes to finish his part. I gave him a stern look then he laughed so hard. I know him so well and I know he wants to get a piece of my share. I'm certainly enjoying the fruit too so he's not getting any. Well, not really. I handed him a few pulps after a couple of seconds.

While we're both savoring our Pomegranate moment, I took the opportunity to search images online about the fruit that he bought months back. It turned out to be a Dragon Fruit. He must have gotten confused at that time because both fruits are roundish and red.

We then collected all the tiny seeds and our next goal now is to plant them. It's difficult to find Pomegranate in the Philippines. I'm curious why this amazing, nutricious fruit is not readily available in our local markets. It's a tropical fruit and I think it's best to plant them here. We're looking forward in growing them successfully so we don't need to ransack every market.

Thanksgiving Awakening

2008-11-25T11:22:00.005+08:00

It's almost Thanksgiving. Although it is not much anticipated in the Philippines, I understand it's a time to express gratitude to God for a common purpose - usually for one's material and spiritual wealth. Most Americans prepare for this holiday with festive food and ambiance. There's obviously more to this holiday than feasting. Reflecting on what I have to be thankful for, I came to realize...

My career is not my only life. - Here's the math. I spend nearly 12 hours a day at work, 6-7 hours of sleep and only 4-5 hours for my husband/family/friends and spiritual moment. The smallest portion of my time is spent with the most important people in my life. This has been the case since 2005, after I got my promotion as a trainer. Don't get me wrong, I'm VERY thankful for my career but clearly, I can't keep it like this. Not now, not anymore.

The Lord's timing is always right and I don't need to be anxious. - There's a time for everything - cooking an elaborate meal, pressing on the car's brake pedal, hitting a shuttlecock or simply cracking a good joke. I am delighted with the Lord's flawless timing and I shall be eternally thankful for His presence in my life. Casting all my fears upon the Lord, I proclaim that He will provide what is best for me and Gilbert, in His time. Why should I worry when lilies of the field and the birds of the sky are cared for? How much more will our Heavenly Father take care of us? We have confidence in the Lord and we believe that He will grant us our little angel with His perfect love, in His perfect time.

The people I love can also hurt me. - I cherish friends and relationships. But I can't hide the fact that I'm stricken and wounded when people don't love me the way I love them. A close confidant is acting quite weird lately and a relative is showing insensibility and meanness. They're not the usual selfless, considerate, thoughtful people. It hurts me that they're indifferent but I try HARD to see the goodness in their hearts. Maybe, just maybe - they're passing through some personal struggles and I should not allow negativity to steal my peace and joy.

This Thanksgiving, I'll further examine my priorities, ask God's help in discerning what decisions to make and most certainly use these realizations to be a better me.

a boxing event

2008-11-24T12:36:00.005+08:00

When I saw my brothers watching a boxing event with much rapt and intent yesterday, gladness filled my heart. I can vividly remember their growing up years - mimicking boxers, committing mayhem around the house with their energy, exuberance, and ardor not simmering down.

They grew up together yet their qualities are entirely distinctive. One is laid back and lighthearted and the other is a systematic leader, full of conviction. They have one thing in common though - their sense of humor (I think it runs through our veins). Evening dinner and chit chats won't be complete without their comic antics tickling every member of the family.

Now that they're both of age, I pray to the Lord that they remain generous, loving and happy. May they counterpunch life's trials, throwing a series of uppercuts at problems, just like a professional, disciplined boxer who is utterly undefeated by a unanimous decision.

Deep in my heart, I know they were raised to be responsible and courageous. If their opponent gets aggressive and throws a jab at them, there's no doubt that they can block or slip past them and respond with an inside power punch.

They are in-charge of their own lives but I'll still be here to love them - unfailingly.

more about my phone...

2008-11-23T16:21:00.006+08:00

What cracks me up is that my dad, brothers and sisters are now wondering what I'll do with AiAi. My phone may be six year old but it really has a very few scratches and works perfectly well. They're hammering out a deal among themselves who gets to keep it.

I guess, they were encouraging me to upgrade to a newer phone all along because each one has a hidden desire for my Nokia 6310i.

Confessions of an addict

2008-11-22T15:19:00.006+08:00

I am an addict.

I am addicted to love.

This should be the reason I've developed an insatiable "thirst" for Edward and Bella's story. I must admit. I am yet another victim of the novel Twilight (by Stephenie Meyer).

