The Wooden Spoon

10

2010-06-05T00:00:00.003+08:00

Getting there.

Mayk Mine Nine

2010-05-05T09:38:00.001+08:00

Every stick tells a story.

Some are happy. Some are sad.

Some are so bad, they almost broke our hearts.

Whatever the story, however it unfolded,

The best part was how we never let go 'til the end.

Here's to more rich and exciting stories with you.

To Infin8ty and Beyond

2010-04-05T22:46:00.002+08:00

This is eIghT.

The Many Faces of Tami

2010-03-22T13:39:00.000+08:00

I am very thankful and feel so blessed that I get to see that face everyday.

Happy Birthday, Tami! I love you so much.

We March On...

2010-03-05T14:20:00.013+08:00

How many hearts can you spot in the picture?

More hearts to come...

This is My February

2010-02-24T00:28:00.000+08:00

Someone pointed out that I have not been giving my blog some (good, good) lovin.

I suddenly remembered that yes, I do have a blog site! As usual, I blame work for hindering me from posting updates on my existence. Although, I don't think that a lot of people are really that interested in what I do on a regular basis. Except probably for the occasional stalker. And those who are genuinely interested are always kept in the loop and in the know of the goings-on in my life.

Speaking of goings-on, a lot has happened since I last posted something here.

A good friend celebrated (not with wine, though) the impending arrival of the stork. After waiting for quite some time, her li'l bundle of joy is on her/his way. In about the same time that I learned about this good news, I received the shock of my life when an old friend told me about the sudden passing away of a friend who happened to be an org-mate when I was in college. He was not even in his thirties. :-(

Work has been very challenging. I had no other option but to rise to the challenge. Multiple tasks and roles have assigned to me. I would like to believe that I carried them out pretty well, albeit some frustrating moments. A lot of frustrating moments, in fact. I survived though. Relatively unscathed. What does not kill me makes me stronger. It was a very good learning experience, though and I am very grateful for the opportunity and the several pats on the back I received from people who mattered.

Speaking of people who matter... =)

What matters is not what I post here but what I tell you everyday. In a nutshell, though,

happysixmonthshappybirthdayhappyheart'sday.

High 5 for 5 on 5

2010-01-05T21:02:00.001+08:00

Who'd have thought we'd reach this far?

Actually, we never really doubted it, did we? =D

2009-12-19T10:49:00.000+08:00

I've been meaning to write something here...anything. Unfortunately, I never get around to doing that.

So many things to write about, so little time to organize them into coherent ideas. I might be able to do that. I hope to be able to do that. =)

The past weeks have been uber busy. I was multi-tasking all over the place! I never thought I could accomplish so much in a short period of time! The downside to that? Several: less quality time with the kids, additional callous on my soles because of walking around so much, harried and hurried decisions, and sleeping when I shouldn't be.

I hope I do get to update my posts here. I will try to do that soon. Before the year ends, at least. ;p

Fourever

2009-12-05T14:55:00.000+08:00

Four now. Fourever.

Support Team Get-Together

2009-11-14T23:55:00.002+08:00

Much needed R&R of the Support Team.

Happy Meal

2009-11-10T21:14:00.003+08:00

Best meal I've had in a while.

For Sunday lunch, Lem, the kids and I went to Wok at The Avenue Square on Magsaysay Avenue.

Wok is a Chinese restaurant and has been around for a long time now. They serve really delish authentic Chinese cuisine.

Lunch consisted of Crab and Corn Soup (approved by Tami), Chicken with Honey (served on a nest of crispy noodles), Sweet and Sour Pork (Enzo's choice), and (Lem's fave veggie) Broccoli with lotsa shrimp! Yum-mee.

The food was good but what made things better were the people I was with. They were such great meal companions. Being with them was sheer pleasure. =D

Thanks to my uber gwapo lunch dates, Lem, Enz, and Tam.

Ain't I the lucky one? ;-)

Comfort Food

2009-11-10T20:55:00.004+08:00

Sweets with my sweet. ;-)

Black Forest Freddoccino, Mocha Freddoccino, and sinfully decadent Chocolate Decadent Cake
*Mocha Blends at The West Park, Magsaysay Avenue

Terzo

2009-11-05T15:54:00.000+08:00

Life threw me a lemon.

I've been making lemonade for 3 months now.

The sweetest I've ever had.

In Memoriam

2009-11-01T11:04:00.000+08:00

Salvador, Magdalena, Jeremias, and Felisa: we will always remember you and the love you showered us. Your memory will remain in our hearts.

¡La Quesadilla!

2009-10-22T23:45:00.003+08:00

This snack is very easy to prepare and is both yummy and filling.

Spread about 5 spoonsful of bottled salsa

On one piece of tortilla

Sprinkle generously with cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or both!)

Top with another piece of tortilla

Toast over a non-stick pan.

Slice into bite-size pieces with a pizza cutter or knife.

Comemos, amigos.

Sake Time at the Metro

2009-10-20T13:41:00.005+08:00

I first learned about Tokyo Tokyo Metro in one of the issues of Yummy Magazine. After telling Lem about it, we decided that we would check the place out once we have the opportunity. Months passed and we heard opportunity zealously knocking at the door.

Since it has been a while since I've read about the article, we kinda forgot (SOA) whether Tokyo Tokyo Metro is located at Glorietta 5 or Greenbelt 5. Lem said that chances are, it's located at Greenbelt 5 since that is where most high-end restos are located. I told him that Tokyo Tokyo Metro is not exactly what one would consider as a high-end resto. The article on Yummy would have mentioned that. We decided to ask one of the persons manning the concierge desk at Glorietta. She said that all she knew was there is, indeed, a Tokyo Tokyo at G5. She wasn't sure, though whether it's the Metro version. Such a big help. =(

Filled with uncertainty, we walked, nonetheless, towards Glorietta 5. Once we reached the entrance, we rushed to the nearest directory and checked the listing for Tokyo Tokyo Metro. We were at the right place. *insert happy jig here*

Assorted Maki + Cold Sake = Japanese Bliss

We went to Tokyo Tokyo Metro for the Sake. The (relatively) new resto is a little different from the regular Tokyo Tokyo as it serves alcoholic beverages. It is patterned after the Japanese izakaya, a type of drinking establishment frequented by office people after a hard day's work. That is why, aside from sake, they also serve local and Japanese beer.

I have never had sake before. Hence, the excitement at finally being able to imbibe some. When our sake arrived, we stared at the bottle for a couple of seconds before hastily opening the bottle and promptly pouring ourselves a glassful each. *kampai!*

I am not a sake expert but I liked the taste of that particular bottle. It was easy on the nose and the throat, to say the least. =)

Of course, what is Japanese dining without a plateful of maki? We ordered an assortment of makis (is there a plural form?). There was, of course, California Maki, Tuna Maki and a coupla pieces of tuna sashimis. *insert again happy jig here*

Was that all we ordered? Nope. Bring in the bento box.

There were huge prawns, some cabbage salad, a piece each of kani sushi and egg sushi, miso soup and a bowlful of rice. It was good enough for 2 people! =)

After we were done with the meal, though, we realized that we still had a lot of sake left in the bottle. So, we decided to order more food! After perusing the menu, we decided to try the yakitori. They offer chicken, pork and beef. Of course, we wanted to try all three so, we ordered the sampler. I didn't get to try the pork yakitori but i did bite into the chicken and beef. They were soooo tender and grilled just right.

What did we have for dessert? 2 pieces of the fudgiest fudge brownies came with the bento box. It came with a dipping, ehrm, icing. The bittersweetness of the brownies complemented pretty well the delicate and fluffy icing that had a slight hint of coffee. =D

After polishing off our dessert, I stared longingly at the sidewalk outside. I was hankering to light up a stick and pollute my lungs.

2 thumbs up for Tokyo Tokyo Metro. We shall come back for the food and of course, the sake. =)

333 =)

Ang Lider ng Dating Raan

2009-10-13T21:51:00.002+08:00

Minuend and Subtrahend

2009-10-13T21:45:00.002+08:00

Spot the Difference.

Power of Two

2009-10-05T21:16:00.000+08:00

1 is a lonely number. 2 is better.

Birthday Dinner (July 21)

2009-10-05T12:15:00.001+08:00

This is sooooo long overdue...

I had every intention of posting this ASAP but for some reason...or a lot of reasons, I never got around to do that.

Anyways, for mother's and Enzo's joint birthday dinner, we decided to go to this quaint Italian inspired resto at Cereza on Magsaysay Ave.

Grissini Ristorante is tucked in the back of the group of restos and cafes at Cereza. It is warmly lit and looks really welcoming. It actually looks more like a trattoria than a ristorante. The sign says ristorante, though. So, ristorante it is! =D

After we were seated and (tried) to settle down, perused the menu, then gave our orders to the (uber patient) waiter. Waiting on us requires a lot of patience. Being a bunch of food lovers, we sometimes find it hard to decide on what to order.

Complimentary bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip

After much deliberation, these are what we decided to try:

Insalata Verde

Mixed greens (mostly lettuce, actually) with slices of onions, tomatoes, cheese shavings and drizzled with some vinaigrette.

