This set-up made me waiver about trying it out, but this morning I was feeling adventurous. And my son and husband were willing to try it out as well. But let me backtrack.

After mass we had two dining options: Ukokei in Pasay Road, and Dingdong Dantes’s Krave resto in Palanca Street in Legaspi Village. So our first stop was Krave, but what do you know, it was 11:10 a.m. and the resto was closed. Don’t they open on Sundays? Seeing that, we went to Pasay Road in search of Ukokei. Found it not and ended in DT. Had a valet park the car.

*****

We were clueless about where to start. A man in a cotton long-sleeved barong tried to be helpful but was apparently not too knowledgeable about the buffet. He did tell us to go to Basix which is on the left side. We entered the place, but no one told us what to do. We went out and saw this lady whom we engaged in conversation. She told us that Basix has a little of everything, particularly Asian cuisine. We went back in and saw sashimi et al. Still on an exploratory mood, we then hied off to Umu, the Japaense resto which is on the right but deeper into the hotel. We scoured the place and saw Japanese food (what an inane statement): sushi, sashimi, salmon balls, etc. It was empty at that point. As I wasn’t sure the elevator would bring us to the mezzanine (some elevators don’t), I asked one lady if it would. She led us to the elevator where someone else accompanied us to the mezzanine. But before that, we stopped before this indigenous instrument (string/percussion) laid on a stage. We asked what it was called and were told it was a kim. (Later we found out it’s spelled KHIM). Then we proceeded to the mezzanie.

Tosca is the Italian resto on the left. In it, Proseco is free and bottomless. Promise. So that’s what we decided to make our base.

No, I didn’t partake of the Proseco. Ice cold water was enough, until I asked and was told that sodas are free and bottomless in Basix. Husband got me a glass from there which he said was dispensed from a dispenser (how inane that sounds, again!).

The Italian spread had bread but no cheeses, cold cuts, ham with Hawaiian sauce, pasta choices, risotto (yummy – which a choice of asparagus, mushrooms, bacon, parmesan cheese, etc. – take all or some), gratinated tomatoes, garlic and mushrooms, capers, etc.

While I stayed in Tosca, husband and son checked out Umu and Benjarong, the fourth resto with Thai food. Son got crunchy spicy chicken which was very good. THis was when I felt the need for Coke, badly. There was pad thai as well, but son had made it too spicy so he said I shouldn’t try it.

At Umu he got the beef teppanyaki, cream dory teppanyaki and shrimps. The beef teppan was so good he said he should just have gotten that and no more. It was freshly cooked besides. Husband got sashimi and sushis, but we hardly touched these as we were too full. Besides I had gotten sen moked salmon from the Italian spread.

Overall, I’d say this is the best buffet I’ve ever had, particularly because of the freshly prepared risotto and beef teppan. When I asked what dessert was best, she told me hot cocoa. I asked, “with churros?” She looked at me strangely. But she said it was the best-seller, so I said to go ahead and get me one. It was good, like choco fudge. It reminded me of the icing/frosting of the choco cupcake in Mom and Tina’s.

After lunch we lingered a little at the Murano display/stall. The lady manning the place was very involved and enthusiastic, patiently telling us how much things were, citing the possibility of discounts. The prices ranged from a thousand pesos for a pendant, to a P35k neckpiece. A hairclip that was really colorful cost P3500. No, I didn’t buy anything. I did see the pendant son got me from Rome two years ago. He had been very proud to give me this Murano piece. (Note that also available were crucifix pendants and crucifixes for the wall, small clocks, etc. Very interesting array.)

While we looked at the stuff thereat, I heard my name being called (I had used my credit card to pay). The lady began, “Ma’am you forgot…” I immediately panicked and thought – “my credit card” (horrors)! But no, it was husband’s iPod. Whew – that it wasn’t mine and Whew that they returned it. The girl in the Murano stall then recounted how honest the people in Tosca are and how even the cleaning lady in the washroom is as well.

