Sylvia La Torre’s granddaughter

I’ve been hearing about Hannah Montana but other than knowing vaguely that it’s a teen series, I knew nothing about it. Yesterday in 24 Oras or somewhere, I saw an interview of one of the talents in the show. She’s Filipina. And even better, she’s the granddaughter of Sylvia “Filipino custom `no touch’” La Torre. Her name: Anna Maria Perez de Tagle. I presume she’s the daughter of Artie Perez de tagle, who used to come out in one of Sylvia’s shows? I think there were 3 children, one of them Cheche. I may be wrong because that was quite a long time ago. Sylvia was so endearing so I was driven to check out Anna Maria in youtube. Here’s the link to her interview with janelle so. Remember her?[

My corrected birth certificate from Talisay City

has not come yet. To think I applied for the correction a week from the time I filed the same for my son at the Manila City Hall’s Civil Registrar’s Office. I got my son’s mid-December. Technically, I should have gotten mine first week of January. But I guess, it doesn’t follow?

Sigh…

Shorts

My nephew was over for lunch. As he asked I ordered Shakey’s pizza and mojos for him. As we were talking, he mentioned he’d be having dinner at in-yo with friends. An hour or so later, one of them texted to say in-yo was closed. I interjected, “but it’s not Monday.” As a rule, In-yo is closed Mondays. So I called. After several tries and getting a busy tone, the phone rang. And the one who answered me said indeed in-yo was closed and would re-open on 3 Feb under a new management and name. It would from then on be called Niño, which is the chef’s name…

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On a trip to the grocery, I saw this Kikkoman tempura and noodle sauce bottle. I couldn’t figure out the instructions, mostly in Japanese even if it did say 3 part something and 1 part something. I surfed the Net and voila! Sysu’s website gave the instructions 3 parts hot water, 1 part soup/tempura base. I had the maid add 1 tsp ginger and 2 tsp radish to 6 tbsp hot water and 2 tbsp of the soup base. When my son dipped his shrimp into it, he exclaimed, “wow, kuhang kuha.” Finally. See I’ve tried out the recipe for tempura sauce in some cookbooks but it never seemed quite right. For one I didn’t know where to source dashi. So ..

As I surfed for the site which might have a recipe, I also saw this. Looks interesting. Might just try it one of these days.

lucky me (not the soup)

Oh no, am I beginning to pun too much, like Conrad Banal? Darn.(Usually I don’t read his columns because the titles sound so contrived.) But that’s not a pun in the title, right.  Anyway…

Why do I think I’m lucky? I haven’t been watching too much TV of late, not even my usual habits Unang Hirit, Moms, and Sweet Life. Just too much work to do. But today, I turned on the TV and  wow, who were on in UH? Gian Magdangal, Bryan Tremulo, Harry Santos and Jan Nieto. To those who don’t kow them, they are regulars in SOP on Sundays in GMA. Except that I don’t get to watch them that much and in fact, I was surprised that they have formed a group: “You’ve Got Male”. (I think that’s a more apt/accurate example of a pun, right?). No wonder their voices blend well like they’ve really practiced. (Voices blend well if the talent is there to begin with, they blend even better if the voices practiced together.) So there. what a treat. Failed to focus on their first song as I got a call from Negros from my sister, but I was fully enjoying the second song (theme  from “ice castles”) when suddenly Drew and his co-host (see, I don’t know her name as I  haven’t been watching) interrupted the group to interview them. (My sister would have had a fit if in the middle of her piano playing somebody butted in.) I think the group especially Gian looked taken aback a bit. But they managed to smile through the interview and answer questions about their group and forthcoming concert at the Music Museum. (I was so peeved I didn’t catch the date.) And guess what, after the interview was done, Drew said “and now here they are again.” ANd guess what, they returned to that part of the song where they left off before they were so rudely interrupted. And guess what, they weren’t able to finish the song  because a commercial break came on.

It’s so sad that economics/money has spawned this discourtesy, this lack of appreciation for the craft of singers, dancers and the like whose appearances on TV are aborted by a commercial break or a host’s spiel. I am a kapuso but that doesn’t leave me any less irked at the practice. Darn.

5th Avenue in Shang and then… some (aka Monday at Shang, briefly)

last Christmas we got this Teac sound something at 5th Avenue. Yesterday, a month and 2 days later, when my husband plugged it, there was a humming sound. Called up 5th avenue last night and they said to bring it over. I asked if they’d replace the unit, they said “tingnan natin.”

Tonight we went to Shang because we were advised that the sooner we did the better and when we arrived, Francis Lectura who had sold it to us promptly called someone and soon after told us they’d replace the unit. The cables et al., no. But that was perfectly all right with us. Francis is so soft-spoken but he knows his job. hooray for 5th avenue. And hooray for Shang’s security man in blue. See, the long thingy was perched on my lap and he must have seen how difficult it was for me because without being asked, he walked over to me and got it and brought it inside 5th avenue. CHivalry isn’t dead sometimes.

it being close to 8 after we were done at 5th avenue, we decided to have dinner on the 6th floor. I’m not saying where because I want to go back there because this roasted pig thing was so good. And the mashed potato and the bourbon peaches and the garlic rice. So what was wrong?

The man who greeted us is a suki from several restos, again I’m not saying where. He’s such a suki of ours that when the lady server seemed so flaky, i asked her to call our suki over so I’d seek his advice. She called him and appeared amused at my request (maybe she thought what a crochety old woman I was) and so he came. Asked for his recommendation and before concluding our conversation, here’s what he said, “excuse me ma’am” (uy polite, I thought.) “but did you gain weight?” Reactions please.

Okay one, if I were a teenager and was asked that, I’d have broken down in tears. And my self-esteem would have been crushed to smithereens.

Two, if I were Dina Bonnevie, I’d have arched one eyebrow.

Three, if I were Cherie Gil in Bituin Walang Ningning, I’d have slapped him… or doused him with water. Or was it Sharon who did that? basta. You get the drift.

Four, but because I’m me, I just smiled (plastic?) and said, “yes.” How depressing actually (smirk). So I didn’t order a separate bowl of rice or soft drinks. I’ll get thin yet. hahaha. But really. If he was trying to be cute he wasn’t. Feeling close? After such an unflattering remark, ano siya, sinuswerte? I could have walked out, except that I could only wheel out. Plus  I didn’t really care that much. There were so many other heavy weights in the resto besides.

anyway, like I said the food was really good and I want to go back there. But some service weaknesses:

1) Ordered cheese thing for takeout for son. It came very quickly. Like 5 minutes or less. I told husband to feel it. It was warm, he said. I thought, “ah, heated, not freshly fried.” It came too soon and freshly fried food is really hot.

2) We had some leftover pork and mashed potato. Asked that these be wrapped for takeout. Usually I don’t bother, but I checked. As I suspected, all that was packed was the pork, no mashed potato, no sauce. Asked where mashed po was and sauce. One of the waiters said, “kuha ko kayo ma’am.” When he brought both over, I asked if he still found our mashed po. He said he just got from their files, oops wrong word. From their stock? supply? whatever. you get the drift.

Sunday at Shang

It was two o’clock when we got to Shang after the noonday mass in our parish. Guess where we ate? I’ll just tell you what we ordered and for sure, you’ll guess where: steak (#7, formerly referred to as shimofuri), double beef pepper rice, double beef curry rice, kani salad, black sesame soft serve ice cream, caramel soft serve ice cream. Initially I forgot all about ordering salad but as we were about to pay, the cashier asked, “ma’am baka gusto niyo ng soup o salad?” Oo nga ano. I guess I was so hungry my memory wasn’t working a hundred percent. (just in case this is the first time you read my blog, yes, we had lunch at pepper lunch for the nth time.) Yummy, yummy, yummy. I tried a spoonful of my son’s beef curry rice and it was good. The steak was so, so tender. Sigh.