Ravioli di Spinaci

Spinach Ravioli in Alfredo Sauce with Grated Parmesan Cheese. This is an okay dish 'cept that I think they forgot to drain the spinach. It's also a bit dry and bland. I still managed to polish it off, though. =D

Creamy Tuna Penne

Now, this we really loved! The pasta is cooked al dente. It was seasoned just right. Plus, unlike most dishes that involve fish, this doens't smell fishy at all. Tami really loved this and helped himself to seconds and thirds.

Roasted Pork with Baby Potatoes

There wasn't really anything extraordinary about this dish..there was just a need to order a meat dish for Enzo.

Pizza di Quattro Formaggi

I forgot what kinds of cheeses exactly were included in this pizza. Definitely, there's blue cheese and some parmesan. I don't know what the other two were. I forgot to ask. It doesn't matter, though. The pizza was va' bene! Molto bene, in fact! Tami had no qualms eating it, blue cheese and all.

Steamed Salmon with Basil Pesto

The very reason why we decided to dine at Gressini...mom wanted to eat this dish again...The fish was oh-so tender yet disappointingly under seasoned.

In all, it was a good dining experience.

Many are Cold But Few are Frozen

2009-10-03T17:19:00.001+08:00

A couple of days after Ondoy ravaged a large part of Metro Manila, the news of a another oncoming typhoon was splashed on the internet and evening news. Everybody braced themselves for another encounter with nature.

After reading about the oncoming typhoon, I kinda forgot about it. It was Monday when I first read about that. It was supposed to make landfall on Friday afternoon. Since I was busy with work (work, and more work!) in the days that followed, it didn't occur to me that the reason why it was raining heavily when I woke up on Friday was because there was a typhoon! I was clueless as well when text messages from applicants started coming in, asking whether the interviews that we have scheduled for that day will still take place. Yes, of course, I told them. Why on earth not? I thought to myself.

It was only when I went downstairs to have brekkers that I remembered that Typhoon Parma (woot) was supposed to make its grand entrance that day. LGUs, NGOs and the media were in close coordination in the effort to prevent another 'Ondoy incident' from taking place in Cam Sur. I wanted to just stay at home and crawl under the covers but of course, a recruiter's work is never done. I had to report for work, come hell or high water (literally and figuratively). So, armed with a big, nay, huge umbreller, I slipped on a pair of rubber slippers, rolled up my jeans and hailed a ride to the office.

Although there were some brave applicants who still went to the office in spite and despite the downpour, we had to get in touch with the rest of the people whom we scheduled for an interview that day. After all the applicants left, the team decided to have lunch. When we went outside, we found out, much to our dismay, that the street in front of our building was already flooded. There was no way we could get to our usual lunch place without getting drenched. Since we were not yet done for the day, we decided to just order in and have lunch in the office.

We hurriedly finished all reports that needed to be submitted that day because we really wanted to go home as early as possible. It was just 4PM and already, it was starting to get really dark. After submitting all reports and replying to all important emails, we had to complete one last task before we called it a day: take an online assessment.

The online assessment is supposed to be part of the recruitment process for one of our programs. We had to take it to experience it first hand. While in the middle of taking the assessment, however, my phone rang. It was pop. I had to cancel the call since I was not yet done with the assessment. When he couldn't get in touch with me, he sent a text message saying that parts of Panganiban Drive (one of the major thoroughfares in Naga City and where I usually pass on my way home) was already flooded. He told me to use my best judgment when deciding whether I would go home or not.

No way was I gonna get trapped in the office! I definitely did not want to spend the night there. I wanted to go home so I hurriedly finished the assessment. Not bothering to doublecheck my answers and sometimes just taking wild guesses when I couldn't immediately figure out the answers. Eventually, I was done. Flood or no flood, by George, I was gonna go home.

I left the office together with my team mates. When we got to Panganiban drive, there weren't any available public transportation. A number of private vehicles sped by but no jeepney nor tricycle. We all decided to walk then. The sooner we got to downtown Naga, the better. We were pretty sure that we could get a ride home there.

The street was indeed starting to get flooded. I waded in the water. I still successfully got my jeans wet even after rolling them up again because the water was more than ankle deep. My companions were telling me to get out of the water and walk on the sidewalk where the water was not so deep. I was actually having fun wading in the water so I told them I was okay...until they warned me of snakes that might be gliding in the flood. Ssssssnakes! Eeeep! Fast as lightning, I ran to the sidewalk.

Eventually, a jeepney ambled by and we scrambled in after it stopped in front of us. It was a good thing since when we got to the really flooded part of Panganiban Drive, we found out that it was indeed flooded. Knee-deep, almost. Ack! When we passed by Panganiban Bridge, I noticed that the river almost reached the bridge. I hope it didn't rise any further. Otherwise, since we live on the riverbank, if it overflows, it would most definitely spill over into our backyard. If it rises even more, into the house.

The Bicol River, as seen from our backyard. Photo by Bro. Jay.

After the slow jeepney ride, we finally reached downtown Naga. It a while for me to find a tricycle to take me home. I did find one eventually. I reached home safely. Thank God.

It was a good thing that even thought typhoon Parma was tagged as a super typhoon it did not wreak as much havoc as expected.

Thank you very much to all family, friends and loved ones who expressed concern and prayed for our safety in the midst of the typhoon.

More pictures from Naga City Deck.

Higit Sa Lahat, Tayo ay Pilipino

2009-09-29T19:54:00.002+08:00

In times like this, it is good to know that there have been times like this.

Once again, the Filipino people's indomitable human spirit is put to test. We will, yet again, prove to the world that there is nothing that can put our nation down.

We are a country divided by various political affiliations, religious beliefs, scandals, intrigues, and whatnot. Apart from Pacquiao's fights, however, we are a nation united by calamities. When adversities come our way, we close ranks and pull all stops in helping those who were not as fortunate as us.

Here in the Bicol Region, we have had more than our fair share of calamities. Being the typhoon belt of the Philippines, we have experienced countless typhoons in varying degree of intensity. Over the years, we have lost thousands of family and friends to raging floods and landslides as well. Eventually, we have learned to accept typhoons as part of our life.

Although we may sometimes feign nonchalance at the threat of an oncoming typhoon, we will never be impervious to the sight of the victims of calamities in other parts of the country. Here is our small contribution to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy: Concert for A Cause.

Thanks to Naga City Deck for the link and the update.

N.B.

I heard on the news this morning that the Naga City Council passed a resolution yesterday to release Php500,000.00. This will be donated to LGU-Marikina, which is one of Naga City's sister cities. Vice-Mayor Gabby Bordado said that the fund will be released and forwarded to the City Government of Marikina within the week.

The fund is relatively small compared to the donations given by other entities. I am positive though, that it will still be of some help.

I hope that it will be put to good use.

Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce

2009-09-27T22:15:00.005+08:00

Currently Enzo's favorite, this pasta dish is very simple and easy to make. Even a kid could make this. Afterall, Enzo did! =)

The ingredients are very common and can be found in any pantry or grocery (if you don't have them yet).

Cook pasta of your choice according to package directions. The sauce is kinda thick so you might want to use pasta of "sturdier" make such as spaghetti, penne, farfalle rigatoni and the like. I used rotini (swirl) this time since the kids find the shape fun and interesting.

For the sauce, roughly chop 1 onion and saute in olive oil until it turns translucent. Add 2 cups of tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper. Add a teaspoon of dried basil and least 5 cloves of finely chopped garlic and let simmer until sauce reduces and slightly thickens. Add half a cup of grated cheddar cheese and stir thoroughly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until cheese melts. You may use other relatively soft cheeses and even Parmesan cheese as well. Once cheese melts, gently pour in a cup of all-purpose cream. Stir continuously and allow the sauce to simmer but never let it boil. Combine with cooked pasta. Serve hot and with some warm, thick bread on the side. The bread is best for mopping the sauce from your plate. =)

Buon Appetito!

Thank You.

2009-09-24T12:04:00.000+08:00

"The imperfections of the human state are outweighed by the glory of human love..."

Thank you very much for loving and accepting this human state, imperfections and all.

924

2009-09-24T00:11:00.002+08:00

To the good times and the bad. Cheers, old girl.

Bitter Swill to Pallow

2009-09-23T13:32:00.001+08:00

I'm like a kid all over again.

When I was a kid, I used to get sick a whole lot. The hardest part of getting sick was having to take all the medicines prescribed my pedia. I have never liked the smell and taste of any medicine and I always have a hard time ingesting them

Growing up, I realized that there is an even harder pill to swallow. The bitter truth.

Fiesta Eats!

2009-09-22T20:47:00.000+08:00

What's a fiesta without food?

Every year, mom endeavors to serve good food that our guests will love and appreciate. There are some tried, tested and popular dishes that she serves every year. Usually, though, since we have guests who come over every fiesta, she tries to change the menu every year and is careful not to serve the same dish over and over year.

Super Soft Pork Steak

Potato Salad

Pork Humba

Catfish in Hot and Spicy Coconut Cream Sauce

Crispy and Crunchy Breaded Chicken with Sweet Sauce

Australian Mixed Vegetables (that's what the recipe says, I swear!)