Except for the lack of product knowledge which can be improved on, DT is a hotel that gives one a nice-feeling. Everyone smiles and is gracious. Some even put their palms together, mutter a greeting and bow, Thai style, undoubtedly.

*****

At the lobby, we again paused before the Thai instrument. Earlier husband had seen a young lady playing it. Son couldn’t resist tinkering with the strings. Shortly after, a lady who looked Filipina but spoke with a foreign accent smiled at us. I asked if it was she who played the instrument. Yes, she said. Husband asked to see the “hammer” used to strike the strings. She obliged.

Happy, happy, happy. We got a free parking ticket and even the valet service which was pegged at P55 was free because we reached a certain amount. Note that we got a 15% discount for paying our bill with my Citibank credit card. And this isn’t a plug.

Three pictures:

One is of my wrist/arm with the DT tag signifying our having cross-over buffet so we could go from one resto to another. The two others are scenes leading to UMU or near it.

A few years ago my sister told me that tikoy could be wrapped in Apa or lumpia wrapper and fried. That, I thought, was a good idea because tikoy fried in egg can get boring.

A few hours ago, I read my nephew’s suggestion to his friend – to add quick melt cheese in the lumpia tikoy. Not having any, I had HHA use queso de bola from Christmas.

Yummy! Go try. Go fry!

The blurb indicates that shyness and introversion are not one and the same. Shame on me to realize it only now.

Darn, why wasn’t this issue available in Fully Booked last night? Next Friday hopefully, when we once again hie off to Regis Center?

Spare a thought for the poor introverts among us. In a world of party animals and glad-handers, they’re the ones who stand by the punch bowl. In a world of mixers and pub crawls, they prefer to stay home with a book. Everywhere around them, cell phones ring and e-mails chime and they just want a little quiet.

But you know what? New research — which we report in this week’s cover story “The Upside of Being an Introvert,” available to subscribers here — suggests that introverts may be a whole lot happier than than they seem to be. And even if they’re not, they still may wind up a whole lot more successful than everyone else.

LIST: Great Introverts and Extroverts in History

There’s no such thing as a census of introverts, but the best estimates suggests that about 30% of all people fall on the introverted side of the introvert-extrovert spectrum. That’s not a bad place to be — provided you define your terms properly. For one thing, being introverted is not the same as being shy. Shyness is a form of anxiety, one that sufferers respond to by actively avoiding social situations, even if they’d prefer to be out enjoying them. At the root of the shy temperament is a deep fear of social judgment, one so severe it can sometimes be crippling. Introverted people don’t worry unduly about whether they’ll be found wanting, they just find too much socializing exhausting and would prefer either to be alone or in the company of a select few people.

The roots of introversion can be numerous, but research does show that about 20% of four-month-old babies are what scientists call highly reactive — responding to unpleasant stimuli like popping balloons or strong smells with greater distress than other babies. And that same 20% tend to grow up to become introverted children and adults, eventually learning to protect themselves from overstimulation by avoiding the situations that will overload their neural circuits.

But as other research has found — and as the new book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking reports — that same taste for solitude can bring with it an ability to focus for long periods of time that is necessary to becoming a great musician or scientist or businessperson. Introverts listen better, they assess risks more carefully, they can be wiser managers. It’s not for nothing that the Silicon Valley billionaires are so often the retiring types. It’s not for nothing that the current resident of the Oval Office is, by most definitions, a happy introvert.

MORE: Take the Quiz! Are You an Extrovert or an Introvert?

In this week’s cover story, we report on the newest research and what it means for you — whether you’re an introvert yourself or are married to or raising one. In addition, Dr. Oz, a dad of four, offers his own tips for parents on how best to bring up an introverted child. Subscribers can get them here.

And finally, check out the essay “Don’t Call Introverted Children ‘Shy’” by Susan Cain, author of the aforementioned Quiet, on TIME Ideas.

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2012/01/26/shhhh-the-quiet-joys-of-the-introvert/#ixzz1kidxKaXs

She picked me up at 3 in the afternoon, hardly an auspicious time given the heat and the traffic but I tried to smile, and I think, succeeded. Then she talked about all sorts of sorry experiences she had about things borrowed and not returned, the dwindling volunteerism, how small my chair looked for me, etc. She asked if I wanted a drink as she drank from the container she brought. I demurred.