After lunch we went to Rustan’s to check out the fresh orange juice chuvaness blogged about. “Ordered” one small bottle then the girl offered us a sample. Oh it was yummy. So ordered the next sized bottle too. She warned that it would keep for 3 days only. it has no water, no sugar no preservatives. Just got home and chilled it. Am looking forward to drinking it tomorrow with breakfast. How healthy! The machine is so fascinating too. The plastic bottles bear the Del Monte label. Check out the site of chuvaness for pictures. Also got some pinipig for hot cocoa which isn’t available at Rustan’s Katipunan, and two new (at least to me) varieties of Samba. This one has peanut cream. Haven’t tried it.

After paying for the stuff and handing over my Rustan’s Sapphire card for precious points (comes in very handy when I’m low on funds), cashier said to go to Customer Service for a present. Wow, I thought, may natira pa from Christmas? As we approached the customer service, I saw piles of red boxes and voila! I knew we’d be given tikoy. Yahoo. Days back I wondered out loud if any of our Chinese friends would give us. Sometimes someone does, sometimes no one. Ha, so we got tikoy. Poland brand. I’ll post pictures later.

Wanted to buy YES magazine but suki had run out of copies. Wow, ang bilis naman. Wonder what’s so interesting about the Feb issue that it ran out. Looked at the Chinese paintings on exhibit at the atrium. Saw a friend’s name in the roster of artists. And wow, she had 4! galing.

As we passed Fish & Co on the way to the elevator, waved to my suki who was behind the lectern (podium?). She waved back and smiled. Then she ran after us. With a fish. Creamy white with faux grass underneath. As if I didn’t know, I dumbly asked, “Ano ‘to?” She said “tikoy.” I was so touched. Will post a picture below. Upon seeing the fish,  my son asked, “mama, koi ba yung isda? Kaya tikoy?” Husband, in his usual silly manner said, “Oo. Kaya tikoy yan: T-koi (he spelled it out) kasi.” Corny no? Anyway,

ang sarap ng t-koi. Had the tail fried na. Really yummy. The best of all the tikoys I’ve tried. Kung hei fat choi!

(PS Went to Marks and Spencer because I wanted to get a red shirt to wear for the Chinese New Year. Found none that I liked. Will red orange do?)

The pictures:

By the way, Rustan’s Sapphire card holders get a free parking ticket at Shang (one time use but valid for 7 days) upon presenting the card and the grocery receipt, no matter how small the amount. Saves you P45 in parking fee.

Protected: Ruminating, Reminiscing

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Francis Magalona’s Arkin

Just now, Sa Pula, Sa Puti finished at Eat Bulaga. The contestants were young girls and boys who had done commercials for TV. Among the boys was Francis Magalona’s Arkin. And Pia’s too. As with the rest of their children, Arkin is a definite looker. And he’s well behaved. Yes, even without his parents around (the other kids had their moms in the audience), Arkin was very quietly going about the whole thing. Very well brought up, very well mannered. Congratulations, Francis and Pia. (picture from friendster)

More Recipes from Eden MeltSarap

I’m posting these so they don’t get lost. So my doing so is as much to share as it is to store the recipes safely.

Beef and Potato Cheese Pie

4 pcs big potatoes

1/4 c butter

1/2 c milk

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 k ground beef

1/2 pc onion chopped

1/4 c otmato paste

1/2 c chopped canned mushrooms quartered

1/2 c tomato sauce

1/2 cup Melt Sarap, grated

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 pack Kraft Edent MeltSarap sliced

I’ll translate the procedure in English. So difficult to type Tagalog.

Mashed potatoes: Boil potatoes in hot water until cooked. Cool and peel. Mash using a fork. Add butter, milk, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Saute onion until cooked. Add beef and mix until cooked. Remove excess oil. add tomato paste and mushrooms. Mix well. Add tomato sauce and grated cheese. Cover and cook until cheese melts.

Pre-heat oven at 400 degrees. Pour meat mixture into oven-proof dish and top with mashed potatoes. lay cheese slices atop the potatoes. Bake until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Chicken Chip Melt

2 pcs chicken breast, bone in

4 tbsp mayonnaise

2 tbsp spring onions

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp salt

20 pcs plain tortilla chips or potato chips

1/2 Kraft Eden MeltStarap, grated

In a saucepan, boil chicken until tender. Drain and shred. In a bowl, combine chicken, mayo and spring onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Using a spoon, put a little of the chicken mixture on top of each chip. Sprinkle grated cheese on top.

Bake in 350 degree oven until cheese melts. Serve immediately.

Eden Melt Sarap, Cheesy Chicken Potato Bake

Months ago, I saw a press release of Eden Melt Sarap but when I looked in Rustan’s Katipunan, I didn’t find it. (I forgot to check in Unimart). Then last Tuesday, when I did the groceries, voila! Rustan’s finally had it. I got a box right away without checking the price. Doing that in Rustan’s is a hassle because goods are not individually tagged. Yes, sometimes, they have the price tag perched on the shelf, sometimes not. Sure they also have this machine where one can pass the good’s bar code to check. But hassle.

By yesterday, because we had baked tahong and cheese sandwich since, the box of 180 grams was consumed. So today because we still had tahong without cheese, I asked the maid to get me another box. Okay, I thought it would be cheaper than Magnolia’s quick melt or Chevital’s. But it isn’t. The 180-grams box goes for P60.25. Or at least it doesn’t seem cheaper? or not that much? Anyway, it melts quite well like Magnolia’s. CHevital’s doesn’t. And I saw this recipe behind the Christmas box on top of the regular box. It’s in tagalog so it will take time typing. Plus I hope you understand it?

Cheesy Chicken Potato Bake

1/2 k chicken thighs, about 5 pieces

1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper

2 tbsp chopped garlic

2 tbsp margarine, melted

1/2 k baby potatoes boiled and halved

1 red or green bell pepper, cut 1/2 inch

1 c Eden MeltSarap, grated

1. I hiwalay ang laman at buto ng manok (or better buy the boneless thighs?)

2. Sa isang bowl, budburan ang manok ng asin at paminta. Magdagdag ng 1 tbsp garlic a 1 tbsp margarine (use butter, nicer). Ipahid ang garlic at butter (promise, the directions say that) sa manok. (nalito ang sumulat ng recipe? gusto niya talaga butter? Freudian slip?)

3.Ihalo ang lutong patatas at bell pepper sa isang bowl kasama ang natirang margarine at garlic (o balik margarine). Dagdagan ng asin at paminta ayon sa panlasa (I hate instructions like this, I am not confident to add according to taste). Ilagay ang patatas sa oven-proof dish. Pagkatapos nito ilagay ang manok sa ibabaw ng patatas; budburan ng grated Kraft MeltSarap. I-bake sa oven sa init ng 350 degrees Fahrenheit sa loob ng 30 minuto. Ihain.

Looks good. I have chicken in the fridge but no marble potatoes nor red and green bell pepper. Luckily Rustan’s is nearby. Will give feedback as soon as we’ve tried this recipe out.

TV Viewing of Late

Random shots:

I like Mel Tiangco’s new ‘do. Neat and businesslike. Was admiring it silently when Maid B said, “ganda no. Wig ‘ata.” That never occurred to me. Someone, enlighten me.

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Saw Rufa Mae in Sis. Her lower lip looked plump and full. Did she have it injected with what Joyce admitted to have done on her lips years back? Or was she using very glossy lipstick that has such an effect? Angelina Jolie step aside? Except that Angelina’s look like the real thing.

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Who hasn’t seen Bibi Gandanghari? He was my crush. He was the steward when my husband flew to Cebu. But that person is dead, he, err.. she says, she being Bibi now. 24 Oras has been teasing us for the past hour about showing Carmina’s reaction to her ex’s transformation. Already without saying a word she looks like she’s about to break into a shriek or laughter. Carmina is so natural. Can’t wait for the video of her interview.