Spicy Hot Chicken Salpicao

La Piece de Resistance: Creamy Mango and Jelly (I couldn't get enough of this stuff)

Fruit, Wine and Beer!

What will we be cooking next year? You gotta come over to find out! =)

2009-09-22T17:45:00.000+08:00

Enzo lost a tooth today. One of his lower incisors fell to give way to the permanent tooth.

This is again, one of the many milestones in his life. As always, I have separation anxiety attacks whenever something significant happens to him...

That's all part of motherhood, I guess... =)

Fluvial Procession 09

2009-09-21T11:18:00.004+08:00

The annual Fluvial Procession, as seen from our backyard.

The Fluvial Procession marks the end of the Peñafrancia Fiesta in Naga City. The image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Ina) is carried on foot from the Metropolitan Naga Cathedral by Voyadores until the Tabuco Bridge. She is then transferred to a huge barge manned by, ehrm, men from the Church, government and other sectors of society (traditionally, women are not allowed to accompany Ina). The barge then makes its way through the Bicol River until it reaches the riverbank near the Basilica Minore, the Shrine of Ina.

Huge crowds would gather along the riverbank, lighting candles, waving white hankies, praying and zealously shouting 'Viva la Virgen.'

**More pictures, courtesy of Dyehri.

Murphy Was with Me Tonight

2009-09-18T03:34:00.001+08:00

Murphy decided to pay me a visit tonight.

There I was, all set to go home from work when boss called and asked if I could please be kind enough to update and send another report before I left? I had to acquiesce since it was either that or allow our unit to incur the wrath of the almighties. After finishing the report, I sent it to boss and asked if I could now leave and go home. He said that he forwarded my email to Makati and would I please not move a muscle until he receives word that no other info, data, and whatnot were needed. So I did. Or rather, didn't. Move a muscle, that is.

Oh, hey, he said after several minutes. We need to make some changes. Please edit the data accordingly. And I did. While I was in the middle of carrying out the instructions, I received yet another call. It was boss again. Turned out, there was no need to edit the report because the one I sent previously was already a-okay. Undo. Undo. Undo.

My team mates and I finally got the go ahead to, ehrm, go ahead and head for home. =) It was, afterall, already 1AM. We were at the office for almost 15 hours...time to rest the weary soul.

When we went out of the building, we were greeted by the deafening sound of pouring rain. It was raining so hard! We had to go back inside to grab some umbrellers. Each armed with an umbreller, we decided to brave the rain. We had to walk a bit (okay, more than a bit) since there weren't any available ride anywhere near the building.

It was cold. Our umbrellers didn't provide much protection from the water. There was a slight breeze so it weren't just our footwear and the hem of our pants that were getting wet. Almost every part that the umbreller didn't cover was starting to get wet as well. *sigh*

We have walked a substantial distance when we saw a chariot approaching. Okay. It was just a tricycle. But to a trio of drenched, cold, tired, and hungry workers, it seemed like it was a ride sent by the gods from the high heavens. When the tricycle stopped in front of us, we hurriedly scrambled in lest it turned into a pumpkin...and my team mates might turn into mice as well. Yes, Dyehri, I know that you'll be reading this. And when you do, kindly show this to JJ as well. Ha. Ha. Ha.

My rich team mates got off at their stop in downtown Naga. They didn't have any change on them so I had to pay for their fare as well. You're still reading this, aren't you, Dyehri? =D

The rest of the ride home was uneventful (thank God for small miracles). I got off at my place. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, I was proven wrong. It rained harder and when I reached our gate...It was locked! I contemplated on just climbing over the gate to get to the other side. Then again, the night (or early morning) wasn't really going so well that all sorts of things imaginable and unimaginable, even, might happen while I was climbing the gate. Not a good idea, I decided. So, I took out my phone and called my brother. Ehrm. Not picking up. I called my father instead. Good thing he picked up after a thousand rings. Okay, after just several rings. When you're out in the rain, tired and freezing, it would seem that way. Theory of Relativity. I think. Anyway, he picked up and told me to wait a bit while he got the key and went out to unlock the gate for me.

While waiting for what seemed like eternity (relativity, again), came the piece de resistance. A big Pajero came speeding by. When it whizzed by me, it brought memories of the uber fun Jurassic Park Ride at Universal Studios. What happened next was not fun, though. The Pajero was going so fast that it splashed tons of water as it sped by leaving a veeery drenched bystander in its wake. I wouldn't really have minded that much had that bystander not been me.

*sigh*

Eventually, my father came out with the key and let me in.

I am still seething at the series of events that Murphy contrived to happen to me tonight. I'm too worked up to go to sleep.

I am starting to calm down though. I see Khaled Hosseini on my side table. He'll keep me company until I drift off to sleep.

Toodles, then. Mustn't keep Khaled waiting. ;-)

Voyadores Parade 09

2009-09-17T16:25:00.007+08:00

VIVA LA VIRGEN!!!

Some weeks after a school year opens, up until Peñafrancia Fiesta Week, schools, colleges and universities in the entire Bicol Region busy themselves with the preparations for the Annual Peñafrancia Festivities.

One of the much-awaited activities is the Voyadores Parade.

Loosely translated, voya means to transport something to another place. A voyador, therefore, is someone who transports something to another place. Makes sense?

During the Peñafrancia Fiesta, the voyadores are men who are responsible for bringing the image of the Lady of Peñafrancia (otherwise known to Bicolanos and other devotees as Ina or 'mother' in Bicol), on foot, from the Basilica Minore to the Metropolitan Naga Cathedral. Men from various socio-civic, religious and government organizations take turns in carrying the image until it reaches the Cathedral. This event is known as the Traslacion, which marks the novenarium in honor of Ina.

*Click here for more pictures of the Traslacion*

Quite recently, the Voyadores parade has been included in the long list of parades and activities during the fiesta.

Representatives from schools, colleges and universities re-enact the traditional Traslacion and incorporate songs and dances. The result is a wild display of color and festive music fill the air as well.

Truly, Bicolanos do everything to make their fiesta as fun and lively as possible...all in honor of the woman they love the most---the Ina of all Bicolanos, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia.

More Murakami, Please!

2009-09-14T12:24:00.006+08:00

Last night, I reached and read the last page of Haruki Murakami's collection of short stories, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman. I started reading the first of the 24 stories some months ago...For some reason, whenever I tried to finish the book, I dozed off after a few pages...some people suggested (explicitly) that this could be a sign of aging. If so, then how come I stay wide awake and finish all the other books and reading materials that I've read recently? =p

No matter, I finished reading Murakami's book and that's what matters the most.

Reading Murakami's short stories leaves you with a certain je ne sais pas quois. You read a story. You finish it. Then you ask yourself, "What the ef just happened?"

Some of his stories are easy to categorize...they're either sad, depressing or poignant. Some left me speechless and stumped and...argh! I can't even describe it!

I finished the darn book. I enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to reading more of his works.

'S all! =)

The Sum of All Fears

2009-09-04T12:33:00.004+08:00

What scares you?

Bugs, snakes, vermin, relationships, committment, death...we are afraid of a lot of things. Sometimes these fears are a result of various past experiences. Some, though, are totally unfounded and sometimes, downright preposterous. Some fears are manageable while some, unfortunately, manage to take control over your life.

Life is too short to be spent being afraid. There's a choice, really. You can spend your life being afraid or you can start taking control over your fears. You can either try to run away and escape from what you fear the most or you can face it, embrace it and conquer it.

September

2009-09-01T11:35:00.004+08:00

I can't believe it's already September. Once again, time flew by with nary a glance at my direction...

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

2009-08-04T15:21:00.006+08:00

I was smoking and getting my usual early morning dose of caffeine when I noticed a couple of big, black butterflies fleeting in the backyard.

As they went about with their business, I contemplated on the fact that I've been seeing a lot of black butterflies in our backyard recently. They could be the same pair that I see everytime. Is it just coincidence then, that a lot of people I know have been dying in the past of weeks?

I've always wondered why black butterflies have been associated with death. I believe that they're too beautiful to be associated with something that evokes pain and sadness. Is it because the lifespan of most butterflies are too short? Most of them live for just a few days, the lucky ones get to roam various gardens for a maximum of 1 year.

Watching them from my perch, I wondered what I would do, how I would live my life if I were to be given just a few days to live. I was stumped. Thinking about that almost gave me a headache. Afterall, looking back at how I've been living my life, after all these years, I still have very little, or nothing even, to show for it. If I quietly leave, I'm afraid that nobody will even notice.

Here today, gone tomorrow.

From Baby Boomers to Generation X-ers

2009-07-30T15:54:00.004+08:00

Sharing this...from an email that was sent by yet another cousin. Ehrm, yes, I come from a rather large family. Literally and figuratively.

TO ALL PINOY KIDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE 50's, 60's, 70's and early 80's!

