Gobble D' Gulp

I can’t remember who said, “We eat to live, not live to eat.” Perhaps after today, I don’t think I’d want to know.

So what if I indulged with the calling of my palate? Who cares if I fed my inner glutton? One day of the epicurean lifestyle doesn’t make me evil, right? Although I have to admit, it can surely make me fat! But that’s the least of my worries.

I started the day with last night’s leftovers. I reheated the sautéed cabbage (pinasosyal na ginisang repolyo!) then fried the extra chicken wings I didn’t cook last night. Those plus rice were my breakfast.

I like sautéed cabbage! I’d be happy to have it, and it alone, to comprise my meal in any given day.

Next, I was off to the dentist for my scheduled dental prophylaxis. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I had my teeth cleaned before consuming more food!

The thing is, I am supposed to have lunch with my Filstar friends this noon. I just squeezed in visiting the dentist to make the dressing up, traveling and time outside the house more worthwhile.

In traversing the vast mall called Trinoma, we, Filstar friends and I, picked the restaurant that will feed our grumbling stomachs. A Venetto it was. It has the perfect menu to satisfy my nearly insatiable craving for cheese. Of course I like pizza and pasta but it is mainly because of the cheese. And even if I don’t eat any type of mollusk, I didn’t hesitate gorging tahong had it not for the generous melting cheese that hugged it.

The shrimp in the seafood pasta was most definitely a bonus for me. I like shrimps the same way I like crabs which is really bordering on love.

I must have filled myself to the brim. Yet I don’t regret stuffing my mouth with every morsel of pizza, pasta, shrimp and tahong from my plate.

You know how pizza makers never seem to master slicing a pizza into equal parts? Well, let’s just say I had been a happy beneficiary of their inability. I have to confess that I must have had the lion’s share of the pizza served on our table. For some greedy reason, I voluntarily took biggest slice that noon. I just felt like I needed to—eat like a man, that is.

To burn the full meal we just partook, we went the to the al fresco part of the mall to enjoy the wind and explore the possibilities of dessert.

The inviting rooftop view, however, was less than pleasant. From the luxurious towers of Trinoma, a horizon with three juxtaposing layers can be seen: in the nearest part is a line of parked cars for the rich and semi-rich, following it is a strip of construction site that somehow promises an improved future, then on the almost-outskirts is a cramped group of shanties (Barung-barong is a more accurate term.) which emphasizes that not all of us can have it all. And they that can’t, they’re kept away from those who can. In this scenario, the capability to construct a better future, the ability to improve one’s life is the line that divides.

The sight is really more than explicit.

As selfish as it may seem, we didn’t let the distressing picture be our dessert.

We were in Jack’s Loft and although the menu was tempting, I didn’t get myself anything. I thought I had no more room for food plus I’m on a tight budget. But Kate shared the cookie she ordered and I didn’t dare to say no to her offer. I like cookies. However the cookie Kate ordered, although humongous, was rather dry and crunchy. Usually, I want my cookie chewy and chocolate-y. But that’s just me.

Pregnant Aleth also shared her Jack’s Loft chocolate mousse cheesecake. Oh, I love chocolate mousse! Thank God for Aleth’s order. But it’s cheesecake so it was a bit sour. Even so, the Oreo crust was alarmingly thin. It did too little in complementing the first two creamy layers. It is a shame serving cheesecakes with such thin crust!

We said our goodbyes, Filstar friends and I, before we ate more food. Which was good. Otherwise staying together, chomping another set of whatnots would have been a sin. A group sin.

I was about to head home when I detoured elsewhere. It is a place I deem haven for a variety of food stalls strategically placed everywhere. People call it St. Francis Square. (Is the rhyme necessary?)

Even if I wasn’t that hungry, I fell in line to get me one large order of mojo potatoes, then, later, two orders of siomai. Hah, two of my favorites! Where siomais are concerned, the chili garlic sauce is key.

Let it be known that I didn’t eat the two takeouts right away. I brought them home and shared—the mojo potatoes before dinner and the siomai during dinner. And dinner was completed by the hot nilagang baka (beef stew?) Dad cooked. I am not really a fan of nilagang baka but the way Dad prepared it and served it hot, made me realize I’m glad I’m home.