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Was so enthralled by the Obamas when I watched Barack being sworn into the US presidency past midnight  yesterday that I’ve been watching videos on the family in YouTube. They seem so lovable. Who in Philippine politics can match their charm and seeming sincerity? I’m hard put to think of anyone. Darn.

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Commercials:

have you seen that one of Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd? I was taken aback there. The situation made them appear like a married couple or at least to be sharing a house. How unsettling. Product: knorr. Usually pairings of movie stars in a commercial happen only when the couple is married. Or if they’re merely `on’ then the situation doesn’t take place in a domestic setting. This one does.

Months back I saw a commercial of Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu. That also unsettled because it seemed to hint at something beyond what’s acceptable between not yet married couples. You get the drift.  I think the product was Nescafe.

The McDo commercial with Cruzita (daughter of Marimar) is charming. Wasn’t seriously watching in when I caught a smile on my son’s face. He said “ang cute.” And it is…

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Carmina’s interview just finished. the teaser wasn’t accurate in the sense that the amused look on Carmina’s face was not substantiated by the seriousness of her statement. Carmina is one decent person. She knows what to say and she can keep quiet. good for her. She doesn’t launder any dirty linen in public.

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On a more serious note, someone from Malacanang had the hubris to say Obama should learn from GMA or something to that effect. Duh… another duh… such braggadocio. Or was he trying to be cute? Funny? Or did he really believe what he was saying? Was that actually perspicacity on his part, at least as far as he was concerned? Did he think that was a perspicacious thing to utter?

Barack and Michelle Obama

Not too long ago, when I first saw Barack Obama, I was very much impressed. He seemed different. Sincere, warm, a ready smile always lurking there, intelligent. Then he was in the running for a presidential nomination, won the nomination and was elected. Now he’s president.

As I watched the proceedings last night, I was initially disappointed that he wasn’t smiling too warmly, that he seemed serious. Then just before he was to be sworn into office, I failed to see what did it, but I saw the smile. Then when he was being sworn into office, the smile surfaced again. Not being familiar with the lines (35 words, I later found out) that constituted what he said after the man who accepted his pledge, I thought it was Barack who had committed a mistake and smiled after doing so. Even if I thought he’d forgotten his line rather than the other way around, I didn’t take that against him.  I simply thought he’s human. NOt once did it occur to me that he was dumb. LAter as he delivered his brilliant inaugural address without missing a word, it occurred to me that possibly he was so focused on what he was going to say that he missed his lines earlier when he was being sworn in. Then I watched the discussion after that and found out it was the other guy’s mistake.

What strikes me most about the Obamas is the apparent warmth of Barack and Michelle. Maybe some people will take issue with that, they’re not staid, they make known how they feel. But the verve, the vigor are most infectious. They talk to each other onstage, Barack apparently loves and values his wife. I hope as the years move on, notwithstanding the demands of his office, their relationship will continue to grow . I pray they will not grow apart but even more into each other as they lead the US. The countenance of their two daughters last night reflected Michelle’s – pride, joy, dignity without appearing cold. Their dad’s too.

God bless the Obamas. God bless America. God bless the world.

For an article on the inauguration, including the hits and misses, click on this

Will the real Barack Obama please stand?

from http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Most-Emailed-Photos/ss/1756;_ylt=ApDtnn9AwJGm8KDsVjTL9clsaMYA

“combination photograph shows U.S. President-elect Barack Obama (L) at a ceremony for his whistle stop train trip at the train station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania January 17, 2009 and Indonesian photographer Ilham Anas (R) chatting with his colleagues in his office in Jakarta January 17, 2009. Anas won’t be at U.S. President Barack Obama’s inauguration on Tuesday. Instead he’ll be starring as an Obama look-alike on Indonesian TV. Anas, 34, who from some angles bears a resemblance to the new U.S. president, shot to fame in Jakarta after Obama, 47, won the election in November, and is now earning income as an Obama double. REUTERS/Jim Young/Supri/Files (INDONESIA)”

I think he is the same double used in the Motilium commercial. Check this out

Found the commercial so cute, but guess what? Husband didn’t recognize the Obama character in the commercial as Obama… I couldn’t see why he failed to do so.

Sourced clip on Motilium commercial from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tfqr224qoMg

Banana Leaf in Power Plant and then some

… is not exactly the same as Banana Leaf in Podium. (picture above is of nasi goreng)

last Sunday, husband and I went to PP without son who had a meeting. Actually, he chose PP because he wanted to order a book in Fully Booked. Husband is not as impulsive as I am so though we were in Serendra Friday night and he’d checked in A Different Bookstore and FB for the price of the same title he wanted, he didn’t order. Take note that in ADBS the price quoted him was double that in FB.

So Sunday we were at PP. First stop was lunch. Banana Leaf. Looked at the menu though I knew what we were ordering from the dinner we had with college friends last 3 Jan: hainanese chicken, nasi goreng, ribs and any vegetable dish. As I looked at the menu, I noticed there was no picture of the beef ribs similar to that in BL Podium. So I called the girl and asked. She ‘fessed up and said they don’t have exactly the same dishes in the two BLs. Husband who wanted the beef was in the washroom. So I opted to choose a substitute dish: ribs in coffee sauce. So again, our orders were hainanese chicken, nasi goreng, ribs in coffee sauce and kangkong. Girl asked if we wanted roti for appetizer or not na lang? Honest she offered and said “o huwag na lang?” But I thought it was worth a try and we could take home what we couldn’t consume. SO got an order of roti with cheese and chose the curry sauce (deep in my heart I wanted condensed milk but husband is diabetic, sigh). So there.

Hainanese chicken was superb, tender, tasty without the gingery taste or sesame oil taste (our version in the house does). Nasi goreng was tops. Ribs had a brownish sauce but did it really have coffee? COuldn’t taste it, maybee too little. Kangkong had bagoong. Like the other veggie dish we had in Podium, this wasn’t spectacular. One orders it to feign healthy eating, haha. I know  I did. The roti was good, I took some curry sauce, a little. Husband also took one portion so brought home 2 portions for the son who liked it. He also liked the leftover chicken. Kangkong I had for lunch today after having some of it last night. And there’s more left for lunch tomorrow. Does that tell you how un-great it tasted? Then we ordered their best-seller dessert. Sago pudding with one corn kernel perched atop a layer of sugared gata. Okay. But the one in Podium was nicer somehow.

Our orders: (first picture is the “plate”, followed by roti with curry sauce on the side, ribs with coffee sauce, hainanese chicken, the kangkong, and the sago pudding.)

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Went to Bread Talk for  … bread. duh. As usual, they didn’t have the white chocolate croissant. For 2 or more months now I’ve been asking because son loved it the one and only time he caught it. Oh well. Bought some bread with pizza topping and buttered toast.  I have one thing I wish the owners of BT would do: put not just the name of the product but a brief description of it. For one, what’s eye level to me is the lower shelf only so what I can see of the top shelf are the names. But what are they? Names are so fancy and more often than not do not give any indication as to what’s in and outside the bread. So how do I find out? I wait for a BT employee to be within asking distance. Sometimes I am impatiently answered by the one who’s transferring freshly baked goodies on the display trays. Sometimes a more patient lady enlightens me. ANd I am not the only dunce who frequents BT. The others also ask. See if they only bothered to label and provide some info on the breads…

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Bought a shirt on sale for son from Esprit. Sale galore in PP last weekend. have you been to Giordano concepts? R2 near Archaeology. Very nice stuff, much more expensive than what they have in their regular store. Topman/Topshop is roomier too, it is across Giordano Concepts. There’s a store beside GC that sells vintage stuff and it had a clearance sale on the store window. Does clearance sale necessarily mean it’s closing shop?