First, some of us survived being born to mothers who did not have an OB-Gyne, smoked and/or drank San Miguel Beer or Syoktong, while they carried us. The manghihilot was the cheapest way to deliver babies. Dinala ka ba ng nanay mo sa pediatrician for DPT? While pregnant, they took cold or cough medicine, cortal or medicol, ate isaw, and didn't worry about diabetes or cervical cancer.

Then after all that trauma, our baby cribs were made of hard wood covered with lead-based paints, pati na yung walker (andador) natin, matigas na kahoy or rattan at wala pang gulong.

We had no soft cushy cribs that play music, no disposable diapers (lampin lang), Noon cloth or rattan duyan lang tied to the posts or ceiling, babies fell asleep sa sobrang hilo.

When we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, no kneepads, sometimes wala pang preno yung bisikleta.

Take-out food was limited to Ongpin's pansit or Aling Toyangs pre-cooked ulam in kalderos. No pizza shops, McDonalds, KFC, Subway, Jollibee; and, coffee was just kape hinde ga-mahal as in Starbucks.

As children, we would ride in jeepneys libre pag kandong, hot un-airconditioned buses with wooden seats (yung JD bus na pula), or cars with no airconditioning & no seat belts (ngayon lahat may aircon na) .

Riding on the back of a carabao on a breezy summer day was considered atreat. Ngayon hindi na nakakakita ng kalabaw ang mga bata! Did you make your own saranggola and pasted bubog on the strings? =)

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle purchased from 711 (minsan straight from the faucet or poso). Walang 711 noon...sari-sari store lang ni Mang Akong to buy sarsi, suntan, RC cola or choco-vim.

We shared one soft drink bottle with four of our friends, and NO ONE actually died from this or contracted hepatitis.

We ate rice with star margarine, pampatangkad daw, took raw eggs straight from the shell, and drank softdrinks with real sugar in it (hindi diet coke), but we weren't sick or overweight kasi nga......

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, and get back when the streetlights came on. Sarap mag patintero, tumbang preso, habulan at taguan. Tandaan mo ba PIKO, step-no-step- yes, trumpo, garter & mala-ahas sa haba na goma? Kung naulan, jackstones, pick-up sticks or sungka, bahay-bahayan, tinda-tindahan, titser-teacher- an or swimming sa baha or kangkungan.

No one was able to reach us all day (di uso ang cellphone, walang beepers) . And yes, we were O.K. Sipol lang ni tatay ang meron noon!

We would spend hours building our wooden trolleys (yung bearing ang gulong) or plywood slides out of scraps and then ride down the street, only to find out we forgot the brakes! After hitting the sidewalk or falling into a canal (sewage channel) a few times, we learned to solve the problem ourselves with our bare & dirty hands .

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 100 channels on cable, no DVD movies, no surround stereo, no IPOD's, no cellphones, no computers, no Internet, no chat rooms, and no Friendsters, Facebook. MSN etc...WE HAD REAL FRIENDS and we went outside to actually talk and play with them!

TV viewing was a treat, kilala mo ba si Popeye, Gumby, Betty Boop & followed the bouncing ball in Melody Tunes? That was karaoke then, LOL!

We climbed walls and trees (to get aratiles and catch salagubang & tutubi - tied them on the neck with a string), fell out of trees, got cut or "bukol", broke bones and teeth and there were no stupid lawsuits from these accidents. The only rubbing we get is from our friends with the words...masakit ba ? Pero pag galit yung kalaro mo, ang sasabihin sa iyo..beh buti nga !

We played marbles (jolens) in the dirt , washed our hands just a little and ate dirty ice cream, fish balls & inihaw na baga. We were not afraid of getting sick or germs in our stomachs.

We had to live with homemade guns, gawa sa kahoy, tinali ng rubberband , sumpit , tirador at kung ano ano pa na puedeng makasakitan, pero masaya pa rin ang lahat. We made up games with sticks (syatong), and cans (tumbang preso) and although we were told they were dangerous, wala naman tayong binulag o napatay... paminsan minsan may nabubukulan lang.

We walked a lot, rode bikes, or took tricycles to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them to jump out the window!

Mini-basketball teams had tryouts and not everyone made to the team. Those who didn't pass had to learn to deal with the disappointment. Wala iyang mga childhood depression at damaged self esteem ek-ek na yan. Ang pikon, talo.

Ang magulang ay nandoon lang para tingnan kung ayos lang ang mga bata, hindi para makialam at makipag-away sa ibang parents.

That generation of ours has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, creative thinkers and successful professionals ever! They are the CEO's, Engineers, Doctors and Military Generals of today.

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had failure, success, and responsibility. We learned from our mistakes the hard way.

You might want to share this with others who've had the luck to grow up as real kids. We were lucky indeed.

And if you like, forward it to your kids too, so they will know how brave their parents were.

Maki-Kain ng Kani Maki

2009-07-28T00:43:00.006+08:00

Home-made maki by (self-proclaimed) Sushi Chef Enzo. He taught himself how to use chopsticks so he "could eat 'em properly." Kampai!

Natulog sa (labas ng) Pansitan

2009-07-28T00:33:00.004+08:00

I took this pic during one of the Job Fairs we participated in in Legaspi. I wanted to laugh out loud but I could not find the heart to do so. Instead, I felt pity for this guy who was obviously dead tired after a day of job hunting.

Gargol

2009-07-28T00:21:00.004+08:00

Branding made easy. No frills. No fancy names. Straight to the point.

Farewell, Tara

2009-07-27T12:08:00.003+08:00

Early this morning, my father received a message from one of his former classmates, Larry Santelices that his daughter, Tara, passed away at 4:00 AM today.

Tara is the victim of a VERY senseless crime. She was mugged and shot on the head on the eve of her birthday, August 6 last year. She was in coma eversince and never recovered until her demise early this morning.

Up until now, we still could not comprehend why what happened, happened. In the words of my brother, "Why did this have to happen to a really good person?" I agree. There are a lot of criminals and people with black hearts roaming the earth and committing various crimes against humanity. Why can't they all die instead?

Tara was very young, very pretty and could have had a bright future. That was cruelly cut short. We could only find solace in the belief that "She who dies young, God loves the most."

As we bid farewell to Tara, allow me to reprint the lyrics of one of her favorite songs, Across the Universe by The Beatles (children of AdNU HS '69 tend to be influenced by their fathers and develop a love for any Beatles song):

Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,

They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe

Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind,

Possessing and caressing me.

Jai guru de va om

Nothing's gonna change my world,

Nothing's gonna change my world.

Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes,

That call me on and on across the universe,

Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box

They tumble blindly as they make their way

Across the universe

Jai guru de va om

Nothing's gonna change my world,

Nothing's gonna change my world.

Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing

Through my open ears inviting and inciting me

Limitless undying love which shines around me

Like a million suns, it calls me on and on

Across the universe

Jai guru de va om

Nothing's gonna change my world,

Nothing's gonna change my world.

May you rest in peace, Tara.

Sabado Night Conversation

2009-07-25T19:49:00.003+08:00

Akala ng marami, masakit ang magmahal ng taong hindi ka mahal. Ang di nila alam, mas masaklap at mapait ang magmahal ng isang taong ikinakahiya ang pagmamahal mo.

Lost Hombres

2009-07-23T23:13:00.002+08:00

Singing to their hearts' content...Boss V is going to Clark for about a month. It was Jj's bday as well. Plus, we'll be extremely busy in the coming months. So, we felt that a team night out was in order. It was rather difficult deciding where to go and what to do. Naga is just a small city and there aren't really that many places to choose from. Eventually, we settled on singing for our supper. So, we trooped to a good videoke place in one of the hotels here. Everyone had a fun time releasing all stress and angst. It didn't matter that everyone was out of tune most of the time. :-D

Thank You for Calling...Please Don't Call Again

2009-07-22T11:38:00.003+08:00

A cousin emailed me the following:

Actual call centre conversations !!!!!

Customer: 'I've been ringing 0800 2100 for two days and can't get through to enquiries, can you help?'.
Operator: 'Where did you get that number from, sir?'.
Customer: 'It was on the door to the Travel Centre'.
Operator: 'Sir, they are our opening hours'.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Samsung Electronics Caller: 'Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?'
Operator: 'I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about'.
Caller: 'On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?'
Operator: 'I think you mean the telephone point on the wall'.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

RAC Motoring Services
Caller: 'Does your European Breakdown Policy cover me when I am travelling in Australia ?'
Operator: ' Doesn't the product name give you a clue?'

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

Caller (enquiring about legal requirements while travelling in France ): 'If I register my car in France , do I have to change the steering wheel to the other side of the car?'

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

Directory Enquiries Caller: 'I'd like the number of the Argoed Fish Bar in Cardiff please'. Operator: 'I'm sorry, there's no listing. Is the spelling correct?'
Caller: 'Well, it used to be called the Bargoed Fish Bar but the 'B' fell off'.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven.

Operator: 'Woven? Are you sure?'
Caller: 'Yes. That's what it says on the label; Woven in Scotland '.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

On another occasion, a man making heavy breathing sounds from a phone box told a worried operator: 'I haven't got a pen, so I'm steaming up the window to write the number on'.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

Tech Support: 'I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop'.
Customer: 'OK'.
Tech Support: 'Did you get a pop-up menu?'.
Customer: 'No'.
Tech Support: 'OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?'
Customer: 'No'.
Tech Support: 'OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?'. Customer: 'Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click''.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

Tech Support: 'OK. In the bottom left hand side of the screen, can you see the 'OK' button displayed?'
Customer: 'Wow. How can you see my screen from there?'