We reached our destination whose location she had described to me earlier and which I said I had never seen which made her give me a look of incredulity. Because I do reach that level of the building, I told her. Well, I realized I was not experiencing a blind spot all this time as that area had never been crossed by us. And I told her so.

When I saw the things they were selling, many of them hand painted, I asked if I could make a suggestion: to have other themes on them because they were nice, true, but would appeal to a limited market, i.e., foreigners and balikbayans or those wishing to buy pasalubong for family, friends and relatives abroad. After perhaps an hour or so, I was hoping to be offered a drink (water would have been okay), but nothing. I didn’t want to buy as the host might be offended if I did. I’m not sure. She’s not Filipino. Eventually, I made moves to go home and did. She said we should go to a town next week to see the artists. In at least three different locations so I could interview them.

I thought about it. Should I go? Am I obliged to go? I would like to help, but on my own terms. I had prepared a questionnaire which I thought should suffice — someone else can go interview them and I do the write-ups. But the host wants me to get a feel  of where these artists are coming from. They are of my ilk.

Yesterday, I wrote and told her I wasn’t inclined to go on the trip. It can be very uncomfortable in the vehicle, getting off, getting on, in this heat and traffic. Before she must have read my email, she asked if I could go on Tuesday or Thursday next week. I told her I had emailed her.

Now, almost 16 hours later, no word from her.

I guess that ends what would have been a case of leaving my comfort zone in my wish to help. I now realize that leaving my comfort zone is something I should be comfortable about, rather than pushed to do so. That way I won’t be resentful, that way I’ll be happy. Selfish? Self-absorbed?

Have I finally learned to say “No”?

What role should the media play in this historic impeachment trial of a chief justice?

Should it be a provocateur and spark debate and discussion, which hopefully, should be informed? Should it interpret and analyze events for the public to better understand the issues and their implications? Should it remain neutral and detached?

These questions call to mind the theories of the press, two of which are perhaps the most relevant to these questions. One is the libertarian theory and the other is the social responsibility theory.

Without having to sound esoteric, the libertarian theory essentially takes the position that every person is capable of deciding for himself what is true and what is false. Because this assumes access to information and an ability to process that information, the audience or the public are regarded as experts in their own right, completely capable of divining the truth in events.

On the other hand, the social responsibility theory goes beyond “objective” reporting and crosses over to what is referred to as “interpretive” reporting. The press assumes the role of an interpreter of facts and goes beyond a mere recitation or reporting of basic information – the who, what, where, when, why and how of an event. It does this because complexities compel journalists, whose objective is to enlighten a befuddled public, to do so.

As such, journalists make an effort to “report the truth about the fact” as the American Commission on the Freedom of the Press put it way back in the 1940s. This means explaining, analyzing, and making sense of events. It also means connecting the dots.

Collective wisdom

At a crucial moment when no less than a chief justice is under public scrutiny, and when the threat of a constitutional crisis looms each time the legislative and judicial branches of government appear to be headed for a head-on collision, the media plays a critical role.

Because journalists have access to documents and officials elected to public office, they are in a better position to make sense of conflicting versions of the truth. Does this bestow on them the title of “expert?” Does this put them on a pedestal superior to their audience?

Admittedly, a journalist who has done extensive research, spent long hours poring over documents or interviewing insiders and people on the ground with intimate knowledge of details related to the articles of impeachment, earns a degree of expertise. After all, an academic who does the exact same thing in a particular field, is acknowledged as an expert in that field. What makes a journalist any different?

Does this give journalists the right to consider themselves superior to their audience? No, because the effort to arrive at the truth behind the allegations against, in this specific case, Chief Justice Renato Corona, is a collective one. Anyone so inclined is free to interpret, look for patterns, or even raise questions about, his Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs). This is on top of all other relevant documents made public.