Would have wanted to explore the sales in the other stores but husband seemed to want to go home. And maybe I did too.

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Re FB – Husband asked about ordering the book he wanted. The price quoted him this time was still less than the price at a Different Bookstore but was higher than the price quoted him at FB Serendra. Don’t know why. Another thing: Husband asked  if they had Jeffrey Eugenides My Mistress’s Sparrow Is Dead. They checked in their database and told my husband they didn’t have it. As we were about to leave FB, we glanced at a table and lo and behold, it had several copies of Eugenides’s book. Perhaps their database had not been updated?

Favorite US TV Duos

In yahoo news, I saw this link and checked it out:http://tv.yahoo.com/blog/best-tv-duos–82

Most of those listed were unfamiliar to me but one I could not forget:

KIP (BUFFY) WILSON & HENRY (HILDEGARDE) DESMOND “Bosom Buddies,” 1980-1982 Everyone should have a friend who they convince to do stuff, no matter how crazy it is. That’s why Kip Wilson (played by Tom Hanks) was lucky to have Henry Desmond (Peter Scolari) around. Kip convinced Henry that they couldn’t find a more affordable apartment in New York City than the women-only Susan B. Anthony Hotel AND got him to pretend to be a woman so he could live near a pretty blonde and write a great book about it. Now that’s a good friend.

Yes, before Tom Hanks hit it big on the big screen, I saw him on TV in drag.

Sales Galore

Just now as I was about to sign off from blogging, got a text message from David and Goliath that began: Unleash the shopping monster in you! Hail to the holy mother of Sale! Get up to 50 % etc… January 16 to Feb. 15.

Shang has a mallwide sale too that ends tomorrow. Here, there and everywhere there are sales galore: Gap, Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, Ben Sherman, etc.

Rustan’s Supermarket in Shang, Good Samaritans in Shang

AFter lunch at Pepper Lunch (promise, for the nth time, we ate there again) husband and I hied off to the supermarket. As we waited in line at the counter (there was a counter that said “exclusively for sapphire members” but it was closed – so much for special treatment for sapphire members, duh), impatient me thought I should go to the watch shop to have the battery of the chuk-chuk of my son’s car replaced. okay, chuk-chuk is what we call the remote thingy that opens the car’s doors. As I was wheeling to the area, a narrow corridor that looks like the corridor leading to washrooms, I was accosted by a smiling gentleman who carried the nth permutation of the environmental bag – read katsa or something like that. He said “Ma’am bibigay ko to sa yo.” But on his other hand he had a brochure. Then he started talking about being concerned about global warming and stuff and I said “so kailangan bibili ako niyan para bigay mo ang bag?” He said “hindi ma’am pero sama muna kayo sa akin. Tingnan niyo ang produkto, smokeless, etc.” He added, “Eto yung pinakita ni Kris Aquino” I immediately said “ay hindi ako fan ni Kris.” He countered “ay kapuso. lumabas rin ito sa Sis.” (smokeless griller, I think?) I said “pagbalik ko na lang.” He was insistent, I was firm. So I left him. And the bag went poof.

The alley where the watch store is is truly narrow. Beside the store is Mr. Quickie. There were maybe 2 or 3 customers there and I had to say “excuse me” so they knew someone wanted to pass. I gave the chuk-chuk to the watchman (no, not the graphic novel watchman) and he gave it to someone who replaced the battery: P280. I asked for a discount, the man said “mura na yun. Sa iba benta namin P350″ wow, as if totooo. Anyway, I wondered how I would wheel out of that narrow passage. I couldn’t make a u-turn because there wasn’t room for that. I thought I would just go out paatras. Then a young lady took the handles of my wheelchair, turned it around so I didn’t have to wheel backwards. Good Samaritan 1.

Later went to Debenhams. Asked my husband to leave me there while he went to the car to bring some stuff we’d bought so his hands and mine would be free. I finished in Debenhams faster than I thought(I didn’t buy anything that’s why) and wheeled myself to the elevator section. First elevator was full. Waited for the second. I wanted to wheel in backwards because that’s what the norm is. As I was about to start, one of two gentlemen inside the elevator pulled my wheelchair in. Good Samaritan 2. The world isn’t that bad, one realizes, when acts such as this take place. Sarap ng feeling.

Time to work…

Pictures of Eastwood Mall

I was thoroughly impressed by Eastwood Mall. It’s like Shangrila redux. Some pictures:

Seeing Babyland in Eastwood Mall brought back memories. Even before my son was born, we’d buy stuff from Babyland, mostly in Pasay Road, for the forthcoming baby. When he was older, we bought him a Little Tykes tractor from Babyland in Ali Mall. Prior to that I called to reserve. Maritess answered. Before we said goodbye on the phone she cheerily said, “I will wait you!”

More Pictures

Following are shots taken by my husband. No they’re not from/for some horror film. They’re the view from our house last New Year’s Eve. Scary? The aftermath of exploding firecrackers

Our New Year’s dinner in Manila Pen. Pictures of the life-size creche, my son’s soup in Heat, the fountains:This has happened before. I put up a gallery thinking that the later pictures I uploaded individually wouldn’t come out in the gallery but they did. hahahaha. Sorry. Kakatamad to correct.

Random Shots

One afternoon we were driving past Pasig when I saw this lady desperately making a living under the hot afternoon sun. She propped the umbrella atop something and held on to it as well. She had a customer at least. But look at the sign. Do I think the authorities should arrest or drive her away? Difficult to say. She shouldn’t be there but I’d rather she violated that sign than beg, steal or borrow. The pictures:

This pm, we were on the fourth floor of Shang on the way to Sheridan when we heard music. Like the children who followed the Pied Piper, we did the music and we saw a very young string ensemble near the art galleries and dance studio in Shang. They were playing light pieces, the type we used to dance ballet to. Taking the lead was a man playing the guitar while his young wards played their violins. Maybe the youngest was 5, the oldest aside from the man, 12 years old? But they produced beautiful music. Later we saw a brochure and found out that Teacher Fidel offers violin classes for the young up to high school. I think he should have said from the youngest to 105. Why limit his students to high school age individuals? One of my sisters wants to learn the violin but thinks she’s too old. I think one is never too old. Some pictures:

His brochure states that classes in Shang are on Saturdays, 2-6 p.m. Rate: 12 sessions P4200, violin, music stand and book P3,300. Interesting. Phone numbers 941-0827/092805082359.

Bought a present for my cousin-doctor who’s celebrating her birthday on the 23rd. The wrapping of Rustan’s is impressive:

Words for the day

Doppelganger – an apparition or double of a living person

Barely a year ago we were in Yupangco to complain about a Godin guitar’s part. My husband and I — we were shocked. The man who attended to us looked almost exactly like the friend of my son. It was uncanny. Same hairstyle, same facial features. I told my son’s friend so and he kidded “so i have a brother there?” The next time we were at Yupangco I asked husband to take the man’s picture while showing him the picture of my son’s friend. Reaction of my son’s friend “doppelganger. pareho pa hati ng buhok namin.” Uncanny.

And that was the first time I saw the word: doppelganger. Guess where the next time I did was? In the subtitles of a koreanovela. yes. Their grammar might sometimes be off but the choice of words could surprise you. Doppelganger. Sounds so erudite.

Sycophantic – person who acts obsequiously toward another in order to gain advantage, a servile flatterer

The word above used to be a buzzword when Marcos fell out of grace because so did his sycophants fall out of power.

But the above definition also reminds me of Doreen Fernandez. She once used the word “obsequious” to describe the waiters in San Francisco Steak House.

Obsequious – obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile  degree

and finally, servile. But that’s not so hard. It’s a derivative of servant, I guess. TO be sure, its dictionary meaning is:

servile – having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others

Again uncanny. Excessive seems to be a common thing among the words I chose, though in doppelganger it’s merely implied. SO much for coincidences.