This is not your ordinary horrifying, gory vampire novel. The plot has a unique light than the blood-sucking horror they were in the past. No black coffins, no bats, no cob webs, nor freaky hairstyles. It is indeed a spellbinding romance and suspense which “will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.”

I can so identify with Bella’s insecurities, clumsiness, and her irrevocable passion for love. And Edward, He’s definitely one H.O.T. vampire. I like how Meyer described his constant struggle against the primal pull of Bella’s scent. He resisted every urge although the answer was evident - change her - he couldn't damn her soul.

Gilbert got me a LIT file (original Bella’s perspective) and I got another PDF file (Edward’s perspective) from a friend. So I've buried myself in the novel four times in the last five days - on my personal computer, my mom’s computer, my office computer, my sister’s laptop, or my hubby’s PSP.

With every single chance, I go back to the last page I’ve read and satisfy my addiction.

Still can't get enough of Edward and Bella.

I was begging for more.

I don’t think I’m ready to read Meyer’s second novel, New Moon. I want to linger on this moment for quite some time. Reading it was like a breath of fresh romantic air, leaving me with a shivery, thrilling feeling after.

I’m like floating on my natural high.

Nokia still wins my heart

2008-11-21T11:03:00.013+08:00

I had a Nokia 6310i since 2002 and it did not disappoint me at all. It was one of the most impressive cellular phones at that time, brimming with technology that a business minded individual would need. I have abundant good memories with AiAi. (I name almost all of my things)

1. It has the ability to record sounds/voices with a maximum of two minutes. My ex-boyfriend, Gilbert (now my hubby) left me a secret message way back in 2003 and I still listen to it when I feel like listening to his voice.

2. The IR and Bluetooth capabilities also come in handy. Bonding time is "Snake" time with my brothers!

3. Its unbeatable battery life gives me much delight, knowing that it won't let me down today and the days after. It can go for a week (or more) without charging. In fact, I got in touch with my family when I was in India, Singapore, Malaysia and United States and never had a problem with connection.

4. It fits fairly in my pocket and easy to hold. I can bring it anywhere I go. When I need to buy some groceries, I only bring two things with me - cash and AiAi. I use the calculator feature and it keeps me within my budget.

5. It tirelessly wakes me up with its alarm every morning, reminds me what to do within the day and notifies me about special occasions with its reminder feature.

Regrettably, it is out of date for today's hot new phones. As you may already know, just about everybody in the Philippines has a cell phone. Even the unemployed, housewives, street vendors and young kids have one.

My close friends and family are teasing me about it for the longest time. They are all decided that I should upgrade. My dad and brothers enjoy spending evening dinners boasting that they're willing to buy it from me at Php500. No way! I bought it for Php16,000 in 2002. I defend myself and proclaim how useful it is for me. I tease them back saying they're just jealous of my iPhone (6310i). It may not have a built-in camera and the ring tone is monophonic but it still serves its purpose - I can make a call.

I tried sending a text message one day to a friend when the inevitable happened. AiAi froze. I stood still and I realized that "Oh, some good things never really last." I switched it off and turned it on again after a couple of minutes. It worked well after restarting it but I knew it was a sign.

The following weeks (or should I say months) were spent scouting for my next dear phone. It should still be Nokia. Definitely Nokia. I need a more reliable and smart phone, similar to AiAi or even better. Until I saw a perfect replacement for my veteran 6310i.

A shiny, gorgeous Nokia E71 caught my eye. It looks practical for someone with small, nimble fingers like mine.

After some thinking and persuasion from my family and close friends (again), I bought one a few days ago and I'm totally in-love with this miniature masterpiece.

Hello to Qwerty world! It was weird sending a text message on my first few attempts but I truly fancy the elegant, sleek design. With 3.2 megapixel camera, integrated wi-fi and GPS, 3G, memory card slot, large screen, adobe reader, polyphonic ring tones and quad band, what more can I ask for? It's like a pocket-sized laptop. I can check mails, surf the net, and download music anytime.

I'm so excited. I can't wait to make more precious memories with my new phone, Eva!

What I've done so far...

2008-11-20T10:46:00.008+08:00

"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom." - Laozi, Chinese mystic philosopher

Surfing the net today, I came across a compilation of fun, naughty, serious and inspirational things that any person could have done in their life. What a cunning way to know yourself better.

Mine are highlighted in red. Justified some of my revelations.