I wrapped up the day-spent gobbling all my favorite food with another staple favorite: corn on the cob. I ate less than half the cob. That makes a big difference between binging and not. Or am I just trying to convince myself?

Just as well, I know the day satisfied each and every craving I have whether it’s for vegetables, cheese, seafood, sweets, potatoes, siomai, soup or corn--all of which I selectively love.

Although I know that, just like the people who live in the almost-outskirts as viewed from the towers of Trinoma, I too can’t have it all, I at least enjoyed a slice of life I can afford to devour. And even if my heart and mind haven’t been happy, at least my stomach was.

All photos were from ging's multiply site.

My Saving Cakes

It used to be that whenever I keep my hands busy in the kitchen; I can whip up something edible and at least something sumptuous even for a discerning palate.

For a number of times, I got my Dad’s approval with regard to the meals I’ve served prompting him to say, “pwede ka nang mag-asawa.”

But lately I seem to have lost my culinary magic. The food I come up with are bland even for me. I can no longer produce food. I cook paper.

The stripping off of the culinary gift must have happened the day I realized I’m no wife material. That in the bleak future, I’d be devouring take-outs or settling with whatever it is I can heat and stuff inside my mouth without getting sick.

I feel bad for my lost gift, my supposed inherent skill. Apparently, it’s not only people I lose nowadays.

Perhaps I can limit, if not stop, my cooking mishap by going back to the basics. By mastering the item in the menu I initially became good at.

At this point, the perfect pancakes may just do the trick.

He Did It Again!

Eventually Manny Pacquiao won his gloved fight against Mexican, Marco Antonio Barrera.

But instead of being crazy happy for Manny, the momentum in celebrating had been spoiled by veerryy loooong advertisements, not including the "brought to you by" parts which were rather persistent to the point of being makulit.

Since I didn't watch the "Will to Win" on pay-per-view, I was one of many who had to endure the network's abuse with ads. All of us who relied on free TV were held by the necks and we all had to hold our breaths as we pause several minutes for each of the 12 tedious rounds that comprised the fight.

If I am not mistaken, the main event started airing at around 1 p.m. and ended at some minutes past 4. I swear, if Pacquiao and Barrera's battle were really that long, they'd both be dead by now. All out of exhaustion.

The networks just made big money. And they had Barrera partly to thank. Had it not for the guy consistently playing it safe, keeping away from Manny's jabs, the show wouldn't run for 12 rounds.

And two more things to be thankful about the semi-dragging fistfight: one, major and minor thoroughfares in the country are traffic jam-free for hours; and two, our nation had just been crime-free for THAT long!

Congrats to Manny, his coach, and his staff!

***Artwork is posted from http://manny-pacquiao.net/

Do The Mario!

One indication that I am indeed old—well, relatively speaking of course—is my being trapped in the Mario zone. Where video games are concerned, it’s Super Mario Brothers which I will never get tired of playing. I would have said “I excelled” but I never really finished the game so I would be lying with such claim.

Isn’t Mario a classic? Before Resident Evil, Grand Theft Auto, Tomb Raider, House of the Dead, and other adventure games (Were the ones I cited considered adventure games?) there was Mario.

I was one of those kids who weren’t allowed to play video games, but during the times I got to play (mostly time my siblings and I sneaked out of our house and into our neighbor’s), it was Mario I engaged in.

And so, I’ve decided to share this video clip from youtube which may well be every Super Mario Brothers fan’s nostalgic moment.

Blessed Be

I might be speaking for myself if I’d say that we’ve barely settled in our new office. For starters, I still have a box containing a mix of personal stuff and official things to rummage through and I have a lot more files to arrange.

I cannot enjoy the comfort of my table because we’ve been warned that the tables will be pulled out any minute to be repainted to which I silently protest. Why should a furniture be painted if the “painting” isn’t done to beautify it? My table’s fine except for the dents and a few scratches—all of which are “moving” wounds.