Beef Burger Patties

Last week, Reggie Aspiras came out with a winner of a recipe even if not followed to the letter. The recipe:

1 k ground beef (chuck meat)

1/4 k ground beef fat

2 tbsp barbecue seasoning

1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder

3 tbsp grated red onions

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

I think what makes this a winner is the fact that it has no extenders like flour or oatmeal. It doesn’t even have egg. Yummy.

She gave additional recipes to make the experience yummier

Burger with Shiitake Mushrooms and garlic cream cheese

Burger buns and patties

whipped cream cheese

arugula

tomato and onions

balsamic dressing

1 cup fress shiitake or button mushrooms sauted in olive oil seasoned with salt and pepper

Warm burger buns. spread cheese on buns. Grill patties. Sandwich burger between buns, top with arugular etc.  Dirzzle with balsamic dressing.

GARLIC Cream Cheese

1/2 c cream chees (she says good quality – what brand kaya?)

2 tbsp garlic pounded to a paste

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp sugar and pepper

3 tbsp green onions

salt and pepper.

Whip cheese. Add the rest.

BALSAMIC DRESSING

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tsp honey

4tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl combine vinegar and honey. Gently pour in oil while whisking. Season

JAPANESE TERIYAKI BURGERS
Warm burger buns. Spread mayo and mustard. Drill patties. TOp with teriyaki sauce with onions, arugula, watercress. Finish off with shiitake mushrooms.

TERIYAKI SAUCE

3 tbsp butter

1 tbsp hon dashi (what’s this?)

1/2 c sugar

1/4 c soy sauce

I type this here to share and so that if Maid A loses the newspaper,  I still have the recipe, too delicious to lose.

Thanks Reggie.

(haha, lest you think I move in her and Ernest’s circles, I dont. I’m sure she’d/he’d prefer that to being called “Ma’am Reggie” or “Sir Ernest”. sounds so servile/sycophantic.

Hot chocolate c/o Ernest Gala

Had maid prepare this and the consistency is superb – like imagine being in Dulcinea, La Cibeles, but without churros. Maid A cannot be flustered with two new recipes at the same time. She gets irritable.

The recipe:

Mix with wire whisk in a thick casserole: 1 c Ricoa breakfast cocoa, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 c each of peanut butter and flour, 5 cups fresh milk. Pour on 5 large mugs. (used evap because had no fresh milk, peanut butter was Peter Pan. Lady’s choice might be nicer)

Had her make a fourth and it could fill 2 regular cups. The recipe for the churros that should have gone with it:

Boil in a medium sauce pan 1 cup water, 1/4 cup butter or olive oil. Add 1 cup all purpose flour and mix well over low fire for 1 minute. Remove from fire and cool. Add 2 egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each addition. Place in a piping bag (star tip). Heat 4 cups cooking oil in a 12 inch frying pan. PIpe out churros into 4-inch long pieces on medium heat. Cut with oiled scissors. Drain on paper towels. Roll on granulated sugar and cinnamon.

*******

In lieu of churros and because I had run out of pinipig (without being told), I put cornflakes in my hot chocolate. Yummy. Thanks Ernest.

Serendra on a nippy Friday night

It was past eight when we drove into Serendra. As usual parking wasn’t a breeze, the line to the entrances rather long. THen near the Honda building we saw a huge stretch that had cars and a short line but lots of empty space. So we drove in and it being after 8, paid the parking fee of P25. Yes, parking is paid for when one enters. This is point number 1. Up till now, it seems, malls and their ilk haven’t yet decided when the best and most efficient time is for collecting parking toll: as one enters or as one leaves parking. No wonder though the cars were few, it took a while to get in: perhaps like us, a number weren’t prepared to pay  for parking right away. we weren’t and it took a bit to look for p25, being flustered as I was. So handed over P100 which meant waiting for change. You get the drift.

We were hungry but luckily for us there was room in the inn. Shabu-shabu — all tables had people in them but they had room to share and we found one nearest the door. A couple was almost done eating.

Again I was confused. There’s Mini Shabu-shabu, there’s healthy. Taste-wise they’re the same but they’re different in terms of generosity/servings. Last night after we ordered the Angus beef set (P620 which suffices for husband and me plus extra corn (60 for four portions) and extra squid balls (my absolute favorite at 4 for P50)) the waiter laid plates, bowls and the ingredients on our table. I’m not sure if they’re saving on soap merely or on ingredients but we got only one saucer of garlic/chili pepper, one bowl of the dipping sauce. In one version of Shabu-shabu or at least in the past (I don’t know which) we used to get two saucers of the g/c combination and two bowls of the dipping sauce. Then in a split saucer were the sate sauce and the egg. That one was usual.

Initially we contemplated on getting the Kobe beef but a set costs P1400, more than double the angus beef set. Then I noticed that one could order an extra serving of Kobe beef (60 grams) at P400. Had we done that, it would have cost P620 +P400 for 160 grams of beef (angus and Kobe). Cheaper than getting the Kobe beef set. But we opted to keep it simple and didn’t order the additional Kobe or the Kobe set. And happily the beef last night was a bright red, ergo fresh and very tender. Hooray!

Service – as usual, plates were clanging, getting a glass of water took time. In fact when we got to the resto, there was no one to  welcome us outside as was usual. Times change – oa, but what I’m getting at, I guess, is there were fewer servers so the maitre’d or the one stationed outside the resto was helping inside the resto.

*********

Next stop was GAP. Actually I saw an ad re a sale in Gap outlets days previously which explained our Serendra outing. We guessed the Gap outlet in Serendra would be bigger and would therefore offer more choices than it’s Shang outlet would. But we’re checking that out later today.

As there were so many nice choices on sale we didn’t even have to look at the goods on “newly arrived” racks. There were things for wearing in cold weather, really brrrr… weather. Like padded vests for men and women,  headgear with ear muffs, scarves for weaving around the neck. Nice colors: stripes mostly. There were gloves and this footgear that looked like boots (knee-high), had rubber soles. But the body of the boots was not leather nor rubber. It was cotton or wool, knitted I guess. THink cardigan. That’s the material it was made of. So we were wondering, hillbillies that we are from the tropics, where one could use those. Husband asked the lady attending to us. Okay the answer stumped us. Like we hadn’t left home. The lady said they were for … the feet. Stupid of us to ask, she must have thought. What did we want to clarify in the first place? If you don’t get that then there are two kinds of people in this world or maybe 3: one group knows the answer, one doesn’t know so she/he asks, one gives an answer that’s correct and yet isn’t. We got the latter, we were of the second.

Anyway our purchases, all mine: a bag that was several percent off, a thin cardigan, yellow, my current favorite color at several percent off and sandals that were made of cloth (hahaha), had padded soles and a rubber bottom. Soft enough for my delicate feet (onion-skinned so they take offense and blister easily). Will I take pictures? Maybe later. But I was happy with them. Actually my first choice for the bag was of a darker color but it cost more than twice even if it was several percent off. Sayang. I really would have preferred that. But son might go abroad for a few months of study so we scrimp or try to. That also explains the fascination with gear for cold weather. That also explains why we’re going back to Gap in Serendra tomorrow. So there. (Oh this girl who attended to us must be new or maybe I didn’t leave home. Because at least twice she asked another lady who seemed to know all the answers, for answers. Like she asked how much the bag was, like she asked about what sizes were available, like she was about to refer another question of ours to that lady until I said never mind.  Maid B does that a lot. when I ask her where something is, she’d ask Maid C.)

