life's little surprises

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Culinary Art 101

I have been busy. Busy teaching myself the art of cooking. Since I was a kid, I have enjoyed being my mom's assistant everytime she cooks for us. I would always be excited when asked if I can cut the veggies, or peel garlic, or slice onions even if they make me cry.

Now, I can proudly say I have prepared meals which are not only delicious but also pleasing to the eyes. And I do this by browsing recipes from Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Gordon Ramsay, Rachael Ray, etc, then watching cooking shows, and giving the dishes my own 'twist'.

Although I miss my 'Cooking with Nora' recipe book which has a lot of yummy Filipino dishes, I'm sure it is in good hands and I am hoping that Vanessa is still cooking her delish adobo, shrimps in coconut milk, and fusion aglio olio.

I just wish my family and friends can taste my version of aubergine parmigiana, carbonara, grilled salmon and rainbow trout, sweet pepper aglio olio, bloomin' brilliant brownies (from Jamie's recipe), jam cookies, veggie stir fry with oyster sauce, and made-from-scratch-pancakes.

But my biased and only critique makes up for that by giving me 5 stars each meal review. Yay!

Friday, October 03, 2008

Surprise.

Yesterday, I received a nice surprise from Nick --- flowers in autumn colors! My smile was molar-to-molar (as my dentist, Doc Rica, aptly called it).

Not to be outshone, I also had a surprise treat for him --- quesadillas and home-made iced lemon tea.

Quits na ulit.

Now, I have to think about my happy-it's-Friday-surprise for later.

*Quesadillas Recipe
- Soft tortillas, cheddar cheese, salsa, spring onions
- Heat pan and layer tortilla, cheddar cheese, salsa, spring onions, and another tortilla. Once cheese has melted, turn over, remove from heat, and slice into triangles.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Lessons Learned

This is a true story and should serve as a warning to everyone. I could not believe it happened to me.

Last June 28 (Saturday), I had lunch at Jollibee Lipa City with my aunt and fiance. We were seated in the middle of the food place and I placed my orange bag on the chair beside me (on my right). When we were nearly finished with our meal, a guy in his mid-30s, wearing a grey shirt and jeans came up to us and asked if the car parked in front was ours. Since our car was not blocking other cars and it was parked legally in front of the entrance, we were surprised why this guy was asking us that question. Our attention was focused on him and on the car and we were all looking left to check if there is anything wrong with the car. He didn't even wait for our answer and he left immediately and walked quickly outside. We were all still wondering what exactly happened when I noticed that my bag was nowhere to be found. I told everyone that my bag was missing and raised our concern to the manager so they can search the premises. They searched the toilets and trash bins but could not find my bag.

Unfortunately, my car key, our passports, 3 mobile phones, 2 digicams, 1 ipod, my wallet + other stuff were all in there. I couldn't even cry because I could not believe it was happening. I wanted them to call the police but the manager wanted to keep it hush-hush because he's saying it's a private company and they don't want bad publicity. But later I found out that this is a common incident in the area and they even found a black clutch bag in the toilet with important documents of a person from Las Pinas. This modus operandi was actually rampant in the area because some of the crew were telling me that we should just wait for a while and eventually our important stuff (e.g. passports) would turn up somewhere. My aunt kept on calling my mobile phone and sent text messages pleading the thieves to return our passports and car keys. I didn't even dare to think of the hassle and inconvenience we would have to go through to apply for new passports, visas, ATM cards, credit cards, IDs, license, etc.

Since the Jollibee management didn't want to call the police, my aunt went to the police station to report the incident while me and my fiance stood in front of the car (if in case someone would attempt to steal it). There was one Jollibee crew who was helpful enough to park his motorcycle in front of my car to hinder anyone from stealing it.

But during the time my bag was stolen, Jollibee's sole security guard was nowhere to be found and when he came back we questioned him. He said he had to check the delivery at the kitchen area. I was really disappointed with the way the management was handling the situation. They weren't much help at all. At this point, we were already suspicious with everyone and frustrated with the incident.