Somehow, me and my table with its faux wooden finish have formed some sort of a bond. I would really hate to be separated from it only to be reunited to a plain and glum, crudely-painted gray table afterwards.

I may be overreacting. It’s just that I’m not so ecstatic at seeing something nice turn to something…dead.

Well, I guess I don’t have any choice but to submit my table and have it repainted in order for it to blend with our new office’s walls.

Speaking of new office, it was the blessing of our new office a while ago. However it was only in noon time that we, the employees, got into the festive mood.

After a mass, there was the blessing of the entire building and the traditional throwing of blessed coins. I remember having fun diving in a sea of people sprinkled with coins when I was younger but things change when you grow up. It’s fun, alright. But somehow, the coins being thrown in the air which is forming a projectile heading towards you elicit fear. Fear that the coins will hit my face, especially the big, heavy ones. Aww!

Well of course I would have deemed it a personal blessing if a coin landed on my waiting palms which doubled as shields. But as luck would have it, none chose me.

In any case I share in the happiness of my co-workers who were able to get their share of coins, lots of coins!

And the bountiful food wasn’t bad either.

Here are some photos from the said event:

Blessing starts at the entrance. Can you spot me? (hehe)

See the airborne coins? Heaven forbid they hit me!

And here's our local version of that "traditonal" Hallmark shot.

What’s Up With the World Today?

Senate to continue ZTE mess investigation ‘off-cam’ - solon

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, denied going easy on the investigation into the $329.4-million ZTE controversy even as he insisted that the probe will continue minus the live television broadcasts. GMANews.TV

Check out full story here.

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RP doctors: Rectify racist slur in 'Desperate Housewives'
10/04/2007 10:27 PM

A group of Filipino medical professionals sought the producers of “Desperate Housewives"and ABC Studios to rectify the “damage that has already been done" to the sector by the racist slur in the show.

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) on Thursday demanded that the insulting remark about “some Philippine med schools" be deleted from the now infamous scene.

In an interview with GMA News’ 24 Oras, Dr. Romeo Encanto, PMA vice president, said that with the dent made on the reputation of the Philippine medical industry, only prompt action from the show can correct it. “We are happy that they [ABC] issued an apology but the portion must be erased or a rectification must be made," said Encanto. GMANews.TV

Check out full story here.

* * *

Pacquiao on threat: I love surprises
By Recah TrinidadInquirer
Last updated 04:52am (Mla time) 10/04/2007

LAS VEGAS -- It didn’t take long for word to reach Manny Pacquiao that Marco Antonio Barrera plans a “surprise” that will “shock the Philippines” in their coming rematch at the Mandalay Bay.

It didn’t take long, too, for the Filipino superstar to belittle the claim.

“He has a surprise?” Pacquiao said after the media presentation by both fighters at the site of the Oct. 6 bout here. “I’m used to surprises. INQUIRER.net

For complete story click here.

* * *

Earth-like planet forming 424 light years away
By Mira ObermanAgence France-Presse
Last updated 09:35am (Mla time) 10/04/2007

CHICAGO -- Snuggled into a huge belt of warm dust, an Earth-like planet appears to be forming some 424 light years away, scientists said Wednesday.

At somewhere between 10 and 16 million years old, the planet's solar system is still in its "very young adolescence," but is at the perfect age for forming Earth-like planets, said lead researcher Carey Lisse of Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory.

For complete story click here.

* * *

Britney Spears gets visitation rights to her kids
Agence France-PresseLast updated 11:43am (Mla time) 10/04/2007

LOS ANGELES --Troubled pop star Britney Spears Wednesday got visitation rights to her two toddlers while they remain in custody of her ex-husband, aspiring rapper Kevin Federline, his lawyer told reporters.

Lawyers of the former couple attended a new hearing Wednesday on the custody battle for Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, one.

On Monday, 25-year-old Spears lost custody of her children "until further order of the court," after sharing temporary custody with Federline, 29, since their divorce at the end of July.

For complete story click here.

* * *

And Finally…

A 7.4-pound, 20.5-inch long baby girl is born via C-section today, October 4, 2007, at around 3 p. m. Singapore (and Philippine time).