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

Caller: 'I deleted a file from my PC last week and I have just realised that I need it. If I turn my system clock back two weeks will I have my file back again?'.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---- ------------ ---------

There's always one. This has got to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the Word Perfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the Word Perfect organization for 'Termination without Cause'. Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee. (Now I know why they record these conversations! ):

Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?'
Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect. '
Operator: 'What sort of trouble??'
Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.' Operator: 'Went away?'
Caller: 'They disappeared. '
Operator: 'Hmm So what does your screen look like now?'
Caller: 'Nothing.'
Operator: 'Nothing??'
Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'
Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??'
Caller: 'How do I tell?'
Operator: 'Can you see the C: prompt on the screen??'
Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?'
Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'
Caller: 'There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type.'
Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??'
Caller: 'What's a monitor?'
Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??'
Caller: 'I don't know.'
Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'
Caller: 'Yes, I think so.'
Operator: 'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall. Caller: 'Yes, it is.'
Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??'
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.' Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'
Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer.'
Caller: 'I can't reach.'
Operator: 'Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is??'
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over??' Caller: 'Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark.'
Operator: 'Dark??'
Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window.'
Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light then.'
Caller: 'I can't.'
Operator: 'No? Why not??'
Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.'
Operator: 'A power....... .. A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now.Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in??'
Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.'
Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from.'
Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?'
Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'
Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them??'
Operator: 'Tell them you're too f --- ing stupid to own a computer!!!!!'

To all Call Center Agents: Hats off to you for keeping your sanity in spite and despite everything your beloved customers put you through! :-)

No Mas Amor Que el Tuyo

2009-07-21T09:06:00.014+08:00

Part of the Parma Family tradition (the descendants of Jeremias and Felisa, that is) is to have a Sacred Heart image enthroned in every family's home. Every year, each family commemorates the enthronement by inviting extended family members to pray with them and partake in a small feast afterward.

Then again, that may be just another reason for the whole family to get together and spend an afternoon of good food, good wine and good conversation.

As I mentioned in my other post (I think :-D) these small get togethers are like dry runs for the granddaddy of all feasts...the Holy Week Celebration. Nonetheless, no matter the number of attendees or reason, every Parma Family get-together is always satisfying. Not just gastronomically but emotionally and spiritually as well. :-)

Auntie San's Chicken in Red Wine

Ola's Oh, Crispyness! Lumpiang Shanghai

Super Lagkit Biko, Binya, Binatinglahat

Uncle Padi's contribution: Cake and Retribution

Mom's Fruity Fruit Salad

Anti-Guilt Veggie Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing

Ehem

After the dining table was cleared, Auntie San got busy again to prepare the merienda...

Happy Birthday, Auntie Madre, Auntie Winnie, Mom, Enzo and Aggie!!! :-)

Spaghetti in Creamy Tuna Sauce (yum!)

The way spaghetti is meant to be eaten. ;-)

Enzo

2009-07-21T00:38:00.002+08:00

6 years ago today, I first cradled you in my arms...I was scared and unsure yet amazed at the tiny miracle in front of me. I do not know what I have done to deserve a son like you. I thank my lucky stars for every moment that I get to spend with you. From a tiny, helpless infant, you have started to become your own person. You're growing up so fast that I often find myself wishing that time'll stop and allow you to be a kid forever. You are growing up to become a fine, young man---sensitive, caring, responsible. With your wit and humor, I am not surprised why people, young and old, are drawn to you. I love you and I am so proud of you. Happy birthday, Enzo!

Ain't No Sunshine When He's Gone

2009-07-19T00:01:00.001+08:00

Angry skies. Sad. Forlorn. Anytime, the tears will fall.

Southern Comfort

2009-07-12T13:53:00.002+08:00

Good, ol' babyback ribs so juicy and tender, the meat's practically falling off the bones. I wanted to go the whole nine yards and roast the meat with hickory logs or some other aromatic wood. Alas! I don't have a roaster nor do we have any aromatic wood lying around. So, I had to content myself with cooking the meat ever so slowly. To complete the southern theme, mom boiled some corn on the cob and sauteed some marbled taters. Chilled peaches completed the whole meal. :-)

Ball Breakers

2009-07-10T22:32:00.002+08:00

We love balls part 2. No pingpong tonight (someone smashed the pingpong ball) but that won't stop us from having fun with balls. Who said spending friday night at the office is boring? Could've been better, though.

Smash that Ball

2009-07-09T22:22:00.002+08:00

The favorite past time of the recruitment team. When they're not busy interviewing applicants and addressing various recruitment concerns, they play with balls. ;-) smart casual attire, notwithstanding.

Mortals, We All Are

2009-07-03T08:41:00.004+08:00

My friend's dad passed away yesterday. They were on their way to Manila (or Cam Sur, I'm not sure) a couple of days back when they met an accident somewhere in Quezon.

Last I heard from my friend before he left for Quezon to aide his parents was, his parents were wounded but they were stable and doing okay. It came as a shock, therefore, when my father told me that someone informed him that my friend's father died.

I called my friend and he did confirm the awful news. We didn't get to talk much and I didn't want to press him for details just yet. I hang up after I offered my condolences.

I wasn't exactly close to my friend's dad but I did admire him. He was a good family man, having raised a lawyer, nurses, a banker. He didn't say much but he was always congenial and had a ready smile for everybody.

He was also the leader of the capital town of Cam Sur. I am sure that he would have been re-elected had his life not been cut short.

One truly does not know the day, the hour, nor the time. Death can come knocking when you least expect it and there's nothing you can do but to answer his call.

This has been said before and in so many ways but I'll say it again anyways...Let us make the most of our time here on earth. Enjoy every moment. Live and love like there's no tomorrow. For there might not be one.

"Dance like no one is watching.
Love like you'll never get hurt.
Sing like no one is listening.
Live like it's heaven on earth."

Obra Maestra del Senor Enzo

2009-07-02T08:31:00.005+08:00

Wowo bought the kids some clay. As soon as they ripped the package open, Enzo got to work. Molding, pinching, shaping...proving that he does come from a long line of artists and artistically inclined people.

The red glob is supposed to be a bird. More specifically a woodpecker. The blue thingie is a fish and that's a green stingray over there.

I will be happiest if he makes a pink platypus. ha. ha. ha.

Posting a photo of his works here was his idea. :-) "Post the pic on the net, mom!" haha.

Now, he gets a lot of orders (from Tami!) to fashion more animal shapes out of clay...t-rex, hippo, blue whale, stegosaurus! Good luck, Enzo! haha :-)

Weekend Foodfest: Korean Chicken

2009-06-28T14:43:00.002+08:00

We're touring the world, one dish at a time. I told my mom that we could go Persian next weekend. There's this Persian cat that i saw...she left before I could finish my proposal.

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

2009-06-25T17:07:00.004+08:00

Sister went to Manila this morning. She'll be on her way back to Dubai tomorrow.

I'll miss you but I salute you, sis. I salute you for having the courage to fly away from the nest to find your own niche in this world.

To you, I raise my margarita glass.

Saluti!

2009-06-22T06:43:00.002+08:00

To cap the weekend foodfest, we strayed away from Asia and turned to one of the oldest and best wine houses in the world, Asti Cinzano. Sis kinda ransacked pop's liquor stash in search for some toddy. She was grinning like a cheshire cat when she emerged from pop's room, triumphantly clutching a bottle of Asti Cinzano Spumante. Saluti!

Weekend Foodfest: The Chinese Connection

2009-06-22T06:34:00.002+08:00

Bring out the chopsticks! We did Indian, we had Filipino, and the last cuisine served last Sunday was Chinese. Mom made some Bam-i, stir fried egg and glass noodles with veggies and meat toppings, and shrimp and pork SIOMAI!

Spaced Out

2009-06-21T16:14:00.004+08:00

One of the reasons why I'm so proud of my boys...

After taking home his school project on the Solar System, Enzo decided to educate Tami on the universe and beyond. Enzo has the makings of a good trainer. Kanino kaya nagmana? :-)

Weekend Food Fest

2009-06-21T15:08:00.004+08:00

Vos V brought some spices when he came back from India. I've been meaning to cook some Indian inspired dishes but it was only yesterday that I had the chance to use the spices.

I've never cooked masala before. Beef shawarma, yes. curry, a lot of times. This was my first time, though, to try my hand at cooking chicken masala.

Masala, according to Vos V means "mixed" in Indian. It is a mixture of various spices such as cumin, pepper, ginger powder, garlic powder, capsicum, etc. etc. The result is an amazing blend with an interesting depth of flavor...chilli, earthy, yummy.

I always thought that Indian cooking is complicated. I was happily proven wrong. It was rather easy putting together the chicken masala and I really enjoyed cooking it.