After two hours, someone from Caltex Star Tollway gas station called my mom saying they found our passports and car key in the trash bin. We quickly went there and found my wallet, car key, and our passports. I was relieved but at the same time REALLY, REALLY angry at the people who did this. We figured out they wanted money and valuable items but had a tiny bit of conscience to return important documents.

Still, it made me realize how some people are desperate enough to steal and commit crimes for the sake of a thousand pesos.

We reported this to the police and until now they are investigating the issue.

So lessons learned ---
1. Manila is not Singapore - you cannot leave your bags on the chair beside you (within your peripheral vision).
2. There are a lot of people desperate enough to commit crimes so be very careful when you are in public places.>
3. Don't put all your belongings in one bag especially when travelling.
4. Be vigilant.
5. Last but not the least, wag tatanga-tanga.

Monday, June 09, 2008

My first few attempts at oil painting

Every Thursday, I have to carry a 24X30 stretched canvas to work so I can attend my class on time. I have to grab a quick dinner before 7. I have to get used to the smell of turpentine. I have to forget about clean hands and fingers. I have to focus yet at the same time squint so I can see the objects' shadows. I have to listen to oldies music while standing for 3 hours painting still life objects.
Exhausting. Tiring. Draining.
But every Thursday, I now go to bed with a smile on my face.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Airshow

Some chopper photos for dad:

Black Knights (F-16C):

Monday, December 31, 2007

Busy-busy-han

It’s the 31st of December and I’m home (and online). My home now is a two-bedroom flat and it has now become a cozy retreat for me.

If I was at home with my family…I would probably be out buying last-minute grocery items for the new year dinner…or I would be busy making the tortilla dough with my mom and sister (yummy tostados)…or who knows, I might also be online.

I have had a busy year…oftentimes too busy to write, sometimes too busy even to think (or feel). That might have bottled up all emotions (which I have previously shoved away) because the last few weeks of the year I have become too emotional with everything. (Which means the last bit of the year, I was not too busy...)

Since I am on my emotional mood, let me start by reminiscing about things I am most appreciative of:
  • All the time I’ve spent with my family…if I count the number of days, my ‘guesstimate’ would be less than 150 out of the 365 days of 2007.
  • The silly, serious, nonsense, deep, trivial, and fun conversations I’ve had with all my friends. Thanks for being always on call, online, just a drive away, a text away, or an email away.
  • Meeting new friends, colleagues, and random people from all walks of life who always provide opportunities for growth and self-fulfillment.
  • The encouraging, humbling, and valuable lessons I’ve learned by living independently. I have gained wisdom and strength, which I thought were impossible to achieve.
  • Taking a leap of faith. I am borrowing Soren Kierkegaard’s concept but not in the religious sense. I am talking about this absolute uncertainty and the belief that taking a leap requires you to have faith, trusting each other. And I know that even with life’s endless uncertainties, I want and will want to be with the one I love for the rest of my life.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Entries

Singapore
#1#2
Philippines
#1
#2
London
#1
#2

DIY

I did my first two DIY projects last night (until the wee hours of the morning). And I had fun. It was also a good de-stresser for me, also something to keep me busy.
I bought from IKEA a DIY metal clothes rack and a side table. Then I had my first set of tools - screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, wrench (the works!). I followed instructions carefully but when I was almost done with the clothes rack, I found out that two rods have been installed incorrectly. So, I had to unscrew again, then re-screw the correct rods. It was tiring but when I saw the finished products, I smiled. It took almost 4 hours for me to finish both and probably if I had more muscles I would have completed it in less time.
I'm proud of myself and happy that my room now looks homey and cozy.
So if anyone needs to assemble tables, cabinets, etc. or are looking for DIY tips - please feel free to contact me. =)