***********

It being rather late, past 10 pm and we were told they’d close at 11, we went to just one other store, or at least I had myself stationed at Fully Booked while husband went to A Different Bookstore on the other side of the world (we were in B6 all this time). At FB, we first went to the basement (yippee, elevator was working) because I wanted to get a cloth envelope like my son did in Trinoma, for papers I had to read. yes, I came equipped. In a tattered brown envelope I had a stapled reading on leadership, post it and a PIlot v-5 pen. See, when we’re in FB, the time is never too long for husband, while I don’t really like to look around because there are so many things I want to get but I worry about prices and storage. So like I said, I came equipped. AFter getting an ordinary envelope with a garter thingy to keep it together from the basement, I asked husband to station me near the magazines on the ground floor for two reasons: it was secluded (hidden by a tall shelf) and I wanted to look at the magazines – they’re not very expensive and are disposable – one can share them or put them away after reading.

So he put me near the magazines with recipes. Great. I saw Volume 6 of Good Housekeeping’s best off and this one I was sure I didn’t have yet. (they all used to look the same so I have two volumes of which I have two copies — duh, Alzheimer’s in the making). I got one without opening because I was sure, remember? Then I saw this Yummy magazine thingy which was package with a huge board that said Yummy and there was maybe a sixth of that board that was thick and promised 45 chicken recipes. GH cost P195 and Yummy P150. Okay, remember I was supposed to work there, so after putting the magazines and envelope from the basement on my lap on top of my bag, I proceeded to read the reading and make markings on post-its when this man in FB burgundy said “mag-aayos ako diyan.” Huh? I was taken aback. No excuse me, no smile. Suplado. Antipatiko. I asked, “ano?” Then he started getting magazines and demonstrated what he wanted to do. Oh, okay, he thought I was senile? Like I never left home again. Sometimes irate maids do that. Ang bastos talaga. Maybe he thought I was there to use their precious floor space and not but anything? So I said “o sige, paki dala nito sa counter”. Still not smiling, he got the things I wanted to buy and brought them while I hastily fixed the stuff on my lap (remember I’m in a wheelchair) and wheeled out of that blasted section. Then I positioned myself just outside the section near a shelf when he passed me and still not smiling said “andun na.” Suplado talaga. hayy. I wouldn’t have minded moving if I had been asked politely/nicely. I tried to resume my work but I kept thinking of the way I was treated. Didn’t his elders ever teach him courtesy? Darn. I was so peeved and had no one to vent to. I was tempted to do so before the cashiers but I didn’t want to create a scene. Is this menopause? But really he could have been more courteous.

I really tried hard to concentrate after that and maybe my husband was out long enough so I managed to do that, finish my reading and put it back in the envelope. Husband arrived, I told him what happened. He said “inis ka talaga no?” I really was offended. as in really. Later I pointed him out to husband. He looked at us. Maybe he was shocked that there are men who’re better than him who care about people like me, or make that people period. Grrr. What’s happening to FB? Has it gotten so big that the people are no longer trained? Remember my last experience in FB Trinoma? Darn. I love FB but I wish they’d train their people. Paging Mr. Daez. Rustan’s has grown big but encounters like the two I’ve had in quick succession in FB I don’t experience sunod-sunod in rustan’s. They leave much to be desired, Mr. Daez. Hay I’ll move on to another topic so my mood will improve.

**********

Pasalubong time.  Was hoping we’d pass Krispy Kreme so I could get something for son. We didn’t but passed by Italianni’s. Earlier when we had coming from the car, I saw rows of bread on display and thought of getting some. So on the way to the car we did. One loaf of Tuscan bread which the lady said was the best – crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and two loaves of foccacia. This one I love, the foccacia when they serve it as appetizer in Italianni’s. Son was very happy to get them. And I was happy too about the things I got in Gap, the dinner at MSS, and that I’d finished one of several readings. Pity I forgot I had a discount card in MSS. Some waiters sometimes ask when one is about to pay if one us. Last night’s didn’t. Darn. May Alzheimer’s na rin? Aha. I just remembered, maybe I should say senior moment rather than Alzheimer’s. It’s kinder. yes, senior moment.

If I were the casting director of adaptations of Koreanovelas…

I would not cast Sunshine Dizon as Nicole, which I think she has been. She could take on the contravida’s role. Sunshine is too strong to be sympathetic to. I think better choices would have been Chynna Hortaleza or Nadine Samonte.

Heard there’s going to be a Philippine version of Coffee Prince as well. Again, I’d cast Chynna as the tomboyish lead. I think Chynna is terribly underrated. Paging GMA.

Who would be good male leads?

Wendell Ramos, JC de Vera. maybe the Roco twins. Get them out of afternoon telenovelas into prime time. they’re Bembol’s sons, for heaven’s sake. They have the genes.

On another note, one time my husband and I were in the room and the TV was on. The trailer of KC’s movie with Richard was on. I cannot stand KC. She’s so pa-sweet. My husband said, “what can you expect? She’s Sharon’s daughter.” hayy. Richard’s restraint comes on as refreshing whenever he’s with KC, believe me. Arrgh. Sometimes Kris Bernal has a tendency to be trying too hard to steal scenes. She’s cute and she can act but she can overdo it sometimes.

PRAYER OF AN EXPECTANT MOTHER TO ST. GERARD

A wedding goddaughter is pregnant. Here’s a prayer for her:

Great St. Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of our meek and humble Savior, and devoted child of the Mother of God, enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in yours and made you a seraph of love.

O glorious St. Gerard, because like your Divine Master, you bore without murmur or complaint the calumnies of wicked men when falsely accused of crime, you have been raised up by God as the patron and protector of expectant mothers. Preserve me in the dangers of motherhood and shield the child I now bear, that it may be brought safely to the light of day and receive the sacrament of baptism.

Hail Mary (3 times)

Got the image from this site: http://members.tripod.com/MichaudRoots/st-gerard.jpg

It’s the  very same one on page 27 of 30 Favorite Novenas which I got from Sta. Maria della Strada in Katipunan.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Whew. It’s two hours and forty-five minutes long but I think watching it is time well spent. Based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the lead character has progeria in reverse. The story is somehow reminiscent of Somewhere in Time except that the characters are present to each other at the same period. A movie with Sandra Bullock calls to mind and yet doesn’t.

Very touching love story, winsomely acted by Cate Blanchett, convincingly by Brad Pitt. He reminds me of Robert Redford somehow and looks good regardless of what stage he is in his life. When the movie ended, a hush seemed to descend on the theater. Somehow. Inexplicable in a sense but when one is there one knows why and is quiet. Riveting, lissome, beautiful…

Eastwood again

No, we didn’t go back yet but I think there were details I forgot to mention.

(1) From Eastwood Mall, we crossed to the “old” Eastwood determined to eat salpicao, chicken ala kiev or crispy pig knuckles at Cafe Adriatico. As we drew near the place where I was sure it was located, I didn’t see it. I thought I had just remembered its location wrongly but I was right. The guard said it had closed down November or thereabouts. Sigh. Now we’ll have to go to MOA for CA.

(2) Fazoli – when we were at Eastwood more often years back, a favorite haunt of my son’s was Fazoli. He was made even happier by the fact that it accepted orders for delivery. Then they stopped the service. That night we were in Eastwood, I wondered what I should take home for son when I saw Fazoli’s. I’m really getting on in age because I couldn’t remember what he used to like. Then I glanced up the menu list and thought it might be stromboli. Luckily it was. As we waited for the order outside, my husband and I were served two freshly baked bread sticks. How considerate! And it was so good we ordered two additional orders of the same never mind that we had to wait longer.

Which era is he from and where from? A glass castle?

See, I told you I am reading some newspapers today and sadly, what I read doesn’t please me. Okay I have a pile of old newspapers I am just beginning to peruse, among them January 5, 2009’s Philippine Star. Page B-3.

TItle: PInoys urged to save more in banks, keep small coins.

And guess who’s doing the urging? A member of the MOnetary Board (MB). I don’t know what his training is, in fact I didn’t know he has joined the MB (I thought he was still in Malacanang) but what has he been spouting?

