Pulse

My recent post on quitting was my entry to Litemind's Group Writing Project on lists. There were 66 other participants.

Here's a short list of my favorite lists...

10 Tips on How to Watch a Horror Movie When You're a Scaredy Cat by Migraine Chick. I love movies but not horror ones. I only watch this genre at home when I'm in full control of the remote, have pillows to cover my eyes and an easy escape. I use the remote to change channels, to press mute when the sound starts to become creepy and even turn the channel off. I found this post really funny and informative.

Six Savvy Reasons Why You Should Travel Light by Sheila. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. This list is a perfect companion to my own Travel Packing Tips.

How to Prepare for Christmas by Ajay. Very timely and comprehensive. Ajay also happens to be one of my favorite bloggers because of her writing style.

For the complete list of entries, click HERE.

litemind, group writing project, lists, top 3, quitting

What do you get when you put 3 popular chefs in a TV ad to endorse a sandwich?

A very curious Em Dy.

My curiosity was satisfied Tuesday when I had a late lunch at KFC Shangri-La Mall. I ordered the KFC Original Recipe Ultimate Sandwich Meal (PhP 127) which came with french fries and a drink. Ordered ala carte, the sandwich costs PHP 95.

But what about the rest of me? Satisfied?

Yes, but not quite.

I found the sandwich filling. There was more than enough to fill a hungry stomach. The chicken fillet was done the classic KFC way but I found it too salty for my taste. Together with the barbecue sauce, it overpowered the rest of the sandwich. I barely tasted the bacon and cheese. I wish there were more of those. But that would probably jack up the price of the sandwich.

Burger King used to market a French style chicken sandwich and this came with generous ham and cheese. The chicken they used also was not as powerfully flavored as KFC's so there was a great combination of flavor.

Perhaps my expectations were high because of the ad's promise of the combined efforts of Chefs Sunshine Puey, Rob Pengson and Tristan Encarnacion. I'm sure these 3 chefs each gave their two cents worth. I've heard enough reviews to know they're good. I'm sure had they presented me with the sandwich themselves, I would have tasted all of its components. Cost might have been an issue why the finished product came out this way.

kentucky fried chicken, kfc, ultimate sandwich

Labels: taste test

I just got tagged. Monaco of Keyboard Monologues wants me to answer 5 questions. So, here goes...

How long have you been blogging? I started blogging seriously in November 2006. I set up a private blog for the family and saw its potential. There were some attempts to establish a personal blog but privacy and content issues held me back. Pulse came to be in March 2007. I have been blogging daily since that fateful day last summer.

What inspired you to start a blog and who are your mentors? I don't remember anymore how it all started but I recall reading a blog as early as 2001. Starting my own did not appeal to me then. I started the family blog on a lark and it's turning a year older tomorrow and has brought family, near and far, closer. As for my personal blog, I am largely self-taught. I count, however, Our Awesome Planet and Kikay Exchange as some of my early inspirations. In the course of blogging, I've discovered other bloggers to look up to.

Are you trying to make money online, or just doing it for fun? Blogging has become a source of income for some people. That, however, is not why I started this blog. To share ideas is my primary objective. If making money online is a perk, then let's see where the ads in my blog will take me. But that's how far I would go as far as earning money online. I considered writing content for third party sources in my blog but I have since abandoned that idea. The content you see in my blog is my own opinion. No paid posts is my mantra.

Tell me 3 things you LOVE about being online. I love that it gives me something to do to while the time. I used to play PopCap games to keep me occupied. Blogging has changed that. I also love that it destresses me. It gives me something to look forward to daily and to see my own experiences from a fresh perspective. It has made me appreciate the little things I do daily. Now, there's an entirely different universe I feel I am a part of. I love the interaction. Somehow, despite not having met them personally, I feel I know the people who visit or drop comments in my blog.

Tell me 3 things you STRUGGLE within the online world. I'd like to learn more about design and layout. I'm beginning to understand some HTML but my knowledge is in its infancy. I'd like to design my own template someday. Though I share a part of me online, I still want to maintain privacy. The goal of posting daily is another struggle as I value originality and content.

Five answers.

Gita - DocChef - Manggy - Tita Des - Midnight Rainbow

Five bloggers tagged.

Labels: interview, meme, pinoy blogosphere

Right after seeing its trailer, I immediately added Beowulf to my list of movies to watch for 3 reasons. I remember reading it in high school but beyond that, my memory is blank. I don't recall what it was all about. Second, the trailer was intriguing. Third, the cast is awesome - Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich, Angelina Jolie, Robin Wright Penn.

At first glance, I immediately noticed something wrong.

The eyes.

All the characters look cross-eyed. This is because the film is not live-action but more CGI. Unfortunately, although CGI allowed more spectacular scenes, somehow it made the movie lose heart.

There is more to acting than just mouthing out lines and performing movements. Sometimes, a brief glance, a shrug of the shoulder, a smirk is all it takes to convey thought. I felt that there was such a waste of talent in this film, particularly because of the powerhouse cast.

Is it cheaper to do the film in CGI or live-action? Did cost play a part in deciding how the movie was made? I think not. After all, its cast command millions of dollars each per film. Had cost been an issue, there would have been no need to get big-name stars except to increase box-office draw.

I had no inkling that the movie was mostly CGI having shunned reviews before my actual movie date. The trailer looked real enough.

Movies done realistically, even if with some aid from computer magicians, affect the audience more. Somehow, sitting in the theater, you feel you're part of the story. That does not happen with CGI films.