I served it with rice fried in onions, cumin, chilli powder, carrots, and salt and pepper. It was really good. If I say so myself. :-)

To cleanse the palate and to temper the hot, hot, chilli taste, we had some store-bought mango-flavored yoghurt. Yum!

The next day, Sunday, was Fathers' Day. Instead of having lunch out, as what we have initially planned to do, Sis and I went to Bob Marlin to buy and take home some yummy-yummy food. Eating lunch at home proved to be a wise decision since while I was driving along Magsaysay Avenue (where most of the good restos in Naga City are), we noticed that all restos were full and bursting at the seams with people.

Bob Marlin has been one of my family's favorite restaurants. This is where we bring almost all, if not all of our balikbayan friends and family. Serving really tasty native food at very reasonable prices, it is a must for non-Bikolanos and Bikolanos who left Naga and don't get to eat much native food anymore.

Aside from being rendered speechless by the food, my Super Vos, Director J, is fascinated by the restaurant's name: Bob Marlin.

It is not the marlin (grilled or fried), though, that is the main star here. It is the super juicy and super tender yet super CRISPY PATA served with a slightly sweet soy dipping sauce. This has got to be the bestest crispy pata in the world! I've yet to try crsipy pata that is as good or better than the one at Bob Marlin's.

Other must-tries are the Grilled Squid served with Teriyaki Sauce, Grilled or fried tuna or blue marlin, crispy Pork Sisig and crunchy Fried Knuckles.

So far, Bob Marlin has never failed in providing native comfort food. :-)

HAPPY FATHERS' DAY!!!

2009-06-21T14:58:00.003+08:00

One of the yummiest, richest, chocolatiest cake I've ever tasted...we got this for Pops for Fathers' Day.

Pure heaven in every bite! Thanks to our neighborhood lady baker. :-)

Cam Sur Recruitment Team Lunch Out

2009-06-16T17:19:00.004+08:00

It's been a while since we went out as a team. Vossing went to India for 3 weeks and when he came back, Dyehri went on a tour of duty in Clark for a month.

We've been planning to go out even before Dyehri went back but due to our "hectic" schedules, there didn't seem to be any right time to do that. Early today, Vos annpunced that by george, we were gonna have lunch together...TODAY.

It almost didn't happen again, actually. since Vos had a meeting at 2PM we decided to go out at 3PM. At the last minute though, the meeting was moved to 3PM. Then there was a sudden surge of applicants. Naku naman.

As pantawid gutom, we munched on some empanada, hot and spicy Sugo peanuts and Dyehri bought some Mr. Chips (Dyehri pronounces this with a \k\ sound).

At last, at 4PM, Vos' meeting was over and we trooped to the nearest pizza place.

It was great bonding with the team again. Trading jokes, light friendly, banter. Oh, wait, we do that all the time! haha. Anyhow, it was great having the team back together again. cue in senti music.

Rock on, Team Cam Sur. Here's to another fruitful year!!!

I Love Balls!

2009-06-15T15:39:00.002+08:00

Fishballs. Squidballs. Quekiam balls. Orlian balls. Tokneneng. Pero sabi ni Jerome, masarap din raw ang mahaba. Quekiam. Orlian. Etc.

Come South, Cam Sur!

2009-06-15T12:33:00.006+08:00

Ateneo de Naga University Chapel

Pathway to the Statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Camarines Sur Wakeboarding Complex

Apparently, when she woke up last Saturday, my sister decided she wanted to go to CWC. I was on my way downstairs for breakfast and I peeked into her room. "Let's go to CWC," she mumbled. Since I didn't have anyhting planned for the weekend and since I am in dire need of a life, I told her it was a good idea.

Over lunch we tried to recruit people to go with us. The kids, of course, were ecstatic. Bro J had to go to work, though. Mom and Pop had other commitments as well. So it was just Sis, the kiddos and I who were available.

We packed some food (chocolates and water --- it was my sis who took care of this) extra shirts, wipes, sanitizer (Influenza A, begone!) cameras, shades, and whatnots. We then drove to Pili, Cam Sur! Okay, I drove and they heckled and critiqued my driving style, like they usually do.

First stop was at the SGS site, which is within the Provincial Capitol Complex and very near CWC. I gave sis a quick tour. We didn't stay long since most of the associates have gone home for the day. The site, during the day is usually boooooring.

Next, we moved on to CWC! Yay! The crowd was surprisingly sparse, which suited me just fine since I don't like large crowds anyways. Since it was already 11:30 am when we got there, we decided to order lunch.

I tried to convince sis to share with me the Laing Pizza (I've heard people rave about this and wanted to try it myself) but unfortunately, she wasn't in the mood to try something different. Instead, we decided to have the Sausage Pizza instead. Along with that, we had fries (we always order fries whenever we eat out since this is Tami's fave) and the Tantrum Chicken Fingers (breaded strips of chicken breasts served with honey-dijon mustard dip and a side dish of potato salad. Since it was a veeeeery hot day, we washed the food down with large Mango Shakes. ***I'll upload the rest of the pics soon! :-)

I have no idea why they decided to call the chicken dish "Tantrum Chicken Fingers." I sure didn't throw a tantrum when it was served. The taste wasn't really spectacular and tantrum-inducing. It wasn't bad either. It tasted like, errrr, chicken. :-p The fries were okay but the pizza was really yummy! The dough was freshly made, the sausages were juicy and firm but not rubbery. It was all good! :-)

We left a bit after lunch and after taking a gazillion pics (camwhores!). Since we couldn't decide where to go next, we decided to visit Super Lolo and Super Lola in the cemetery. It's been a while since we went there so it was just right that we stopped by for a visit. We tried to look for numbers (lottery!) but couldn't find any apart from the dates on their tombmarkers.

Sis called Uncah Jay to inform him that we were gonna go to Ateneo to pick him up. So after we left the cemetary, we drove on to the Ateneo. We went around, but left after 30 minutes since the sweltering heat became really unbearable.

At 4Pm, we were home. Tired, sleepy and gearing up for our next adventure.

Sleepy Rambling

2009-06-14T17:35:00.003+08:00

I fell asleep on the living room couch. I don't usually sleep in the afternoons. I hardly sleep even at night. Today, though, I dozed off without meaning too. One minute, I was reading a book by Haruki Murakami, the next, I was fast asleep.

It was a deep, dreamless sleep. For how long I slept, I had no idea. It was starting to get dark when I awoke. That's all I know.

June 12 Job Fair, Legaspi City

2009-06-12T11:58:00.005+08:00

It is so sad to note that apparently, there are a lot of jobless people in the Albay and Sorsogon area. We participated in the DOLE-sponsored Independence Day Job Fair and was surprised at the long line of jobseekers outside the Albay Astrodome.

We travelled all the way from Naga City and arrived at the venue expecting a huge turnout. We didn't expect it to be this huge! According to the secretariat, at least 7,000 people registered that day!!! whew!

More employment opportunities for the Bicolanos, please!

Here's to Salvador

2009-06-10T18:29:00.002+08:00

Happy birthday, Lolo Tatay!

Today marks his 85th birthday. Here's to one of the few people I know who died with their integrity and dignity still intact and their name, untainted.

I wish I could be half the man you were...even if I'm a woman.

World-Weary Thoughts

2009-06-05T11:09:00.004+08:00

It occurred to me just now that it is already June. My mindset is still stuck in the first quarter of this year. Whether you're having fun or not, time does fly so fast. I can't believe it's mid-year already.

Looking back, so much has happened these past months. Yet, I feel like nothing really significant is happening. I just might be suffering from a mild-case of ennui. I sort of panicked when the frightening thought that this might be mid-life crisis crossed my mind. I had to remind myself that I am too young to go through mid-life crisis. Naman. :-p I hope that this, whatever this is, like all things, shall pass.

I hope the next 6 months will be better. Soon, I'll be turning...oh, shoot, I honestly forgot! After I turned 25, I stopped counting. So whenever people ask me how old I am, I just shout a random number like 18! 42! 34.5! Square root of the absolute value of 647! Sometimes, when caught off-guard and unable to shout a random number, I ask them back: Chronological? Psychological? Intellectual? Would you like some fries with that? That usually causes them to tilt their head at a 45 degree angle and walk away. Sometimes, I really need to give the real deal so I have to do a quick computation. Being mathematically challenged, "a quick computation" takes on a whole new definition. After about 2 hours (depending on the position of the planets), the person asking finally gives up and leaves me sorting out my subtrahends, minuends and difference.

Incidentally, I recently saw a strand of silver (gray doesn't have that much oomph) hair o my temple. I was brushing my hair a couple of weeks back and saw something shiny. I usually get attracted and distracted by anything bright and shiny :-) so I took a closer look. Lo and behold, my very first strand of silver (gray doesn't have that much oomph) hair!

Unlike some folks who don't like growing any silver (gray doesn't have that much oomph) hair, I am actually fascinated by it. I like looking at my silver (gray doesn't have that much oomph) hair. I would like to believe that finding even just one strand of silver (gray doesn't have that much oomph) hair is a sign of maturity. Those who dare contradict will be condemned to suffer eternal damnation.