Get these:

(1) “According to the BSP, small sums deposited regularly in banks can become a big amount over time because the earnings from the interest add to the savings. These savings can then be used to finance one’s endeavors such as a new business or a down payment for a house.” I wish. With interest rates so low and interest earnings taxed, small sums will take a lifetime or more to become a big amount.

(2) He acknowledges that many consumers complain that jeepney drivers and store owners refuse to accept coins (1, 5, 10  centavo coins) because they are reportedly not accepted by bigger businesses such as gas stations and supermarkets. TO this he says, “Next time someone refuses to accept your one centavo or five-centavo coin, gently explain how these humble coins play an important role in the Philippine economy by keeping prices down.” Oh wow. Ikaw nga, do it. Tell it to my suki who sells your Philippine Star and tells my maid he won’t accept small change. Or tell it to Lolo who sells Coke Solo two houses away. Sige nga. Let’s see if after listening to you they’ll accept your coins. Let’s see nga if they’ll even listen. hayyy.

Rose-colored glasses? A glass castle? King Arthur’s time? Thomas More’s Utopia? RIp Van Winkle? Please get real.

Quotes from the papers today, 8 Jan 2008. Yipee, finally had the energy to read the papers!

From the Inquirer:

But ***  said there was a need to review policies on the assignment of military officers to civilian agencies. “By performing operations that are civilian in nature, our officers could be exposed to temptations which could also affect their career.”

&&&&&&&&&

Teka, teka. Let me think what that means. I’ve read and reread and reread it. Did he mean that officers shouldn’t be exposed to temptations that could affect their career but may be exposed to those that won’t? (And it’s okay if they succumb to the latter?)

Again, again, again. But my mind refuses to budge. I still get the same interpretation of his quote.

&&&&&&&&&&&&

Is it wrong to be exposed to temptation? Aren’t temptations not bad per se? Aren’t they a test of character? If a person is strong, should he not be able to resist temptation of whatever form, be he in the military, a public official, a Church official, an everyman?

See, I’m confused.

Quote was made in line with the manner by which Marine Major Ferdinand Marcelino led the drug bust operation involving 3 Alabang boys. In contrast to the above quote made by a Cabinet member, Senator Biazon, a former marine said:

“It’s about time we recognize good deeds performed  by men and women in the public service.” A bribe attempt was reported by Marcelino who did not succumb to it. Biazon also said “To me that was a very great test to his integrity and he passed the test with flying colors.”

Brig. Gen. Renato Miranda said (in reference to Marcelino): “He is very idealistic and would fight for what he believe in. I don’t think anybody could bribe him nor corrupt him.”

I say, “yehey to Marcelino and his kind. May their tribe increase!”

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Top most quote came from a lawyer, the last two from men from the military though Biazon is now a civilian.

What could the lawyer *** really have meant? I’m confused. I guess I’m more into direct talk? I’m confused. Help. Reactions very much welcome. Did I miss anything up there?

Celebrity Sightings

Not much lately except for, going backwards, Sherilyn Reyes and family at the Podium, Gabby Eigenmann at Shangrila, and Marjorie Barretto at Power Plant. Oh yes, Jon Santos and partner at Shang.

Sherilyn was looking tanned and lovely (girl from Ipanema?) as she walked with her two sons and husband. I admire this lady. Doting mom and all that. Not a snob either.

Gabby was outside Power Books, I think he was talking to his wife?

Marjorie was at P1 in Power Plant, outside one of the restos. Was that Wild Ginger, Milky Way? Wasn’t feeling too well so didn’t really check.

Jon Santos – saw him first at Rustan’s 4th floor and later at another store. This was shortly after Christmas (oops, or was it shortly before?).

At the Podium last night, 7 January 2009

As we drove past security nearest the path leading to the ticket booth, a man in white peeked into the back of our Revo. When we were near the ticket booth, a man also in white said “disabled” with a smile and muttered something into the radio and to my husband saying something like parking. At B2, wow, two men in white were waiting for us at the disabled parking slot, removing the sign so we could park. What service! How special we were made to feel. Hooray for Podium’s security net.

Russian Cookie House, the Podium

Prior to going up to Banana Leaf (see previous post), happened to glance at a sign of Russian Cookie House. And though it was 10 minutes past the designated time, I asked husband if he could wheel me to the stall. There were two ladies there and I saw some sliced cookies that I hoped were samples. They were – sugar free and not. They generously gave us a pistachio one and a russian cookie one and we promised to get some after dinner with friends if they’d still be open.

It was close to 10 when we finished at BL but happily, RCH was open with two smiling ladies. I noticed another variety I hadn’t tried: it was almond-topped. Again I was given a portion to try. I thought it had cinnamon, said so and the girl nodded. I got one pack of sugar free pistachio cookies for husband and one pack of Russian cookies with walnuts inside for son. (I’m not too fond of cinnamon unless it’s in a cinnamon roll) They had nothing without nuts. Rather pricey at P320 for a pack of 36 for the sugar-free and P180 for the pack of 36 that was not sugar free. The price discrepancy I understand – the likes of Splenda, Equal, etc. don’t come cheap. worth spending on for an occasional treat really. One just has to savor every bit to maximize returns, haha.

Oh yes, do have a glass of water when eating Russian cookies. They tend to provoke/induce coughing sometimes, I think because they tend to be powdery — is it because of the confectioners’ sugar? Or the so much yummy butter in them?

I’m no gourmet, a gourmand, maybe. So ask the experts. I merely conjecture…

Banana Leaf at the Podium

When Banana Leaf first opened, a tutee of mine kept saying that his family always had Friday dinners at BL in Greenbelt. I wasn’t impressed because I thought all their entrees had curry. Then the wife of my cousin (she’s a perpetual source of food recommendations) told me otherwise. She said they ate there too and a variety of choices (doesn’t that sound redundant) was available. So we tried it out, at least the branch in Power Plant and once too at Podium. Okay enough but not something I would immediately want to revisit.

But tonight at Podium, with friends from college, we had dinner and I was tasked to order because I was the only girl (woman?) and the three men were busily talking (I felt like Martha, the sister of Lazarus, or Mingyu of Older Sister, the Koreanovela I had just finished). For my family I would readily and gladly do the ordering but friends are another matter. Tastes differ and I cannot claim to be a fortune-teller, not even if this time of year is when they’re most active (predictions for 2009 galore). Anyway, so I studied the menu.

The food server who came to our table was a slight girl who rattled off the best-sellers per section of the menu even without my asking. She didn’t know that a 50 plus brain can only take so much info at a time. I let her be. The menu had more than 10 sections (appetizers, soup, etc) and she was suggesting maybe 4 per. When I’d ask how many I should order per viand, she’d say two. Each viand cost between P200 and P600 and I wasn’t paying, a friend was treating. Kawawa naman.

I started with the rice. One of her recommendations was nasi goreng and I opted for that. Two orders for a group of 7. Next she suggested a fish dish. I said okay, one order. she said “no, 2 orders.” I kept quiet. She suggested a squid dish. I said “okay, 1.” Again she said 2. I chose Chicken Hainanese, she said I could just order 1 of that. She suggested the baby back ribs, 1 order would suffice, she said. Then one of the men said to add tom yum soup. Finally one of the 3 men was helping me out by declaring his preference. The girl said we’d have to order 3 or 4 for the 7 of us because each order had only 2 prawns. I said “hati-in ang prawns. Two orders lang, so that’s 4 prawns x 2, 8 prawns.” She agreed after a while. She also suggested a vegetable dish – sorry, I forgot the name. It was all right and one order sufficed. Plus we stuck to the original plan of 1 order per dish (fish and squid included) even if she said ordering these two if we wanted more would take a while.

The verdict per dish:

nasi goreng – one could just eat that and be full and happy or happy and full. Sarap.