If this is the future of filmmaking, this is one aspect of tomorrow I'm not looking forward to.

beowulf, cgi, angelina jolie, anthony hopkins, john malkovich, movie

Photo from this site.

Labels: movies

Part of my childhood was spent visiting family in Malabon on Sundays. My memories include fireworks, the Sto. Nino fiesta which featured different costumed statues on parade, sapin-sapin and of course, pancit Malabon.

Although, a number of establishments in Metro Manila now offer pancit Malabon, it is hard to find one comparable to the real thing. I remember tasting Ang Tunay na Pancit Malabon and found it really good.

So when a branch of Ang Pancit ng Taga Malabon opened recently, I was, but of course, curious. I wasn't too sure about eating there as I presumed they'd serve the noodles by bilao. I just wanted a look-see.

I visited the restaurant on its first few days and found its 20-seating capacity close to full, with most visitors ordering the house specialty, pancit Malabon.

The pancit Malabon is available in single-serving or in bilao (small, medium, large, extra large) for sharing. Other dishes on the menu are Filipino favorites and dessert (sapin sapin, puto molo, etc). They also have the Fiesta Meal, a small bilao with rice, soup, pancit Malabon and a choice of viand (binagoongang baboy, lechon kawali, daing na bangus, lumpiang shanghai), valued at PHP 95.


I ordered the Fiesta Meal Binagoongang Baboy and was impressed. There was a generous serving of everything. The pancit Malabon was flavored just right with a hint of kalamansi and was topped with vegetable, crunchy chicharon and shrimp. It was neither wet or dry and had just enough sauce. The binagoongang baboy was tender and sweet and not too spicy.

My only complaint was the bilao. Although it added to the impression of fiesta, it was difficult to use. The bilao, being light and with a wobbly base, would move/tilt sideways when you eat.

For a sampling of Filipino fiesta, head to Ang Pancit ng Taga Malabon.

pancit malabon, ang pancit ng taga malabon, binagoongang baboy

Labels: family, taste test

What comes after Christmas shopping?

Wrapping presents, of course.

Spent part of yesterday watching Rachy Cuna, international artist and floral architect, get creative with holiday packaging ideas. The event was sponspored by Crossings Department Store which has also commissioned Rachy to create their Sampaguita line, gift ideas for balikbayan friends or those interested in Filipiniana which focuses on our national flower. It was held in the atrium of Shangri-La Mall from 3 to 5 PM and was hosted by Romina Urra-Gonzalez.

I admit I missed the first hour of the demonstration as I forgot about it and I was busy writing my review of Enchanted. But I got enough tips on gift wrapping even so.

Rachy Cuna said that his primary tools are paper, ribbons and a glue gun. He does not use scotch tape though he has nothing bad to say about the product. It's just that he prefers a glue gun. He encouraged the audience to get creative by using indigenous materials and even by recycling.


Among the materials he used in the demonstration were gold and silver wrappers, ribbons, placemats, sinamay, roots, Christmas ornaments, even banana leaves. The audience' questions ranged from wrapping food to wrapping breakables and pets. Rachy had an answer for every challenge. And he made it all so simple and easy to do.

In wrapping wine or suka, for instance, he advised using wooden or banig placemats. Wrap the wine with the placemat. Adorn with a Christmas ornament and a ribbon. Viola. Something unusual.

Rachy also plugged his coffeetable book Adornments featuring flower arrangements using native materials. He didn't mention the price but said it was available in National Bookstore and would be a perfect gift for special friends.

I would like to use Rachy's tips when I wrap my gifts but most of what I've bought already came with packaging. The other drawback, of course, of using Rachy's tips is that the wrapping may come out more expensive that the present. Well, that's just because we're talking about me. Ha ha.

Well, maybe I will, at least for some presents.

What about you? How would you wrap your presents, on your own or let the store?

rachy cuna, gift wrapping, christmas

Since seeing its trailer, I knew I would love Enchanted. After all, I love anything Disney, feel good movies, animation and fairy tales.

Enchanted tells the story of a fair maiden about to marry a prince who gets banished to New York by the latter's stepmother. Here, she learns about the city, dating and that not all things have happy endings. In the course of all these, she finds and falls in love with her prince.

The movie is typical Disney fare, a film that would be enjoyed by kids of all ages. There is, of course, the classic ingredients of a fairy tale, a fair maiden, a wicked stepmother, a dashing prince, some furry friends and even, a fairy godmother though not how we imagine her to be.

Enchanted combines animation and live action seamlessly. There is some singing too, the full scale production at Central Park being the prime example. The songs are fairly easy to sing and that's what would make it popular in film and even Broadway. If Disney transforms this to a musical though, more songs have to be added.

The 2 princes in the movie are played by Patrick Dempsy (McDreamy of Grey's Anatomy) and James Marsden (Cyclops of X-Men). Although both actors played their roles well, it is Marsden who stands out. After all, his Prince Edward, bumbling, singing and all, is a far departure from the angst-ridden Cyclops. McDreamy plays his single father, divorce lawyer part realistically.

The wicked stepmother is portrayed by Susan Sarandon but she is given limited exposure and only few live action scenes to really shine. The villain who does stand out is Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter movies) who is given plenty of time to be evil. He redeems himself though in the end.

The movie clearly belongs to Amy Adams, who plays Giselle. She is a perfect choice for the role, able to sing and dance and look every part a princess.

I just had an enchanted afternoon. If you'd like the same experience, get a dose of Disney fairy dust. Believe me, there's a lot in this film.

enchanted, movie, walt disney, amy adams, patrick dempsy, james marsden, susan sarandon

Labels: movies

A tiangge find.