1. Flown a kite
2. Fallen asleep at work
3. Made a complete and utter fool of myself
4. Cheated while playing a game (adding spice to the game)
5. Attended at least one major sporting event
6. Felt an earthquake (it was terrible)
7. Been pushed into a pool/lake with all your clothes on
8. Skinny-dipped at midnight
9. Sent a message in a bottle
10. Touched a snake (life is short, touch a snake! make sure it's in a cage though)
11. Slept beneath the stars
12. Told someone the story of your life, sparing no details
13. Won a contest (no cheating this time)
14. Made love on a forest floor
15. Wrote a fan letter to your favorite celebrity (Shannen Doherty of BH 90210)
16. Hugged a tree
17. Lost over 20 pounds
18. Helped a stranger
19. Built your own PC from parts
20. Talked on the phone for more than 6 hours straight
21. Showered in a waterfall
22. Asked for a raise (I need a raise Dad!)
23. Sang a great song in front of an audience (well, it was great for me)
24. Used a fake ID
25. Spent a whole day reading a great novel (Twilight!!!!)
26. Learned to bartend
27. Not taken a shower for three days (after a major surgery, i just couldn't)
28. Fired a pistol, shotgun or rifle (Gilbert is a gun enthusiast)
29. Had more than 30 pairs of shoes at a time
30. Wrote your name on a public place (good old high school days)
31. Got up in a hot-air balloon
32. Collected stamps
33. Slept naked
34. Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back (sob)
35. Been arrested
36. Slapped a person (he deserve it!)
37. Gone on a blind date
38. Had a threesome
39. Asked forgiveness from an enemy (It was hard but it felt good)
40. Farted in a crowded space (I'm human!)
41. Witnessed a crime
42. Been to a strip club
43. Met someone from the Internet in person
44. Made cookies from scratch (and cakes too!)
45. Gone backstage at a concert
46. Lain outside in the grass and watched cloud shapes go by
47. Spent a holiday alone
48. Been suspended from school
49. Had braces
50. Felt like an outcast
51. Eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night
52. Had major surgery
53. Totaled a car (not much, thank God!)
54. Donated cash to an orphan shelter
55. Paid for a meal with only coins
56. Been to the opposite side of the world
57. Learned to Tango
58. Mentored someone at work
59. Cried yourself to sleep
60. Swum in the ocean
61. Created your Family Tree
62. Thrown up in a bar
63. Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t
64. Made prank phone calls
65. Fed a homeless man
66. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
67. Cut down on clutter (once a month, at least)
68. Gone bungee jumping
69. Screamed in public
70. Had a one night stand
71. Kissed a mirror (applied lipstick - curious how my lips looked like)
72. Gotten your fingers stuck together with super glue
73. Volunteered at a home shelter
74. Shoplifted
75. Had a crush on a teacher
76. Pretended to be a superhero (i'm a wonder woman fanatic)
77. Played a guitar or piano
78. Been kissed under the mistletoe
79. Saved another person's life
80. Crashed a party
81. Seen a tornado
82. Wrote an article for a newspaper (The Voice - our town's local newspaper)
83. Drove a race car
84. Cooked a gourmet meal
85. Winked at a cute stranger
86. Hosted a big event at work
87. Been a cheerleader
88. Lied about your real age

Wow, my life's not that plain after all.

day one

2008-11-19T16:24:00.002+08:00

My husband laughed to the highest heavens and called me a late bloomer when I told him I’m ready to start my blogging career. I kept a diary as a child and writing has always been my first love.

The last few years have been a shuffle of radical life events and I can't seem to catch my breath – getting a promotion, marrying my best friend, moving to an apartment as our new home, trying to conceive, losing a dear aunt, opening a water station business, transitioning to a new company. All of which require me enormous mental, spiritual and physical strength. Despite the hectic days and never ending demands, I know something is missing.

I was thinking that if I could start writing again, it would give me time to relax, express myself and connect with the real world. Hoping that this would help me focus on what truly matters to me. I want to appreciate love and treasure life.

I missed so many chances of making myself a better person, countless opportunities to show people I care about how I truly feel and moments that I could have shared my success to people dear to me.

Starting today, I’ll do what I love to do. I’ll do the things I always wanted to do and I’ll do the things that I thought I could never do.

So roll up your sleeves, brace yourselves and get ready as I venture the up’s and down’s of my life and my metanoia.