I look forward to growing more silver (gray doesn't have that much oomph) hair. That will make it easier for me to dye my hair in any shade I want! :-) Or, I could just leave it as it is and allow it to grow and multiply and eventually, I'll look like Storm. Or Typhoon Milenyo.

*sigh* I'll find my bearings again, eventually. In the meantime, I'll find something bright and shiny to amuse myself.

Happy Birthday, Uncah Jay

2009-06-03T07:02:00.002+08:00

The timeless Concorde Cake from Baker's Plaza.

Maki-Maki

2009-06-02T23:56:00.004+08:00

One platoon of kani maki. I've been craving for this since Sunday. Tonight, nothing and no one hindered me from making these. Yum-mee.

Shaumbra

2009-06-02T15:07:00.003+08:00

This was sent to me by a colleague through email. I found it to be very interesting and thought of sharing it with you.

"Twelve Signs of Your Awakening Divinity"

“Shaumbra” means
Family and Deep Inner Friendship

By Geoffrey Hoppe and Tobias

1. Body aches and pains, especially in the neck, shoulder and back. This is the result of intense changes at your DNA level as the "Christ seed" awakens within. This too shall pass.

2. Feeling of deep inner sadness for no apparent reason. You are releasing your past (this lifetime and others) and this causes the feeling of sadness. This is similar to the experience of moving from a house where you lived in for many, many years into a new house. As much as you want to move into the new house, there is a sadness of leaving behind the memories, energy and experiences of the old house. This too shall pass.

3. Crying for no apparent reason. Similar to #2 above. It's good and healthy to let the tears flow. It helps to release the old energy within. This too shall pass.

4. Sudden change in job or career. A very common symptom. As you change, things around you will change as well. Don't worry about finding the "perfect" job or career right now. This too shall pass. You're in transition and you may make several job changes before you settle into one that fits your passion.

5. Withdrawal from family relationships. You are connected to your biological family via old karma. When you get off the karmic cycle, the bonds of the old relationships are released. It will appear as though you are drifting away from your family and friends. This too shall pass. After a period of time, you may develop a new relationship with them if it is appropriate. However, the relationship will be based in the new energy without the karmic attachments.

6. Unusual sleep patterns. It's likely that you'll awaken many nights between 2:00 and 4:00 AM. There's a lot of work going on within you, and it often causes you to wake up for a "breather." Not to worry. If you can't go back to sleep, get up and do something rather than lay in bed and worry about humanly things. This too shall pass.

7. Intense dreams. These might include war and battle dreams, chase dreams or monster dreams. You are literally releasing the old energy within, and these energies of the past are often symbolized as wars, running to escape and boogiemen. This too shall pass.

8. Physical disorientation. At times you'll feel very ungrounded. You'll be "spatially challenged" with the feeling like you can't put two feet on the ground, or that you're walking between two worlds. As your consciousness transitions into the new energy, you body sometimes lags behind. Spend more time in nature to help ground the new energy within. This too shall pass.

9. Increased "self talk." You'll find yourself talking to your Self more often. You'll suddenly realize you've been chattering away with yourself for the past 30 minutes. There is a new level of communication taking place within your being, and you're experiencing the tip of the iceberg with the self talk. The conversations will increase, and they will become more fluid, more coherent and more insightful. You're not going crazy, you're just Shaumbra moving into the new energy.

10. Feelings of loneliness, even when in the company of others. You may feel alone and removed from others. You may feel the desire to "flee" groups and crowds. As Shaumbra, you are walking a sacred and lonely path. As much as the feelings of loneliness cause you anxiety, it is difficult to relate to others at this time. The feelings of loneliness are also associated with the fact that your Guides have departed. They have been with you on all of your journeys in all of your lifetimes. It was time for them to back away so you could fill your space with your own divinity. This too shall pass. The void within will be filled with the love and energy of your own Christ consciousness.

11. Loss of passion. You may feel totally disimpassioned, with little or no desire to do anything. That's OK, and it's just part of the process. Take this time to "do no-thing." Don't fight yourself on this, because this too shall pass. It's similar to rebooting a computer. You need to shut down for a brief period of time in order to load the sophisticated new software, or in this case, the new Christ-seed energy.

12. A deep longing to go Home. This is perhaps the most difficult and challenging of any of the conditions. You may experience a deep and overwhelming desire to leave the planet and return to Home. This is not a "suicidal" feeling. It is not based in anger or frustration. You don't want to make a big deal of it or cause drama for yourself or other. There is a quiet part of you that wants to go Home. The root cause for this is quite simple. You have completed your karmic cycles. You have completed your contract for this lifetime. You are ready to begin a new lifetime while still in this physical body. During this transition process, you have an inner remembrance of what it is like to be on the other side. Are you ready to enlist for another tour of duty here on Earth? Are you ready to take on the challenges of moving into the New Energy? Yes, indeed you could go Home right now. But you've come this far, and after many, many lifetimes it would be a shame to leave before the end of the movie. Besides, Spirit needs you here to help others transition into the new energy. They will need a human guide, just like you, who has taken the journey from the old energy into the new. The path you're walking right now provides the experiences to enable you to become a Teacher of the New Divine Human. As lonely and dark as your journey can be at times, remember that you are never alone.

Sis in the City

2009-06-01T07:25:00.002+08:00

After 10 months in Dubai, sis came back to PI for a rather longish vacay. Welcome back home, sis! *hugs*

Walking Away

2009-05-28T00:36:00.003+08:00

The past two weeks have been really challenging.

Work has helped me fill the void, though.

I'm so tired. I can't do this anymore.

NP - Banana Yoshimoto

2009-05-18T23:09:00.002+08:00

Poignant. Just the right book to complement how I feel right now.

Chasing Cars

2009-05-14T10:52:00.002+08:00

This song has been playing in my head over and over again...

We'll do it all

Everything

On our own

We don't need

Anything

Or anyone

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me

And just forget the world?

I don't quite know

How to say

How I feel

Those three words

Are said too much

They're not enough

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me

And just forget the world?

Forget what we're told

Before we get too old

Show me a garden

That's bursting into life

Let's waste time

Chasing cars

Around our heads

I need your grace

To remind me

To find my own

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me

And just forget the world?

Forget what we're told

Before we get too old

Show me a garden

That's bursting into life

All that I am

All that I ever was

Is here in your perfect eyes

They're all I can see

I don't know where

Confused about how as well

Just know that these things

Will never change for us at all

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me

And just forget the world?

---------------------------------------------

**Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

Tita Glenn

2009-05-12T17:28:00.004+08:00

Someone close to me passed away last Saturday.

Tita Glenn was my mom's bestest of friends --- her childhood friend. They used to be neighbors and schoolmates. They did a lot of things together. They were only separated when she and her family moved to Manila. Time and distance was never an issue between Mama and Tita Glenn. They continued to get in touch and never really lost their bond.

Growing up, Tita Glenn was a constant personality in our lives. She and her husband, Tito Bing would usually sleep over in our house whenever they were in Naga City. It was always fun having them around. The house would be filled with loud chatter and rambunctious laughter. Tears of joy would sometimes roll down their cheeks. They were a bunch of comedians. It was always great seeing my mom, dad, Tita Glenn and Tito Bing together.

She was always very jovial. She was one of the nicest people I have known. As one of my godmothers, she never tired of dispensing advise and making me laugh and feel better during some of the toughest times of my life.

Her passing left a very huge whole in our hearts and lives.

She will be missed. Terribly.

7 Habits of Highly Ineffective People

2009-05-07T00:28:00.002+08:00

1. Procrastinate. 2. To be continued...

Santa Lucia

2009-05-06T17:17:00.001+08:00

Lucia Micarelli.

I have started to become a fan...I was unaware that tears started rolling down my cheeks while I was watching her performance on youtube.

Spam-a-lot (Not by Monty Python)

2009-05-06T16:50:00.002+08:00

Someone has been sending nasty mails to me. It has become really irritating. I wish the person would just say straight to my face what's eating her. Or him. Or it.

Be brave, be courageous. Let's have coffee. On me.

2009-05-05T12:35:00.001+08:00

Heart, we will forget him!
You and I, tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave,
I will forget the light.

When you have done, pray tell me
That I my thoughts may dim;
Haste! lest while you're lagging.
I may remember him!

~ Dickinson

Mi Chiamo Margherita

2009-05-05T04:18:00.004+08:00

Last Sunday, I went out w 4 of my closest friends. It's been 3 months since our last get-together and we all concurred that it was time to update each other on the goings-on in our lives.

We had dinner at Gressini's, a quaint Italian-themed trattoria on Magsaysay Avenue. We were informed by the chef that they have not had yet their grand opening. "Soft opening pa lang po kami." This statement elicited snickers from the group since we have been talking about just that before we headed to Gressini's. Soft opening, private entrance, hard core. ha.ha.ha.

After much discussion as to what to order, we decided to have a salad (Okay but not really mind-blowingly impressive), Spinach Ravioli (It was rather dry and underseasoned but the cream sauce was tasty), and pizza (Di-vine, especially when topped with their special chili sauce).