The Philippine Heart Center Medical Arts Building lobby tiangge, to be exact. Pao Express is one of the exhibitors, the others being Dolor's Kakanin, several stalls selling snacks, clothes and other merchandise. Another tiangge is located in the hospital's courtyard.

I bought 2 boxes of mini-siopao for the office as the staff were raving about it some weeks back. Somebody gifted them with a box of mini-siopao though I'm not sure if it was the same brand. I didn't get to taste it then as there was just enough for them but it got me curious.

Pao Express sells siopao in 3 sizes, regular, mini and smaller than mini. The regular siopao sells for PHP 40 (asado, bolabola) or PHP 50 (chicken). The mini siopao are sold in boxes of 15 for PHP 125. Five smaller than mini siopao, or what the seller calls their munchkin siopao, are bite-sized and sell for PHP 25.

The mini siopao comes in 6 flavors, asado, bola bola, chicken, monggo, ube and peanut. I found the bola-bola and siopao varieties delicious. Although the box came with asado sauce, the siopao was flavorful enough and did not need any seasoning. It was not all bread too. We all know how disappointing it is to find siopao that's mostly bread. Pao Express is not like that at all. It had just the right amount of bread and filling.

The siopao may be purchased steamed or frozen, individually or in sets. Christmas packaging is also available if you want to give them out as gifts.

If you like Chinese food, try this. If you don't, try it anyway. You might be surprised.

pao express, siopao

Labels: taste test

Over the weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to find this award in Keyboard Monologues. Monaco thinks I'm an amazing blogger. I think he is one too!

And so are these other bloggers to whom I'm passing the award...

• MarketMan of MarketManila
• ChicaJo of 80 Breakfasts
• Dhanggit of Dhanggit's Kitchen
• Manggy of No Special Effects
• Gita of My Little Space
• Ruy of Gone Eating
• Franco, Salamia and Stich of Table for Three, Please
• Margauxlicious of Margauxlicious
  
• Christine of Ramblings of a Gypsy Soul
  
• Wysgal of Rants and Raves
  

Labels: awards

Have you started your Christmas shopping? I have.

Bought a few items already, made a new file on Excel for this year's Christmas list.

I shop for Christmas early because I want to take advantage of good deals and also because I don't want to be caught in the Christmas rush.

From 1996 to 2001, I used to do Christmas shopping regularly at the Greenhills tiangge. I always brought with me a spare bag to put all my purchases in. I made sure I visit the place dressed in a comfortable top and maong pants. I prefer jeans because I can store my wallet safely. On a spur-of-the-moment decision, we went there in 2001 after work. It was already crowded by the time we got there. My eyes were focused on Le Ching where my favorite spareribs rice are served. Someone bumped me. I thought it was a relative. I then noticed that my wallet (which was in my jacket pocket) was gone. The offender was nowhere to be found. My friends ended up paying for my meal at Le Ching and giving me money to use going home. Good thing, I only had PHP 500 pesos in my wallet along with an estampita a friend gave me. I still go to the tiangge occasionally but not when it's too crowded.

There was one Christmas I forgot to buy gifts for my family. In my hurry, I bought them gifts from the grocery. That year, they got either a box of Chips Ahoy or Oreo cookies or microwaveable popcorn or Swiss Miss. Nakakahiya.

So now, I start Christmas shopping as early as October or even earlier when I spot a good deal. I also scout the internet for good finds. Last year, I purchased stuff from Handcrafted Jewelry by Pia Faustino which amazed the recipients so much they wanted to order more from the designer.

The downside of doing Christmas shopping late is missing out on the perks offered by the stores. Last year, Bench ran out of Christmas packaging and had to make do with regular packaging. Choices also become more difficult to find. I wanted different colored Human bags last year but since I dilly-dallied with buying, only the less attractive choices were left. Stores also hold their sales on days other than those preceding Christmas so be ready to spend more when you shop late.

The advantage of listing purchases is that if you keep at it, you don't go overbudget. The columns of my Excel file are as follows: recipient, budget, actual, item purchased. That way, I keep track of my expenses and only buy what I can actually afford. I don't think anyone would like to welcome the new year broke.

My Christmas list is halfway complete and it's time to start on my own list, the one that I mail to Santa or post here.

Have you started your Christmas shopping? Do you have a list? Any good finds that you'd like to share?

christmas, shopping

Image from this site.

Yet another movie without my usual popcorn and beverage.

One More Chance tells the story of a breakup and chronicles both sides' response to it.

While watching the movie, I cannot help but associate a breakup with dying. The stages an individual undergoes are similar in both situations. First, there is denial, then isolation followed by anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance. Other issues tackled in the film are intimacy, jealousy, rebound relationships and the importance of a support system.

The movie is alternately funny and sad but the theme was not enough to make me cry unlike The Game Plan. I laughed along with the audience but did not shed a tear at all.

The chemistry of its leads is palpable even if they're not an item offscreen. Individually, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo show that they have matured as actors. I've followed them in their teleseryes, the most recent being Maging Sino Ka Man, but this is the first time I saw them together in a movie. Both show a range of emotions befitting a couple once in love and wanting out. Their roles are also meatier and sexier. They both show some skin and figure in some bed scenes.

Although there were spots in the film recognizable as ads, they were well placed. The bit about Biogesic was not at all pilit. Even the spot showing Piandre seems called for and is part of the story. I saw Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo, another Star Cinema production and found it reeking with endorsements. They did the same with Paano Kita Iibigin but it was not too obvious except for 2 spots. The placement of ads in One More Chance is their best so far. Nothing too in-your-face. I commend Star Cinema in this aspect. I hate advertisements masquerading as content. Case in point, ABS-CBN's programs with advertorials as part of the content, later followed by the sponsor's ad, supplements come to mind. But I digress.