Baby Nikha Yzabel is welcomed into this world (well, in a smaller scale it’s in Singapore) by her proud parents and equally anticipating extended family in the Philippines, plus an extra-special angel up there who must have also held his breath at the sight of cute, little Nikha.

Umm I was Tagged: 6 Degrees of Weirdness

I usually don't allow anyone to tag me (suplada?!). I'm too lazy to be part of a chain and, really, I'm not much of a chain material. But since malakas sa akin si Ody (naks!), the one who tagged me, I shall indulge.

Let's see.

"Each player of this game starts with 6 weird things about them. People who get tagged need to write a list of their own 6 weird things as well as state the rule clearly. In the end, they need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. They should also leave a comment to the ones they are tagging that says, ‘you are tagged,’ and tell them to read the tagger’s blog."

Six Degrees of Weirdness:

1. Most people would think I love reading books, but it is a common misconception. I used to hate books or, more like, I’m afraid of them. There are some good books I would not have read back in college if they were handed to me in "book" form. Therefore, photocopies worked to my advantage. It gave me the feeling that I'm in control since I can write on them whenever I want. (Control freak, am I?) So now that's what I do with my books. I write on them. I jot down my reactions whenever I feel like it. I even highlight parts I want to highlight. Somehow it affirms my control over the book. Still, I’m not into novels. Thick books never fail to frighten me, except grammar books, dictionaries, and word trivia books—the types of which I seem to gravitate to.

2. In rare occasions when I do read books, novels that usually don’t go beyond 400 pages, it takes me a long time to finish them. Thanks to my short attention span and my penchant for reading aloud. Reading often lulls me to sleep, regardless of how engrossed I am. What usually happens when I’m at a reading streak is, I read then I fall asleep, when I wake up I’ll read again only to fall asleep again and so it goes. Just imagine how much of my time the whole process eats. Probably the reason why I read aloud is to keep me awake. But it also has a lot to do with me understanding what I’m reading. Let’s just say hearing what I read contributes a lot to my ability to comprehend. Then again, sometimes I get distracted by my own voice; hence I have to re-read the parts where my thoughts drifted off. Finally, my vocal cords, unlike any normal reader’s mind, cannot continue reading for hours. Perhaps that’s another reason why I fall asleep.

3. Well, I’ve already said this a lot: I talk to myself aloud. And if I’m absorbed with the “conversation,” I think I even display appropriate facial expressions and gestures which is weird because I am talking to myself. Sometimes, I will utter a joke to which I will laugh. Huh, sounds typical but wait ‘til you catch me doing it. And, by the way, I get embarrassed whenever I get caught.

4. I guess, I have a bit of autistic tendencies as I can be in the middle of people talking yet I wouldn’t hear them. I don’t know. I shut them off, I guess. They can even be talking about me but I wouldn’t know because I’m too absorbed in thinking of something else or I’m just not in the moment and my thoughts are afloat.

5. I make my own superstitions rather than observing the more traditional ones. I think it started when I was in grade school. I avoided ending the designs in my notebooks—the ones that mark a new quarter (grading period) in class—with elements that go down or at least seem to move down to avoid grades that go down. Then there’s me believing that it’s unlucky to buy a wallet for oneself. I don’t think I will be buying me one. I wouldn’t risk being trapped with a wallet that’s always empty. I once talked a friend into buying me a wallet and in turn I had to buy her one so that she, too, will be lucky. Another lucky charm is me seeing my name on plate numbers of cars. I feel like winning a misfortune-immunity challenge whenever I spot a vehicle’s plate number with my name on it. Must explain the smile.

6. Six? Hmm…I’ve never had a boyfriend. Since birth. Isn’t that weird. (Final sentence was intentionally structured as a statement of ironic fact rather than as a question.)

I’d say the number six is not enough to cover my quirks. But I guess, it’s good enough to list down the first six things that came to mind. Maybe I’d reveal another six if I get tagged again, who knows?

Now it’s Faith’s, Christmas’, Aleth’s, Nikka’s, Kate's and Annie’s turn to weirdness--the lucky six I’ve chosen to tag.