Members of the media may, in fact, tap into the wisdom of crowds to come up with a more accurate assessment of Corona and the cast of characters in the impeachment trial. This includes members of the prosecution and the defense, as well as the senator-jurors.

Many times, journalists come face to face with a lethargic public, too tired or lazy to do the math, or simply apathetic. Then it becomes the role of journalists to move them to action by shaking them with solid information that will either enrage them or even inspire them.

Driven by truth

Does this give them the right to influence or direct the results of the impeachment trial? It must be remembered that the goal of every investigation, trial, and reportage is getting to the truth, if not the closest approximation of the truth. For sure, the media does not have the monopoly of truth, even as journalists constantly strive to make sense of seemingly contradicting and confusing information.

It is perfectly all right for journalists – no, it is the duty of journalists – to challenge both the defense and prosecution, raise questions, express doubts, point out gaps and inconsistencies in supposed statements of fact, and even piece together pieces of a difficult puzzle – if all these will facilitate finding the truth. Did Corona commit impeachable offenses? What are these offenses? How were they committed? What is he guilty of, if anything?

The best journalists are probably those driven by a passion for truth. They will do what it takes to uncover the truth. They will strive to be as competent, if not more competent, than the prosecution and the defense because they know this will ultimately redound to the public good.

Journalists are neither lawyers nor judges who need to maintain cold neutrality in the face of what appears to be convincing evidence. It is in their DNA to look for patterns, inconsistencies and lies, and to point those out. They are shapers of informed public discourse, if not facilitators of discussion and debate in the name of truth.

At the same time, they are mindful of the harm that unbridled passion can bring, and are keenly aware of the need to balance it with fairness and respect for individual rights.

To them, an informed public exposed to a marketplace of ideas will only be richer intellectually and be in the best position to judge whether what is being fed them is hogwash or scraps. That same public – following a working democratic system – will be the media’s ultimate check. - Rappler.com

Apropos of my post a few days ago, I got the following email from Rustan’s.
Apparently, it wasn’t the first prize I forgot but the 3rd: the Rimowa luggage.

Dear Valued Rustan’s Shopper, 

Start the year in a new lite with a  ”Healthy Litestyle” at Rustan’s Supermarket.  Be Fit & Fab with our lineup of exciting activities from January 20 to February 29.

Get a chance to Travelite and win a healing journey at The Farm in San Benito, a pampering retreat at Shangri-la’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu, or a stylish and lightweight set of Rimowa luggage.  A minimum purchase of P500 (with any healthy participating item) entitles you to a raffle coupon.

Eat, drink and still shrink with the new Low Calorie and Vegan Meals from Gourmet to Go.  Indulge in an array of ready-to-eat, dietitian-certified meals with approximately 300 calories per serving.  Now available at Rustan’s Rockwell, Makati, Shangri-la Plaza and Katipunan.

Take part in the first-ever Fitness Walk on February 26 at the Rockwell Center.  Visit our registration booths at Rustan’s Rockwell, Makati, Shangri-la Plaza, Tomas Morato, Katipunan or San Antonio Forbes.  Participants will get a free welcome kit & free breakfast, as well as a chance to win a 12-month gym membership with personal trainer sessions at Gold’s Gym.

Choose to Live, Love and Shop only at Rustan’s Supermarket.

Your supermarket of choice, 
 
Rustan’s Fresh

Official Partners:

]]> http://derdo.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/from-my-inbox-january-2012-promo-of-rustans-fresh/feed/ 0 derdo Screen shot 2012-01-26 at 7.17.01 AM Screen shot 2012-01-26 at 7.17.44 AM Screen shot 2012-01-26 at 7.18.11 AM Screen shot 2012-01-26 at 7.19.45 AM http://derdo.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/nino-logarta-in-spoon/ http://derdo.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/nino-logarta-in-spoon/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:27:42 +0000 derdo https://derdo.wordpress.com/?p=8740 ]]> Such a treat to watch him in the show. He’s apparently knowledgeable and quite the teacher. Very entertaining. Not smug at all. No wonder he has had several shows on TV among them Ka-toque.