While the other movies which I saw at Shang Cineplex had a relatively tame and silent audience, I could hear murmurs from my fellow moviegoers, which were mostly women. It felt like watching at home. But somehow, it did not bother me at all even if I advocate GMRC in theaters. In the restroom, the senior citizens were raving about the leads. I was expecting them to be bothered by the sexy scenes but nobody talked about that. A lady was saying that she loves John Lloyd's acting here and in a film similar to Wuthering Heights where he played a stable boy. Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't that Richard Gutierrez?

Fans of Bea and Lloydy will be happy to know that Book 2 of Maging Sino Ka Man is showing this December. That's one more chance to catch this pair. But though I like the pair, I like Sam Milby and Anne Curtis better.

Catch this movie if you can.

one more chance, star cinema, movie, bea alonzo, john lloyd cruz

Photo from this site.

Treadmill x 45 minutes x 252 calories

Labels: movies

That's how I thought I would feel while watching The Nanny Diaries.

You see, I love movies. And I know how to make watching them a great experience. The reason I was uneasy was because I decided to forgo one of my rules last weekend.

I chose not to order popcorn and iced tea. Because of calorie issues.

I thought I'd feel restless because I follow a ritual when going to the theater. I buy a ticket, choose the one in the middle, the one just right with my eye level and vision. I empty my bladder. I buy popcorn or chips and a beverage (which used to be Coke Light). I make sure I catch the trailers. I don't start with the popcorn and drink until the movie starts. I take my first bite as the opening credits come up. It's always like that.

Until last weekend.

I did bring with me a bottle of Absolute distilled water as security blanket. I followed all my tips except for the popcorn. It helped that the movie was enjoyable. It kept me riveted.

I survived. No restlessness experienced.

Do you have your own ritual and that somehow if that doesn't happen, you feel uneasy?

Labels: movies, musings

Le Coeur de France is one of the food tenants at the ground floor of Shangri-La mall. I've bought bread from them before but never really ate in store.

Until Wednesday that is.

I had an early lunch at Pancake House that day and was famished on arrival at the mall at 6 PM. I still had some Christmas shopping to do so I didn't want to risk a migraine by waiting till I'm home to eat.

I wanted something quick. Starbucks was my first choice. I planned to grab a doughnut, check out their tumblers for Christmas gifts (I saw that they were on sale a few weeks ago) and probably get a drink for the sticker. (Hmmn, the things I do for Nancy and S2). When I got to Starbucks on the first floor, the line was long, there were no seats available and no "on sale" tumblers.

I remembered seeing a tarpaulin about a pizza promo at Le Coeur de France. So off I went to the store.

The Ciabatta Pizza Promo runs twice a day, from 11 AM to 2 PM and 6 to 9 PM. Pizza choices include supreme, pesto, pepperoni and sardines. Each order comes with a glass of iced tea. I ordered the Pesto Pizza (PHP 91), which was priced least; the others retail for PHP 99. Although there was some wait involved, it was worth it. I was served a fresh from the oven pan pizza topped with tomatoes and pesto and drizzling with pizza sauce and mozzarella. The bread was baked perfectly, crunchy on the outside yet soft to the bite but not undercooked. Save for the oil on the pesto, the pizza was not oily at all unlike other pan pizzas. There was liberal amount of pesto and cheese. The serving size is meant for one but could actually be shared by two.

As the restaurant is located in a busy part of the mall and with an open design, it never attracted me because I value solitude and calm. But I was surprised when I sat inside for the first time. It was not as noisy as I expected it to be. It provided a good vantage point to watch the goings on in the ground floor. The music that they played was calming. And I don't often notice the sounds inside a restaurant. This time I did, it was La Vie en Rose and others of the same genre. I felt I was in a Parisian cafe.

There were some things however which bothered me. The couch needs reupholstering. I sank into it. It was difficult reaching the table to enjoy your meal once seated there. I moved to a chair. I heard a customer following up his order of service water but was told that although water was available, a glass was not. The customer chose to have his water served in his emptied coffee cup. At the time of my visit, the table next to mine still had some bread crumbs on its top. Cleaners should be more attentive in keeping the place spic and span.

I've bought bread with them before but I don't really agree with exposing the bread to the elements. I still prefer store bought bread under a glass case. But I do remember that their Danish pastries are yummy.

If you want to imagine being in France, try this restaurant.

le coeur de france, shangri-la mall, ciabatta pizza promo, french cuisine, pesto

Labels: taste test

The Nanny Diaries details the adventures of a young woman fresh from graduate school who becomes a nanny and gets more than she bargained for.

Scarlett Johansson stars as Annie Braddock who gets employed by Mrs. X (Laura Linney) as her son's nanny. On the job, she wins the affection of her ward, falls in love and gets into trouble with her boss. She loses her identity but gains it in the end along with the admiration of her employer.

Laura Linney's portrayal of Mrs. X was well done. Though Mrs. X is portrayed as difficult, she also came across as vulnerable and sad that you find yourself feeling sorry for her. Scarlett Johansson's Annie was all right. The role offered little room to show off.

And, of course, there was Chris Evans who played the Harvard Hottie. He fit the role to a T. No wonder the Nanny fell in love with him. I loved him too in Fantastic 4: The Rise of the Silver Surfer. But I digress.