After dinner, we decided to get a bit sloshed. So we piled into Mngr. Nonoy's car and headed to Jelatto. It was a pleasant surprise when Dr. Jeane and I found out that the margarita was on a buy-1-take-1 promo offer! I had a glass the previous night at another bar when I went out with Ivy and I was still craving for more! Needless to say, we immediately ordered 1 each. Ol' Maggie didn't disappoint us. It was yum-mee! Heaven in a glass! I was grinning from ear to ear after every sip! Trainer Doris, on the other hand, decided to order Mango Shake. "Just in case I'm, you know...wink, wink!" :-)

The boys proceeded to order a bucket of Premium SMB. I haven't seen or tasted one before. Of course, i checked it out. It was a bit sweeter than regular beer and i love it!

It was a great night, in all. Even Jett the Messiah stayed on even if he planned to go home early.

Next outing: June 20. Ya-hoo.

The Color of My Summer

2009-05-04T22:53:00.002+08:00

Laughing Matter

2009-05-04T22:18:00.007+08:00

An old (she's gonna kill me for using this adjective!) friend sent me 3 books. She used to live and work in Calif, bagged a scholarship grant in England and while packing her stuff, decided to send me some books.

2 of the books were written by Chelsea Handler, a stand up comic. As expected, the books were very hilarious! They're the perfect companion on a rainy day.

The downside is, these books might leave you with an intense craving for a stiff drink. LoL

The 3rd book is by Ellen Degeneres. It's funny as well but not as feet-stomping, thigh-slapping, tears-rolling-down-your-cheek funny as Chelsea's.

The Prodigal Blogger

2009-05-04T21:04:00.003+08:00

It's been a while since I've written anything here...been a busy, busy bee lately. So many things to do, so very little time. At least that's what I think. I can just hear our leadership trainer tsk-tsk-ing. "It's all about Time Management," he'll surely say.

I have so many things to post...summer outings, fastings and feastings, and what-nots. I'll probably get around posting them one of these days. Before the year ends, at least. Pramis! LOL

Happy Birthday, Tami!

2009-03-22T15:30:00.005+08:00

The view from our beach cottage.

Today is Tami's birthday. We planned to throw him a pool party (or throw him into a pool. kidding, of course!) but he was so sick this week that we decided to postpone it. Since he has been coughing for quite some, we trooped to Pasacao instead. The number of guests was reduced but the body of water involved became bigger...way bigger!

Since it isn't officially summer yet, the beach was almost deserted. Thus it was relatively quiet with a lot of breathing space. The water was clear, clean and cool. This was definitely a welcome change from our city life. In the words of Tami, 'This is so much fun!' Enzo acquiesced by saying that "We need to come back here again!" Why not? Going to the beach, inhaling the salty air, splashing in the water proved to be the most effective way of relaxation for everybody. It was also a good bonding moment for us.

With that, we have officially opened our summer season! Anticipate more posts about the sun, sand and sea!

----------------------------------------------------
***The 3 pics within the body of this post were taken by brother J. ;-)

Seafood Lunch

2009-03-14T14:18:00.004+08:00

Mom's finally feeling better today! Well enough to go as far as Calabanga (about 20 minutes from Naga City) to buy some really fresh seafood. Once she got home, she immediately got busy in the kitchen. The result? a really hearty lunch --- soft, firm and flavorful Tanguigue Steak and Garlicky Shrimp plus sweet, fresh mangoes for dessert! yum-mee!

Allergies, begone! Super fresh shrimps cooked in lotsa garlic sweetened with pineapple juice and some sugar. As soon as this was served, everybody started with the business of shelling the shrimps.

Bless you, ma!

Spaghetti with Chicken in Bechamel Sauce

2009-03-11T06:24:00.002+08:00

To Marrow, To Marrow! I Love Yah, To Marrow

2009-03-11T06:22:00.003+08:00

Pop did something he rarely does: go to the market by himself!

Last Sunday, mama dearest has not recuperated yet so she wasn't able to go to the market like she usually does. Since our pantry was already depleted and food resource has dwindled, somebody had to do something, fast!!!

So pop foraged for some food and came back with the fruit of his exploits: meat, meat, and more meat in various forms and quantity! His prize catch? 1 kilo of beef shank --- huge bones with lotsa marrow, meat with its cartileges showing --- perfect for the perfect bulalo!!!

Once again, i was tasked to prepare something edible for the troop to sink their teeth into.

I'm a big fan of the process of slowly cooking food in very low heat. There are some dishes where, the longer you cook them in low fire, they better they taste. Bulalo is one of those dishes! I got out our trustee Dutch Oven and started cooking!

It took about 3 hours for me to cook this. It's all worth the wait, though...the meat was very tender, the marrow easily slid out of the bone and the broth was very good! Paired with a lot of Asian Lemons (kalamansi), soy sauce and a lot of chilli peppers, everything was gone in 30 minutes!!!

Tomato Shells

2009-03-06T22:28:00.003+08:00

With Mama still not feeling well, I still needed to 'man' the kitchen and tend to the seemingly bottomless stomachs of my housemates. This simple task became daunting because I, myself, am recovering from illness. I've been peeling, chopping, slicing and grating with one hip propped against the working table to keep myself from kissing the kitchen floor.

When Tami requested me to make macaroni casserole for his afternoon snack, I had to make the prep and cooking time as quick as possible. After all, it didn't seem as if the floor was too excited to get in contact with my smackers, either. That is why I eliminated one ingredient from the dish that usually lengthens the cooking time: meat. To compensate, I added more cheese than usual. Nonetheless, it was still yummy. Nobody complained as everybody was busy chomping away.

Another successful feeding program, if I say so myself.

The Amateur Shutterbug

2009-03-04T12:13:00.007+08:00

Various pictures I have taken using my trustee old camera phone...

Oh, Shepherd's Pie

2009-03-03T20:17:00.004+08:00

My take on an old English recipe...

I made some mashed potatoes last Sunday without realizing that I made more than I intended to. I could not let half a kilo of potatoes go to waste...Incidentally, come Monday, my mom wasn't feeling well enough to cook lunch. I was tasked, then, to whip up something...fast!

I did no whipping, though. Just some peeling, chopping, crying (pesky onions) sauteing, and baking. Making this dish was a breeze. Caramelize some onions in a pat of butter. Saute a kilo of ground meat (chicken, beef or pork). Add some chopped carrots and corn. Season with salt, pepper and a dash of dried basil. Maintain moisture by adding some water as needed.

When meat mixture is done, transfer to an oven-proof dish and generously top with mashed potatoes. Bake for 10 minutes or until top turns golden brown.

This is super yummy. Best enjoyed on a cool or rainy day. The browned top creates an almost crunchy crust. This provides a great contrast to the soft and creamy inside. This can be eaten with or without rice!

I like this dish sooooo much that I almost polished the whole thing by my own, gluttony self!!!

Mexican Springrolls

2009-03-03T09:41:00.003+08:00

Mexican Springrolls (taco beef with cheese and corn wrapped in springrolls) with salsa and sourcream with chilli powder! All I need is big, kick-ass pitcher of margarita! Ole!

Uncle Padi's Birthday Get-Together

2009-03-03T08:59:00.012+08:00

"The family that cooks together, eats together."

Food. Glorious Food!!!

Uncle Chito, Auntie San, Cami and Ola whipped up a stupendous feast fit for a...errrrr...priest.

For Uncle Padi's birthday last Feb 28, the family got stuffed together!

It was hard to say no to the rich Kare-Kare, soft and juicy roasted ribs on a bed of sauteed corn and carrots, baked fish and roasted chicken with aromatic lemongrass!!!

The pieces de resistance??? S'mores cake, halayang ube, chiffon with custard filling and a tub of double dutch ice cream!!! yum-mee!!!!

Bookworms

2009-02-22T22:28:00.002+08:00

In one of our fave hang out places...it's sooo hard to decide on a book! Wish we can buy 'em all!!!

The Hallowed Halls of Learning

2009-02-21T11:47:00.002+08:00

It was a hot and humid afternoon. I was at Dolan Hall at the Ateneo, waiting for the participants of my seminar to arrive.

Despite the heat, the sky was overcast...It looked like rain but it didn't rain. I kept my fingers and even my eyes crossed...to no avail.

**I would like to thank my "model student," fellow recruiter Jay-jay.**

Are you comfortable?

2009-02-18T12:24:00.003+08:00

Van ride from Naga City to Iriga City.

I suppose that one is not supposed to be comfortable during the trip.This defies one of the laws of physics: "No 2 objects can occupy the same space at the same time."

The van drivers and operators must prefer contortionists for their passengers! If 5 people can occupy a seat that usually seats 1, they will be most delighted.

Sammich!

2009-02-17T08:51:00.002+08:00

Meatloaf with lettuce, mayo and mustard sandwiched in crusty french bread. Yummy and filling lunch!

Flash the Bowl!

2009-02-16T19:44:00.004+08:00

How does one "flash" a bowl? Hahaha

I laughed myself silly while doing my thing in one of the restrooms here in the city. This was what made me decide to really start a blogging. There are just some things that must be shared with others.

I'm a big fan of restroom graffiti. Or graffiti in general. I really take the time out to read as much as I can.