In December I bought this pair of rimless glasses as my old pair’s paint was chipping off in droves. Wishing to finally try out rimless glasses I got a pair. Was repeatedly cautioned to remove it by pulling it off holding on to both sides of the frame. Kept forgetting and did it any other way but that.

Outcome, and now I realize why the caution. Picture somewhere in this post

See it?

Back to the Bee.

The girl suggested we upgrade to large Coke Zero. Since I did that for two meals, she said we’d get two raffle coupons.

Our orders arrived- plus ONe raffle coupon only and a planner. Further, when I tried my Coke, I said “Yikes I failed to say regular for my coke, not Zero. It tastes weird.”

Son said, “There’s something wrong with their machine. There’s a different taste.”

Husband concurred after taking a sip of his Coke.

I didn’t have the energy to complain re the Coke or the raffle ticket.

The one-piece burger steak and the beef with mushrooms were so good I decided to leave a little of each for my lunch today.

Thanks for retaining the quality of your products, Bee. But do check the soft drinks formulation or machine, and do teach who’s in charge how to count/issue the right number of raffle tickets. While I didn’t finish my drink, I rationalized away the missing raffle ticket. I just need one to win the one million peso prize.

After getting home from Shang at 3 pm, I was not in the mood to think of what to serve for dinner. Well, I did think of kaldereta because I bought buy one, take one kaldereta meat yesterday. But that would take a while to tenderize, so I asked husband and son where they wanted to have dinner. Son said REGIS Center and then he thought that could be our Friday habit. Then he suggested, Red Garlic. I wanted that. So it was.

I called RG at around 6:45 and reserved a table for three. Aware of how difficult parking is there, I hopefully asked if that could be guaranteed. The girl who took my call assured me the guard would provide assistance.

And he did. He led us to Metrobank where parking was readily available. Hurdle, though, was how to get inside RG as the cars parked in front of it were not too far from each other, ergo not enough space for the wheelchair to get through. Especially the cars by the door. Luckily, to the side was space enough, except that there was an inverted u shaped metal brace meant to designate up to how far a car could park. My wheelchair and I had to be lifted to be able to cross that bar.

The staff of RG was welcoming, very pleasant and knowledgeable. Nice. As I had googled reviews on RG earlier, I had an idea of what to order: Angus beef short ribs – P285 only, served with garlic parsley rice. Husband ordered spaghetti with meatballs, son ordered fish and chips and devil’s sushi (no, that’s not the exact name, but you get the drift).

My order was okay, the amount of beef almost equal to the amount of shiitake mushrooms. Son’s fish and chips came with mayo that had truffle oil. Yummy. The devil’s sushi was huge and plentiful. Husband enjoyed his pasta, me not really.

The pasta, sushi and fish and chips came in huge servings, unbelievably so. Total bill was less than P1200. No dessert, though, as we were full.

Note that R in Red Garlic stands for READ, and in keeping with that, it had lots of magazines and books on the shelves. Son counted 5 copies of Isaacson’s bio of Steve Jobs. Magazines all looked new, he said. We will be back, RG. Just you wait.

When we had finished dinner, I saw that the space in front of the door had no car parked. I rejoiced. Then a car came. As it was about to park, I called the waitress to ask if the car could be requested to prove enough space. The one driving the car, a young lady, did better than that. She moved out and waited for us to pass through before parking. As we thanked them, she and her companion smiled warmly at us. Thank you, both, whoever you are.

*****

As Conti’s is but a few establishments away from RG, I told husband, let’s take a look, anyway we have parking, so let’s maximize. There, another hurdle, the same hurdle. Space between cars. Could we pass through? Nearest the wall where the ramp was, was enough space, happily. And as with all Conti’s branches, personnel were warm, even the security guards, so that just so we’d not leave it empty handed, I bought a box of 8 cheese puffs @27 per. Also got a copy of their menu as Conti’s now delivers. Delivery charge is P80. That’s such great news considering how difficult it is to park along Blue Ridge and how many good choices one would miss if one couldn’t shop at Conti’s.