In the course of the movie, issues concerning parenting, attachment, infidelity and indecision are presented. The central theme remains the continuing dependence of some parents to nannies largely because of misplaced priorities.

I love how the story is told and how it starts and ends in the museum. Detailing it here will spoil the surprise. I suggest you see it for yourself.

Photo from this site.

the nanny diaries, movie, scarlett johansson, chris evans, laura linney, parenting

Labels: movies

I didn't plan to be in Cafe Juanita last night. But finding myself without dinner made me go to the restaurant in a heartbeat. After all, I've long wanted to try this especially after reading raves from fellow bloggers.

I was surprised when I entered the premises. Not because of the way the restaurant was decorated, I've read enough comments about its interiors, but of my reaction. I thought I would find it scary and literally smelling of antique, as I've been warned by family members who've dined there. Instead, I found myself charmed. I felt like I was inside a curio shop and it did not smell old or seemed dusty.

The restaurant serves mostly Asian and Filipino dishes, but with a touch of fusion. I ordered the Thai Style Bagoong Rice (PHP 180) described in the menu as a meal of bagoong fried rice complimented with sweet tender pork slices, mango salad, strips of fried egg, peanuts and chili. The bagoong fried rice was every bit flavorful without coming off pungent or spicy and was garnished with 2 pieces of shrimp. Shredded green mango in vinegar with a side of onions and pipino comprised the salad. The only problem was the pork slices which were nothing but tender. They were overcooked and very difficult to chew - it was a good thing that it came in super thin slices. I finished the meal just the same. It would have been perfect if the pork was easy to chew.

A single serving of iced tea set me back PHP35. It was nothing special but was served with a generous amount of ice which is how I like it.

An in house pianist provided music to the restaurant, dishing out mostly oldies, OPM included. And since I love piano music and songs you can sing along to, I found the setup fantastic.

The menu is presented in a clear book. This is one area where the restaurant can improve. A visually stimulating menu would definitely entice more orders. There were a few pictures of the dishes but most were left to the diner's imagination.

Cafe Juanita is a feast for the senses. If you want to be moved, give it a try.

Cafe Juanita
21 United Street corner West Capitol Drive
Barrio Kapitolyo
Pasig City
Tel. (632) 632-0357


cafe juanita, barrio kapitolyo, asian, filipino, bagoong rice

Labels: family, taste test

Quitting is almost always associated with losing or not trying hard enough. But quitting is not necessarily bad.

In fact, when you quit an addiction, you become a winner.

Wikipedia defines addiction as a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, despite harmful consequences to the individual's health, mental state or social life.

Common addictions include smoking, alcohol, drugs, shopping, gambling, etc.

In my case, it was to Coke Light. I quit August 2007 and I've been soda-free since then.

What follows is a list of tips and tricks to combat addiction.

Acknowledge the problem. Be true to yourself and face the situation. Denial promotes addiction.

List the pros and cons. Enumerate the benefits and risks of continuing your addiction. Beside it, draw up a similar list about the pros and cons of quitting.

Set a quit date. Choose a time when you are relatively stress-free to quit. Oftentimes, we use our addictions to cope with stress. It's easier to stay motivated to quit when relaxed.

Avoid triggers. Find out what situations predispose your addiction. If you're a compulsive shopper, get rid of your credit card. If meeting friends in a bar trigger you to smoke, consider other venues. In my case, it was the constant availability of Coke Light. I asked my family to refrain from buying it.

Be prepared. Anticipate situations where you might be faced with the addiction. When going to the mall, leave your credit card at home or bring only enough money if you're guilty of overspending. I know that in some areas, water may not be readily available or safe to drink. I bring my own water so as not to be tempted to resort to Coke Light.

Consider alternatives. Addictions are stress-busters but so are other activities. Instead of spending the day in the mall, go to the park instead if you're a compulsive spender. Walk instead of sitting in front of the TV and overeating.

Keep yourself busy. It's easy to miss an addiction when you're idle. Cross-stitching may be a deterrent to smoking or overeating as it keeps you busy and with the desire to keep your hands clean.

Surround yourself with support. Inform family and friends of your decision. Stay away from individuals who don't support your initiative. When you are strong and motivated enough, rekindle these relationships.

Reward yourself. Each day you stay away from your addiction is something to be happy about. Give yourself a pat in the back. Or give yourself something. Like a new dress if you've been successful controlling overeating and have lost weight.

Bounce back. If in case you fail and resume your addiction, don't take that as license to stop quitting or as a sign of failure. Start over.

This post is part of the group writing project on lists started by Luciano Passuello of Litemind.

group writing project, list, quitting, addiction, checklist, litemind, luciano passuello

Labels: group writing project

I don't believe in fad diets. I've always advocated eating in moderation which is also the stand of the American Heart Association. But I got curious when South Beach Diet (SBD) became popular. It was so hip that restaurants were launched, new menus were made. One of the restaurants with a SBD menu was Fuzion Smoothie Cafe, an international chain with branches in Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore and Beijing. My friend Nancy and I ventured to their outlet in Promenade but hesitated when we saw that most diners had food left on their plates. In fact, we did not see any diner with a clean plate leading us to surmise that food must be terrible.

Yesterday, I chanced upon a tarpaulin announcing their Executive Sets, combinations valued at PHP 150. A crew member approached me right away to orient me about the restaurant. I was hooked. Attentive service people always get my nod.