Tom yum soup – lots of straw mushrooms and a portion of a shrimp. Spiciness is just right – it didn’t make me cough (like Secret Recipe’s does); hindi gumuhit in other words. Good too.

Hainanese chicken – the best I’ve tasted so far. Or the better resto wise. The only one I’ve tried in another resto was Lolo Mao’s. BL’s is a lot better. The one in the house pales considerably. Hahaha. My fault. Recipe I have isn’t too exciting. have to find a better one.

Baby Back ribs – when I saw this in the menu, I was admittedly taken aback. It’s too American, I thought. Well the sauce wasn’t the usual American barbecue sauce but a modified version I guess. It didn’t taste Asian either but husband liked it for its tenderness. One could prise it off the bones with a fork easily and there was no litid at all.

Fish – okay also. quite fleshy but I think there was some left-over of this dish. I asked husband he enjoyed it and he said “bitin. I couldn’t turn the fish over.”

Squid – next time, I won’t order squid in a resto that doesn’t have knives. In fact, I cheated, The portion I got — the tentacles– weren’t as difficult to negotiate as the body of the squid. Shhh. No one noticed or cared, I guess. I’m not sure if this dish was consumed.

The desserts – sago cake or something – ang sarap. So was the sago soup – very refreshing. the latter had ice shavings and cubes of papapya, water melon and melon(?), as well as mango. Yum yum yum

Other comments:

One eats off a sheet of banana leaf.  Okay, I say sheet because it’s shaped like bond paper. I might as well have said off a banana leaf. Even the soup, joke. One gets a bowl for the soup.

Hainanese chicken and squid dishes had rectangular receptacles containing sauces. No serving spoon for the sauces. How was one to get from them? I asked for serving spoons, was given just one. So dip from the hoisin with the same spoon used for the hot sauce and ginger. Something wrong there?

And like I mentioned before, no knives. So sliced something with spoon and fork, nadulas a little, had a few cooked rice grains landing on my pants. Shhh.

BL – I’ll be back. Really very satisfying food. Hainanese chicken. I’ll dream of you tonight. Nasi goreng too… was i Indonesian or Singaporean in a previous life?

The personnel were cheery and pleasant (again is that redundant?). Must be the Nasi Goreng or the chicken, or the sago working on my brain. Sweet lethargy. happy lethargy

Training for Food Servers in a Food Outlet/Restaurant

Some time ago, we had dinner at a resto. Won’t specify which because I enjoy the food in it and the servers are pleasant. But they need some training. My observations and why I think they should be addressed:

a. I caught at least 2 of the servers chewing gum. Back in grade school at St. Scho, the German nuns banned chewing gum. They said people who chewed gum looked like goats. And who wanted to look like a goat?

b. When we were about to order, the lady server pulled paper or was it ballpen from under her blouse. That is, she raised her blouse and I saw her tummy and belly-button. Only the other day, I chided my maid for wiping her mouth with the seam of her t-shirt. My husband and son were in the sala besides and neither did I want to see her tummy. Months back I had a maid who was okay, a tomboy (what’s the politically  correct way of referring to them?) who did the same. I said to her “please don’t do that. You’re a girl.”

c. Maybe the conversation bored me, maybe this waiter was in my direct line of vision but as he was waiting for the orders of the patrons of a table from a safe distance, I saw him cleaning his nose with a tissue. darn.

Pastillas de Leche, de Macapuno, etc.

Ever since I was a child, I loved eating pastillas de leche. But there are pastillas de leche and pastillas de leche by different makers, of different tastes and packaging. And the quality differs across makers.

Thus far the most consistent has been Iya’s, at least per my experience. Thing with PDL, one never knows if what one gets has no molds creeping along the sweet as PDL is wrapped in bond paper and white papel de japon. So how is one to know?

A word of advice: never, ever give a box of PDL unless you trust your source who should assure you it’s a fairly new batch. Last Christmas, my husband received a box of S_____ PDL. Know that yellow box that’s lovely enough to be exported? No not the kraft boxes wrapped in cheap wrapping paper. No not the thin cellophane plastic bag ones. The yellow box one sees in stalls in malls. What do you know, given the surfeit of food stuff in the house around Christmas time, it wasn’t till 3 days ago that we opened the S___ PDL. Before opening it I checked for an expiration date and found none. Maid did the same. Found none too. At any rate, every single PDL had blue-green growths in them. After opening just one, my husband decided to throw them but the maids looked at each and every wrapped candy and found nothing edible among them. Sad.

A few months ago, I bought a pack of macapuno candy from the same stall or at least same brand and in just two days, there were blue-green thingies in them.

It’s unfair that this stall keeps on selling low-quality/spoiled goods. I guess they take comfort in the fact or to put it more bluntly are brazen about selling such because who’d bother to go back to have them change it given the price of fuel, the inconvenience etc.?

Sad, really sad. Which government agency should police this seller? DTI?

Update on Rustan’s Sapphire Card

I had been using mine for a few weeks when I got another in the mail round Christmas time. Note that aside from the card they attach a keychain with the details of your account so that in case you forget the card but have the key chain thingy (half the size of the card, same color and material), you may just present the latter.

Last Christmas I wasn’t too much at Rustan’s but twice the maid came home with something from Rustan’s by virtue of my being a Sapphire card holder. One I mentioned in a previous post: the Christmas ball with flavored polvoron. On another day, the maid came bearing two Meiji chocolate bars tied together by a red ribbon.

Sweet of Rustan’s, no? Only Rustan’s is so thoughtful.

Citibank -hooray

December 30, 2008, my son showed me his Citibank card which was close to breaking in two along the magnetic strip. We were in the mall then. The strip could still be read but rather than wait for such time when it would be unusable, I called Citibank (9959999)’s trunk line. An officer immediately took my call and said she would process the request for a replacement card. What do you know? January 1, we received the card.

Except for that time when Citibank had problems about the telephone PIN of the Rustan’s credit card, it hasn’t given me any problems at all. Hooray for Citibank. It was up and about even during the long holidays!

Briefs – that is, brief write-ups

Eastwood Mall – was there December 30, I think. Nice place. Shangrila Mall in the making. Wide corridors, brightly lit stores, posh. With sofas in certain areas. Stores include Springfield, Steve Madden, Celine, Body Shop, Face Shop, etc. Soon to open are Italiannis, the theaters, A. Shop, Gingersnaps, among others. Also open Babyland. Soon to open Fully Booked, A Different Bookstore. Only open eatery is Starbucks on the 4th floor. Didn’t see a ramp from the road to the mall. We had to go through the driveway, essentially competing with cars. Perhaps it was dark so we failed to see any ramp beside the steps from the road?

Shanghai Bistro – our waiter recommended the Beef Satay. We’re glad we listened to him. Very tender and flavorful. Also had hakao, pork spareribs, radish cake and yang chow fried rice. Good service.

*****

Today Greenhills. Everyone seemed to be there. There was no traffic in the roads but in Greenhills, it took a while before we were let into the open parking. Many people in the groceries too. Found sugar-free Andes mints. A bit pricey at P130 plus per pack. Also found Almond Roca thins. Got the mints for the husband but no chocolates for me. We got more than enough last Christmas, right Chew?

Was hungry after doing the groceries so decided to buy burgers for husband, maid and myself at Orange Julius or I think it was Orange Julius. Could not see the signage. Yummy burgers, not at all dry. Next time the hot dogs?

At the coffee shop from where we took home Makati Supermarket style spaghetti, noticed a table of Chinese men and women. They saw a friend, asked that friend to join them. When the friend refused, they gave him a mandarin orange to take home. Is that supposed to be lucky? I wanted to beg for one just in case. But of course I didn’t.

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why the brevity of the post? am about to wind up The Older Sister – of course it’s a Koreanovela. Want to finish that soonest so I can do my work. I rationalize, it’s the Christmas season…

Happy New YEar, everyone! I know I have pictures to post. Maybe soon.