I ordered the Garlic Chicken Burger and Carbonara Roma combo. It came with bottomless Frostea. The serving sizes were of course smaller compared to the ala carte version but there was more than enough of each dish to be satisfied. The garlic chicken burger was half a burger, grilled just right, garnished with mayo and lettuce and was served on half a pan de sal bun. The pasta was done perfectly. It was neither moist or dry but just right with the right amount of cream and generous servings of sliced ham and mushrooms. The iced tea was perfectly blended and chilled well.

Other Executive Sets are the Asian Jumbowl and Pizza and Spaghetti Combo. Bottomless iced tea is served with all Executive Sets. The menu has a wide range of choices including SBD, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, smoothies for those who'd rather order ala carte.

Credit card payments are only accepted for bills over PHP 500.

I'm glad I gave Fuzion Smoothie Cafe a second chance and did not let first impressions cloud my judgment. Otherwise, I would have missed out on a good find.

fuzion smoothie cafe, south each det, executive sets, promenade

No, it isn't my birthday.

It's just Tuesday, my designated ME day.

Every Tuesday, I pamper myself a little. I don't mean going to the spa. I've never done that. On Tuesdays, I go to the gym, watch a movie, window shop, go to a mall, try out a new restaurant, do errands, blog, etc.

And I do all or some of these in between work.

Having some time off for myself relaxes me. Just being away from work for a few hours destresses me. Didn't I say that ME time is important too?

Do you have your own ME time? How do you spend it?

me time, stress management, relaxation

Treadmill x 30 minutes x 175 calories

This is one of the blogs I follow. Not only because the designer is dear to me but primarily because I marvel at her creativity and really believe in her talent.

I've seen her grow as a designer personally and through her blog. Her designs have transcended the basic yet elegant, funky yet classy and imaginative. She makes bracelets, pendants, earrings, necklaces and much more. And she only crafts such in limited numbers and variations, assuring each client that she's getting something extraordinary. She also entertains custom-made orders for weddings, debuts, etc.

Last year, I ordered some bracelets and pendants from her and they were a hit among those in my Christmas list. They loved the items so much that they ordered other accessories to pair with what I gave them.

So, if you want to wear something extraordinary, give something unique this Christmas or maybe just surprise your significant other today, head to her site and be wowed. Believe me, I've been wowed many times over.

Details regarding designs, how to purchase and shipping are all there.

handcrafted jewelry by pia faustino, multiply, philippines, jewelry, accessories

Labels: family

My requirements when trying out a new restaurant are servings enough for one, type of food served, affordability and proximity.

I don't go out of my way to try out a new restaurant. Rather, I let them get closer to me.

Although I've heard of Pho Hoa in the past, I was reluctant to try it out because it was Vietnamese cuisine which if I didn't like would have to pay for just the same.

But Connie's post about it being a good deal changed all that.

And the company just opened a branch at Shangri-La Mall's The Ledge.

I ordered the Bun Thit Nuong (PHP 106.40), otherwise known as Grilled Pork Brochette, 3 sticks of pork barbecue on a bed of vermicelli noodles served with vinegar. The pork was tender, juicy and flavored just right. I paired it off with Vietnamese Steamed Rice (PHP 39.20) which was similar to our plain rice but moist.

Although just a week old, the restaurant has attracted a lot of customers. It was full when I dined there.

As it was my first time to dine in the restaurant, I asked the server for some orientation and she was more than happy to oblige.

This restaurant complied with all my requirements and scored fairly well on taste and service. They would most likely see more of me in the future.

pho hoa, vietnamese cuisine, shangri-la mall, the ledge, restaurant

Labels: taste test

Lions for Lambs, though a work of fiction, is a commentary about the war on terror which America is presently engaged in. It presents varying opinions on the subject and encourages the viewer to take a stand.

The senator portrayed by Tom Cruise represents the politicians of America who battle in the war against terrorism in the safety of their offices. He is presented as an ambitious senator who, though skilled in intelligence, lacks experience in the frontlines. He uses the war on terror to advance his personal agenda.

Meryl Streep is the journalist whom the senator handpicks to sell his agenda to the public. She represents the media who is critical of the entire situation, an entity who can always change opinion. The senator reminds her that the media is not necessarily just an observer. In the course of its duty, it also forms the minds of its audience and so contributes to history.

In the course of the movie, I thought that the leads could have exchanged roles. But age and experience played a role in the movie. Meryl Streep is the veteran journalist who has seen more while Tom Cruise is the newbie politico who has seen little. The journalist draws from a lifetime of experience dealing with war and its failures. Case in point the Vietnam War.

In a separate setting, a professor played by Robert Redford challenges his student to shake off his indifference and to take a stand. Through this bit, the director, who also happens to be Robert Redford, reaches out to the audience, makes them think and hopefully, empower them to fight for what they believe in.

A number of issues are raised in the film - inequality, love of country, love of self, the role of media in putting out news or propaganda, brotherly love, popular vote, etc.

While watching the movie, I was once again struck with democracy in America. For democracy permits differing opinions. And that is what the movie is all about.

lions for lambs, robert redford, tom cruise, meryl streep, movie, war on terror

Photo from this site

Labels: movies

Pancake House and I go a long way back but not as far back as 1974 when it all started. My first encounter with the restaurant must have been in the 1980s when we would eat there after seeing a movie at the Greenhills Theatre. Over the years, I would visit the place from time to time to have my favorites, pancakes plus the many other things they serve.

The restaurant is more than just pancakes. Seen in picture is one of their house specialties, Beef Tapa (PHP 138), tender, juicy beef slices served with garlic rice, fried egg and atsara. I also like their Pan Chicken, Salisbury Steak, Hot Roast Chicken, Taco and Smoked Golden Tinapa.

Of the hotcakes, my favorite is the Blueberry Pancake. The pancake is soft and fluffy with its center filled with blueberry. It is served either in 2 or 3 pieces with a siding of butter, whipped cream and blueberry syrup. Heavenly. Bacon and sausage may be added on, if requested.

Over the years, branches have come and gone, moved or renovated. But the interiors of Pancake House has retained its classic design. As in the old days, posters of movies adorn its walls. These are updated from time to time. For a movie lover like me, it's fun to view the posters again and recall what I've seen and make a mental note of what I missed and should see.

The restaurant also has complimentary newspapers for customers to read and share. This is one draw for those who like a serving of the news with their breakfast. It is also a good way to pass the time while waiting for your orders.

Food is typically served hot within 10 to 15 minutes from ordering. The server actually advises the customer as to how long the wait time is.

Except for the long waiting time during the early days of the E. Rodriguez Ave. branch, I've never had issues regarding service and wait time with Pancake House. Apart from the branches mentioned, I've also tried NLEX, The Medical City and Metrowalk. All branches adhere to the same standards.

Try Pancake House. It's not just about pancakes.

pancake house, pancakes, restaurant, food, philippines

Labels: taste test

For the last 2 years, I've had the opportunity to get a Starbucks Planner but failed to do so.

Each year, Starbucks issues a card sometime in November which when completed entitles the bearer to a Starbucks Planner. To complete the card, a customer needs to get 24 stickers. Each sticker is equivalent to either a regular beverage or the limited edition one.

The reasons why I failed are as follows.

I am not a coffeeholic. I can give up coffee for life and not feel bad. My caffeine fix used to come from Coke Light. Now, tea has become the substitute beverage if water is not available. I've also experienced palpitations with coffee. Hence, the conscious decision to limit intake.

For a non-coffee drinker like me, gourmet coffee is ridiculously overpriced. I drink Starbucks mocha probably only 5x in a year. And most of the time, courtesy of my friend Nancy who aside from being a coffeeholic is a Starbucks planner fan. She gets me a mocha latte, her kid a Strawberry frap and her regular caffeine fix. That way, she gets 3 stickers right away.

I go to Starbucks for the company of friends and not the coffee. My usual purchase is a donut which I pair with service water.

Gourmet coffee is loaded with calories. In the few times I'd drink them, I ask the server to use low fat-milk, decaf and to spare the cream.

In the last 2 years, I managed to get a few stickers each year because Starbucks was the only dining option. When I applied for a US visa and Starbucks was where I met up with my companion. Last year when the only establishment open in Podium on Christmas day was Starbucks.

I now have 1 sticker. Only 23 more to go to qualify for a planner.

So why even bother getting stickers? Well who knows, I just might complete all 24. Then the Starbucks planner is mine. Scratch that. I would probably give it to Nancy or S2.

After all, aside from not being a coffeeholic, I'm also not your planner kind of gal. I store my schedule in my brain. So far, my memory has not failed me yet.

starbucks, coffee, 2008 planner, stickers

Labels: friends, promotion alert, taste test

These beauties from Zamboanga!

A patient from Zamboanga gave me an ice box full of these crabs and about 2 kilos of shrimps. With the package came several pouches of special sauce.

Dinner last night was special because I love crabs, I haven't had this kind ever and because it came from a patient.

The crabs were unlike any other I've had in the past. They were harder to open. The shell was a lot more difficult to crack. The crabs were fat and filled with meat which was soft, juicy and sweet. The sauce that came with the crabs was coconut based and tasted very well.

Gifts from patients always warm my heart. To this day, I still remember my first "PF". It was a can of Coke and siopao from a patient I was seeing in the charity department of the hospital. That was in 1993. When I receive food gifts from patients, any diet is immediately forgotten. I make sure I eat what they give me.

Dinner last night was heavenly. Not only is my stomach fuller but my heart is brimming too.



crabs, zamboanga, doctors, patients

Labels: taste test

With time to spare on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, I watched Superbad with some hesitation. I don't actually watch comedies of these kind but the other movies being screened were either something I've seen before or a horror flick. And I'm not one to see a horror movie without some control (by that I mean a remote control to change channels or a pillow to cover my eyes).

Superbad is the story of best friends on their last few weeks of high school. Not having had luck to be accepted in the same college, they decide to end high school with a bang, defined as getting drunk and having sex. They are joined by another friend, who's rightfully described as a nerd and a dork. These losers go through a series of misadventures which threaten their friendship. The dork gets his way in the end and the best friends remain so while they go their separate ways.

Superbad is not exactly superbad but it's not wonderful either.

The movie is mostly talk and some action. Viewers who are turned off by curses will definitely walk out of the movie. Cops are made fun of and so are women, races, etc. The jokes are mostly centered on sex and some violence. Hence, the PG rating.

While the primary actors are not exactly poor at what they do, it's the actor who plays the dork who runs away with the movie.

I didn't exactly run away or walk out. I watched the movie to the end, having nothing else to do. If you have other things to do, don't put them off to see this movie. You won't miss much.

superbad, movies, review

Labels: movies

Lunch last Friday was at Taste Asia in SM Supercenter Pasig. We initially planned to eat at Savory but it was full and there was already a waiting list. The other alternative was a Chinese restaurant but we just ate at Zhuang 4 days before. Icings and Coffee, Tea and Life were not options because those are breakfast choices for my mom. As for me, I can eat anything, anytime.

So we ended up at Taste Asia, SM Hypermarket's version of a food court. There are several menu options to choose from - sizzling plates, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese. Name it and they have it. If you find that nothing strikes your fancy, you can actually order from the fresh section (which has fish, crabs, oysters and shrimps, among others) and have it cooked just the way you like it. Be prepared to pay extra for paluto.

I ordered porterhouse in a sizzling plate (PHP 145) and was not particularly impressed. It was ordinary but was tender even if I had it cooked well done. My companions ordered chicken teriyaki, California maki and the tenderloin sizzler. We all agreed that the meals were nothing spectacular but good enough.

I paid in cash for our lunch. I don't think they accept credit cards. Too bad they don't accept cash cards. Otherwise, I would have used the one I won when I participated in the SM Hypermarket Blog Writing Contest.

It was my second time to dine there having had snack with a patient in the past, a chance meeting. They have a fair amount of merienda selections too.

If you're dying for a quick fix, try Taste Asia.

taste asia, sm hypermarket, paluto

Labels: taste test

Last night, I purchased a copy of Yummy Magazine's November issue (PHP 95). Although I've heard of the magazine before, I've only downloaded a sample issue in the past but never bought a hard copy.

Franco of Table for Three, Please, one of the food blogs I follow, first called my attention to bloggers being part of the issue. I was drawn to the magazine even before I got hold of it. After all, in it too were Marketman, Toni of Wifely Steps, Anton of Our Awesome Planet, ChichaJo of 80 Breakfasts and Connie of Pinoycook. These people are icons in the Philippine blogosphere. I read their blogs all the time. And yes, I am a fan.

Of the essays that they contributed, ChichaJo's touched me the most. After all, I am so like the person that she was. I have no experience in the kitchen. When I stayed in the US for 4 months, my meals for the first 2 months were either microwaveables, store bought or reheated "take homes" from Pinoy parties. But she learned to cook and is now one of the acknowledged experts among the foodies in the blogosphere. Hop on to her blog and see why. And she takes the most amazing pictures too.

Maybe I can learn to cook too. Somehow, I am still in the no cook zone but at least my entry to Lasang Pinoy 21 got me into preparing something in the kitchen after a long time.

Ratatouille's Chef Gusteau says "Anyone can cook". Maybe I can. Maybe one of the recipes in this month's Yummy Magazine is a good place to start.

yummy magazine, november, philippines, food bloggers

Despite my proximity to Promenade and Tomas Morato, I have never tried Little Asia even after hearing favorable reviews. It was only today when the family decided that we've had enough of Teriyaki Boy for our after Nov 1 visit to the cemetery lunch. After all, we've eaten there 3 years in a row for the same occasion. Despite our fondness for Teriyaki Boy, a change of venue is definitely in order.


We ventured to their Tomas Morato branch and ordered food for 17 people, about 2/3 were adults. We ordered duplicate servings of Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php185), Japanese Tofu Steak (PHP 195), Little Asia's Crispy Chicken (PHP 225), Seafood Hofan (PHP 195), Phad Thai (PHP 185), Fookien Fried Rice (PHP 185), Vietnamese Spring Rolls (PHP 185), Vietnamese Crispy Squid with Garlic (PHP 195), Beef Tenderloin Rolls with Cheese in Teriyaki Sauce (PHP295), Hot and Soup Soup (PHP 95), Korean Beef Stew (PHP 295), Minced Pork with Lettuce (PHP185), Prawns Wrapped in Bacon (PHP 235), Wonton Wrappers with Cheesy Beef Sauce (PHP 175), Salt and Pepper Spareribs (PHP 195), Steamed Tofu with Fish (PHP 245) and assorted drinks. At the end of the meal, we were all stuffed but had enough leftover to feed maybe 6-10 people. The younger generation were partial to the familiar and ate mostly the appetizers. They were wary of trying something new so what was left was mostly the tofu and noodles.

I particularly liked the chicken. The skin was crispy and yet the meat remained moist and tender to the bite. It came with sauce but was flavorful enough to be eaten on its own. The cabbage that came with the minced pork was juicy and crisp to the bite and served a good contrast to the meat. Unlike other restaurants' spring rolls, Little Asia's version is more meat than noodles and really stuffed.

The nice thing about Little Asia is the variety of cuisine available in the restaurant. Truly a fine mix of Asian cuisine - Japanese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, etc.

Impressive is how I would describe today's lunch at Little Asia. I wish I've tried it sooner.

restaurant, little asia, tomas morato

Labels: taste test

All right, I just saw the movie again last weekend. I have my own copy bought from Astrovision for PHP 100.

But I still want a copy of the 20th anniversary edition of The Princess Bride DVD. After all, unlike my copy, this has a video game and loads of other special features.

Fresh from its recent Veronica Mars giveaway, Screensucked is again raffling off a DVD, this time The Princess Bride 20th Anniversary Edition DVD courtesy of MGM Home Entertainment. I hope I win this one.

That's my wish. I hope MGM Home Entertainment and Regnard Kreisler C. Raquedan, who runs Screensucked, will say As you wish.

After all, isn't that what The Princess Bride is all about?

the princess bride 20th anniversary, dvd, movies, contest, screensucked, mgm

Stationary bike x 30 minutes

Labels: contest, exercise time, movies

On Nov 1 and the days preceding or following it, people either go to the cemeteries to pay respects to their loved ones or to a much needed vacation. My family, being the conservative type, go to the memorial park to visit the graves of dearly departed relatives. Part of our custom is saying a prayer.

Today, I remember with a prayer family and friends who've gone before us and patients whom I've lost.

Mark the day by saying a little prayer.

nov 1, all saints day, say a little prayer, dearly departed

Stationary bike x 30 minutes

Labels: exercise time, musings